The Bristol Eight magazine - January 2014

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Jan 2014 No 59

In this issue - win a membership to Clifton College Sports Centre - goings on in your your winter winter garden garden -- win win lots lots of of cakes cakes -- local local community community news news galore galore -- and and more more

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5 The Editor’s Small Piece

Hello there and a very happy new year to all readers, I hope your festive break has been a good one and that 2014 has started off well. It’s the day before Christmas Eve as I type this so, with the rain lashing down outside, I’ve no idea yet what Christmas has brought us except a planned trip to the panto on Boxing Day.

I do hope you enjoy this first issue of the year ‐ which as previously mentioned will be one of just 11 in 2014. There will be no February copy of The Bristol Eight as I have a breather and stand back to take a (hopefully) relaxed look at how I can improve the BS8 and BS9 magazines, both visually in terms of how they look and feels, and behind the scenes in how they are produced, printed and delivered to you. I’m not planning any wholesale changes, or change for change sake, but there are things that can be

better and, with a little time and effort, will be enhanced.

In the meantime your January issue includes a cake themed prize wordsearch and, more excitingly, a competition very kindly sponsored

by Clifton College Sports Centre with a chance to win an annual membership worth some £700. See page 16 for more details.

So for now enjoy January and February and I’ll see you at the start of springtime. Thanks for reading!

To get in touch ‐ T: 0117 968 7787 M: 07845 986650 P: 8 Sandyleaze, WoT, BS9 3PY E: andy@bcmagazines.co.uk Tw: @BS9Andy W: www.bcmagazines.co.uk

Andy

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8 Louise’s tips for an easier life

Bring on 2014 and All it has to Offer!

One of the greatest perks of my job is being able to make a real difference to people.

Established in November 2011, I have been working as a Lifestyle & Home Assistant in Bristol for over two years now and I can truly say that I have helped people turn their lives around. Whether I’ve been de‐cluttering or being another pair of hands to ensure a house move goes smoothly, I have seen many times over the benefits of helping people turn tasks from ‘overwhelming’ to ‘accomplished’. It has been an absolute privilege and a joy to help people at key moments in their lives.

I have met a wonderful variety of people and developed some really useful contacts from interior designers, to caterers and carpenters.

When you book my time to help you with a task or chore, I can recommend the right people to help provide the solution.

Now that we are in the new year, it’s an excellent time to take stock; to reflect on last year’s events and have a think about what you’d like to achieve in 2014. Last year I mentioned eight sub‐headings that I use to help me focus my thoughts:

· Friends & Family

· Relationships

· Health & Fitness

· Travel

· Education & Self‐Development

· Spiritual

· Finance

· House & Home

In the interests of practising what I preach, I met with my friend back in December and we compiled our lists. We committed our Resolutions to paper ‐ each taking a piece of A3 paper and concertina‐ing it into eighths (that’s in half, in half again and in half again) and wrote a heading on each section. We will review our lists every few months – supporting each other in getting the items ticked off the lists and feeling a sense of achievement.

We also looked through some magazines and cut out pictures that inspired us. Again we took a piece of A3 each and stuck the pictures on to create a vision board for 2014. Perhaps you are more of a creative and visual person, rather than a written list person, in which case this could really work for you.

So, whatever you’ve got on the cards for 2014, call me for a no‐obligation chat and find out some of the ways that I can make life simpler for you! Think of me as the extra hours in your day. I have a broad repertoire of skills and my services are really flexible and completely bespoke. From once a month, once a week or just a one‐off, I offer a professional service to fit in with your life and, most importantly, to make your life easier!

Happy New Year and bring on 2014!

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.

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

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10 Prize Wordsearch A real treat to kick off 2014, and a test of wills for those of you trying to be “good” this new year ‐ a cake‐themed prize wordsearch. Usual idea ‐ listed below are 21 different types of popular cake. All bar one of them are also hidden in the wordsearch grid. Your job is to find the missing cake and let me know which it is. Chances are I’ve scoffed it as it is my favourite one in the list ‐ which will be of no help to you unless you are a family member.

Just let me know the missing cake by February

14th and if you are correct your name will go into the random selection process to be in with a chance of winning a diet‐busting assortment of patisserial loveliness (i.e. lots of cakes).

Answers to me please by post (8 Sandyleaze, Westbury on Trym, Bristol, BS9 3PY), email (andy@bcmagazines.co.uk), phone (0117 968 7787), text (07845 986650) or tweet (@BS9Andy).

Right, here’s what you are looking for ‐ Dundee, Angel, Fairy, Christmas, Battenberg, Fruit, Sponge, Bara Brith, Black Forest, Carrot, Cup, Coffee Walnut, Eccles, Chorley, Genoa, Lemon Drizzle, Madeira. Muffin, Simnel, Swiss Roll, Lardy.

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130 Westbury Road, Westbury on Trym, 0117 962 0008

For all your complementary healthcare needs

Relax with Reflexology

Here at the Chiron Centre, our team of Reflexologists focus on helping their clients to relax and get healthy. With over 19 years’ experience between them, they have extensive knowledge in trea ng male and female clients of all ages.

