The Bristol Eight April 2013

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Apr 2013

No 50

Inside: Quarrying on The Downs - The future for Ashton Court Mansion - Prize

Wordsearch - PC Tips - Get Swimming - Obesity - Recycling Broad Beans

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The Editor’s Small Piece Hello there. Just a quick announcement. From this issue The Bristol Eight is published by Bristol Community Magazines Ltd. To all intents and purposes it is business as usual ‐ same magazine name, same style, same great local businesses, and same old bloke putting it together. However there are some new contacts for you to bear in mind, as follows:‐ Tel

117 9687787 / 07845 986650 Text 07845 986650 Email (NEW) andy@bcmagazines.co.uk Web (NEW) www.bcmagazines.co.uk Twitter (NEW) @BCMagazines Payments Bristol Community Magazines

Hope you enjoy the magazine in a little post‐ Easter sunshine! Cheers,

Andy

Tel: 0117 9428734 Mobile: 07974 711 493 32 Oak Road, Hor ield, Bristol, BS7 8RY

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The Downs Recorder Today we think of the Downs as a pretty flat expanse of grass, but 150 years ago it was quite different. The surface of the Downs was pockmarked by stone quarries. There is just one big one left, the Glen, now containing a large private hospital, but older residents will remember it as a dance hall, called the Locarno in 1953 and Tiffanies from 1985. Before the last war there were Tennis courts and a roller skating park but they were bombed in 1940. It dates back to before 1850 but I cant discover when it ceased to be a quarry‐ probably in the 1920s.

But in the 1860s there was a huge quarry roughly occupying the site where Wessex Water have their equipment store at present. That was one of the first to be filled in, as the Seven Sisters Black Pines were planted in the 1880s to celebrate it being filled in. There are only three of the seven pines left now, but two years ago a new group of seven Black Pines was planted as a replacement.

Another huge quarry occupied the space between Stoke Road and Ladies Mile, and there is a painting of it by William Frank done in about 1862 reproduced in the Downs History Trail pamphlet number 1 by Frances Greenacre. In the picture it has roughly sloping sides rather than vertical ones, probably because the quarrymen were following a particular limestone seam.

The stone was primarily used as building stone, for all the buildings in Clifton and Redland and Cotham, and the very large houses in Stoke Bishop. One of the limestone strata was a deep red colour, and this was a great favourite with the Victorian builders as it contrasted very well with the white of Bath stone, which, though more expensive, was much easier to cut and carve and was used for the detailed stonework round doors and windows.

There was also a very substantial quarry right next to Upper Belgrave Road, and another one close to the Downs Ranger’s works enclosure called Pembroke Road Quarry. All these, and several smaller ones, were filled in between 1867 and 1880 with spoil from the

improvements being made to the Cumberland Basin. An inclined plane tramway was created running up from the River Avon to the top of the Gully, and a stationary engine at the top pulled tubs of spoil up from barges. At the top the tubs were moved on to temporary rails laid across the surface and pulled by horses across to the quarry being filled. The line of the tramway still exists.

There was also a Clay pit near Clay Pit Road. This has all been filled in, but the whole area is still very wet, and there is the remnants of a pond which partially filled with the heavy rain fall last November rainfall. The clay was presumably used for making bricks. An important use for the limestone was converting it into mortar for wall plaster and cement, and into whitewash for painting and quicklime which was used in all the outdoor privies of the age. There were limekilns on the surface of the Downs in the 18th century, and also in the Avon gorge to use the material being quarried from the gorge face.

Smaller quarries were not filled in. The best known are the Dumps, a series of shallow depressions close to Upper Belgrave Road which were originally lead mines in the 17th century. But other unfilled quarries include the one that is now a children’s playground by the Suspension Bridge, which was presumably used for stone for the bridge works, and one opposite the Zoo with a mysterious doorway set into its vertical face.

The Dumps, viewed from the Water Tower

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

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

Richard Bland

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Useful Numbers and Information Gas Emergencies

Electricity Emergencies Water Emergencies Avon & Somerset Police Non‐Emergencies

Crimestoppers

Southmead Hospital Frenchay Hospital

BRI / Children’s Hospital NHS Direct

Bristol Blood Donation The Samaritans

Alcoholics Anonymous ChildLine

National Rail Enquiries Telephone Pref Service Mailing Pref Service Bristol Dog Warden

0800 111 999 0800 365 900 0845 600 4 600 101 (new number) 0800 555 111 0117 950 5050 0117 970 1212 0117 923 0000 0845 46 47 0117 988 2040 08457 90 90 90 08457 69 75 55 0800 11 11 08457 48 49 50 0845 070 0707 0845 703 4599 0117 922 2500

Postal Services Late Post ‐ there is a late post box at the main Post Office sorting depot on the A38 at Filton.

Currently the late post is at 7pm,

Local Libraries Clifton ‐ tel. 903 8572 Redland ‐ tel. 903 8549

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

Recycling and Household Waste The Household Waste and Recycling Centre on Kingsweston Lane, Avonmouth for pretty much everything. The Avonmouth centre is now open Summer hours from 8.00am to 6.45pm, 7 days.

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Ashton Court Mansion Reviving the mansion, the future starts here. Bold steps to secure the sustainable future of Ashton Court Mansion are set to be taken as a public consultation exercise is launched.

The aim of the consultation is to ask local people, Ashton Court Estate users, interest groups and key stakeholders for their ideas and thoughts on what possible uses for the building could help secure the future of the much‐loved mansion.

Visitors to the mansion will know its grand façade, the mellow stone frontage, imposing oak entrance hall and stunning reception room with magnificent fireplace.

Without doubt, the Grade 1 listed mansion, set in 850 acres of historic parkland is amongst Bristol’s most unique architectural gems and one of the region’s best venues for weddings and corporate events.

However, behind the scenes, not too far away from the public eye, the mansion ‐ some of it dating back over 400 years ‐ is in need of TLC. A major restoration and conservation programme is required along with an imaginative and creative solution for its future use.

“Now is the time for us to find a viable solution to secure the mansion’s future,” says Councillor Simon Cook, Bristol’s cabinet member for culture, sport and capital programme. “The city council can’t do this alone. We need to work with all our partners and stakeholders ‐ and we want everyone who loves and uses the mansion and the vast estate to join with us and give us their ideas. The consultation is the first step in a long process ‐ but it’s important that everyone feels they have a say in the mansion’s future.

