The Bristol Nine magazine - April 2017 by Andy Fraser

Hello there and thanks for opening up the new-look Bristol Nine magazine. I get bored very easily and need to change stuff around on a regular basis. Usually it is the office furniture or my coffee shop allegiance, but this time it is the look of the magazine. There’s no driving reason or subliminal message behind this, it just felt like the right thing to do. There are a few changes - a more informative (and thicker) front cover, a bit more variety on the puzzle page, a food / recipe feature, and a first article looking at the joys of living in BS9 through the eyes of a new columnist –in-residence but much remains the same. Circulation is also increasing this month to take in more of Sea Mills and Coombe Dingle, so if this is your first glimpse of the magazine then hello to you. April, as I suspect I say each year, is my

favourite month as far as BS9 is concerned spring is here, the area is looking sunny, fresh and vibrant (hopefully) and with the new financial year come new advertising budgets! So if you are involved in a local business and fancy sharing your marketing pot with me just give me a shout - full details on page 96. Right, I’m off to try and get to grips with some social media - Facebook, Infogram, Chitchat, that kind of stuff. You may or may not see the results of this next month. In the meantime have a great April - enjoy Easter, I hope you pick a winner at the Grand National and watch out for those pranksters on April 1st. Best wishes, Andy the Editor (Front cover - one of my better holiday snaps)

How do you fancy winning £15 in cash just for sending me a text? Yep? Thought so. So here’s the deal. Making sure readers get their copy of The Bristol Nine or The Bristol Six each month is vital, and knowing when you’ve received it is hugely reassuring here at HQ. So to make me feel warm and cosy on this I’d love it if you could simply let me know that you’ve received your copy. And to say thank you I’m going to reach for my wallet (not a common event) and offer up three £15 “thank you’s” to a trio of responsive readers.

with the magazine, so it won’t be answered by a human (You may though get a text message back saying thanks for entering - if I can master the technology of course). And that’s it really - I don’t need your name, just your postcode and the magic word. Then on April 15th I’ll draw three texts at random, delete all the texts received, contact those three winners and pop round with their cash.

Simple. 1) 2)

All you need to do is to text me your post code together with this month’s magic word 3) “Thanks” to the following number - 07546 926 441. Please note, this number to text is 4) not the main number for getting in touch -

Receive magazine Text “Thanks” and your postcode Send text to 07546 926 441 Cross fingers.

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As it is April it seemed appropriate to have humour as the theme to the Prize Wordsearch this month - so you are looking for comedians and comediennes. Listed below are twenty of my favourites past and present. Nineteen of the names have been hidden in the wordsearch grid, leaving one who missed out. Just find out which funny man or funny women isn’t in the grid and let me know. The names can be hidden forwards, backwards, up, down or on a diagonal. Send the name of the missing person in to me - post to 8 Sandyleaze, WoT, BS9 3PY, email andy@bcmagazines.co.uk, text 07845 986650 or phone 0117 259 1964 - and if you are

correct your name will go into the hat to win a £20 gardening voucher. Right, here are the names you are looking for Norman Wisdom Frank Skinner Dara O’Briain Omid Djalili Pamela Stephenson Eric Morecambe Sarah Millican Lenny Henry Josh Widdicombe Victoria Wood

Arthur Askey Jack Dee Dawn French Vic Reeves Billy Connolly Milton Jones Frankie Howerd Ronnie Corbett Tim Vine

Jo Brand

Don’t panic! Try not to fall victim to online trickery. It’s awful to think that there are so many people out to try and catch us out online. Cyber criminals spend their time trying to obtain personal information about us to help them to access our data, potentially steal our identity, or worse, our hard earned cash. You can protect yourself by having a high level of scepticism. If something sounds too good to be true, your gut instinct is probably right. If an email arrives to tell you that you have inherited a large amount of money or won a prize, be suspicious. What scammers want is for you to be duped into clicking on the links (always web addresses in blue with a line underneath), which will inevitably be contained in the email. Never click if you aren’t sure. Recently I was almost fooled by a couple. They are getting more and more sophisticated. One was a fake parking fine, telling me that I had parked illegally on private land at a certain date and time. The fine was large, and the email urged me to click to find out the full details. As you can imagine, this was quite a surprise and I was shocked and annoyed and almost clicked, but something made me think it might be fishy… I consulted my diary to find out what I had been doing on the date specified and realized it couldn’t be true. Then once calmer, I checked the address the email had been sent from and the supposed company collecting the money. Both were made up of course. It is important to remain calm in stressful situations involving your computer. Never click anything unless you are sure. This last week I have had several fake emails from Amazon, just like this one. They are designed to throw you into a panic. Even seasoned users of the Internet could be fooled by this one as it looks so real.

Dear Customer,Your ID info@mrspc.co.uk was used to purchase Kärcher K2 Full Control Home Pressure Washer ( £87.99 ) From Amazon Store on a device that had not previously been associated with you. If you initiated this purchase, you can disregard this email. In case you did not initiate this purchase, please visit our Help Page for full refund: http://invoice88account.amazsecure.id532usr.30supportapp.fr/inv051acc/ index.php?email=byinfo@mrspc.co.uk To cancel the transaction and to confirm that you are the owner of the account. Yours Sincerely, Amazon Security Department © 2017 amazon.com All rights reserved

The sender was supposedly Amazon.co.uk, or so it appeared. In fact, by clicking on the address to check, I found this address hidden acldz8362@shaw.ca I then knew it was a scam. Do always check the return address of any email you get that you are unsure about or that causes alarm. If you receive an email from a friend, and they are sending you a link, but you weren’t expecting to hear from them, and you feel it’s a little odd, they have probably had their email address hijacked. Do let them know. It’s easier to give a friend a call on the phone to check if they really did send the email, than click and risk an infection on your computer. Stay safe online! Happy Computing.

A true indicator of spring is the arrival of Wye Valley asparagus on the shelf at Stoke Bishop Fruiterers. This wonderful asparagus comes from the Chinn family farm, near Ross-On-Wye, where they have been growing asparagus since 2003. My favourite recipe for these wonderful spears is one where they take centre stage, by simply roasting them and putting them together with a bright and zesty lemon risotto. I don’t know about you, but I’m far too impatient to stand stirring a risotto for 20 minutes. This method saves you a whole heap of work by being cooked in the oven.

and juice of the lemon. Place back into the oven, along with the asparagus spears. 5.

After a further 15 minutes remove the risotto from the oven and stir through the parmesan cheese. Divide equally between 4 plates, and top with the spears of roasted asparagus. Garnish with a few shavings of parmesan and freshly ground black pepper.

Lemon Risotto with Roasted Wye Valley Asparagus (Serves 4) Ingredients For the baked asparagus: 2 bunches of Wye Valley Asparagus 3 unpeeled, whole cloves of garlic A drizzle of olive oil For the risotto: 1 tbsp olive oil and a knob of butter 2 shallots, finely chopped 350g Arborio rice 250ml white wine 750ml chicken stock – hot Zest and juice of 1 lemon 75g grated parmesan 1.

Preheat oven to 280°C. Rinse the asparagus and arrange on a baking sheet which is lined with tin foil. Throw in the garlic, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Put to one side.

Sauté the shallots in the olive oil and butter until translucent. Increase the heat slightly, and add the rice. Cook for a few minutes, then add the wine and stir until absorbed.

Add the hot stock and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Transfer to an ovenproof dish and place into the oven.

Cook for 10 minutes, then remove the risotto from the oven and stir in the zest -

Stoke Bishop Fruiterers are your local, independent greengrocer situated at 63 Stoke Hill. On our shelves you’ll find some of the freshest produce around, including seasonal offerings from local growers. We also offer free delivery in the local area. Monday-Friday 9.00-18.00 and Saturday 9.00-17.00. Tel 0117 9684516 stokebishopfruiterers.co.uk

Emergencies, Support & Information Gas Emergencies 0800 111 999 Electricity Emergencies 0800 365 900 Water Emergencies 0845 702 3797 (or your gas, water or electricity supplier) Avon & Somerset Police Non-Emergencies 101 (new no.) Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 Southmead Hospital 0117 950 5050 BRI / Children’s Hospital 0117 923 0000 NHS non-emergency 111 Council Dog Warden 0117 922 2500 Bristol Blood Donation 0117 988 2040 The Samaritans 08457 90 90 90 Alcoholics Anonymous 08457 69 75 55 ChildLine 0800 11 11 National Rail Enquiries 08457 48 49 50 Telephone Preference Service 0845 070 0707 Mailing Preference Service 0845 703 4599 Bristol Care & Repair - home safety checks & handyman 0117 95 4 2222 Postal Services ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

Westbury on Trym Post Office 9am - 5.30pm Mon to Fri, 9am - 4pm Sat Henleaze Post Office 8.30am - 6pm Mon to Sat Sea Mills Post Office 9am - 5.30pm Mon to Fri, 9am to 12.30pm Sat Stoke Bishop Post Office (in Spar) 7.00am to 8.00pm Mon to Sat, 7.00am to 5.00pm Sun Westbury on Trym Parcel Collection 8 - 3 Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri, 8 - 8 Wed, 7 - 2 Sat Late Post - there is a late post box at the main Post Office sorting depot on the A38 at Filton. Currently the late post is at 7pm.

Local Trains Trains run from Sea Mills station to Temple Meads (via Clifton Down, Redland, Montpelier, Stapleton Road and Lawrence Hill) regularly throughout the day and at weekends. Cheap, fun, quick and scenic. Visit www.gwr.com for more details or pick up a timetable from your local library. -

Local Churches ▪ Sea Mills Methodist Church, Shirehampton Rd, 0117 962 1200 ▪ St Mary Magdalene, Stoke Bishop www.stmarysb.org.uk 0117 968 7449 ▪ WoT Methodist Church www.westburyontrymmethodistchurch .org.uk 0117 962 2930 ▪ WoT Baptist Church, Reedley Rd, www.westburybaptist.org.uk 0117 962 9990 ▪ WoT Holy Trinity Parish Church, www.westbury-parish-church.org.uk 0117 950 8644 ▪ Sacred Heart Catholic Church, WoT www.sacredheartchurch.co.uk 0117 983 3926 ▪ St Peter’s Church, Henleaze www.stpetershenleaze.org 0117 962 4524 ▪ Trinity URC, Henleaze www.trinityhenleazeurc.org.uk 0117 962 9713 ▪ The Community Church, WoT www.the-community-church.net 0117 946 6807 ▪ St Edyth’s Church, Sea Mills, www.stedyths.org.uk, 0117 968 6965 Waste & Recycling The Household Waste and Recycling Centre on Kingsweston Lane, Avonmouth for pretty much everything. The Avonmouth centre is now open Summer hours from 8.00am to 6.45pm, 7 days a week. The Silver Line The Silver Line is the new and only free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people - open 24 hours a day every day of the year. Call anytime on 0800 4 70 80 90. Bristol City Council The Council website offers residents information about BCC services including council tax, bins & recycling, schools, leisure, business, streets and parking. Visit www.bristol.gov.uk or contact the General Enquiries switchboard on 0117 922 2000.

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The second in an occasional series looking at some of my personal favourite buildings across Bristol takes us to the top of Park Street to visit what I think is the most imposing building in the city - the Wills Memorial Building.

tower is the most visible part, was commissioned as a memorial to Henry Overton Wills, benefactor to Bristol University and its first Chancellor, by his sons George and Henry. Built of reinforced concrete faced with Bath and Clipsham stone, the Wills Tower itself stands 215 feet high, which from a lofty perch atop Park Street explains it’s imposing presence. Still a working building in the Bristol University’s estate, the Wills Memorial Building houses the Schools of Law and Earth Sciences, as well as being the venue for banquets, weddings and of course graduations. And as I type this the doors are about to open on the latest of Luke Jerram’s urban installations, the giant suspended moon that you will have seen inn the news.

Stunning in any light, solid, intricate and dominant, the Wills Memorial Building always reminds me of Tower Bridge in London - not just for its architectural beauty and its reputation as being genuinely iconic (when so many things these days are mis-described this way) but also because it isn’t as old as I think it should be. Tower Bridge was constructed at the very end of the 19th century and the Wills Memorial came along in 1925, a ten year construction period interrupted by war and with a final bill of just over half a million pounds. I suppose it is the neo-Gothic style that makes it seem older, and it was designed to emulate the beauty of some of the much older university buildings in Oxford and Cambridge.

To fully appreciate the scale and grandeur of the Wills Memorial Building I can heartily recommend taking the guided tour of the building, a visit that is currently the number 3 attraction in Bristol according to Trip Advisor. Tours take place on the first Saturday of the month (every half hour between 11am and 1pm), occasional other Saturdays at 1pm, and on the first Wednesday of the month at 12.15pm and 12.30pm. Tours last between 60 and 90 minutes and cost £5 for adults and £4 for concessions. All proceeds go towards the Wallace & Grommit Grand Appeal to help support Bristol Children’s Hospital. To be sure of a place it is probably best to contact the tour guide, the very excellent Gary Nott, on 0117 954 5219 or email Gary at towerThe Wills Memorial Building was designed by Sir tours@bristol.ac.uk. George Oatley, the revered Bristolian architect who lists St Edyth’s Church in Sea Mills and St Given the age and altitude of the building the Monica Trust HQ on the Downs amongst his tour may present some difficulties for people other works, and who was knighted for his work with limited mobility but don’t let that put you on the project. The building, of which the bell off. With prior notification access is possible -

using the lift to enough levels to be able to visit the ornate Grand Hall, the historical Council Chamber and the beautiful libraries, all well worth a visit. Go higher still, by way of 100 steps, and you will be able to visit the belfry where “Great George” sits, all nine and a half tons of him - time your visit well and you may be stood next to the bell as it tells Bristol the time. And a further 100 lungbursting narrow steps upwards and you will emerge out onto the rooftop, with stunning views down Park Street, across to Brandon Hill and up over Bristol Grammar School towards the new Southmead Hospital on the near horizon. Not for those with a dislike of heights, but Bristol from on high is always fascinating, and although it was raining on the day of my visit the views across the city were worth the effort of getting to the roof. The Wills Memorial Building - visit it, climb it, love it. Next month - you’ll have to wait and see.

