The Bristol Nine

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Feb 2013

In This Issue

No 83

In This Issue - Let’s Rock Bristol (p25) - Nathan’s Garden Diary (p8) - the Orpheus (p29) GWAAC campaign for a new helicopter ~ All aboard the Red Bus paths up the Gorge (p37) - our new hospital (p43) - Ask The Family (p63) - and more Ghost Roads on The Downs ~ Blaise Estate ~ What’s On & Community Events Prize Wordsearch ~ Top tips for an easier life ~ The new look BS9 ~ & more stuff

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4 The Editor’s small piece Hello there. February ‐ Winter must be nearly over ‐ or is it? I reckon there’s a few more snowballs left to be thrown before the season is out.

A packed little magazine this month with (hopefully) interesting articles about the Orpheus cinema in Henleaze, the new hospital emerging in Southmead, and efforts to promote appropriate tree‐planting here in BS9. Add in a romantic quiz, meanderings in Blaise and on the Downs, plus other regular contributions and, all in all, it’s quite a nice little issue. OK, I’m biased but fingers crossed you’ll enjoy it too.

And to cap it all there are all the details you need, to get as excited as I am, about a one‐day festival that is going to take place on our doorstep in June. “Let’s Rock Bristol” will feature a fine line‐up of 80’s bands and singers including Billy Ocean and ABC at a family‐ friendly event in Blaise. There is a family ticket to the event up for grabs in our prize wordsearch on page 28.

For those readers who are interested, this month’s cover (which isn’t BS9, I just liked the photo) is of a very swollen river on the Cranborne Chase in Dorset.

Do please get in touch if you want to say anything about the magazine, submit an event or notice for future publication, enter the competition or enquire about advertising your business. The deadline for inclusion in the March issue is Tuesday 19th February. To get in touch please just drop me a line (8 Sandyleaze, WoT, BS9 3PY), an email (andy@thebristolnine.co.uk), a call (0117 968 7787) or text (07845 986650) or even a tweet (@BS9Andy).

Thanks for reading ‐ and please mention where you saw their advert if you have the need to use any of the lovely businesses and traders who make this little baby possible.

Have a great month .

Cheers Andy

5 Pilates Classes in Westbury on Trym - Book Your Place Now! Tuesday 19th February to Tuesday 19th March incl.

Newman Hall, Grange Court Rd 8.45 am to 9.45 am - Improvers 9.45 am to 10.45 am - Beginners Tuesday 19th February to Tuesday 19th March incl.

WoT C of E Academy School, Channells Hill 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm - Improvers 7.30 pm to 8.30 pm – Beginners Thursday 21st February to Thursday 21st March incl WoT Methodist Church Hall, Westbury Hill 9.30 am to 10.30 am - Beginners £35 for 5 weeks Booking essential, call Julie Waters on 07817 809734 or email info@fit4lifetraining.co.uk

Bring things into balance with

Reiki

Reiki is simple, effective and will

complement any other form of treatment, therapy or medicine.

Find out what a Reiki treatment can do for you

Call 07427 654680 for an appointment with Maria, Reiki Practitioner at Simply Holistics, Blaise, Bristol www.simplyholistics.co.uk Gift vouchers available

6 Useful Numbers and Information Gas Emergencies

0800 111 999 Electricity Emergencies 0800 365 900 Water Emergencies 0845 600 4 600 Avon & Somerset Police Non‐Emergencies

101 (new number) Crimestoppers

0800 555 111 Southmead Hospital 0117 950 5050 Frenchay Hospital

0117 970 1212 BRI / Children’s Hospital 0117 923 0000 NHS Direct

0845 46 47 Bristol Blood Donation 0117 988 2040 The Samaritans

08457 90 90 90 Alcoholics Anonymous 08457 69 75 55 ChildLine

0800 11 11 National Rail Enquiries 08457 48 49 50 Telephone Pref Service 0845 070 0707 Mailing Pref Service 0845 703 4599 Bristol Care & Repair ‐ home safety checks & handyman 0117 95 4 2222

Postal Services Westbury on Trym Post Office 9 ‐ 5.30 Mon to Fri, 9 ‐ 4 Sat Henleaze Post Office 9 ‐ 1 , 2 ‐ 5.30 Mon to Fri, 9 ‐ 12.30 Sat Westbury on Trym Parcel Collection 7 ‐ 1 Mon to Fri, 9 ‐ 12 Sat Late Post ‐ there is a late post box at the main

Post Office sorting depot on the A38 at Filton.

Currently the late post is at 7pm,

Local Libraries Henleaze ‐ tel. 903 8541 Mon 9.30 ‐ 7.00, Tues 9.30 ‐ 5.00 Wed 9.30 ‐ 5.00, Thur 9.30 ‐ 5.00 Fri 9.30 ‐ 7.00, Sat 9.30 ‐ 5.00 Westbury on Trym ‐ tel. 903 8552 Mon 9.30 ‐ 5.00, Tues 9.30 ‐ 5.00 Wed 9.30 ‐ 5.00, Thur ‐ closed Fri 9.30 ‐ 7.00, Sat 9.30 ‐ 5.00 Sea Mills ‐ tel. 903 8555 Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat 9.30 ‐ 1.00 , 2.00 ‐ 5.00 Wed ‐ closed, Thur 9.30 ‐ 1.00 , 2.00 ‐ 7.00

Public Transport Visit the excellent Bristol City Council website www.travelbristolorg to plan out your routes in, around or out of the city ‐ whether you are planning to go by bus, train, ferry, air, bike, car or foot.

Recycling and Household Waste The Household Waste and Recycling Centre on Kingsweston Lane, Avonmouth for pretty much everything. The Avonmouth centre is now open winter hours from 8.00am to 4.15pm, 7 days a week.

Arborists Treeschool Gardens Terry McGovern 40 Wessex Avenue, Horfield, Bristol, BS7 0DB

Tel: 0117 952 2475 / 07974 715 099 terry@treeschool.co.uk www.treeschool.co.uk

Hedges trimmed, shrubs pruned Hedges trims, grass cut, shrubs pruned, Tree maintenance. (Qualified tree surgeon).

Free quota ons, no job too small.

Chainsaw & tree climbing courses.

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8 Nathan’s Garden Diary Hello, it's me again, and I'm looking forward to sharing a new season with you all. This year, rather than focusing on just growing veg, I will also be including general garden and plant maintenance tips.

It's February, and spring is almost in sight! This month I will be doing different things for different customers.

Vegetable gardens

▪ Remove any weeds that have over wintered in your beds.

▪ Plant bare rooted Raspberry canes as long as the soil isn't frozen or water logged. A good tip is to sprinkle mycorhizall fungi on to the roots, this will help them establish much faster.

▪ Start 'chitting' your seed potatoes. Always buy certified seed potatoes from the garden centre. To 'chit' your potatoes (encouraging the seed potatoes to sprout before planting) put them in a container (an egg box is ideal!) facing upwards so you can see the eyes. Keep them dry, in a light place, and keep them protected from frost, and within a month you should have dark, stubby shoots appearing from the eyes. These are then planted out in March.

▪ You can also sow seeds now for a variety of vegetable crops. I will be cracking on with indoor sowings of Leeks, early Peas, and summer cabbages. You can also plant your onion sets now to. Have a look at my blog for more information: www.victory‐gardens.co.uk/blog

Garden maintenance

▪ Prune hardy evergreen hedges. Don't be tempted to get the hedge trimmer out on broad leaved evergreens. The blades will slice through the leaves, making them look

hacked and ugly, they will then start to go brown and die back. It's best to work through the hedge, with a sharp pair of secateurs, selectively pruning to shape.

Always prune back to healthy buds.

▪ Cut back deciduous grasses, that have over wintered.

Cut the dead foliage down, being careful not to cut any of the new growth.

Prize Draw

During this cold weather, it's important to encourage birds into our gardens, and to keep them well fed. With this in mind I thought I'd offer 3 wild birdcare packages.

The package includes a bird nesting box (installed by me), and a fat ball feeder topped up with some tasty fatballs, giving the little critters somewhere to call home, and have easy access to some good food!

Simply go to my Facebook page www.facebook.com/ VictoryGardensBristol, 'Like' my Facebook page, and share the link 'Wild bird care package' to be in with a chance of winning! Good Luck!

Deadline for entries is midnight, 28/02/2013. Applicants need to live within Bristol as I will be delivering package personally.

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Find out more The first step is to contact Bluebird care to arrange an ini al visit. This is nothing more than an opportunity to ask all your ques ons face to face.

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Bluebird Care (Bristol West) is owned and managed by Cameron MacLeod. Although Cameron hails from Scotland he has lived and worked locally in north Bristol for the last 16 years.

“The reason I wanted to start the Bluebird Care business in Bristol is that I have personal experience of the care industry as my mother unfortunately suffers from demen a and I have seen the impact that missed visits or inadequate service can have.

I therefore want to provide a fantas c service, and stand out as a company that really and truly cares.”

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Valentine’s Quiz

As it is February it would seem wrong not to make a mention of Valentine’s Day in some way, so here’s a little test of your knowledge of love and romance. No prizes, just a bit of sentimental fun. Answers are on page 92 1.

Gerald Rusgrove XXXXX and Charles XXXX founded which publishing company in 1908?

2.

In Shakespeare’s “Romeo & Juliet”, Juliet came from which family?

3.

Who was the Greek goddess of love?

4.

Courtney Love was married to which US rock singer?

5.

Which actor played James Bond in “From Russia With Love”?

6.

Where Brook?

7.

Who had a hit with “Love Plus One” in 1982?

8.

Who captained the USA to defeat in golf’s 2012 Ryder Cup?

9.

What “fruit” has the nickname of a “love apple”?

10.

What is particularly loving about the albatross?

11.

would

you

find

Who summarised the responses on Blind Date?

12.

The beautiful “Lovin’ You” was a number one for which female singer in 1975?

13.

What sort of car was Herbie, the Love Bug?

14.

Who sculpted “The Kiss” in 1889?

15.

Which of these foodstuffs is not generally considered to be an aphrodisiac?

Honey, Oysters, Cream Crackers or Asparagus.

16.

Which famous statue can be found at the junction of Regent Street and Piccadilly?

17.

Name the lead actress and actor from the 1970 film Love Story.

18.

Name Joan Armatrading’s only UK top ten hit.

19.

Emily Bronte’s “ W u t h e r i n g Heights” was written in which decade?

20.

Who was Mellors?

Valentine’s

contestant’s

Oliver

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Constituency Matters

This month our MP Charlotte Leslie offers a view on the opportunities offered by expanding the rail network in north Bristol.

“Let’s not miss this chance to get a proper rail system – and end the gridlock in BS9 As I travelled slowly around Bristol during the recent snowfalls, it occurred to me that this gridlock could be a taste of what’s to come if we don’t get a fully functioning, effective public transport system for Bristol.

Readers in BS9 will already know about the problems of the bus lanes on the Downs and there have been serious issues due to the Bristol Water works but I fear this could be just the tip of the iceberg if we don’t act decisively, and with ambition. It has been clear to me for a long time that a public transport system which is both affordable and accessible to as many people as possible is required. Thankfully, the proposed Bristol Metro rail scheme, which could be in place in just a few years, is now very much on the cards. Unfortunately, while the scheme is welcome, it is in danger of being the missed chance of a generation.

The current plans mean that while a reopened Henbury Station is on the cards, this will represent the ‘end of the line’. Instead, as I have been arguing both in Bristol and in Westminster, we need a ‘loop’ line which will connect places like Avonmouth to Henbury and Filton beyond, giving commuters and travellers a proper services

connecting as much of the north Bristol fringe as possible. This could lead to further reopened stations at Charlton Holt, North Filton and possibly Horfield.

Why is this vital, and how will it affect BS9?

First of all, without the loop, many hundreds or thousands of commuters will remain in their cars. This will further clog up the entire northern part of the city, creating jams at rush hour week after week, month after month. We also have the prospect, with the sad closure of Filton airfield, of thousands of new residents moving around the northern fringes. Henbury and onwards to Westbury, Henleaze and Stoke Bishop will become chaotic for travellers. Finally, many shoppers visiting Cribbs will not have access to the reopened Henbury station, thus keeping more people in their cars. All in all, we are being presented with a half‐baked scheme when in reality we could have a real game‐changer for Bristol’s transport future.

Sadly, there are some commentators who want to concentrate on the difficulties. I would rather concentrate on the solutions. One phrase that frustrates me in politics in Bristol is when people are quick to come forward to say something is ‘over‐ambitious’. I don’t think I will be alone in pointing out that ‘having too much ambition’ has hardly been a major fault in Bristol’s politics in the recent past. In fact, we live in a Bristol landscape littered with under‐ambition, or ambitions snuffed out by in‐fighting. That’s possibly one of the reasons the people of Bristol voted for an elected mayor to be unashamedly ambitious for our city.

I often wonder what kind of reaction a modern‐day Isambard Kingdom Brunel would get if, had the Clifton Suspension Bridge never been built, he were to suggest it today. Would a vocal online minority be frantically posting “Waste of public money”; “Who does he think he is with a hair‐brained scheme like this?” and the best of all ... “It can’t be done”? I don’t know how many naysayers there were back in Brunel’s day, but thank heavens he ignored them.

Just before Christmas I led a delegation of cross‐party MPs to meet transport minister Simon Burns and I was given assurances that the Department for Transport would be available to assist in re‐assessing the viability

15 of a Henbury Loop. We have launched a petition. Please sign it at www.henburyloop.bristolpetitions.com (If you are not online, write to us and we’ll send you petition forms to fill in!) and please, tell all your friends!