So, why is it so important to relax? Fundamentally, relaxa on is essen al for releasing stress and maintaining good health. If we are feeling tense or wound up our body and our mind will find it difficult to work efficiently and effec vely. The more relaxed we are, the healthier and happier we are. It’s as simple as that!

With the busy lives we lead, it is so easy to priori se work and family commitments ahead of our own well‐being. Why not make me this New Year, to turn the situa on around? Relax by walking the dog, spending me with a good friend, watching a film or reading a book or magazine. These simple changes can make a real difference to how relaxed you feel especially if you do them regularly and integrate them alongside ea ng healthily, cu ng down on alcohol and trying to get 7 or 8 hours sleep per night.

Reflexology, a complementary therapy, can also help you relax physically and mentally. If you haven’t tried it before, why not treat yourself? It is possible to have a one‐off session or a course of treatments. Please contact us at the Chiron Centre, Tel: 0117 962 0008 or look at the website for more advice and informa on.

Here’s to a happy and relaxed 2014!

Reflexologists Anne Brunton, Charlo e Perrey and Claire Collins

Our website www.chironcentre.co.uk gives full informa on about all the therapies we offer, so please do look us up, give us a call on 0117 962 0008, or email us on info@chiron.co.uk

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A healthy 2014 for your pet Happy 2014! Christmas has passed and the New Year has begun. It’s a good time to start thinking about keeping yourself and your pet fit and healthy throughout the New Year and taking advantage of any help along the way to motivate you!

With New Year’s resolutions being put in place, let’s work together to make sure that your pet has the highest quality of life and enjoyment for 2014 and that all the New Year resolutions for your pet are fulfilled!

It is important that pets do not just come to the vets when they are unwell or need immediate treatment. Prevention is better than cure in many instances! Westbury Park Veterinary Surgery is proud to offer preventative health care assessments (by appointment) with our experienced Qualified Veterinary Nurse Vicky. Vicky can help you to spot symptoms that could be treated before developing further giving you reassurance that you are offering your pet the best healthcare possible.

We run numerous preventative health clinics to help keep your pet happy and healthy throughout all stages of their life – feel free to give Vicky a ring to discuss these further.

▪ ‘New addition’ clinics ▪ Adolescent clinics ▪ Rabbit/guinea pig health & husbandry clinics

▪ Senior clinics ▪ Dental clinics ▪ Weight & nutrition clinics

Obesity is a real problem in the veterinary world with 1 in 3 of household pets now being overweight. As with humans, obesity can result in all manner of serious health problems for your pet from heart disease, diabetes and arthritis. Overweight pets have a shorter life expectancy by up to 2 years – we can work together to prevent/rectify this. Vicky will be able to advise you about the optimum weight for your pet talk you through the weight management programme and help with general weight maintenance.

Please phone Vicky for further information.

Nb - In some cases Vicky may decide that your pet needs to be referred on to the Veterinary Surgeon. Please contact the surgery to find out more and to book an appointment with her.

We do not charge for these clinics – they are part of the exceptional service we try and deliver for our clients and their patients – but you do need to be registered with us as your vet before accessing these services.

11 North View, Westbury Park, Bristol, BS6 7PT

Tel: 0117 33 55 999 info@animalhousevets.com www.animalhousevets.com

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Cli on College Sports Centre offers a wide range of spor ng facili es for use by members of the public, and the New Year is the perfect me for you to join up and get ac ve! The Sports Centre is a well‐ established facility, housing a well‐stocked fitness room, 25m swimming pool, indoor badminton and outdoor tennis courts. Chris Wa s, manager of the Sports Centre, says “We all know that regular exercise has huge health benefits, as well as helping people relax, lose weight and shape up. We have an excellent fitness room that has just been refurbished with the latest Precor 880 range of equipment, this state of the art fitness equipment gives the user so many possibili es and really makes the workout experience more enjoyable and interac ve. While this equipment is a fantas c new addi on to our facility, even the most mo vated of fitness‐fana cs could benefit from a change of scene from me‐to‐ me, and having a swimming pool gives people that choice”. Our team of professional, on‐site personal trainers will also encourage you to try a range of different ac vi es un l you find those that best suit your tastes and lifestyle.

Here’s what membership of Cli on College Sports Centre has to offer you: ▪ Fitness room – housing the latest range of

cardio and weight‐training equipment, in a

spacious, airy and welcoming atmosphere

including Sky television on all cardio

machines.

▪ 25m swimming pool ‐ this is kept at 29

degrees cen grade and is accompanied by

well‐equipped changing rooms. We run a

programme of ‘Adults Only’ and ‘Open’ swim

sessions. Also included in the weekly

programme is a Sunday morning fun swim

session for children and their families, with

our once‐a‐month pool inflatable fun session

which is a must for the kids.

▪ Squash, badminton and outdoor tennis

courts bookable up to 2 weeks in advance ▪ Professional Personal Training service – for

those of you who want a more tailored

fitness program or need that extra

mo va on, our dedicated team of personal

trainers are available on site at compe ve

rates

We run a range of flexible memberships including annual and monthly op ons for individuals, couples and families. Our welcoming Sports Centre recep on team would be happy to answer any queries you may have. Alterna vely, you can call us on 0117 315 7678 or visit www.ccsl‐cli oncollege.com

It’s the New Year and it’s me to find the New You! And during January we are not charging any joining on fee!!!

