The Bristol Nine - March 2017

1

A free community magazine delivered each month through over 12,000 letterboxes across Coombe Dingle, Sneyd Park, Henleaze, Sea Mills, Westbury on Trym and Stoke Bishop

2

3

4

The Editor’s Small Piece Hello there, I hope you are in good form - warm and happy.

March is a funny old month isn’t it? It can be a bit of a tease. It offers you glimpses of a brighter future, with things popping up in the garden like inquisitive meerkats. Then just when you think winter is over and done with, and your fronts are warming up nicely, it hits you with a big chilly stick in the form of high pressure blowing in from the east.

I used to equate March with the start of the speedway season (you’ll have to wait until 31st March for your local shale fix with the Somerset Rebels) but nowadays I look forward to it more for the return of activity in the garden - courting birds, bursting buds, mowing lawns.

I had hoped to unveil a bit of a new look to the magazine this month after a longish break since the last issue, but as usual the spare time I had created for myself to “do stuff with the magazine” disappeared before I even noticed it - a bit like this winter’s snow fall. So fingers crossed April 1st will

5

The Editor’s Small Piece see a new(ish) look to the BS9 - and who knows, by then we might have even seen scenes like this 2010 view of Canford Cem & Crem. The child in me remains ever optimistic!

Whatever mother nature throws at us I hope you enjoy March (and also that you like the front cover shot from Westbury Parish Church churchyard).

Cheers, Andy ps - there aren’t actually meerkats in our garden.

T. 0117 259 1964 M. 07845 986650 E: andy@bcmagazines.co.uk W: www.bcmagazines.co.uk

ENGLISH TUTORING Need some help with KS3/KS4 English?

• One to one tutoring offered • Sessions tailored to meet individual needs • Competitive rates • CRB checked Tel: 07956 820454 Email: e.tutor@hotmail.com

6

7

8

Mrs PC - friendly computer training Some of you may have noticed that I have had a bit of a break from my monthly articles and from teaching.

I have been on a few adventures, enjoying a sabbatical, mainly away from Wi-Fi and phone signal in some remote and beautiful places, but I am now back and my tech team are also available to assist.

Virtual reality goggles can also be tethered to a game like Playstation, so that you are totally immersed in the experience. These are much more expensiveanywhere from £500-£1000, and include the sound as well. I can’t help wondering how you avoid bumping into walls, but I expect you use them whilst seated.

This month I fancied looking into some technologies that are new and exciting. It’s fun to stay up to date with what is out there.

Home Robots

Virtual Reality Goggles

Isn’t technology great?

This is much more appealing to me. I could definitely get excited about a robot hoover and have a few friends who use them. Homevac Electrics on North Playful technology View sell them and demonstrated one for me. They work on a programme and get on with the job and go Drones back to their base station to recharge. Not sure what Whilst away some of my adventures were recorded by our dogs would make of it though. a friend who had a drone. This is certainly a Amazon are selling something called Amazon Echo a wonderful toy to play with. He had the Phantom 4 Plus which has a range of about 7km. The top of the small box that can do big things. Here is what it can do: range ones are not cheap. Jessops sell them for • Plays all your music from Amazon Music, Spotify, £1800! The quality of the filming and stills that can be captured by them are simply superb. Learning to TuneIn and more using just your voice. fly one is a very good option and could save a lot of • Fills the room with immersive, 360º omnidamage in the long run. There are courses in Bristol. directional audio.

There are even Quadcopter Holidays for the real • Allows hands-free convenience with voice control. drone geeks out there.

• Hears you from across the room with far-field voice recognition, even in noisy environments or while Before you get too carried away with a drone, it is playing music. worth noting that current rules state that you cannot • Answers questions, reads audiobooks, reports news, fly one within 150 m of a built up area, within 50 m of traffic and weather, provides sports scores and a person, vessel or vehicle. You must fly it where you schedules, and more using the Alexa Voice Service. can see it. Not above 120m in height or 500 m • Controls lights, switches, thermostats and more horizontally. There is a whole minefield of with compatible connected devices from WeMo, legislation being considered after near misses with Philips Hue, Hive, Netatmo, Nest, tado° and others aircraft, bridges and people as well as worries over privacy. They are also very noisy. Drones are amazing • Always getting smarter - Alexa updates through the cloud automatically and is continually learning, adding playthings and allow you to see areas you know well new features and skills from a totally new perspective.

It is amazing how cheap these are nowadays! I tried one last month which used a phone as the screen and it was £45 for the experience. It used an app and allowed me to ride on a rollercoaster, and look up, down and from side to side.

I felt very motion sick almost immediately! Roller coasters are really not my thing, but it was very realistic. I wondered if I could train myself to like them, or not to feel sick by using one regularly.

Comments would be most welcome on this subject!

9

10

Useful Information Emergencies, Support & Information Gas Emergencies 0800 111 999 Electricity Emergencies 0800 365 900 Water Emergencies 0845 600 4 600 (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

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 ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

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

▪ ▪

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 Winter hours from 8.00am to 4.15pm, 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.

11

12

Prize Wordsearch This month your Prize Wordsearch has as its theme, for no logical reason whatsoever, fish. Listed below are twenty one well known fishy friends. Twenty of them have also hidden themselves in the wordsearch grid, meaning that one fish has escaped. Your job is to discover which fish has gone missing (clue - it isn’t Nemo). The fish can be found swimming forwards, backwards, up, down or on a diagonal.

Once you have discovered the missing fish get in touch and let me know which one it is. All correct entries received by 31st March will go into a net and one entry will be pulled out and will win the sender a fish supper for 4 at their favourite local fish and chip shop. Entries please by post to 8 Sandyleaze, WoT, BS9 3PY, email andy@bcmagazines, text to 07845 986650 or phone to 0117 259 1964.

Right, here are your fish for finding HAKE MACKEREL BARBEL MONKFISH PLAICE ANGELFISH JOHN DORY

HERRING HADDOCK DOVER SOLE RED SNAPPER LUMPSUCKER WHITEBAIT FLOUNDER

TUNA EEL SEA BASS GROUPER DOGFISH PIKE CARP

Prize Winners!

Congratulations to the winners of the November competition (Things in the sky - moon), December (County towns - Ipswich) and January / February (80’s bands - Blancmange). Michael Coveslant, Sarah & Roland Kitchen, and Ida Miller - your prizes are on their way. Thanks to everyone who entered.

13

JAMES FOX PAINTING & DECORATING No Job too Small References Provided BS9 based Ex-Serviceman Reliable, trustworthy, punctual, attention to detail.

General DIY jobs also considered.

Tel: 07835 735182

14

Award winning Hair Stylist

ERICA MARTIN Contemporary Professional Mobile Hairdresser

Excellent rates Ring me for a free consultation 07825 818 210 Email: ericamartin1@sky.com

15

16

NEW GRANDPARENTS! Grantenatal Classes are a new service, offering to top up your baby knowledge.

Grantental exists because things change. It’s amazing to be a grandparent, but expectations of you can be high and the advice you draw on may have altered a bit since you last needed it! All information is clearly evidence based (on real facts not alternative ones) In the last 30 years, a wealth of research has with the date the new information came out been gathered and shared, and thanks to and why it has changed recommended baby advances in technology, quickly communicated care. out to new parents.

A Grantenatal class is followed by plenty of In a Grantenatal class, information gleaned time for discussions and chat over a hot drink, over decades of midwifery/health visiting leaving us scope to explore issues of interest in experience, is collated into an hour-long more detail. update, focussing on the issues that most commonly lead to confusion between parents It’s pitched at grandparents but anyone can and grandparents in the first couple of months. come to a Grantenatal class. It could be for birth partners, supportive friends/family or Whether your children directly ask for help, or anyone who wants an update; all are welcome. just catch the look in your eye, research shows You can even bring the bump owner with you if that new parents look to their parents for you like and revel and reminisce in the changes answers and support. together.

Grantenatal is not about regretting or defending what you did when you raised your child; It’s about learning what they are learning as they become parents, so that when your child looks to you for help, you can give up to date, considered support, and be the awesome grandparent you want to be.

Sessions cost £10. The next session is on Tuesday 28th March 7-8pm, in Bradbury Hall, Waterford Road, Henleaze, BS94BT please email grantenatal@outlook.com to book a place or message us on the Grantenatal Facebook page. It could be an interesting Mothers’ Day gift!

17

18

The Downs Observer - Richard Bland A history of the Downs in ten objects No. 10. A parking information post, 2016

suburbs, from which commuters would be banned, and where parking would be metred, began to be discussed in Clifton and Redland.

Throughout this series Kingsdown was the first area in Bristol to adopt I have tried to use one, but in Clifton in particular the notion of everyday objects to paying for what you had had for free for fifty illustrate 1200 years of years offended many. It took the vigour of an the history of the independent mayor elected in 2012 to cut Downs, object that through the political shilly-shallying and drive a you wouldn’t programme through, and it was at once normally glance at, predictable that the poor commuters, driven out objects that were once of Clifton, would use the Downs. In 2015 they commonplace, did, and for a year the major and minor roads ordinary, utilitarian were frequently rendered impassable. and necessary, but have become symbols Creating a new parking scheme is a hugely of the remote times in complex process, closely controlled by law, and which they were the committee of the Friends of the Downs created. Few objects were involved with officials from the Highways can be more ordinary, more essential, more Department from the start. Plans were made, redolent of the age in which we now live, than a consultations held, objections to details outlined, parking information sign. Yet the origins of this compromises suggested, changes made, notices simple sign go back at least a decade. posted, and then on November 25th 2015 surveyors began trundling around the downs The first record of a sheep being killed by a car measuring, and then the painters put yellow lines was in 1909, and the two former toll roads on corners, and defined parking areas with white crossing the Downs, to Westbury and the ferry lines, and the whole beautiful, complex, subtle, across the Severn at Aust, and to the burgeoning scheme began to unroll before our eyes. port of Avonmouth, (the Portway was not built until 1922), were already being covered in tar, It is not perfect, but it is not ugly, it enables the and, in the thirties, roundabouts and traffic traffic to flow freely, it provides free parking for lights began to be used. Cats-eyes came in 1943, some 1500 vehicles, it is flexible between and white central lines in about 1950. Yellow weekdays and weekends, and the posts ensure lines were the first limit to parking, and appeared that people know where they can park. And in 1960, and were painted on the Westbury perhaps our descendants will be amazed when Road, partly because in places it was narrow, they find a rotting piece of wood buried deep in partly that it was now more important than the scrub with a rusty panel on which faint words Stoke Bishop Road, though both roads were may yet be discerned that there actually was a given high kerbs, unlike most of the roads on time when parking was free. the Downs which remain without kerbstones, The Downs are for people, and the and without storm drains- the drains they have management of a vast number of competing are soakaways. interests is sophisticated and subtle. If you enjoy the Downs, or use if for your sport, why Parking pressure in the centre of Bristol had not become a Friend? Membership is just £10. long ensured that parking on all roads was Contact Robin Haward at controlled, but in the 1990s the idea of robinhaward@blueyonder.co.uk 0117 974 3385 establishing residents parking zones in the

19

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

20

21

22

Bruce Fellows’ Good Reads Back in 1913, journalist EC Bentley, famous for inventing that rival to limericks, the clerihew, had had enough of detective stories where the sleuth was humourless and insufferably clever, so he decided to write one of his own.

The result was Trent’s Last Case, a highly entertaining mystery still in print and still a favourite with writers of the genre. When a top financier is found dead, endearingly light-hearted amateur detective Philip Trent is sent for. He quickly wraps the case up. But in a story full of twists and turns and laughs, Bentley shows Trent to be anything but infallible. A great read.

observations from her diary. This is an evocative and moving study of a woman who contributed so much to British life, not least by helping to preserve the Lake District for the nation.

Andrew Gimson’s Boris, appropriately subtitled ‘The Adventures of Boris Johnson’, is impossible to put down.

Written in 2006 but recently updated to include all last year’s Brexit and Tory leadership shenanigans, it paints a portrait of a super-bright outsider who took the establishment by storm via an Eton scholarship and the Oxford Union. A philanderer who loves his Victor Gregg came home from World family, he offends people easily but War Two all messed up mentally, makes charming apologies. He seems hardly surprising when you learn that reckless and feckless but given a his war career involved parachuting in political job is quickly on top of his at Arnhem and surviving the firestorm subject. His apparent bumbling can at Dresden as a POW. In Soldier, Spy, morph into what many see as charisma. he tells us of his post-war life. It’s National treasure? You’ll have your hardly less incident free than his war. own opinion after this book.