In the meantime, bearing in mind the Henbury Loop Line used to exist (pre 1964), we want Bristolians to celebrate our historic past and share their memories of the days when the Henbury Loop to the Severn Beach Line was up and running, whether in the form of photos, memorabilia, old movies or simply memories which we

would like to record. If you have memories of Bristol rail as it used to be and want to share them, please email us at henburyloop@charlotteleslie.com, or write to Charlotte Leslie MP, Henbury Loop Campaign, 5 Westfield Park, Bristol BS6 6LT.”

Charlo e Leslie

MP for Bristol North West Office: 184 Henleaze Road, BS9 4NE T: 0117 962 9427 E: charlo e.leslie.mp@parliament.uk W: www.charlo eleslie.com

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There’s Gold in them there houses – and the chances are it’s under‐insured.

If there’s been one sure fire investment during the past 5 years in one of the deepest and longest‐ running recessions in recent history… it’s been Gold & Silver.

Gold has increased in value by more than 500% in the past decade as investors see it as a safe haven in a world of economic uncertainty, while the value of Silver has increased by around nine mes in the last 10 years.

But while the number of Gold & Silver items being insured on home insurance policies has doubled over the last two years, an es mated six‐million UK households could well be under‐insured due to the rapid rise in the value of precious metals and gems.

And with a reported increase of 22% in the number of jewellery items stolen in house the s in the past two years, the danger is that many householders who become vic ms of the could well miss out on full insurance pay‐outs because values of insured items are simply out of date.

Jelf Private Client Execu ve, Ma hew Shearing, said.

“We are experiencing a rise in the number of stolen jewellery claims as the value of Gold and Silver has increased. We would urge homeowners to have the

current value of their jewellery checked on a regular basis and to update their home contents insurance cover accordingly to prevent under‐ insurance issues in the event of a claim”.

As well as providing you with expert advice on poten al under‐insurance issues, we can arrange a comprehensive and flexible policy that meets with your current circumstances. We have access to a wide‐range of niche High Value household insurers which can accommodate a number of different assets under one unique policy, including cover for your; Main Residence, Second/Holiday Home, Valuables & Fine Art, Vintage Cars, Family Motor Fleet, Small Cra / Yachts and Annual Travel etc

If you would like to receive a confiden al review of your private insurances from a well‐respected local Broker, we would be delighted to arrange a visit from one of our Private Clients team, where we would be able to carefully select cover to meet with your individual needs. For a review or for further informa on, please do not hesitate to contact our Private Client Execu ve, Ma hew Shearing, by email or telephone

Ma hew Shearing Private Client Execu ve Tel: 0117 2402084 ‐ Mob: 07866 202692 Email: ma hew.shearing@jelfgroup.com

Jelf Insurance Brokers Ltd Edgecumbe Hall, Richmond Hill, Cli on, Bristol, BS8 1AT

18 Burma is an undiscovered country that overflows with old‐world charm and a way of life that is rapidly disappearing in the world today. Situated in the most westerly point of the South East Asia, Burma is one of the most diverse and beautiful countries in this region, if not the world. From its green hills that cocoon vast fertile plains to the rich history, serene peoples and deeply Buddhist culture; it is a destination like no other and a remarkable country to visit.

Here at Miles Morgan Travel we have seen an increase in people wanting visit new and undiscovered destinations so we are delighted to bring you a unique chance to join us on our Exclusive Burma tour which includes the ease of free return transport to the airport from Bristol to join your flight. Departing on the 22nd February 2014 you spend 15 nights exploring this beautiful country. It begins in Rangoon, the ancient capital, where you will find cobbles streets and sleepy tree‐lined avenues. Then we fly north to Began and onto Mandalay before

returning south to Lake Inle, who’s shallow waters, lush green hills and cloudless skies are inhabited by the jovial and welcoming Intha people .

Burma offers a wealth of wonders that are not beset by hordes of tourists so now is the perfect time to visit.

To find out more about this unique tour please call me today on 0117 223 2096 and I will more than happy to discuss this fabulous opportunity in more detail.

Nigel Coldico ‐ Manager 0117 223 2096

MONDI ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR FOR ALL YOUR DOMESTIC ELECTRICS FROM TESTING SOCKETS AND LIGHTS TO COMPLETE REWIRING CALL FOR A NO OBLIGATION QUOTE

Based in Westbury-On-Trym.

Call Mondi on 07976160025 or 0117

9043555

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20 Where

Wessex Water Henleaze sewerage improvement work Work to improve the sewerage network to ensure both local watercourses and the environment are protected is currently underway in Henleaze.

Wessex Water's ÂŁ2million scheme is seeing work carried out in Wellington Hill West as well as Cherington Road and Glenwood Road.

Â

and

when

is

work

taking

place?

The work, which started on Monday 7 January 2013, is expected to be completed by Friday 12 July 2013. Paul Godfrey, Wessex Water's project manager for the scheme, said: "We understand that work has recently been carried out by another utility in the area. While we always look to coordinate our work with other utility companies to minimise disruption, on this occasion we were unable to coincide our work due to the different construction techniques being used. Although a road closure is not required on Wellington Hill West, other forms of traffic management will be in place to ensure it is completed as quickly and as safely as possible."

Key dates 7 January 2013 to 5 April 2013 Work is currently taking place on land near the Beehive public house (Wellington Hill West). Local roads will not be affected.

4 March 2013 to 5 April 2013 This work will involve working in the highway

21 outside the Beehive public house, Wellington Hill West. Temporary traffic lights will be place at the junction of Wellington Hill West and Bishopthorpe Road.

Alternative routes will be provided to minimise impact on Wellington Hill West.

The map alongside shows where work will take place, what roads will be affected and any traffic management required:

8 April 2013 to 17 May 2013 Work will take place in the highway outside No.2 Cherington Road and No.158 Wellington Hill West.

Cherington Road will be closed at its junction with Wellington Hill West for the duration of the work.

In November Wessex Water attended a public meeting arranged by Charlotte Leslie MP to discuss recent work carried out by Bristol Water.

A diversion route will be clearly signposted. Twoway temporary traffic lights will be in place along Wellington Hill West, with alternative routes advertised to minimise impact along Wellington Hill West.

20 May 2013 to 12 July 2013 Work will start in the highway outside No.2 Glenwood Road. A closure will be in place along Glenwood Road at its junction with Southmead Road for the duration of the work. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

♠ BUILDING & PRESERVATION WORKS ♠ PROPERTY REFURBISHMENTS ♠ PLASTERING & RENDERING ♠ DAMP PROOFING ♠ TIMBER TREATMENTS ‐ DRY & WET ROT ♠ CAVITY WALL TIES ♠ PAINTING ‐ INTERIOR & EXTERIOR

ALL BUILDING WORKS UNDERTAKEN QUALITY, AFFORDABLE, FRIENDLY SERVICE

Keeping in touch

The firm said it had already written to local people to explain what the work involved and would continue to communicate any updates as the scheme progressed, either by letter or via the dedicated web page: www.wessexwater.co.uk/henleaze It added that while it had spoken to those residents who may be directly affected, if anyone has any questions about the scheme, they can call: 0845 600 4 600 Wessex Water apologises for any inconvenience caused while this essential work takes place.

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Westbury-on-Trym Guide Price £450,000 Spacious four bedroom semi on a quiet side road within walking distance of Elmlea schools and local shops. 2 reception rooms, kitchen/diner, 4 bedrooms, bathroom and potential for loft conversion. Level rear garden and off street parking.

Stoke Bishop £490,000 A four bedroom detached family home with generously proportioned accommodation comprising 2 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room and cloakrooms. Upstairs, the master bedroom has an en suite, 3 further bedrooms and a family bathroom. Landscaped patio style garden with swimming pool.

Westbury-on-Trym £195,000 Lovely one bedroom cottage situated on the edge of Westbury village in a tucked away spot. Lots of character and good sized rooms with rear courtyard garden. Ideally suited to first time buyers, downsizers or those looking for a bolt hole in a convenient spot.

Sneyd Park £209,950 A bright and airy 2 double bedroom top floor apartment with views. comprises: Recently upgraded Communal Hall, Entrance Hall, Inner Hall/Dining Room, Kitchen, Sitting Room with feature fireplace, 2 double bedrooms and bathroom with white suite. Allocated parking space and communal gardens.

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From the people that brought you the UK’s 2nd largest 80’s Fes val, Let’s Rock Bristol takes place on Saturday June 8th 2013 at Blaise Castle Estate. With an ac on packed day of the best 80’s music at this Bou que, Family Friendly Fes val, there is plenty of general silliness to do for everyone.

Let’s Rock Bristol is set to be the biggest 80's Fes val in the West of England but ckets are limited ‐ so don’t miss your chance to buy your ckets!

Alongside Billy Ocean, Howard Jones, ABC, Nick Heyward, Go West, The Real Thing, Modern Romance, Brother Beyond plus more to follow, there is a lot more on offer. See Dave Benson Phillips (from CBBC/CITV) and other children’s entertainers on the main stage.

In our fantas c Big Top, Professor Panic’s Circus arrives for its first showing at Let’s Rock Bristol! A full programme of events including circus shows, circus workshops, puppet shows, puppet workshops, storytelling, bubble fun games sessions, Balloona cs, s lt walkers and anything else you can think of! They’ll provide enough excitement to fill the whole day, with something extra up their sleeves!

A wide range of rides for all ages including Bumper Boats, Bubbles of Fun, The Banana Boat, Chair‐O‐Planes, Toy Set Roundabouts, The Big Slide and of course, The Dodgems! Plus, our indoor cinema for children of all ages – complete with popcorn and candy!

A fabulous selec on of catering is on offer including Mul ple Bars, award winning Tandoori, The Noodle Bar from Noodle Na on, Gourmet Burgers and Steaks, Burritos, Tradi onal Fish and Chips, Rolls and Bague es, Doughnuts, Ice Cream, Coffee, Cake and more!

Wacky stalls, merchandise and a whole lot more going on, set you up for a great day out.

Tickets are only £35 for Adults, £18 for Children (3‐12) and £80 for a family of 2 Adults and 2 Children! And if you are a resident of BS8, BS9 or BS10 postcodes, you can get 15% off if you buy your ckets before March 1st! See over for details on how to purchase.

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28 Let’s Rock Bristol Prize Wordsearch With the announcement of the Let’s Rock Bristol family festival in Blaise in the summer it seemed appropriate to have an 80’s music theme to the wordsearch this month. So here it is. Nineteen pop bands and singers of the 1980’s are listed below, eighteen of which are included in the grid below. (forward, backwards, up, down or diagonally). See which you can find and let me know which performer is missing. First prize, which has been kindly donated by the festival organisers, is a £64 family ticket to Let’s Rock Bristol ‐ which will gain a family of four (2 adults, 2 children) access to the festival. A cracking prize so well worth entering. Just get your answer to me by 1st March to be in with a chance of winning. Answers please by email to

andy@thebristolnine.co.uk , by post to 8 Sandyleaze, WoT, BS9 3PY, text to 07845 986650, phone to 0117 9687787 or by Twitter to @BS9Andy. Best of luck.

I’m conscious that I’ve omitted to mention the result of previous wordsearch competitions in recent issues, so congratulations to the following on their success ‐ and thanks of course to everybody who has taken the trouble to enter.

Keep trying ‐ someone has to win. In November Kim Linford took the biscuits by spotting that garibaldi was missing, and in December Hermione Gulland won the calendar and coasters by spotting that detonate was the missing word.

Right, here are your bands and singers to look out for:‐

omd billyocean nickheyward gowest howardjones abc therealthing modernromance brotherbeyond alteredimages bananarama garynuman funboythree bronskibeat so cell visage duranduran ultravox haysifantaysi

29 The Orpheus Cinema

I’m sure loads of readers will remember back to their childhood and the first time they went to their local cinema, either with or without M & D. “Slade in Flame” was the first for me, sans‐parents, back in 1975 at the Tivoli cinema in Wimborne. “The Flea Pit” we used to call it, a decrepit old place with threadbare seats. After years of disuse however it resurfaced, loving restored and independently managed by local people and it is a hugely popular social venue in the town these days.

These memories came to mind when I was invited up to the Orpheus cinema in Henleaze by projectionist Nick Bowd to have a chat and a look round. Since 1975 I’ve probably averaged one cinema trip a year, more recently to one of the big soulless megascreens, so I was ashamed to admit to Nick that it was so long since I’d visited his picture house that I didn’t even know how many screens it has. More on this in a mo, but first a bit of history.

The Orpheus is part of the Waitrose development that was carried out some forty years ago and is built on the site of the original Orpheus Cinema (shown above) which closed in 1971, the last film shown being Catch 22.

This was a typical 1930s suburban cinema with around 1,500 seats. It was fitted out and operated for many years by Star Cinemas, a National company who were well known for the creation of small, multi‐screen

cinemas all designed in what was then the latest style, with much use of purples, illuminated stair banisters & psychedelic screen lighting. Ownership passed from Star to Cannon, to MGM to ABC, then to a Mr Peter Walker until he assigned the lease to Reeltime Cinemas.

They continued to operate it until February 2009 when it was acquired by current owners Scott Cinemas.

Since then it has undergone a programme of gradual refurbishment but care has been taken to retain its better late‐60s features which some 40 years on give it a particular appeal. In 2012, a thorough complete refurbishment commenced of the auditoria and front of house areas. New ceilings and soundproofing were installed to help with heat loss and acoustics. All auditoria lighting was updated, and air conditioning was fitted, and a new, larger screen was added to Screen 1.

