A free community magazine delivered each month through 8,000 letterboxes across Hotwells, Cliftonwood and Clifton Phil Watson Photography
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The Editor’s Small Piece
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Mrs PC - friendly computer training
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Music with Duncan Haskell
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Roma’s Monday or Tuesday Art Classes at Stoke Lodge Develop your painting and drawing skills in friendly classes. Great fun can be had with a syllabus designed to give variety with a range of interesting projects
PRINTMAKING – on Mondays, from 11th April DRAWING & PAINTING – on Mondays, from 11th April DRAWING FOR FUN & CREATIVITY – Tuesdays from 12th April
For details please contact Roma on 0117 9241930 or 07896708031 or ring Stoke Lodge on 0117 9238844 or visit Roma’s web site www.romawidger.com
Be Scam Aware - Citizens Advice Bristol
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No Prize General Knowledge Quiz
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Call us today 0117 962 2299 / 0117 974 1741 for a FREE market appraisal | Here to accommodate
Beware the friend in the Pub When you read this the budget will have passed and a new tax year will be upon us. I will comment on budget changes next month. When I speak to clients I often hear “my friend told me”. Unless your friend happens to be an accountant, then the advice you receive may be completely wrong and even if what they suggest works for them then it may not work for you. Tax rules can be extremely complex, confusing and not always logical. A little knowledge can be very dangerous. Before acting on any friendly advice, get a second opinion from someone who understands the rules. There a number of common misconceptions and the following are just a couple. “If I move into my investment property and claim this as my private residence, then I won’t pay tax on the sale.”
complex calculations are needed to calculate the amount of any tax exemptions. “If I own the property jointly with my partner, then we can choose to allocate all of the income to them.” The answer to the above is that it depends – different rules apply depending on whether the couple are married or not. Whilst it may be possible for a married couple to allocate income in this way, it’s not as simple as you think and may well involve the need for a solicitor. Where tax is concerned, getting things wrong can get very expensive and so if advice is needed, make sure you speak to someone who can provide answers you can rely on. A small amount spent now could pay for itself many times over. Until next month . . .
Phil Jones is a director of local independent tax and Many people seem to think that if the property is accountancy firm Wilkinson & their main residence at the time of sale then it is Partners based on Jacob Wells tax exempt. The tax rules don’t work this way and Road here in BS8.
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The Downs Recorder - Richard Bland
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Have you noticed some people in the local community are looking fitter and healthier than ever? The reason may be put down to their participation in the Exercise Referral Scheme at the local leisure centre. It is a scheme run in partnership with Bristol City Council and the NHS to offer reduced price supervised physical activity sessions for those people with health conditions. Local resident and recent participant Stephen says “I have been so impressed with the scheme and its effect on my health that I have now become a member of the leisure centre in order to continue my progress. Before beginning the programme my muscles were very weak but now my muscle performance and coordinated movement has improved significantly. It is my hope that others with the same needs will take the same opportunity”. Whether you would like to shift a few pounds, improve your mobility or stamina or if you have a longer lasting condition such as high blood pressure, diabetes or a joint problem you are eligible to join. It could not be simpler. All you need to do is download a referral form at the link below then see your GP and they can refer you on to the programme. Your body will thank you for it! Alistair Macfarlane alistairmacfarlane@everyoneactive.com 07825 033741 www.bristol.gov.uk/activechoices -
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203 Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2XT
Interesting times ahead. The stamp duty threshold for second properties has just changed and pundits, buyers and sellers are all waiting to see what happens in the property market. Notably here on the ground in Bristol, already first time buyers seem to have the upper hand again in some transactions. Where the investor may have had the cash advantage in the last few years, tighter margins mean that buyers looking for a home may have the edge in securing a deal.
The question mark over Europe is also making its impact felt. The referendum in June could see us stay or leave Europe and what that might mean for the UK economy is being noisily debated. How might withdrawal affect the British housing market? Again opinion is divided and no one can say for sure.
My advice as always on these things is generally the same - if you need and want to move, then move. Life goes on. Just be sensible and get expert opinion and support.