We are also giving all the readers of The Bristol Nine the chance to win an annual membership worth up to £700 by answering this simple ques on?

What is the name of the new state of the art fitness equipment Cli on College Sports Centre have just had installed?

A: Precor 330 B: Precor 880 C: Precor 500

Simply e‐mail your answer with the tle ‘New You Compe on’ along with the contact informa on requested below to ccslrecep on@cli oncollege.com or post your entry to Cli on College Sports Centre, Cli on College, Guthrie Road, Cli on, BS8 3EZ before the closing date of January 31st 2014.

Name………………………………………………………….

Email address………………………………………………..

Telephone Number …………………………………………

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Bob Mole Renewable Energy & Domestic Electrical Services Part P registered

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems Generate electricity for your own use and be paid as part of the government’s ‘Feed In Tariff’.

Generate electricity, export it to the National Grid and be paid.

Electrical Design & Installation Re-wires, partial re-wires, circuit extension & modification. Fuse board upgrades.

Electrical Inspection & Testing

Landlord Certificate, P.A.T. Pre-mortgage surveys.

Henleaze based with references available. All work guaranteed and warranty-backed.

For free estimates and friendly honest advice

contact Bob Mole Tel: 0117 327 0237 Mob: 07946 408 434 E: moler@me.com Visit: www.moler-wwp.co.uk

Registered Number 22793

c CLL

P L A S T E R I N G EST 1976 • OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE • INTERIOR & EXTERIOR • QUALITY WORK • COMPETITIVE RATES

CALL: 0117 949 0147 or 07909 937 229 or 07970 596 260 dannymccall2323@hotmail.co.uk

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20 Useful Information & Contacts Gas Emergencies

Electricity Emergencies Water Emergencies Avon & Somerset Police Non‐Emergencies

Crimestoppers

Southmead Hospital Frenchay Hospital

BRI / Children’s Hospital NHS non emergencies 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 no.)

0800 555 111 0117 950 5050 0117 970 1212 0117 923 0000 111 (new no.)

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 Household Waste and Recycling Centre on Kingsweston Lane, Avonmouth is now open Winter hours from 8.00am to 4.15pm, 7 days.

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“Caring for a loved one can be an emotional and stressful time full of uncertainties. For that reason we have been chatting to local people here in BS9 and asking them what concerns and issues they might have when considering home care as an alternative to residential care. Here are our thoughts on some more of the most commonly held questions that the team here at Bluebird Care are asked.”

‐ Cameron MacLeod, Director "Would the carer need, or be able, to have their own key to my father's property so they can let themselves in?"

Our carers never carry keys for customers homes. They will ring or knock and wait to be admitted by the customer or a family member or friend. Alternatively many of our customers who are not able to get to the door easily have a keysafe fitted on the exterior of their house.

Our carers will be able to access keys by this method and then be able to admit themselves in to the customers home.

"Can your carers collect and deliver prescriptions?"

Yes they can collect and deliver prescriptions if required, and of course they are trained to prompt and administer most medications in the home also.

"All my dad really needs is a bit of company ‐ is that something you can arrange?"

Yes, company is often all a person wants and we have a friendly team who will be happy to provide that company. Many of our carers feedback that this is what they like most about

the job. We appreciate that often we are the only friendly faces that a customer may see on a day to day basis and we value that opportunity to make that persons day better.

"Do your carers just attend the person's house? Would you be able to take him out for a couple of hours, for lunch for example?"

We would be delighted to take your Dad out if that’s what he wants. Our Carers are fully insured to take people out in their cars and we can arrange visits to pretty much whatever the customer wants. Some customers ask to be taken to the seaside, or for coffee or maybe an event such as “singing for the brain”. Our aim is to enable our customers to live more enjoyable, fulfilling lives.

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

Tel 0117 950 5855 bristolwest@bluebirdcare.co.uk www.bluebirdcare.co.uk/bristolwest Accredited as meeƟng all CQC naƟonal standards

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24 Codeword Time with Teazel

Each letter of the alphabet corresponds with a number from 1 to 26, but they are not in order.

You are given three letter/ number matches to start with, as shown in the smaller grid below. Insert these letters into the correspondingly numbered squares in the larger codeword grid and you are on your way.

No prizes ‐ answers are on page 94

If you like the puzzle why not check out Teazel in your app store?

Get more on your mobile & tablet. Search for 'Teazel' in your app store ‐ © Teazel Ltd 2013

D & L Ford 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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Boiler / Central Hea ng Installa ons Landlord Gas Safety Inspec ons Power Flushing Boiler Breakdown Repairs

Email: paulhooper40@googlemail.com

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Join Us Now Please call in and see for yourself or ring Sue on 01179 500044

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15 MONTHS MEMBERSHIP FOR 12 MONTHS SUBSCRIPTION NO SUBSCRIPTION PAYMENTS UNTIL 1ST APRIL 2014 A friendly members club delivering a quality golf course in a beautiful setting in the heart of Bristol.

