The Bristol Six magazine - December 2015

A free community magazine delivered each month through 9,000 letterboxes across Cotham, Westbury Park, Kingsdown and Redland

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The Editor’s Small Piece Hello there and welcome to the festive issue of the Bristol Six magazine.

I hope November was kind to you and you weren’t buffeted too much. I think there is a silver lining to most clouds, each season brings with it opportunities for businesses and I guess our fencers, tree surgeons and chimney sweeps love this time of year.

Fingers crossed the gloomy weather predicted this weekend gives way to something a little calmer and drier next week when this issue should be being delivered. I’m always hugely grateful to the team of people who distribute The Bristol Six out for me, reliable and happy (I think) whatever the weather. Although I produce the BS6 and sister magazines the BS8 and BS9 pretty much on my own I am indebted to the large number of people who help me by pounding the streets each month getting it to you.

Producing the magazines is a huge task each month (although always a pleasure) and all that effort would be wasted if the end product didn't hit the letterboxes in a timely and reliable fashion. So although it is a bit Oscar-ish I would like to publicly pass on my gratitude to all who have delivered the BS6 magazine this year - so thanks to Pete & Fin, Eve & Lily, Harry & George, Ollie & Amber, Gabriel. Hector, Kiran, James Jess Christina & family, Alex, Theo, Sam, Abigail & June, Mitch, Max, Harry and Jane & Charlie - and anyone else I’ve forgotten!

Fingers crossed you will find something of interest in this months issue - as ever it is a bit of a pot-pourrie in terms of content. One thing that always features however are a great number of loyal, local businesses without whom the whole magazine would be both impossible and pointless. So whether you are a first time advertiser or a long term resident in these pages then a huge thank you to you - I hope your business year has been a good one and I wish you all the best for a prosperous 2016.

And finally to everyone in BS6 who receives the magazine, whether with anticipation, enthusiasm or gentle resignation (hopefully not too many of the latter) I’d like to say thanks for allowing me to share my ramblings with you.

Fingers crossed as many of you as is possible have an enjoyable Christmas (whether peaceful or lively) and that good fortune, health and happiness visit you in 2016.

Thanks for reading, and now I am off for my office Christmas party - mince pie and egg nog for one.

Andy Fraser - the Editor How to get in touch Tel: Mob: E: P: Tw:

0117 259 1964 (NEW NUMBER) 07845 986650 andy@bcmagazines.co.uk 8 Sandyleaze, WoT, BS9 3PY @BS9Andy

January Issue Deadline - 15th December

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REDLAND guide £650,000 Redland Road In a handy loca on opposite Redland Green with a rac ve views to both the front & rear eleva on – a substan al 5 bed, 3 bath/shower room, 2 recep on Edwardian period family town house arranged over 3 levels, circa 1,884 sq. ., having an impressive overall feeling of space including a stylish kitchen/breakfast room and town garden. Has charm and character with retained period features. EPC: D

LD SO ST C

LDC O S ST

WESTBURY PARK guide £600,000 Halsbury Road A bright & spacious 4 bedroom (1 en suite), 2 recep on room period family house presented to a high standard throughout, further benefi ng from a separate kitchen/breakfast room leading out onto a good sized 43 x 17 level rear garden with a surprisingly open aspect & handy rear lane access. A much loved family home in an enviable loca on for families. EPC: D

LDC O S ST

REDLAND guide range £545,000 ‐ £595,000 Redland Hill Occupying an elevated posi on with far reaching views ‐ an imposing 4 bedroom (was formerly 5 bedrooms), 2 recep on room end of terrace Edwardian period family town house (circa 2,390 sq. .) with front and rear town garden, favourably located near the Downs, Whiteladies Road and within circa 600 metres of both Westbury Park Primary and Redland Green School. EPC: F

COTHAM guide £315,000 A bright & spacious 2 double bedroom first floor apartment set within this imposing semi‐detached Victorian period building with far reaching city views & located within a residents permit parking zone. In a highly convenient posi on easy for Whiteladies Road, St Michaels Hill, the city centre & the Triangle. Lots of light & well propor oned with period features. A most appealing home, ideal for a first‐ me‐buyer or investors. EPC: D

Richard Harding, the independent Estate Agents selling fine homes in & around Redland, Cotham & Westbury Park - professionally, reliably, successfully

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Useful Information Contact Numbers Gas Emergencies 0800 111 999 Electricity Emergencies 0800 365 900 Water Emergencies 0845 600 4600 Avon & Somerset Police Non-Emergencies 101 (new no.)

Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 Southmead Hospital 0117 950 5050 Bristol Royal Infirmary 0117 923 0000 Bristol Children’s Hospital 0117 342 8460 NHS non-emergency 111 Bristol Blood Donation 0117 988 2040 The Samaritans 08457 909090 Alcoholics Anonymous 0845 76975 55 ChildLine 0800 11 11 National Rail Enquiries 08457 484950 Telephone Pref Service 0845 070 0707 Mailing Pref Service 0845 703 4599 West of England Care & Repair - help, advice and information 0300 323 0700 Postal Services Cotham Post Office 9 - 5.30 Monday to Saturday Whiteladies Rd Post Office 9 - 5.30 Monday to Friday, 9 - 13.00 Saturday Gloucester Rd Post Office 9 - 5.30 Monday to Saturday 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 Cheltenham Road - tel. 903 8562 Mon, Weds, Fri, Sat - 10.00 to 13.00 and 14.00 to 17.00 Redland - tel. 903 8549 Mon, Tues, Fri, Sat - 09.30 to 17.00 Thurs - 09.30 to 19.00 Sunday - 13.00 to 16.00 Henleaze - tel 0117 903 8541 Mon, Fri - 09.30 to 19.00, Tues, Weds, Thur, Sat 09.30 to 17.00 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 Centres at Avonmouth and St Phillips on Kingsweston Lane, Avonmouth are open from 8.00am to 4.15pm, 7 days a week until the end of March.

Bristol City Council www.bristol.gov.uk 0117 922 2000 Trains to / From Temple Meads Trains depart from Redland Station to Temple Meads at the following times Mon-Fri 0628, 0645, 0744, 0819, 0852, 0932, 1019, 1052, 1133, 1219, 1251, 1333, 1419, 1451, 1534, 1619, 1650, 1732, 1819, 1914, 1948, 2019, 2154, 2235, 2319 Sat 0650, 0733, 0819, 0850, 0932, 1019, 1051, 1134, 1219, 1250, 1334, 1419, 1451, 1534, 1619, 1650, 1734, 1819, 1931, 2012, 2154, 2234, 2319 Sun 1011, 1107, 1207, 1307, 1407, 1507, 1607, 1710, 1809, 1837 Trains depart from Bristol Temple Meads to Redland at the following times Mon-Fri 0514, 0548, 0630, 0703, 0803, 0836, 0916, 1003, 1034, 1116, 1203, 1234, 1316, 1403, 1434, 1516, 1603, 1635, 1713, 1803, 1847, 1933, 2034, 2137, 2216 Sat 0603, 0634, 0716, 0803, 0834, 0916, 1003, 1034, 1116, 1203, 1234, 1316, 1403, 1434, 1516, 1603, 1634, 1716, 1803, 1903, 2034, 2140, 2216 Sun 0908, 1023, 1123, 1223, 1323, 1423, 1523, 1623, 1652, 1753 Journey time is approximately 15 minutes in each direction

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WILD BOAR AND SALT MARSH BEEF NOW IN

For great Christmas value • Woolley Park (Bath) free range turkeys, geese and ducks • Copas organic and free range turkeys • Usk Vale boneless turkey crowns stuffed for order • Gift vouchers • Set boxes 101 Henleaze Road, Bristol BS9 4JP

0117 962 1095

www.henleazebutchers.co.uk

Like us for special offers and seasonal recipes

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has taste and therefore we usually reach a happy compromise. A few carefully chosen pieces are allowed onto the tree while the rest of the nest Christmas comes to Cotham once again and with remains knotted together and unfulfilled yet it the annual rituals that dominate the month of again.

December. This will be our fifth Yuletide spent in our current flat so I’d like to think we have the There’s a great satisfaction that comes with process finely tuned by now. This isn’t a time for completing the decorating, it’s that moment spontaneity rather military precision is the order when you take a step back and congratulate of the day. yourself that everything looks exactly the same as it did the year before. Even the smell of fir and The first task is always choosing the right tree, candles is instantly recognisable, that of a which we purchase from Bristol Zoo. It’s taken a welcome old friend. while for us to determine the best size, shape and species for our needs. We’ve learnt the hard way This painstaking process s takes a few days but that it’s best to have one which fits in the car, not thankfully is complete just in time for us to to mention the front door. Of equal importance is decamp back to one of our respective houses for that a few needles remain by the time I’ve Christmas Day, safe in the knowledge that our dragged it up the stairs, therefore the more beautifully decorated house is being enjoyed by robust the fir the better it is for us. nobody!