He takes job after job to support his family and gets heavily into cycling as a Don’t have plans to do anything else release from the things going on his once you’ve started Sebastian Barry’s head that make sleep a constant battle new novel Days Without End because against nightmares. The book grips the book won’t let you. Thomas and moves you from page one and McNulty, escaped from famine in reads like a novel, especially when he’s Ireland, meets Handsome John Cole recruited by British Intelligence. under a hedge in a rainstorm in Missouri. They proceed to dance and The Story of Beatrix Potter by Sarah soldier their way together through two Gristwood does what it says on the decades of America’s turbulent cover. And it’s a fascinating and nineteenth century; the vicious Civil inspiring tale that emerges of a talented War follows equally vicious Indian and financially hard-headed Victorian wars. McNulty narrates in a direct, woman’s struggle to escape from idiosyncratic and poetic voice. He convention and the restrictions of conjures up landscape and weather in a overbearing though loving parents – by few words. His story is brutal but drawing rabbits and writing the tender, savage but beautiful and love unsentimental stories for children that and dignity survive through it all. generations have loved. There are Wonderful! numerous illustrations from her life and works and funny and precise Bruce Fellows - March 2017

23

24

25

26

Music with Duncan Haskell Album of the Month March Near to the Wild Heart of Life by Japandroids (Anti-)

Next Step Elephant by The White Stripes (XL) If you’re looking for serious departures then Elephant is the album for you. The White Stripes remain the template for rocking duos everywhere and it was on their fourth album that they shook off the self-imposed shackles which had informed their prior work, beefedup their sound and delivered one of the greatest records in the history of modern music.

For all the talk of Japandroids’ third album being a massive departure, the opening title track has all the hallmarks we’d expect from the Canadian duo of guitarist-vocalist Brian King and drummer David Prowse. A guitar collides with a thunderous drumbeat, The opening riff to Seven Nation Army may now be “I used to be good but now I’m bad,” King proclaims ubiquitous, but at the time it was a thrilling way to as he delivers his latest call to arms. announce the arrival of Jack and Meg White’s bulkier sound. Things didn’t stop there, the swampy blues of Once again eight tracks long and with cover art that’s Ball and Biscuit and the scuzzy anger of The Hardest a clear continuation of the striking monochrome of Button to Button revealed the full extent of Jack’s both Post-Nothing and Celebration Rock, the genius as a guitarist. By expanding their palette on changes are more subtle than many had been Elephant the pair opened the door for the increasingly expecting. That’s not to say this is a mere replica experimental follow ups Get Behind Me Satan and either. At the centre of Near to the Wild Heart of Life Icky Thump The album’s closing track, Well It's True is Arc of Bar, seven and a half minutes of swirling That We Love One Another, addressed the confusing synth with an eminently danceable beat that can’t be relationship between the ‘siblings’ with a knowing ignored. Midnight to Morning teases the listener with wink and showed that, for all their increased a bouncy acoustic opening before eventually confidence and proficiency, they still weren’t taking alternating with a more familiar dose of distortion and things too seriously. 14 years after its release, this is a yearning lyric, “the yellow line of the I-5/ bring me still the level that all other bands are striving for. back home to you.”

Gig Of The Month Some will baulk at the band doubling down on their Cloud Nothings @ Thekla (Thursday 16th corniness, and they really have pushed things to the March) brink, but more often than not you can’t help but be swept along with the sentiment. And ‘sentiment’ is the It’s clearly a month for correct way to describe much of the lyrical content. noisy guitar bands, and North East South West finds Brian King “hungry for they don’t come too a hand to hold,” and I’m Sorry (For Not Finding You much noisier than Sooner) brings out the confession “I was looking for Cleveland’s Cloud you all my life.”

Nothings. On tour to promote their latest Japandroids true greatness shines brightest when album Life Without they’re at their most anthemic, with those fist-aloft Sound, Dylan Baldi and moments of shout-along euphoria. They’re still here his band will be bringing their sonic jams to in abundance from the title-track right through to everyone’s favourite boat/ venue . Again, there’s talk penultimate track No Known Drink or Drug. Yes, of a slightly more nuanced direction, but don’t let that they’ve made slight shifts here and there, but fool you, this is going to be loud! essentially this is still the band we know and love.

Duncan Haskell

27

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

Call Steve Pinnell

07720 735 943 / 0117 965 8363

28

“A safe crossing is needed for Canford Lane” says Councillor Clare Campion-Smith “During the course of last year, my local supporters and I became increasingly aware of the need for a safe crossing for Canford Lane in Westbury on Trym. Unlike other major roads in our area (for example, Parry's Lane or Shirehampton Road) Canford Lane has no crossing for its whole length, from Falcondale Road at one end to Coombe Lane at the other.

Traffic can be alarmingly heavy, and Canford Lane still has a 30 mph limit – with some vehicles going a good deal faster than that. So it's a real problem, especially for families with small children or for older people, to get Canford Park from the opposite side of the road.

Residents on the other side find it difficult to cross to get to the Dingle or to walk to Blaise.

a crossing – both in the area of the crematorium.

These are just sketches, though very helpful, and would allow for either a zebra crossing or a central refuge. The likely costs of these options are roughly £30,000 and £15,000 respectively. (A pelican crossing, with lights, is not on the cards.)

Of course, we would need much more detailed plans to enable us to proceed with a crossing.

In parallel with these developments, the Mayor decided to withdraw all uncommitted money for road schemes from Neighbourhood Partnerships, so the decision whether or not to have a crossing in Canford Lane now rests not with local people and their councillors but with the city council centrally.

As a member of Mayor Rees’ cabinet – I am cabinet member for People - I understand only too well that Council finances are tight, with the So last autumn we wrote to residents in Canford funding of my own area of responsibility (notably adult social care) being very challenging.

Lane to see how they felt. We had 30 positive responses – enough to encourage us to continue Nonetheless, in my opinion and from my own experience, Canford Lane is a dangerous road – and some people offered to help with a and local people would like to cross in safety. So campaign for a crossing. Gradually, we have the intention is to present a petition for a safe been gathering names for a Petition to Bristol crossing in Canford Lane at the full Council City Council – with two residents collecting 100 meeting in March. names between them! We have almost 300 signatures at present – mostly from people living locally but also from people visiting Canford Park Will readers help by signing this petition, or help us gather more names? If you are interested, and others with an interest in our area. please contact my assistant at grahamdonald@blueyonder.co.uk (mobile We also took our concerns to our local 07980 191933).

Neighbourhood Partnership. They were supportive and the city council’s highways Cllr Clare Campion-Smith engineer came up with two possible locations for

29

▪

Alderman Marmaduke Alderson, former Councillor for Stoke Bishop, passed away recently after a long illness. A memorial service is to be held at St Mary's Church on 10th March at 2 00pm.

▪

Cotham School are preparing papers to challenge the decision against the Town and Village Green status on Stoke Lodge.

▪

Your councillors are supporting local initiatives to maintain Neighbourhood Partnerships, which the Mayor has decided would not be supported financially by the Council.

▪

The proposed large stone bridge near Bridge Valley Road has been refused planning permission.

Your councillors have always been concerned about a stone bridge at this location. The £2 million estimated cost could increase substantially and much would fall on local tax payers.

▪

The Mayor is proposing a Budget with a 5% Council Tax increase and substantial service reductions. Your councillors will be voting against this Budget.

30

31

The Veg Growers Diary - Reg Patch Well … I write this during a cold snap, but am warmed by the thoughts of Spring days, new shoots and muddy boots once again. Things are certainly hotting up in the greenhouse in more ways than one. With sunny days approaching do open the windows a chink as good ventilation is key, emerging shoots are susceptible to fungal damage brought on by rising temperatures and poor air circulation. If seedlings suddenly collapse and rot off at soil level “damping off” is the cause. Removing the affected seedlings and improving air circulation may save those remaining. Automatic vents are a must as they open and close as the temperature rises and falls, and negates the possibility of a window being left open when it shouldn't have been, when plants are then lost to low temperatures.

I have to say that few things give me as much pleasure as raising plants from seed. It can be substantially cheaper than buying plants and far more rewarding. I would add please don’t be in too much of a rush to sow your seeds outdoors, as too early or indeed late, can hamper germination. You see it’s all down to the weather, something we olde chaps keep a watchful eye on all year round, as we know what our gardens like and the weather gives us lots to moan and groan about when it doesn’t behave quite the way we want. When you feel that Spring is firmly in the air, and the soil has warmed up, then that's the time to go to it and sow with gusto!

For an early crop of baby carrots, in an unheated greenhouse try sowing a stump rooted variety in

a wide pot of suitable compost. lettuce and salad leaves can be sown into trays to produce young plants for growing on indoors or planting out into your veggie plot at a later date. Grown this way can save you a small fortune, as they cost a bomb at garden centres and the like. Start onion sets off in modular trays to give them a head start when you plant them out in April.

I find a heated propagator invaluable at this time of year to start seeds off with a flash! And keep mine on the kitchen windowsill, most inconvenient in Mrs P’s eyes but an essential in my books. Sow tomatoes, peppers, and aubergines in small pots and place in the propagator, keeping a daily watch for growth as you don’t want them to get too leggy. The seedlings of tomatoes should be pricked out at the two-leafed stage into their own small pot and grown on under cover.

Top Tip – think twice before you compost If your compost bin is full to the brim then well done for your eco habits, but you could be composting the most nutritional bits of your dinner. The more colourful the skin and leaves of fruits and veg, the higher the contents of carotenoids and flavonoids. So think twice before you throw these away.

ONION SKINS rich in quercetin an antiinflammatory that can slow histamine and ease hay fever. Add to stocks, soups and stews and remove before serving. ORANGE PEEL contains fibre, flavonoids and vitamins and the high vitamin C levels are an immune system booster. Whip up the whole fruit skin, pith and all into a smoothie. CELERY LEAVES rich in magnesium and calcium, and antioxidants that help fight cancer and ageing. Add to salads and soups and use to scoop up dips. (continued overleaf)

32

The Veg Growers Diary - Reg Patch On fine dry days tend your soil and work down to a fine tilth, in readiness for seed sowing.

Remove any stones as they can cause carrots to fork, as a long straight carrot is what we are ideally after, not that it affects the taste of course. Dig out a trench in readiness for your kidney beans planting. Line with newspaper and add any kitchen compost to the bottom, which will all help in retaining water when once the beans are in and growing as they are thirsty plants.

I am excited at what this year will bring in the garden, as no two years are ever the same, and whist success and failure is inevitable, it’s the taking part I so enjoy. I’ve known an old chap for many years, and take my hat off to his gardening knowledge and vast experience. He's kept a journal since a small lad, and as his interests turned to horticulture he’s documented some of his experiences, success and failures.

This has enabled him to reflect on previous years, in fact decades! And see if there is any rhyme or reason in the changing seasons.

Its never to late to start something new, so this year I will be keeping a garden journal, and documenting all the joys the garden brings…..

Happy Growing . . . .

Book of the Month – “Grow with Joe” by Joe Maiden £14.99 Joe is a highly regarded grower, exhibitor, judge, trained horticulturist, seed merchant, nursery man, the list goes on. He eats, sleeps, and breathes horticulture with his passion being growing and exhibiting vegetables. He has been on radio for over 40 years and answers gardening questions with humour and a vast practical knowledge.

This book is well written and split into four sections; Part 1 Vegetables, Part 2 Fruit & Herbs, Part 3 Floral Glory, Part 4 Everything else which includes lawns, hedges, shrubs and misc. Out of 160 pages, over 90 are of edibles so will appeal to all the “grow your own’ers”.

Each section has its own growing guide, and a series of questions and answers, as well as a number of humorous tales. Filled with colour photographs taken over a number of seasons, it’s an easy and entertaining read. Whilst this book is written with the Northern grower in mind it’s easy to adjust timings for us Southerners, who by rights should enjoy some sunnier days a little earlier and for longer.

33

34

35

36

37

Duties of a Personal Representative of an estate When you lose someone close to you, you may be surprised by the volume of paperwork that needs to be completed to deal with that person’s estate. The person responsible for dealing with the estate is the next of kin under the intestacy rules or an executor under the terms of a Will. Increasingly more people are appointing family members rather than legal professionals to administer their estates and this can be quite daunting for the family member left to deal with everything.

Personal representative duties If you find yourself having to administer an estate, you will need to consider your personal representative duties which are set out in statute. Among them are dealing with the estate assets efficiently and keeping a detailed account of the assets and liabilities of the estate to show how the estate funds are being dealt with. Most estates in England and Wales require a Grant of Representation which is the general term given to the court order providing the authority for the personal representative to deal with the person’s assets.

How to apply for a Grant of Representation You can apply for the Grant personally or you can instruct a solicitor to act on your behalf. Before deciding whether or not to act you should consider: • The amount of time you have available per week.

Most estates take between 6-9 months to administer and that includes writing letters and making phone calls on a regular basis to obtain information.

• How comfortable you feel with completing forms and understanding the process.

You will need to declare all the assets and liabilities of the estate to HM Revenue and Customs on the relevant tax form, self-assessments may be required to finalise the deceased’s income tax and claim forms will need to be completed to close down all of the bank accounts.

• The level of accountability you feel comfortable with If the estate is relatively straight-forward you may feel happy signing all the paperwork required to obtain the Grant and later on making sure that the estate is distributed correctly in accordance with either the Will or intestacy rules. Some people prefer to instruct legal professionals on their behalf because it gives them peace of mind that things are being done properly and the responsibility of administering the estate shifts to the legal advisor.

The Probate Team at AMD Solicitors has extensive experience of all aspects of probate and intestacy whilst providing a personal and supportive service to all those involved.