And yes that’s where we come in. If you want to have a ‘no strings attached’ chat about any property related matter then one of our expert team would be delighted to help. Call the Clifton office on 0117 923 8238. Best wishes, Howard Davis, MD Clifton
www.cjhole.com Clifton Sales 0117 923 8238 -
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clifton@cjhole.co.uk
Clifton - £225,000
Clifton - £540,000 This lovely property combines period charm with modern fittings and is within easy access of Clifton Village and the Harbourside. Offering: stylish kitchen/breakfast room, two linked reception rooms making a spacious living/dining space, three double bedrooms and bathroom. EPC D
Located in Whatley Court, we are delighted to market this two bedroom apartment with a lovely front balcony off the lounge, there is lift access to all floors and a beautifully presented communal lounge. The apartment is for residents of 60 years and over. EPC C
Clifton - £1,500 pcm plus fees
Clifton - £1,200 pcm plus fees
A fantastic flat in an ideal location just a stone’s throw from Whiteladies Rd, Clifton Triangle and City Centre. Offering: large open plan kitchen/ living room leading to private balcony, bathroom, three double bedrooms one having access to the balcony. Available 9th April on a furnished basis. EPC E
This beautifully presented two double bedroom flat is in immaculate condition. The property is located in Clifton and is offered furnished. It is available immediately and also benefits from an off street parking space. Early viewing recommended. EPC D
Clifton Lettings 0117 946 6588 www.cjhole.com -
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Chris Worthington’s Film Review
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Kemps Jewellers Est. 1881
Promotion time again at Kemps
With over fifty diamond pendants and solitaire rings in stock it has never been a better time to view our range. As an independent family business we are able to offer many flexible options and payment plans to suit your individual needs and assist your purchase. We pride ourselves on the level of service we provide, service you rarely get on the High Street. Why not come to browse and see what catches your eye, discover our special promotional prices and discuss your options with our friendly staff.
Kemps Jewellers 9 Carlton Court, Westbury on Trym, 0117 950 50 90 www.kempsjewellers.com
Bristol and Keynsham Society
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“The new Inheritance Tax rules – very good news for some” says Shelley Faulkner, solicitor at AMD Solicitors. “Under the new inheritance tax rules, far more estates will pass free of inheritance tax post 5 April 2017. By 5 April 2020, some estates worth £1 million will pass free of inheritance tax.
couple to die leaves their estate to their spouse, the inheritance nil rate band can effectively be “passed on” to the surviving spouse. The estate of the spouse who is second to die will therefore potentially have two nil rate bands (£325,000 x 2 = £650,000), plus two “residence nil rate bands” (£175,000 x 2 = £350,000).
For those with a conventional family, and a modest home and savings (and subject to the rate of house price increases in the coming years) it is The residence nil rate band therefore likely that no inheritance tax will be payable on their estate. However For deaths from 6 April 2017, an it is crucial to establish that the wording additional inheritance tax free of your will is compliant with the new “residence nil rate band” will be rules, to avoid the risk of the additional available. This will begin at £100,000 in tax free band being wasted. The detail the tax year 2017/18 and will increase of the new rules is awaited at the time by £25,000 each tax year, reaching of writing this note. £175,000 by 2021. This “residence nil rate band” is available where the The AMD Solicitors private client deceased leaves a property (or the department includes full members of proceeds of sale of a property), in which ‘STEP’, the leading provider of they have lived at some point, to their specialist accreditation in this field. direct descendants (children and their issue). For advice on inheritance tax,
The residence nil rate band is available on top of the existing inheritance tax nil rate band of £325,000, so that in 2020/21 an individual will potentially be able to leave £500,000 free of inheritance tax.
administration of deceased estates, wills, lasting powers of attorney and all private client issues contact Shelley Faulkner, Brenda Smyth or another member of the team on 0117 9621205, email probate@amdsolicitors.com, or call into one of our four Bristol Offices.
As is now the case with the standard nil 100 Henleaze Road, Henleaze BS9 4JZ rate band, where the first of a married 15 The Mall, Clifton BS8 4DS 139A Whiteladies Road, Clifton BS8 2PL 2 Station Road, Shirehampton BS11 9TT
www.amdsolicitors.com
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Bruce Fellows Good Reads
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In the Garden with Cathy Lewis
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Massage with Charlotte Perrey and Sarah Geraghty When was the last time you sat down for ten minutes and just listened to your breath, and brought your mind into the present moment? In our busy, bustling society, it can be hard to find some much needed “me time,” to just sit back, relax and enjoy the world passing you by, moment by moment. Maybe you have children, a busy or stressful job or an active social life and these can often feel overwhelming.
Sarah Geraghty
We have so many people who visit us with shoulders up to the ceiling! By the time they leave, they are beautifully relaxed and have entered a deep state of relaxation. Maybe you have quite a few knots in your shoulders. These are either tight muscles or a build-up of a fluid called lymph, which gets stuck in the vessels. With poor posture, the lower back can become quite tight too and so with regular massage, these knots can become less painful, and significantly reduced, bringing back balance not only to your Charlotte Perrey body but your emotional state as well. You may have passed the Chiron Centre before and always wanted to book in for a massage, but never quite found the time. It is so important to look after your body, as well as your mind, so find that time within your busy schedule and book in for a much needed massage today J **NEW** Crystals for sale at The Chiron Centre. Crystals are well known for their healing properties, and are very easy to use. We stock a range of small and large rose quartz and amethyst crystals, amongst others, which make ideal gifts for loved ones or yourself.
Like to know about what we do, the latest info on complementary therapy and self-help tips? Then check out our Facebook page ‘Chiron Centre for Natural Health’
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Is a fear of flying stopping you booking your dream holiday? What can hypnotherapy help with? • Difficulties 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 patterns of behaviour • Negative thought patterns
• Stopping smoking • Pregnancy and childbirth •••
and much more
All sessions are completely tailored according to your individual needs.