This Cotham Life - Duncan Haskell

Next step is the perilous task of fetching the boxes of decorations from the loft, swiftly followed by a quick round of stock control to ensure that everything has survived another 12 months of boxed-up isolation. There’s inevitably a casualty or two; a cracked bauble or furry elf that’s fallen victim to the damp. Of course there’s also everyone’s favourite job of testing the lights, untangling the snakes wedding of wires before plugging them in and praying to Santa that they light up without the need to check every single bulb in search of the elusive faulty culprit.

After the audit comes the yearly tinsel debate.

Coming from a “more is more” family means that I’m all in favour of stringing it across the house leaving no corner unsparkled. My wife however

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History Notes No. 98 - Some Hidden Delights - Julian Lea-Jones

The 1980 fountain of Sabrina by Pop Artist and sculptor the late Gerald Laing is in the courtyard behind Broad Quay house. Described by him as This month I want to share with you some of our the Apotheosis of Sabrina in which she, the goddess of the River Severn, is supported in a sea city’s overlooked delights. Statues, often perceived just as historic records of the ‘great and shell by three young attendants. The earliest the good’, feature many splendid examples of the reference I could find for the Severn being called sculptors art. Because space precludes more than Sabrina was in the first century by Tacitus in his a few visual examples to whet your appetite, I’ve ‘Annals’. However it is likely that Gerald got his inspiration for the work from Milton’s masque listed others for you to discover, (some of which Comus. are described in my books, ‘Beastly Bristol’ and Bristol Curiosities’).

"She, guiltless damsel, flying the mad pursuit Of her enraged step-dame Gwendolen, Steve Joyce is probably best Commended her fair innocence to the flood known for his statue of John That stayed her flight with his cross-flowing Cabot seated on a baulk of course. timber outside the Arnolfini The water-nymphs, that in the bottom played, Gallery on Narrow Quay.

Held up their pearled wrists, and took her in, However Steve also has Bearing her straight to aged Nereus' hall; provided us with other Who, piteous of her woes, reared her lank delights accessible to the head, public. I wonder how many And gave her to his daughters to imbathe are aware of his 1985 In nectared lavers strewed with asphodel, splendid statue of St Odelia And through the porch and inlet of every sense and model bird suspended Dropped in ambrosial oils, till she revived, high above her in the inner And underwent a quick immortal change, courtyard of the Eye Made Goddess of the river ..."

Hospital in Maudlin Street.

Another of his sculptural groups is the horse trader and nag at the rear of Brunel House behind the Council House, (I refuse to acknowledge GF’s Americanised name for it, but of course in deference to the EU it might be more appropriate to adopt the German name, the Rathaus), Steve’s horse and trader commemorate the site of a 19th century Horse Bazaar and carriage.

Odelia lived in the ninth century possibly near Strasbourg, adopted by nuns at some stage she miraculously regained her sight and became St Odelia the patron saint of eyesight. His sculpture shows her seeing a bird overhead at the moment in which her sight returns.

There are many other delights hidden in Bristol’s byways and courtyards: look out for the two mysterious, possibly medieval, figures embedded in a wall in St John’s Court.

When next in the Corn Exchange, where each entrance has scenes representing Bristol’s 17th Century trading continents look out for the co-existing Camel & Dinosaur! Also off Broad Street in Tailors Court a superb shell hood doorway features a gilded dromedary & lion. On Castle green discover the fabled giant’s chair complete with his footprints whilst in Woodland Road, Clifton, you can find a panoply Aesop’s Fables carved in stone. © Julian Les-Jones FRAeS 2015

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203 Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2XT

It has been a great 2015 for Bristol. The city becomes more and more exciting every year that passes. We appear to have more development, more shops, more student life and more energy than ever before. In my opinion a mayoral election next year highlights the fact that we are a city looking to debate the issues, change and move forward. Perhaps I am biased - I have lived and worked here almost all my adult life. Yet as I daily meet families and professionals relocating here, I see the same excitement and enthusiasm for this city that I feel deep in my bones. Yes property can be expensive, and ever more so driven by the London market, but we do have high employment, good schools, great hospitals and thriving Universities. This time of year is traditionally one for counting blessings and extending good cheer to others. Living in Bristol makes both of those easier to do.

Howard Davis MD Clifton

For Sale Redland £1,000,000 A Victorian period property in a highly desirable leafy terrace in Redland. Currently arranged as four separate flats. Rear and front gardens as well as garage. EPC's Flat 1 D, Flat 2 C, Flat 3 C, Flat 4 F.

For Sale Redland £425,000 An exceptional triplex apartment in a beautifully converted church in Redland. This spacious apartment has been designed to complement the existing French Gothic style architecture of arches and stone pillars. EPC E

www.cjhole.com Clifton Sales 0117 923 8238

clifton@cjhole.co.uk

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For Sale Clifton £ 269,950 A two bedroom retirement apartment in a very popular complex just off Whiteladies road. Communal garden and car park as well as Residents Lounge. EPC C

For Sale Exclusive New City development A selection of studio,1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments in a stylish new development in the historic city. Parking by separate negotiation. EPC B and C

To Let Redland £2,000 pcm Lovely three storey townhouse, newly refurbished to a very high standard. Patio garden and allocated parking.

EPC tbc

To Let City Centre £1,595 pcm A stunning duplex apartment in a converted Grade II listed building at the foot of Park Street. Generous open plan living space and master with ensuite.

Allocated parking.

To let Stoke Bishop £1,150 pcm Located in lovely Druid Woods this spacious apartment has three double bedrooms and two large balconies.

Communal facilities include gym, swimming pool and squash court. EPC C

To Let Redland £900 pcm Lovely two double bedroom first floor flat. Great location within walking distance of the Downs and Whiteladies Road. EPC B

Clifton Lettings 0117 946 6588 www.cjhole.com

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Mrs PC - Friendly Computer Training Christmas Shopping Many of you will be getting ready for Christmas and buying presents for your friends and family.

Shops are busy but full of atmosphere and lots of ideas, they open later so that you can shop after work, and are often less crowded in the evenings.

If however you want to avoid queues and bustle, you may want to shop online. This can be done at any time of day, but is as about as time consuming.

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Compare prices at comparison sites such as mysupermarket.co.uk, Kelkoo and Pricerunner.

Avoid paying postage by using “click and collect”.

Try one or more of the cashback websites such as Topcashback.co.uk and log on to shop at selected retailers and get cash back on your shopping.

Buy vouchers but careful with the expiry dates.

Here are a few tips to help you cut down on some On this note, I would like to mention that I offer costs this Christmas whether you are visiting vouchers for computer lessons, which I can shops or online: customise for you to give as gifts for Christmas or any other occasion. If you know someone who is • Write a list and stick to it. struggling with technology or is about to receive

a new gadget for Christmas, this could be a good • Make your own presents or cook them. option. I would like to thank Mrs Jones who

wrote in last month to propose that I should • Make the most of buy one get one free. make this suggestion. She thought there would

• Gather up loyalty points and use up your be many people who could do with a helping hand, and being taught how to do things on a vouchers on presents or food. Look out PC, laptop, tablet or phone. for triple points days to get more points on shopping.

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I teach on Windows computers and Apple, which includes Mac, iPhone, iPad as well as Kindles, cameras, smartphones. My technicians can offer help with setting up new devices and transferring Use cashback credit cards. Earn money as data, as well as trouble shooting and Wi-Fi networks. you spend.

Shop when there are promotions or price matches in store.

Visit Aldi, Lidl, TK Max and Primark for great deals, or treat yourself to a day out at a retail outlet - at Bicester Village, Clarks Village or Swindon.

Get on eBay, but check the prices against Amazon and other online retailers.

Amazon in other countries can be cheaper despite the postage.

Look up discount codes for online shopping at sites such as www.moneysavingexpert.co.uk and hotukdeals.co.uk before you buy.

Lessons are an hour long and technicians and teaching is the same price per hour. Currently £40/hour. We come to you and if it’s a lesson, it’s geared around what you want to learn. There a

p21Â lots of small things that can be done to make your computer time easier and simpler. We aim to give confidence so that you learn to love your computers and make the most of what you have.

We have years of experience and patience really is our speciality.

Do get in touch to arrange a voucher. Send an email to info@mrspc.co.uk or call me on 07920 578194.