For advice on administration of estates and all other private client issues please contact Sarah Burgess or another member of our probate team on 0117 962 1205, email probate@amdsolicitors.com or call into one of our four Bristol offices.

100 Henleaze Road, Henleaze BS9 4JZ 15 The Mall, Clifton BS8 4DS 139 Whiteladies Road, Clifton BS8 2PL 2 Station Road, Shirehampton BS11 9TT AMD Solicitors are please to announce that our ever popular seminars will return in late spring watch this space for more details.

38

Kemps Jewellers Est. 1881

Dazzling Jewellery - Sparkling Prices Rings and jewellery, new and old - a great range of modern new pieces to complement our existing selection of beautiful traditional second-hand jewellery.

An independent family business we are able to offer you a level of expertise and service you rarely get on the High Street.

Why not come in and browse and see what catches your eye, discover our special promotional prices and discuss your options with our friendly and knowledgeable staff?

Kemps Jewellers 9 Carlton Court, Westbury on Trym 0117 950 50 90 www.kempsjewellers.com

39

Bristol Nine Readers Offer I had the pleasure of meeting James Graham recently - a really engaging and enthusiastic young local musician (born and brought up here in BS9). James and his band ephemerals will be off touring Europe in April / May promoting their new album “Egg Tooth�, and there’ll be an article about James and his work in the April issue.

In the meantime James is keen to promote his piano tuition skills and is offering a free piano lesson to the first reader of The Bristol Nine to contact him mentioning that they have seen his advert.

Just ring James on 07791 428 099 or email him at info@jamesgrahammusic.com

40

Traditional Chinese Medicine . . . . is a complete system of medicine. It is the world’s oldest continuously practiced professional medical system with detailed textbooks dated back 2,500 years.

The way Chinese medicine understands the human body is unique. It is a truly holistic system that sees the body-mind processes as an integrated whole, and how the life and activity of individual human beings have an intimate relationship with the environment. A Chinese medicine assessment can detect subtle changes in the body's homeostatic balance before it reaches the disease stage and before Western medical test can detect any abnormalities.

Acupuncture and herbal medicine are its key components.

Your practitioner Ying Liu went to medical school to train in both Western and Chinese medicine for 8 years and gained a Masters degree in Internal Medicine for her research work in the treatment of autoimmune disorders. She worked at the University Hospital for ten years before coming to the UK in 2004. Ying's holistic approach in the clinic is to marry the best of both Chinese and modern Western medicine and tackle the root of the problem. Ying believes using the twin lenses of the Chinese and Western medical systems makes us more effective doctors and can contribute to improved clinical outcomes.

With over 20 years of clinical experience, Ying holds a high level of expertise in many areas including general pain relief and well -being. Her main areas of interest are women’s health, infertility, autoimmune disorders and rheumatism. For more information, please visit www.chi-medicine.co.uk

41

42

Coaching with Anne Miller Is it Sustainable?

are both positive and sustainable. If there was one thing you could have different (about yourself or your situation) what would it be?

What would be great about that? What impact would this have? These are just a few of the questions that can help to get us started on making change for the better.

When we allow ourselves to think in this way we open up new possibilities. We can choose the specifics of these changes and how quickly we want to pursue them. Knowing what we want is the first step. Getting clear about why creates the pulling power.

‘Sustainable’ is a much used word, to the point we may have stopped thinking about what it really means. Mostly we hear it used in reference to our use and disposal of our planet’s finite resources and we may associate it with guilt or restraint. Applying this question to ourselves and the way we are living our lives has a different impact. Thinking about sustainability in the context of ourselves; our bodies; our relationships; our work; our inner attitudes, can give us a more positive wake-up call. We have the potential to make changes If we get a negative answer to the question ‘is that will have an immediate impact on the it sustainable?’ our next question needs to be quality of our lives. ‘what needs to change?’ When we don’t know what to do or we fear we don’t have the inner resources to make the required change it can be tempting to ignore our needs. But in the words of Henry Ford “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.” And if it’s not sustainable, it needs to change.

And the great thing is that even a small Making sustainable choices requires attention change puts us in a different place and from here we have a new perspective and new and appreciation. How we function in life possibilities appear. What’s one small step matters to ourselves and others. We are important. And we’re already doing a load of you could take? good things! Recognising our assets and Visit www.annemillercoaching.co.uk for more previous achievements and building on what information and to book a free consultation we already have empowers us to make Tel: 07722 110 228 positive changes.

Small changes are usually easier and more likely to last. Change requires a degree of effort so it makes sense to make ones which

AM Fencing

• All types of domestic and commercial fencing undertaken • Based here in BS9, and local references available • Telephone Mark for a free quotation & let me help you with all your fencing requirements

0117 968 4359 07977 429 899 mark@amfencing.net www.amfencing.net

43

44

The perils of dying too rich The new 'residence nil rate band' (RNRB), reducing inheritance tax for some estates, comes into effect from 5 April 2017. That's great news for those with estates under £2 million but less so, for those with estates over £2 million.

I can explain this best by looking at two different families, the Bennets and the Darcys, to see the differences.

The Bennets Mr & Mrs Bennet's house is valued at £500,000 and they have savings of £300,000.

Their Wills leave their estates to their children, after they have both died. Before 5 April 2017, there would have been an inheritance tax bill of £60,000 to pay on the second death. This is because individuals have an automatic £325,000 tax-free allowance (nil rate band), and for married couples or civil partners, this means a combined £650,000. Any assets over that amount (pre 5 April 2017) were taxed at 40%.

estates when they die because of the additional £100,000 RNRB, (£200,000 together) tax-free allowance.

However, there are pitfalls and caveats to beware of.

The RNRB will rise incrementally each tax year until 2020 - peaking at an additional £175,000 per person or £350,000 per married couple or civil partnership. This sounds good but means complex calculations to determine how much relief is available depending on the size of the estate.

Secondly, there are strict eligibility criteria for estates to qualify for the new allowance, including that a couple must have lived at some stage in the property and the property must pass to their children. So, if the Bennets' property had been an investment property (and not their own home) the new RNRB tax-relief is denied.

Another major issue is that for those families leaving estates to their children valued at over £2 million, the RNRB will be subject to tapering off rules and lost altogether for However, after 5 April 2017, there will be no estates in excess of £2.7million. inheritance tax to pay on the Bennets'

45

The Darcys Mr & Mrs Darcy have combined estates of £3 million. The inheritance tax bill on the second death will be £940,000 as a result of the tapering off rules - zero relief after £2.7million.

away, a capital gains tax bill could be triggered and it is vital to ensure that sufficient assets are retained for the parents' own needs.

To ensure that your estates are making all the tax-savings they can So what can be done for people like the correctly qualify for, it Darcys? If, for example, they had made is vital to seek lifetime gifts to their children, reducing their professional advice estate to £2 million, both Mr and Mrs when preparing your Darcy's estates would benefit from their Wills and to regularly combined RNRB tax reliefs, reducing the tax review the position due by £140,000. with your advisor.

However, again beware. Making lifetime For specialist advice in this area, please gifts is not necessarily as straightforward as contact Mary McCrorie at it might seem. If the wrong assets are given mmccrorie@vwv.co.uk or 0117 314 5368.

46

Film Review with Chris Worthington Trainspotting 2 Directed by Danny Boyle

hour journey to work (there is a longer list) ……..choose life!

Danny Boyle first expressed an interest in making T2 in 2009 but was reportedly waiting for the ravages of time to take their toll on the characters. T2 has the same characters played by the same actors twenty years on and time has certainly done the job well. In the opening scenes Begbie is back in prison for a long stretch without parole, Spud is still a heroin addict, Renton is in Amsterdam and on the run from the others for making off with the cash from the drug deal in T1 and Sick Boy is wasting his life running a semi derelict pub in Leith that he inherited from his aunt. Plus ca change plus c’est la meme chose.

All is well until Begbie escapes from the prison and seeks murderous revenge on Renton for the stolen drug money leading to a denouement featuring the main characters and a toilet bowl, but not as you might remember from T1.

I loved T2, the dark humour and the twisted logic of some of the dialogue is hilariously funny and the storyline is stronger and more varied than T1. As in life the characters are the victims of their own faults and limitations. But they are not victims of society, which is refreshing, they are entirely to blame for making a complete mess of things.

However it’s not all doom and gloom. Gail from T1 has grown up to be smart and business like criminal lawyer who is taken on by Renton and Sick Boy to get them of a cocaine possession charge (when will they ever learn?) and Spud discovers a talent for writing in the style of a Trainspotting novel. The last words belong to him “ first there is an opportunity then there is a betrayal”.

When Renton’s luck runs out in Amsterdam he returns to Edinburgh where he teams up with Veronica, a Bulgarian escort girl. He saves Spud from an attempted suicide and after a bar room fight makes it up with Sick Boy. They team up in two glorious new scams. Scam number one is visit to a party at an Orange lodge where they steal credit cards. The doorman is suspicious but they get away with by making up an anti Catholic song to the delight of the assembled protestant crowd.

Scam number 2 is funding from the European Union to develop Sick Boy’s pub as a heritage centre, in reality it will be a brothel. Renton’s cynical take on contemporary life is spot on “choose Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, reality TV, revenge porn, zero hours contracts, a two

I am already looking forward to T3 but in another twenty years time surely the characters will have reformed. Won’t they? In the words of the Roman poet Juvenal “no - one ever suddenly became depraved”. The last part of the soundtrack is “Lust For Life” by Iggy Pop, I’ll second that.

Chris Worthington

47

48

49

50

51

- Do you have profits liable to Corporation Tax? A pension contribution now will reduce your corporation tax liability. The rate of Corporation tax is reducing over the coming years, so maybe Pensions are for many the most tax efficient way you should consider bringing forward the funding of making savings for their future – Reduce your of pensions to obtain the higher rates of tax tax, invest for your future and now with flexibility relief. You have until the end of your current in drawing benefits, maybe there has never been business year. a better time!

8 Reasons why a pension contribution can REALLY help you?

1. Tax reliefs of 20%, 40% and even higher Successive budgets in recent years have not reduced the amount of ‘free money’ available to people making pension contributions – but it will surely not go on for ever. If your income is above a tax band, a pension contribution could keep you just under.

In addition changes to the tax rates of dividends might mean a higher personal tax liability – so using a pension might be a good idea to help reduce the impact.

7. Inheritance Tax? - Usually pensions are exempt from inheritance tax when passed on to your family. Therefore a contribution now, may be a benefit to your loved ones – a benefit worth 40% 2. Carry Forward - This is the last chance to utilise perhaps! the annual allowance of £50,000 for the tax year 2013/2014 by using carry forward. By next 8. Accessing Pension Funds – impact on what month’s edition of Bristol Nine – the allowance you can pay in - If you pay money into a pension will have gone! (because of the above tax benefits), but want to draw money out in the same tax year, then you 3. Reinstate Child Benefit - If you have children are restricted on what you can pay in. Do it now and earn over £50,000 p.a. then your child and its £10,000 with carry forward possible, after benefit is reduced - earn over £60,000 p.a. and April it will be £4,000 and no carry forward you receive nothing. A pension contribution will allowance. be an investment in your future, and with careful planning, can also reinstate lost child benefit Give us a call if you would like to allowance.

4. Use a pension to reinstate a ‘slashed personal allowance’- Everyone has a personal allowance – the amount you can earn before starting to pay tax. Actually this is not correct. If you earn over £100,000 you start to lose your personal allowance. Making a pension contribution to bring income lower can create effective tax relief of 60%!

discuss any of the above or your financial plans in general.

Phil James - Grosvenor Consultancy Ltd. 01275 373348 The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate tax advice and some forms of offshore investments. The above does not constitute financial advice and we always recommend you seek advice for your own specific circumstances. The value of investments and the income from them can fall as well as rise and you may not get back the full amount you invested.

5. Do you receive a Bonus? - The end of the tax year is often when employees might receive a bonus. Maybe speaking to your employer about receiving a pension contribution instead, is a All statements concerning the tax treatment of products good idea? If so, you and they will pay less National Insurance and they may add this to your and their benefits are based on our understanding of current tax law and Inland Revenue practice. Levels and pension for you.

6. Are you a director of your own Ltd. company?

bases of tax relief are subject to change. The tax treatment depends on individual circumstances.

52

No-Prize General Knowledge Quiz (answers on page 88) 1.

Who is the current US Vice President, and who is the current UK Deputy Prime Minister?

9.

Who presents the following television programmes - a) Fifteen-to-One, b) Countdown, and c) Question Time?

2.

Name the three signs of the zodiac traditionally categorised as water signs.

10.

Name the cheeses hidden in the following anagrams

3.

In a traditional choir what are the two voice types next up the range from the bass voice?

4.

5.

In what century were each of the following people born - a) Beethoven, b) William Wordsworth, and c) W G Grace?

BREEALJRSG BLEEEAPS LICEHAIRPYL 11.

In which countries would you find the following cities - a) Mecca, b) Dacca, c) Accra?

12.

In what decades did the following UK events take place - a) introduction of the compulsory driving test, b) the construction of the Post Office Tower, c) the launch of the Penny Black postage stamp?