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The Pope is dead and behind closed doors Lomeli has to organise the election of a successor from the cardinals gathered at St Peter’s. That’s the plot of Robert Harris’s brilliant new novel Conclave. The election process is fascinating and steeped in history and as we learn about the main contenders, there is constant intrigue and tension. And will the Pope intervene from beyond the grave? Secrets and past misdemeanours return to bite the perpetrators until at the end when you think everything is done and dusted, a further twist throws everything up in the air again in this gripping and very clever thriller. 2011 and Adolf Hitler wakes up on a patch of Berlin wasteland. No Himmler, no Eva Braun, just him. In effect he’s a time traveller and what he sees astonishes him: the country is ruled by a woman; it’s teeming with immigrants and there’s a bizarre new custom of chasing around after dogs with plastic bags. In Look Who’s Back by Timur Vermes, everybody recognises Adolf but they believe he’s just an impersonator. Hitler never breaks character though. His old ambitions remain and his rants quickly make him a media sensation. This is a very funny novel despite the unsettling worries that erupt along with the laughs.

became highly skilled through training with the ball every day. Jimmy Hogan inspired Hungary, who destroyed England’s invincibility in 1953. George Raynor in Sweden and William Garbutt in Italy were among many who were successful and highly influential. If you enjoy football, read this book. Surfers! Young and tough, with bleached hair, they long for the perfect wave and search it out, right? And when they get old? Not so tough but they still have that longing and they still keep searching. That’s the message of William Finnegan’s wonderful surfing memoir Barbarian Days. Born in California in the early fifties, he set off after college on a lifelong surfing odyssey with various girlfriends and wave riding buddies and circumnavigated the globe in doing so. If you’re a surfing ignoramus, don’t worry. Finnegan will teach you what you need to know about waves and boards and mesmerise you in the process.

Set now, in Cincinnati, Eligible is Curtis Sittenfeld’s entertaining and raunchy re-imagining of Pride and Prejudice. To their mother’s chagrin, the five Bennet girls are still unmarried and growing older. Then Chip Bingley bursts onto the scene. His supercilious chum Darcy turns up too and offends sensible, competent Everyone’s better at football than Lizzie Bennet. So far so samey, but England but how did that come Sittenfeld’s clever modern updates about? Well, according to Rory offer a new perspective that will Smith in his absolutely fascinating intrigue Jane Austen lovers. For Mister we brought it all on those who don’t know the original, ourselves. Since before 1914 English it’s a fresh and page turning novel coaches have been going abroad to that might even encourage them to find the jobs they couldn’t get in try Jane out. Oh, and Mr Bennet’s as England. As a result they laid down a droll and useless as ever. A great tradition of very fit players who read. -

Euphorbias Euphorbias (or spurge) are fascinating plants that deserve a place in our gardens. They come in an amazing range of shapes and sizes. In fact Euphorbias are one of the largest genera of flowering plant with around 2,000 different species ranging from the familiar Christmas Poinsettia, to cactus-like plants and large, succulent shrubs. Some Euphorbias are happy in deep shade, while others revel in bright sunlight and parched soil.

large plant (around 5ft), but packed full of drama. Much smaller and low-growing are the primeval-looking Euphorbia myrsinites and Euphorbia rigida. Both have trailing, spider-like stems, blue fleshy leaves and lime flowers. One of the most colourful garden spurges is Euphorbia griffithii ‘Fireglow’ (right). It’s not evergreen, but more than makes up for its lack of year-round interest by sporting bronze-edged foliage and vibrant orange flower heads in summer. It likes to be in semishade and can spread quite quickly when it’s happy. There are other Euphorbias that are happy in shade too, spreading to give useful evergreen groundcover.

There are plenty of Euphorbias that will thrive in our city gardens. If you have the space, Euphorbia mellifera (left), or honey spurge, makes a wonderful architectural plant. Like many Euphorbias it has stems decked by attractive whorled leaves, but the crowning glory is its small bronze-coloured flowers that have a delicious smell of honey. The one thing that Euphorbias all have For hot, sunny in common is a patios and gravel milky sap that oozes gardens, Euphorbia from the stem when characias subsp. you cut it. This is ‘wulfenii’ (right) is poisonous and a a handsome plant skin irritant, so you with a should always wear Mediterranean gloves when look. The bluish pruning, and wash foliage is the sap off straight evergreen, and away if you get any topped by eyeon you. catching chartreuse flower Some Euphorbias look just like cacti! heads in spring. It is a short-lived and relatively

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Trespass Against Us Directed by Adam Smith

Chad and his wife Kelly (Lyndsey Marshall) have got Tyson and their young daughter into a local school and have secret plans to get away from the family. Colby suspects this is happening but he has no proof. Mafia style, he needs to keep the family together. School and education are a threat and he counters it by fireside talks that are a toxic combination of a bible story Christianity, folklore and ignorance (remind you of anybody?).

Trespass Against Us is based on the anarchic lifestyle of a gypsy family who break into country houses to steal valuable property. It is set in rural Gloucestershire where the family have set up their caravan camp complete with beaten up cars, assorted junk, and free range chickens and dogs. The first thing to say about the film is that it was made in consultation with The family run into the force of the law when a a gypsy family. The family loved the film, laughed at the dark humour and said that it was local copper (Rory Kinnear) gets on their tail. He is sympathetic towards Kelly and the two kids realistic. but all is lost when they choose the Lord Lieutenant’s mansion as their next target. The school gives up on the kids following “complaints from parents” and Chad has to resort to stealing a puppy for Tyson’s birthday from a dog breeder when he refuses to sell to a gypsy. In the end the illiterate and uneducated Chad has failed to break free from the family and is condemned by his own criminality and by the society that he wants to be part of. The film centres on the relationship between Colby Cutler, the family patriarch, played by Brendan Gleeson and his son Chad, played by Michael Fassbender. The film starts with a car chase through the Gloucestershire countryside. Tyson, Chad’s young son is at the wheel in pursuit of a hare. This is a rite of passage, driving off road is essential for evading the police and is a much admired skill within the family. They return to the camp and Tyson sits down by the camp fire with his favourite dog while simple minded Gordon, who has been taken in by the family, goofs around with a fire extinguisher before throwing it on the fire. Tyson survives the explosion but the dog is killed.

The main actors are all excellent. Michael Fassbender is perhaps best known for playing Steve Jobs in the film of the same name and as a musician in Song To Song, a film about the country music scene in Austin, Texas, directed by Terence Malick. Brendan Gleeson’s last part in major feature film was Father James in Calvary. He also played Mad Eye Moody in Harry Potter. Lyndsey Marshall has appeared in several TV series including Silent Witness and Inside No.9. The sound track is by The Chemical Brothers whose documentary “Don’t Think” was directed by Adam Smith. Adam Smith has also directed three episodes of Doctor Who and the TV series of Little Dorrit.

Am I strange? Or just normal? I’m probably both. We all are, aren’t we? How we are perceived is, like beauty, in the eye of the beholder. So I, like everyone else, am both strange and normal, depending on whose subjective opinion you seek. And which aspects of my behaviour they observe. We all have our little eccentricities, mannerisms, habits don’t we? - tell me you don’t and I won’t believe you. These exhibitions of strangeness are what make us interesting, individual, one-offs. Now I’m going out on a limb here - in search of some empathy that will make this whole thing work- and I’m going to mention one of my little behaviours that, until recently, I thought must be unique to me. Then I mentioned it to my daughter who said she did exactly the same thing. So, not so strange after all. Picture, if you will, a box of cereal - and you are having the last serving. When recycling the box you take the plastic bag out - and find a lone cornflake / rice krispie / shreddie that has escaped the bag and lies at the bottom of the box. What do you do with it? Leave it there? No of course you don’t you pick it out of the box and drop it into your bowl with the rest of the final portion. And why? Because cereal has feelings - and that little Frostie needs to be with the rest of his friends, not thrown away to face alone the horrors of the brown food waste bin. Are you with me? If so you’ll fully understand that when you empty baked beans out of the tin you have to keep shaking the can until every last bean is out - because you can’t let that final little haricot face a life of solitude armed just with a protective coating of tomato. He needs to be with his beany friends (or indeed his family members). I’d love to know how many readers are sat there thinking “OMG, he does that too - perhaps I’m not mad after all”. Anyway, stick with me - you’ll see where this is going, and if you can relate to what I’m going on about I’m sure you’ll jump to support my cause. Last week I was in a well known supermarket, in the exotic foods aisle, when I noticed something a little strange, a little sad. There on the shelf, right behind a label that said “Sorry - temporarily out of stock”, sat a single falafel. I guess the -

plastic lid on the last vacuum pack of 10 falafels had split, and the shopper failed to spot not only that he or she was one falafel short of a full meze but that the last falafel in the store had been left all alone on the shelf. Having read my earlier admission of “strange” behaviour I’m sure you know what happens next. Of course you do. The solo falafel needed to be rescued, adopted if you will, as it would (in my mind) have been morally wrong to have left him there in unsplendid isolation. So as well as a basket of paid-for shopping I came home with a sad little middle-eastern snack. And now I am wondering if you might show me, and him, your support? I don’t know how long the lonely falafel had been left on the shelf, or what his “sell by” date would have been, but I’m clearly not going to eat him - that would be wrong in so many ways. However to make him feel wanted, at least until he starts to go green and fluffy, I’ve decided to let him spend a few days seeing the sights of Bristol, sights he’d never have seen had he been left in-store. You can follow his exploits on Facebook where I have set up a page called The Lonely Falafel. And what would make my day and I am sure it would for my chick-pea based friend - would be if you could Like his Facebook page. I’d love to think we might get 100 likes for him. Can we achieve that? Are you feeling the love? Will you embrace “The Lonely Falafel” and give him a big BS9 hug (not too tight mind, he is getting a little crumbly). If so please go to Facebook, search “The Lonely Falafel” and hit the “Like” button. Thank you.

“This month sees the launch of a new ISA – The Lifetime ISA (LISA). Whilst it can’t be used by everyone, you have to say that its ‘target market’ is one that most of us would agree needs initiatives such as this, to help them.” says Phil James from Grosvenor Consultancy Ltd.

stay open but no further contributions can be made. If you have an existing ‘Help to Buy’ ISA, you can transfer this into the new plan. Do this during the 1st year and the 25% bonus will be on that amount as well! The maximum contribution to a ‘Help to Buy’ ISA would have been £4,200. So if you transfer this and add the new £4,000 contribution, that would be a bonus of 25% on £8,200 or an extra £2,050 from the Government on your savings.

“Primarily it is intended for anyone who is saving for their first home. However it could have other uses - Here are some key points: ▪

▪

Finally many people might be using Cash ISA’s as a form of savings for their retirement. At the £4,000 each tax year can be saved by time of writing the each person, as long as you are between best instant access 18 and 39 and a first time home buyer. Cash ISA rate is just 1.01%#. On that basis, if you The Government will add a bonus of 25% are within the age parameters mentioned above of the contribution you make each year. and even if the ‘First house’ objective is not relevant but retirement planning is, then using a That’s an extra £1,000. Lifetime ISA and receiving a 25% bonus might be worth considering. The bonus will be added at the end of the 1st year and then monthly thereafter, so care if you are intending to We would always recommend you seek advice before making decisions about your financial buy your first house in the next 12 arrangements. months. LISA’s will be launched by companies over the next 12 months – some will be ‘Cash LISA’s’ and some will be ‘Investment LISA’s’.

Phil James Grosvenor Consultancy Ltd. 01275 373348

# Thisismoney.com 23/03/17 Contributions to a LISA will form part of the overall ISA allowance which from 6th The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate tax advice and some forms of offshore April will be £20,000 per person. investments. The above does not constitute financial advice and we always recommend you If you do not use your LISA savings to seek advice for your own specific circumstances. buy a house, you can access it tax free The value of investments and the income from after age 60 and therefore use it as a them can fall as well as rise and you may not get form of retirement savings. back the full amount you invested. You can access it for other reasons before 60, but there will be a 25% charge All statements concerning the tax treatment of products and their benefits are based on our to do so. understanding of current tax law and Inland Revenue practice. Levels and bases of tax relief You can continue to pay into up to the are subject to change. The tax treatment age of 50- thereafter the account can depends on individual circumstances -

In the latest in our occasional series about sporting activities in this part of Bristol we take a look at local running club the Westbury Harriers, whose members, old and young, I see pounding down out street in a blur of hi-vis tops on their regular club runs. I recall the name Westbury Harriers from back, I guess, in the 1980’s when Grandstand used to broadcast the cross country championships, commentators David Vine and Ron Pickering letting viewers know which club each runner came from.

represent Westbury Harriers, again at no additional cost. The partnership did experience some “teething problems” in its early days, but it soon began to run smoothly and it still continues today.

From its earliest days Westbury Harriers has taken a pride in developing and nurturing its own young athletes (aged 9 to 19). Over the years many thousands of youngsters from Bristol, South Gloucestershire and beyond have had the experience of being a Westbury Harrier. Sadly, Club historian Pete Keogan tells us more many of these youngsters only stay in the sport for a short time, but some do make it through to “Westbury Harriers was founded in February 1924 the senior ranks and have made a life-time as principally a cross-country running club for the commitment to the sport and the club. men and boys of the village of Westbury-on-Trym and its surrounding area. For four years the club The clubs first major success in Junior athletics remained an all male preserve (as seen in this came in 1948 when the Junior Men’s team 1925 photo), however the club created a ladies became English National Cross-Country section in 1928 and to devastating effect – in less champions. Since then further gold medals have than two years the clubs ladies team became eluded our youngsters in “The National”, but a English National Cross-Country Champions !. record of eight silver and eight bronze team medals is not “too bad” !. In addition nine of the clubs youngsters have won individual “National” medals, including three national champions – John Parker (Under 17 Men, 1956), Mark Vile (Under 17 Men, 1982) and Simon Mugglestone (Junior Men, 1988). Simon Mugglestone was a prodigious talent and arguably the most gifted athlete the club has ever produced. In 1987 he became European Junior 5000 metre champion As the club developed it branched out into other and in 1990 he became the first Westbury Harrier athletic disciplines and competed in local and to run a sub four minute mile. Sadly, Simon was regional track and field leagues during the never able to realize his full potential as a senior summer months. The club developed or attracted athlete – recurring injury problems forced him to a number of talented sprinters, middle distance retire from the sport when he was far too young. runners, race walkers, jumpers and throwers. The only athletic discipline it did not take part in was It is the dream of every serious athlete to become tug-of-war !. However, throughout its history the an Olympian, and two Westbury Harriers were clubs main strength has been in cross-country and able to turn their dreams into reality – both were road running. The club continued take part in female and both were born in the London area. track and field athletics until 1997. By then the Lesley Morton was born in Croydon in 1963, but club did not have a track that it could call its own at an early age emigrated with her family to New and only a small minority of the clubs adult Zealand. In 1988 she came on a visit to the U.K., members were interested in taking part in track mainly to meet up with her relations. Her “visit” and field events. The club then embarked on a was to last for seven years !. Lesley was keen to unique partnership with Yate & District Athletic continue her promising athletics career and it was Club, which allowed Westbury members to suggested to her that joining Westbury Harriers represent Yate in track and field events, without would be a “good idea”. She soon became a having to pay an additional membership fee. At valued and popular member of the club. In 1992 the same time, Yate became a track and field club she represented New Zealand at the Barcelona only and their members wishing to take part in Olympics in the Women’s 10000 metres. It was a road, cross- country, hill and fell races could cruel misfortune that she developed a throat

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infection just six days before her heat and was only able to finish 17th and failed to qualify for the final. Nevertheless , she had still become Westbury Harriers first Olympian. Lesley returned to New Zealand in 1995 and was made a life member of the club.