Thank you to all those who take the trouble to

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write in to say how much you enjoy reading my articles. It is wonderful to hear from you. Thank you also for suggesting some areas you would like me to cover. If you read my articles, please feel free to get in touch.

Wishing you and your families a very Happy Christmas and do try some of my shopping suggestions.

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Gardening Tips from Hilary Barber Whilst you will all be leaf raking, madly planting the rest of your bulbs, and mulching this month, I thought that you might welcome a top tips page to help winter garden wildlife. Latest figures have shown that our hedgehog population has fallen by over a third in the last decade, and house sparrows and starlings are amongst the worst hit species of garden birds as populations decline by 150 million in 30 years.

1. Feed the birds! Make sure you top up feeders to stop them running out, and use fat balls and blocks and other suet based foods to give the birds a real boost in the early mornings. Other good energy rich foods which will help bring in a good range of birds include peanuts, niger seed, black sunflowers, and mealworms. Putting out chopped up fruit and vegetables on feeders is also useful, or pinning halves of apples and pears in trees. Grated hard cheese as an occasional treat is also an energy rich favourite for garden birds. But remember, when you start feeding birds in your garden please continue to do so throughout the winter period. Birds are creatures of habit, so will return daily and can come to rely on your feeder in harsher times 2. Clean out nesting boxes. Don't forget to remove old nesting materials from bird boxes to prevent the build up of parasites and diseases, replace the old with a little fresh material, and don't take them down for long periods as come nightfall many of these boxes will still be in use as birds shelter from the harsh weather. Now is a great time to put up more boxes too, ready for the spring - you might even get some birds roosting in it over the winter.

3. Don’t forget water! When temperatures drop water freezes making it difficult for wildlife to find fresh water to drink. Break the water on bird baths daily or replace with tepid water, putting a bowl of warm water out will also help other wildlife. Garden ponds can be an important water source for wildlife, but not just for drinking. It's important to ensure that pond life is safe too, as the oxygen in a pond can be depleted if it is completely frozen over for long periods of time. To ensure that your pond is healthy and to stop it freezing over , make sure that you have a ball floating on the surface of the pond.

4. Hedgehogs should be hibernating by now but if it’s still mild and you do see a hedgehog in your garden, provide a shallow bowl of fresh water and some cat or dog food. If you are building a new fence please ensure to leave a little hedgehog ‘door' at the bottom of one section so that hedgehogs can roam widely

5. Don’t be too tidy! It's tempting, when plants begin to die back and trees loose their leaves, to 'have a tidy' and cut back vegetation. However, leaving seed heads on and not pruning berry laden shrubs will provide much needed natural food sources; and plant stems, and piles of leaves, rocks or logs make a great place for invertebrates such as ladybirds and lacewings, toads, slow worms and hedgehogs to hibernate.

6. Turn your compost heap over winter to keep it ticking over - but do it gently and carefully - many invertebrates and even toads and slow worms are likely to take refuge in a warm compost heap over winter.

7. If you are planning for next year, start thinking and taking notes on the kind of plants you might like to plant ready for next winter. Plants and shrubs which bear fruit, nuts or berries are a great way to give something back to wildlife come winter and provides interest and a splash of colour when other vegetation dies back. Also, planting plants with hollow stems such as angelica, fennel and queen annes lace, and leaving them to stand through the winter will provide a great home for wildlife to hibernate.

For further information see www.rhs.org.uk/ science/pdf/plant-health/plantsforbugs and www.sttiggywinkles.org.uk/top-navigation/ wildlife-advice/hedgehog-fact-sheet Wishing you all a very Happy Festive Season!

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No Prize General Knowledge Quiz

9.

Name these vehicles.

10.

On official UK Christmas postage stamps which way is the Queen facing?

11.

What would you dislike if you were a) a misanthrope, b) a misandrist, and c) a misogamist?

12.

Alphabetically name the first and last US states.

13.

What do the following acronyms stand for - NLP, ROSPA and NATO?

14.

In which decade did Sir Francis Drake take on the Spanish Armada?

15.

Typically, what is the minimum legal tread depth (in mm) for a car tyre in the UK?

16.

These terms relate to which kinds of animals - porcine, lupine and ovine?

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Name these European countries just by their outlines (not to scale) -

OK, time to engage your brains and see how you fare with this months quiz. The more you get right the bigger the hat you are entitled to ask Santa for this Christmas. Best of luck.

1.

Who illustrated the Winnie the Pooh books?

2.

Name the army officer set to become the UK’s first astronaut to fly to the International Space Station.

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4.

Name these three religious buildings and where would you find them?

Name the lead female characters in the films The Hunger Games, Star Wars (the very first film), and Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

5.

Which US city is home to the Pirates, the Penguins and the Steelers?

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Famous quotes. Who said a) “Mr Gorbachev, open this gate!”; b) “… my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin, but by the content of their character”; and c) “He’s not the Messiah, he’s a very naughty boy”.

7.

The Jurassic period of geology came between which two other periods?

8.

On a standard English Monopoly board what comes between Fenchurch Street Station and Coventry Street?

a.

c.

b.

d.

Answers on page 59

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Bruce Fellows’ Good Reads In The Outsider: My Life in Intrigue, Frederick Forsyth has wri en not exactly his life story but rather scenes from his life, scenes that are revealing and exci ng. When very young, he conceived an urge to fly.

Naturally, he later learnt and along the way also became a considerable linguist.

Journalism for Reuters led eventually to The Day of the Jackal, his first phenomenal bestseller. And the intrigue? Well, when you travel abroad a lot, it’s quite natural to help MI6 out, isn’t it? Apparently everyone was doing it and it helped keep down costs in straitened mes. This is a very entertaining and enlightening read.

Ryosuke, Naoki, Kotomi, Mirai; two males, two females, all in their twen es, share a Tokyo apartment in Shuichi Yoshida’s haun ng contemporary novel Parade.

They go to work, get drunk, watch videos, take baths and wonder about the goings on in the flat next door. Each tells his or her story in turn and illuminates the others’ anxie es and yearnings in different ways. Then they find someone asleep on their sofa one morning.

Who is he? Is anything he says the truth?

And who is it who is a acking women in the area? Yoshida has wri en an enthralling but disturbing tale of isolated urban life.

Novelist AM Homes had always known she was adopted but when her birth mother sent a message saying she would be happy to be contacted, her contented

thirty‐one year old life was thrown into turmoil; her birth mother was not the fabulous creature long dreamt of. The Mistress’s Daughter, the book that documents Homes’ discoveries: her anger, her disillusionment, is a painfully truthful account of her experience. She found her biological father, too; the older married man to her mother’s mistress. Her story is as compelling as any novel and an an dote to more common saccharine tales of children and mothers reunited.

Nevil Shute is a story teller of the old school. Any me you come across one of his books you can be sure you have a gripping read in your hands.

Pied Piper is no excep on.

It’s 1940 but John Howard just has to get away to stay in the Jura Mountains where he last went with his son. When the War starts to get serious, he agrees to take two English children back home. An ordinary man in an extraordinary situa on, he has many disasters to cope with and picks up more children along the way. This cleverly told novel is tense and surprisingly moving.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s Leading is a kind of instruc on manual on how to head up a large organisa on, with countless vivid examples from his me with Aberdeen and Manchester United. Here are a few nuggets of his wisdom: know everyone’s name and talk to them, make sure everyone understands what you want and then delegate, be first in in the morning, think a few years ahead, lose your temper or keep calm as the person or situa on requires. Just common sense, right? Perhaps, but it seems to take a remarkable character to put it into prac ce.

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p and abili es to get cycling and runs Bike Back a bicycle refurbishment project at HMP Bristol in Horfield.

If you are interested in having a stall at the May Fair you can email mayfairstalls@rcas.org.uk for The May Fair takes place on Bank Holiday Monday 2 informa on on how to apply for a stall and to be May 2016, 1‐5pm on Redland Green. The biggest added to the mailing list. free community event in the local area, the May Fair Or to help out for an hour or two on the day with is organised by a small commi ee of volunteers on jobs like se ng up, welcoming fair‐goers or handing behalf of the Redland & Cotham Ameni es Society out programmes email and is run by volunteers on the day.