Which of these towns is closest to Bristol if travelling by car (according to AA Route Planner) - Cambridge, Burnley or 13.

Lincoln?

6.

Which country is the world’s largest producer of cocoa beans?

7.

Name these four “classic” British cars.

8.

BACTEMEMR

Which countries will be hosting the next summer and winter Olympic Games?

Which Apollo space mission was the last one to land a man on the moon, and in what year?

14.

Which artists had hit records with a) What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?

(1966), b) Leader of the Pack (1964), c) There’s a Ghost in My House (1974)?

15.

What is the currency of Hungary?

53

54

In the Garden with Cathy Lewis

Bomb-proof evergreens Well-designed gardens generally have good structural planting. By this I mean they have a framework of plants, such as trees and shrubs, which look good throughout the year. These form the bare bones or skeleton of the garden around which the froth of flowers and grasses are planted. Formal gardens may have clipped box hedges and topiary, while less formal gardens usually have carefully placed trees, shrubs and pots.

choice or, for an alternative to Box balls, try Hebe pinguifolia ‘Sutherlandii’.

4. Skimmias have glossy green leaves, are easy to grow and ideal for shady corners of the garden. Skimmia japonica ‘Rubella’ sports attractive red buds and can be grown in pots for winter colour, while Skimmia xconfusa ‘Kew Green’ has scented creamy flowers.

5. Castor oil plant (Fatsia japonica) is a largeleaved plant that looks exotic but is very much In city gardens, small evergreen shrubs are an at home in British gardens. It will be happy in a shady border or you can use it as a ideal way to add structure. The five plants below are all easy to grow and look good even centrepiece in a courtyard by growing it in a large pot. in the depths of winter. For best effect plant one of the shrubs as repeats around the garden or choose two or three different ones as focal points.

1. Euonymous fortunei ‘Silver Queen’ and ‘Emerald ‘n’ Gold’ are bomb-proof little shrubs with variegated leaves in cream and gold.

They light up shady parts of the garden and thrive even under trees.

2. Mexican orange (Choisya) is easy to grow in sun or shade, has attractive foliage and flowers in spring and autumn. The golden leaved Choisya ternata ‘Sundance’ is a popular choice in many gardens, although I find its foliage slightly too acidic in anything other than shade. For me, Choisya xdewitteana ‘Aztec Pearl’ or ‘White Dazzler’ are more attractive with their narrow, elegant leaves.

3. Hebes are useful shrubs that will grow on most well-drained soils in sun or light shade.

There is a wide variety to choose from and the smaller varieties work well in pots or at the front of borders. Hebe ‘Red Edge’ is a popular

Cathy Lewis, Dip. PGSD Cathy Lewis Gardens & Design Professional garden design, consultancy & maintenance Tel 07985 008 585 www.cathylewisgardens.co.uk

55

56

57

▪ 68 people have raised concerns about traffic issues around Red Maids’ School. You can still comment on the planning portal or by letter to the planning department.

▪ The rutted part of Stoke Lane is provisionally due to be resurfaced on 27th March.

▪ Please sign up for out of hours’ access at Westbury library; show how much your library means to you.

▪ We are keen to work with our 3 community associations to replace the Neighbourhood Partnership. Please let us have your thoughts.

58

History Notes no. 111 with Julian Lea-Jones - be a Bristol explorer and follow in John Cabot’s footsteps With springtime here, now is the time to get out and Garibaldi and where a wall plaque still marks our family explore our city - Be a Bristol Explorer & Follow in home”.

John Cabot's footsteps.

Having thanked Giovani, we will turn back down Route: St Nicholas Street, Narrow Quay, Broad Narrow Quay as far as Perot Bridge, cross and make Quay & Brandon Hill. our way to College Green, continue up Park Street as far as Great George Street and head up towards the Warning – remember any history walk in the centre tower that crowns the summit of Brandon Hill. The of the city means crossing roads, always use the Cabot Tower itself was erected on the site of a crossings and wait for the lights. Don't try and read chapel dedicated to St. Brandon for seafarers in 1897 this leaflet when you are crossing the road. Read to commemorate the fourth centenary of the about history – don’t become it! discovery of North America on 24th June 1497 by John Cabot. If you make the 105 foot climb to the John Cabot, explorer. Here in Bristol, although his viewing platform you will be rewarded with an house no longer exists, a plaque on the wall of St. unrivalled view over Bristol and the surrounding Nicholas church in the street of the same name countryside. To the south your horizon view will be marks both the locality his former house and depicts of the northern escarpment of the Mendip hills, to a stylised replica of his ship the "Matthew". the east, the sweep of the Lansdown Hills above Now make your way back to the Centre cross to Bath, to the north the slopes of Redland & Cotham Narrow Quay and continue along the water’s edge to while to the west a glimpse of the 275 feet deep the Arnolfini Art Gallery, rounding the corner and gorge of the tidal river Avon, Bristol's gateway to there sat on a piece of ships timber looking down Western lands. Turning again to the South and river is the very man we are seeking. What better looking down to the river Avon - since Cabot's day person to answer our questions! by means of dams this section has been made into non‑tidal floating harbour, through which John Cabot himself set off to America - you can see Brunel's masterpiece, the propeller driven Steam Ship "Great Britain" being restored in the very dock where it was built. If you are lucky you may even see the seaworthy replica of John Cabot’s ship the Matthew, believed to be named after his wife Mattea.

To the east you are looking down over what would have been the medieval town, the large crescent shaped building surmounted by the horse sized gold unicorns at each end is the Council House, Bristol's civic headquarters.

There are four toposcope plaques, one on each of the four facing parapets of Cabot Tower to indicate directions and distances to local, national and international landmarks. One of the plaques, the north‑eastern one, had been missing for some years.

The civic authorities were unable to replace and our “Good day Sir, are you the famous Bristolian who discovered society, Temple Local History Group offered a America?” replacement. Due to both the lack of information and the changes in landmarks since their erection in "Yes and No. Yes, I discovered the land of America in 1497, 1897, a complete redesign was necessary. It was but No I am neither from your City of Bristol or an agreed that the redesign would be faithful to the Englishman. Although in your country I am known as John original whilst researching a suitable selection of new Cabot I was born Giovani Caboto and came here with my landmarks for inclusion on the replacement plaque.

Father from Venice where we lived at Numero Uno, Via The selection process itself is of interest, and worth (continued on p60)

59

60

History Notes no. 111 with Julian Lea-Jones - be a Bristol explorer and follow in John Cabot’s footsteps putting on record. The tower was visited and a note the landmark information also needed revising. made of visible landmarks. Twenty five individual letters were sent to each of the "custodians" of the landmarks in question asking for their agreement and suggested wording. The responses together with a selection of Bristol connected international landmarks were then used to form the prototype layout & design submitted to the City Council for approval. The opportunity was also taken to provide more local information on the small, but hitherto unused, "apron" part of each plaque that folded over the edge of the parapet at a 45degree angle.

Our history group’s President the late Sir Bob Wall arranged for Airbus to donate and manufacture the material for the new plaque(s) and the new designs were engraved by John Gardiner of Paramount When completed and installed, the then Lord Mayor, Engraving.

Claude Draper did the official unveiling. One of the unexpected problems that arose during the redesign TLHG received an unexpected response to its was due to the change in the position of the submission to the Council. They were so pleased magnetic north pole since the original plaque designs with the new design that they asked us to also update of 1897; because of this the compass rose feature on the plaques for the other three faces. This was each plaque had to be corrected by some four and a because although present they were badly worn, and half degrees. Š Julian Lea-Jones FRAeS 2017

61

62

63

Senior Snippets - How to help combat loneliness in your community

house much, they might be a good person to reach out to and will most likely appreciate your effort.

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, Bristol North.

Share a meal: Older people often need a hand cooking for themselves, so why not share your time with a neighbour by bringing them an extra serving of a hot, home cooked meal, or even a frozen portion they can heat up or microwave.

Either way, your kind gesture would be appreciated!

There are lots of ways you can help lonely or socially isolated elderly people in your community.

Through advice from the NHS and AGE UK, we have listed some ways in which you can help combat elderly loneliness during the winter months.

Share your time: A rewarding way to help combat loneliness is to volunteer for organisations that support older people. These often offer "befriending" schemes for isolated elderly people, and rely on volunteers for one-to-one contact as a telephone "buddy", visitor or driver, or hosting Start a conversation: If you see an elderly neighbour on the street, stop and have a chat with social events for groups. them. Ask if they need any help with their It's the thought that counts: Something as simple shopping, posting letters or moving their wheelie as sending a card or posting one through the bin. letterbox, dropping off a little present, or calling in for a cup of tea can go a long way to making an Get to know your neighbour: If you don’t know elderly neighbour feel loved. your neighbours, take the opportunity to introduce yourself when you see them next, and ask if you can help in any way. If you know someone who lives alone or doesn’t leave their

To make a suggestion for a future topic, please write to John.Moore@Home-Instead.co.uk or call 0117 989 8210.

64

Putting the NEIGH in neighbourhood Local charity, Avon Riding Centre for the Disabled is desperately seeking £20,000 to buy more horses so they can help Bristol's disabled people to have the therapy, achievement and fun of horse riding every week.

At the Avon Riding Centre for the Disabled, they have pretty special horses. Take Daymo, the bay pony, seen in this picture, with one of his young riders, Huxley.

Huxley, who has autism, says “Daymo’s like a superhero. He has a forcefield against stress.”

He's wonderful, and without him and other horses like him, The Centre couldn't help the 300 riders who come to the Centre every year.

Every week, each of the Centre’s horses works with 12 people with disabilities. They help them to get out in the woods, enjoy being outdoors and to have the challenge of learning to ride. They give the unique physiotherapy that only horse-riding can offer.

enough to support riders who have difficulty with communication, and responsive enough to help them to learn the skills they need to control a horse. It can take up to 18 months to train a horse to be ready to take on a full workload with disabled riders. The average cost of the right kind of horse is £4,500.

The charity are reaching out to local people to help them raise the money they need to get more fantastic horses like Daymo, and to keep them until they can be fully-trained to be work with their riders.

There are lots of ways you can help. You could have a party, give up a bad habit or do something sporty.

You could even check out the Avon Riding Centre’s website, www.avonridingcentre.org.uk for some fun horsey ideas. You can give through JustGiving.com (search for ARCforthedisabled) or by contacting the Centre directly.

If you would prefer, you can sponsor one of our existing horses, like superhero Daymo. Contact the Centre on 0117 959 0266 for more details. Email fundraising@avonridingcentre.org.uk, “like” Avon Riding Centre on Facebook and you can even follow Daymo on Twitter @avon_riding.

Sadly, the Centre doesn't have enough horses like Daymo. They urgently need 5 more, just to keep helping their existing clients, but there’s an 18 month waiting list for the Centre’s service. With more horses, they could help more people.

The kind of horses that the charity need are hard to find – and expensive. They need to be "bomb-proof"

Playworker Vacancy WASC – Westbury After School Club – is looking for a playworker to join their team.

WASC is a well-established 40+ place club for 4 – 11 year olds run from Westbury-on –Trym Primary Academy School. Hours of work are: Mon, Tues, Weds, Thurs, Fri 2.45pm to 6.15pm, Term Time only. Pay: Dependent on Qualifications NVQ 2 £8.40 ph and Below NVQ 2 £7.85 ph. The post is to start as soon as possible, and all posts are subject to a DBS check and references. Email the WASC Administrator, Kate Plessier, for more information and an application form at wasc400@gmail.com

65

66

Talking Pets with Viking Vets Spring is upon us but not everybody is a spring chicken anymore. One of the great joys in my job as a vet is to follow my patients all through their life. We have been at Viking Vets for nearly 17 years now, and I have seen many arrive as a fluffy puppy or kitten, through their naughty teenage years driving their owners mad, through adulthood and into senior years.

It is these senior years I want to focus on in this post.

Just like we live longer so do our pets, and the health care and nutrition they receive in this country are better than many humans have in other parts of the world.

recorded you have no idea about the trend. In dogs I would say that the weight has the biggest impact on quality of life as the dog get older. The larger the dog breed the bigger the impact. I will tell my clients that it is a win-win-win to keep your dogs slim. You pay less for food, you have smaller vets bills, but most important your pet has a better quality of life, with less arthritis and other ailments.

In cats the most common old age diseases are kidney disease and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroids).