“mastermind” behind the clubs successful Senior Men’s team in the 1990’s. And Marilyn Palmer, who won the Midland Counties Senior Women’s Cross-Country title in 1979, is still competing today and won the Women’s over 65 section in the Gwent Cross-Country League (2016-17).

Marian Sutton was born in Wanstead in 1964 and Westbury Harriers became her fourth club when she joined us from Tipton Harriers in 1995. It was Marian’s ambition to be selected for the Women’s Marathon at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta and it caused great controversy at the time when she was only selected as a nontravelling reserve, but four years later she became one of the first British athletes to be preselected for the 2000 games in Sydney, where she finished a creditable 26th in the Women’s Marathon, which was not bad for a veteran !.

If there was ever a “golden age” for Westbury Harriers it would have spanned the 1980’s and 1990’s. During this period the clubs Senior Women won the Midland Counties Cross-Country Championships for a fourth time(1988), while the Senior men won the same championship for the first time in their history on a memorable afternoon at Blaise Castle in 1993.During this period our Senior Men also enjoyed many successes in road races, including team victories in the London Marathon (1993) and the Great North Run (1989 and 1990).

For many years Westbury Harriers has been strong in Veteran’s athletics (for people over the age of 35) and our “Vets” teams have won numerous regional and national team titles. In 1959 a fifteen year old schoolgirl called Patricia Sullivan joined the club as an aspiring sprinter and long jumper. After being persuaded to try her hand at cross-country she discovered she was quite good at it and decided make that her discipline, along with running middle distance track events in the summer. After representing Wales in a cross-country international Pat retired from the sport in her early twenties, but her love for running would not go away and in 1977 she re -joined the club – mainly to help coach the young athletes. At the same time, the now Pat Gallagher embarked on a career in Veterans (or Masters) athletics which has been truly remarkable and now, in her early seventies, she is regarded as a true legend of the sport. Pat is still competing on the world stage and in October 2016 she returned home from the World Masters Track & Field Championships in Australia with two bronze medals – knowing the high standards Pat sets herself, she will have looked upon that as a failure! Her achievements have not only inspired the other veterans at Westbury Harriers, but also the many generations of young athletes she has coached over the years. Today she coaches the sisters Hannah and Ellie Hobbs who are just starting to make an impact on the national scene.

If the clubs senior athletes have been unable to deliver the same level of success in the first two decades of the 21st century, it has given the opportunity for our young athletes to show what they are made of. Our youngsters have won several Midland Counties Cross-Country team titles and our Under 15 Boys team were English National Cross-Country Silver medallists in 2004 and 2005. As recently as February of this year, young Dalis Jones won the Under 13 Girls individual silver medal at the English National. It is important to stress that Westbury Harriers is not just about winning championships and medals. The club is a “broad church” which welcomes runners of all ages (from 8 to 80+) and all abilities (from internationals to absolute beginners). The motto of the club is “Pari-Passu” – one of the many English translations of this is “moving together”, which is what this club always Other notable Westbury veterans include George tries to do.” Blackburn – a Republic of Ireland international in Check out page 80 for details of how to join or his own right, and as a coach and mentor the find out more about the Westbury Harriers

“I should…” Like most of us you probably find yourself saying ‘I should….’ more often than is helpful! Certainly it’s something I hear my clients saying and noticing it makes for an interesting conversation that leads to new awareness. For some of us it’s been such a common refrain that we don’t notice it, or in some cases if we do, we think it spurs us on in some way, i.e. it’s a good thing. We need to stop and think about this: how do you feel when you say ‘I should…’ to yourself? ”I should be stopping work at 6pm”; “I should just say ‘no’ “; ” I should do more exercise”.

with this vision comes motivation. Now we can start looking for opportunities and behaviours we would need to put in place to achieve this change. It may not be easy and it may not be quick, BUT it is now much more compelling and therefore more likely that we do it. Staying with the change we want to achieve, we need to ask ourselves “how can I ….?” Depending on how positive we’re feeling we may notice a despondency if we can’t come up with an answer easily and all the hurdles come to mind! So it’s important to be encouraging and supportive of yourself, as you would be with a good friend. Give yourself time and persevere. Small steps are more manageable and so long as you recognise your progress and the benefits you’re deriving, you will be motivated to build on this to achieve the change you want to see. Making changes in our established behaviours is rarely easy but it’s a whole lot easier if you keep focused on the purpose for the change and easier still if you have someone encouraging you. Next time you catch yourself thinking ‘I should…’, smile, try on ‘I could…’ and see where it takes you!

Embedded in ‘I should‘ is a big element of judgement, an implied criticism of the fact that we’re not doing what we ‘should‘. It’s so much more than an acknowledgement that it would be a good idea! Guilt and Visit www.annemillercoaching.co.uk for frustration are likely accompaniments more information and to book a free leading to disappointment in ourselves and a blocking of constructive, solution focused consultation Tel: 07722 110 228 thinking. One small change you can try is replacing ‘should‘ with ‘could’. How does it feel now? ” I could be stopping work at 6pm”; ” I could just say ‘no'”; “I could do more exercise”. Suddenly there’s an element of possibility, a lightness that leads us towards considering what this would be like. And -

Having crossed the divide from Cotham to Westbury, music journalist and columnist Duncan Haskell will be writing monthly musings on his new life in BS9. First up, some ornithological observations -

to disguise themselves as sparrows for a fancy dress party.

07/02/17 09:50 Two squirrels fighting over a coconut shell, a robin waits beneath for the scraps (from the scrap).

11/02/17 10:45 Each bird has a unique manner. The wren hops about whereas the thrush stalks the garden, the robin waits patiently for food to drop and the long-tailed tits blitz through in a frenzy. Duncan Haskell

09/02/17 11:10 The small squirrel hides behind the pagoda, waiting for the larger squirrel to be distracted as One of the main reasons for switching he gorges on suet, after one final check he allegiances (and postcodes) from BS6 to BS9 was makes his move for the coconut. a desire to have a garden of our own, in particular so that we could feed and watch the 10/02/17 08:20 resident birdlife. Having been here over a month Having already fought off a rival, the territorial now, I thought I would share a few of my robin is chased away by a blackbird. It’s a tough observations - I’m resisting the urge to call them start to the day. ‘tweets’! 10/02/17 09:51 06/02/17 08:43 Four great pigeons sit in the tree, practising The blackbird, with its striking carrot-beak, is their audition for the part of the vultures in the vastly underappreciated. A thing of simple Jungle Book. “What we gonna do?” “I dunno, beauty with a delightful song. what d’ya wanna do?”

08/02/17 11:23 A quiet morning until a long-tailed tit fizzes into sight, before quickly being ushered away by the resident robin. 08/02/17 12:08 The long-tailed tit returns, this time with allies. Apparently the collective noun for them is a “zephyr”. It’s a brief visit, as usual. 09/02/17 09:00 Two dunnocks appear, looking like robins trying

This month’s article is going to be different Thus this first example formed a string of from my normal range of topics - the usual but circumstances which initiated most of the other approached from a completely different angle. events I am about to describe. Checking through sixty or so project records that our history group has completed during the last eighteen years I suddenly realised that success hadn’t only been attributable to sweat and delving. Coincidence, sudden inspiration, an unusually lucky find or merely 'being in the right place at the right time' contributed significantly to the project's success - or as a member said “Just serendipity.” A more rigorous examination reduced the project list to those of the ‘strange but true’ category. What is meant by Serendipity? On the 28th of January 1754 Horace Walpole wrote to his friend Sir Horace Mann first coining the expression “serendipity”. In his letter he used it to describe the "...facility of making lucky and unexpected discoveries", explaining that he took the name from the three Asian Princes of Serendip who were always making "Discoveries … of things that they were not in quest of." The start of it all. My interest in Local history all started in the summer of 1979 when I was working in a new office on Temple Back just off Victoria Street. A weekend impulse buy in the Clifton Antiques Market was a nice blue and white ‘Antique Series’ scenic dinner plate. Later a friend at the Museum told me that it was made at the Bristol Pottery by Pountney & Allies and when she showed me a map of the pottery it turned out that not only was our new office block directly over the site of the kilns but that my plate had been made 132 years before below where my desk was located. It was this discovery together with a view from my office of the adjacent Temple Church that aroused my interest in the history of the area.

Perseverance rewarded. During our Parish Boundary survey project for the Bristol Museum we were looking for St John the Baptist Parish (St J B Parish) marks reportedly in the basement of Sir Gilbert Scott’s Electricity House, the former SWEB building on the Centre. On a visit we were pleased to find stones inscribed STJB. However the SWEB official with us assured us that the letters were cable route markers and meant ‘Straight Through Junction Box’. Disappointed we left, however some months later out of the blue we received a solicitor’s letter enclosing a 1937 document about a church covenant specifying that the building was to have the aforementioned boundary markers erected on the building together with payment of a ground rent. By the date of our visit £3,600 was outstanding. Our group received a honarium from the vestry for bringing the matter to their attention. NB. I am pleased that the new developers of EH, as it is now known, have preserved the basement markers. Fate directing footsteps to a Birmingham cellar Years ago a visit to Birmingham left me with time to kill during the day, window shopping led me to a card shop that also sold some secondhand books. Upon enquiring if they had any books on Bristol I was told a vehement "No!" However for some reason I persisted and eventually the shopkeeper admitted that he had some in the cellar, but firstly he didn't know what they were, secondly, they were still boxed up and thirdly he was far too busy to unpack them. Again I persisted, and he reluctantly agreed that if I came back in a few hours he MIGHT get them up for me. Calling back in the afternoon I was handed a large box of books,

papers etc and told that I had to buy the lot or none. They had not been unpacked, and in 1970 the asking price of seven pounds cash was more than I could afford for something sight unseen but the same ‘message’ that made me persist in my questioning said "Go on." The find was amazing; a number of leather bound biographies of Bristol Worthies, Chatterton memorabilia, a set of commemorative opening day memorabilia for Bristol University, but the magic find was a set of cutting books containing private notes, articles, certificates and correspondence spanning forty years of Miss Winifred Parry's life as Bristol's first lady reference Librarian. Just one of the collection which came from the 1911 Horfield & Bishopston Record provided the material for a book we subsequently published. Miss Parry’s other material we donated to the library. How did the material end up in that Birmingham cellar? I had no reason to suppose that there was anything of interest in that shop, so what made me persist in spite of repeated attempts to put me off? An even stranger example – a mystery still unresolved! This is an account of the amazing sequence of events arising from a piece of iron found in a Bedminster pub eventually being reunited with its offspring in Shropshire. The story starts in the summer of 1985 following a visit to The Ironbridge Gorge Museum and the nearby Jackfields tile museum at Telford. That visit had been organised by the Bristol Industrial Archaeology Society and included a demonstration of tile making at Jackfields. Our society has a reciprocal arrangement with John Powell, their Bristolian librarian, concerning examples of Coalbrookdale ironware that we spot in Bristol. In exchange John has been able to provide us with design details of the many items of street furniture, such as fountains, statues, lampposts etc. dotted around Bristol. Shortly after the visit, when the demonstration of tile making fresh in mind, I spotted on the Ali Baba Bazaar stall in Clifton a slab of iron measuring 6 x 12 x 1/2inch thick, containing three bas relief scenes depicting what appeared to be three monks, one drinking from a tankard, the other smoking a clay pipe and the third refilling his tankard -

from a jug. The stallholder told me that he wasn’t sure but thought it had come from a Bedminster Pub called the "Three Plumes." John asked me to buy it on behalf of the Coalbrookdale museum. Later John confirmed that it did seem to be a tile mould and agreed to ask for a tile to be made from it for our society’s collection. Time passed and I forgot all about it. In 1987 on another visit to Jackfields I was surprised to see the mould on display in the museum alongside its presumably offspring tile. Pleased that it proved that my guess had been correct, but miffed that they had forgotten their promise, I spoke to the museum staff, explained the background and asked for more details. The following week I received a phone call with this unbelievable account. Shortly after my first visit the museum welcomed a new Curator who knew nothing of our previous involvement. The legacy slab of iron was on his desk keeping his paper-mountain captive. Shortly after his arrival the museum had been asked to provide a tile for a cookery book illustration. His assistant was tasked to select a suitable tile from their collection. This she did and left it on the curator's desk. Job completed. When the curator came to make arrangements for the photography he noticed that the tile matched the "Paperweight" and asked why she had left the mould there as well, to which she replied "What mould?" They were checked and matched, and because it was unusual to have both the tile and the originating mould the curator arranged for them to be displayed together. Assuming, as seems likely, the tile did come from that mould, did the tile emigrate to Jackfields, or did the mould emigrate to Bristol? What agency was responsible for creating the chain of circumstances that brought all the pieces together at just the right time? Perhaps it was just a celestial joke. Nelson’s maker returns to Bristol The story starts with a "Famous Bristolians" article our society published about Edward Hodges Baily RA. FRS. Famed for his sculpted figures of national personages, probably his most photographed statue is that of Nelson on

(continued on page 58

The Blame Game A Case for No-Fault Divorce Some of you will be aware of the recent case of Tini Owens, a 66 year old woman who has asked the Court of Appeal to overturn a Family Court ruling that she couldn't divorce her husband, despite being desperately unhappy in her 39 year marriage. Tini told the Court that her husband was insensitive towards her, that he mistrusted her and that she felt unloved. Tini's husband disagreed, denying that this was how he behaved. Despite this, the Family Court considered that Tini's allegations against her husband, were nonetheless of the kind that could be expected in a marriage and her divorce petition was refused. Tini has now asked the Court of Appeal to overturn that ruling and the outcome is awaited. A fault-based system

▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

adultery unreasonable behaviour two years separation with consent five years separation without consent desertion

However, 62% of divorce petitions in the UK are based on 'fault' (ONS statistics on divorces, 2012), which leaves the remaining 38% of those seeking a divorce left with having to rely on separation based grounds with or without their former partner's consent. Is the law due for an update? In 2015, Richard Bacon MP introduced a Ten Minute Bill which proposed creating no fault divorce. The Bill proposed a system whereby each party could make a separate declaration that the marriage had irretrievably broken down without a requirement to satisfy the court of any other fault. Unfortunately however, the Bill did not proceed past its first reading in the House of Commons.