Henbury is a stunning course in outstanding condition.

You can expect a warm and friendly welcome in the clubhouse

Sue on 01179 500044 (option 1)

28 Enjoy your winter garden For some people January /February can be a 'boring time' of the year, but think again!

There's lots going on. Make yourself a cuppa, pull up a comfy chair and just stare out of the window....there's lots of life out there to look at!!

Trees Trees may look 'dead' but of course there's actually life in them. Many are dormant but already have leaf buds developing which will burst open in a few weeks time when spring arrives.

Just watch how the warmth of the early spring sunshine encourages them to produce shiny new leaves and reshape the tree for the next season. I love the different silhouette shapes of the trees against the wintery skies.

Flowers It is truly amazing that when we are tucked up in our warm homes all snug and warm, there are brave little flowers peeping through the freezing soil, adorning our gardens and parks with a splash of colour. Pansies and violas, cyclamen, hellebores, snowdrops and crocus to name a few. How do they survive those chilly frosts and occasional snowfalls?

Birds Without doubt this is a wonderful reason to just sit and look out of your window. Depending on where you live determines the type of birds you will see. The darker days of winter means less time for birds to find food, so it's important that we consider helping these special creatures survive by feeding them and maybe learn more about their habits and behaviours.

There is plenty of information on websites such

as RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) and BTO (British Trust of Ornithology).

One reason why we as a family enjoy bird watching is to take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch at the end of every January. Its fun to sit quietly together and watch what is happening in ones own 'back yard'. This year it is on 25th and 26th January2014. More details available on the RSPB website. Do take a peek, and if you do take part the pictures here might help you out.

Ideas for what to feed your garden birds

...good quality seed mixes to include sunflower seeds, nyjer seeds and millet

...bread, pastry, potato and bacon rind...all chopped into small pieces

...dried fruits such as currants, raisins and sultanas

...fresh fruit, apples, pears and coconut. Best cut into pieces

...rice, any type but well cooked without salt

...mild cheese, best grated

...porridge oats

...fatballs maybe make your own! Melt some lard or suet, (it can be quite smelly... be warned!) add some seeds, dried fruits and oatmeal and stir. Pour into a mould (an empty margarine tub or yogurt pot is ideal) until set.

Place on bird table or hang from a tree branch.

Lastly, it's very important to also provide clean fresh water for the birds

Do enjoy the birds which live around you and think about feeding them. Just think of your bird table as a bird restaurant and vary the foodstuffs you put out for them so they don't get bored with the menu ‐ otherwise they may fly off to someone else's restaurant!!

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30 Computer Corner with Mrs PC - Advice on Passwords Passwords are an essential, if annoying part of interacting with the Internet. They are needed with great regularity and many people find it difficult to remember their passwords, or struggle to create a strong one. There are also concerns about writing them down in case they are discovered and used fraudulently.

Many people get help from family or friends to set up email or log into programmes like Skype or Facebook, and to make life easier for the novice user, the helpers save the password in the computer. Many Internet browsers offer this possibility. This is an acceptable thing to do, but problems arise when that password is needed and there is no record of it. You can usually reset passwords, but it is time consuming and a complication, which frustrates infrequent users of the Internet.

So if you are getting help, make sure that the person helping you writes down what they have done. I suggest a little notebook, which you keep by the side of your computer and jot things in as you go along, and note down all your passwords inside. Keep the book hidden from view when not in use!

I recommend that you protect your computer by using a password to log on to your computer. This will be the first one you will have to learn. It protects your computer from being accessed by others, and is very useful to stop children or grandchildren messing about and changing things on it!

All your passwords should be different. You must not use the password you log in to your computer for any other website. Do not use the same one for every website. Your passwords should ideally be 8 characters long and a combination of letters, numbers, special characters and upper and lower case letters. Think of a word that is special to you and add your favourite numbers to it, with a capital somewhere in that word‐ it doesn’t have to be at the beginning! A symbol like an exclamation mark or an & or £ sign are also good to add. Some people like to use a phrase‐ it could be a favourite

song for example: “Nelly the elephant packed her trunk and said goodbye to the circus”. You would take the first letter from each word and get Ntephtasgttc, to which you could add some numbers and get a very strong password. There are programmes you can use which will create passwords for you.

One of you most important passwords is the one to access your email. This one is not so obvious if you use an email client rather than webmail as it is usually saved on your computer and not needed until you have an issue such as being hacked. I do recommend you find out what your email password is so that you can use webmail if you wish and you can change the password to your email every so often. BT Internet/yahoo is one of the most frequently hacked email addresses.

If you want to shop online and be able to return to that website, and save all your details, you will need to create a password. This makes shopping quicker and easier. It is safe to store your credit card as well as long as the web address reads Https:// at the beginning. The “s” stands for “safe”. The most widely used websites like Amazon, John Lewis and Marks and Spencer will be safe for you to store your password.

If you have a smartphone, use the App called “The Vault”. You can keep your passwords in there and they are all encrypted. You access them with… you guessed it… another password‐ a 5 digit number code.