“We know that the current business‐side of the mansion, like the weddings, events and conferences is successful and it has huge potential to be further developed. What we need however, is a robust plan that will put the whole mansion on a sound commercial footing that will not only stop the decay but will sympathetically restore and conserve this beautiful building for future generations to enjoy.”

Following the official launch of the Ashton Court Mansion consultation process, members of the public will be able to give their views at the mansion, or in writing and online. An exhibition will be on show at the Courtyard Café in Ashton Court Estate from 10am to 4pm from Thursday, March 21 to Friday, April 26. · A copy of the exhibition will also be available for viewing and comment at: Colston Hall from Tuesday, April 2 to Monday, April 15 from 9am to 5pm; at Central Library from Tuesday, April 16 to Friday, April 19 from 10am to 5pm and at M Shed from Tuesday, April 23 to Friday, April 26 from 10am to 5pm. · Seven drop‐in sessions at the exhibition sites will take place throughout the consultation period, with staff on hand to help with any queries about the consultation.

The first drop in session is on launch day, Thursday, March 21 at the mansion stable yard from 1pm to 5pm ‐ for full details see the website www.bristol.gov.uk/ acmfuture

A special 15‐minute video giving a virtual tour of the mansion with commentary is available for viewing at www.bristol.gov.uk/acmfuture, as is more information about Ashton Court Mansion and how to get involved.

The consultation findings will be published in June/July 2013. The next steps will be to identify a preferred option with a business plan of how to fund the development and take it forward.

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Want to lose weight? Have you thought of hypnotherapy to help you?

What can hypnotherapy help with?

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

Summer s ll feels a long way off with cold wintery weather outside but hopefully we will soon get some weather warm enough to remove our thick winter woolies and if we do you may want to ensure that you are feeling and looking great.

Many of us know exactly what we need to do to lose weight however o en the ideas seem so much easier than actually All sessions are completely tailored according achieving our goals. Hypnotherapy can help you change the to your individual needs. way you think about food and work towards your ideal weight in a different way. No feelings of guilt, craving forbidden foods or coun ng calories, just understanding what you personally need to do to lose weight. With the help of hypnotherapy you can take control of your ea ng habits to lose weight and keep in control of what you eat and when you eat it.

If you have not considered hypnotherapy before why not come along for a free ini al consulta on and I will explain how the brain works and how we may be able to help you to achieve the results you want in your life.

Book your free ini al consulta on during April quo ng “Bristol 8/9” and you will receive a £10 discount off each session. (Offer applies to all sessions and not just for help with weight loss)

FRE E rela inclu xa on C ded wit D hyp h yo not ur her ap sess ions y

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

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

0117 9663917 or 07944 147485

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Bluebird Care Bristol West Redland House 157 Redland Road Bristol BS6 6YE

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Prize Wordsearch For no reason whatsoever, the theme of the Prize Wordsearch this month is the London Underground. Listed below are the names of twenty two tube stations. All bar one of them are hidden in the grid ‐ and can be found running forwards, backwards, up, down or on a diagonal.

Just find the odd‐station‐out and let me know which one it is and you’ll be in with a chance of winning a £15 Book Token. You can send your answers to me by post ‐ 8 Sandyleaze, WoT, BS9 3PY, phone ‐ 0117 968 7787, text ‐ 07845 986650, tweet ‐ @BCMAndy, or by email to the new email address ‐ andy@bcmagazines.co.uk. Best of luck.

Right, here are your stations. Mind the gap!

Acton Town Bank Colindale Dollis Hill Edgware Farringdon Green Park Holborn Ickenham Kilburn Latimer Road Mile End Northolt Oval Pimlico Queensway Ruislip Seven Sisters Temple Upminster Vauxhall Whitechapel

Congratulations to recent winners of the puzzle ‐ our first Twitter winner Alice Reid, who wins the Atlas (with Bratislava in January), and Joanna Bonnick who wins the Let’s Rock Bristol tickets (with Gary Numan missing from the Feb grid).

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Email: paulhooper40@googlemail.com

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Green Bean Technology The internet is a great thing. Being the biggest “library” in the world it is full of fascinating, strange and surprising gems ‐ if only you know where to look for them. Sometimes you just stumble upon them, and sometimes you think “why wasn’t I told that?”

Just that happened to me this week when I read an article entitled “End of the line for yellow?” and which I wanted to share with you ‐ as I am not sure this is common knowledge.

“While the UK is in recession the cost of raw materials and resources on the world market is, in many instances soaring ‐ such as the price of wheat, oil, silicone and, interestingly, industrial sodium. Interestingly? Sodium is commonly used the world over to produce the colour yellow in many paints and plastics, and is a core component of the epoxy paint used to tell us where we can’t park. Yes, the iconic double yellow line is under threat from international trade because of soaring sodium prices on the world chemical markets.”

Mr Ian Hoakes of the Government’s think tank, the National Unit for Motoring, Parking and Transport Initiatives says that government scientists have been experimenting with new paint additives that are significantly cheaper than sodium because they are vegetable based. The most promising of these is extracted from the pod of Vicia faba var. loodicrus, otherwise known as the humble broad bean, once the beans themselves have been harvested. “The new additives are inexpensive, sustainable and green in every sense” said Mr Hoakes.

Every sense? Apparently so, for the new epoxy is more green than yellow. “It’s brilliant,” the NUMPTI spokesman said, “not only is it ridiculously cheap, the new green colour, which is not unlike that of Kermit the Frog, offers higher night‐time visibility due to the inbuilt luminescence of the broad bean extract. Small scale tests are planned for parts of Grimsby, Altrincham and Bristol in the summer of 2013 and, if successful, the Deportment of Transpurt plan to start repainting all our existing yellow lines with the new lime green ones by the end of the year.” (continued on page 44)

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

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How much is Your gold worth?

Gold - we buy it Old jewellery Krugerrands Sovereigns

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

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

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Inspiral Glass Mealings Yard has, for some reason, held a certain mystique for me since I moved to Westbury some time in the last century. Partly the name ‐ synonymous with the village for many longer‐term residents than I, and partly because it exists “behind a closed door”, one that I’ve only twice passed through due to the fact that my “competitor” was housed there when it used to be BS9‐based. However times change, my bravery level has increased with age and last week I once again entered the green door and crossed the threshold into Mealings Yard. Why? Curiosity of course. I spotted a sign on the door saying “Inspiral Glass, courses now on, please come in for a chat”. I’ve long held a desire to have a “go” at stained glass, so the invite was too good to ignore.