Back to how large The Orpheus is and to be honest it’s a bit of a Tardis. Three small individual theatres of varying sizes with a total capacity of somewhere over 300, comfortable, spacious yet pleasantly intimate. Like a British cinema should be. Sitting atop them, up a fairly industrial metal staircase, is the nerve centre of the operation ‐ the projection room. Not many years ago this would have been a place buzzing with the noise of three projectors, with reels of film whirring around and a nervous projectionist keeping an eye on all for fear of a film snapping or snarling up. There would have been even greater potential for grief If the cinema had decided to show the same film on all three screens as the projectors would have been interlocked, with the film itself spooling from one projector to another in one continuous and fragile snake.

Nowadays the projection room is, it appears, a quieter and more relaxed place. Gone are the days of films arriving in big round metal tins ready to be threaded into the projector. In this high‐tech era they now arrive on a computer hard drive, the size of a lunch box, which is simply plugged into the cinema’s server and directed, at the click of a mouse, to the appropriate digital projector.

Nick can, of course, still project a film onto all three of the Orpheus screens, and will do so at the opening of a particularly big block‐buster, but usually all three screens feature different movies. Please don’t be mistaken, as I was, that your local cinema lags behind the multi‐screens and doesn’t get the big mainstream

30 films as soon as they are released. They certainly do, and you can watch your favourite big‐ticket movie, in 3‐ D (if it’s filmed that way) as soon as it is on general release. Ticket prices are significantly lower than the out ‐of‐town giants, with adult tickets at just £4.95 (£8 up at Cribbs), and if you take advantage of the Silver Screen promotion detailed below then it is even better value for money. There are also discounted family tickets and other special offers available, and the pick and mix is significantly cheaper too!

Being a small cinema, The Orpheus features some of the less mainstream, “arthouse” movies, yet still retains a sense of atmosphere in their smaller auditoriums. So the choice of movies available to you is certainly wider than I had imagined. For all the latest screening times do look at the website ‐ www.scottcinemas.co.uk ‐ or call the cinema on 0871 230 3200 ‐ on indeed wander past and check out the traditional “Now Showing” notices outside. All in all The Orpheus it is a lovely place, a mixture of modernity and nostalgia, hi‐tec with a hint of the last century ‐ a small traditional cinema serving the local area.

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33 New State Pension Proposals The Government has announced it’s proposals for a new flat-rate state pension to replace the current system of basic state pension and State second pension (S2P). The current basic state pension is £107.45 per week and the proposed new flat rate pension starting in April 2017 at the earliest, will be set for everyone at £144 a week (in today's money) or £7,488 p.a. Those already claiming the basic state pension and those claiming S2P will continue to receive that.

So how can this increase be afforded if people are living longer? The answer to that is that you will have to wait longer until you receive it. As life expectancy increases, so does the state pension age (SPA). By 2020 SPA will be 66 for both men and women. By 2028 this will rise to 67 and I would suggest that those youngsters still at school, may see their 70th birthday or older, before reaching SPA. In addition to this people will have to make 35 years NI Contributions in order to qualify for the maximum state pension, rather than 30 years contributions at present.

There are a few other changes proposed which I think are very significant.

1) Couples will each receive the entitlement to the new higher pension in their own right as individuals, rather than the current less generous rate for couples.

2) The new system will bring an end to the very unsatisfactory system of Pension Credits. Currently when someone has a pension income below a certain level, they are able to claim a credit which tops up their income. The problem is that it is liable to change and because it is means tested, acts as a complete disincentive for some thinking about saving for their retirement. The irony is that those people it was designed for, often do not claim it; estimates suggest about £1.8m older people who would be eligible do not claim.

3) Contracting out of the S2P will disappear, making state pension entitlement a much simpler system to understand and I would suggest much easier and cost effective to administer.

Whenever new legislation is outlined, there will be winners and losers based on someone’s own unique circumstances. The following is by no means an exhaustive list, but illustrates how some people may be affected: Who might gain?

Mothers who take career breaks: The years spent raising a family will be counted in full towards the state pension under the new system.

Self-employed: People who work for themselves can only claim a maximum state pension of £107.45 a week at present, but this will go up to £144 from 2017 for those who have paid NI for 35 years.

Low earners: Those whose combined basic and second tier pensions would be under £144 at present, will get an income boost.

And who may lose?

Final salary scheme members: Workers who belong to contracted out final salary schemes such as those in the public sector will have to pay higher NI contributions after 2017 for the higher state pension benefits.

Existing pensioners and people retiring between now and 2017: Those who start getting a pension before 2017 will be on the old, less generous weekly pension.

Children and teenagers: Pension age increases mean they are likely to wait until they are in their 70s to qualify for state pension

At Grosvenor Financial Consultancy Ltd we use a financial planning tool with our clients to enable them to see how they may be affected by changes such as these and what action they need to take.

34 Recipe Corner - with the Herbs Dill the Dog was always my favourite character in the classic BBC children’s cartoon “The Herbs” ‐ and is one of my favourite herbs to cook with. Dill has a warm, subtle fennel & celery flavour that goes great with lemon, as you’ll discover in this easy Lemon & Dill Chicken dish (that serves 4)

Ingredients 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts Salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste 3 teaspoons extra‐virgin olive oil 1/2 small finely chopped onion 3 cloves garlic, crushed 1/2 pint (250ml) chicken stock 2 teaspoons flour 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill 1 tablespoon lemon juice and zest of the lemon

Method • Season chicken breasts on both sides with salt and

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pepper. Heat half the oil in a large heavy skillet or wok over medium‐high heat. Add the chicken and sear until well browned on both sides (about 3 minutes per side).

Transfer chicken to a plate, wrapped in foil.

• Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining oil to the pan. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Whisk stock, flour, 1 tablespoon dill and lemon juice and zest in a bowl the add to pan. Cook, stirring gently until slightly thickened (about 3 minutes).

• Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the pan; reduce heat to low and simmer until the chicken is cooked through (about 5 minutes).

• Transfer the chicken to a warmed plate. Season the sauce with salt and pepper and spoon over the chicken.

Garnish with the remaining 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill. Great with fresh green veg.

Dill the Dog

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37 The Bristol Downs Recorder

How to climb the Gorge

The Avon Gorge is three hundred feet deep, and people have been finding ways to clamber up and down it for centuries. Today there is a single vehicle route, Bridge Valley Road, built in 1820 by the great road engineer John MacAdam, who more or less singlehandedly doubled the national average vehicle speeds to around twelve mph, and ushered in the coaching era. But there are four pedestrian routes.

The oldest is probably what some maps call the New Zig Zag, otherwise known as the Fairyland Path which starts at the top alongside Bridge Valley Road, but is far more direct, and precipitous, ending in a flight of steps on to the Portway. It has a tarmac surface, but today is very rarely used as there is no safe access in any direction along the Portway itself. However it lies opposite the very ancient route down Nightingale Valley which ends on the bank of the Avon. This route is protected on either side by two very large iron‐age encampments, at Burwalls and in Leigh Woods, and they were clearly there to protect and control this strategic route. How the Avon was crossed is uncertain; a ferry would only work effectively during about an hour at the top of the tide, because otherwise any ferryboat would be carried miles up or downstream by the current. Or there could have been a bridge of boats at low tide, with a paved approach on either side. But the nearest route up the Bristol side of the gorge would have been up the Fairyland path.

The next oldest route is I suspect the path down the Gully. This was clearly a good path in Victorian times, with steps and railings and seats, remnants of which remain, but it is in fact much older as a map of 1748 shows a track down it leading to a building at the bottom. This building was originally the New Hotwell, because a second hot spring had been discovered in 1702,but it was never a commercial success, and the structure may have become a hut for quarrymen. Today the track goes down through the Goat enclosure, and is wilder and rockier than it has been for centuries. Recent

rains have dug a deep channel in what used to be a fairly even path.

The third route was the ZigZag on Sion Hill, of 18th century construction, designed to link the fashionable Hotwell with the fashionable villas of Georgian Clifton. It was of course briefly replaced by the Clifton Rocks Railway, opened in 1892 and abandoned in 1939. It is still well maintained by the council, and well used, as it remains the shortest pedestrian route from the Cumberland Basin to Clifton. There is a safe footpath along the Portway towards Bristol, which passes the Colonnade, a row of 18th century shops originally linked to the Hotwell House. See if you can beat five minutes from top to bottom and back again.

The fourth route is the most mysterious. I call it the Green Lane, but it is unmapped and un‐signposted. It starts opposite Trafalgar House on the Promenade, and is just a grassy space between trees. It gets steeper and narrower, and then ends abruptly in a spectacular series of steps leading down to the very bottom of Bridge Valley Road. These steps were dramatically rebuilt when the work on Bridge Valley Road was complete last year.

It is possible to cross both Bridge Valley Road and the Portway using the pedestrian lights, and then to travel on foot or by bike in either direction.

There is a fifth route, the Inclined Plane, which was built c 1880 linking the bottom of the Great Quarry to the top of the Downs near the Gully. The bottom section of the route was constructed of scaffolding from the vertical lip of the quarry down to a temporary barge dock on the river. A stationary engine at the top hauled tubs of spoil from the Cumberland Basin up the incline and they were then pulled by horses across temporary tracks laid across the Downs to fill the huge quarries scattered across the surface of the Downs. There must have been an up rail and a down one. The remnants of the structure are now engulfed in woodland, but can still be found by the adventurous.

If you enjoy the Downs, why not become a Friend?

Membership is just £10. Contact Robin Haward at robinhaward@blueyonder.co.uk or tel 0117 974 3385.

Richard Bland

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41 Tips for an easier life

February is the shortest month – so it’s time to ‘eat your frog’!

Having set your resolutions in January it’s time to actually get on with it and attempt to complete some of them! It’s likely some of your resolutions are not things you immediately wake up desperate to do, they may be time consuming and you just don’t know where or how to start. It might be sorting out your photos – printing off all those that you have saved on your computer, but would actually like to look at in an album, or sorting out your medicine cabinet or larder, or tackling that tricky email you really need to respond to.

There's an old saying that if the first thing you do in the morning is to eat a live frog, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing that it's probably the worst thing you'll do all day. So if you tackle your most challenging task at the start of the day you will feel you have achieved and can do anything thereafter! There is a book by Brian Tracy called ‘Eat That Frog!’ which shows how successful people don't try to do everything, but instead focus on the most important tasks. He gives tips on effective personal time management: decision, discipline and determination to help you get more of those important tasks done – today – without procrastinating!

It is always helpful to break the task down. So if it’s tackling the photo situation, firstly decide how you’re going to print them off – upload to a website; or save to a USB memory stick and take to a shop? If it’s the latter

then allocate (i.e. find!) your USB stick. Make a cup of tea then just sit down at your computer and give yourself half an hour to make a start. You will enjoy reliving the memories when you go through the photos and select the ones you want to print out.

Writing a response to a tricky email straightaway relieves the burden hanging over you ‐ you’ll feel relieved and invigorated and achieve more in your day as a result.

As a reward for ‘eating a frog’ there is another job you can do early this month: plant spring bulbs – maybe snowdrops or daffodils – this can be done during late winter and early spring. They make a big impression and are perfect for chasing away the winter blues.

Louise England is a Lifestyle and Home Assistant and her service aims to free‐up your free time. Her passion is to make a positive difference to people’s lives by helping them sort things out and complete jobs in their homes quickly and efficiently.

Website: www.louiseengland.co.uk Mobile: 07780 474256 Email: louise@louiseengland.co.uk Twitter: @L_England

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43 The new Southmead Hospital

Anyone spotted the new hospital being built in Southmead? It's not so easy to spot now that the majestic tower cranes have come down, but it still looks impressive to me ‐ from whatever direction you view it.

But just how big is the hospital? Being a bit nosy I thought I'd ask the builders, Carillion. "Come in and have a chat" was the enthusiastic response from Steve Cook, the Carillion Community Liaison Officer for the project.

So I did, and I can, without fear of disagreement, report that it is indeed a very big construction project. I arrived on time for our meeting but on the wrong side of the site containment fence, 50 yards from the site office. By the time I had walked around the outside of the perimeter fence and had met my host at reception I was almost 15 minutes late (sorry again, Steve).

Looking at the construction close up really brings home the scale of the new building, a size put into context when Site Security Manager Lee Groves talked me through the site induction video. Anyone returning to Bristol in the last couple of years after a time away would be forgiven for thinking that Steven Spielberg was filming a sequel to Close Encounters of the 3rd Kind, as the various lights on each of the 7 huge tower cranes made it look, in the dark, as if a giant alien spacecraft was hovering over the north of the city. Bewitching by night and industrially grand by day the cranes have dominated the site pretty much since Phase 1 of the project began with demolition of parts of the old hospital in March 2010. Foundation laying started in

August 2010 and very soon the project was bringing hundreds of workmen and workwomen onto site. At present there are over 1,500 people on site, and Lee and his team have inducted some 8,000 people to date.

Lee has also been responsible for the logistical side of getting vehicles on and off the site, no mean feat when you remember that the scale of the building project, currently the biggest hospital build in the country, is taking place in a built up residential area and in very close proximity to an existing major operational hospital. I can't vouch for the views of people living alongside the site but as someone who has been used to driving around the current Southmead Hospital site three times a week and has seen the project develop from the start I am amazed at how limited the impact of the construction site has been on access to and around the area.