Passwords will keep you safe if you use them properly. Don’t be complacent about them. If you have used the same one for all your websites, and email, do go into your account and change them!

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Kemps Jewellers Est. 1881 A local family business offering you professional friendly advice.

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

Beautiful gift ideas for ladies and for gents, as well as watches & watch repairs.

Do you have any secondhand or scrap gold? Gold prices remain attractive so why not bring it in for a free valuation?

Watch out for details of our forthcoming monthly special offers.

Kemps Jewellers & Registered Pawnbrokers, in the heart of the village.

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

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34 Tara’s Table - Cookery with Tara Hofman I hope you’ve all had a very merry Christmas and are looking forward to a fun and prosperous new year. What does a new year mean for you?

Personally, I’m not one for new year’s resolutions. I’d much rather dwell on the feelings of positivity and optimism that the new year brings and the excitement of what it has in store. For me, it’s more of the same: being happy, building my business and eating and cooking good food with the changing seasons, and always trying out new ways to cook things.

In terms of produce, January is always a bit of a lean month and one in which we are feeling a bit like our waistline and our credit card have taken a battering, so perhaps we should all be a bit abstemious?

This is the time to turn to Kale, that fibrous, leafy green veg that is probably overlooked, misunderstood and definitely far more versatile than you might imagine. Here are three ways to cook it, or not. Kale is low in calories, high in fibre and has zero fat. Its stalks are thick and take much longer to cook than the leaves, so try to buy it in bunches from your local greengrocers, rather than chopped in bags at the supermarket. The best way to prepare it is to break off each stalk, then pinch at the bottom of the stalk and strip the leaves off in one go; discard the stalks or, if you are really serious, you could make a smoothie out of them.

Raw kale salad Strip the leaves from the kale as described above, and shred it as fine as possible. Make a dressing with finely chopped garlic, lemon zest and lemon juice, salt, pepper & olive oil. Toss

the kale in the dressing and give it about 30 minutes to marinade before eating. Mix in some fresh coriander at the last minute. This would be great with some grilled mackerel or salmon and makes a super healthy meal.

Kale bruschetta (serves 2) Finely slice a couple of cloves of garlic and fry until soft, but not browned, in olive oil, add half a teaspoon of crushed fennel seeds. Cook four generous handfuls of roughly chopped kale leaves in a large pan of boiling, salted water for about 5‐7 minutes, until tender. Drain and toss with the garlic, fennel seeds and olive oil. Serve on a piece of toasted piece of sourdough bread with a handful of chopped green olives and a squeeze of lemon juice.

This makes a great snack for lunchtime

A vibrant green sauce for pasta This is one of my favourites and is so quick to do when your fridge seems empty. Cook the kale leaves in plenty of salted boiling water for about 5‐7 minutes, until tender. Drain, reserving a little bit of the cooking liquor and whizz in the food processor with a good squeeze of lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil.

Let it down with some of the cooking liquor and check for seasoning. It’s really good with penne pasta and grated parmesan.

P.S. I’m really excited as this year begins because I will be making an appearance on Channel 4’s new series, The Taste, which airs on Tuesday 7th January. I was selected from 1,000s of applicants and 300 auditionees to be one of 25 hopefuls to cook for Nigella Lawson, Anthony Bourdain and Los Angeles Chef/ Restaurateur Ludo Lefebvre. Don’t forget to tune in to Channel 4 on Tuesday 7th January at 9pm to catch a glimpse of me and see how I get on.

Happy New Year!

(See more about Tara’s table on page 43)

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Qualified Tree Surgeon (N.C.H. Arboriculture) All aspects of tree work undertaken Conifers reduced & trimmed; Tree surgery; Stump grinding, Fence erection & repairs, Turfing; Garden clearance.

Fully insured. 10% O.A.P. discount

Contact Darren 07968 251 309 / 0117 950 6397

36 The Downs Recorder The Ash trees of the Downs.

A year ago there was a national panic about Ash Die Back Disease, since when, silence. That does not mean the threat has gone away; the disease has been detected near Minehead, so it is coming this way, but it has also become clear that it is not an instant killer, and possibly that it is not as virulent as feared.

There are a large number of ash trees on the Downs, and almost every one of them is self‐ sown. In most years they produce millions of seeds, and few birds or animals seem to eat them. They germinate in thousands every year, but they only grow fast if they have plenty of light. They dominate the slopes of the Gorge, have grown up all round the Clifton Camp, and form a small wood near Sea Walls. As a species they are present in every part of the Downs except the soccer pitches, and are more widespread than almost any other species except Hawthorn, Ivy and White Clover. And if all these were to die the Downs landscape would look very different.

There are about a dozen trees that are more than 150 years old‐ i.e were wild trees when the Downs Act was passed. Three of them are now stumps, trees that have had to be cut right back for safety, but are still alive, in the Westbury Park area. One, near Ladies Mile, has had to be surrounded with warming tape because it is very rotten, but has been used for

some years by Green Woodpeckers.

The oldest is probably one of the trees in the ashwood near Ivywell Road with a huge trunk, which splits into two at about eight feet, and has been pollarded in recent years, but is still a fine tree. It is over four metres in circumference. There are several others nearby which could not be measured‐ one of which was used two years ago by three pairs of Rooks.