Inside the wonderful ramshackle of offices and workshops I discovered the face behind Inspiral Glass, local mum Jenny Varney. Until recently Jen has run things from her garage, or out on location, but is keen to expand the tuition side of the business, and so had been seeking a more suitable venue. Seeing the “Workshop to Let” sign she enquired ‐ and now has a new base for her classes, in this historic corner of the village.

The classes will form a second branch to Inspiral Glass, which has been flourishing in the areas of commissions, repairs and installations, aspects of the business where Jen can exercise her broad practical and creative skills in the design,

manufacture and care of stained glass. The other side that she now wants to develop is where she can share with others her passion and enthusiasm for the beauty of glass and the enjoyment and relaxation that working with it can bring. Hence the offer to passers by to come in and find our more about the craft and her work.

“It’s all very well talking about it” said Jen “but stained glass is as fun to do as it is beautiful to look at.” So with that in mind I booked myself in for a little taster session, the results of which I will share with you next month. Jen runs a range of all‐inclusive courses ‐ including one day “Beginners Stained Glass”, “Advanced Stained Glass Techniques”, and “Bespoke Gift Making” sessions, but what also seems attractive if you are a novice like me, and not sure you want to commit to a full day, is that Jen makes herself available for 1‐2‐1 tuition on a pay as you go basis at just £15 an hour. A great way to see if you might get the stained glass bug.

So, a date at Inspiral Glass is in the diary for April, looked forward to with much excitement, and I’ll report back next month. In the meantime if you are keen to find out more why not get it touch with Jen?

Inspiral Glass 0117 330 6124 ‐ 07811 943 121 www.inspiral‐glass.co.uk

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Computer Corner with Mrs PC Voice Recognition Software

If you are not a natural typist and writing anything down using a keyboard is off‐putting, then you could consider using voice recognition software. You can then just talk to your computer and it will write what you say! It is like having your very own typist/secretary.

Dragon Naturally Speaking is produced by Nuance, and the current version is 12. This is the best one yet! It can be used on either Windows or Mac. I recommend users to buy the Premium Edition, which is the most comprehensive. You can buy from Nuance direct or from other sellers such as Amazon. I advise you to buy the physical shipment rather than the download. It can be used on 3 different computers, and comes with a headset and often a DVD with instructions. In addition to the DVD there are comprehensive tips and instructions on the Dragon Sidebar, which comes up to the right of the screen when you use Dragon. There are other options such as the "Dictate Anywhere" package, which is more expensive as it comes with a portable voice recorder for you to use wherever you happen to be, and which can then be connected to your home computer on your return‐ a bit like a Dictaphone.

Dragon is simply wonderful. The ability to dictate in your normal speaking voice and watch your words being printed on screen with minimal mistakes is astonishing. The accuracy is amazing, and it is also possible to use Dragon to control your entire computer using only your voice. This feature is extremely liberating for those with physical disabilities or who are dyslexic. Dragon learns to understand your voice very quickly and can be trained to accept new vocabulary. It uses a series of commands which need to be learned.

You can use it to dictate emails and documents, post to Facebook and even create spread sheets. You can also open and close programmes and manage files and photos! Dragon is also available as an App for your

smartphone or tablet.

Type at the speed of your thoughts and don't get bogged down by a keyboard! You won't look back! I use Dragon myself and have several very happy clients using this technology and if more people knew how wonderful it was, they would use it too!

Siri. Voice recognition technology is built‐in for iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, iPad (3rd generation) and iPod touch (5th generation). It is called “Siri” and supports dictation in any app that has a keyboard. So instead of typing, you can speak and your words will be entered as text. To start dictation, tap the microphone button on your keyboard and start talking. When you’ve finished, tap “Done” and your words will be turned into text.

Dictation for each language is built into the keyboard for that language.

Siri does much more than just dictation… you can ask it to do many different things for you‐ it is your very own Personal Assistant. You can ask it to:

• Remind you to call your sister.

• Ask what the weather is like in Paris

today? Will I need an umbrella

tomorrow?

• Make a call or send a text.

• Give you directions to somewhere.

The great thing about Siri is that you don’t need to use specific commands like you do with Dragon. It understands what you say in context.

So there really is no excuse for those who think they couldn’t use a computer if they can’t type! It's easy to learn, so do get in touch so I can help you!

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HENBURY GOLF CLUB

Sunday 19th May, 3pm l 5.30pm

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HENBURY GOLF CLUB Memberships Now Available Academy Includes 6 Lessons with our PGA Professionals.

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Full use of the Prac ce Facili es. £200 + vat Gateway 12 Months introduc on only with restricted playing mes, a er 1pm in the summer months and 12pm in the winter months.

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Please contact Sue on 01179 500044 Op on 1 for more informa on or pop in and have a chat

www.henburygolfgclub.co.uk

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Louise’s tips for an easier life This magazine, as readers know, is a wealth of information and details local events and services. It is widely distributed and read including by the BBC. I received a call the other week from Steve Yabsley who hosts the lunchtime show on BBC Radio Bristol. He had seen my article in this magazine and invited me on to his show. It was my first time on live radio so I was pretty nervous. However, everyone at the BBC were very friendly from the lady on reception, to the lady who walked me to the studio, to the producer Martin and then Steve himself. I was made to feel at ease and Steve and I had a good chat. Apart from saying the same word a number of times (as we tend to do when we’re in a new situation), I think the interview went well. Maybe some of you heard it?

Steve really seemed to grasp the service I offer making peoples’ lives easier at home by helping them sort things out so they are less stressed, a bit more organised and have more time to enjoy with their friends and family, knowing the chores are done.

My experience at the BBC made me think about how much easier life is if it’s organised and you know what to expect. I received the call from Steve just over a week before the show, so I had time to prepare. I contacted a friend who has done numerous radio interviews to get some top tips including things I shouldn’t do or say!), and we talked through what I might be asked. I knew where and at what time to arrive. So on the day I was able to be there in good time and felt ready.

My top tip this month is about preparing for holidays. You know when you are going, your mode of transport and where you are staying. So

you can prepare in advance what you are taking and when and how you are leaving.