Looking at the building from afar I assumed, wrongly, that the new build was nearing completion, but in fact

(continued overleaf)

44 this first phase of project activity continues until March 2014. Phase 2 of the scheme, the demolition and removal of the remaining buildings that are to go, then starts and this part of the project won't complete until September 2015 ‐ 51/2 years after the first hammer was wielded. So far from being complete the new building we can all see from afar is really just the shell, beautifully (in my opinion) clad in glass and granite, but with all the necessary services (gasses, electricity and water) built into the fabric.

Also installed is a piece of kit called a biomass boiler which will contribute significantly towards the heating and hot water required by the new hospital (there will of course be on‐site uninterruptible power supplies ‐ back up generators if you like ‐ as well). Energy efficiency is also paramount in other areas of the new facility, such as with the lighting and ventilation of the main building.

Here a giant five‐storey glass atrium runs the length of the new hospital, dividing the medical and surgical parts of the building. This will form the central focus to the hospital and will contribute natural lighting as well as, in part, ventilation using fresh air drawn in through three ingenious air‐catchers on the roof that are clearly visible from afar.

Environmental and waste issues are also being addressed at the working level too, and at the hub of the construction site is the project's recycling unit ‐ Carillion undertook to send as little construction waste to landfill as possible, so they have a dedicated team sorting and categorising all the recyclable materials generated into waste streams. The aim was a recycle target of 95% but at present a staggering 97% of all "rubbish" generated

on site is going for reuse.

To conclude my introduction to the Southmead Hospital Redevelopment Project (SHRP) I asked the Carillion guys what exactly would we be seeing once they had all left site, the construction was complete and the new hospital became operational. In simple non‐medical terms the numbers are impressive. The new facility will have 24 operating theatres and play host to over 800 patients, 75% of who will be accommodated in single‐ occupancy en‐suite rooms. Insider knowledge tells me that this will be great for infection control purposes and patient privacy. For more details about what will go on at the new hospital, whatever it is to be called, the Carillion team deferred to the North Bristol NHS Trust who will run and manage the new facility. Fingers crossed I hope to be able to bring you their part of the story in a future issue.

In the meantime I would like to thank Steve, Lee and their colleagues for giving me the opportunity to have a look around what is their impressive and impressively big building site.

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46 Computer Corner with Mrs PC The Advantages of Apple’s Macbook Pro Laptop as an alternative to a Windows Laptop.

Macbooks are twice the price of a normal laptop. Are they worth the extra cost? Here are some of the reasons people love them so much: ▪ They are fast to turn on and fast to do everything.

They stay fast all their lives and don’t slow down over time.

▪ You don’t need antivirus software‐ it is included.

▪ The machines are sleek and smart and feel lovely. They are great to type on ‐ the keyboard is fantastic. The trackpad is very clever and can be customized in many ways to suit you. You can expand photos and move screens by swiping or pinching and different amounts of fingers on the pad will do different things if you wish.

▪ If you have an iphone, it is designed to work with it, likewise an ipad.

▪ The software is clever and when you import photos it knows which ones you have already put onto the computer, and only imports the new ones.

▪ They come with an email client already‐ this makes email easier.

▪ You can run Microsoft programmes designed for Mac‐ called Office for Mac so that you can continue to use Word and Excel and don’t have to learn to use Apple’s Pages and Numbers programmes.

▪ They are easy to use, but different from Windows. The close down buttons are on the left for instance, and are different colours instead of a red cross you have a red dot to close down.

▪ They are designed to be idiot‐proof.

▪ They don’t usually fail, but it is best not to be complacent.

▪ Their back up is easy‐ you can back up to iCloud online as standard and if you have a plug in device like an external hard drive, you just plug it in and let the machine do it for you.

▪ You can buy Applecare protection for your Macbook.

For £200, you can protect the hardware, software and

have access to daily support on the phone. This is covered for 3 years. If you don’t know how to do something, ring up anytime 7 days a week until around 9.30pm and get an expert to talk you through it.

▪ You can buy unlimited lessons in the Apple store for £80, either one‐to‐ one or group. You can extend this if you wish. However, this isn’t quite as good as it sounds and generally people only use it for a year and only make it to 4 or so lessons.

▪ You can look at very good videos and tutorials on the Apple website to show you how to do things.

▪ You can go into the shop anytime you like and make an appointment with a “Genius” or expert helper, and have free help for 10‐15 minutes as many times as you like.

▪ They have amazing battery life‐ 10 hours of continuous use‐ so you can take it round the house with you all day or on a long journey and not have to plug it in!

▪ When you do plug in, the plug has a special magnetic connector so if you accidentally knock the wire, it instantly disconnects and doesn't knock your laptop off the surface.

▪ Once you have connected to WiFi in a certain place, you will never have to re connect‐ it does it for you and remembers the details.

Mrs PC’s conclusion is that you get what you pay for. I was converted almost 3 years ago and now would not have anything else for email, Internet and documents. I love the speed of it and use mine all the time and travel with it. Making the transition involves learning new things and some things are very different. Some features are not immediately obvious if you aren’t used to it. Macs do things their own way, and is hard to make them do things your way sometimes this is only a problem for experts really. Macbooks are worth considering next time you need a new laptop! You will get faithful service for many years.

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Friends of Blaise

Our two tree gazing friends are now looking at the wider estate and wondering how best to explore its 610 acres. After enquiring at the Café they are introduced to the Blaise walk leaflets, sponsored by the Friends of Blaise, which set out five separate walks ranging between one and a quarter miles and three miles. They decide to follow the Gorge Walk, approximately one and a half miles and estimated to take 50 minutes.

From the Café they walk toward the museum, passing the play area on their left hand side. A little further on, opposite the main entrance to the museum their attention is drawn toward Cockerel’s Seat. This attractive stone alcove once looked along an avenue of Elm trees ascending toward the summit of Castle Hill, affording a view of the Castle at the far end. Very few people, if any, can remember the actual seat being there, but Friends of Blaise have recently financed a new wrought iron seat which was installed in November, so that this attractive feature can be once again be used as originally intended.

The Gorge Walk leaflet shows the route to be taken and includes written information on points of interest which they will pass. They have to rejoin the main drive into the woods and start to descend into the gorge.

Here they enter a landscape of steeply tilted white carboniferous limestone and beneath some of the cliffs are scree slopes of the same rock shattered by frost in the most recent ice age about 100,000 years ago.

The little Hazel Brook which arises at Cribbs Causeway flows through the bottom of the gorge, certainly not of

sufficient strength to have eroded a gorge, which at its deepest point is 200 feet below Lover’s Leap. Perhaps Blaise geologist may put forward some theories on how the gorge was formed, in a future article.

The next point of interest is Stratford Mill an 18th century building relocated in 1952 from its original site near West Harptree as the area was to be flooded to create Chew Valley reservoir. The two walkers would like to see more interest taken in this now rather dilapidated building, but can see little prospect of returning to the original intention of showing the public how a small 18th century water powered grinding mill operated.

They cross the stream by the old arched stone bridge and continue beside the stream until they reach Tarn Lake in the shadow of Lover’s Leap, which towers 200 feet above them. This may have originally been the location of a small bathing pool given the adjacent ruins of a Cold Bath House. Certainly they are impressed by this wonderful scenery, but concerned about the broken fencing alongside the lake.

The walk now takes them off the main path onto what can be a very muddy short stretch, until they reach the nail bridge. This bridge was originally in Castle Park, but was relocated to this site, when the previous bridge was no longer safe to use.

They are now faced with a steep climb to Echo Gate and across the grass to return to the café. They have enjoyed their walk and will be returning next month to explore another of the five walks.

If you want to use the walk leaflets they are available at the Estate Office adjacent to the café.

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54 Former interna onal swimmer and Bri sh record holder Penny Porter, has opened a new physiotherapy and aqua c fitness centre, on Dragons Well Road, in Henbury.

The state of the art facility has four treatment rooms, a rehabilita on gymnasium and an amazing endless hydrotherapy pool with twin fast lane units, which generate a variable current of water that you can swim against, rather like the water equivalent of a running treadmill.

Penny is one of the countries leading physiotherapists and fitness experts, and is currently working with England Rugby, Bri sh swimming and Bri sh universi es.

A er gaining her physiotherapy degree in Bristol, she completed an MSc in Exercise Physiology at Loughborough University and went on to work as a biomechanist to Bri sh Swimming and then as first team physiotherapist for Bristol Rugby Club. A er working with Bristol Rugby for 7 years, she went on to work for England Rugby. She is also a highly skilled swimming teacher and an interdisciplinary Sports Scien st being a member of the Bri sh Associa on of Sports & Exercise Scien sts.

Now bringing all her considerable experience together, Penny has assembled a team of na onally recognized, highly qualified, sports physiotherapists, with the aim of offering an integrated approach to injury management,

analysing the cause and pu ng together a complete package of care to prevent further injuries. The team have extensive experience of trea ng a variety of pa ents in NHS hospitals, private prac ce and working with elite athletes. But you don’t have to be an athlete capable of compe ng on a na onal stage to benefit from the centres help. Whatever the cause of your injury, spor ng or otherwise, the team aims to provide a tailor‐ made approach that will help deal with your injury, return you to fitness and if you are a sports person, enhance your performance.

What makes Penny Porter Physiotherapy unique, is that they really do offer a ‘World Class’ Physiotherapy service, with all therapists being members of the Associa on of Chartered Physiotherapists working in Sport. Their clients include England Rugby, Bri sh Swimming, Bri sh Water Polo, Bri sh Ice Ska ng….to name but a few….an impressive client list that speaks for itself!

In addi on to expert physiotherapy, the centre also offers a number of other services based in and out of the endless pool, with a par cular emphasis on post and pre natal, parents and babies in the water and injury preven on.

So, what’s on offer?

Hydrotherapy Hydrotherapy has been shown as the quickest way to rehabilitate many injuries, and is widely used by elite sports teams. But you don’t have to be a super‐fit athlete to benefit since it is an excellent therapeu c, low ‐impact ac vity for everyone. The heated pool is 1.2 metres deep and because buoyancy decreases the stress on joints and the spine, it provides an opportunity for non weight‐bearing ac vity that is great for a wide range of condi ons. These include arthri s, rheuma sm, scia ca, aching joints, back pain, fa gue, insomnia, poor circula on, stress, muscular pain, s ffness, cramps or tension as well as spor ng injuries. There is also an underwater treadmill.

Swimming If you are looking to improve your swimming technique

55 and efficiency, then try the aqua c fitness programme.

It caters for everyone of all ages, from those wishing to learn to swim, through to those looking to break world records. And to help swimmers “picture” their technique, and so learn to improve it, the centre offers underwater video analysis using the latest HD cameras.

Various packages are available, including the op on to take a filmed swim session and analysis away on DVD or a memory s ck. Further informa on is available on the web site.

help them to exercise safely during and a er pregnancy.

There are numerous benefits including strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, reducing pelvic and back pain by strengthening the core, and helping to fla en the tummy a er pregnancy.

To make an appointment at the centre, you do not need a GP referral, simply phone, or call in to arrange a consulta on. The centre is affordable, and is recognized by health insurance companies.

Parent and Baby Adult and baby swim sessions are available now. These

Penny working

courses are for up to six parents and their babies. Each class lasts 30 minutes and is an excellent way to develop physical and psychological skills in babies. It’s also a safe environment where children can enjoy the water while learning. Perhaps most importantly, these sessions provide an excellent opportunity for bonding and relaxa on. There is a facility to offer, if wanted, above and below the water photographs and video of baby using the state of the art camera system.

Pre– and Post‐Natal The centre features FitBack and Bumps. This is an Ante and Post Natal Educa on Exercise Programme, run by chartered physiotherapists. It brings mums and mums‐to ‐be together to share pregnancy experiences and will

for England Rugby at Twickenham

The Penny Porter Physiotherapy Centre is at; 18A Dragons Well Road, Henbury, Bristol, BS10 7BU. Web: Www.pennyporter.co.uk Email: info@pennyporter.co.uk Tel: 0117 3302448 or 07957 871605

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What can hypnotherapy help with?

Difficul es sleeping Lack of confidence & self esteem Achieving your goals ▪ Public speaking anxiety Exam / interview nerves Anxiety, stress & tension levels Fears and phobias ▪ Weight management Unwanted pa erns of behaviour Nega ve thought pa erns ▪ Stopping smoking Pregnancy and childbirth and much more

If you want 2013 to be a year when you achieve and s ck to your resolu ons then Hypnotherapy could be the answer you are looking for. It combines leading brain research and solu on focused coaching with a state of relaxa on enabling us to come up with solu ons and not problems.

Did you know that the brain is far more recep ve to posi ve input than nega ve? Recent research proves this and once we have decided on a new posi ve course of ac on then the brain will want to support this decision and help to “make it work” for All sessions are completely tailored according us. to your individual needs.

This is fantas c news for any of us who want to make posi ve changes in our lives. I work with many clients from all backgrounds and for many reasons. They all however have one thing in common ‐ the desire to make a posi ve change in their life; changes that they may have been trying to make for a number of years or just recently, changes in behaviour or thought pa erns, at home, at work or in their rela onships. The moment you decide on a posi ve course of ac on your brain will register this firm inten on to change and help you to succeed...this could therefore be as soon as you pick up the phone to book your first, free ini al consulta on.

If you are star ng this new year wan ng to make posi ve changes and are finding this hard on your own do give me a call and I will explain more about how the brain works and how with the aid of Hypnotherapy you can find you way back to being you.