In England & Wales, the only ground for Other jurisdictions have been far more divorce is irretrievable breakdown of the forward thinking in their approach to marriage. This has to be supported by one marriage breakdown. For example, in of five 'facts':

2006 Scotland introduced new legislation reducing the period of separation from two years to one where there is consent and from five years to two where there is no consent. Australia, the USA and Spain are all countries where no fault divorce is possible.

Whilst we are currently left with a fault based divorce system, our matrimonial team are members of Resolution, a body which promotes a non-confrontational approach to family problems. We are experienced in facilitating divorces for clients with a view to minimising animosity.

Where does this leave us? The matter is still up for debate. Despite the widespread support for 'no-fault divorce', including campaigning from lawyers and senior members of the judiciary who have recently criticised ministers for failing to reform the law, successive governments have resisted calls to do so.

If you need help or advice in this area, please contact Veale Wasbrough Vizards' Partner Samantha Hickman on 0117 314 5435 or at shickman@vwv.co.uk.

the column in Trafalgar Square. For this reason the statueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s photograph was included in our article. One of our members, Francis Charlton when she was visiting saw our magazine open at the article and asked if we realised that Edward was one of her relatives. The outcome? After two years of correspondence the family portrait of Edward was returned to Bristol from Scotland where it had been sent for safety during the last war and not uncrated since. The Baily Lodge in the Province of Bristol sponsored the restoration and repair of shrapnel damage and it is on loan from the family to be shared between his former Lodge and the Bristol City museum and Art Gallery. Currently it hangs in the Freemasons Hall, formerly the 19th Century Bristol Philosophic & Scientific Institute, in Park Street coincidentally the building for which he carved the Frieze (see here) over the entrance door representing the Arts, Science & literature being introduced by Minerva and Apollo to the City.

Library Angel at work. Whilst preparing a paper for the International Medieval History Congress about the St johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Conduit I was searching for some information about the sugar refinery set up on the site of the Carmelite Friary, now the Colston Hall. I had been told that the information was in one of the hundreds of Bristol & Gloucestershire Archaeological Societies Volumes of Transactions, but with no idea which one. Faced with the daunting task of searching through all of these, I did the only thing possible - I stood in front of the shelves, shut my eyes and concentrated on a mental image of the engraving I had been shown of Mr Young's 'Great House', (on the site), walked forward and selected the book that came to hand, opened it at the page which contained the exact paragraph describing the dispute that had taken place between the parishioners of St. John's and the owners of the refinery who were using so much water that the parish was going short. I believe this is a classic example of the technique described by Arthur Koestler as Library Angels, or as another friend described it as "Library Dowsing". I have also included details of the following happenings because they are observations of events that have affected me personally. TamAm, Turkish for OK - obviously!

Limbe in Redland At a Henleaze jumble sale I found a set of Imperial Tobacco Companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1950s company magazines in which I came across a photograph of their tobacco plantation at Limbe in Nyasaland (now Malawi). A couple of years later whilst waiting for a bus in Upper Cranbrook Road I noticed an unusual house name - Limbe. The name triggered a memory and mentioned it one day to an elderly neighbour who told me that one of the plantation managers had retired to Bristol. Guess where? Although the current owners new nothing about the previous owner they were happy to let me have the sign for my collection in exchange for repainting their gate. Hand beaten, by that long gone plantation manager from a copper sheet presumably as a reminder of his days in sunnier climes.

Some years ago (before mobile phones) I was considering a change of job. My story starts on a Thursday morning when flying to Crete on holiday. Selecting a copy of the Daily Telegraph from the inflight magazine rack, imagine my chagrin to find a half page advertisement for what appeared to be a really interesting job in Bristol. I hoped that there might be time to apply upon my return to England, tore the advert out of the paper, stuck it in my wallet and forgot about it. Until a week later, whilst still en-vacances, when we were recommended a newly opened, but OK restaurant in Chania. The name of the restaurant was "TamAm" Apparently it had been a former Bath House dating from the days of the Turkish occupation of Crete. Sat in the restaurant enjoying our dinner when another

English couple from the same hotel came in and asked if they could join us, we agreed. During the course of the conversation, of the "Where do you live, what do you do?" variety, I explained that I was an aerospace designer but was looking around for a improved position and explained about the job advert that I had seen on the plane on the way over. At which point a person sat at the next table excused himself saying; "Pardon my interruption, but I overheard your conversation would you mind telling me what the advertisement was for?" Surprised I told him, whereupon he said, "Good, they put it in then!" He then went on to explain that he was the person who had placed the ad. We exchanged cards and we arranged to meet the following Monday. At my formal job interview the company's Personnel Department asked me where I had heard about the Job, "In a Turkish Bath-House in Crete", an answer they didn't appear to have an appropriate space for on their form!

About eighteen months later, I remember noticing that the can that had been a gift of fate was nearly empty and thought, "Must see about getting another one". That Sunday afternoon, sat in our front living room, reading the Sunday papers, when there was a loud bang, which sounded like something hitting the front wall of the house. Rushing outside to investigate, could see nothing amiss, but noticed lying in the middle of the lawn, yes, you guessed it, another can of "3 in 1" oil. There were no people anywhere around, no children hiding around the corner, no cars, although there was the faint noise of a motorbike in the distance. The only rational explanation I can think of is that the can fell from the Top-Box of a passing motorbike, bounced off the road, over the low garden wall off the lawn hit the front wall of the house and fell back onto the grass. Another explanation, perhaps God doesn't like squeaky doors and is making sure that ours shouldn’t.

"3 in 1" Oil Can - not history but…! Serendipity questionnaire Some years ago, when drawing up the weekend shopping list, I remarked to Diane that we must remember to add a can of "3 in 1" oil to the list because the can was almost empty. Later that Saturday morning walking along a very busy section of Bristol's Gloucester Road I saw standing upright in the middle of the pavement a can of "3 in 1" oil. The odd thing was that all the other pedestrians were studiously avoiding the tin, carefully walking around it. I remember commenting about the lucky find, picking the can up only to realise it was brand new and still sealed. The likely explanation is of course that it had fallen out of someone’s shopping bag, although the combination of circumstances was unusual to say the least; My perceived need, the fact that the can was stood upright in the centre of the pavement and the its avoidance by passers-by. But wait, the story hasn't finished yet.

My attention was first drawn to a possible pattern of events during an evening talk to another local history society. A member commented that our group appeared to have made rather a lot of lucky discoveries. This remark caused me to re-examine the results of our researches and thought perhaps there was a discernible pattern and decided to record the circumstances and outcome of each. At which point Diane asked, "Have you seen the questionnaire in the Sunday Observer, asking for readers’ experiences of any "Serendipitous" happenings?" I did not respond to the questionnaire because I didn't feel that the thread linking all these events was sufficiently strong, but fate gave me another opportunity thousands of miles away. Whilst working in Los Angeles I was invited onto a local radio programme with a member of the Moeibus Society who research this and kindred matters. Explaining our experiences he referred me to the works of Carl Jung, and his theory of Synchronicity. © Julian Lea-Jones FRAeS 2017

SENIOR SNIPPETS - COPING AS A CARER Welcome to the latest edition of Senior Snippets: the monthly advisory column with the older members of our community in mind, brought to you by John Moore of Home Instead Senior Care in North Bristol. In this instalment, I will share some essential tips for those of you caring for a loved one. Being a family carer can be one of the most fulfilling things that you can do, but on the flip side, it can also be an overwhelming and thankless task. Anyone that cares for somebody is likely to have many unanswered questions regarding both the care they are giving to their loved one and the care they owe themselves. To help answer some of those questions, we have compiled some top tips to help you become the best carer you can be: Take a guilt-free break – allowing yourself some alone time to unwind a few times each month will help you to reenergise and provide a much better quality of care. Be patient – it can often take time to get into a consistent care routine. Keeping calm and patient will allow this to happen whilst also respecting your loved one’s dignity and independence. Help them to feel good – A new haircut or item of clothing can do wonders for your loved one’s confidence and self-worth, so don’t forget to treat them every now and then! Accept that they have changed – the person you care for is unlikely to be the person you knew them to be. Accepting this change will help you to stay in the here and now and give the best care possible. Accept help – in order to properly take care of someone else, you need to also be able to take care of yourself. When people offer to help you, it’s ok to accept it. We provide support to many families and couples to ensure the main carer has time off to ‘recharge’. If you’d like to discuss how we might help, please do get in touch. And if you have any ideas for a future topic, please write to John.Moore@Home-Instead.co.uk or call 0117 989 8210 - we’d love to hear from you !

General Knowledge

Where am I in BS9?

What do the middle initials stand for in the names a) Donald J. Trump, b) Franklin D. Roosevelt, and George W. Bush?

Name the three trains pictured below.

Name the capital cities of a) Bosnia & Herzogovina, b) Croatia, c) Serbia, d) Slovenia, e) Macedonia and f) Montenegro.

Name the singer who performed with these backing bands - a) the Attractions, b) the E Street Band, and c) Miami Sound Machine.

Name the company in charge of the 2017 Oscar ceremony “winners envelopes”.

In which of the Armed Forces did the following people see active service - a) Sir Douglas Bader, b) James Blunt and c) HRH the Duke of Edinburgh?

Which is further north - Bristol or Seattle, and which is further east Moscow or Kabul?

In which UK towns or cities would you find the following - a) Brunel University, b) De Montfort University, and c) John Moores University?

Who wrote a) “The Wind in the Willows”, b) “Watership Down”, and c) “The Call of the Wild”?

10.

In what years a) did the man first walk on the moon, b) did Elvis Presley die, and c) was the Marathon replaced by the Snickers bar?

Return of an old favourite. Just try and figure out where this photo was taken. Crossed Words

Type of cheese

Dick Dastardly's dog

Type of pork sausage

Run to France for this new wine

Always after his pound of flesh

Method of decorating fabric

Freddie Mercury's favourite dance?

Orange fruit or a Chinese civil servant

Flightless Anglo-Swiss cartoon bird

500 sheets of paper

Papal town in SE France

Green-blue printing colour

Album of the Month Heartworms by The Shins

marks their commercial and creative peak and contains many of their finest tracks, in particular Senses Working Overtime. The album was a As band members pivotal one for XTC, marking a new pastoral have departed, James sound for them and the point where they lost Mercer has taken full interest in touring. control of The Shins. Though ostensibly still This desire to retire from the road influenced the a group, it’s fair to say new direction. No longer needing to appeal to a that they are more of live audience, they were able to retreat into a vessel for his themselves. Andy Partridge’s writing continued personal output than to evolve, enriching his elaborate rhythms with ever before. This time around, with Mercer on intricate arrangements. Tracks such as Jason and production and recording duties too, he has the Argonauts, No Thugs in Our House and Colin taken a more experimental approach, albeit one Moulding’s Ball and Chain provided particular that affords him the space to write some of his highlights. most personal music to date. Then there’s Senses We’re not talking John Zorn levels of Working Overtime, innovations, but The Shins’ fifth album is a their most successful striking departure from the MOR territory single and long-lasting occupied by Port Of Morrow. That he references musical legacy. In just Ariel Pink and Grimes as current inspirations under 5 minutes it suggests where Heartworms is pitched. was a textured and The upbeat jangle of Name For You is a eccentric document deceptively familiar start, leading into a pair of of everything that warped new wave songs, Painting A Hole and made XTC great. It also contained some of Cherry Hearts. Up next is Fantasy Island, coming Partridge’s finest lyrics, where “all the world is across like a twinkling school disco slow dance. football-shaped”. A work of esoteric genius that Where that song infuses it sound with nostalgia, neither Partridge nor his band could better, this it’s the lyrics of Mildenhall that conjure up the was experimental indie at its finest. images of a youth spent in England, with Mercer singing, “Thought my flat top was so new wave/ Gig of the Month Until it melted away in the Suffolk rain.” Stormzy @ O2 Academy Bristol (Fri. 28th April) Of course, The Shins are still capable of those If you’ve had enough memorable nuanced moments, as proven by the of all the indie duo of Heartworms and So Now What . These nonsense above then smatterings of familiar notes will appease those we have the perfect wanting The Shins of Oh, Inverted World whilst antidote for you, as the rest of us can enjoy the new direction. On this month finds the album’s final song, The Fear, Mercer claims, grime sensation “you look into my eyes/ but you don’t really Stormzy heading to recognise me anymore.” That may well be the Bristol. Fresh from case, but it’s a new and original identity that his show-stealing should be celebrated. performance at the Brits, and with a debut No 1 record under his belt, such is the demand for Next Step this gig that it might be near impossible to get a English Settlement by XTC ticket now. If you already have yours, get ready for a special night and a chance to celebrate a If the slightly eccentric indie of Heartworms true star of his genre. floats your boat, this 1982 epic from Swindon’s finest band could very well blow your mind. It Duncan Haskell -

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A Journey round the Downs - 1. Sea Walls

side of the Downs was taken over by American tanks, and large temporary accommodation For the next few issues I have set myself the was built. In 2016 the band Massive Attack task of describing a complete walk around the performed in front of nearly 30,000 people, circumference of the Downs, noting everything and left not a trace behind. that seems to me to be of interest. The total distance is nine kilometres, and I am first going Until 1974 the Portway carried all the M5 to set out from Sea Walls, heading south, traffic. As soon as the M5 Avonmouth Bridge keeping as close to the edge of the Gorge as opened the Portway was closed as it had been possible. discovered that part of the rock face below Sea Walls was unstable. The rock was gingerly The wall at Sea Walls was built by John Wallis removed, and the whole surface of the quarry in 1746, and he capped it with copper slag, pinned and netted above the road. The which is still there. The iron railings are much necessity for this became clear in 2013 when, more recent. The use of copper slag blocks was after the wettest year on record in Bristol in widespread in the 18th and 19th centuries, as 2012, came the coldest March since 1962, Bristol was the brass capital of England. The which froze the rocks, and a whole section of brass works were clustered along the Frome cliff face just to the north of Sea Walls, valley, using power from the river and cheap collapsed, though this did not affect the road. coal from Kingswood, and the slag was a waste This face too was pinned and netted at great product that they poured into moulds to create cost by 2015. This process is of course natural a building material. The material is erosion which continually slowly alters the imperishable, and can be found in old walls Gorge face. throughout the city. There are three fine noticeboards, set up at the At the time there was no road here. Circular initiative of the Avon Gorge and Downs Wildlife Road was built in 1877 at the suggestion of Project, sponsored by the Zoo, which deal with Alderman Proctor to help protect the turf from the geological history of the site going back 350 damage by the narrow iron-shod wheels of million years, the quarries in the Gorge, and a carriages. Sea Walls was already a tourist wider view of Bristol as a city full of wildlife. destination, and has grown in popularity since. There are also some small notices telling climbers that the railings will not support their The views are magnificent to the south the ropes - which must be frustrating. Suspension Bridge frames the Avon , and looking North West the great cranes of Royal I’ve scarcely moved a metre, and haven’t even Portbury Dock, and Portishead Down. Beyond mentioned the ice-cream van, open on Boxing across the Severn lie Newport and hills of Day. The Downs are for people, and the Wales. management of a vast number of competing interests is sophisticated and subtle. If you The level grassland was used for horse racing enjoy the Downs, or use if for your sport, why between 1718 and 1839, and it was also a not become a Friend? Membership is just £10. cricket ground on which a game of Bristol vs Contact robinhaward@blueyonder.co.uk or London was played in 1752. In 1942 all the NW call 0117 974 3385 for more details.