It is common practice to use a holiday as a deadline to get a load of chores done. A word of caution here, if you run around trying to complete everything before you go away, you will be exhausted by the time you lock your front door. Make a list, mark the urgent items and then make a pact with yourself to leave everything else until after your holiday. Otherwise you will be so exhausted you will spend the first few days recovering. Your holiday starts the minute you return from work on your last working day ‐ enjoy it from that moment!

Wishing you Happy and Relaxed Holidays, and enjoy your Easter Eggs!

Louise England is a Lifestyle and Home Assistant and her service aims to free‐ up your free time.

Her passion is to make a positive difference to people’s lives by helping them sort things out and complete jobs in their homes quickly and efficiently.

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

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A Season for Searching “Life consists of seasons”, writes Adrian Carey‐Jones.

“This is something that’s easily forgotten, but which a few minutes’ reflection confirms. There’s the season of childhood and the season of adolescence, the season of career and later the season of retirement, seasons of good health and seasons of sickness, of peace and of crisis and of various other things. And all of us have a general sense that each season should be handled wisely. This might consist of us acknowledging that they both come and go, that they’re experienced by pretty much everyone, that they’re largely outside of our personal control and that, if possible, we should try to draw something from each. The last is especially true when it comes to one of the more forgotten seasons of life, namely the season of spiritual interest. This is passed through by most of us at some point and can be crucial when it comes to weathering the other seasons, whatever they may be. Many people have their own account of such periods, and here, in a nutshell, is mine.

My days began as a son of the manse in a South Wales valley, the spelling of which seemed deliberately designed to confound all guesses at pronunciation by the English. The Garw (“Gaa‐roo”) Valley was a place where Sunday for me meant three journeys to church and repeated exposure to half hour sermons, whose sole redeeming feature seemed the inadvertent nurture of a spirit of endurance. Personal salvation seemed more easily secured by immersing myself (quite literally) in the local swimming pool and hours of training, and thereby gaining the respect of my peers. My teenage years consisted of a search for glory in things aquatic rather than things ecclesiastical, and it never entered my mind that the latter could prove satisfying in any conceivable way.

But then came university, and things changed.

Surprisingly! It seemed prudent to omit from my UCAS application the fact that my sole intention at university was the furtherance of my swimming career, but such was the reality of the situation. This was borne out by a minimal interest in lectures, and a maximum involvement in the swimming scene. Twenty five hours

a week brought some rapid advances, and excitement to my coaches, but precious little satisfaction to me. My increasing preoccupation, almost imperceptibly at first, was with a sense of life’s emptiness and of shame at my own selfishness. Very soon this was the only thing on my mind. It managed to eclipse all gains in the pool, and the conclusion of the summer term saw me return home with a soul full of questions and finding soon afterwards a simple faith in a forgiving God.

And so now, twenty years later, as someone who married in Clifton and who works here today, I’d like to make a plea. It’s directed to all for whom the season of spiritual interest has now come, and also to any who suspect it might be near. And it’s as simple as it is necessary – don’t forget the church. Our buildings might add to the elaborate architecture of Clifton, and that’s fine, but it’s not the only contribution we’re here to make. Everyone would agree that Christianity lacks a fashionable image today, but perhaps this actually stands in our favour. Fashion, sometimes, merely distracts and entertains. You see, what we in the church really want to say is this: that behind the scandals so beloved of the tabloid media, and the memories of dull school services many years ago, lie teachings that have transformed countless seasons of spiritual interest into seasons of spiritual discovery. And there’s a marked difference between the two!

So why not venture in to find out more? A warmer welcome than you might expect awaits you! And if being preached at on a Sunday morning is the last thing you want, why not try the coffee and DVD and any‐ questions‐you‐might‐wish‐to‐ask approach of a Christianity Explored course? Because, as the old gospel verse goes, we’ve got to seek if we would find, and while finding’s a good thing, the seeking must come first, and your local churches are here to help!”

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30 The forgotten tax

By Florence Pearce, Specialist Wills, Trusts and Probate Solicitor with AMD Solicitors It is arguable that Inheritance Tax should be the forgotten tax. Life is for living and, should you ‘live long and prosper’, some of your estate may be lost to the Revenue, but worrying about this could be a waste of the life you have. However, if you would be happier in the knowledge that as much of your hard-earned wealth as possible is passed on to the next generation, read on …

Inheritance Tax is currently charged at 40% on the value of your estate over £325,000. The good news is that most married couples can currently elect to use both the tax free bands on the death of the survivor. So, unless the combined estate exceeds £650,000, paying Inheritance Tax may be avoided.

Where the family resources exceed this sum, planning for Inheritance Tax may be worthwhile.

Here are five options to consider: 1.

Can assets pass to your heirs directly, without forming part of your estate? It may be possible for the benefits payable under insurance or pension policies, for example, to be put in trust to pass directly to your children. Assets that pass directly to your heirs may not be taken into account in the tax calculation.

2.

Where there are comfortable levels of wealth, making lifetime gifts can help in reducing the tax bill.

For example, using your annual exemption of £3,000, small gifts of no more than £250, and certain gifts made on marriage, are ignored for tax purposes. For larger gifts, there is usually no tax due if the gift is made more than 7 years before death, and the bill (on gifts totalling more than £325,000) will reduce on a sliding scale depending on the date of death within that period.

3.

Some business and farming assets can be passed on without attracting Inheritance Tax, or attracting a lower rate. We can advise you on whether your assets could qualify for these reliefs.

4.

Gifts to your spouse and to charity usually pass free of Inheritance Tax. In addition, where 10% of the estate is left to charity, the tax on the rest of the estate can be reduced to 36%. If you wish a charity to receive part of your estate, a carefully drafted Will can enable you to make use of this tax break.

5.

Creating a trust under which assets are held for your heirs is another option to consider.

Trusts and their implications for Inheritance Tax can be complex, so seeking specialist advice on this option is a must.

AMD Solicitors have a busy Private Client department, and our experienced specialist solicitors will be happy to go through the options for minimising Inheritance Tax with you.

So, if planning for Inheritance Tax is right for you, we can help.