FRE E rela inclu xa on CD ded

w ith y hyp not her our a p sess ions y

Alison Jones Solu on Focused Clinical Hypnotherapist & Psychotherapist DHP ▪ HPD ▪ MNCH (Reg) ▪ LNCP ▪ CBT (Hyp) SFBT (Hyp) ▪ SFBT Sup (Hyp)

57 Glenise Morgan and Clare Campion‐Smith, The right kind of trees?

Councillors for Henleaze, write . . .

Glenise Morgan and Clare Campion‐Smith,

Councillors for Henleaze, write . . .

You will have heard the notorious excuse made by rail authorities when they couldn’t clear tracks of leaves and trains stopped running: “They weren’t the right kind of leaves”!

We have a similar problem in Old Quarry Park, Henleaze. We don’t have the right kind of trees! Self‐ seeding sycamores have been proliferating and, despite the city’s aspiration to increase the tree canopy from 14% to 30%, to combat the effects of climate change, we need to be selective.

The encroaching sycamores that have self‐seeded in Old Quarry Park have made the children’s area damp and dismal on a cloudy day and bird droppings on the play equipment are unpleasant and a health hazard. With pressure on funds, we’ve only been able to secure the felling of 3 trees with replacement of 3 more suitable ones, via TreeBristol, but now there is an exciting

opportunity to give the park a real facelift.

As councillors we were able to bid for funds from a budget set aside for investment in capital parks projects.

We were successful with two: one for a revamp of the Fallodon Way playground, which should be ready this summer. The other was for a hard landscaping and tree design plan and implementation for Old Quarry Park.

We were delighted to be awarded the £50,000 we bid for.

Work has already started. A Community Payback team has cleared brambles under the trees. A landscape architect is carrying out a topographical survey and mapping trees to assess the current canopy cover. A nature conservation officer will then carry out a wildlife survey, a tree officer will complete a detailed tree survey and the resulting tree plan will go out for public consultation this spring.

Look out for the opportunity to contribute your views on this major project, which should provide a park that is well stocked with trees, but according to an appropriate and professional design, and local preference, for everyone’s enjoyment for many years to come.

Self‐seeding sycamores are not the only unpopular trees in our area. Lime trees, such as those along Wellington Hill West sprout shoots at the base that cause a pavement obstruction and have to be cut back annually.

Many large trees are a relic from the grand estates of the past. Although often magnificent, they are not always in the ideal location as far as close neighbours are concerned. Many will be protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) but if they become dangerous through age or disease they will have to be felled and are unlikely to be replaced, like for like, if the location is not appropriate.

Trees are also lost through house extensions into back gardens and paving over front gardens.

However, there are now opportunities to plant new trees in our area: through TreeBristol, the Council’s tree planting campaign, and the Forest of Avon (charitable) Trust.

(continued overleaf)

58 TreeBristol has the elected Mayor’s support in increasing the tree canopy across the city, and promoting community engagement with tree planting events, especially those involving children.

There are currently two tree planting programmes, one for Parks and one for Streets. In the 2012‐13 planting season Trymside has been the area in our Neighbourhood Partnership (NP) chosen for new trees and a community event. In the 2013‐14 season another park will be chosen by the Neighbourhood Partnership and it might be a Henleaze park. We shall need to identify parks for replanting (this could include Old Quarry Park as a complementary scheme to the one above).

Henleaze has been chosen as a priority ward for Street Tree planting in the 2013/2014 planting season. This could be “stump replacement” or maybe even a newly planted street, or total re‐planting ‐ but the streets chosen must already have grass verges or tree pits.

Opening up a new tree pit in concrete is prohibitively expensive. Westbury‐on‐Trym and Stoke Bishop will be given priority in the 2014‐15 planting season.

TreeBristol also encourage sponsorship of trees by individuals and businesses: from £50 for a small park or street tree upwards. A novel and engaging present for a child or relative perhaps? A memorial for a loved one?

The Forest of Avon Trust has two schemes to promote tree planting by subsiding the cost. The Garden Orchard scheme would see a number of houses in a street (or along back gardens) have fruit trees that could provide cross‐pollination; typically £20 per tree. They would leaflet a street if one could be identified as a possibility.

The Garden Forest scheme provides low level tree cover of shallow rooted native trees; whips would be provided at 50p per whip as well as guidance on planting and species. They need about 10‐20 people in the same street to make this viable. Further details on their website: http://forestofavontrust.

Find out more through Bristol’s own Tree Forum. It was formed to bring together organisations interested in the management and maintenance of council trees in Bristol, including trees in our streets, parks and green

spaces. More details can be found via the Council website (www.bristol.gov.uk).

We have good local representation to take all these projects forward. Stephanie French, email: stephanie@srfrench.co.uk, tel: 3079624 is our NP Tree Champion, with local Ward representatives to support her. Eileen Poad of the Henleaze Society and Judith Sluglett of the Westbury Park Community Association have recently volunteered to monitor Henleaze.

Clare Campion‐Smith (clare.campion‐ smith@bristol.gov.uk; tel: 0117 353 3165) is a councillor representative on the NP Environmental working group and Glenise Morgan (glenise.morgan@bristol.gov.uk; tel. 0117 353 4715) joins Stephanie in regularly attending Tree Forum meetings. We also follow up individual queries on behalf of Henleaze residents.

So, think about where you would like to see a new tree, contact one of the above and engage in the current consultations so that we can ensure we will have the right kind of trees in Henleaze, Westbury‐on‐Trym and Stoke Bishop for both ourselves and our children “

59

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63 Ask the Family

A problem shared is a problem halved. Ask our family’s advice and they will share their huge wisdom (well their talent in giving advice where it is usually not wanted) with you to help you with your dilemmas.

Dear Family My husband of thirty years recently shocked the life out of me by appearing in a pair of red trousers that I hadn’t seen since our courting days (dating for you of a more modern generation) when he was considered a bit of a flashy dresser. When I commented upon them, he was very offhand and simply said that he had found them in the back of the wardrobe. They were a pretty snug fit and really past their best, but he seems very keen on them and has started to wear them out in public, much to my embarrassment. I can’t help but think that he has seen George Ferguson sporting his trademark red trousers and has decided to get in on the act. Surely there is only enough room for one man in red trousers in this city, please advise, as I don’t want to hurt his feelings.

Dad: Firstly I am well impressed that he can still get in a pair of trousers after thirty years – snug or not. I’d have to wear my ‘dating’ trousers at half mast to stand a chance of getting them on. I advise you to tread carefully, I caught my own dear wife taking my ‘university’ jumpers to the charity shop on the sly a few years ago and we had to have a few stern words .Incidentally, wife, these very jumpers have made a bit of a comeback recently (scannies!) It might not be what you want to hear, but embrace this new (recycled) look. If I meet a dapper older man in red trousers in the Bristol area, then I might build up the courage to wear my new fashion item out – the onesie given to me for Christmas by my loving children – I should warn you it is a bunny one!

Mum: I have every sympathy for this tricky situation. We are still laughing about the time that my husband tried on a tight fitting slightly V neck T shirt as per Peter Andre and JLS style and at least he had the good judgement not to buy the offending article! However, I do think that you should count yourself lucky it isn’t

something more dodgy. I have noticed a bit more red trouser wearing in the Bristol North West area so am thinking it might be a bit of a trend and that your husband is an ‘early adopter’. The flashy dresser in him hasn’t died. Celebrate this before he slips into pensioner beige! (or alternatively, if you really can’t stand them, put them in a hot wash and help them on their way to being ‘ too snug for comfort’)

Daughter: Be cruel to be kind – just burn them.

Son: … or say that the dog ripped them and you have had to chuck them out

Family Dog: Oi, Don’t bring dogs into disrepute!

Dear Family My parents‐ in‐ law came for Christmas and are still here!

They were ill with that chesty fluey thing that half the nation had. Sadly they were both bedridden for several weeks. Naturally we were very happy to look after them as it was pretty rotten, but now my sympathy (and stair carpet) is wearing pretty thin. Even though they are greatly recovered, they keep delaying their departure because they say that they do not feel up to driving home.

I have offered to take them but my wife thinks that I am being mean as she is enjoying their company. I am worried that they are installed for the long term.

To make matters worse, the heating is turned upon full and I have had to get out my summer wardrobe out as I am sweltering. Any suggestions?

Daughter: There is only one way to tackle this, take the batteries out of the remote control so that they can’t watch antiques ‐ question‐time ‐ eggheads ‐ gardeners‐ world ‐ downton ‐ bakeoff or whatever those tedious programmes are. They will get bored pretty quickly and be putting on their driving shoes faster than you can say ‘what’s on BBC 2 dear’. (continued overleaf)

64 Son: Have a heart, let them stay – I wish we could have the heating on a bit more around here, I’m wearing all the clothes I have got to get through this weather. Keep asking them how much the pensioner’s winter fuel allowance is and they may get the hint and hand it over to you.

Dad: Oh my word, this is a serious situation and I think serious action is required.

Fake a boiler failure by whatever means necessary, make sure you have a shower first, plus put a fake call to a plumber who will not be able to come by for a week. When they have gone, ‘fix’ the problem and then you will be the family hero. Good luck!

Family Dog: It is cruel to kick someone out of their basket once they have got used to it! On the other paw, you could suggest to your wife that you were thinking about inviting your own parents to stay so that you

could all play happy families together – surely then she will see sense!

Mum: Leave articles out (probably from the Daily Mail) about how bad the NHS is at the moment due to winter viruses, lack of bed space etc. Then act concerned about them not feeling up to full strength and then question ‘ Maybe a trip to the GP and a visit to hospital would help?’

Help with more dilemmas next month

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Kemps Jewellers - established1881 Let us help you celebrate Valentine’s Day - receive a complimentary rose with every jewellery purchase up to 14th February.

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Professional Friendly Advice Wedding ring and gift packages available Beautiful Gift Ideas Gift Wrapping Service Registered Pawnbrokers Jewellery and watch repairs undertaken

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How much is Your gold worth?

Gold - we buy it Old jewellery Krugerrands Sovereigns

In the last five years the price of gold has almost tripled, and the trend is still rising. So there has never been a better time to trade in your old unwanted gold. Come in for a free valuation and maybe raise the deposit on that special piece of jewellery.

Kemps Jewellers, 9 Carlton Court, Westbury on Trym - 0117 950 5090

69

Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC), providers of an air ambulance for the 2.1m residents of our region, are encouraging people to support their cause this February as part of a new initiative called “Love Your Air Ambulance” month.

The charity, based in Filton, Bristol, is currently trying to raise £250,000 of additional funds for a new Eurocopter EC 135 helicopter in order to replace the ageing Bölkow 105 model that it currently uses. A new helicopter would attend to patients four minutes faster, would allow a mother and child to fly to hospital together and would allow more space for the patient, equipment and mid‐air treatment.

During February, local businesses, schools and community groups are being encouraged to “love” their air ambulance by wearing red or pink for a dress down day, by holding a raffle or a heart themed cake sale.

In 2010, Ian Taylor, 63, suffered a cardiac arrest while out with family in Gloucestershire and was attended to by the air ambulance at the scene, before being transferred to the intensive care unit at Bristol Royal Infirmary Hospital.

Ian visited the air ambulance’s base in Filton to thank the crew that went to his aid, and in support of Love Your Air Ambulance month said: “Without the critical

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care support I received from the Great Western Air Ambulance, I wouldn’t be here today. It’s amazing to think such a vital service is actually a charity, so in addition to the medical team, thank you to everyone who generously donates to the organisation, which made my invaluable care possible.”

John Christensen, Chief Executive of GWAAC, said “The air ambulance attends on average one cardiac arrest per day. With love and hearts normally at the forefront of people’s minds during February, we thought that this would be the perfect time to remind the people of our region that in order to continue operating, our charity relies on the support of the people that we serve as we receive no Government or National Lottery funding. You never know when you might need us, and that’s why it’s so important for people to support our cause and to help keep our air ambulance flying.”

For more information about Love Your Air Ambulance month and to get involved with a fundraising activity, please contact Emma Carter on 0303 4444 999, email emma.carter@greatwesternairambulance.com or visit www.loveyourairambulance.com

Carpet, Vinyl & Laminate Specialists - Mobile Showroom. We have an expert measuring & fitting service with a full range of carpet, vinyl & laminate samples for you to choose in the comfort of your own home. If you would like us to call and give you a free estimate please call on

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Professional Groundwork Contractors We undertake all aspects of ground works including:‐ Foo ngs & Excava ons • Driveways & Pa os • New‐Build & Extensions • Drainage & Oversights • Demoli on & Site Clearance.

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At Bristol and Clifton Golf Club we are known for our warm welcome, excellent course and practice facilities. Our beautiful, mature parkland golf course is always immaculately maintained to the very highest standards and provides an enjoyable challenge that engages with golfers of all abilities.

The course regularly hosts both the English Golf Union and English Women's Golf Association events and has earned its reputation as one of the finest in the region.

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74 The leaves have fallen, the grass is too wet to even walk on, there is no colour in the borders, there’s no ge ng away from it – winter is no me to be in the garden. That is where you are wrong!!!!! Now is the perfect me to be busy in the garden. Clearing up leaves, turning them into usable compost for next year, pruning shrubs and trees that have got out of hand (especially this year), aera ng and scarifying the lawn, so that come summer you’ve got a lush green carpet to sunbathe on (hopefully), and repairing or replacing ro en fence panels.

It’s also a brilliant me to transplant shrubs, plant new trees and add nutrients to the soil, mushroom compost is a great supply of nutrients and acts as a mulch come spring, keeping those pesky weeds at bay.