RedlandMayFairVolunteers@gmail.com. Even Every year the proceeds of a bucket collec on are helping in a small way can make a big difference! given to a nominated charity. In 2015 we were able

to give £2,000 to LifeCycle UK, the Bristol‐based May Fair Commi ee cycling charity. LifeCycle UK helps people of all ages nd

Redland & Cotham Ameni es Society www.rcas.org.uk/redland‐fair

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The Downs Recorder - Richard Bland

Another boundary was formed by the vertical faces of the quarries which were not only in the Boundaries Gorge, but also in Clifton. The Merchant The Downs are not one place, but two, separated Venturers had given licenses to quarry stone for many purposes which led in the 19c century to by a parish boundary established by charter in the Downs being eaten away. All the land north the year 883. One half is in the parish of Clifton, of Worral Road was a quarry, and the Spire the other, called Durdham Down, lies in the parish of Westbury. The Boundary is marked by a hospital sits in a huge quarry that was never filled line of stones, called the Mere stones, which have in.

CP and WP carved into them. The land was once It is also interesting that some of the roads across common land, and those living around it had the downs do not have kerbs or gutters as a commoners rights to graze stock, and gather gorse, and they could seek permission to quarry boundary. The Downs Ranger has to plant poles or stones on the edge of the downs to prevent stone. No enclosure or wall or hedge was parked cars encroaching, and many of the edges allowed, except for the pound into which stray have deep ruts. This is because the roads across animals were put before being claimed. Up to the Downs were not treated like urban streets.

2000 sheep grazed the area until 1926.

These were paved and had gutters of Cornish granite setts, and kerbs of Pennant sandstone Those who farmed the richer land on the slopes quarried in the Frome Valley. But an ordinary leading up to the Downs naturally built hedges road across the countryside would normally have and walls to keep the sheep and cattle out of a gravel stone surface, and a ditch on either side their fields. Today the boundary on the North is an almost continuous wall which both kept stray to keep it drained. In the nineteenth century there were two toll roads across the Downs, to animals out, and also created privacy for the Westbury and Stoke Bishop, and in the twentieth gardens. But one section, along the boundary with St Monicas rest home, was turned into a Ha- century these were modernised with tarmac and Ha, ie a ditch with a vertical face, to keep animals kerbs and road drains. But older tracks, such as at bay. This allowed the inhabitants of the home Savile Road, Upper Belgrave Road, Ladies Mile and the roads across Clifton Green, were left as to enjoy a wide view from their magnificent they always had been. Circular Road, built in garden of the activities on the Downs. In some 1875, had Cornish setts both as a gutter, and as a areas, such as Gloucester Row and Sion Hill, the kerb, though today those kerb stones are now houses were built, often with steps, facing the frequently dislodged by cars turning in the road. roadways around the Downs. In Clifton there is one ancient gate (seen below), still called the sheep gate, the last survivor of what must have been a series of gated roads and tracks leading into the developed parts of Bristol.

A final point about road boundaries; some of the roads around the downs have a paved pathway alongside them, but this is separated from the road by a thin grass strip that is often worn and eroded. This strip is there to show that the path is not the responsibility of the highways authority, but belongs to the Downs, who are responsible for the upkeep of the path, but not the road.

The Downs are for people, and the management of a vast number of competing interests is sophisticated and subtle. If you enjoy the Downs, or use if for your sport, why not become a Friend?

Membership is just ÂŁ10. Contact Robin Haward at robinhaward@blueyonder.co.uk 0117 974 3385

Â

p36Â and doggy toothpaste. Cats too can benefit from a dental check and advice about feeding tooth friendly diets. Please call the surgery to Christmas Presents for Pets!

There is aways plenty to do at this time of year in arrange a free dental check with a veterinary the run up to Christmas so I thought I would help nurse for advice. with a few Christmas present suggestions for your pets. We have suggestions that will enhance Toys for cats and dogs keep them mentally the quality of life for your pet and some that can stimulated as your pet ages and for the younger pet helps to avoid boredom and subsequent improve their health and well being. behavioural issues. Fishing toys and laser pens for cats have been shown to aid weight loss by With the dark evenings visibility is so important increasing cat activity if played with for just 10 for dogs and cats, why not buy your pet some High- Viz? Coats and lights for dog and collars for minutes a day. Some cats love Catnip toys and cats to help them stay safe when out and about. will play with them for hours, even a simple ping In the colder weather we all feel our joint more as pong ball works well to amuse. A huge range of brain toys for dogs and puzzle bowls are now do our pets, treating them to a new warm and available. comfy bed will be a great treat and help their

Talking Pets - Nicky Bromhall

joints. Orthopaedic mattresses are available for dogs and cats enjoy a radiator bed to keep warm.

Snuggle safe discs are microwave heated to keep them warm all night.

Does your dog gulp his food so quickly that he immediately wants more or is sick after? then try a Slobowl, designed to slow your dogs eating habits and also great for dogs on a diet when you want them to still take a while to eat a reduced portion size. Activity balls which can be filled with kibble are a great way of relieving boredom in cats and dogs and are also useful for animals on a diet as they need to work to get the reward of a small amount of food.

High tech presents for our pets include a Go-Pro for your dog so you can see exactly what he sees or a G-Paws tracker for your cat so you can see where he goes all day while you are out, or maybe he just stays in bed all day? Microchip operated cat and dog-flaps give your pet their freedom to come and go as they please but not let other animals in to your home.

And to make sure your pet looks his best for the festive period why not give him a Pamper Day out at the groomers or for cats that are difficult to groom come in and see us to discus a comb out under sedation. Many ageing cats find grooming difficult and can develop uncomfortable matted coats, a haven for fleas.

I hope this has given you a few ideas to treat your pet at Christmas, wishing you a Has your dog got bad breath? Very often the sign very happy Christmas and a healthy New Year for all. of dental disease, why not treat him to a dental check up and dentistry as necessary to sweeten Nicky Bromhall MRCVS his breath in time for Christmas? Dental chews make great stocking fillers and even a toothbrush Principal Veterinary Surgeon, Animal Health Centre

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p38 NEW YEAR - HOW ABOUT A NEW HOBBY?

arranged for those who wish to attend.

How about trying a new hobby for 2016? Do you enjoy flowers, gardens, creative art - or have you never really thought of yourself as having an artistic talent but want to try something new?

Then this club could be for you.

Membership includes being part of the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies and there are regular sales tables and notice boards which provide plenty of materials and events for you to develop your knowledge.

Meetings are held in a light and airy hall and refreshments are available for those of us wishing to have a post meeting catch up!

Henleaze & District Flower Club welcomes visitors and new members. Originally formed in 1981 by a small group of flower arrangers in Westbury On Trym, it subsequently moved to Henleaze in 1982 where it has grown and now has over 60 enthusiastic members.

We have monthly meetings with National

Demonstrators making Floral Art arrangements, ranging from the traditional to the much more modern. There are also monthly, informal practice classes where a theme is given along with a helpful idea sheet but is also open to individual interpretation! These sessions are suitable for all abilities and are very relaxed and enjoyable. An annual trip to a garden of interest, club lunches and coffee mornings are also

Membership is £40 per year plus £2 per practice session. Visitors are welcome at £5 per demonstration session ( refundable on subsequent joining). We warmly welcome the complete novice to the experienced flower arranger. Come and give us a try. Meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at 2pm in Bradbury Hall, Trinity- Henleaze United Reformed Church.

For further information contact Debra Ward telephone 07974937741 or email debragailward@hotmail.com

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Music with Duncan Haskell

Next Step Daydream by Mariah Carey (Columbia)

It’s unlikely that you’ll listen to Mariah Carey’s fifth studio album Daydream and instantly think of Grimes but Grimes is the singular vision of Claire Boucher has been Canadian producer and effusive in her praise of The songwriter Claire Boucher and Voice, and that’s enough she has finally returned with reason to revisit the New York singer’s finest her fourth album, the follow up to 2012’s Visions. Boucher’s record. Having sold over 25 million copies it also remains one of the best-selling records of all sound has always dabbled time. with the mainstream before veering off on its own unique direction but Art Angels takes a Perhaps the most fully realised of Carey’s albums different approach, feeling like a reconstruction Daydream finds her perfectly positioned of pop from the inside. between her love of R&B and the type of balladry her fans had become accustomed to, showcased Grimes’ synthetic sound still remains but has been supplemented with an extra layer of sheen. perfectly by the six singles released from the California might be a lament aimed at critics and record. For every upbeat hip hop-inspired track fans, instead of a rejected lover, but still could be like Fantasy there is a standard like Always Be My Baby. Complementing rather than competing Taylor Swift’s next single. Kill V. Maim is an with each other this balance of styles positioned infectious slice of cartoon disco with hints of Carey as a thoroughly modern artist.

Britney at her manufactured best. The title track

Album of the Month December Art Angels by Grimes (4AD)

might be the purest moment of pop that Boucher has ever recorded, Fantasy era Mariah Carey revamped for 2015.