Spring officially arrived on the 20th March and it couldn't have come sooner! This winter, whilst not particularly harsh, seems to have dragged on, and I for one have been itching to get out on my plot. However, I have been spending many an hour in the greenhouse sowing seeds and pricking them out under the watchful eye of my devoted cat. There is an abundance of vegetables to grow, but it's more down to the space you have and what your families tastes are. No point growing something that no one wants to eat. My staple plot has perpetual sowing of carrots, beetroot, peas, salad leaves and radish, also French beans, runner beans, onions, spring onions and shallots. I do have an area for my potatoes, can't beat home grown! Reg’s Top Tip Hazel beanpoles and twiggy pea sticks are eco-friendly and create natural-looking support systems, but are not always easy to source via garden centres. The Small Woods Association, which promotes sustainable woodland management, has a useful website (coppice-products.co.uk ) on which you can find local coppice workers to contact for supplies. After use, store poles carefully, standing them upright and preferably under cover, and they will last for more than one season. They are not only practical they look good too.

Main crop and mangetout peas can all be sown directly into the open ground now, where they should soon germinate. I prefer to direct sow as have found when grown in gutters or pots they are slower to establish and grow well. Dig out a wide seed drill using a spade about 3-4 inches deep, with a flat base. Space the peas in the bottom about 3 inches apart in a random

fashion and cover with soil and lightly firm in. The pea shoots can be picked young and enjoyed in salads, so don't waste them. As April and May are the main months for sowing vegetable seeds outside, make sure the soil is suitably prepared and feed with a general balanced fertiliser to ensure good yields. It's always handy to save time in advance and have seed labels already made out, so that when sowing really hots up you're raring to go. Book of the Month “Build a Better Vegetable Garden – Joyce & Ben Russell £16.99 Following on from the hugely successful Polytunnel Book, Joyce and Ben Russell have devised 30 kitchen garden projects that anyone can make and enjoy. Not only do the projects add decorative detail to the garden, each project is devised to either extend the season, protect crops from pests or improve yields. Apart from the obvious cost-savings benefits from growing or making your own, the desire to work with craft fulfils the need to keep improving our patch of land. These compelling projects transform your vegetable plot into somewhere more productive, more attractive and more secure. From simple woodwork projects for cloches, tunnels and frames to gadgets that deter slugs and carrot root fly, these projects are well-designed as well as decorative. Each project includes step-by-step instructions as well as a list of materials and tools you'll need and a relative skills rating. Accompanying each project are growing tips and specific crop advice to help you make the most of your crop. To be enjoyed by gardeners of all levels and anyone who loves growing their own. Projects include: Leaf mould container; simple cloche; fruit cage; bean support; plant labels; herb bed; large bean frame; raised bed; poly cloche; plant propagator; boot scraper; mini greenhouse; drying cabinet; carrot fly protector and compost bins. Clear instructions and growing tips are backed up by photographers in this well written book

I find it very handy to keep a year on year record of what Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve sown and grown, and the success and failures (more the former I might add) A record would show for each crop, what variety and how much you used, when the seed was sown, the area where planted and the yield, and was it too little or too much? By keeping a record like this you can refine your growing each yearâ&#x20AC;Ś well that's the theory! Plant of the Month - Marrows â&#x20AC;Ś are one of those crops that will often produce a couple of massive fruits that you then wonder what on earth you're going to do with them. By growing a certain way and choosing the right varieties, you'll end up with far more manageable fruit. Sow marrow seed in April to May, one per small pot in multi- purpose compost, blunt end downwards to help prevent seeds from rotting. Water well and place in a propagator - a sunny windowsill will do if you don't have one though. As soon as the seeds germinate grow on in cooler conditions, to prevent them from becoming leggy and weak. When the plants are of a good size and hardened off, and there is no signs of frost, plant outside into well manured ground and water well in dry weather. If space is limited you could also grow marrows in a growbag turned on end, make holes in the base for drainage and plant in the top. Some tried and tested varieties are Tiger Cross (seen here) , Badger Cross, Clarita and Minipak, do please read packet info for particular characteristics.

Happy sowing and growing

â&#x20AC;˘ Residents will have noted the increasing number of pot holes on our roads and the crumbling road surface at the bottom of Stoke Hill. We have raised the matter with both the Mayor and Council officers.' â&#x20AC;˘ Cotham School are seeking are seeking a Judicial Review of the decision taken by the Council's Public Rights of Way Committee to grant Town/Village Green Status to Stoke Lodge. Labour Councillors are supporting the school. Your Conservative Councillors are seeking a compromise, believing Cotham School and the community can both use this precious open space on shared basis with no fence excluding public access. The future of Stoke Lodge could be decided by a full meeting of the City Council.

With spring around the corner my thoughts have turned towards new beginnings and adventures. In my day job this is heralded by the arrival of new pets for many families, with kittens in particular being readily available at this time of year. This brought me to consider what makes a kitten or cat such a popular choice as a pet.

With modern lifestyles their independent and versatile nature makes them ideal companions, whilst still providing the comfort and affection that gives us all such joy. The ownership of a cat can be beneficial to health with a reduction in stress, lowered blood pressure and decreased heart disease in pet owners. Friendship of a cat can provide unconditional love and Historically our relationship with cats is companionship for many years, coupled with fun documented throughout time. Cats were revered and laughter, it only takes an empty cardboard by the ancient Egyptians and worshipped by box or a catnip toy to provide entertainment. The many as a symbol of good fortune. The belief wonderful independent nature of cats is why so that they carried good luck resulted in their many of us offer them a space in our homes. spread across the globe by means of transport on sailing ships, where they were used for their skill Introducing a kitten or cat to your home is a at rodent catching but also to provide rewarding experience, if other pets are already in companionship for sailors away from home. On the home this can provide a few challenges. If the flip side some cultures believe they are you are considering giving a feline friend a home creatures of magic and myth, with superstition whether this be a first having us believe that a black cat crossing our pet or a new addition, path is unlucky. This mysterious side to cats has please contact Viking charmed people over the ages and resulted in vets, we can provide them becoming one of the most popular pets support and advice to worldwide. make this the wonderful experience it should be.

MORE TO ADMINISTERING AN ESTATE for Inheritance Tax purposes, these may need to be disclosed to HM Revenue and THAN OBTAINING THE GRANT OF Customs. There may also be additional PROBATE reliefs to consider. Brenda Smyth of Inheritance Tax is not the only tax to AMD Solicitors consider when administering an estate. If considers the tax implications when an asset is sold during the course of the administration of an estate, there may be dealing with the administration of a Capital Gains Tax liability on the Personal Representatives. With careful an estate planning and depending on the When applying for a Grant of Probate, circumstances it may be possible to the Personal Representatives of an estate mitigate or even eliminate this liability. must complete and submit an Inheritance Any income received by the Personal Tax form giving details of all assets and Representatives in the course of the liabilities of an estate. This may need to administration is subject to Income Tax include details of lifetime gifts made by and must be disclosed to HM Revenue the deceased or any interests in trusts and Customs by the Personal which the deceased may have had. Representatives. Personal Representatives have a duty to make full enquiries to obtain the Sometimes beneficiaries may decide to necessary information to complete the vary the terms of the distribution of the form correctly and failure to do so may estate and the tax implications of this result in interest having to be paid on tax need to be considered. In some paid late or even in tax penalties. circumstances, this may result in a tax saving or may avoid adverse tax Even when the Personal Representatives consequences for the person giving up correctly ascertain and disclose assets his or her right to benefit from the and liabilities in the estate, mistakes can estate. still be made, such as not claiming all allowances and reliefs available to reduce For further advice on the administration the value of the estate for Inheritance of estates, Wills, Lasting Powers of Tax purposes. Attorney and other private client matters, contact Brenda Smyth or one of Consideration of the Inheritance Tax her colleagues at AMD Solicitors 100 liability does not end once the Grant of Henleaze Road, Bristol BS9 4JZ Phone Probate has been issued. If further assets 0117 962 1205, email or liabilities come to light or there is any info@amdsolciitors.com or visit our other change in the value of the estate website www.amdsolicitors.com Our series of probate talks returns on 26 April 2017 at Tyndale Baptist Church and 3 May 2017 at Trinity Henleaze. Contact info@amdsolicitors.com to book your place! -

Kemps Jewellers Est. 1881

In business for 136 years - and our doors are still open!

Everyone at Kemps would like to say thanks to the local community and their customers for their help and support during a difficult period. Kemps Jewellers 9 Carlton Court, Westbury on Trym 0117 950 50 90 www.kempsjewellers.com -

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, email andy@bcmagazines.co.uk, or post details in to 8 Sandyleaze, WoT, BS9 3PY. 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 and Music It's Your Ceili. Fun Barn Dance Party For All. Dances walked through first, then called with live music from the Highly Strung Band. 2017 series: Friday 5th May, Friday 7th July, Friday 1st September, and Friday 3rd November. St. Alban's Church Hall, Westbury Park. 7.30 pm to 10.30pm. All profits to Bristol charities - see www.HighlyStrungCommunityBand.co.uk for details. Tickets £10 in advance / £12 on the door. www.ticketline.co.uk Enquiries jillyelliot@gmail.com The Spring Concert of the Stoke Bishop Ladies Choir will take place on Monday 10th April at 2.30pm at Stoke Bishop Village Hall. Admission is FREE and includes a FREE tea, but donations will be asked for our chosen charity, which this time is “Shelter”. Guest entertainers are 'The Concorde Clarinets'. Come and celebrate our new piano too, which has been purchased with the help of the John James Foundation. The 4th Really Classical Relay is on 13th and 14th May 2017 at Bristol Music Club, 76 St Paul's Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP. Bristol's friendly and relaxed festival of Classical music on historical instruments returns for its fourth year with another stellar line-up of international musicians and an irresistible programme of Classical composers. All music played using early editions & arrangements. Full programme out now. Check www.reallyclassicalrelay.co.uk for details / email jon@reallyclassicalrelay.co.uk to be added to the mailing list. Melody Makers Baby Friendly Choir. We are a daytime ladies choir. Feel free to bring your baby/toddler too. Escape the real world and spend a fun packed hour singing uplifting -

popular songs and classic choral favourites. We are open to all levels, so no auditions and no previous experience necessary. No nursery rhymes or backing tracks - strictly a choir full of grown up music. Come along on Tuesday's 10:30 - 11:30am (term time only) to our new venue at The Eastfield Inn (skittle alley), Henleaze Rd. www.melodymakerschoir.wordpress.com Bristol Cabot Choir is delighted to welcome new members for all voice parts. Why not come and sing with us for 2/3 ‘taster’ rehearsals before a simple audition? We meet at Redland URC on Mondays at 7.30 pm. FFI email admin@bristolcabotchoir.org, visit www.bristolcabotchoir.org; or find us on Facebook. “Beyond Faust and Carmen”. David Speller, Branch President of the Friends of the Welsh National Opera, considers two composers who are best known for one opera, Bizet for Carmen and Gounod for Faust. He will sketch their careers and play excerpts from other exciting operas. Everyone is welcome at Redmaids High School on Wednesday April 19th at 7.15pm Tickets at door £5.0 Friends or £ 7.00 nonmembers. ‘Babbers’ Radio Show every Monday from midday to 2pm on Ujima Radio - 98FM. The show is organised and presented by older people for older people with the aim of helping to reduce loneliness and social isolation, however the topics we cover are interesting and relevant to all. Tune in, let us know what you think info@ujimaradio.com. Bristol Cabot Choir Easter Concert – Haydn’s Nelson Mass, and works by Bruckner and Mendelssohn - 29 April 2017 at 7.45 pm at Clifton Cathedral, Clifton Park, BS8 3BX. Tickets Adult £15 (on the door), Early Bird Advanced £12, Student/NUS Card £10. From Opus 13, 14 St Michael’s Hill, BS2 8DT, www.opus13.co.uk or call 0117 9230164/ 0117 9626521. bristolcabotchoir.org Saturday April 22nd Organ Elevenses at Westbury Parish Church. Come at 10.30 to enjoy a cup of delicious real coffee and a slice of luscious cake, followed by a 40-min. recital, this month by a mystery guest organist. Hoped for donation of £5 (unchanged for six years) includes refreshments and must be Westbury's biggest

Henleaze Library - Telephone 0117 903 8541 Opening Hours Mon 11-5 , Tues 11-5, Weds 1-7, Thurs 11-5, Fri 1-7, Sat 10-5