These jobs can seem like a pain, especially at this me of year. Alongside our long standing Landscaping and Tree Surgery departments, we have just added a Landscape Maintenance department, or Johnny, as he’s known to us! Johnny is specialising in planned garden maintenance, everything from lawn care – aera on, scarifying, feeding and mowing ‐ to pa o cleaning, weeding and shrub trimming.

building an imagina ve garden, pruning a veteran oak tree or simply mowing your lawn and weeding your flower beds once a week.

A quick note on Ash die‐back – Chalara Fraxinea

There has been a lot of coverage in the media about this disease, which shows in infected trees with the dying back of the leaves at the ps of the canopy and lesions on stems, with the tree eventually dying. Li le is s ll known about the likely speed of spread past recognised sites at the moment. It is known that it is a wind blown fungal infec on spread via spores produced by infected dead leaves. As such it is a good idea to collect any ash leaves and burn them in a controlled manner ASAP. The disease is known to infect as many as 95% of all ash trees, with some small percentages remaining gene cally resistant.

At the me of wri ng (late November) there are no confirmed cases further west than Reading, except for newly planted specimens. However, if you do have any concerns that you may have an infected tree, please do no hesitate to contact us and one of our tree surgeons can iden fy the problem and let you know the correct procedure.

For more informa on please contact us:‐ We can offer either a one off or seasonal “make over” to give your garden that much needed boost or a regular visit once or twice a week/month. With the ability to do all this and with the back up of the rest of the Blackberry Gardens specialist teams, we can now take care of everything in your garden, be it designing, plan ng and

Visit: www.blackberrygardens.co.uk Call: 0117 904 8780 Email: blackberrygardens@yahoo.co.uk

75 COLLABORATION ON DIVORCE - a different way forward As the government encourages separating couples to consider methods of dispute resolution rather than resorting to court proceedings, Alison Dukes, Specialist Family Solicitor with AMD Solicitors and a trained Collaborative Lawyer explains how an alternative approach to relationship breakdown may be right for you.

Collaborative Law is a different approach to resolving disputes on divorce or relationship breakdown. It involves former partners sitting down together with their respective solicitors to work out how to share financial assets or responsibilities for any children, as they each go their separate ways.

At the start of the collaborative process each party signs a formal agreement confirming that they will reach a solution without going to court. The process requires a genuine desire on both sides to make it work and a willingness to disclose fully and honestly information about all assets. Negotiations take place

at meetings and it is the clients who set the agenda and the pace of the process. They share their hopes and expectations for the future as they work with their solicitors to try to find a solution which each will find acceptable. Where appropriate, the assistance of other specialists such as accountants and counsellors can be called upon to help resolve outstanding issues or to assist in finding solutions in a particular area of dispute.

Where an agreement can be reached through collaboration there may be significant benefits to the family as a whole. The costs and stress of court proceedings will have been avoided and the assets available to be divided will not have been pointlessly reduced by each side funding heavy litigation costs.

Perhaps most importantly, the relationship between the couple may not have deteriorated to the extent that is sadly common amongst those who have faced a court battle. This is of course vital where there are children involved, as the parents will need to communicate and cooperate for many years to come.

Alison can be contacted on 0117 9621460 or by e-mail alisondukes@amdsolicitors.com.

AMD have offices at Clifton, Henleaze and Shirehampton

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76 What’s On & Community Events Listings for community events, not for profit clubs and charitable activities are free. If you have something that you would like listed please get in touch with Andy by telephoning on 0117 9687787 or 07845986650 or emailing andy@thebristolnine.co.uk.

The deadline for listings in the March magazine is 18th February ‐ any received after that date will be held over until the April 2013 issue.

Listings are now separated into categories for ease of reference.

One‐Off Dated Events

‘Calendar Girls’ This wonderfully moving and humorous play is being performed by Failand Drama Circle in the Failand Village Hall on March 13th – 16th at 7.30 pm.

Tickets £10 ( which includes 10% cancer charity donation and free programme) can be booked on 01275 393302 or 01275 219363. Don’t delay, tickets for this very popular show are sure to sell out quickly.

A 'Magic Afternoon' for 4 ‐ 8 year olds! with John Isaacs followed by cakes and things! WOT Village Hall, Saturday 16 February 2.30 ‐ 4.30 pm. £4 per child ‐ accompanying adult free. Bookings 0117 9628669

“Bristol and Beyond” ‐ 19th January ‐ 28th February.

Pastel Landscapes and Portraits by Linda Alvis. The Long Gallery, Royal West of England Academy, Queens Road, Bristol, BS8 1PX. . Free Entry. “Reigning Cats and Dogs” also showing in the main galleries. Daily 10am ‐ 5pm. Sunday 11am ‐ 5pm. www.alvisfineart.co.uk

Following the success of last years Art Exhibition & Sale, Stoke Bishop Village Hall, Stoke Hill, will be holding this years event on 2 March 2013 from 10.30 am to 4pm. The aim is to promote the talent of local artists.

As before, there will be lots of affordable art in a variety of media ‐ paintings, drawings, ceramics, textiles & enamels. Admission free, refreshments available all day.

FFI Contact ‐ stokebishophallbookings@yahoo.co.uk

The Bristol Branch of the Embroidery Guild are holding

an Exhibition from February 15th‐17th at Stoke Lodge Adult Education Centre, Shirehampton Road, BS9 1BN. Open: Friday and Saturday 10am ‐5pm, Sunday 10am‐ 4pm Admission £3. For more details please contact: Sally Wilkinson 0117 9624923 or email to EmbroiderersGuildBristol@googlemail.com

R. N. L. I. Stoke Bishop branch are holding a Quiz Night on Friday 15th March at Stoke Bishop Village Hall. 7pm start. Tickets are £8.50 to include fish 'n' chip supper and first drink, and are available from Gay Huggins on 9685813.

Valentines Lunch, Sunday 10th February, cost 20.00 pound a head, three course meal with bottle of wine per couple, (half per person.) The Norwester Club, 131 Westbury Road. 12.30 sit down for 1.00pm Contact the secretary Jane on 01172796213 or email norwesterclubsecretary@gmail.com

Family Den‐Building Workshops. Come to Leigh Woods and learn to make a fantastic den out of materials found on the woodland floor. Our experienced instructor will teach you everything you need to know to make a cosy woodland dwelling. Tuesday 12th February 2013, times: 10:00‐11:30, 12:00‐13:30 and 14:00 ‐15:30, in Leigh Woods, Bristol BS8 3PZ. Park on North Road and follow the signs to the event.‐ Price: £3 per person.

Booking is essential, online at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/leigh‐woods/things‐to‐see‐ and‐do/events, or by phone on 08442 491895. For more information, please contact Victoria Stanfield, 0117 9731645, or email leighwoods@nationaltrust.org.uk

Social Clubs & Groups

The Henleaze Carers' Group meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursday morning each month throughout the year in The Coffee Bar, Bradbury Hall, Waterford Road, Henleaze from 10 ‐ 12 noon. It is an informal support group, and offers friendship, information, and social events to anyone caring for a relative (old or young) or friend on a regular basis. For more details please get in touch with Monica Rudston on 0117 9426095.

Westbury‐on‐Trym WI will be holding their next meeting on Monday 18th February at 2pm in W‐o‐T

77 This February, Bristol University students are hoping to raise as much money as possible for local charities through the annual RAG (Raising and Giving) week!

As the highlight of the RAG calendar, it is full of chances for students to get involved in various fundraising opportunities and raise money for some worthy causes.

As well as events throughout, the week kicks off on Saturday 16th February with the annual RAG procession‐ a carnival style parade through the streets. Procession is a Bristol tradition, and will be in its 88th year this RAG week!

The Procession starts up at the downs at 1pm and then makes its way down Whiteladies Road, Queens Road and Park Street. With a multitude of vehicles, performers, costumes and music, it really is a sight to behold! Then join us at The Bristol Folk House on Park Street from 2pm onwards for the end celebration where there will be food, drink and entertainment.

It’s a great way to spend an afternoon, and fun for all the family, so come along and get involved!

[Want to get involved? We are still looking for groups to perform along the route and at the end event, so email rag ‐procession@ubu.org.uk if you’re interested.]

HISTORIC TOURS of GOLDNEY or ROYAL FORT GARDENS 2013

78 What’s On & Community Events Methodist Church Hall when Rita Brown will be telling us about her career in the Diplomatic Service. We are a very friendly group who welcome visitors (£2) and new members. For more details please call Bristol 9243032.

The Retired Professional Engineers' Club (Bristol) is a non‐profit making club intended to further the aims and interests of engineers by arranging regular events for retired professional engineers, whatever their background. Such events, principally talks, will have a social aspect so as to encourage members and their partners to attend. Guests will be made most welcome, with a notional charge to cover the cost of tea and biscuits. We also hold Summer and Autumn lunches.

Unless notified otherwise talks start at 14.00 in St Peter's Church Hall, Henleaze, BS9 4LD, on the second Wednesday of the month. Our February talk will be by Peter Lamb on ‘Early Supplies of Electricity in the South West’ on Wednesday February 13th. The next will be by Brian Lewis on ‘Clevedon's Maritime Past’ on March 13th, 2013. Further information on membership on our web‐site: www.rpec.co.uk or call Julian on 0117 968 2824.

Westbury‐on‐Trym Probus Club. The Association of Retired Professional and Business Men aims to provide a meeting point for retired and semi‐retired professional and business men, to promote social well being through friendship, companionship and discussion. The club meets on the third Thursday of every month at BAWA, Southmead Road, from 12 midday. A three course luncheon at 12.30 p.m. is followed by a talk followed by any questions. The meeting finishes about 2.45 p.m. A programme of interesting and varied talks has been arranged for the coming year. Ladies are invited to the Christmas and midsummer lunches. Visits and outings are arranged from time to time, such as conducted tours of places of interest, gardens, canal cruises, mid‐week lunches, etc., to which wives and friends are also invited.

If you are interested in joining then please contact the secretary by either telephone 0117 9684270 or by email: graham.horne5@btinternet.com

Come and join us for Soup and a Roll. Every Friday

from 12 midday till 2pm in the Portland Lounge at The Methodist Church Hall. £2.50, All proceeds to providing disabled access at the Parish Church.

Henleaze Townswomen’s Guild meet on the first Wednesday of the month at 7.15pm at St Peter’s Church Hall, The Drive, Henleaze. At our next meeting on 6th February we welcome Lucy Saunders from the British Heart Foundation. Lady visitors are always most welcome to these, and all meetings. Further details can be obtained by ringing Gretta McDade on 0117 9500606.

Westbury‐on‐Trym Townswomen's Guild meets at 2.15pm at Westbury Village Hall, 1 Eastfield Road (next to the Mouse pub), Westbury‐on‐Trym on the second Monday in each month. We have speakers, whist, table tennis, discussion and social events. New members and visitors welcome. Please contact Anne Trathen, Chairman, on 962 4256 or Margaret Smith, Secretary on 924 1728.

Civil Service Retirement Fellowship. The Westbury‐on ‐Trym group welcomes all retired Civil Servants and their spouses to their meetings held on the first Thursday of the month at Studland Court, Henleaze Road at 2.00pm. Those people without a civil service background are welcome to join our group as Friends of the Fellowship. For more info phone Beryl Webb on 01454 614451.

The Bristol Branch of the Association of Wrens meet on the first Friday of every month at Studland Court, Henleaze Road, at 2pm. The Association is open to all serving members of the Royal Navy, as well as retired and ex‐members of the Women’s Royal Naval Service, the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Navy Nursing Service, the Royal Naval Reserve, the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, and the Voluntary Aid Detachment. Age is no barrier and all Service personnel are welcome.

The Royal Naval Association meets on the 3rd Monday of the month at 8pm for a social evening for retired and serving members of the forces. New members are always welcome to come along to the evening which is held at the Royal Air Force Association club on Eastfield.

For more details please contact 9681769.

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ADULT ACTING CLASSES PLACES NOW AVAILABLE WHERE: Redland Girls School, Redland Road, BS6 7EF WHEN: Thursdays from 7.30pm to 8.30pm TUTOR: Alison Mazanec A.T.C.L. L.T.C.L. Speech & Drama, experienced actress in radio, stage and lecturing

● Linked with Bristol’s best Cas ng Agency ● Op onal Theatre Going Club with regular theatre visits and socials. ● Complete newcomers very welcome, brush up your ac ng skills or just come along and have fun.

CALL 0117 900 1602 to book your place ‐ just £15 for a 2 week trial

Bristol Foot Clinic

● Nails trimmed

● Corns removed

● Ingrown toe nails

● Callous reduction

● Verruca treatment

● Orthotics

● Diabetic footcare

● Thai foot massage

& advice

● Gift vouchers

Philippa Cook, Foot Health Practitioner, Dip CFHP MPS Pract VRFHP Clinic at 10 Downs Cote Park, Westbury on Trym, or home visits

0117 962 1273 or 07837 292435 www.bristolfootclinic.com

80 What’s On & Community Events Instep Club for Widows and Widowers weekly on Wednesday evenings 8.00‐10.30pm at Stoke Bishop Village Hall, Stoke Hill. New members welcome.

Ballroom and Sequence dancing (If you haven’t danced for a long time, don’t worry, we will help you).

Refreshments, social activities. Please telephone Fred or Norah on 9682190 for further information.