Of course, this being Grimes there will always be uncategorisable and idiosyncratic moments.

SCREAM, featuring the Taiwanese rapper Aristophanes, combines a Cramps guitar riff with heavy beats and casts an eerie shadow. Belly of the Beat is a flirtation between strumalong guitars and a drum machine which feels surprisingly slight, not quite providing the musical escapism Boucher alludes to in the song’s lyrics.

As ever Carey’s incredible vocals were the star of the show, listening to her range and control on One Sweet Day, her collaborations with Boyz II Men, is to hear a master at the peak of her powers. That Carey never reached these heights again shouldn’t detract from the quality of Daydream, another fine example of an artist determined to follow their own vision

Gig of the Month The Darkness @ O2 Academy Bristol, Sunday 13th December

With Christmas upon us we’re changing tack slightly this month and recommending Throughout the album, Art Angels suggests that the best gig for the festive despite the clamour for Grimes to be the saviour season. Who better to provide of the music world, Boucher is perfectly happy the Yuletide cheer than Justin with her position inside the machine. Her music Hawkins and his band The will never be esoteric enough for some, nor will it ever dominate the charts, but this middle ground Darkness. Having recently returned with new album Last of Our Kind, the hirsute rockers will no is where she can create records that are both doubt treat fans to a repertoire of new tracks and subversive and thoroughly enjoyable and familiar favourites from their classic debut album perhaps most importantly, make you want to Permission To Land and if you ask loudly enough dance. they might even close with the mischievous Christmas Time (Don't Let the Bells End).

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Bristol and Keynsham Society

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Mystery Prize Wordsearch A slightly festive feel to the Prize Wordsearch this month where the winner will get themselves … well, you’ll have to enter to find out.

Right, here are the names you are looking for Blitzen Carol Claus Comet Cupid Dancer Joseph Jesus Ivy Holly Gabriel Frank

Wenceslas Vixen Rudolph Prancer Mary Noddy Dasher Donner Elizabeth Eric Ernie

Listed below are twenty three names closely or tenuously associated with Christmas. Twenty two of them are hidden in the wordsearch grid and can be found written forwards, backwards, up, down or on a diagonal. Just work out the missing festive name and let me know which it is. First correct entry out of the hat on January 15th wins themselves a mystery prize that will be well worth winning - I guarantee it won’t be a turkey in any way.

Congratulations to the winner of the October competition who wins themselves cream tea for Send your entries to 8 Sandyleaze, WoT, BS9 3PY, two people at Thornbury Castle. The lucky email andy@bcmagazines.co.uk, phone 0117 259 person who will be stuffing themselves with 1964 (new number), text 07845 986650 or tweet scones, cream and jam is Mr Gary Clark. Thanks @BS9Andy. Entries in by January 15th 2016. to everyone who entered this month.

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within our thought there lays implicit judgement. Once we can see this for what it is i.e. a thought and not a fact, we have a choice of what to do with it: we may want to Self Judgement laugh at it; we may want to adopt an Being judged adversely is not a nice feeling. alternative, positive thought; we may want We’ve all experienced being reprimanded or to let it go altogether or we may feel a resistance to letting it go. If the latter told in some way that we’re not good happens there are likely to be assumptions enough. When this is an infrequent event or expectations that are feeding this we may be able to take the learning and judgement and they need further move on. But what if it keeps recurring? questioning.

Frustration, disappointment and anger are all likely to build and our self esteem suffers Changes in our thinking patterns do not as a result. happen overnight. When we realise how long we’ve been practicing these patterns So, if it’s so unpleasant and unproductive, why do we do it to ourselves? “Why did I say that’s not really surprising! In fact if we think these changes should happen quickly we that, I’m so stupid?” “I’m doing it again, I’m are likely to get frustrated with ourselves hopeless!” ”I’ve got it wrong again, what’s the matter with me?” “No one else seems to and perpetuate the cycle! So it’s really important that we approach change with a be struggling; there must be something wrong with me” “why can’t I get something proven strategy, persistence and patience. right for a change?”

If this sounds too tricky to deal with on your own, you don’t have to. When you’ve decided you’re ready to address those negative self judgements and improve your self esteem, coaching provides you with the support to develop greater awareness and strategies to select and change the way you think and feel. With improved self esteem not only will you be happier, you will also be in a stronger position to make well formed choices and take positive action.

Coaching with Anne Miller

Maybe one or more of these sound familiar?

Thoughts like this are not uncommon but identifying the ones that are holding us back from being our best and being happy with ourselves is the first step to being able to deal with them. So what can we do about them, when they just pop into our heads uninvited?

Visit www.annemillercoaching.co.uk for more information and to book a free consultation Tel: 07722110228

Working with a coach you will gain new perspectives empowering you to make better choices Any change we consciously make starts with and achieve positive change. awareness; in this case awareness that

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Film Review - Chris Worthington Brooklyn Directed By John Crowley Brooklyn is a real gem of a film. It is based on the novel by Colin Toibin and set in rural Ireland and Brooklyn in the early 1950s. The screenplay was written by Nick Hornby. Many of the actors in the film are relatively unknown and until now the director has mostly worked in the theatre. The film centres on an attractive and clever young woman, Eilis Brady, played by Saoirse Ronan, who with the help of the local priest escapes the confines of a small town in rural Ireland to take a job in a department store in Brooklyn.

The film has a strong storyline and some excellent dramatic scenes. It begins with Eilis at home with her mother and devoted sister Rose and at work in the local shop owned by the sharp tongued Miss Kelly. Then the day finally arrives for Eilis to depart to start her new life in America.

and is soon making her own way, charming rich customers at the department store and going to Coney Island with her likeable Italian/American boyfriend.

Was all of this possible in New York in the 1950’s?

Probably, yes. And for twenty somethings is it possible now, is America still the land of the free?

I leave that question open but many people feel the need to leave their place of birth to achieve their often ill defined goals, maybe not in New York any more but elsewhere perhaps.

Eilis returns to Ireland briefly and is courted by local lad Jim Farrell from the rugby club played

by Domhnall Gleeson complete with blazer and hair gel. In truth he is a fine young man and Eilis is torn. However a meeting with the appalling and manipulative Miss Kelly finally convinces her that her future lies in Brooklyn.

Saoirse Ronan is excellent throughout. Her previous films have included Antonement (2007) and The Lovely Bones (2009) while Domhnall Gleeson will be appearing in the new Star Wars.

Brooklyn is wonderful dramatization of the early life of a thoughtful and determined young woman. I leave the last word to a quote from Colin Toibin. “The novel is a strange, humble, hybrid form; it is its humility, in its pure uselessness, in its instability, in its connection to the merely human that its grandeur lies.”

During the voyage Eilis is befriended by her feisty cabin mate who shows her how to dress, use lipstick and look confident. She duly arrives at a boarding house for young women in Brooklyn where the owner, Mrs Kehoe, is played by Julie Walters. The hilarious conversation at the dinner table lurches from mild insults to giddy talk of boyfriends and irreverent digs at Catholicism.

At first Eilis is homesick and struggles to keep up with the older girls who are exhilarated by their new life in the land of the free. She turns to the local priest (played by Jim Broadbent) for support

Chris Worthington chrisworthington32@yahoo.com

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Planning For Inheritance Tax ‐ What To Do About The Family Home ?

Part Two.

With residen al property prices seemingly booming again in BS9, more local families than ever will find themselves caught in the inheritance tax (IHT) net over the next few years. The new addi onal main residence nil rate band for inheritance tax will help, however we are s ll finding a high demand for planning around the family home ‐ par cularly where it represents a significant part of the estate and where there is a strong desire to maximise the amounts received by beneficiaries.

There are three main op ons for IHT planning around the family home and this month we focus on planning on death via the Will. The need for complex Will planning arrangements with regard to the home is not so important now that any por on of the IHT nil rate band not used on first death can be claimed when the surviving spouse dies. However, there will be examples of couples who would benefit, perhaps for prac cal reasons, from gi ing the nil rate band on first death.

In addi on, those who have been widowed and remarried may be en tled to more than one nil rate band and in such cases a gi of the nil rate band on first death could s ll produce substan al IHT savings.

There are a number of Will planning op ons available to married couples including an outright gi of the deceased share of the family home on first death to adult children. A provision which prohibits a sale of the property during the survivor's life me or without their permission can be added to this. A gi of the deceased interest could also be made to a discre onary will trust created by the deceased will under which the survivor is a poten al beneficiary. The pros and cons of each op on need to be explored before making a final decision.