When I went to university it was called kidney failure, this has been renamed to kidney disease which has an In dogs the most common old age ailments we see are altogether more positive sound to it. We can now do a obesity, dental disease and arthritis. We do nag our lot more to keep the cats happy and healthy with renal clients a lot regarding their pets weight, to the extent disease but we need to detect it at an early stage. This that I know some of my clients avoid seeing me, due leads me nicely on to encouraging people to take up to fear of being told off if the pet has gained weight. offers of “senior checking� on their pets. These They may ask how I normally involve bloods samples, and this will pick up can talk - I need to diseases that we are not able to diagnose on clinical loose a few kg myself, examination alone. anyway it is easier to slim a pet then We are organising an evening talk about senior pets at yourself. We do weigh Henbury Village Hall on the 4th of April at 7.30 pm. our patients every If you are interested please phone for a place on 0117 time they come in, the 9505888 - there will be a small charge, all profit will weight is a very good go to charity. indicator for general health, but unless it is Maria Lowe - Veterinary Surgeon, Viking Vets

67

68

What’s On & Community News Listings for community events, not-for-profit clubs and charitable activities are free of charge. If you have something of this nature that you would like listed please get in touch by calling 0117 259 1964 or 07845 986650, 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 Saturday March 11th Organ Elevenses at Holy Trinity W-o-T. This month we have a welcome return visit from Paul Walton, organist, choral director, composer and arranger. He is currently Assistant Organist at Bristol Cathedral, where he also directs the Cathedral Chamber Choir and the Cathedral Consort. He is conductor of Bristol Phoenix Choir. Come at 10-30 to enjoy a cup of real coffee and a cake followed by the recital at 11 am. The big screen enables us to see the organist in action. Suggested donation £5 which includes refreshments.

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.

‘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 Ship & Castle Theatre Co Present “No Time Advanced £12, Student/NUS Card £10. From For Hope”. Tickets on sale now at £10 Opus 13, 14 St Michael’s Hill, BS2 8DT, each, from the Box Office phone number www.opus13.co.uk or call 0117 9230164/ 0117 07745208639 or email 9626521. bristolcabotchoir.org shipandcastletickets@yahoo.co.uk. We are delighted to present this new Play written by The Multi-Award Winning St. Alban’s Players Tom Phillips, at the Newman Hall, Grange present ‘The Sweet Melodies of Spring’, a Court Rd, Bristol BS9 4DR, from Monday 6th Classical Concert of song and the spoken word, to Friday 10th March. 7.30pm each evening. featuring young professionals from The Royal “The first days of the Bolsheviks and the last Academy of Music and The Royal Scottish days of the Romanovs told in parallel. The new Conservatoire along with local soloists to rulers of Russia could not see why they should support fundraising efforts for vital live, and the old rulers could not understand improvements to the church hall’s stage. why they should die.”

Saturday 18th March 2017, 7:30pm, Bar available from 6:45pm. St. Alban’s Church, Bayswater Melody Makers Baby Friendly Choir. We are Ave, Bristol, BS6 7NU. Ticket Price: £15. Box a daytime ladies choir. Feel free to bring your Office: 07425 198 859. baby/toddler too. Escape the real world and www.stalbansplayers.co.uk spend a fun packed hour singing uplifting popular songs and classic choral favourites. We Westbury on Trym Methodist Church are open to all levels, so no auditions and no Orchestra are a group of instrumentalists of all previous experience necessary. No nursery ages who play for morning worship once a

69

Library News

Henleaze Library (0117 903 8541) Opening Hours Monday 11-5 Tuesday 11-5 Wednesday 1-7 Thursday 11-5 Friday 1-7 Saturday 10-5

Sea Mills Library (0117 903 8555) Opening Hours Monday 10-2 Tuesday 10-2 Wednesday 1-5 Thursday 1-5 Friday 1-5 Saturday 11-5

Westbury Library (0117 903 8552) Opening Hours Monday 2-7 Tuesday 11-4 Wednesday 11-4 Thursday 11-4 Friday 11-4 Saturday 11-4

Chatterbooks Book Club for children, bringing Bristol University into your community. Sarah, an English Literature undergraduate runs the Chatterbooks Book Club at Henleaze Library on the second Saturday of every month from 10.30 – 11.30 am, so the next meeting is on Saturday 11th March. ‘A club for children to discuss books, make new friends and have some fun.'

Bristol Shares Reading. Join us for a free Shared reading group. A trained facilitator will read aloud great stories and poems - you can relax, listen, enjoy and join in the conversations about what we have read. All reading material is provided - as are tea and biscuits! Westbury on Trym Library, Thursdays from 11am to 12.30pm. Contact Emma Crago for more information - tel. 07970 247410 or email emmacrago@thereader.org.uk Bus Pass Poets The Bus Pass Poets are a small, informal group of Bristol pensioners who write poetry. With the exception of August we meet once a month at branch libraries on local bus routes. Come along and read your own poem to the group whether limerick, ballad, rap, humour or sonnet. All are welcome. There are no enrolment fees or subscriptions. If you write poetry, please join us to read and share.

Our next meetings are: ▪ ▪

Thursday 16 March at Westbury-on-Trym library Thursday 20 April at Redland library on Whiteladies Road just up from Clifton Down station. Buses 1,2,3,4 or come by train on the Severn Beach Line.

In the past year we have met at Henleaze, Westbury, Sea Mills, Shirehampton. Redland, Bedminster, Southmead and Central libraries. Look out for our posters about future meetings in Sea Mills and Henleaze libraries.

For more information you can contact Julie by phone on 01179 428637 or Edith by text on 07758.018768

70

What’s On & Community News month. Our rehearsal time is before the service from 10am. If you play any orchestral instrument, but particularly violin, you are very welcome to join us. Experience of orchestral playing is not essential, but you will need to be able to read music. We’re a friendly and helpful group, who enjoy playing together. Parts are always provided for personal practice. To find out more telephone 9686589.

Bristol Phoenix Choir and Orchestra, with Bristol Cathedral Consort, present Mendelssohn’s oratorio “Elijah”. Saturday 18th March, 7.45pm at Clifton Cathedral.

Tickets cost £15 and are available from tickets@bristolphoenixchoir.org.uk. Ticket office 07931 812625 or from Opus 13, St Michael’s Hill, Bristol, tel. 0117 9230164.

Fauré’s Requiem: The Redland Green Choir’s spring concert will take place at 7.30pm on 1st April, at St Matthew’s Church, Kingsdown. The principal work on the programme will be Gabriel Fauré’s beautiful Requiem, performed with a chamber orchestra. The programme will also include songs by Gibbons and Finzi, and a medley from West Side Story. Tickets will be £10 (concessions £8): see www.redlandgreenchoir.org.uk for further details.

repertoire, (re-)discovering the voice you may have forgotten about, and being welcomed into the choir’s welcoming social atmosphere. We rehearse every Thursday from 7.00pm till 9.15 pm at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College (formerly Filton College ) where the north end of Filton Avenue meets the A38. Come along to a rehearsal, go to our website – bristolmvc.org.uk - or contact our secretary on 0117 942 4378.

Bristol Bach Choir in concert on Saturday 1 April 2017, 7.30pm, at Bristol Cathedral, College Green, BS1 5TJ. Featuring the works of MacMillan “St Luke Passion”, Barber “Adagio for Strings” and Tallis “Lamentations of Jeremiah” this promises to be an unforgettable evening of passion, power, precision and poignancy. We are delighted to welcome to perform with us the excellent choir from Red Maids and Bath's acclaimed chamber choir ‘A Handful of Singers’, alongside the ever brilliant Bristol Ensemble. Ticket Prices: £10 £22 (Students and under 18s: £5 - subject to availability). Online: bristolbach.org.uk/tickets.

Phone: 0117 214 0721 Email: tickets@bristolbach.org.uk The Bristol Good Afternoon Choir meets every Monday afternoon from 2pm-4pm, at Trinity-Henleaze United Reformed Church, Waterford Road, BS9 4BT. Rehearsals are from 2pm to 4pm, there are no auditions and everyone is welcome. The Bristol Good Afternoon Choir enjoys all sorts of music – from folk songs to choral favourites. If you have any questions about the Choir please contact Nikki by calling 01761 472468 or emailing gac@grenvillemusic.co.uk – or just come along to a rehearsal with a friend of course. No cost for your first rehearsal.

The Elgar Society is dedicated to promoting the works of Sir Edward Elgar, our greatest English composer. Our next meeting is on Saturday 25th March at 2.15pm at the Bristol Music Club, 76 St Paul’s Road, BS8 1LP. Limited free parking is available at 1 Pembroke Road. Admission for visitors costs £3.00 including refreshments. Our speaker will be Richard Westwood-Brookes who will be talking about Elgar’s life and music during his Brinkwells period. This is the period shortly before his wife Alice died during which he wrote West Bristol Orchestra play a wide range of his chamber music and the cello concerto. He classical music arranged for the smaller wrote little more of significance after this time. orchestra, and meet at the United Reformed Church, Muller Road on Thursdays 7.15pm to Bristol Male Voice Choir sing to a wide range 9.15pm. Additional string players of Grade5+ of audiences, performing not just male voice standard welcome. Experience of orchestral favourites, but songs from musicals, pop playing not essential. For more info please classics, spirituals, and classical favourites. You contact the Secretary on 968 3998. don’t have to read music to join as a tenor, baritone or bass, but you will enjoy learning our Henbury Singers’ Spring Concert is at

71

72

What’s On & Community News 7.30pm on 25th March 2017 in support of BRACE at Trinity-Henleaze United Reform Church. The programme will include Haydn’s Nelson Mass along with other choral music.

Tickets £10 (£8 conc., £5 students).

Henbury Singers welcome new members. We meet at Stoke Bishop Primary School in Cedar Park on Thursday evenings - 7:45 to 9:15 pm.

Fees are £40 per term. There is no audition. We sing mainly choral music from a classical tradition, but we also sing carols, songs from musicals, gospel and folk songs.

For membership or concert tickets contact Maggie Cavanna 0117 973 4794 or email secretary@henburysingers.org. Tickets can also be bought on the door.

please contact Alzheimer’s Society local office in Bristol on: bristol@alzheimers.org.uk or 0117 961 0693. We look forwards to seeing you.

Vocal Harmony - an exciting contemporary choir. Meet new people, learn contemporary songs and have a lot of fun. You do not need to read music and there is no audition. We sing modern music by the likes of Adele, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Take That, Queen, all parts are taught in call and response. We run three 10 week terms, with a performance at the end of each term. eliza@vocalharmonychoir.co.uk or visit www.vocalharmonychoir.co.uk for more details.

Wednesday afternoon choir are a friendly group of people who are The Filtones. We sing four part harmony, but ability to read music, although useful, is not essential as we supply CDs and MP3 files as teaching aids. For more information please ring Jilly (0117 923 2281) or Shirley (0117 965 4348), email dorothy.bryant@btinternet.com, visit www.thefiltones.weebly.com or alternatively, just call in at Eden Grove Methodist Church The Voice of the Turtledove. Nova, Bristol’s Horfield BS7 0PQ between 1.30pm and 3.45pm specialist early music vocal ensemble, directed by on a Wednesday afternoon for a listen and a Bruce Saunders, invite you to an evening of chat.

Renaissance music from the 15th & 16th Centuries based on The Song of Songs, sensual The Mosaic Singers are a compact group but love-poetry from the Old Testament. would like to grow our line-up with an additional Composers include Dunstable, Power, White, Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass. We rehearse in Clemens, Palestrina and Praetorius. Sunday Stoke Bishop on Tuesday evenings, where a March 19th at 7.30pm. All Saints Church, warm and friendly welcome is assured. This Pembroke Road, Clifton. £8 (students £5) at the need not be as heavy a commitment as with door. some choirs. If you would like to find out more, please phone David Vicary on 0797 346 0994.

Henleaze Singing for the Brain Group meet in the Bradbury Hall on Waterford Road, on the Henleaze Ladies Choir is a friendly welcoming 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursday afternoons each group which meets in St Peters Church Hall, month from 2.00pm to 3.45pm We start the Henleaze, on Thurs between September and session with tea, coffee and biscuits, and general May from 1.45 – 3.45 pm (with a short break for socializing before starting the singing 'bit'. We tea). We give 2 charity concerts a year in have song books, and sing all sorts of songs December and May and from time to time we including songs from the musicals, well-known are invited to entertain community groups golden oldies, and folk songs. We are around the city. There are also occasional social accompanied on the piano, and always celebrate events organised. We are always pleased to see special events like St George's Day, Last Night new members but would particularly welcome of the Proms, Armistice Day etc. We invite first sopranos at the moment. Please come and people to come and try it out and see if they try a rehearsal without obligation. To find out enjoy it. If you would like to attend a session, more please contact either Jane English (0117 Friends of Welsh National Opera and visitors are all welcome at Redmaids High School on Wednesday March 15th at 7.15pm to enjoy a talk from the artistic Director of Admin, Isobel Murphy, about the highs and lows of casting and selection for performances. This with favourite operatic examples. Members £5.0 Visitors £7.0 Students £1.0 Pay at door.

73

74

What’s On & Community News 9511430 or 07752 332278) or Jean Wickham (0117 962 4466).

friendly environment. For more details contact Sue Sills on 962 8306.

Stoke Bishop Ladies Choir meet at Stoke Bishop Village Hall, new members welcome and no auditions are necessary. We are a friendly group that sings for pleasure, and we hold a concert at the end of each term to raise money for charity. Please call Maureen on 9567894 or Carolyn on 2791409 for more information.

Fitness, Health and Wellbeing

Exhibitions, Markets and Meetings

Bristol Shambhala Meditation Group offers free meditation instruction from a qualified instructor at the Open House evening each Wednesday from 7.30 - 9.30 pm at 17 Lower Redland Road, Redland, BS6 6TB and the opportunity for a longer period of practice on the second Sunday of each month. For further information please see our website: www.bristol.shambhala.info

Quiz Night - St Mary's Church Hall, Stoke Bishop, Saturday 18th March, 7.00 for 7.30pm prompt start. Licensed bar and light supper.