Sea Mills Library - Telephone 0117 903 8555 Opening Hours Mon 10-2, Tues 10-2, Weds 1-5, Thurs 1-5, Fri 1-5, Sat 11-5 Westbury Library - Telephone 0117 903 8552 Opening Hours Mon 2-7, Tues 11-4, Weds 11-4, Thurs 11-4, Fri 11-4, Sat 11-4 In addition to the above hours Westbury on Trym Library is also currently one of three libraries in Bristol trialling an â&#x20AC;&#x153;Extended Accessâ&#x20AC;? scheme. Membership is in the form of a swipe card that will give users who have signed up for the pilot library access outside staffed hours. To find out how to set up an Extended Access membership please ask at the library during staffed hours. Extended access hours at Westbury are 8am - 2pm on a Monday and 8am - 11am Tuesday to Saturday. -

bargain on a Saturday morning! Children free.

enjoys all sorts of music – from folk songs to choral favourites. For more details about the Westbury on Trym Methodist Church Orchestra Choir please contact Nikki by calling 01761 are a group of instrumentalists of all ages who 472468 or emailing gac@grenvillemusic.co.uk play for morning worship once a month. Our – or just come along to a rehearsal with a friend rehearsal time is before the service from 10am. of course. No cost for your first rehearsal. If you play any orchestral instrument, but particularly violin, you are very welcome to join West Bristol Orchestra play a wide range of us. Experience of orchestral playing is not classical music arranged for the smaller essential, but you will need to be able to read orchestra, and meet at the United Reformed music. We’re a friendly and helpful group, who Church, Muller Road on Thursdays 7.15pm to enjoy playing together. Parts are always 9.15pm. Additional string players of Grade5+ provided for personal practice. To find out more standard welcome. Experience of orchestral telephone 9686589. playing not essential. For more info please contact the Secretary on 968 3998. Bristol Male Voice Choir are delighted to present a joint concert with Melbourne Welsh Henleaze Singing for the Brain Group meet in Male Choir at 7.30 pm on Thursday, May 4th in the Bradbury Hall on Waterford Road, on the St Bonaventure’s Church, Bishopston, Bristol BS7 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursday afternoons each 8HP. Both choirs perform a few days after month from 2.00pm to 3.45pm We start the participating in the Cornwall International Male session with tea, coffee and biscuits, and general Voice Choir Festival. Melbourne bring with them socializing before starting the singing 'bit'. We over 30 years of choral singing both in Australia have song books, and sing all sorts of songs and on many international tours, and we can including songs from the musicals, well-known expect to hear a diverse range of music from golden oldies, and folk songs. We are them. This is Bristol MVC’s spring concert , the accompanied on the piano, and always celebrate first of 2017 in Bristol itself, and a prelude to special events like St George's Day, Last Night of regular concerts throughout the rest of the year. the Proms, Armistice Day etc. We invite people Tickets cost £10 and a bar awaits you after the to come and try it out and see if they enjoy it. If concert . For tickets please contact our secretary you would like to attend a session, please on 0117 942 4378 or our concert secretary on contact Alzheimer’s Society local office in Bristol 0117 935 5597. on: bristol@alzheimers.org.uk or 0117 961 0693. We look forwards to seeing you. Bristol Male Voice Choir sing to a wide range of audiences, performing not just male voice Vocal Harmony - an exciting contemporary favourites, but songs from musicals, pop classics, choir. Meet new people, learn contemporary spirituals, and classical favourites. You don’t songs and have a lot of fun. You do not need to have to read music to join as a tenor, baritone or read music and there is no audition. We sing bass, but you will enjoy learning our repertoire, modern music by the likes of Adele, Michael (re-)discovering the voice you may have Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Take That, Queen, all forgotten about, and being welcomed into the parts are taught in call and response. choir’s welcoming social atmosphere. We eliza@vocalharmonychoir.co.uk or visit rehearse every Thursday from 7.00pm till 9.15 www.vocalharmonychoir.co.uk for more details. pm at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College (formerly Filton College ) where the north end of Wednesday afternoon choir are a friendly group Filton Avenue meets the A38. Come along to a of people who are The Filtones. We sing four rehearsal, go to our website – bristolmvc.org.uk part harmony, but ability to read music, - or contact our secretary on 0117 942 4378. although useful, is not essential as we supply CDs and MP3 files as teaching aids. For more The Bristol Good Afternoon Choir meets every information please ring Jilly (923 2281) or Shirley Monday afternoon from 2pm-4pm, at Trinity(965 4348), dorothy.bryant@btinternet.com, Henleaze United Reformed Church, Waterford visit www.thefiltones.weebly.com or Road, BS9 4BT. Rehearsals are from 2pm to alternatively just call in at Eden Grove Methodist 4pm, there are no auditions and everyone is Church Horfield BS7 0PQ between 1.30pm and welcome. The Bristol Good Afternoon Choir 3.45pm on a Wednesday afternoon for a listen -

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Country Market. Every Friday morning from 10.30 to 11.30 in Westbury on Trym Methodist The Mosaic Singers are a compact group but Church Hall. Homemade cakes, arts, crafts, would like to grow our line-up with an additional plants, vegetables, jams and chutneys. Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass. We rehearse in Refreshments are also available in a relaxed and Stoke Bishop on Tuesday evenings, where a friendly environment. For more details contact warm and friendly welcome is assured. This Sue Sills on 962 8306. need not be as heavy a commitment as with some choirs. If you would like to find out more, Fitness, Health and Wellbeing please phone David Vicary on 0797 346 0994. Westbury Harriers is for all ages and abilities, Henleaze Ladies Choir is a friendly welcoming with a variety of different groups and sessions to group which meets in St Peters Church Hall, suit all. Based at Coombe Dingle Sports Complex Henleaze, on Thurs between September and and Blaise Castle. Training nights Mondays and May from 1.45 – 3.45 pm (with a short break for Thursdays 7pm with additional sessions at tea). We give 2 charity concerts a year in Yate track on Tuesday evenings and an informal December and May and from time to time we social run on Saturday mornings. Westbury are invited to entertain community groups Harriers events. Monday 5th June 7.30pm - The around the city. There are also occasional social Blaise Blazer, a 4 mile scenic, hilly race through events organised. We are always pleased to see the grounds of the Blaise Castle estate. Cost £5 new members but would particularly welcome affiliated, £7 unaffiliated, minimum age 16 first sopranos at the moment. Please come and suitable for runners of all abilities. Monday 10th try a rehearsal without obligation. To find out July 7.15pm The Trustford Westbury Wipeout a more please contact either Jane English (0117 3km fun run for children aged 8-15. Cost £6. 9511430 or 07752 332278) or Jean Wickham Online entries through www.runbritain.com See (0117 962 4466). www.westburyharriers.com for more information on our events or joining us. Stoke Bishop Ladies Choir meet at Stoke Bishop Village Hall, new members welcome and no Ladies Badminton. We meet every Tuesday auditions are necessary. We are a friendly group afternoon, 2pm to 4pm, at Stoke Bishop Village that sings for pleasure, and we hold a concert at Hall. We are looking for players to join our the end of each term to raise money for friendly group. Interested? Please call Pat on charity. Please call Maureen on 9567894 or 0117 914 9511 for more details. Carolyn on 2791409 for more information. Morris Dancing - Bristol Morris Men welcome Exhibitions, Markets and Meetings anyone who wants to try morris dancing. We practise on Thursday evenings in the Sports Hall Antique Vintage & Collectables Fair, Ashton at (QEH) Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital (School) at Court Mansion, Long Ashton, BS41 9JN. Sunday Berkeley Place, Clifton from 20:00 to 22:00 (ish). 9th April - 10am-3.30pm. 40 stalls inside For more information please visit Georgian lounges and grand music hall. Fine www.bristolmorrismen.co.uk or call Grant on jewellery, china, furniture, memorabilia, (0117) 9442165 . pictures, retro items, vintage, clothing plus lots more. Café with afternoon cream teas - £2.00 Pilates Classes running in the local area on entry under 16s free. Car park Kennel Lodge Tuesday's 9:30am (improver) / 10:30am Entrance via Portishead Rd (A369). (beginner) / 12:10pm (mixed ability) / 13:30pm (Postnatal) and on Wednesday 18:15pm Craft Show. Bath & West Showground, Shepton (intermediate). For bookings please call Leanne Mallet. Thursday 6th-Saturday 8th April 10amon 07817189474 / Email 5pm. 100 leading craft supply businesses, groups leanne@mindbodypilates.org, or for further & guilds, 75 workshops, demonstrations and details visit www.mindbodypilates.org Make & Takes. Restaurants, cafes and free car parking. £8 adult, £7 concession, under 16s free. Keep fit with dance moves – at Filton Advance tickets: 0345 3040222. Community Centre, Elm Park, BS34 7PS, Tuesday afternoon, from 2pm – 3pm. Improve your -

mobility and general wellbeing, have fun, challenge yourself and feel more confident, keeping fit to music. The class also includes some body conditioning. Working at your own pace, the class is suitable for everyone. Pay as you go at £4 per session. Wear comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear. For further information contact Eileen Scott, (qualified instructor), on 07969929733, or visit www.keepfit.org.uk for more info about our organisation. 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 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 4012416. Every Tues 7.30 9.30pm. See www.wscbristol.co.uk for details.

wants to maintain their general fitness, mobility, range of movement, and well being. New members are always welcome. £5:00 per class, pay as you go - which includes refreshments. Ring 01454 618488, email laili@tiscali.co.uk, or visit www.exercisewithlailibrooks.com for full information; or just turn up Zumba Gold / Light 5.30pm/ Zumba Fitness 6.35pm. Westbury -on-Trym Village Hall. Weds. £5 on door. Just drop in with water and a sense of humour! Phone Marie on 963 4104 or visit www.bristoldancezumba.co.uk for more info. Fancy a ramble? How about joining us for enjoyable 8-10 mile walks on two Sundays per month ? Our usual group size is 12-15 walkers. If you are interested please come and give Stoke Lodge Ramblers a try. For more details please visit www.stokelodgeramblers.wordpress.com or phone Secretary 0117 9684140.

Zumba Gold Class @ Horfield Parish Church Hall every Weds 2pm-2.45pm (£4.00 per class) for the mature movers aimed at age 55+ (All other ages including Beginners) Zumba Class @ Orchard School every Thurs 7pm-8pm Hydrotherapy Exercise Sessions - group exercise Contact Georgina for further details on in lovely warm water at Southmead Hospital's www.bristolzumba.com or tel: 07545 625 089. purpose built pool. Benefits include relaxation, relief of pain & swelling, improved movement, Tai Chi Classes for beginners - Join us after balance & fitness. All ages & abilities welcome. Easter and put a spring in your step. The Bristol We are a friendly local team of Chartered School of Tai Chi has lots of daytime and evening Physiotherapists with expertise in a variety of classes in Henleaze and Bishopston starting from disabilities & medical conditions. We have a the 24 April. Any questions contact Ben Milton regular group of local members but new people on 0117 9493955 taichi@bristoltaichi.com are always welcome. For more details please www.bristoltaichi.com contact Chris & Ali Cowley on 07971 086 628, email healthyhydrotherapy@gmail.com or visit Gardening and Horticulture www.healthyhydrotherapy.co.uk. Plant Sale on Saturday 13th May starting at Tai Chi – These gentle movements can ease the 11am in the Methodist Church Hall, Westburybody, quiet the mind and restore vitality. Local on-Trym, as part of Westbury-on Trym friendly classes with an experienced teacher. Community Fair which starts at 11am and runs Classes at all levels at The Greenway Centre and until 3.30pm. Annuals , perennials, vegetables other Bristol locations. For more details contact indoor plants, shrubs etc for sale to support this Karen on 0117 9424167, see year’s charity – The Westbury-on-Trym www.taijiworks.co.uk or email Methodist Church Improvement Scheme. It is taijiworks@phonecoop.coop. our hope that this year’s takings will prove even greater than previous years so please Ladies Keep Fit, Thursdays 10:00 - 11:00 am, at come and restock your garden. Any donations of St Peter's Church Hall, Henleaze., This friendly propagations from the public would be most session, which has a dance element to it, is gratefully received. Coffee and cake available. suitable for all ages, levels, and abilities, including the older adult or young mum, who The Clifton Garden Society invite you to come -

Tortoise and Hare Yoga Stoke Bishop Village Hall since 2004 ▪ Mondays Yoga for Backs Level 1 and Level 2 ▪ Wednesdays General Yoga, Gentle Yoga, Beginners Flow, Beginners Yoga ▪ Thursdays General Yoga, Clinically trialled (Arthritis UK) Yoga for Healthy Lower Backs (12 week courses) ▪ Fridays 1-2-1, Indian Head Massage

Please ring/text 07547921898 Email: sarajcamer@gmail.com

and join is as a new member. Monthly coach visits are arranged to great houses and gardens. There is a quarterly newsletter, an annual holiday and a Christmas party. If you would like to join this friendly group please contact 0117 973 7296 for further details .

Volunteering and Charities

Friends of Old Sneed Park Nature Reserve. It only costs £5 a year to become a friend of the nature reserve, a wonderful area for wildlife in Stoke Bishop. The land is owned by the council and run with the help of volunteers & Friends. There are regular newsletters, and regular events on the reserve. Fore more details please check www.spnaturereserve.com.

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

If you’d like to get more active or involved in your community why not give an hour a week or a day a month and help Marie Curie. We depend on contributions of time and skills so that we can continue to provide care to patients and their Sea Mills Garden Club have regular monthly families. There are plenty of opportunities to meetings, every 3rd Wednesday, held at Sea volunteer for us, from helping at a collection to Mills Methodist Rooms, Sea Mills Square at 7.30 placing collection tins in your local community or pm. Our forthcoming programme of talks is: by joining your local fundraising group. If you 19th April, Mandy Leivers “Wildlife of the Avon enjoy meeting new people and raising money for Gorge & Downs”; and 17th May - Question Time a great cause, we would love to hear from you. + Plant Sale. Visitors always welcome at £3 per FFI please contact Community Fundraiser Helen meeting. Hope to see you there. FFI contact Gail Isbell on 0117 9247275 or email Mitchell 0117 9685350 or Esme James 0117 Helen.Isbell@mariecurie.org.uk 9682571 Home Care in Bristol – Lay Assessors needed to The Alpine Garden Society meet on the 3rd become involved in the RSVP Retired and Senior Friday of the month at Westbury Methodist Volunteer Programme. Lay assessors are part of Church, Westbury Hill, at 7.30pm. We have a team visiting people in their homes across the speakers on various topics, plant sales and social city that have home care services, to talk to events. Visitors are very welcome at £2 a visit. them and find out if the quality of the service is satisfactory. The Lay Assessor scheme works in Henleaze & District Flower Club meets on the partnership with the council and forms part of second and fourth Thursdays of the month at their monitoring process. This voluntary role is Bradbury Hall, Waterford Road in Henleaze. interesting, rewarding and flexible. Full training Flower demonstrations are held on the second is provided along with regular opportunities to Thursday, practice classes on the fourth meet and share experience with other lay Thursday. New members always welcome. For assessors. If you are interested please email more details please contact Debra Ward on homecare@rsvp-west.org.uk or telephone 0117 07974 937741 or email Debra at 922 4392 and leave your contact details and debragailward@hotmail.com either Paula or Ken will call you back.