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THE

REDLAND OPTICIAN

A very Merry Christmas from the team at The Redland Op cian to all our customers and the readers of The Bristol Six. Many thanks for your support in 2015 and we hope you have a happy and healthy New Year.

Call us now on 0117 973 5600 to make an appointment.

191 Redland Road, Bristol, BS6 6XP

Our January Frame Sale

starts 4th January 2016!

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What’s On & Community News Listings for community events, not-for-profit clubs and charitable activities are free of charge. If you have something of this nature that you would like listed please get in touch by calling 0117 259 1964 or 07845 986650, post details in to 8 Sandyleaze, WoT, BS9 3PY or emailing andy@bcmagazines.co.uk. All notices must be received by the 15th of the preceding month to guarantee consideration for inclusion.

Details shown are accurate to the best of my knowledge, but dates, times & locations may change without notification. So if you are unsure, and to avoid disappointment, please contact the organiser listed to double check.

Theatre, Concerts & Music Westbury Park WI will be hosting Christmas Carols on Wednesday 16th December 7.00pm at St. Albans Church Hall. Raffle, mince pies, wine and mulled wine. With esteemed soloist Rebecca Chellappah who will be entertaining and leading us in Christmas songs (words provided). We are hosting this evening to support the WI Durdham Down Group. Guests welcome £5each (free for children) - price includes glass of mulled wine & mince pie, further refreshments available to purchase.

Magnum Mysterium and a mix of traditional and modern carols for choir, brass and audience.

Charity No. 1162680. Tickets: Reserved £15 Unreserved £10/£5 (under 18s) From Opus 13, 14 St. Michael’s Hill, Bristol BS2 8DT Ticket Line 0117 923 0164 or at www.bristolcabotchoir.org (+10% Booking Fee). Retiring Collection for Bristol Samaritans. See us on Facebook.

Local choir City Voices Bristol are delighted to present ‘It's Christmas’ – a wonderful mix of fun and uplifting songs from near and far, which are guaranteed to liven up any winter evening. St Georges Hall. 12th December 7pm. Tickets available via St George's Hall Box office and at www.cityvoicesbristol.com 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. Experience of orchestral playing not essential. For more info please contact the Secretary on 968 3998.

'Vocal Harmony' - an exciting contemporary choir based in Bristol. Meet new people, learn contemporary songs and have a lot of fun along the way! You do not need to read music and there is no audition. We sing modern music by the likes of Adele, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Take That, Queen, all parts are taught in call and response. We run three 10 week terms, Out There Music Bristol’s Chamber Choir will be with a performance at the end of each term. performing a Christmas Concert at St Monica’s, Contact eliza@vocalharmonychoir.co.uk for more Cote Lane Chapel, Cote Lane, Westbury-on-Trym, info or check out www.vocalharmonychoir.co.uk BS9 3UN on Sunday 13th December. Concert begins at 7pm and programme to include Saturday 19th December 2015, 7.30 pm, Colston Lauridsen, Whitacre, Tavener, Rachmaninov, Pete Hall, Bristol BS1 5AR. George Frederic Handel’s de Rose, Spirituals and a selection of popular “Messiah” with the Bristol Choral Society and Christmas music. Director - Tom Jones and in aid the Bristol Ensemble. Tickets from £10 to £25. of Changing Tunes. Tickets £10 (£6 under 18’s) (under 25s £5.00, Seniors 10% discount). Full available from Holly Shannon details at www.bristolchoral.co.uk. Book online at admin@outtheremusicbristol.co.uk / 07866 www.bristolchoral.co.uk or by phone on 0845 587424 and on door (open from 6.30pm) 652 1823. www.outtheremusicbristol.co.uk Saturday 19th December 2015, 4.30 pm, Colston Bristol Cabot Choir invite you to their Christmas Hall, Bristol BS1 5AR. Mini-Messiah Family Concert on Monday, 14 December 2015 at 7.30 Concert. An hour of highlights from Handel’s pm at Bristol Cathedral, College Green, BS1 5TJ. masterpiece with the Bristol Choral Society and Conducted by their Musical Director, Rebecca the Bristol Ensemble. Tickets £7, accompanied Holdeman, with the wonderful Bristol Brass children under 18 free. Full details at Consort and Joachim Schwander, Organ, their www.bristolchoral.co.uk. Book online at programme will feature the Gloria from Bach’s B www.bristolchoral.co.uk or by phone on 0845 Minor Mass, Haydn’s Te Deum, Lauridsen’s O 652 1823.

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How to protect yourself if you break up together. It can set out contribu ons to any property that is jointly owned and detail how with your unmarried partner

Alison Dukes, a trained collabora ve family lawyer with over 20 years experience, discusses the benefits of a cohabita on agreement.

More and more people are choosing to live together outside of marriage and, if not careful, are pu ng themselves at financial risk.

People choose not to marry for a number of reasons but may not realise the financial consequences of failing to protect themselves by entering into a cohabita on agreement.

For example, even if you have been living with someone in their house for decades, you may have no legal right to remain in the property if the rela onship breaks down and, in the absence of any wri en agreement to the contrary, you may not have any right to any share of the property either.

Cohabita on agreement?

Essen ally, the law does not recognise a rela onship outside of marriage and there is no legal protec on available for a partner who does not own or jointly own a share of the home or who has not signed an agreement regula ng what should happen if the rela onship breaks down.

A Living Together Agreement isn’t just about breaking up it is about how you will live

the various outgoings are going to be paid for.

It can act as a prompt for you to think about how to divide day to day costs fairly and help prevent arguments in the future. In case the rela onship does break down the agreement can also cover the ownership of contents and other personal possessions.

Property ownership

If you own a property with your partner it is very important that you consider at the outset what your respec ve interests will be. Joint owners can be either “beneficial joint tenants” or “tenants in common”.

If it is the former then the property will pass automa cally to the survivor of them irrespec ve of how the deceased le his or her Estate by Will or under the Rules of Intestacy.

If you own as tenants in common then you can specify what percentage of the property you each own and that share will not pass to the survivor of you automa cally. You should consider entering into a Declara on of Trust if you want to own as tenants in common se ng out clearly the basis of your ownership and occupa on of the property.

If you would like to discuss a Living Together Agreement you can contact Alison Dukes or her colleague Anne Thistlethwaite on 0117 9621460 or email

alisondukes@amdsolicitors.com or annethistlethwaite@amdsolicitors.com

Copyright AMD Solicitors

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What’s On & Community News Spirit of Christmas with Bristol Bach Choir.

Join the Bristol Bach Choir and Liberty Brass Ensemble for a fabulous evening of gorgeous choral Christmas music, humorous and thoughtful readings, stirring audience carols and lots of brilliant brass! The concert takes place on Friday 18 & Saturday 19 December 2015 at 7.30pm in St George’s, Bristol. Tickets cost between £9-20 (£5 for under 25s) and are available online at www.bristolbach.org.uk or by phoning 0117 214 0721 or from St George’s box office.

Out There Music Bristol Children's Choir has been running for eight years and we have recently moved to Cotham School. The new rehearsal facility is amazing and is helping build the Choir into something quite special. Founded by local musician Tom Jones, the Choir is open to children age 7-13 from any school in Bristol. We meet every Wednesday in term time in the Performing Arts Studio, Cotham School, BS6 6DT from 4.45pm – 6.00pm. Come along to a free taster session before deciding whether to audition. We sing songs that children are guaranteed to love and we always have fun! For more information contact Holly Shannon on admin@outtheremusicbristol.co.uk / 07866 587424 www.outtheremusicbristol.co.uk Fitness, Health, Walking & Dancing Bristol Shambhala Meditation Group offers free meditation instruction from a qualified instructor at the Open House evening each Wednesday from 7.30 - 9.30 pm at 17 Lower Redland Road, BS6 6TB. There is also the opportunity for a longer period of practice on Sunday 13 December at the monthly City Retreat from 10 am until 4 pm with a break for lunch from 12.30 until 1.30. Feel free to come for half a day if you prefer. A donation of £5 is suggested for each session. For further information please see our website: www.bristol.shambhala.info 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 www.henleazeltc.com or contact the secretary Philip Price Tel: 07787 566246 E-mail: philpriceqs@gmail.com

Tai Chi Classes for beginners in the New Year.

Always wanted to try Tai Chi? For centuries the Chinese have practised Tai Chi as simple but powerful form of exercise for strength, balance and mindfulness. Always want to give it a try, now you don't have to go to China. The Bristol School of Tai Chi has lots of daytime and evening classes in Henleaze and Bishopston starting from the 11 January. Try something new in 2016! Any questions contact Ben Milton, 0117 9493955, taichi@bristoltaichi.com, www.bristoltaichi.com LinkAge Contemporary Dance (55+). Do you ever get the feeling you just want to dance but don’t get the opportunity? Feel energised in a new way and ignite your creative ideas. Open to all abilities. Every Monday 10am-11am, Bradbury Hall THURC. £4. Contact LinkAge on 0117 3533042 for more information.