Tickets £7.50 available from Kate 0117 4010646. All proceeds going to Children's Hospice South West.

Book Sale at Westbury on Trym Methodist Church on Saturday 18th March from 10am to 1pm. If you wish to offer books for the sale please contact christopher@westburyontrytmmethodistchurch. org.uk or telephone 0117 962 2930 for more details.

Ladies Badminton. We meet every Tuesday afternoon, 2pm to 4pm, at Stoke Bishop Village Hall. We are looking for players to join our friendly group. Interested? Please call Pat on 0117 914 9511 for more details.

Women’s Personal Safety Workshop at Westbury on Trym Village Hall, 18th March from 9.30am to 5pm. Learn how to get safe and stay safe, simple self-defence, situational awareness, be your own bodyguard, verbal skills.

Course fees £45 (students £35). For more details call 07887 606661 or visit Antique Vintage & Collectables Fair, Ashton www.pdrswindon.co.uk.

Court Mansion, Long Ashton, BS41 9JN. Sunday 9th April - 10am-3.30pm. 40 stalls inside Morris Dancing - Bristol Morris Men welcome Georgian lounges and grand music hall. Fine anyone who wants to try morris dancing. We jewellery, china, furniture, memorabilia, pictures, practise on Thursday evenings in the Sports Hall retro items, vintage, clothing plus lots more. at (QEH) Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital (School) Café with afternoon cream teas - £2.00 entry at Berkeley Place, Clifton from 20:00 to 22:00 under 16s free. Car park Kennel Lodge Entrance (ish). For more information please visit via Portishead Rd (A369). www.bristolmorrismen.co.uk or call Grant on (0117) 9442165 .

Craft Show. Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet. Thursday 6th-Saturday 8th Pilates Classes running in the local area on April 10am-5pm. 100 leading craft supply Tuesday's 9:30am (improver) / 10:30am businesses, groups & guilds, 75 workshops, (beginner) / 12:10pm (mixed ability) / 13:30pm demonstrations and Make & Takes. Restaurants, (Postnatal) and on Wednesday 18:15pm cafes and free car parking. £8 adult, £7 (intermediate). For bookings please call Leanne concession, under 16s free. Advance tickets: on 07817189474 / Email 0345 3040222. leanne@mindbodypilates.org, or for further details visit www.mindbodypilates.org Country Market. Every Friday morning from 10.30 to 11.30 in Westbury on Trym Methodist Keep fit with dance moves – at Filton Church Hall. Homemade cakes, arts, crafts, Community Centre, Elm Park, BS34 7PS, plants, vegetables, jams and chutneys.

Tuesday afternoon, from 2pm – 3pm. Improve Refreshments are also available in a relaxed and your mobility and general wellbeing, have fun,

75

76

What’s On & Community News 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.

friendly session, which has a dance element to it, is suitable for all ages, levels, and abilities, including the older adult or young mum, who 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, or email laili@tiscali.co.uk, or visit www.exercisewithlailibrooks.com for full information; or just turn up.

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

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.

Westbury Scottish Club country dancing classes for beginners at Leonard Hall, TrinityHenleaze 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.

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.

Interested ? If so, please come and give Stoke Lodge Ramblers a try. Visit www.stokelodgeramblers.wordpress.com for more details or phone Secretary 0117 9684140.

Hydrotherapy Exercise Sessions - group exercise in lovely warm water at Southmead Hospital's purpose built pool. Benefits include relaxation, relief of pain & swelling, improved movement, balance & fitness. All ages & abilities welcome. We are a friendly local team of Chartered Physiotherapists with expertise in a variety of disabilities & medical conditions. We have a regular group of local members but new people are always welcome. For more details please contact Chris & Ali Cowley on 07971 086 628, email healthyhydrotherapy@gmail.com or visit www.healthyhydrotherapy.co.uk.

Bristol based charity LinkAge hold a number of fitness classes for the over 55’s running in the Henleaze area. Contemporary Dance 55+ on Monday from 10am-11am at Bradbury Hall, Trinity Henleaze Church. Cost £4. Tai Chi 55+ on Tuesday between 11am-12pm at Studland Court Community Room, Henleaze. Cost £3.50.

Zumba Gold 55+ on Tuesday between 1pm2pm at St Peters Church, Henleaze. Cost £4.

For more details please contact Laura on 0117 353 3042 or visit www.LinkAgeBristol.org.uk

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 Tai Chi – These gentle movements can ease the other ages including Beginners) Zumba Class body, quiet the mind and restore vitality. Local @ Orchard School every Thurs 7pm-8pm friendly classes with an experienced teacher.

Contact Georgina for further details on Classes at all levels at The Greenway Centre and www.bristolzumba.com or tel: 07545 625 089. other Bristol locations. For more details contact Karen on 0117 9424167, see Tai Chi Classes for beginners - Join us after www.taijiworks.co.uk or email Easter and put a spring in your step. The Bristol taijiworks@phonecoop.coop.

School of Tai Chi has lots of daytime and evening classes in Henleaze and Bishopston Ladies Keep Fit, Thursdays 10:00 - 11:00 am, starting from the 24 April. Any questions at St Peter's Church Hall, Henleaze. This

77

78

What’s On & Community News University of Bristol Botanic Garden Friends Lecture, on Thursday 16 March 2017 (after AGM at 7pm). James Bolton presents “Romans and roses: a personal history of Italian gardens”.

Gardening and Horticulture The lecture explores the development of Italian gardens from as far back as the Emperor Curator’s Tour of the University of Bristol Hadrian’s 2nd century garden at Tivoli, which Botanic Garden on Sunday 19 March 2017 provided inspiration and building materials for 10.30am-12.00pm. Join an inspiring two hour generations of architects and garden makers. special tour of the Garden with the Curator, Nicholas Wray, at 10.30. With luck the stunning Venue: Frank Theatre Wills Physics Laboratory, Tyndall Avenue, BS8 1TL. Lectures are free to Magnolia campbellii subsp. mollicomata Friends on production of their membership 'Lanarth' will be flowering in all its glory, along card. Visitors will be asked for a donation with our daffodil collection, early spring (suggested £5) Attendees can use any University blossom and the emerging woodland bulbs. car park; the nearest are in University Walk and Then, experience the secret treasures of the The Hawthorns. Further information: University Amazon rainforest in the exotic glasshouses; of Bristol Botanic Garden, The Holmes, Stoke enjoy enchanting orchids, bromeliads and a Park Road, BS9 1JG, tel. 0117 331 4906, email magical world of tropical food and medicinal plants. Come rain or shine there will be plenty to botanic-gardens@bristol.ac.uk or visit www.bristol.ac.uk/botanic-garden. see. Admission: Free to Friends and Students.

Visitors £5.50. Please meet outside the Welcome Henleaze & District Flower Club meets on Lodge, The Holmes, Stoke Park Road, BS9 1 the second and fourth Thursdays of the month JG. Contact 0117 331 4906, email botanicat Bradbury Hall, Waterford Road in Henleaze. gardens@bristol.ac.uk or visit Flower demonstrations are held on the second www.bristol.ac.uk/botanic-garden for more Thursday, practice classes on the fourth details.

Thursday. New members always welcome. For more details please contact Debra Ward on The Clifton Garden Society invite you to 07974 937741 or email Debra at come and join is as a new member. Monthly debragailward@hotmail.com coach visits are arranged to great houses and gardens. There is a quarterly newsletter, an Friends of Old Sneed Park Nature Reserve. annual holiday and a Christmas party. If you It only costs £5 a year to become a friend of the would like to join this friendly group please nature reserve, a wonderful area for wildlife in contact 0117 973 7296 for further details .

Stoke Bishop. The land is owned by the council and run with the help of volunteers & Friends.

Sea Mills Garden Club have regular monthly meetings, every 3rd Wednesday, held at Sea Mills There are regular newsletters, and regular events Methodist Rooms, Sea Mills Square at 7.30 pm. on the reserve. Fore more details please check Our forthcoming programme of talks is :- 15th www.spnaturereserve.com.

March, Sally Gregson “Shady Ladies and Damp Damsels”; 19th April, Mandy Leivers “Wildlife Henleaze Garden Club is a thriving club for of the Avon Gorge & Downs”; and 17th May - anyone interested in anything to do with gardening! We meet the first Wednesday of each Question Time + Plant Sale. Visitors always month in the main hall at St Monica's, Cote welcome at £3 per meeting. Hope to see you Lane, with a summer break when the club there. FFI contact Gail Mitchell 0117 9685350 arranges coach trips. Expert speakers, a quarterly or Esme James 0117 9682571 newsletter, and great Christmas event. Annual membership is £20 plus a £1 per visit, visitors The Alpine Garden Society meet on the 3rd are most welcome at £5 per visit. Contact Brian Friday of the month at Westbury Methodist Dury 9621227/ www.henleazegardenclub.co.uk Church, Westbury Hill, at 7.30pm. We have speakers on various topics, plant sales and social for more info. events. Visitors are very welcome at £2 a visit. contact Ben Milton on 0117 9493955 taichi@bristoltaichi.com www.bristoltaichi.com

79

Ukulele Funhouse Orchestra in GRANDAD’S ARMY Saturday 18th March at 7.30pm Newman Hall, Henleaze.

Tickets £10 from Henleaze Post Office or through www.ents24.com BOOK SALE AT WESTBURY ON TRYM METHODIST CHURCH SATURDAY 18TH MARCH 2017 10 AM TO 1 PM

If you wish to offer books for the sale please contact christopher@westburyontrymmethodistchurchorg.uk or for more details call 0117 962 2930

80

What’s On & Community News Volunteering and Charities If your new year’s resolution is 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 families. There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer for us, from helping at a collection to placing collection tins in your local community or by joining your local fundraising group. If you enjoy meeting new people and raising money for a great cause, we would love to hear from you. FFI please contact Community Fundraiser Helen Isbell on 0117 9247275 or email Helen.Isbell@mariecurie.org.uk

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 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

Volunteers needed to support carers. Could you please help us develop and increase our support to carers, people looking after an unwell, disabled or elderly family member or friend in Bristol and South Glos? Could you help us develop the support that carers can access through their G.P. surgery and other Home Care in Bristol – Lay Assessors needed sources? If you are outgoing and could offer two to become involved in the RSVP Retired and mornings a month to meet, greet and give Senior Volunteer Programme. Lay assessors are information to carers when they visit their GP part of a team visiting people in their homes surgery, I would very glad to hear from you. Full across the city that have home care services, to training and support provided. Please contact talk to them and find out if the quality of the me, Mike Hatch, GP Carer Link Volunteer on service is satisfactory. The Lay Assessor scheme 07503 577830 or email works in partnership with the council and forms mikeh@carerssupportcentre.org.uk. If you look part of their monitoring process. This voluntary after someone who couldn’t manage without role is interesting, rewarding and flexible. Full you, and would like some information about our training is provided along with regular services for carers or would just like someone to opportunities to meet and share experience with talk to about caring for the person you look other lay assessors. If you are interested please after, please telephone our Carersline on 0117 email homecare@rsvp-west.org.uk or telephone 965 2200 or visit 0117 922 4392 and leave your contact details www.carerssupportcentre.org.uk . and either Paula or Ken will call you back.

Wanted - Volunteer Drivers for transport, REMAP is a registered charity that designs and once or twice a week, of local elderly patients to makes custom aids which enable a disabled the Westbury doctors’ surgery or to a hospital. person to enjoy a better quality of life. We Please come and join us and experience the design, make or modify equipment to suit their gratification from helping others in your own specific needs. No charge is made for our neighbourhood. We operate within the Charity services. Please contact us if we can help - visit RSVP-West, who provide us with liability www.remapbristol.org.uk, contact Colin 01275 insurance for these drives and with practical help 460288 colin305@gmail.com or contact Ray and advice. And of course we work closely with 0117 9628729 rwestcott@blueyonder.co.uk the Staff of the Westbury-on-Trym practice. For information please contact Wendy Clark (0117 RSVP (Retired & Senior Volunteer 962 0733) or Zina Wilson (0117 431 3671)or by Programme). Do you like reading? Do you like e-mail on Bernzina@blueyonder.co.uk , or ask helping children? If yes to both, you are just the the Westbury Practice Reception or your local sort of person we are looking for! If you can GP on tel. 9623406. spare a minimum of an hour a week to hear children read in a local school you could make a Do you love Weddings? Westbury-on-Trym

81

Table Top Sale at Redland Green School BS6 7EH In aid of The Guild of Friends of the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, who raise funds primarily for the social work team so they can help families in need when children are in the hospital.

Sunday 19th March 10.30am to 12.15pm (Setting up from 9am).Please bring your own table(s). The cost is ÂŁ15 per table/space up to 8 feet long.

If you want a larger space please enquire re. charges. Easy free parking. Plenty of space. All indoors. Refreshments available.