Telephone 0117 9621205 probate@amdsolicitors.com

or

email

Information in this article is of general guidance only and can not be relied upon as advice in individual circumstances Copyright AMD Solicitors

Advice Making a Difference

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The Obesity Epidemic

by John Porter

The term "Obesity Epidemic" has been used widely by the press, the government and the medical profession, but is it accurate and should we be using it? The dictionary defines epidemic as follows "of disease or anything resembling a disease; attacking or affecting many individuals in a community or a population simultaneously". You can't catch obesity in the same way as you can catch influenza, but it certainly has a massive effect on people's health, and the number of obese people in Great Britain, and other developed countries, is growing at an alarming rate.

So what is obesity? Many people think that obese just means very fat, but there is a medical definition of obesity, and that is someone having a Body Mass Index (BMI) in excess of 30. So what is BMI? It is simply an index which shows whether someone is a healthy weight for their height, and the formula is your weight in kilograms divided by your height in meters squared. A BMI less than 20 indicates that you are clinically underweight, between 20 and 25 is considered to be healthy, 25 to 30 is overweight, 30 to 40 is obese, 40 to 50 is morbidly or very obese, and over 50 is super obese.

You may have read in the press that BMI is inaccurate and that we are about to stop using it. That is simply not the case but does have a small grain of truth. For the vast majority of people it is an excellent and accurate indication of whether you are a healthy weight.

However for someone who is genuinely heavily muscled it can give a false reading. We are really looking at athletes in strength sports such as rugby, body building, weight lifting, etc, where the amount of muscle can indicate a high BMI but body fat levels are at a healthy low level.

Around half of adults in the UK are overweight and approximately 26% are obese. Being overweight or obese can greatly increase the risk of many health problems including heart liver and kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, infertility, stroke, asthma, back pain, depression, sleep apnoea and

indigestion. It can also increase the likelihood of developing many types of cancers. Approximately 35,000 deaths can be directly contributed to excess weight in England every year. ( NHS.UK Website). The direct cost to the NHS is roughly 5.1billion pounds a year. ( Dept of Health Website).

So what has caused the problem? Well that's a very easy question to answer. It's all down to the energy balance.

We are eating too much, and are too inactive. Think of a simple pair of balance scales. In one pan is the number of Calories that you burn in your daily activities, in the other is the number of Calories you consume in food and drink. We need to either increase the number of Calories we burn by being more active, and/or decrease the number of Calories we consume. Well that's easy so why isn't everyone slim? Because of course it isn't easy.

Being more active and exercising is really good for us, makes us feel good, and it is to be highly encouraged.

Unfortunately, unless you are a professional athlete, the number of extra Calories you burn whilst exercising is fairly small. As an example, the average person running a marathon (26+ miles) will burn around 3500 extra Calories. There are 3500 Calories to a pound of fat, so running a marathon will take barely a pound of fat off you. You can sit down and eat 3500 Calories in a very short space of time.

We should all try and be as active as we can, but to control our weight we need to look at the other pan of our balance scales and start consuming fewer Calories.

Some people can do this on their own, but most need the help of a structured weight loss programme in order to lose these excess pounds, and then, very importantly, to keep them off.

So if you are overweight, and you want to do something about it, who should you turn to?

What do you need from a weight loss programme? My first advice is to ignore the newest latest fad diets that appear in newspapers and Sunday supplements, especially at this time of the year. And if its got the word "celebrity" attached to it, don't touch it with a barge pole. You want a programme that is well established, has stood the test of time, is based on sound scientific,

(conƟnued overleaf)

32 medical and nutritional principals, as well as one that will offer you support during your weight loss journey.

Rapid weight loss is very encouraging and motivating, and contrary to common belief, the old wives tale that if you lose it quickly you will put it back on quickly, is nothing but a myth. It doesn't matter if you lose it slowly or quickly, if you revert back to the eating pattern that gave you the problem in the first place, you will put the weight back on. Your weight loss programme should give you healthy nutrition and offer you support and motivation during the weight loss and long term management stages. There are a number of companies that hold regular group meetings, and this suits some people very well, but others find it embarrassing and prefer a more private, one to one relationship with their diet advisor.

Cambridge Weight Plan, (formerly Cambridge Diet), was developed at Cambridge University in the 70,s, and after medical trials at Addenbrokes and West Middlesex hospitals was launched commercially in the UK in 1984.

It is based on formula foods which are available in over

Beginners Pilates Classes Places s ll available on the following course Tuesday 16th April to Tuesday 21th May 2013 inclusive (6 weeks) Newman Hall, Grange Court Rd, BS9 4DB 9.45 am to 10.45 am and The Studio, Penny Porter Physiotherapy, 18a Dragons Well Road, BS10 7UB 7.00 am to 8.00 am

Thursday 11th April to Thursday 23rd May inclusive(7 weeks) The Studio, Penny Porter Physiotherapy, 18a Dragons Well Road, BS10 7UB 6.00 pm to 7.00 pm

Booking essen al, call Julie Waters on 07817 809734 or email info@fit4lifetraining.co.uk

25 tasty varieties and are nutritionally balanced. There are a series of Steps, and the Plan is only available through trained and accredited Cambridge Consultants.

Your Consultant will explain everything to you, and assess which Step is best for you. This will depend on a number of factors: how heavy you are, how much weight you want to lose, any medical conditions you may have and of course your personal preference. Your Consultant will see you regularly, usually weekly, on a one to one basis, and will be available at all times to offer you help, encouragement and motivation. Then when you have achieved your target weight your Consultant will be there to help you with long term weight management.

John Porter has been an Independent Cambridge Consultant for 27 years, and, with his wife Jean, has been operating from their home just off Whiteladies Road. They now also hold consulting sessions at the Penny Porter Physiotherapy Centre in Henbury. They make no charge for initial consultations which are strictly by appointment.

For further information please phone 0117 9743166 or 07957 871740, or email CambridgeDiet@blueyonder.co.uk.

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Quiz Time A is for Apple Apple, makers of the iPod etc, was formed on 1st April in which year?

B is for Brian Who played the lead role in Life of Brian?

C is for Cheshire Where in Cheshire is the home of the Centre for Astrophysics?

D is for Derby Which jockey has won The Derby most times?

E is for Engineer The beautiful Menai Bridge from mainland Wales to Anglesey was designed by which engineer?

F is for Flapjack Name the four ingredients of a traditional flapjack.

G is for Guernsey What is the capital of Guernsey?

H is for Helen Which Helen has an award made in her honour at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year show?

I is for Irene Irene Cara won an Oscar for the title track to which 1980’s film?