Scottish Country Dancing for beginners and experienced dancers at St Monica Trust’s Hall on Thursdays, 7.30 pm. New dancers welcome, come on your own or with friends. Contact Margaret, 01275 794638 or Graham 01275 854782, or visit www.rscdsbristolinfo.co.uk Lipreading class. An evening lipreading class to help you cope with your hearing loss runs in Clifton from 6.15pm to 7.45pm every Monday, term time only, at Redland Park United Reformed Church, Whiteladies Road. Fee is £6 per session.

For more details email Mary Hall at lipreadingmary@yahoo.com or telephone 07790 283 939.

Westbury Scottish Club country dancing classes for beginners at Leonard Hall, Trinity-Henleaze URC, Waterford Road, Henleaze. Tel. Maggie on 01934 838175. Classes for more advanced dancers at St Peter’s Church Hall, Henleaze. Tel. Cheryl on 0117 9590970. Every Tues 7.30 9.30pm. See www.wscbristol.com for details.

Volunteering & Charities REMAP is a registered charity that designs and makes custom aids which enable a disabled person to enjoy a better quality of life.

We design, make or modify equipment to suit their specific needs. No charge is made for our services. Please contact us if we can help - visit www.remapbristol.org.uk, contact Colin 01275 460288 colin305@gmail.com or contact Ray 0117 9628729 rwestcott@blueyonder.co.uk

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p56 Bristol Brunel Lions Club. We have our business meeting at Shirehampton Golf Club on the first Tuesday of every month at 7 for 7.30. On the 3rd Team members needed. At Bristol Child Contact Tuesday of each month we have a social Centre in Henleaze children of all ages spend gathering normally with food. We raise money time with the parent they no longer live with, in a for charity both locally and beyond through a session supported by our volunteers. Most of the variety of activities - our Frogs game, our new ‘contact parents’ are fathers, so we would Racing Pigs game, our carol float at Christmas, especially welcome more men to join us. The quizzes and auctions for example. Lots of fun and volunteer team prepares the hall and toys, serves fellowship raising money for very good causes. refreshments, welcomes parents and children, For more details see Bristol Brunel Lions Club on listens non-judgmentally when needed, and line or contact our Club Secretary Bill O’Neill keeps everyone safe and happy. If this appeals to at lion.bill@virginmedia.com. you, and you’d be free to join our Saturday volunteer rota every 4-6 weeks, do get in touch Westbury Park WI is changing its meeting day for further details. You will get an enhanced DBS to the First Wednesday in the month from check, training and support, plus the satisfaction January. January 6th will be our first one in the of maintaining a much-valued service which new year and we have Sam Xenofou coming to helps families stay in touch after separation. For demonstrate Yoga. In February we have Mark Fox more information see our website -Powell coming to talk on Astro Biology and “Life www.bristolchildcontactcentre.org.uk. and/or on Mars”. Guests are welcome, it costs £4 per ring Helen or Anna on 07511 290505. session and it is possible to be a guest 3 times in a year without having to become a member. We Volunteers needed to support carers. Could meet at Westmoreland Hall, Westmoreland Road, you please help us to develop and increase our Redland from 7.30pm. support to carers, people who are looking after an unwell, disabled or elderly family member or The Bristol and District branch of Parkinson's UK friend? If you are outgoing and could offer two meet every first Saturday of the month at St mornings a month to greet and give info to Monica Trust, Cote Lane, BS9 3UN from 10am carers when they visit their GP Practice, or could 12noon. Carers, relatives, spouses, and people offer two to three hours a week to sit with an with Parkinson's - all are welcome for a social and older or disabled person so that their carer can informative get-together, with speakers from a have some time off, we’d love to hear from you. variety of backgrounds with many diverse Full training and support provided. Please interests. Please join us. We also meet at The contact Mike Hatch, Carers Support Centre Eastfield Inn, Henleaze, BS9 4NQ every volunteer on 07503 577830 or e-mail second Friday in the month for an informal coffee gp_volunteers@outlook.com morning, from 11am. We are a friendly and supportive bunch, exchanging tactics, More Reading Buddies Wanted! Would you information and social banter! enjoy offering reading and language support to children for whom English is a second On the first Tuesday of the month the North language? Can you help them improve Bristol Alzheimer Café opens at St Monica Trust, their reading ability, benefiting both them as Oatley House Atrium restaurant, Westbury-onindividuals and the wider class? Can you commit Trym, Bristol, BS9 3TN from 3.30pm – 5.30pm. to giving one hour of reading time a week in The purpose of the café is to provide a relaxed term-time? We are working with twelve schools and safe space in which issues surrounding in the Southmead, Brentry and Horfield areas. dementia can be aired in a friendly and informal Training is offered, and your enhanced DBS check environment. Our café is staffed by trained, is paid for by Bristol City Council. You would read caring and experienced volunteers and you will with the same children each week and be part of find a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere. a growing group of well over 100 volunteers. For Every week refreshments are served and most more information please contact Paul weeks live music is played. There is no charge to Harrod, paul.harrod@gmail.com attend, free on-site parking is usually available and the number 1 bus stops right outside the Friendship, Social and Support Groups main gate. For further info or to register your attendance, please contact Jacqui Ramus

What’s On & Community News

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Council and is a public asset – albeit a very grand one –

so we wanted to do Now the tree is trimmed and the halls something to both decked, Ashton Court Mansion is invi ng serve our older older people in Bristol to celebrate the fes ve season with a fes ve Christmas lunch ci zens and open in the elegant panelled lounges on Monday the doors to more people. We’ve teamed up with LinkAge to reinforce our local 14th December. connec ons and spread the Christmas spirit

to all corners of our community.”

“Aardman’s recent anima on in

collabora on with Bristol Ageing Be er Our team of chefs will be cooking up a highlighted to us the effects of social delicious lemon roast turkey with trimmings isola on amongst older people and how – filo tart with spinach and crumbled S lton important it is to stay connected,” says for vegetarians – followed by Christmas catering manager Emily Williams. “The sta s cs are shocking: almost 5 million older pudding with mulled fruit compote and brandy anglaise. people say that the television is their main

form of company.

Tickets are available from the mansion by

emailing acm.events@bristol.gov.uk or “Ashton Court is owned by Bristol City calling 0117 9633 438, priced at £15.

Over‐55s Christmas lunch in Ashton Court Mansion

p58 professional and business backgrounds who have joined together to give Service, Friendship and have Fun. We meet on the second and (Dementia Lead for St Monica Trust) on 07854 fourth Mondays of the month at Long Ashton 185093 or email Golf Club where we enjoy a two course meal jacqui.ramus@stmonicatrust.org.uk with a speaker. As a member of Soroptomists International we have the opportunity to form Bristol Grandparents Support Group. Founded friendships, not only in our own club but other in 2007 BGSG gives support to grandparents who countrywide clubs and throughout the world. are estranged from their grandchildren due to Our charitable projects enable us to participate family breakdown. Family breakdown can be as a in all manner of fund raising events. So if you are result of separation/divorce, alcohol/drug interested in joining our club and helping dependency, domestic violence within the women and girls throughout a global network of home, bereavement or family feud. We give members please contact our membership officer support over the phone, via email, Skype and at on 0117 9739894 or email gillbea@aol.com for our regular meetings held at 9,Park Grove, more details.

Bristol. BS6 7XB. T:07773258270 more information or visit www.bgsg.co.uk Clifton Rotary Club welcomes new members.