For bookings and enquiries please email tillyvacher@hotmail.com

82

What’s On & Community News Village hall is a very popular wedding venue and has a busy ongoing wedding schedule. We're looking for more volunteers to help these events run smoothly. If you're interested please email us at enquiries@wotvillagehall.org or leave a message on 0117 9623399.

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.

Pat-a-Cake Toddlers meet at Westbury on Trym Methodist Church every Tuesday during term time 1.15 - 2.45pm. We are a small friendly Henleaze (evening) Townswomen’s Guild group who play, do craft and sing. Mums / meets at 7.15 pm on the first Wednesday of the Dads /Grandparents / Carers have a chance to month in St Peter’s Church Hall, The Drive, meet over a cup of tea and biscuits. For further Henleaze, BS9 4LD. Interesting speakers present information please contact Alison on 9629715. a variety of topics. Visitors are welcome. Groups that meet between our monthly meetings The Bristol and District branch of include: Arts and Crafts group, Music club, Parkinson's UK meet every first Saturday of Book club, Discussion Group, Gardening club, the month at St Monica Trust, Cote Lane, BS9 Bridge club, Lunch Club. We have twice yearly 3UN from 10am -12 noon. Carers, relatives, outings and a holiday group. Join us to make spouses and people with Parkinson's - all are new friends and have fun! Contact Shirley on welcome for a social and informative get0117 9622243 for further information. together, with speakers from a variety of backgrounds with many diverse interests. Please Friday Lunch - Westbury on Trym Methodist join us. We also meet at The Eastfield Inn, Church - 7th April 12 - 1.30pm. Following the Henleaze, BS9 4NQ every second Friday in the refurbishment of our kitchen we are planning a month for an informal coffee morning from regular Friday Lunch, on the first Friday of the 11am. month, and you are warmly invited to join us for the first one on 7th April. It will be an On the first Tuesday of the month the North opportunity to meet with others and enjoy a Bristol Alzheimer Café opens at St Monica light lunch. For further information please Trust, Oatley House Atrium restaurant, contact Rachel (3308503) or Alison (9629715) Westbury-on-Trym, BS9 3TN from 3.30pm – 5.30pm. We provide a relaxed, informal and safe Westbury Park Women’s Institute have a space in which issues surrounding dementia can new home. We meet at 7.30pm on 1st be aired. Our café is staffed by trained, caring Wednesday of the month at Redland Church and experienced volunteers. Every week Halls, Redland Green Road, BS6 7HE. We’ve a refreshments are served and most weeks live full program for the year to cover a variety of music is played. There is no charge to attend, topics including health, fitness, crafts, science, free on-site parking is usually available and the Authors talks, vintage clothing and many more. number 1 bus stops right outside. FFI or to We welcome guests and new members are register your attendance contact Jacqui Ramus always welcome - please come and find out what (Dementia Lead for St Monica Trust) email we are all about, guests £4, refreshments jacqui.ramus@stmonicatrust.org.uk or tel 07854 including tea, coffee, and wine at all meetings.

185093.

Our chosen charity for 2017 is One25.org.uk.

For more details please contact Henleaze (Morning) Townswomen's Guild. westburyparkwi@gmail.com.

This is a recently formed Guild and we meet Soroptomists International Bristol are part of from 10.00am – 12.00 noon on the third a global organisation founded in Bristol for Thursday of every month at The Eastfield Inn, women from a wide range of professional and Henleaze Road. New members and visitors are business backgrounds who have joined together most welcome. Further information can be to give Service, Friendship and have Fun. We obtained by ringing Elaine Anderson on 907 meet on the second and fourth Mondays of the 5279.

Friendship, Social and Support

83

Westbury on Trym 1,300th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service 1300 Anniversary @ Worcester Cathedral This service forms a part of the 1300 years celebration of Westbury, which is a celebration not on 31st May at 2.30pm As part of our special anniversary year, we are all invited to join together at Worcester Cathedral on the 31st of May at 2.30pm for a special service of thanksgiving for the monks who made their way from Worcester Abbey to Westbury 1300 years ago.

It does seem fitting for us all to share in this, not only as a church fellowship but as a whole community. I am therefore inviting everyone from our church fellowship and broader community to come to Worcester on the 31st to share in this service, remembering those who came and founded our community. Please come, and also invite as many as you can; it will be a day out to Worcester!

Many will be travelling by train, car or bus, some are cycling from Holy Trinity over 3 days, a few will be walking! There will be a private bus seating 31 so if you would like a place on it please contact the Parish Office, Tel: 950 8644.

There is nearby parking, bus and train stations.

Many thanks, Fr Andre, Holy Trinity Church, Westbury-on-Trym

just of a continuous Christian community from at least the 8th century, but of the life of the community today which has been built on those 13 centuries.

The year will be celebrated by people from wellestablished societies and associations, like the Westbury Society, Women’s Institute, Scouts and Brownies, among many. But it will also be an opportunity for everyone to be involved. Enter the Wellie Art competition or a class in the Village Show, come and listen to one of the many concerts, visit art and photography displays at the library, grow some historic vegetables!

The local schools each have a specific project which when completed will be accessible to all.

Crafters and photographers are already getting together. There is the Community Fair, Village Show and Christmas fair to look forward to. And of course there will be bangs and smoke when the Civil War Society performs at the Canford Fayre in June.

Look out for posters and flyers around The Village, and in the local press, and get involved!!

For more information on how to get involved, please contact Bridget Niblett@Outlook.com

84

What’s On & Community News Clifton Rotary Club welcomes new members willing to give their time, are interested in making new friends, building business contacts and using their skills to help others. We meet Wednesday lunchtimes at The Redland Green Club (Redland Lawn Tennis and Squash Club).

FFI visit www.cliftonrotary.org or email secretary@cliftonrotary.org

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 Bristol Grandparents Support Group gives Coffee morning every Tuesday. All welcome support to grandparents who are estranged from (especially those with young children – toddler their grandchildren due to family breakdown. toys and books available). Our Bright Sparks Family breakdown can be as a result of Carer and Toddler group meets each Monday in separation/divorce, alcohol/drug dependency, term time at 1.30pm at St Marys, Stoke Bishop. domestic violence within the home, 9687449 for more details. bereavement or family feud. We give support over the phone, via email, Skype and at our Trinity Henleaze Ladies Guild meet regular meetings held at 9, Park Grove, Bristol. fortnightly on Monday evenings at 7.30pm in BS6 7XB. Tel 07773 258270 more information the Leonard Hall Waterford Road. Good varied or visit www.bgsg.co.uk. programme of speakers followed by tea and coffee. All are welcome. For further information Laugh, Live and Learn with Bristol U3A. If contact Jenny on 9620108. you are retired and want to take part in enjoyable learning with friendship and fun, we have a wide St Peter's Ladies Guild meets at 2.15 on the range of groups with activities including art, third Wednesday of the month at St Peter's computing, languages, music, walking, and Church Hall, The Drive, Henleaze. Varied science. Come to one of our social groups programme. All welcome. Further details from either at the Eastfield Inn, Henleaze, 10.30am Wilma on 0117 9628895. on the second Thursday and third Monday in every month (phone Barbara 0117 9629331) or The Friendly Club meets every Thursday from at Browns Restaurant, by the Museum, at 2 to 4pm (except August and major holidays) in 10.15am on the third Wednesday and fourth the Methodist Church Hall, Westbury on Trym.

Thursday in every month (phone Jenny 0117 We are a lively group of older people who meet 9043697) or visit www.bristolu3a.org.uk. to chat , play Scrabble and card games. Regular trips out and entertainments are arranged plus Rotary Club of Bristol meet at the Bristol we have delicious tea and biscuits for only £1!

Hotel, Prince Street, Bristol BS1 4QF at 7.00pm Do come and make some new friends. for 7.30 pm on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Mondays Transport can sometimes be arranged if needed. and at 12.30pm for 1.00 pm on the 2nd and 4th Contact 0117 950 8644 for more details.

Mondays. Meetings start with a meal and are followed by a speaker. New members are very Knit and Natter. We invite you to "knit and welcome – for more details see natter" every Thursday between 10am and 12 at www.bristolrotary.org or contact Martina Peattie the Methodist Church in Westbury on Trym. It at mpeattie@btopenworld.com is a sociable and informal time when you can chat while pursuing your choice of crafts. If you Westbury Art Club meet every Thursday prefer we can provide patterns for knitting for evening from 7pm to 9pm at The Greenway charity. Tea and coffee will be available.

Centre, Doncaster Rd, Southmead. We are a mixed ability group of artists For more details Men at St. Peters (MASP) is a group which visit www.westburyartclub.org.uk, e-mail us at meets Saturday mornings at St Peter’s Hall, westburyart@blueyonder.co.uk or phone our Henleaze. The meetings start at 8.30am with a club secretary on Bristol 962 9799. full English breakfast. This is then followed by

85

DRAMA TUITION WITH LAMDA TRAINED TEACHER I am an experienced and dynamic drama teacher who offers drama and vocal training in all aspects of performance including acting, public speaking, poetry, prose and improvisation.

Sessions can be 30 minutes or an hour in length and are tailored to suit each individual – from students wishing to develop their self-confidence and self-esteem, to those preparing for LAMDA examinations or drama school auditions. Students also have the opportunity to take part in drama festivals around the area.

All ages are welcome.

FFI contact Julia McDade LLAM (dip) ALAM (dip) juliamcdade1@gmail.com or call 07771 634060.

Bristol Croquet Club Open Day on Sunday 9th April at Cedar Park BS9 1BW. Come along and try out this most fascinating game with a coach. Refreshments will be available in the clubhouse. There will be two sessions: morning from 10 to 12.30 and afternoon from 2 to 5.

Please wear flat soled shoes to protect the lawns.

See bristolcroquet.org or email: bob.whiffen@virgin.net for more info or ring 0117 940 1201 on the day.

86

What’s On & Community News 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.

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.

The Fielder Club is an association for local women - though friends and family are welcome at all events. Membership is £5 p.a. to cover delivery of quarterly programmes of events such as lunches, theatre, visits, talks and walks.

Weekly/monthly sub-clubs of badminton, book group, bridge, discussions, Scrabble, skittles and whist plus coffee. Thursday mornings at Coffee#1 in WoT and twice-monthly pub lunches. Details from Gloria on 0117 239 3376.

Henleaze Townswomen's Guild meet on the first Wednesday of the month (except Aug) at St Peter's Church Hall, The Drive, Henleaze. Lady visitors are always most welcome to attend.

Further details can be obtained by ringing Shirley Phillips on 0117 962 2243.

Bristol Brunel Lions Club. We have our business meeting at Shirehampton Golf Club on the first Tuesday of every month at 7 for 7.30.

On the 3rd Tuesday of each month we have a social gathering normally with food. We raise money for charity both locally and beyond through a variety of activities. Lots of fun and fellowship. For more details see Bristol Brunel Lions Club on line or contact Bill O’Neill at lion.bill@virginmedia.com.

Westbury-on-Trym Probus Club provide a meeting point for retired and semi-retired professional / business men and women, to promote social well being through friendship, discussion and companionship. The club meets for lunch with a speaker on the third Thursday of every month at BAWA, Southmead Road, from midday. If you are interested contact Peter Wright on 9624196 or email General Interests susanandpeterwright@blueyonder.co.uk The Raleigh Club is a small and welcoming, Calling all Carers. Would you like the informal speaking and literary club. Established opportunity to share your experiences, relax and back in 1865 we meet in Westbury Village Hall make new friends? Then come and join the at 7.30pm on the 2nd Friday of each month Henleaze Carers’ Group. We meet on the from October until April, with a dinner in May second and fourth Thursday morning of each and an annual summer outing. It is a great month, 10am to 12, in Bradbury Hall, Waterford opportunity to practice public speaking in a Road, Henleaze. For more information please friendly and supportive environment. New call Mrs M Rudston 942 6095. members always welcome - or why not just come along and see what we do? For more Instep Club for Widows and Widowers. Weds details please contact smigie2@yahoo.co.uk or evenings 8.00 pm-10.00 pm at Stoke Bishop lorna.watson@btinternet.com.

87

-

-

88

What’s On & Community News 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 start at 7.30pm and anyone interested in local history is welcome. Our next speaker, on Friday 10th March, will be John Chaplin from the Bristol Port Company who will be talking to us about “Bristol Port - past, present and future”. Membership is just £6 p/a and visitors pay just £3 a meeting. For more details please visit www.stokebishop.org.uk/ local_history_group, call 0117 9686010 or email sblocalhistory@gmail.com. Please do also contact us if you are clearing out documents and pictures of Stoke Bishop!

succeed? An illustrated talk in two parts with light refreshments and Bar in the interval. The presentation begins at 7.30pm with doors open at 7.00 pm. Interval 8.15 pm approx. second part 8.45 -9.15 pm. Entrance £ 4.00 members £5.00 non-members including refreshments.