J is for Japan Is Japan north or south of the Tropic of Cancer?

K is for Kraken What was or is a Kraken?

L is for London London contains four World Heritage Sites. Name them.

M is for Millennium Who piloted the Millennium Falcon?

N is for Names In 1904 what were the two most popular names for newborn boys and girls?

O is for Olympics Which are the three candidates to host the 2020 summer Olympics?

P is for Porpoises What is a baby porpoise called?

Q is for Quack What sort of duck is this?

R is for Royalty In what year was The Princess Royal born?

S is for Shipping Forecast Which is

the most southerly of the Shipping Forecast regions?

T is for Transport In which city would you find this underground station?

U is for Uniform What words precede and follow “uniform” in the NATO phonetic alphabet?

V is for Val Which Val’s were ) Tom Cruse’s rival in Top Gun, and b) famous for his knitwear and rocking chair?

W is for Wyoming Which Steven Spielberg film reached it’s climax at the Devil’s Tower?

X is for Xanadu Which band wrote the title track of the film Xanadu for Olivia Newton‐John?

Y is for Yorkshire What is the county town of the East Riding of Yorkshire?

Z is for Z‐Cars What was the name of the BBC TV spin‐off series that originated from Z‐Cars?

Answers on page 44

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Get Swimming with Penny Porter Swimming is England’s most popular participation sport, with over 3.26 million people regularly getting in a pool (Sport England Active Participation Survey, 2010).

Not only is it a fantastic form of exercise, but it is suitable for people of all ages and abilities. It is a lifelong skill – if you can not swim, it is never too late to learn!

Health Benefits of Swimming Regular swimming decreases the risk of chronic illness, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, boosts mood and helps to control weight. Swimming also works practically every muscle in the body, and provides the best all round, low impact physical activity that we can participate in. When performed regularly, it is a great way to improve cardiovascular fitness, strength, flexibility, muscular endurance and enhance physique.

As body weight is supported by water, there is also less pressure on the joints, making it ideal for those with chronic back pain, joint problems, or those whose excess weight makes mobility difficult on land. Hydrotherapy pools are ideal for this purpose.

How to Start Beginners: Most pools cater for all abilities, and will run learn to swim lessons for adults. These may be 1:1 lessons or in small groups. Ask at your local pool for more information.

Intermediate or Advanced Level: Most pools run ‘swim fit’ schemes, with many running coached sessions.

These are a great way to train with other people, which will not only provide motivation, but will also be a great way to meet new friends. Alternatively, why not consider joining a swimming club? Masters swimming clubs are open to members over the age of 19 years. To find a local masters club visit British Swimming. www.swimming.org/britishswimming/masters/about/ Or ask at your local swimming pool for further details.

What equipment do I need to start?

Basic equipment includes: Well fitting swimming costume or trunks, Swim Cap, Goggles (to prevent chlorine from stingy eyes, and to allow you to see where you are going!), Towel and shower bag.

Other accessories include: Kick Board (to allow you to work legs only), and Pull Buoy (to allow you to work arms only) All of the above equipment can be found in most major sports shops.

How much swimming should I do?

As with all sports, it is important that you start slowly and gradually increase the amount of exercise and intensity performed in each session, as your fitness improves. To start with, aim for 30‐minutes, twice a week. If you can happily swim 4 x 25m lengths, then try to complete at least 500m each time you swim. For workouts and to track your progress try British Gas Swim Fit www.swimming.org/swimfit/register To add variety and to prevent boredom, try doing different strokes during each session. Concentrate on your technique, as the more efficient your stroke is, the better you will become. Why not ask a coach or teacher at your local pool, to look at your stroke to point out some top tips for you, or to even write a training plan for you to follow?

Set yourself a goal Time based: Why not see how long it takes you to swim a distance such as 200m or 400m, then measure this each week so that you can see yourself improving.

Event: Why not enter an event, such as a swimathon, or even a triathlon. You could do this as a relay, and offer to do the swim leg. This will be a great goal to get you swimming! The national swimathon weekend is taking place on the 26 – 28th April 2013, why not take part?

See www.swimathon.org/index.php for more details.

Open water: Swimming does not have to take place in a pool. Outdoor swimming is becoming an ever growing sport in the UK, with the advantage of no chlorine – just the great outdoors! Make sure that you swim in a safe area, and never swim alone. www.bluegym.org.uk is designed to get more people physically active using our coastal and inland waters. Or why not consider taking part in an outdoor swim race www.greatswim.org.

Endless Pools At the Penny Porter Physiotherapy and Aquatic Fitness Centre in Henbury we have an Endless Pool®. Endless Pools® are a fairly new concept, and can be best described as the water equivalent of a running treadmill.

38 They have “Fast Lane Units”, which generate a current of water that you can swim against.

So you stay where you are and you swim against a current that flows past you. The strength of the current can be controlled to generate a smooth, broad, deep flow that's adjustable to any speed, so whatever your swimming ability, the current will be right for you.

We have also installed a state of the art video analysis system, with three high definition video cameras, one of them underwater, one above and the third that can be either. With this system we can produce multi angled video footage of the swimmer, which can be used for instant feedback and analysis, and also recorded for later viewing or producing a DVD. This system is

immensely useful for stroke analysis and improvements, and for identifying faults that could result in injury if not corrected. We offer swimming lessons for all ages and abilities. So whether you want to learn to swim, are a competitive swimmer or triathlete, or anywhere in between, our Endless Pool® can help you. For further information please email or phone us.

Penny Porter is a former international swimmer and British Record Holder and was Coach to B.E.S.T – Bristol English Channel Swim Team – who broke the World Record by becoming the youngest team to swim the channel in 2010. She also swam the Channel herself in 2012. Penny is Physiotherapist to the British Swimming and England Ruby Teams.

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

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130 Westbury Road, Westbury on Trym,

For all your complementary healthcare needs

Hypnosis Hypnos ‐ The Greek God of sleep. James Braid coined the term Hypnosis in 1841 and quickly tried to recall it in favour of the La n word Monoideism, meaning “single idea”. Alas, it was too late. 172 years later we s ll call it, inaccurately, hypnosis.