Another fine tree stands on its own, near Ladies Mile and has a marked lean to the north, and it is much the biggest tree in the area, and is also almost four metres around. These are all common Ashes. There is also a Manna Ash near the Ranger’s pound, which is often called the Flowering Ash as it has huge clumps of white flowers in the spring. And there is a very young Slender‐leaf Ash near Ladies Mile which, in a good autumn turns a magnificent purple colour, though this year it was rather dull.

Common Ashes often turn a fine yellow in Autumn, but not this year when they all dropped their leaves when they were still green.

And if they do all die, at least I have measured and recorded the best of them.

If you enjoy the Downs, or use if for your sport, why not become a Friend? Membership is just £10.

Contact Robin Haward at robinhaward@blueyonder.co.uk 0117 974 3385

Richard Bland

37 Release your inner thespian It must be almost five years ago I first encountered Alison Mazanec at her adult drama classes ‐ I’d been invited to pop along and see a class in action. With what I now know is her customary enthusiasm and encouraging manner I was soon taking part, and by the end of the hour I’d fallen for the enjoyment and fun of the session. I’ve barely missed a week since and her Thursday night class is a weekly highlight.

This isn’t drama in terms of putting on shows and learning lengthy scripts, no it is much less formal and relaxed than that and hugely enjoyable as result. The hour class is a mixture of improvised silliness, excerpts from plays (we’ve just done a bit from A Christmas Carol), a little voice, breathing and posture work but overall 60 minutes of terrific enjoyment and fun. Our group, which numbers anything from

ten to two dozen on the night, is a really friendly (some might say slightly mad) group of gents and ladies from twenty‐somethings to “more mature” students (in in the middle at 49). There’s no “luvvies” just a group of local people keen to have fun, learn a little, boost their confidence and generally find pleasure in, and through, drama. We also hold occasional theatre and comedy nights ( a West End trip is being planned) and the odd beverage in the pub.

Vicky, Sophie, Traycee and Shane being bored teenagers If you want more details do get in touch with Alison on 0117 900 1602 ‐ she is an absolute star and will welcome you in her little antipodean arms like a long lost friend. Hope to see you!

38 Gardeners Corner with Cathy Lewis - Creating Winter Interest It’s all too tempting to put your garden to bed for the winter and ignore it until spring, but they can look breathtaking at this time of year.

The secret of a successful winter garden is to use cleverly placed evergreens and to leave interesting flower heads and grasses to die down naturally.

Evergreens are the unsung heroes of every garden. They may lack the wow factor of flowers or autumn leaves but they really come into their own once everything else has faded. Some even smell wonderful too, like Sarcococca confusa (or Christmas box), whose modest flowers belie its delicious scent.

Festooned with spider’s webs they can sparkle in the sun as though encrusted with diamonds.

Ornamental grasses may be past their best but they still offer height and movement in the winter garden, swaying and rustling with every puff of wind.

Their subtle golds and russets look really spectacular back‐lit by the sun’s rays. Two of my favourite grasses are the tall, transparent Stipa gigantea (top) and frothy‐plumed Miscanthus sinensis (right) , both of which will hold your attention until the arrival of spring

Tree barks can look spectacular, particularly in the subdued winter light. The white‐stemmed West Himalayan birch (Betula utilis var. jacquemontii) is a favourite with garden designers, and with good reason. Its ghostly, almost luminescent bark and architectural form make it striking both with and without leaves.

Don’t be tempted to cut all your herbaceous plants to the ground.

Plants with tall stems and interesting seed heads like Phlomis russeliana create wonderful silhouettes lit up by dew or ice after a hoar frost.

The magical effects of a sharp frost at the University of Bristol Botanic Garden Cathy Lewis Dip. PSGD Cathy Lewis Gardens & Design Professional garden design, consultancy and maintenance. Tel: 07985 008 585 www.cathylewisgardens.co.uk

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Pain free feet for 2014 This is the me of year when we resolve to lose weight, drink less and exercise more. Perhaps we should also consider our poor old feet, which we rely on and take for granted all year round.

Foot pain like toothache needs to be taken seriously. Your local podiatrist is best qualified to assess all foot problems and offer appropriate treatment along with preventa ve advice.

Unfortunately embarrassment and misunderstanding o en prevent people seeking help and advice. This is a great shame and o en just one appointment can make a massive difference to your mobility and quality of life. So please, this year think of your feet and give them a treat.

Alison Hurford & Associates, Footworks Chiropody & Podiatry Surgery, Charles Place, Hotwells BS8 4QW 01179 299 300 www.footworkschiropody.com

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42 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 me your notice, in Word or email format, not in PDF format, to andy@bcmagazines.co.uk (strict maximum sixty words).