Westbury Friendly Club. This is a social club for senior citizens and meets every Thursday afternoon from 2 to 4 pm at the Westbury on Trym Methodist Church Hall, Westbury Hill. Activities include outings, talks, concerts as well as the normal activities of cards, scrabble, conversation and tea. For more details please contact Trevor Green on 9629862.

Music, Concerts & Choirs

Bristol Concert Orchestra play 3 great works with an American connection at its 2nd March St George's Bristol concert: Gershwin's Piano Concerto with the critically‐acclaimed soloist Ashley Wass, Bernstein's Candide Overture and Dvorak's 9th Symphony 'from the New World', all conducted by Stefan Hofkes. Tickets £8‐ £15 (concessions £2 discount), children £1 are available online from www.bristolconcertorchestra.org.uk or from St George's Bristol in person, by phone: 0845 40 24 001 or online.

Bristol Gilbert & Sullivan Operatic Society present HMS Pinafore ‐ on 16th‐20th April at the Redgrave Theatre, Percival Rd, Clifton. Tickets £14 Full Price, £11 Concessions available from boxoffice@bristolgsos.co.uk Tel 01179079122 or go online at www.bristolgsos.co.uk.

Sat. February 23rd. Organ Elevenses at the WoT Parish Church. The guest organist this month is James Drinkwater FRCO. James was Organ Scholar at Pembroke College Cambridge, taught first at Repton and is now on the music staff at Clifton College here he is College Organist. Come at 10‐30am for real coffee and lovely cakes. The 45‐minute recital starts at 11. All welcome. Suggested donation minimum £5 towards the church music fund, and this includes the refreshments!

March 9th sees the return of organist Oliver Condy, who is also editor of the BBC Music Magazine.

Bristol Bach Choir will be performing Bach’s B Minor Mass with the accomplished period ensemble Canzona and a superb collection of vocal soloists who all perform frequently with illustrious ensembles such as The Sixteen, Polyphony and the Monteverdi Choir. The concert forms part of St George’s Bristol Baroque Festival of Music and takes place at St George’s, Bristol on Saturday 16 March 2013 at 7.00pm. Tickets cost between £10‐£25 and are available from www.bristolbach.org.uk or on 0117 214 0721.

West Bristol Orchestra. A Chamber Orchestra, playing a wide range of Classical Music arranged for the smaller orchestra, meets at the United Reformed Church, Muller Road on Thursdays 7.15pm.to 9.15pm. Additional String players of Grade5+ standard welcomed. Previous experience of orchestral playing is not essential. For more information, please contact the Secretary on (0117) 968 3998.

Stoke Bishop Ladies Choir are holding their Spring Concert on Monday 25th March at 2.30pm at Stoke Bishop Village Hall. The concert is free and includes tea, but a donation to the chosen local charity is requested.

St Peters Church Choir, The Drive, Henleaze. We are always on the look out for new members and would welcome any new voices soprano, alto, tenor or bass. All are welcome. Please contact Reg Parker ‐ Organist and Choirmaster on 962 1230.

Bristol Choral Society holds its annual Come & Sing on Saturday 16 February (10am ‐ 4pm) at Tyndale Baptist Church, Whiteladies Road. This year, Mendelssohn's St Paul will be the work explored under inspirational conductor Adrian Partington. All welcome ‐ £15 (£7.50 u18s) including score hire, hot drinks and cake! Advance booking essential ‐ phone 0117 962 3223 or see www.bristolchoral.co.uk for details and online booking.

Saturday March 23 at Colston Hall: Bristol Choral Society with the English Symphony Orchestra and a quartet of fine soloists performing two wonderfully dramatic Italian works ‐ Rossini's Stabat Mater and

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Elmlea Junior School Community Governor Vacancy

Do you have a few hours spare each month to support our school? We are hoping to recruit someone from our local community who has a legal or other professional background, to join our Governing Body.

Being a governor is an enjoyable and stimulating way to spend a small amount of time each month.

The experience of working as part of a team involved in running the school can prove helpful in everyday life, and you may find that the free training available for governors gives you skills you can use in your job or other community work.

The work our school governing body does includes: • Working with the head teacher to determine the

overall direction of the school; • Overseeing the budget; • Helping with recruitment of staff; • Strategic Monitoring of the performance of the school, through analysis of end of key stage SATs and other data; • Advising on school policies and procedures.

The commitment needed is to:

• Attend and participate in governors meetings on a regular basis – the governors generally meet six times a year with additional committee meetings; • Spend some time on training and getting to know the school.

If you would like to know more, please contact

Clare Galliers, Headteacher, 0117 377 2266 or email info@elmleaj.bristol.sch.uk

www.elmleaj.bristol.sch.uk

82 What’s On & Community Events Verdi's Four Sacred Pieces. Concert tickets (£10‐£23, u25s £5) from Colston Hall (0117 922 3686) or see www.bristolchoral.co.uk for more details / booking.

Henleaze Ladies Choir. meets every Thursday afternoon from 1.45‐3.45pm in St Peter’s Church Hall, The Drive, Henleaze. We are a friendly group who sing a varied programme of songs and enjoy each other's company. Why not come along and try a couple of rehearsals and see if you like us? Being able to read music is not absolutely essential as we learn the songs very thoroughly.

Join the ”Sing Acappella” workshop by Avon Harmony.

An opportunity to experience singing four part harmony, acappella style, in a one‐day workshop for all female singers and would be singers. If you enjoy singing, and would like to find out whether this style of singing is for you, join us at Alma Church in Clifton on 9th March or 6th April. The workshops will be led by Avon Harmony Musical Director Alex de Bruin, and leaders of voice sections of the chorus. After each workshop participants can join the rest of the Avon Harmony Chorus to show off their newly acquired harmony skills to families and friends. To find out more see www.avonharmony.co.uk for details, or register your interest by emailing: enquiries@avonharmony.co.uk

Friends of Welsh National Opera (Bristol & West of England) meet regularly at 7.15 pm in the Performing Arts Centre, The Red Maid’s School, Westbury Road. All are welcome (small charge applies) and more details from Valerie on 01275 844401. On Wednesday 20th February 2013 we feature “It’s not just Bats and Merry Widows!”. Andrew Borkowski explores the charming and very tuneful world of Viennese operetta, richly illustrated by recordings of great singers such as Elizabeth Schwarzkopf and Richard Tauber.

Horticulture & Gardens

Sea Mills Garden Club have regular monthly meetings, every 3rd Wednesday, held at Sea Mills Methodist Rooms, Sea Mills Square at 7.30 pm. 20th February ‐

Mike Smith “RHS Gardens at Wisley & Rosemoor”, 20th March ‐ Brian Bailey “The River Severn from Source to Sea”, 17th April ‐ Arthur Southern “Butterflies of Europe”. Visitors always welcome at £2 per meeting or annual membership is just £10. FFI contact Gail Mitchell 0117 9685350 or Esme James 0117 9682571.

Forthcoming events and courses at the University of Bristol Botanic Gardens. “Grow your own veg course” with David Hamilton, Saturday 23rd February to 6th April 2013, 10am ‐ 2pm. A friendly and informative course over six Saturday mornings designed to help you produce delicious vegetables from your patio, garden or allotment! Topics covered include: soil analysis; planning and design; ground clearance; crop rotation; seeds and seedlings; pests and diseases; composting and green manure. Fee: £80.00. Garden Tour, Sunday 3rd February 10.30 am ‐ Curator, Nicholas Wray will show some of the early spring highlights including the delicate, fragrant pink blossoms of Prunus mume Beni‐ Chidori, Wintersweet and Witch Hazel. Come rain or shine there will be plenty to see. Admission ‐ Free to Friends. Visitors will be asked for a donation. Thursday 21st February, 7.30pm “Hardy plants that deliver value (plus a peep at some future ones from the USA)” with Alan Down, owner of Cleeve Nursery and garden expert for Radio West and BBC Radio Bristol. Venue: Room B75, School of Biological Sciences, Woodland Road, BS8 1UG. Admission: Free to Friends (on production of membership card). Visitors will be asked for a £5 donation. For further information please contact University of Bristol Botanic Garden, Stoke Park Road, Stoke Bishop, Bristol BS9 1JG. 0117 331 4906 www.bristol.ac.uk/botanic‐garden

Stoke Lodge Gardening Club winter/spring programme. March 1st Victoria Logue, Practical propagation ‐ seeds, cuttings and beyond; April 5th Chris Cudlip, Colour in the garden; May 3rd Diana Redfern, Organic gardening for wildlife. Meetings are held at the University Sports Complex, Coombe Dingle, 7.00pm. Non‐members £3.00 per meeting. For annual membership (8 meetings) contact David Etherington tel.

0117 9681777 or email dave@etherington.com.

The Bristol Group of the Alpine Garden Society meet once a month in the Methodist Church Hall on Westbury

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84 What’s On & Community Events Hill at 7.30pm for talks, plant sales, social occasions and refreshments. Our next meeting is on 15th February when Richard Horswood will be talking about southern Norway. A friendly society where new members are welcome ‐ annual subscription or £2 for visitors. For more details please ring Marion Monahan on 0117 950 3422 or email marionmonahan@myguide.net.

Henleaze & District Flower Club meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at Bradbury Hall, 1Waterford Road in Henleaze. Flower demonstrations are held on the second Thursday and practice classes on the fourth Thursday. New members are always welcome ‐ just come along and join in.

Westbury on Trym Allotments & Gardens Association welcomes any new members ‐ just visit the trading hut on Saturdays and Sundays from 10.00am to 11.00am (opposite Somerfield / Texaco on Falcondale Road).

Health, Fitness & Exercise

Moves Fitness – exercise to music for all ages and fitness levels at St Peter’s Church Hall, Henleaze from 10am till 11am every Wednesday. Moves Fitness offers an approach to fitness that is fun and effective in a friendly welcoming class. Typical response from someone new to the class “Great fun, great results and a great atmosphere.“ Come and give it a try – £4 per session, you don’t need to be fit , or young, to start.

Phone Jane on 0117 681042 for more information.

Eurythmy group for adults at the Helios Medical Centre, 17 Stoke Hill, BS9 1JN. Thursday mornings from 11am to 11.45, £8.75 per session. Drop in class, newcomers welcome, no prior experience necessary. Eurythmy is a gentle and harmonising form of movement inaugurated

by Rudolf Steiner in 1912. Enjoy the balancing and grounding effects of Eurythmy to take you out of the stresses and demands of our modern lives. Get back in touch with yourself and with what is really important to you. For more information please contact Eurythmy Therapist Rebecca Paten on 0117 9733584 or telephone 0117 962 6060.

New Tai Chi for Health class starts Monday 4th February, 9.30 ‐ 10.30am at Westbury on Trym Village Hall. Tai Chi is well known for its gracefully flowing movements. It incorporates the use of qigong (energy exercises) which are very gentle but extremely powerful in action. They are simple to learn and most people will immediately see improvements in posture, stress reduction, coordination and overall health. It is suitable for all ages and levels of fitness. This is a beginners class and all will be most welcome. Your first session will be free so just come along and give it a try. For further information contact Sue or just drop in. Sessions £5. For more details contact sue.horne29@gmail.com, 07929 030209 or visit www.sueqi.co.uk

Wednesdays, Stoke Bishop Village Hall. Adults Yoga Classes and Tots to Teens Yoga Classes, Indian Head Massage, 1‐2‐1's. For full details please visit www.yogawithsara‐jo.com or ring 07789552052.

Henleaze Tennis Club has vacancies for players of all standards and ages. Whether you are an established player looking for a club, someone who is rusty or a student come along and try us out. For further information take a look at our web site www.henleazeltc.com and contact the secretary Pat Thomson 0117 950 5862.

Pilates Classes in Henleaze and Westbury on Trym.

Classes held at:‐ Henleaze URC, Monday 9.30‐ 10.30 & 10.30‐ 11.30 am (Beginners New January classes); Keith James Physios, Coldharbour Rd, Monday 7.30pm (Pre Natal Pilates ); Henleaze United Reformed Church, Tuesday 6.15 pm (Beginners) and Wednesday 6.15 pm (Intermediate); Westbury on Trym Methodist Church, Tuesday 9.30 am & 10.30 am (Intermediate/ Beginners).

Bookings: Zoe Rayne BCPA 07747696938, email zoerayne@adaltapilates.co.uk or visit www.adaltapilates.co.uk.

Zumba Gold Class @ Horfield Parish Church Hall every Weds 2pm‐2.45pm (Gold Class) £4.00 per class, for the mature movers aimed at age 55+ (All other ages Including Beginners) Zumba Class @ Orchard School every Thurs 7pm‐8pm Contact Georgina for further details on www.bristolzumba.com or tel: 07545 625089.

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86 What’s On & Community Events

Keep Fit for Ladies class every Thursday between 9:45 am and 10:45am at St. Peter's Church Hall, Henleaze.

An enjoyable class of mixed ages and abilities with an introduction to the use of balls, scarves, ribbons and clubs. To enjoy movement to music is a pleasure, particularly from a well established pianist. Coffee is available to finish the class. New members always welcome ‐ just turn up at the class or for more info contact Margaret Clarke on Bristol 9501967.

Stoke Lodge Ramblers is a friendly walking club. It provides a varied range of walks that will suit all levels of walking ability. Walks are scheduled for the first and third Thursdays and Sundays of every month. Those on Thursdays are either medium walks of 5 ‐ 7 miles or short walks of 4 miles. Sunday walks are approximately 8 ‐ 11 miles. A number of social events are held throughout the year. New members are always welcome. For further details please visit our website www.stokelodgeramblers.wordpress.com or ring our Secretary on 0117 968 4140.