So what is it? Sleep? Trance? Magic? The most accurate defini on of hypnosis is “Deep Imagina ve Involvement”. Worry, anxiety, anger, hopelessness, and obsession can easily result from nega ve misuse of the imagina on. This could be called nega ve self‐hypnosis. Hypnosis used therapeu cally (hypno‐therapy) is the reversal of this human mistake. It says, “You’ve been imagining how things look when they are wrong. How will they look when they are right?” Harnessing posi ve perspec ve and expecta on using deep imagina ve involvement, though simple, is powerful therapy. Couple this with a calm, focused “hypno c” state and you have the ingredients for successful re‐programming of unhelpful beliefs about yourself, the world, and other people.

These principles can be put into prac ce easily and safely. 1) Be somewhere comfortable and close your eyes. 2) Do not try to relax. Instead IMAGINE being relaxed. Start with your scalp, then your face, your shoulders, chest, etc all the way down to your toes. If necessary, repeat.

3) Count backwards slowly from 10 to 0 giving yourself the sugges on that each count is a step into deeper focus and relaxa on. 4) Now imagine, visualise, and really feel yourself achieving your desired goal/s adding posi ve sugges ons for success. 5) Gently return to ordinary awareness and open your eyes. 6) Note any posi ve change.

John Crawford March 2013 John is one of our hypnotherapists, along with (l to r) Sam Cleverley, Joanne Cole and Roger Stenne Our website www.chironcentre.co.uk gives full information about each therapy we offer, so please do look us up, give us a call on 0117 962 0008 or email us on info@chironcentre.co.uk

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

The deadline for listings in the May magazine is 20th April ‐ any received after that date will be held over until the June 2013 issue.

Bristol Zoo Gardens are organising a charity Zumbathon that is taking place on Sunday 12th May. The charity Zumbathon will be a 3 hour Zumba fitness‐ party within the Zoo grounds. Money raised will go to protect the last remaining populations of Madagascar's endangered lemur species. For more information about our charity Zumbathon please visit: www.bristolzoo.org.uk/zumbathon

The Clifton and Hotwells Improvement Society hold a programme of talks in the elegant surroundings of Clifton Hill House, Lower Clifton Hill at 8pm, doors open at 7.30pm. There is disabled access. Non‐members are welcome. For further information about either talks or visits, please contact either Linda Edwards (0119 9739803) or RoseMary Musgrave (0117 9731704) . Our next meeting will be on Tuesday 23rd Aprilwhen guest speaker Dan Evans will be talking about The Avon Gorge Area.

Veteran Tree Walk. A walk around Leigh Woods’ ancient woodland, discovering our magnificent old trees, with the National Trust’s ancient tree specialist Brian Muelaner. Sunday 14th April, 10am till 12pm.

Price: £4 per person, £2 for LMO supporters. Location: Leigh Woods, Bristol, BS8 3PZ. Meet at the North Road entrance to Leigh Woods. Booking is essential. Please book on line via our website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ leigh‐woods or call our booking line on 08442 491 895.

St. Alban’s Players present “Memory of Water”, a comedy by Shelagh Stephenson, in St. Alban’s Church Hall, Bayswater Avenue, Westbury Park on April 24‐ 26 at 7.30 pm each evening. This was her first stage play and won the acclaimed Olivier Award for Best Comedy

in 2000. Tickets from Jill Gill (tel. 9247266) .

Dawn Chorus Walk. Take in the early morning air and discover the sounds of spring, with local bird expert Ed Drewitt. You’ll have to be an early bird to take part though!. Sunday 14th April, at 6am ‐ 7.30am Price: £6.50 per person, £4 for LMO supporters Location: Leigh Woods, Bristol, BS8 3PZ. Meet at the North Road entrance to Leigh Woods.. Booking is essential.

Book online via our website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/leigh‐woods or call our booking line on 0844 2491895.

The next meeting of The Association of Retired Education Leaders will be in form of a visit to Tredegar House and Gardens near Newport on Thursday 16th May. New members welcome and for more details please contact Beatrice Murray on 0117 9620573 or email j.b.gtbrock@virginmedia.com.

The Bristol Mahjong Club meets every Thursday 2 p.m. ‐ 5 p.m. at the King's Arms, Whiteladies Road, Bristol (Top of Blackboy Hill). Experienced players and beginners welcome. Please contact Lee ‐ Mob: 0790 567 2979 / Email: neeliej@hotmail.co.uk

A concert given by Solstice Wind Quintet and Leckhampton Capella at Westbury‐on‐Trym Methodist Church on Saturday April 20th at 7.30pm. Tickets £8 ( £6 for concessions) available from 0117 9686589 or at the door all proceeds for Music Therapy on Methodist Homes (MHA).

Redland Wind Band Spring Concert at Red Maids School, Westbury Road,BS9 3AN. Tickets £7 on the door or email redlandwindband@googlemail.com.

Under 16s free. Sat 20 April 7.30pm The Spring Concert this year takes place in a new venue and will again present the band’s diverse repertoire performed by this popular local ensemble. The programme will include swing, film and dance music as well as the classics. For more info visit www.redlandwindband.co.uk

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

41 Aiming to look great on your holiday?

If you’ve just booked that summer holiday and are looking to tone up and look fabulous in your swimming costume then you are quite possibly verging on making a permanent change in your fitness and well being. This all depends on what you do to obtain these results. Right now you are motivated! Which will be a key factor in your success.

When are you most likely to do your training and how much time do you have to devote to it regularly? Time and place consistency is important to your success as you’ll be far more likely to continue. In a 2009 study at the Health Behaviour Research Centre at University College London (UCL), scientists found that it takes an average of 66 days for a new behaviour pattern to become part of our regular routine. At Westbury Trym and Tone you can elect to receive a phone call if we haven’t seen you in the week.

How do you feel about training? (confident, embarrassed, frightened, determined) An all female environment can help with some of these issues.

Armed with your determination why not book

yourself a free trial and have a proper workout. It is important to look at your options as what ever you choose to do you’ll need to do it consistently to keep the results.

The latest news in exercise has been encouraging short bursts of intense effort with rests in between (interval training) which just happens to be what we do at Westbury Trym and Tone. These bursts of intense effort are made even more effective by using strength training which tones and increases the amount of muscle in your body. More muscle requires your body to burn more calories! Win! Win! Win! Our equipment is easy to use and self adjusting so women of all ages, sizes and fitness levels can get a perfect workout every time.

What are your plans for the next 66 days? Whatever you choose to do, be it change your diet, exercise or a combination of the two, do it consistently. Keep your eye on your goal and remember your weight and fitness level is only a symptom of your lifestyle.