All we ask is that people give their time, are We are the Bristol U3A – an organisation of interested in making new friends, building lively and interesting people who offer all sorts business contacts and using their skills to help of groups for enjoyment, friendship and learning. others. We meet Wednesday lunchtimes at If you are no longer in full-time work, we have a Redland Lawn Tennis and Squash Club. FFI wide range of over 100 different activities, please visit www.cliftonrotary.org or email including art, computing, languages, music, secretary@cliftonrotary.org walking, and science. Please visit one of our social groups, either at the Eastfield Inn, Interest Groups Henleaze, on the first Monday every month at The Bristol Humanists is a local group for those 10.30am - phone Barbara 0117 9629331, or at who make sense of the world using reason & Browns Restaurant by the Museum on the third Wednesday or the fourth Thursday every month shared human values; who seek to live ethical lives on the basis of reason, humanity and at 10.15am. For more details phone Jenny 0117 respect for others; and find meaning, beauty, 9043697 or visit www.bristolu3a.org.uk. and joy in the one life we have, without the need Simply Social is a non-profit making social club. for an afterlife. We meet every month on the New members always welcome. Our weekly club third Monday at 7.30pm in Kingsdown. Contact nights start at 8.30pm every Thursday. We have a Margaret Dearnaley on 07986 555817 (evenings varied programme of events ranging from meals and weekends only) or email bristolhumanists@gmail.com for more out and walks to gliding and badminton. For information. further info please contact our New Members Secretary Sue on 07757780201 or visit Philosophy Discussion Group. We are a friendly www.bbivc.org.uk. and welcoming group who enjoy taking a turn to bring topic to share. We meet at 7 – 9pm every Rotary Club of Bristol – we meet at the Bristol Hotel, Prince Street, Bristol BS1 4QF at 7.00pm for fourth Thursday evening of the month at Eastfield Inn, Henleaze, Bristol BS9 4NQ, and 10 7.30 pm on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Mondays and at 12 noon every second Friday morning of the 12.30pm for 1.00 pm on the 2nd and 4th month, also at Eastfield Inn, Henleaze. If you Mondays. Meetings start with a meal and are would like to be involved please contact Lorna followed by a speaker. New members are very welcome – see www.bristolrotary.org or contact Tarr on 0770 245 3827. our Club Secretary Martina Peattie at The National Trust Bristol Centre programme mpeattie@btopenworld.com for more details. of Winter talks continues on Saturday 12th Soroptomists International Bristol are part of a December, 2.15pm, in the Hall at St Monica Trust.

Cote Lane, WoT, with “Who was Amelia global organisation founded in Bristol ninety Edwards?” with Cyril Routley - a look at some of years ago for women from a wide range of

What’s On & Community News

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What’s On & Community News

Stoke Lodge History and Archaeology Group meet on the second Thursday of every month at the great, good, famous and not-so-famous the Friends Meeting House in Hampton Road, Bristol residents commemorated by blue Redland, BS6 6JE at 7.30. We host a rich diversity plaques. A charge of £3 is made to members and of lectures. New members are always made very visitors. Visit www.ntbristolcentre.btck.co.uk or welcome. For further details please contact call 0117 9658014 for more details.

Annette Martin on 0117 979 3209 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 refreshments). The next meeting will be held on Sunday 13 December at 3pm. The speaker will be Jane Fishlock and the title of her talk is “Angels and Clairvoyance”. Jane is a highly gifted clairvoyant and healer who will give us a demonstration of clairvoyance and talk about how the Angels are now able to draw their light closer and awaken those wishing to fulfil their potential. All you need to bring is an open mind and enjoy what will be an enlightening afternoon! For further information, please telephone 01749 678 834 or email: leasurs@tiscali.co.uk The Bristol Branch of the English Speaking Union welcomes guests to their meetings which are held in the Apostle Room of Clifton Cathedral at 7.15 p.m. for 7.45 p.m. There is ample parking and entrance is £5. The aim of the English Speaking Union is to encourage friendship and global understanding through English. Our forthcoming meetings include on December 4th Sir Peter Wall, recently retired Chief of the General Staff in the British Army, who is going to talk on “How we can beat ISIL”. (7.15 for 7.45, £5 entry for guests, £2 for members).

Bristol Photographic Society is now based at Montpelier Central (opposite Montpelier Station) The Society caters for all levels of photographer and meets every Wednesday evening at 7.30 throughout the year when it has a full and varied programme of courses, visiting speakers and inhouse competitions. You can find out more about the Society by visiting its website at www.bristolphoto.org.uk or emailing membership@bristolphoto.org.uk

West of England Bridge Club meets for duplicate bridge on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Golden Hill Sports Club, Wimbledon Road, Henleaze from 7.30pm - 10.30pm. New members and visitors welcome. £4 per evening for members, £5 for non-members, special rates for juniors/unemployed. Licensed bar. For further details please contact Alan Williams on 07538 509670 or visit www.woebc.co.uk.

Exhibitions, Meetings, Fairs & Parties Scout Christmas Tree Sale: 227th Bristol (Henleaze) Scout Group annual Christmas tree sale will take place on Saturday 12th December 9am - 2pm, at St Peter's Church Car Park, The Drive, Henleaze. A good selection of Christmas trees and Christmas refreshments on offer.

Kings LTC invite you to their free Kids Xmas party! All welcome! Saturday 5th December 11:30-2:00. Prizes, competitions and fun games Free mini tennis for all the family. Free party food for kids. Free cardio taster session for adults Food and festive drinks available to buy for adults. Get into the Xmas spirit at Kings!

Book up now at https://docs.google.com/forms/ d/1-oRfWwgKF0HlJS3m-kcUpaayef3IfnAbICxoNfxV80/viewform Or via our Facebook page - search Kings LTC

Quiz Answers from page 25 1. E. H. Shepard; 2. Major Tim Peake; 3. St Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow, Golden Temple in Amritsar, and John Wesley chapel in Bristol; 4. Catniss Everdeen, Princess Leia Organa, Holly Golightly; 5. Pittsburgh; 6. Ronald Reagan, Martin Luther King Jr (I have a dream that…); and Mandy Cohen (Terry Jones) in The Life of The Bristol Philatelic Society meets on the 2nd Brian; 7. Triassic and Cretaceous; 8. Leicester and 4th Thursdays of each month in the meeting Square; 9. Bond Bug, Sinclair C5, Citroen 2CV; room of the United Reform Church at the bottom 10. left; 11. humankind, men and marriage; of Blackboy Hill (Whiteladies Road) starting at 12. Alabama, Wyoming; 13. neuro-linguistic 7.30 p.m. Contact 0117 956 7853. programming, Royal Society for the Prevention

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What’s On & Community News of Accidents, and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation; 14. 1580’s (1588); 15. 1.6mm; 16. pigs, wolves, and sheep; 17. a) the Netherlands, b) France, c) Croatia, and d) Norway.

The Bristol Six is published by Bristol Community Magazines Ltd (Co. No. 08448649, registered at 8 Sandyleaze, Westbury on Trym, Bristol, BS9 3PY).

The views expressed by contributors or advertisers in The Bristol Six are not necessarily those held by Bristol Community Magazines Ltd. The inclusion of any business or organisation in this magazine does not imply a recommendation of it, its aims or its methods. Bristol Community Magazines Ltd 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 Bristol Community Magazines Ltd and may not be reproduced without the prior written consent of Bristol Community Magazines.

Get In Touch ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

8 Sandyleaze, Westbury on Trym, BS9 3PY andy@bcmagazines.co.uk 0117 259 1964 (New Number) 07845 986650 @BS9Andy Deadline for contributions for the January issue - 15th December

AASP Domestics Repairs and servicing: Washing machines, cookers, hobs, ovens, dishwashers, fridges, tumble dryers and all other appliances

Call Steve Pinnell

07720 735 943 / 0117 965 8363

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Fundraising for Marie Curie

have fun while raising money for Marie Curie in your local area.

Marie Curie provides care and support for If you or your friends would like to join a more than 40,000 people living with a terminal illness and their families in the UK new fundraising group in the Westbury on Trym area to support Marie Curie each year. please call Community Fundraiser Helen Our fantastic fundraising groups help raise Isbell on 0117 9247275 or email vital funds for people living with a terminal Helen.isbell@mariecurie.org.uk.” illness and their families.

They play an important role by taking part in all our national fundraising campaigns such as the Great Daffodil Appeal, Blooming Great Tea Party and other yearly collections.

Joining a fundraising group is a great way to meet new people in your neighbourhood, get involved in your community, share new experiences and

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Index of Adver sers

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CRAFT - BAKE - HOBBY SKILLS? ONEN HAG OLL IS A LOCAL NOT–FOR- PROFIT COMPANY ARRANGING EVENTS FOR CRAFTERS, BAKERS AND PEOPLE WITH A HOBBY TO SELL GOODS. A SMALL CHARGE, WHICH IS DISCOUNTED FOR CHARITY FUNDRAISERS, IS MADE TOWARDS YOUR PITCH ON THE DAY. YOU THEN KEEP ALL PROCEEDS FROM YOUR SALES TO DONATE TO YOUR CHOSEN CHARITY OR OTHERWISE. WE ARE BUILDING A DATABASE OF PEOPLE LIKE YOU WHO MAY BE INTERESTED IN FUTURE EVENTS.

IF INTERESTED, PLEASE CONTACT DAVID OR VENITA ON 950 2232 FOR MORE DETAILS

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