FREE relaxation CD included with your hypnotherapy sessions
Are you thinking about booking your summer holidays yet? For most of us this is something to look forward to however for some the thought of getting away is but a distant dream. I see many people who suffer from phobias, recent brain research tells us that about 1 in 10 people in the UK have some kind of phobia at some stage in their lives one of the most common being a fear of flying. If this fear is stopping you or affecting how and where you travel hypnotherapy may be the answer you are looking for to help you overcome your phobia. Holidays are also times when we want to look our best and now may be the time to work towards the “beach ready body” you would really like, with the help of hypnotherapy you can take control of your eating habits to lose weight and keep in control of what you eat and when you eat it. If you have not considered hypnotherapy before why not come along for a free initial consultation and I will explain how the brain works and how we may be able to help you to achieve the results you want in your life. Book your free initial consultation during June quoting “Bristol 8/9” and you will receive a £10 discount off each session. (Offer applies to all sessions and not just for help with phobias and weight loss.)
Alison Jones Solution Focused Clinical Hypnotherapist & Psychotherapist DHP HPD MNCH (Reg) LNCP CBT (Hyp) SFBT (Hyp) SFBT Sup (Hyp)
FOR A FREE CONSULTATION CONTACT
ALISON JONES m: 07730 747 772 e: Alison@solutionshypnotherapy.co.uk
w: www.solutionshypnotherapy.co.uk The Clifton Practice, 8-10 Whiteladies Road, Clifton, BS8 1PD -
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Coaching with Anne Miller
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What’s On & Community News
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What’s On & Community News -
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Free regular nature sessions for pre-schoolers in 6 community green spaces across Bristol
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Details below of when and where these regular sessions will happen
Unleash your child into the urban wild this year in your local park! Aimed at toddlers aged between 2-4 years old, Avon Wildlife Trust will be providing an array of wild activities in 2016 including: wild art; mini-beast hunts; songs; storytelling and much much more.
Thanks to the support of players of People's Postcode Lottery, Avon Wildlife Trust has been given funding to provide these regular wild-play sessions for free, to six communities across Bristol. In addition there will be wild nature days for the whole family in the school holidays.
Awe and wonder at the wildlife to be found in your local urban green space.
Regular wild-play sessions: where and when? Bennett's Patch and White's Paddock, BS9 - entrance on the Portway just before the giant whale! Every other Thursday morning 10.00-11.30am (starting April 21 2016). Meeting point: Avon Wildlife Trust building Any questions? Please mail: events@avonwildlifetrust.org.uk or visit www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/mywildchild -
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What’s On & Community News
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LOCAL PRODUCE FROM YOUR
LOCAL BUTCHER IN HENLEAZE
• SHROPSHIRE FREE RANGE PORK • FOREST OF DEAN WILD BOAR • LOCAL VENISON • LOCAL LAMB & BEEF • HEREFORDSHIRE CHICKEN • HENLEAZE HONEY • LOCAL CHEESES • HOME MADE PIES & SAUSAGES
101 Henleaze Road, Bristol, BS9 4JP
0117 962 1095 www.henleazebutchers.co.uk
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What’s On & Community News -
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days a week.
Useful Information Contact Numbers Gas Emergencies Electricity Emergencies Water Emergencies Avon & Somerset Police Non-Emergencies Crimestoppers Southmead Hospital Bristol Royal Infirmary Bristol Children’s Hospital NHS non-emergency Bristol Blood Donation The Samaritans Alcoholics Anonymous ChildLine National Rail Enquiries
Bristol City Council 0800 111 999 0800 365 900 0845 600 4600 101 (new no.) 0800 555 111 0117 950 5050 0117 923 0000 0117 342 8460 111 0117 988 2040 08457 909090 0845 76975 55 0800 11 11 08457 484950
Postal Services 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 (new hours from April) Clifton - tel. 903 8572 Mon 10-2, Tues 1-5, Weds Closed, Thurs 15, Fri 10-2, Sat 1-5 Redland - tel. 903 8549 Mon Closed, Tues 11-5, Weds 11-7, ThursSat 11-5 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 now open winter hours from 8.00am to 16.15 7 -
www.bristol.gov.uk 0117 922 2000 Trains to / From Temple Meads Trains depart from Clifton Down Station to Temple Meads at the following times Mon-Fri 0625, 0643, 0740, 0816, 0849, 0929, 1016, 1049, 1130, 1216, 1248, 1330, 1416, 1448, 1531, 1616, 1647, 1729, 1816, 1911, 1945, 2016, 2151, 2232, 2316 Sat 0647, 0731, 0816, 0847, 0930, 1016, 1048, 1131, 1216, 1246, 1331, 1416, 1448, 1531, 1616, 1647, 1731, 1816, 1929, 2009, 2152, 2231, 2316 Sun 1008, 1104, 1204, 1304, 1404, 1504, 1604, 1707, 1806, 1834 Trains depart from Bristol Temple Meads to Clifton Down 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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