Henleaze Garden Club is a thriving club for anyone interested in anything to do with gardening! We meet the first Wednesday of each month in the main hall at St Monica's, Cote Lane, with a summer break when the club arranges coach trips. Expert speakers, a quarterly newsletter, and great Christmas event. Annual membership is £20 plus 1 per visit, visitors are most welcome at £5 per visit. Contact Brian Dury 9621227/ www.henleazegardenclub.co.uk for more info.

RSVP (Retired & Senior Volunteer Programme). Do you like reading? Do you like helping children? If yes to both, you are just the sort of person we are looking for! If you can spare a minimum of an hour a week to hear children read in a local school you could make a huge difference. Volunteers do not teach children to read, but spend time on an individual basis with them, hearing them read and talking to them about the stories in their reading books. We want children to enjoy books and reading, and

Would you rather spend time doing something other than your home cleaning?

individual attention is always a great way to do it. Volunteering is a great way to stay active and to feel useful, so if you are interested in joining us please get in touch. Contact Mina on 07860 669953, or explore the website RSVPwest.org.uk

Friendship, Social and Support

Senior Film Club - St Peter's Hall, The Drive, Henleaze. Home Instead Bring Joy Foundation is pleased to support the Henleaze Senior Film Club and bring you the following fun Monday afternoons, each starting at 2pm. On April 24th Volunteers needed to support carers. Could you the film is the classic ‘Dambusters’ Refreshments please help us develop and increase our support (Tea & Cake) £3. Transport offered by Dial-Ato carers, people looking after an unwell, Ride, Tel 0845 139 875. For further details, disabled or elderly family member or friend in please ring 0117 989 8210 Bristol and South Glos? Could you help us develop the support that carers can access Henleaze (evening) Townswomen’s Guild meets through their G.P. surgery and other sources? If at 7.15 pm on the first Wednesday of the month you are outgoing and could offer two mornings a in St Peter’s Church Hall, The Drive, Henleaze, month to meet, greet and give information to BS9 4LD. Interesting speakers present a variety carers when they visit their GP surgery, I would of topics. Visitors are welcome. Groups that very glad to hear from you. Full training and meet between our monthly meetings include: support provided. Please contact me, Mike Arts and Crafts group, Music club, Book club, Hatch, GP Carer Link Volunteer on 07503 577830 Discussion Group, Gardening club, Bridge or email mikeh@carerssupportcentre.org.uk. If club, Lunch Club. We have twice yearly outings you look after someone who couldn’t manage and a holiday group. Join us to make new friends without you, and would like some information and have fun! Contact Shirley on 0117 9622243 about our services for carers or would just like for further information. someone to talk to about caring for the person you look after, please telephone our Carersline Friday Lunch - Westbury on Trym Methodist on 0117 965 2200 or visit Church - 7th April 12 - 1.30pm. Following the www.carerssupportcentre.org.uk . refurbishment of our kitchen we are planning a regular Friday Lunch, on the first Friday of the Wanted - Volunteer Drivers for transport, once month, and you are warmly invited to join us for or twice a week, of local elderly patients to the the first one on 7th April. It will be an Westbury doctors’ surgery or to a hospital. opportunity to meet with others and enjoy a Please come and join us and experience the light lunch. For further information please gratification from helping others in your own contact Rachel (3308503) or Alison (9629715) neighbourhood. We operate within the Charity RSVP-West, who provide us with liability Westbury Park Women’s Institute have a new insurance for these drives and with practical home. We meet at 7.30pm on 1st Wednesday of help and advice. And of course we work closely the month at Redland Church Halls, Redland with the Staff of the Westbury-on-Trym practice. Green Road, BS6 7HE. We’ve a full program for For information please contact Wendy Clark the year to cover a variety of topics including (0117 962 0733) or Zina Wilson (0117 431 3671) health, fitness, crafts, science, Authors talks, or by e-mail on Bernzina@blueyonder.co.uk , or vintage clothing and many more. We welcome ask the Westbury Practice Reception or your guests and new members are always welcome local GP on tel. 9623406. please come and find out what we are all about, guests £4, refreshments including tea, coffee, Do you love Weddings? Westbury-on-Trym and wine at all meetings. Our chosen charity for Village hall is a very popular wedding venue and 2017 is One25.org.uk. For more details please has a busy ongoing wedding schedule. We're contact westburyparkwi@gmail.com. looking for more volunteers to help these events run smoothly. If you're interested please email Soroptomists International Bristol are part of a us at enquiries@wotvillagehall.org or leave a global organisation founded in Bristol for women message on 0117 9623399. from a wide range of professional and business backgrounds who have joined together to give Service, Friendship and have Fun. We meet on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at -

Long Ashton Golf Club where we enjoy a two course meal with a speaker. For more details please contact our membership officer on 0117 9739894 or email gillbea@aol.com for more details.

contact Jacqui Ramus - tel 07854 185093 or email jacqui.ramus@stmonicatrust.org.uk.

Henleaze (Morning) Townswomen's Guild. This is a recently formed Guild and we meet from 10.00am – 12.00 noon on the third Thursday of Bristol Brunel Lions Club - We meet at every month at The Eastfield Inn, Henleaze Shirehampton Golf Club on the first Tuesday of Road. New members and visitors are most every month at 7 for 7.30. On the 3rd Tuesday of welcome. Further information can be obtained each month we have a social gathering normally by ringing Elaine Anderson on 907 5279. with food. We raise money for charity both locally and beyond through a variety of indoor Clifton Rotary Club welcomes new members and outdoor activities - our Frogs game, our new willing to give their time, are interested in Racing Pigs game, our Card game our carol float making new friends, building business contacts at Christmas, quizzes and auctions, for example. and using their skills to help others. We meet Lots of fun and fellowship raising and Wednesday lunchtimes at The Redland Green spending money for very good causes. For more Club (Redland Lawn Tennis and Squash Club). FFI details of how to apply for assistance with visit www.cliftonrotary.org or email charitable activities in Bristol or to become secretary@cliftonrotary.org involved in our activities see Bristol Brunel Lions Club on line or contact our Club Secretary Bill Bristol Grandparents Support Group gives O’Neill at lion.bill@virginmedia.com support to grandparents who are estranged from their grandchildren due to family Pat-a-Cake Toddlers meet at Westbury on Trym breakdown. Family breakdown can be as a result Methodist Church every Tuesday during term of separation/divorce, alcohol/drug dependency, time 1.15 - 2.45pm. We are a small friendly domestic violence within the home, group who play, do craft and sing. Mums / bereavement or family feud. We give support Dads /Grandparents / Carers have a chance to over the phone, via email, Skype and at our meet over a cup of tea and biscuits. For further regular meetings held at 9, Park Grove, Bristol. information please contact Alison on 9629715. BS6 7XB. Tel 07773 258270 more information or visit www.bgsg.co.uk. The Bristol and District branch of Parkinson's UK meet every first Saturday of the month at St Laugh, Live and Learn with Bristol U3A. If you Monica Trust, Cote Lane, BS9 3UN from 10am are retired and want to take part in enjoyable 12 noon. Carers, relatives, spouses and people learning with friendship and fun, we have a wide with Parkinson's - all are welcome for a social range of groups with activities including art, and informative get-together, with speakers computing, languages, music, walking, and from a variety of backgrounds with many diverse science. Come to one of our social groups interests. Please join us. We also meet at The either at the Eastfield Inn, Henleaze, 10.30am on Eastfield Inn, Henleaze, BS9 4NQ every second the second Thursday and third Monday in every Friday in the month for an informal coffee month (phone Barbara 0117 9629331) or at morning from 11am. Browns Restaurant, by the Museum, at 10.15am on the third Wednesday and fourth Thursday in On the first Tuesday of the month the North every month (phone Jenny 0117 9043697) or Bristol Alzheimer Café opens at St Monica Trust, visit www.bristolu3a.org.uk. Oatley House Atrium restaurant, Westbury-onTrym, BS9 3TN from 3.30pm – 5.30pm. We Rotary Club of Bristol meet at the Bristol Hotel, provide a relaxed, informal and safe space in Prince Street, Bristol BS1 4QF at 7.00pm for 7.30 which issues surrounding dementia can be aired. pm on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Mondays and at Our café is staffed by trained, caring and 12.30pm for 1.00 pm on the 2nd and 4th experienced volunteers. Refreshments are Mondays. Meetings start with a meal and are served and most weeks live music is played. followed by a speaker. New members are very There is no charge to attend, free on-site parking welcome – for more details see is usually available and the number 1 bus stops www.bristolrotary.org or contact Martina right outside. FFI or to register your attendance Peattie at mpeattie@btopenworld.com -

We can all cope with the odd night of sleep issues but if this continues it may start to affect our daily lives then something needs to be done. Use solution focused hypnotherapy to Trouble sleeping? Hypnotherapy could be help get your sleep back on track - during our the answer.. sessions together I will explain how sleep works using the latest neuroscience and we will work Many of us experience trouble sleeping at some together to get things back on track for you. time in our lives and we know that when this happens it makes such a difference to how we If this sounds like you or someone you know feel the following morning. Tired, irritable and please give me a call on 07730 747772 to less able to cope with those things that usually arrange a free initial consultation to find out we deal with no problem at all. how I can be of help. Sleep problems can mean that you are having trouble getting to sleep, lying awake for hours and very probably going over things in your mind, maybe things that have already happened during the day or what may be happening tomorrow - almost always though this thoughts are negative and worry us. You may be someone who wakes up during the night, every hour, every couple of hours or maybe once you’ve woken up that's it and you just cannot get back to sleep again. Mostly people will tell me that when this happens their thoughts turn to worry again and they start going over things in their mind. You could be someone who feels they sleep “too well” however much sleep you have you wake up in the morning feeling exhausted and as if you could happily have a few more hours.

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

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

Westbury Art Club meet every Thursday evening from 7pm to 9pm at The Greenway Centre, Doncaster Rd, Southmead. We are a mixed ability group of artists For more details visit www.westburyartclub.org.uk, e-mail us at westburyart@blueyonder.co.uk or phone our club secretary on Bristol 962 9799. Henbury ‘Blaise’ Womens’ Institute meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm in Henbury Village Hall next to the church. Visitors and new members are always welcome. Contact 962 9400 for more details or just come along! St Mary’s Church is open to visitors each morning from 10.00am to 12.00 noon, with a Coffee morning every Tuesday. All welcome (especially those with young children – toddler toys and books available). Our Bright Sparks Carer and Toddler group meets each Monday in term time at 1.30pm at St Marys, Stoke Bishop. 9687449 for more details. Trinity Henleaze Ladies Guild meet fortnightly on Monday evenings at 7.30pm in the Leonard Hall Waterford Road. Good varied programme of speakers followed by tea and coffee. All are welcome. For further information contact Jenny on 9620108. St Peter's Ladies Guild meets at 2.15 on the third Wednesday of the month at St Peter's Church Hall, The Drive, Henleaze. Varied programme. All welcome. Further details from Wilma on 0117 9628895.

Men at St. Peters (MASP) is a group which meets Saturday mornings at St Peter’s Hall, Henleaze. The meetings start at 8.30am with a full English breakfast. This is then followed by entertaining and interesting talks by a guest speaker. New members are always welcome. In conjunction we also provide well directed “Keep Fit” sessions for men every Tuesday morning. Further information may be obtained from Keith Bonham tel 968 4972. Westbury on Trym Women’s Institute meets on the 3rd Monday of the month in the WoT Methodist Church Hall, next to the car park, at 2.00pm. We have a programme of varied speakers, outings, discussions etc. New members and visitors always welcome. For more information please contact: Sue Murphy – Tel: 950 2826. Do join us for Parish lunch at St Mary’s Church Stoke Bishop, every Thursday from 12.15. 3 course buffet lunch. Civil Service Retirement Fellowship. The Westbury-on-Trym group welcomes all retired Civil Servants and their spouses to their meetings held on the first Thursday of the month at Studland Court, Henleaze Road at 2.00pm, Those people without a civil service background are welcome to join our group as Friends of the Fellowship. For more info phone Beryl Webb on 01454 614 451.

Westbury-on-Trym Probus Club provide a meeting point for retired and semi-retired The Friendly Club meets every Thursday from 2 professional / business men and women, to to 4pm (except August and major holidays) in promote social well being through friendship, the Methodist Church Hall, Westbury on Trym. discussion and companionship. The club meets We are a lively group of older people who meet for lunch with a speaker on the third Thursday of to chat , play Scrabble and card games. Regular every month at BAWA, Southmead Road, from trips out and entertainments are arranged plus midday. If you are interested contact Peter we have delicious tea and biscuits for only £1! Wright on 9624196 or email Do come and make some new friends. Transport susanandpeterwright@blueyonder.co.uk can sometimes be arranged if needed. Contact 0117 950 8644 for more details. Calling all Carers. Would you like the opportunity to share your experiences, relax and Knit and Natter. We invite you to "knit and make new friends? Then come and join the natter" every Thursday between 10am and 12 at Henleaze Carers’ Group. We meet on the second the Methodist Church in Westbury on Trym. It is and fourth Thursday morning of each month, a sociable and informal time when you can chat 10am to 12, in Bradbury Hall, Waterford Road, while pursuing your choice of crafts. If you prefer Henleaze. For more information please call Mrs we can provide patterns for knitting for charity. M Rudston 942 6095. Tea and coffee will be available. -

Instep Club for Widows and Widowers. Weds evenings 8.00 pm-10.00 pm at Stoke Bishop Village Hall, Stoke Hill. Dancing - Ballroom and Sequence (If you haven’t danced for a long time, don’t worry, we will help you learn). Social activities Annual membership £8. Members: £2 per session. Visitors welcome: £3 per session. Come in to see us or telephone Donna on 01275 832676 or Wilma on 9628895 for further information.

annual summer outing. It is a great opportunity to practice public speaking in a friendly and supportive environment. New members always welcome - or why not just come along and see what we do? For more details please contact smigie2@yahoo.co.uk or lorna.watson@btinternet.com.