The Bristol and Gloucestershire Archaeological Society's next lecture is on Monday 27th March at 7.45 pm in the Apostle Room of Clifton Cathedral in Pembroke Road when Stuart Andrews will talk about "Bristol Poets and Anglican Englishness, 17911830." Both Coleridge and Southey were Anglicans by christening, but in Bristol of the 1790s were committed Unitarians. Yet by 1830 each poet had written his own passionate Friendly Bridge SW is a welcoming Bridge defence of the Established Church. Meanwhile Club that meets in Stoke Bishop Village Hall the near-pantheism of Wordsworth's "Tintern every Monday evening starting at 7:15. New Abbey" gave way to over 100 Ecclesiastical players are welcome, and you can come without Sonnets and his unlikely boast that he "would a partner. Also available are bridge lessons for give his life-blood for the Church of complete beginners or more experienced England". How did this happen? The startplayers. Contact Gareth on 07921-788605, email date of 1791 marks the completed rebuilding of friendlybridgesw@gmail.com or see the website both Christ Church, Broad Street and Lewin's friendlybridgesw.org.uk Mead Chapel - nominally Presbyterian but actually Unitarian.

Have lessons and play Bridge at Bristol Bridge Club. Would you like to learn to play bridge?

Bristol Decorative Fine Art Society (BDFAS) We offer a full programme of lessons for all is Bristol’s own society for those who are levels. If you can already play try a free taster passionate about the arts. History of Art related session at one of our 7 weekly sessions. Less events are organised including monthly lectures experienced players - Mondays at 7.15pm and and study days led by specialists in their field and Fridays at 10.00am and 7.15pm, More cover a wide range of topics. We organise experienced players Mondays and Wednesdays stimulating visits and day trips home and abroad, at 1.15pm and Tuesdays and Thursdays at often with special, exclusive visits to places of 7.15pm. No partner? No problem! On Mondays interest. Lectures are held in the “The Lecture just turn up we’ll will find you one and give Theatre”, The School of Chemistry Cantocks advice on bidding! For more details phone Close, BS8 1TS. For more information visit our Stephen on 0117 9291846. 99 Oldfield Rd, website www.bristoldfas.co.uk.

Hotwells, BS8 4QQ or visit www.bristolbridgeclub.co.uk The Bristol Humanists is a local group for those who make sense of the world using reason At Westbury Village Hall on Monday 13th & shared human values, who seek to live ethical March the Westbury on Trym Society present a lives on the basis of reason, humanity and talk by Alan F Jocelyn on “The Bristol Riots of respect for others, and who find meaning, 1831”. During the last weekend of October 1831 beauty, and joy in the one life we have, without Bristol was consumed by a riot, the greatest act the need for an afterlife. We meet every month of civil disobedience of the 19th century within on the first Monday at 7.30pm in Kingsdown. the UK. By the morning of the 31st, much of Contact Margaret Dearnaley on 07986 555817 the city lay in ruins and, perhaps, as many as 500 (evenings and weekends only) or email lay dead in and around the City Centre. Where bristolhumanists@gmail.com for more did the fight for real democracy begin and did it information.

89

90

What’s On & Community News Henbury Art Club are looking for new members for our Thursday morning club. We meet at 10am till noon in Henbury Village Hall, next to St Mary’s Church. We are a very friendly mixed ability group, and have our annual show in the Henbury Village Hall every May Day. Please contact Gill Dix by email. gill@dix.org.uk for more details.

The Bristol Astronomical Society host a series of talks each week and we regularly get experts to talk about historical and topical aspects of astronomy, as well running hands-on demonstrations, activities, free Saturday observing sessions at our Observatory in Failand (weather permitting), and often stage "Star Parties" around Bristol and at Tyntesfield. All details are on our website Twyford Art Club. We are a small group of www.bristolastrosoc.org.uk. All welcome, held at artists of mixed ability, we meet at the public Bristol Photographic Society, Montpelier, BS6 hall, Station Road, Shirehampton, 10am to 12am 5EE. Mondays and Wednesdays, chose your day. New members welcomed, help and advice given. For Philosophy Discussion Group. We are a more information visit www.shirepubhall.org.uk, friendly and welcoming group who enjoy taking contact John Case on 950 7916 / a turn to bring topic to share. We meet at 7 – jacase@blueyonder.co.uk 9pm every fourth Thursday evening of the month at Eastfield Inn, Henleaze, Bristol BS9 The Bristol Philatelic Society meets on the 4NQ, and 10 - 12 noon every second Friday 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month in the morning of the month, also at Eastfield Inn, meeting room of the United Reform Church at Henleaze. If you would like to be involved the bottom of Blackboy Hill (Whiteladies Road) please contact Lorna Tarr on 0770 245 3827. 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.

Disclaimer

The Bristol Nine is published by Bristol Community Magazines Ltd (Co. No. 08448649, registered at 8 Sandyleaze, Westbury on Trym, Bristol, BS9 3PY). The views expressed by contributors or advertisers in The Bristol Nine are not necessarily those held by Bristol Community Magazines Ltd. The inclusion of any business or organisation in this magazine does North West Bristol Camera Club, are an not imply a recommendation of it, its aims or its enthusiastic group of amateur photographers methods. Bristol Community Magazines Ltd who meet each Wednesday at 7:45pm at cannot be held responsible for information Westbury Fields. New members of any level of disclosed by advertisers, all of which are ability are most welcome. For details contact accepted in good faith. Reasonable efforts are Pete on 07870 589555. made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this magazine but no liability can be Got a speech to make? Bristol Speakers offers accepted for any loss or inconvenience caused as a relaxed environment to practise your public a result of inclusion, error or omission. All speaking. Learn how to construct and present a content is the copyright of Bristol Community speech, gain knowledge from experienced Magazines Ltd and may not be reproduced speakers, conquer your public speaking anxiety. without the prior written consent of Bristol Most of all, practise in a stress-free environment Community Magazines. 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

91

92

What’s On & Community News

Get In Touch

Quiz Answers from page 52

Do please get in touch, whether you are interested in advertising, have an item or event that you think would benefit from a free listing, or if you have any comments or suggestions about the magazine - it is always good to receive any feedback.

1. Mike Pence, and there is currently nobody in the role of Deputy Prime Minister; 2.Cancer, Pisces, Scorpio; 3. baritone and then tenor; 4. a) 18th (1770), b) 18th (also 1770), c) 19th (1848); 5. Cambridge (171 miles) - Lincoln is 183 miles and Burnley is 204 miles; 6. Ivory Coast; 7. (clockwise from top left) Ford Cortina, Hillman Imp, Triumph Herald, Austin Princess; 8.

Pyeongchang (S Korea, 2018 Winter Olympics) and Tokyo (Japan, 2020 Summer Olympics); 9. a) Sandi Toksvig, b) Nick Hewer, c) David Dimbleby; 10. Camembert, Jarlsberg, Bel Paese, Caerphilly; 11.a) Saudi Arabia, b) Bangladesh, c) Ghana; 12.a) 1930’s (1935), b) 1960’s (1965), c) 1840’s (1840); 13. Apollo 17 in 1972; 14. a) Jimmy Ruffin, b) The Shangri-Las, c) R. Dean Taylor; 15. the Forint.

0117 259 1964 / 07845 986650 8 Sandyleaze, W-o-T, BS9 3PY andy@bcmagazines.co.uk www.bcmagazines.co.uk

Deadline for inclusion in the April issue of The Bristol Nine - Wednesday 15th March

93

94

Index of Advertisers Computing, A/V & IT

Around the Garden

Pet Care and Pet Services

Fencing

AM Fencing

43 Computer Repairs

F.A.B. IT Rescue

83 Veterinary Care

Viking Vets

66

Fencing

E C Fencing

23 Computer Repairs

Schneider Computer Services

27 Pet Care Services

Paws2Park

61

Garden Design & Mtce

Robin’s Garden

71 Computer Training

Mrs PC

Friends 4 Paws

27

Garden Design & Mtce

Meadow Landscapes

30 Finance, Legal & Business

Garden Design & Mtce

Cathy Lewis

54

R Davies & Son

59

Garden Design & Mtce

Red Oak Landscaping

32

Garden Maintenance

Graham Cook

61

Garden Maintenance

Blossom Gardening

30

Garden Services

Declan McManus

Artificial Lawns

Meadow Landscapes

21

5

Plants & Garden Supplies

Garden Trappings

61

Tree Surgeons

Crest Tree Services

71

Tree Surgeons

Neville Tree Services

53

Around the House

8 Pet Care Services Funeral Services

Accountancy

Walbrook Services

56 Funeral Directors

Accountancy

Avonhurst

21 Property & Accommodation

Accountancy

William Price & Co

56 Estate & Letting Agents

Maggs & Allen

Coaching

Anne Miller

42 Estate & Letting Agents

C J Hole

Financial Advice

Grosvenor Consultancy

Financial Advice

Wealth West

65 Estate Agents

Solicitors

Corfields

2,3 Schools & Education

Solicitors

AMD Solicitors

37

Solicitors

Devereux & Co

62

Solicitors

Veale Wasbrough Vizards

50, 51 Estate Agents

44, 45

96 24, 25

Richard Harding Ocean

6 87

Tutoring Services

English Tutoring

Music Tuition

39

Schools

James Graham Piano Teaching QEH

5

Schools

Gordano Sixth Form

75

Blinds & Shutters

UK Blinds Direct

55

Bathrooms & Wetrooms

Paul Whittaker

53

Bathrooms & Wetrooms

Threesixty Services

Fitness, Beauty, Sport & Leisure 20 Yoga

19 Pre-School & Nursery

Red Bus Nursery

67

Carpets and Flooring

Choice Carpets

43 Complementary Therapies Celeste

13 Adult Education

Bristol Adult Learning

73

Cleaning Services

Carmens Cleaning Services

21 Activity Parties

Clifton College Sports Centre

47

Cleaning Services

61 Personal Training Gyms

Westbury Trym & Tone

92

Carpentry

Gary Castell

61

Cleaning Services

Henleaze & Bristol Carpet Cleaning Bonne Fresh Clean

27 Personal Training & Gyms Empowered Fitness

14

Electrical Services

Daley Electrical Services

23

Cleaning Services

Oven Cleaning Bristol

53 Healthy Eating

Nutritional Matters

19 Electrical Services

MB Electrical

20

Cleaning Services

Oven Gleamers

60 Hairdressing & Salons

Evans Hair Design

59 Electrical Services

Lek Trix

62

Cleaning Services

Home Gleamers

36 Hairdressing & Salons

Erica Martin

14 Painting & Decorating

Darren the Decorator

Stoves & Woodburners

Embers

29

Gary Henri

57 Painting & Decorating

27

Furniture

Gareth Jones Furniture

23

Stairlifts Sales & Repairs

Thornbury Stairlifts

79

Painting & Decorating

Sarah's Decorating Services Top Notch

Record Collecting

James Boy Records

41

Handyman Services

JD Handyfix

27

Painting & Decorating

James Fox

13

Trophies & Engraving

KP Badges & Trophies

61

Auctions & Salerooms

Clevedon Salerooms

15

Plastering

A & P Plastering

27

Retail Outlets

The Mall

95

Plastering

Artform Plastering

81

Plastering

McCall Plastering

Plumbing & Gas

J Presland

43

Plumbing & Gas

Peter Harris

36

Plumbing & Gas

S & P Plumbing Services

81

Plumbing & Gas

Appliance Services

21

Plumbing

A & D Plumbing Services

53

Chimney Sweeps

Bristle Chimney Sweeping

61

Chimney Sweeps

Shaun Doughton

27

Man & Van

61

Autotec

93

Domestic Appliance Repairs AASP Domestics Handyman Services

Tony Anderson

27 43 5

Hairdressing & Salons

Sara-Jo Cameron

CAP

Upholstery / Soft Furn

Nice Things for Nice Homes

14 Food Retail & Restaurants Molesworth Butchers

41

Window Cleaning

AquaTec

23 Jewellery & Gifts

Julie Anne Palmer Jewellery

19

Kemps

38

Building Services

Jewellery and Gifts

Architect Services

Cad-Plan

Plant Hire

Mark's Mini Diggers

41

Building & Construction

BS7 Driveways

41

Building & Construction

Garcia Building Services

30 Home Care Services

Bristol Chiro & Pregnancy Clinic Premier Homecare

Garage Doors

Up & Over Doors

55 Home Care Services

St Monica Trust

Property Maintenance

Prime Maintenance

33 Home Care Services

Home Instead

Property Maintenance

A & S Property Services

Property Maintenance

Ace Preservation

Property Maintenance

5

Trades

Gifts, Arts, Food & Retail

Upholstery / Soft Furn

Healthcare Services Chiropractors

34 48 49

63

The Chiron Centre

40

Holistic Health Bristol

19

MSP Maintenance

Windows & Doors

Avonmouth Windows

28 Chiropody

Kathleen Nicholas

62

Windows & Doors

Crystal Clear

11 Footcare

Bristol Foot Clinic

Massage Therapists

5

4

Waste & Rubbish Rubbish Clearance

Keon Williams

4

35

17 Complementary Healthcare 20 Complementary 20 Healthcare

Deadline for inclusion in the April 2017 issue

7

Cars & Motoring Garage Services Holidays & Travel

14

Travel Agents

Miles Morgan Travel

Coach Trips

G G Travel

If you use any of the businesses featured in The Bristol Nine please let them know that you saw their advertisement in the magazine. Many thanks for your support.

9 91

95

96