Yours in fun and fitness, Joline Dunn

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What’s On & Community Events Tel 01179079122 or go online at www.bristolgsos.co.uk.

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

University of Bristol Botanic Garden host “The Annals of Botany Lecture 2013” on 25th April at 7,30pm.

“Ethnomedicine in the 21st Century”. Does plant‐based medicine still have a role to play in 21st century healthcare? James Wong explores the potential value of traditional medical practices in the age of nano technology and stem cell research. James is an ethnobotanist with interests in traditional medical systems, underutilised crops species and wild plant conservation. Lecture Theatre 1, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock’s Close, BS8 1TS. Admission: £8.50. Friends and Cleeve Nursery members £6.00. University students: Free. Tickets available from the University’s online shop http://shop.bris.ac.uk/ .

Includes wine, soft drinks and snacks, and the opportunity to meet James after the lecture. Further information: www.bristol.ac.uk/botanic‐garden. 0117 331 4906.

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

Stoke Lodge Ramblers provide a varied range of walks that will suit all levels of walking ability. Walks are scheduled for the first and third Thursdays and Sundays of every month. Those on Thursdays are either medium walks of 5 ‐ 7 miles or short walks of 4 miles. Sunday walks are approximately 8 ‐ 11 miles. A number of social events are held throughout the year. New members are

always welcome. For further details please visit our website www.stokelodgeramblers.wordpress.com or ring our Secretary on 0117 968 4140.

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

Team members needed. At Bristol Child Contact Centre in Henleaze children of all ages spend time with the parent they no longer live with, in a session supported by our volunteers. Most of the ‘contact parents’ are fathers, so we would especially welcome more men to join us. The volunteer team prepares the hall and toys, serves refreshments, welcomes parents and children, listens non‐judgmentally when needed, and keeps everyone safe and happy. If this appeals to you, and you’d be free to join our Saturday volunteer rota every 4‐6 weeks, do get in touch for further details.

You will get an enhanced DBS (new name for CRB) check, training and support, plus the satisfaction of maintaining a much‐valued service which helps families stay in touch after separation. For more information visit www.bristolchildcontactcentre.org.uk and/or ring Helen Gamsa on 07511 290505.

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

Then come and join the new Henleaze Carers’ Group.

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

Stoke Bishop & Sneyd Park Local History Group are keen to welcome new members and visitors (£2 per meeting) to their programme of meetings. Our next meeting is at Stoke Bishop Village Hall at 7.30pm on Friday 19th April when Mike Rowlands will be presenting “Lipstick on a Gorilla”, a look at monuments and statues in Bristol. For more details please contact Jenny Weeks on 968 6010.

The Bristol and Gloucestershire Archaeological Society: Next meeting will be on Monday 29th April at 7.45 pm in The Apostle Room, Clifton Cathedral,

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What’s On & Community Events Pembroke Road, BS8. “City and Nation: Bristol in the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography”. This lecture will be given by Dr. Mark Curthoys, Research Editor, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. From its creation in the 1880s, the DNB has recorded noteworthy individuals in the British past. This talk will explore some of the figures associated with Bristol and its vicinity, mainly active in the period after 1800, who have entries in the dictionary (which is freely accessible online to public library ticket holders).

New Dimension meets every month and we have talks on a wide range of esoteric subjects. The meetings are held at the Friends’ Meeting House, 126 Hampton Road, Redland, Bristol BS6 6JE. Admission: £5 (including tea/ coffee/biscuits). The next talk will be held on Sunday 21 April 2013 at 3pm. The speakers will be Lindy Cowling and Oliver Paxton (www.lindycowling.co.uk) Lindy and Oliver will explain how we can rise above our general state of fear by trusting our heart‐felt feelings. They will share with us their understanding of ascension, unconditional love, positive thinking and living in the now. They will also give a healing demonstration. For further information, please telephone 01749 678 834 or write to: leasurs@tiscali.co.uk

Calling all would‐be bridge players. Would you like to learn to play bridge absolutely free. I am re‐running my "Bridge for Complete Beginners" sessions and would like to hear from you. If you are interested, please contact Terry Stygall Tel. 9091714 , Mob. 07837300073 or by email at tc.stygall@gmail.com .

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

Quiz Answers from page 34 A ‐ 1976, B ‐ Graham Chapman, C ‐ Jodrell Bank, D ‐ Lester Piggott, E ‐ Thomas Telford, F ‐ rolled oats,

brown sugar, butter and golden syrup, G ‐ Saint Peter Port, H ‐ Helen Rollason, I ‐ Flashdance, J ‐ north, K ‐ mythical Nordic sea monster, L ‐ Tower of London, Palace of Westminster (inc Abbey), Kew Gardens and Greenwich, M ‐ Han Solo in Star Wars, N ‐ William and Mary, O ‐ Istanbul, Madrid and Tokyo, P ‐ calf, Q ‐ Eider duck, R ‐ 1950, S ‐ Trafalgar, T ‐ Moscow (Novoslobodskaya station); U ‐ tango and victor, V ‐ Kilmer and Doonican, W ‐ Close Encounters of the Third Kind, X ‐ Electric Light Orchestra, Y ‐ Beverley, Z ‐ Softly, Softly: Taskforce.

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

Green Bean Technology (continued from page 18)

Given that there are seven million miles of road in the UK the replacement programme is not insubstantial, but efforts will apparently be made to minimise congestion and interruption to traffic flows and the country should be fully green‐lined by April 1st 2063.

For more details on this interesting project you can visit IHoakes@numpti.co.uk or follow it on Twitter @NUMPTI

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What’s On & Community Events

A Puzzling Event The 3, 4 & 5 May sees the launch of a massive ‘fun’draiser for the Children’s Hospice South West

by Polly, Lorraine, Annie & Alison. If you would like to donate/sponsor the team we have a Just Giving page www.chsw.org.uk/bigjigsaw. The finished jigsaw will be turned into a rug and used at the Hospice.

The big puzzle was a world record breaker until recently and measures 4.28m by 1.57m. Participation and refreshments will be available for a donation to CHSW. Donations big or small are all welcome.

You can visit the website www.chsw.org.uk/home to find out the difference your donation can make. If you want further information regarding the project please feel free to contact polly.cockerham@talktalk.net

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