Stoke Bishop & Sneyd Park Local History Group welcomes all to a series of talks at the Stoke Bishop Village Hall, 42 Stoke Hill, BS9 1EX. Talks The Fielder Club is an association for local start at 7.30pm and anyone interested in local women - though friends and family are welcome history is welcome. Our next meeting is on 12th at all events. Membership is £5 p.a. to cover May when speaker Rose Hewlett will be talking delivery of quarterly programmes of events such to us about the great Severn estuary flood of as lunches, theatre, visits, talks and walks. 1607 and asking if it could ever happen again. Weekly/monthly sub-clubs of badminton, book Membership is just £6 p/a and visitors pay just group, bridge, discussions, Scrabble, skittles and £3 a meeting. For more details please visit whist plus coffee. Thursday mornings at www.stokebishop.org.uk/local_history_group, Coffee#1 in WoT and twice-monthly pub call 0117 9686010 or email lunches. Details from Gloria on 0117 239 3376. sblocalhistory@gmail.com. Please do also contact us if you are clearing out documents and Henleaze Townswomen's Guild meet on the pictures of Stoke Bishop! first Wednesday of the month (except Aug) at St Peter's Church Hall, The Drive, Henleaze. Lady Friendly Bridge SW is a welcoming Bridge Club visitors are always most welcome to attend. that meets in Stoke Bishop Village Hall every Further details can be obtained by ringing Shirley Monday evening starting at 7:15. New players Phillips on 0117 962 2243. are welcome, and you can come without a partner. Also available are bridge lessons for General Interests complete beginners or more experienced players. Contact Gareth on 07921-788605, email Bristol Croquet Club Open Day on Sunday friendlybridgesw@gmail.com or see the website 9th April at Cedar Park BS9 1BW. Come along friendlybridgesw.org.uk and try out this most fascinating game with a coach. Refreshments will be available in the Have lessons and play Bridge at Bristol Bridge clubhouse. There will be two sessions: morning Club. Would you like to learn to play bridge? We from 10 to 12.30 and afternoon from 2 to 5. offer a full programme of lessons for all levels. If Please wear flat soled shoes to protect the you can already play try a free taster session at lawns. Please see bristolcroquet.org or email one of our 7 weekly sessions. Less experienced bob.whiffen@virgin.net for more info or ring players - Mondays at 7.15pm and Fridays at 0117 940 1201 on the day. 10.00am and 7.15pm, More experienced players Mondays and Wednesdays at 1.15pm and The Bristol West Diabetes Group is pleased to Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.15pm. No partner? invite everyone living with diabetes to our new No problem! On Mondays just turn up we’ll will venue: The Eastfield Inn, Henleaze Road, Bristol find you one and give advice on bidding! For BS9, at 2 pm on Thursday 18 May 2017. Our more details phone Stephen on 0117 9291846. Speaker in May is Clare England from Bristol 99 Oldfield Rd, Hotwells, BS8 4QQ or visit University, giving a talk on ‘New research and www.bristolbridgeclub.co.uk activity in diabetes.’ Everyone is welcome. Bristol Decorative Fine Art Society (BDFAS) is The Raleigh Club is a small and welcoming, Bristol’s own society for those who are informal speaking and literary club. Established passionate about the arts. History of Art related back in 1865 we meet in Westbury Village Hall at events are organised including monthly lectures 7.30pm on the 2nd Friday of each month from and study days led by specialists in their field October until April, with a dinner in May and an and cover a wide range of topics. We organise -

stimulating visits and day trips home and abroad, often with special, exclusive visits to places of interest. Lectures are held in the “The Lecture Theatre”, The School of Chemistry Cantocks Close, BS8 1TS. For more information visit our website www.bristoldfas.co.uk. The Bristol Humanists is a local group for those who make sense of the world using reason & shared human values, who seek to live ethical lives on the basis of reason, humanity and respect for others, and who find meaning, beauty, and joy in the one life we have, without the need for an afterlife. We meet every month on the first Monday at 7.30pm in Kingsdown. Contact Margaret Dearnaley on 07986 555817 (evenings and weekends only) or email bristolhumanists@gmail.com for more information.

who meet each Wednesday at 7:45pm at Westbury Fields. New members of any level of ability are most welcome. For details contact Pete on 07870 589555. Got a speech to make? Bristol Speakers offers a relaxed environment to practise your public speaking. Learn how to construct and present a speech, gain knowledge from experienced speakers, conquer your public speaking anxiety. Most of all, practise in a stress-free environment where members give helpful feedback. It’s a well structured evening, fun and relaxed with a nice mix of people. Meeting 7.30pm alternate Mondays @ BAWA Southmead Rd. Contact Ben@Bristolspeakers.co.uk

The Bristol Astronomical Society host a series of talks each week and we regularly get experts to talk about historical and topical aspects of Henbury Art Club are looking for new members astronomy, as well running hands-on for our Thursday morning club. We meet at demonstrations, activities, free Saturday 10am till noon in Henbury Village Hall, next to St observing sessions at our Observatory in Failand Mary’s Church. We are a very friendly mixed (weather permitting), and often stage "Star ability group, and have our annual show in the Parties" around Bristol and at Tyntesfield. All Henbury Village Hall every May Day. Please details are on our website contact Gill Dix by email. gill@dix.org.uk for www.bristolastrosoc.org.uk. All welcome, held more details. at Bristol Photographic Society, Montpelier, BS6 5EE. Twyford Art Club. We are a small group of artists of mixed ability, we meet at the public Philosophy Discussion Group. We are a friendly hall, Station Road, Shirehampton, 10am to 12am and welcoming group who enjoy taking a turn to Mondays and Wednesdays, chose your day. New bring topic to share. We meet at 7 – 9pm every members welcomed, help and advice given. For fourth Thursday evening of the month at more information visit www.shirepubhall.org.uk, Eastfield Inn, Henleaze, Bristol BS9 4NQ, and 10 contact John Case on 950 7916 / 12 noon every second Friday morning of the jacase@blueyonder.co.uk month, also at Eastfield Inn, Henleaze. If you would like to be involved please contact Lorna The Bristol Philatelic Society meets on the 2nd Tarr on 0770 245 3827. and 4th Thursdays of each month in the meeting room of the United Reform Church at the Disclaimer The Bristol Nine is published by Bristol Community Magazines bottom of Blackboy Hill (Whiteladies Road) Ltd (Co. No. 08448649, registered at 8 Sandyleaze, Westbury starting at 7.30 p.m. Contact 0117 956 7853. Stoke Lodge History and Archaeology Group meet on the second Thursday of every month at the Friends Meeting House in Hampton Road, Redland, BS6 6JE at 7.30. We host a rich diversity of lectures. New members are always made very welcome. For further details please contact Annette Martin on 0117 979 3209. North West Bristol Camera Club, are an enthusiastic group of amateur photographers -

on Trym, Bristol, BS9 3PY). The views expressed by contributors or advertisers in The Bristol Nine 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.

Dementia Awareness Week falls on the 14th to 20th May this year. In the run up to the event, Henleaze Co-Op and Townswomen’s Guild are working in partnership with Bristol Dementia Action Alliance in an attempt to make Henleaze more Dementia Friendly. Guild members from both TWG’s are visiting all the shops and businesses in the area with BDAA’s “Guide to Understanding Dementia” . To start Dementia Awareness Week off with a bang, a “Dementia Friendly Henleaze Roadshow” is being held at St Peter’s Church on Friday 12th May from 09.30. – 14.00. There will be speakers, some of whom are living with Dementia or care for those who are, and also stalls where you can obtain information regarding what’s available locally. Why not join for a cuppa at 09,30., and see what’s going on. Everyone is welcome. On Saturday 20th May, there will be a charity Jazz Evening in aid of BDAA - see poster for details! Our aim is rom make Bristol THE Dementia Friendly City of the UK, will you help us? You can read all about us on www.bristoldaa.co.uk or follow us on Facebook and Twitter

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Puzzle Answers from page 63 General Knowledge 1a) John, b) Delano, c) Walker; 2 a) Gordon the Big Engine, b) Stephenson’s Rocket, c) Mallard; 3a) Sarajevo, b), Zagreb c) Belgrade, d) Ljubljana, e) Skopje, f) Podgorica; 4a) Elvis Costello, b) Bruce Springsteen, c) Gloria Estefan; 5) PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC); 6a) Royal Air Force, b) British Army, c) Royal Navy; 7 Bristol (51°N compared to Seattle 47°N), and Kabul (69°E compared to Moscow 37°E); 8a) London, b) Leicester, c) Liverpool; 9a) Kenneth Graham, b) Richard Adams, c) Jack London; 10a) 1969, b) 1977, c) 1990. Crossed Words 1. Cheshire, 2. Muttley, 3. Saveloy, 4. Beaujolais, 5. Shylock, 6. Embroidery, 7. Fandango, 8. Mandarin, 9. Pingu, 10. Ream, 11. Avignon, 12. Cyan Where Am I in BS9? - the adventure playground, Quarry Park, Henleaze

Computing, A/V & IT

Around the Garden Fencing

AM Fencing

22 Computer Repairs

F.A.B. IT Rescue

Pet Care and Pet Services 93 Veterinary Care

Viking Vets

Fencing

E C Fencing

83 Computer Repairs

Schneider Computer Services

81 Pet Care Services

Paws2Park

Garden Design & Mtce

Robinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Garden

87 Computer Training

Mrs PC

10 Pet Care Services

Friends 4 Paws

Garden Design & Mtce

Meadow Landscapes

91 R Davies & Son

Finance, Legal & Business Garden Design & Mtce

Cathy Lewis

Garden Design & Mtce

Red Oak Landscaping

Garden Maintenance

Graham Cook

Garden Maintenance

Blossom Gardening

72 7

Funeral Services

Accountancy

Walbrook Services

61 Funeral Directors

Accountancy

Avonhurst

25 Property & Accommodation

Accountancy

William Price & Co

61 Estate & Letting Agents

Maggs & Allen

Coaching

Anne Miller

46 Estate & Letting Agents

C J Hole

Financial Advice

Grosvenor Consultancy

Financial Advice

Wealth West

43 Estate Agents

Ocean

Solicitors

Hillcrest Estate Mgmt

Redmaids High School

11, 13

Garden Services

Declan McManus

Garden Equipment

Avon Garden Machinery

Plants & Garden Supplies

Garden Trappings

Tree Surgeons

Crest Tree Services

Corfields

2,3 Property Management

Tree Surgeons

Neville Tree Services

25 Solicitors

AMD Solicitors

Solicitors

Devereux & Co

93 Schools

Around the House Blinds & Shutters

UK Blinds Direct

26 Solicitors

Veale Wasbrough Vizards

Bathrooms & Wetrooms

Paul Whittaker

Cleaning Services

Carmens Cleaning Services

Cleaning Services Cleaning Services

Henleaze & Bristol Carpet Cleaning Bonne Fresh Clean

81 Fitness, Beauty, Sport & 62 Leisure Yoga Sara-Jo Cameron 79 Complementary Therapies Celeste

Cleaning Services

36, 37 Estate Agents

Richard Harding

100 30, 31 27 45, 47

Schools & Education

56, 57 Schools

QEH

Schools

Badminton

Pre-School & Nursery

Red Bus Nursery

21 Trades Electrical Services

Daley Electrical Services

53 Electrical Services

MB Electrical

52 Cycle Fitness

Clifton College Sports Centre

Oven Cleaning Bristol

91 Golf Clubs

Henbury Golf Club

Cleaning Services

Oven Gleamers

16 Personal Training & Gyms Empowered Fitness

17 Electrical Services

Lek Trix

Cleaning Services

Home Gleamers

85 Healthy Eating

Nutritional Matters

52 Painting & Decorating

Darren the Decorator

Stoves & Woodburners

Embers

65 Hairdressing & Salons

Evans Hair Design

38 Painting & Decorating

Furniture

Gareth Jones Furniture

Erica Martin

Stairlifts Sales & Repairs

Thornbury Stairlifts

79 Gifts, Arts, Food & Retail

Sarah's Decorating Services Top Notch

Handyman Services

Tony Anderson

83 Record Collecting

James Boy Records

79 Painting & Decorating

G R Knott

Handyman Services

JD Handyfix

22 Trophies & Engraving

KP Badges & Trophies

52 Painting & Decorating

James Fox

22 Auctions & Salerooms Food Retail 7 Food Retail 41 Jewellery & Gifts 85 Jewellery and Gifts

Clevedon Salerooms

33 Plastering 12 Plastering 71 Plastering 38 75 Plumbing & Gas

A & P Plastering

Artform Plastering

McCall Plastering

J Presland

Peter Harris

S & P Plumbing Services

Appliance Services

A & D Plumbing Services

Plumbing

Three Sixty Services

Chimney Sweeps

Shaun Doughton

Man & Van

Autotec

7 Hairdressing & Salons

Domestic Appliance Repairs AASP Domestics Upholstery / Soft Furn

CAP

Upholstery / Soft Furn

Nice Things for Nice Homes

Window Cleaning

AquaTec

Building Services Plant Hire

Mark's Mini Diggers

BS7 Driveways

Painting & Decorating

Stoke Bishop Fruiterers Molesworth Butchers Julie Anne Palmer Jewellery Kemps

Plumbing & Gas

Healthcare Services Chiropractors

Building & Construction

66, 67

Bristol Chiro & Pregnancy Clinic Premier Homecare

52 Plumbing & Gas 50, 51

Plumbing & Gas

Building & Construction

Garcia Building Services

34 Home Care Services

Building & Construction

L & P Brailsford

7 Home Care Services Home Care Services 16

St Monica Trust

69 Plumbing

Home Instead

Stoke Lane Dentistry

Holistic Health Bristol

Garage Doors

Up & Over Doors

Property Maintenance

Prime Maintenance

Property Maintenance

A & S Property Services

Property Maintenance

Ace Preservation

23 Dental Care Complementary 18 Healthcare 81 Hypnotherapy

Solutions Hypnotherapy

Property Maintenance

MSP Maintenance

62 Chiropody

Kathleen Nicholas

Windows & Doors

Avonmouth Windows

93 Footcare

Bristol Foot Clinic

34 Cars & Motoring

Windows & Doors

Crystal Clear

Keon Williams

Massage Therapists

Waste & Rubbish Rubbish Clearance

Garage Services