Zumba and Zumba Gold classes every Weds 5 ‐ 6pm and 6.30 – 7.30pm in WOT Village Hall. Appropriate for men and women of most ages and fitness levels. No dance experience or partner required ‐ just a love of music, movement and fun! £5 or £20 for 5 sessions. Cash on door. Booking strongly advised due to limited capacity ‐ visit www.bristoldancezumba.co.uk for more details.

New Zumba Gold (seniors) class has just started on weekly Mondays in Bradbury Hall ‐ Trinity Reform URC in Henleaze and only £4.50 each. The class is from 4 ‐ 4.50pm and should be very popular for local residents looking to keep fit and healthy with a fun yet lighter pace Zumba class. For more details please contact Sam Ellis on 07766 101790, www.dancebristol.co.uk

Redland Green Bowling Club invites both novices and players to come and play at Redland Green where tuition is available with qualified coaches. FFI please ring Jean or Gerry Wickham on 9624466.

Interested in badminton? Come along to our badminton club at the Greenaway Centre, Westbury on Trym, on Monday evenings from 7pm to 8.30pm.

Reasonable standard of play is required. Please telephone Marilyn on 968 7819 for more details.

Westbury Harriers Running Club meet for a run every Monday and Thursday at 7pm, Coombe Dingle Sports Centre in Stoke Bishop. We are a thriving club consisting of nearly 300 members aged 7 ‐ 70. Training runs cater for all abilities from beginners to advanced. The club has many members who just run for pleasure, but there is also a thriving competitive structure for those who are so inclined! For more information, just turn up on a club night or contact John on professorterry@gmail.com.

Gentle Exercise. We are a small class that meets for an hour on Monday mornings and gently exercise the body, from sitting or standing, to improve posture, balance and flexibility. Everyone, any level of ability, is welcome.

Ring 0117 903 8844 or log on to www.bristol.gov.uk/ adultlearning to book your place. Ring Nen on 0117 9556657 for further info.

Pre‐School Activities

Westbury‐on‐Trym Toddler Group. New members welcomed to join a fun and lively group Wednesdays in term time 9.30‐11.30am at Westbury Methodist Church Hall. Run by group members we have a baby area, crafts, toys and new ride‐ons. For mums and carers, a termly night out! So if you want to come and make some new friends, please book a taster session or for more info www.westburytoddlergroup.co.uk or email westburytoddlers@gmail.com.

Pat‐a‐Cake Toddlers:‐ We are a small friendly parent/ carer and toddler group for babies to preschool aged children. We meet on a Tuesday 1.15 ‐ 2.45 at Westbury Methodist Church Hall. We have a baby corner, crafts and lots of toys to play with. £1.00 per family per week, each session finishes with a lively singsong. For more information contact Caroline on 968 4894

Mums and Tots. Henleaze URC Leonard Hall, Waterford Road, Henleaze. We are a small friendly group who meet

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88 What’s On & Community Events every Wednesday afternoon (during term time) 1.30 pm ‐ 3.30 pm. Grannies and nannies welcomed as well. £1.50 per week to include a cup of tea and biscuits. Do come and join us.

Voluntary

More Reading Buddies Wanted! Would you enjoy offering reading and language support to children for whom English is a second language? Can you help them improve their reading ability, benefiting both them as individuals and the wider class? Can you commit to giving one hour of reading time a week in termtime? We are working with ten schools in the Southmead, Horfield and Brentry areas. Training is offered, and your advanced CRB check is paid for by Bristol City Council.

You would read with the same children each week and be part of a growing group of volunteers. For more information please contact Paul Harrod, at paul.harrod@gmail.com, or on 07576 150706.

Calling all Carers. Would you like the opportunity to share your experiences, relax and make new friends?

Then come and join the new Henleaze Carers’ Group.

The group will meet on the second and fourth Thursday morning of each month, 10am to 12, in the new Bradbury Hall, Waterford Road, Henleaze. For more information please call Mrs M Rudston 942 6095.

Volunteer Drivers wanted for the transport of elderly patients to a doctor or nurse once or twice a week at the WoT Primary Care Centre. We operate under the wings of the nationwide Charity RSVP who provide us with liability insurance for these drives and with other practical help. And of course we work closely with the Staff of the Westbury Practice. Please contact Zina Wilson on 0117 907 8744 or bernzina@blueyonder.co.uk for more info or ask Reception or your doctor on 962 3406.

Volunteers Wanted. Could you help young children with their reading? Do you have a little time to spare each week? Volunteers are required in almost all Bristol's Primary schools usually for half a day a week

during term‐time. Some training will be provided. If you are interested in this worthwhile and rewarding activity please contact Vanessa Kitchen of Community Service Volunteers.

Tel: (0117) 9096858 or vckitchen1949@gmail.com.

Do you love weddings? Westbury‐on‐Trym Village Hall is looking for volunteer wedding helpers for our busy 2011/2012 schedule of wedding receptions. If you are interested, please contact Gill Wilmott on 0117 914 4745

Miscellaneous

Old Sneed Park Nature Reserve will be holding Working Parties on Saturdays 9th February and 9th March. We meet at the Reserve off Glenavon Park at 10am for two hours, with a break for coffee and biscuits at 11am. Please bring secateurs and strong gloves if you have them. We have a beautiful website at www.spnaturereserve.com where you can view pictures and events over the past years.

Stoke Lodge History and Archaeology Group meet on the first Thursday of every month at the Friends Meeting House in Hampton Road at 7.30pm. We have speakers on a varied range of topics, many of which have a strong emphasis on local history. New members are always made very welcome. For further details please contact Annette Martin on 0117 979 3209.

Stoke Bishop & Sneyd Park Local History Group meet regularly in Stoke Bishop Village Hall. New members and visitors are always welcome, and there is a charge of just £2 per meeting for visitors. For more details please call Diana Bourne on 968 6575.

Stand and Deliver Drama School are proud to announce the launch of the Stand and Deliver Theatre Company for 16 to 25 year olds. We look at all aspects of the Industry including television acting and presenting, acting for film and acting for theatre. All students are taught by professionals who work in the industry. Our sessions will be held on Monday evenings at Westbury on Trym Village Hall. Auditions will be held on the 18th of February from 6.30PM If you would like to more information or to book an audition, please contact School Director, Julia Mulligan LLAM (dip) on 07771

89

90 What’s On & Community Events 634060 / www. standanddeliverdramaschools.co.uk.

Can’t make that day? Still email your interest and we will contact you with anything we do in the future.

Now on sale ‐ the great “East meets West” cookbook from the team at the Holy Trinity Church, WoT. £6.50.

Available from The Parish Office Tel: 950 8644 (9.30am ‐12.30pm), and also from Stoke Lane Cards and Gifts, Charlecombe Court, Stoke Lane and Westbury Veg, Carlton Court, Canford Lane, or contact 9502800 for a copy. Payment can be made by cash or a cheque made out to Holy Trinity PCC with the words ‘Cook Book’ on the back to help with processing the money.

New Dimensions meets every month and we have talks on a wide range of esoteric subjects. The meetings are held at the Friends’ Meeting House, 126 Hampton Road, Redland, Bristol BS6 6JE. Admission: £5 (including tea/ coffee/biscuits). The next talk will be held on Sunday17 February 2013 at 3pm. The speaker will be Caroline Nettle and the title of her talk is “Detox and Improve your Health.” (www.toxinfreetoday.com) This will be a really interesting and informative talk. Come and meet new like‐minded friends. For further information, please telephone 01749 678 834 or write to: leasurs@tiscali.co.uk

Mahjong. Is there an existing Mahjong group in the Bristol 8 or 9 areas which is looking for new players (beginners), or alternatively is there anyone who would be interested in setting up a group? Please contact Lee on 0790 567 2979.

Excel Bridge Club meets in Stoke Bishop Village Hall on Stoke Hill every Monday, beginning promptly at 7.15pm.

There is a very cheerful & relaxed atmosphere and as we just play 24 boards we are always finished by 10.15pm – in good time for your evening cocoa! For more details ring Ralph Smith on 01275 840006.

The Bristol Grandparents' Support Group. If you are a grandparent who is going through the trauma of not being able to have contact with your grandchildren, due to family breakdown, a Bristol support group has been

set up. We meet every two months at 9, Park Grove, Westbury Park, Bristol, BS6 7XB. FFI please visit www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk, contact Jane Jackson tel. 0117 9246496, mobile 07773 258270, or email jackson.jane@me.com.

Do you need to borrow a PA System? Martyn at North Bristol PA Hire has kindly offered his services, and those of a whole bunch of public address and lighting gear, for any community or charitable event being held here in BS9. Martyn is happy to be contacted to discuss if he can be of help at any appropriate events e.g. fetes, fun days, musical productions or whatever. He can provide music, commentary or just turn up with a PA (and lighting if needed). If you are interested please ring Martyn on 07977 512436 or 0117 987 0534 or check out his website www.northbristolpahire.co.uk.

WoT’s Local Produce Market is held every fourth Saturday of the month (next on 23rd February) from 9am to 1pm in the Car Park of the Westbury on Trym surgery on Westbury Hill. The market features a great range of produce from local businesses including yummy home‐made cakes, meats, sausages, bacon, free range eggs, fresh fruit and veg and a variety of interesting breads.

Ray Bridge Club meet on Tuesday 6.30pm to 9pm at the Sea Mills Methodist Church, Shirehampton Road (new venue) for social rubber bridge. New members always welcome. Please ring 942 7760 or 968 2652 for further details.

Country Market. Every Friday morning from 10.30 to 11.30 in Westbury on Trym Methodist Church Hall.

Homemade cakes, arts, crafts, plants, vegetables, jams and chutneys. Refreshments are also available in a relaxed and friendly environment. For more details contact Sue Sills on 9628306.

West of England Bridge Club meets for duplicate bridge on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at The Golden Hill Sports Club, Wimbledon Road from 7.30pm ‐ 10.30pm. New members and visitors always welcome. £4 per evening for members, £5 for non‐members, special rates for juniors/unemployed. Licensed bar. For further details of the club or lessons please contact

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Social Bridge, Tuesdays at 7.30 p.m. at Stoke Bishop Village Hall. New members welcome. Tel Chris on 968 5640.

Bristol Film and Video Society exists to bring together those interested in recording and editing video. Do come along to one of our meetings. Held on the first and third Tuesday of each month, meetings are held at the Filton Pavilion, Elm Park, and start at 7:30pm. Have a look at our website for more details: www.bristolvideo.org.uk.

Westbury Art Club meet on Thursday evenings between 7 and 9pm at The Greenway Centre, Doncaster Road, Southmead. We are a mixed ability group of artists For more details check out www.westburyartclub.org.uk, e‐mail us at westburyart@blueyonder.co.uk or phone our club secretary on Bristol 962 9799.

Lip‐reading class. An evening lip‐reading class to help you cope with your hearing loss runs in Clifton from 6.15pm to 7.45pm every Monday at Redland Park United Reformed Church, Whiteladies Road. Fee is £5 per session. For more details contact the tutor, Mary Hall, by email on lipreadingmary@yahoo.com or telephone 07790 283939.

Interested in Plastic Modelling? The Avon Branch of the International Plastic Modellers Society meets on the third Wednesday of every month at the BAWA club on Southmead Road at 8.00pm. New members are always very welcome. For more information contact Andy White on 0117 3300288 or visit www.ipmsavon.org.uk .

Bristol & Clifton Dickens’ Society will meet at Westmoreland Hall, Redland, on Thursday 14th March at 7.30pm where Liz Croucher will be presenting “Danger ‐ Women at Work”. For more details please contact Eveline Fitt on 0755 2939392 or email eve.fitt@btinternet.com.

The Bristol and Gloucestershire Archaeological Society: Next meeting will be on Monday 25th February at 7.45 pm in The Apostle Room, Clifton Cathedral, Pembroke Road, BS8. “Abona – A town of the Past in a Place of the Present”. This lecture will be given by Paul Driscoll, Archaeological Officer, S. Gloucestershire Council and Peter Insole, Archaeological Officer, Bristol City Council.

Community archaeology work at Sea Mills in Bristol is slowly beginning to unravel evidence of the port side of the Roman town of Abona. Volunteers have been utilising test pit excavations and a range of other techniques to piece together the history of the site and place it within the wider context of Roman Bristol and the South West.

The Bristol Nine ‐ The views expressed by contributors or advertisers in The Bristol Nine are not necessarily those held

by The Editor. The inclusion of any business or organisation in this magazine does not imply a recommendation of it, its aims or its methods. The Bristol Nine cannot be held responsible for information disclosed by advertisers, all of which are accepted in good faith. Reasonable efforts are made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this magazine but no liability can be accepted for any loss or inconvenience caused as a result of inclusion, error or omission. All content is the copyright of The Bristol Nine and may not be reproduced without the prior written consent of the Editor of The Bristol Nine magazine.

Quiz Answers from page 12 ‐ 1. Mills & Boon; 2.

Capulet; 3. Aphrodite; 4. Kurt Cobain; 5. Sean Connery; 6. Aintree racecourse; 7. Haircut 100; 8.

Davis Love III; 9. the tomato; 10. It will mate for life; 11. “our Graham”; 12. Minnie Riperton; 13. VW Beetle; 14. Auguste Rodin; 15. Cream Crackers; 16.

Eros; 17. Ali MacGraw and Ryan O’Neal; 18. “Love and Affection”; 19. 1840’s; 20. Lady Chatterley’s Lover.

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