The deadline for listings in the March 2014 magazine is 15th February ‐ any received after that date will be held over until the April 2014. There is no February issue of The Bristol Eight,

Bristol Cabot Probus Club for retired and semi‐ retired professional and business men to maintain contact and fellowship with people of similar interests. Meets Third Wednesday each month in BAWA Club Southmead Rd, for lunch followed by a speaker on a wide range of interesting subjects. Extensive programme of social events including holidays, day trips, Sunday lunches and skittles to which ladies and friends are welcomed. We are principally a social meeting place and not based on charitable activities. Interested? Contact John Howard‐Cairns on 0117 968 3134 for more details.

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 614451.

North West Bristol Camera Club (NWBCC). We are an enthusiastic group of amateur photographers who meet each Wednesday at 7:45pm at Westbury Fields. The first meeting in 2014 will be on 8th January when there will be

a photographic talk on New Zealand. New members of any level of ability are most welcome. For details contact Pete on 07870 589555.

Bristol Anglo Hellenic Society meet Wed 12th Jan:‐ 'From Homer To Hollywood Ancient Greece in the Cinema" and Wed 12th Feb:‐ "Pavlopetrie The Underwater City" Venue 7:30pm Lecture Theatre 2 Arts Complex 3‐5 Woodland Road BS8 1TB (Corner of Tyndale Park) Refreshments available. See website http://www.bristolanglohellenic.co.uk/ for more details.

The Bristol & Gloucestershire Archaeological Society: The next Winter Lecture will be given on Monday 27th January at 7.45 pm in the Apostle Room in the basement of Clifton Cathedral Pembroke Road, Clifton, BS8 when Dr Nigel Baker from Herefordshire Archaeology will talk on “Medieval buildings of the western English towns”, specifically Shrewsbury, Worcester, Hereford, Gloucester and Bristol.

Instep Club for Widows and Widowers weekly on Wednesday evenings 8.00‐10.30pm at Stoke Bishop Village Hall, Stoke Hill. New members welcome. Ballroom and Sequence dancing (If you haven’t danced for a long time, don’t worry, we will help you).

Refreshments, social activities. Please telephone Mary on 968 3170 or Wilma on 962 8895 for further information.

Westbury‐on‐Trym Probus Club provide a meeting point for retired and semi‐retired professional and business men, to promote social well being through friendship, companionship and discussion. The club meets on the third Thursday of every month at BAWA, Southmead Road, from 12 midday. If you are interested in joining then please contact the secretary by telephone 0117 9684270 or by email: graham.horne5@btinternet.com.

The Probus Club of Bristol for semi or retired

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44 What’s On & Community Events Professional Business men, meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month at BAWA, Southmead Road. At these meetings we have a three course lunch with a speaker. In addition there is a substantial programme of social events to which our Ladies are invited to participate. If you are interested in joining our club, please contact our Membership Secretary Martin Harker on 01275 857324 or E Mail probusbristol@hotmail.co.uk.

For more information, including past reports on events and our current programme, visit our web site www.bristolprobus.org.uk

Rotary Club of Bristol Northwest. We meet every 1st and 3rd Wednesday as well as any 5th ones that come along and base ourselves at Henbury Golf Club. Meetings usually start with a meal at 7.30pm followed by a speaker or occasional other social events. Guests and new members are always welcome at our meetings.

Current charities we support include Bristol Area Stroke Foundation and the Pahar Trust Nepal – building schools in remote parts of the Himalayas. For further details please visit www.bristolnorthwestrotary.org or contact the club secretary on suketar@btinternet.com.

The next meeting of the Bristol Philatelic Society is Thursday, 9th January starting at 7.15p.m. at the United Reform Church, Whiteladies Road. This is a Members' meeting when items of interest, queries and new acquisitions are shown, with the Geoffrey Ford 1 sheet competition. On Thursday, 23rd January there is a display of Registered Mail from the Straits Settlements. Thursday, 13th February is a Social Philately display about the Explorers of the West Coast of South Island, New Zealand. This meeting starts at 7.15 p.m. Also on February 27th we have a members afternoon meeting starting at 2.0 p.m. 13th March is a competition night whilst 27th March is a display on Advertising through the Post, starting at 7.15 p.m. For further

information: John Roe 0145 477 6975.

Like making Airfix models? The Avon Branch of the International Plastic Modellers Society meets on the third Wednesday of every month at the BAWA club on Southmead Road at 8.00pm. New members are always very welcome. For more information contact Andy White on 0117 3300288 or visit www.ipmsavon.org.uk .

Bristol Mahjong Club meets every Thursday 2‐ 5pm at The Eastfield Inn, Henleaze Road . Experienced players and beginners welcome. British Mahjong Rules. Please contact Lee ‐ Mob: 0790 567 2979 or neeliej@hotmail.co.uk.

Stoke Lodge History and Archaeology Group meet on the first Thursday of every month at the Friends Meeting House in Hampton Road at 7.30pm. We have speakers on a varied range of topics, many of which have a strong emphasis on local history. New members are always made very welcome. For further details please contact Annette Martin on 0117 979 3209.

The Bristol Branch of the English Speaking Union welcomes guests to their meetings which are held in the Apostle Room of Clifton Cathedral at 7.15 p.m. for 7.45 p.m. There is ample parking and entrance is £3. The aim of the English Speaking Union is to encourage friendship and global understanding through English. Wed 15th January : Final of the Schools Public Speaking Competition at QEH, 5.30 for 6 which involves Redmaids, QEH, St. Katherine's and Cotham. Tuesday 21st Nick Gargan, the Chief Constable of Somerset and Avon Police, will be talking on “The Challenges of Running a Police Force”. Wed. 5th February Bishop Mike Hill, Bishop of Bristol, will be talking on “The Challenges of the Church Today”. March 6 “High in Hope ‐ what Bristol will be like in 40 years’ time” with John Savage.

All welcome (£5 entry for non‐members). Do come along to any of our meetings, preferably by telephoning the Chairman, Tony Williams

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46 What’s On & Community Events on 2393187 or the Secretary, Jenny Haines, on 9628075.

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.

The Henleaze Garden Club is a thriving club for anyone interested in anything to do with gardening ! With a healthy membership of 200, this friendly club meets the first Wednesday of each month in the main hall at St Monica's, Cote Lane, with a summer break when the club arranges coach trips. We invite expert speakers, produce a quarterly newsletter, have an annual plant sale and great Christmas event.

Annual individual membership is £20 plus a £1 per visit, visitors are most welcome at £5 per visit, both to include refreshments and raffle.

Please see www.henleazegardenclub.co.uk or contact Jane Voke 9622440 for more info.

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.

Tai Chi ‐ friendly local classes. Beginners Tuesday. Improvers Friday. Both 11‐12am at the Greenway Centre. Ffi: Karen 0117 9424167

Back to Netball at Coombe Dingle! Ladies ‐ enjoyed playing Netball at school? Stopped playing and would love to start again? Looking

for a new, fun activity? Come and join us every Friday 9:30‐10am at the University Sports Centre, Coombe Dingle. Only £2 a session. For more info visit www.englandnetball.co.uk/Back ‐to‐Netball or contact Sue Anderson on 0787 2407216.

Tai Chi for Health class. Mondays from10.45am ‐11.45am at GH Health and Fitness, Pembroke House, Pembroke Grove, Clifton BS83DA. Non members and beginners welcome. Sessions £5. For further information contact Sue or drop in Mobile 07929030209 www.sueqi.co.uk.

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.

Zumba Light 5pm/ Zumba Fitness 6.30pm.

Westbury ‐on‐Trym village hall. Weds. £5 on door. Just drop in with water and a sense of humour! Phone Marie on 0117 9634104 for more details or visit www.bristoldancezumba.co.uk

Old Sneed Park Nature Reserve: volunteers are always welcome at one of our regular working parties on the reserve (entrance next to no.3 Glenavon Park). The next one is on Saturday 11th January from 10am to 12 noon. There will be tasks for all levels of fitness and refreshments will be served (apparently some people only come for the biscuits). There is also a fantastic walk on Saturday 8th February at 1.30pm: Trees in Winter. Tony Titchen, a well known local tree expert, will lead us to look at the special features of some of the trees on the reserve, which are observable in winter.

Stout footwear is advised but this event will not entail a difficult walk through the wood and the route will be according to conditions underfoot. It should last between and an hour and an hour and a half. We look forward to seeing lots of you on the reserve in 2014.

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48 What’s On & Community Events

Out There Music Winter Concert. Sunday 9th February 2014 7.30pm. St George’s Bristol.

Performances by Out There Choir, Orchestra, Chamber Choir, Children’s Choir and Trumpet Ensemble with music including Mozart, Bruckner, One Direction, The Lumineers, Eric Clapton and Elton John. In aid of Changing Tunes. £8 (£5 under 18s) tickets available from St George’s box office. www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk www.outtheremusic.net

Clifton Rotary Club welcomes new members of all ages and backgrounds ‐ all we ask is that people give their time, are interested in making new friends, building business contacts, using skills to help others and try new things you would never normally have thought of doing. Please find out more by emailing secretary@cliftonrotary.org.

Henleaze Tennis Club has vacancies for players of all standards and ages. Whether you are an established player looking for a club, someone who is rusty or a student come along and try us out. For further information take a look at our web site www.henleazeltc.com and contact the secretary Pat Thomson 0117 950 5862.

Bristol Brunel Probus Club for retired professional and businessmen. Meet at BAWA, Southmead Rd, once a month to enjoy a good lunch and a great mix of social events, regular speakers, visits and outings, to which wives and friends are warmly welcomed. For more details please ring Fred Martin on 0117 968 3875.

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.

Codeword Answers from page 24

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.

Get In Touch ‐ it couldn’t be easier

• Telephone ‐ 0117 968 7787 • Text / Phone ‐ 07845 986650 • Email ‐ andy@bcmagazines.co.uk • Post ‐ 8 Sandyleaze, Westbury on

Trym, Bristol, BS9 3PY • Twitter ‐ @BS9Andy

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At Kitchen Needs design studio you’ll enjoy the finest kitchen and bathroom designs on the market. We have new kitchen and bathroom displays in our studio in Stoke Bishop, and our website shows more examples of the work we do. Please do get in touch to book your free consulta on and survey.

T: 0117 968 0800

www.kitchenneeds.co.uk 3 Druid Hill, Stoke Bishop, Bristol, BS9 1EW

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