The Bristol Nine Magazine - December 2017 by Andy Fraser

BS9

The Bristol Nine Magazine - Issue no. 138 Dec 2017

12,500 copies delivered free each month across Sea Mills, Henleaze, Stoke Bishop, Sneyd Park, Coombe Dingle & Westbury on Trym

Between the covers this month - Christmas gifts for youngsters (p17) Quiz time (p20), Thatching in Henleaze (p33), Toilet twinning (p40), Volunteer for Brunel (p50), Farewell Reg Patch (p59), Christmas technology (p63), the return of vinyl? (p69), Wordsearch (p74), Colour analysis (p76)

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The Editor's Small Piece Hello there, thanks for reading, I hope this finds you well. A couple of weeks ago I was fortunate enough to see Midge Ure, he of Ultravox fame, in concert in Nottingham, the city where I spent my student years back in the 80's. It was meant to be a nostalgia trip for me, visiting old haunts, tracking down old addresses and rekindling old memories. It turned into something different. Midge was talking about his musical career, saying that while he still loved to perform his back catalogue it was a new project he was working on was more important to him. As he said, what matters to him now is "what's left, not what's been" - even though the latter outnumbers the former by maybe two to one. Quite by chance, reacquainting myself with the city I loved growing up in had got me thinking along similar lines as Mr Ure. I went to the old places, drove down roads I used to walk, visited places of student mis-behaviour. The city had changed. My old digs had been gentrified, the polytechnic buildings had been knocked down and rebuilt, the students in the union weren't born until a decade after Ieft the city. Nottingham had moved on - and in a funny way it was telling me to do so as well. With all the rubbish going on in the world I find it too easy to reminisce, thinking the past was better, and look the future with a large helping of pessimism (my default setting). Midge Ure told me he was excited for the future, whatever and however much of it there was going to be for him. I came away knowing I need to do the same. I need to tell myself to look back with fondness, not yearning - after all, the past wasn't better, it was just different - and look forward with optimism and purpose. Crack on and create great new memories to go alongside great old ones. This should be my mantra for 2018 and beyond. Please remind me if ever you find me down. And on that note I wish you all a very happy Christmas, a positive New Year and hope that you enjoy whatever festive break you get as much as you can. And my thanks as ever to my brilliant team of deliverers who perform the most important part of the whole Bristol Nine thing. Until 2018, all the best. Andy Fraser (the Editor) Do get in touch - it makes me feel wanted! Email andy@bcmagazines.co.uk, write to 8 Sandyleaze, WoT, BS9 3PY or call 07845 986650 / 0117 259 1964. (This Small Piece is dedicated to Simon Spalding (1963-2002) who loved Nottingham, his home city, and who would have enjoyed Midge Ure enormously.) 6

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Useful Information Emergencies, Support & Information

Local Churches

Gas Emergencies 0800 111 999 Electricity Emergencies 0800 365 900 Water Emergencies 0845 702 3797 (or your gas, water or electricity supplier) Avon & Somerset Police Non-Emergencies 101 (new no.) Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 Southmead Hospital 0117 950 5050 BRI / Children’s Hospital 0117 923 0000 NHS non-emergency 111 Council Dog Warden 0117 922 2500 Bristol Blood Donation 0117 988 2040 The Samaritans 08457 90 90 90 Alcoholics Anonymous 08457 69 75 55 ChildLine 0800 11 11 National Rail Enquiries 08457 48 49 50 Telephone Pref Service 0845 070 0707 Mailing Preference Service 0845 703 4599 Bristol Care & Repair - home safety checks & handyman 0117 954 2222

Sea Mills Methodist Church, Shirehampton Rd, 0117 962 1200 St Mary Magdalene, Stoke Bishop www.stmarysb.org.uk 0117 968 7449 WoT Methodist Church www.westburyontrymmethodistchurch .org.uk 0117 962 2930 WoT Baptist Church, Reedley Rd, www.westburybaptist.org.uk 0117 962 9990 WoT Holy Trinity Parish Church, www.westbury-parish-church.org.uk 0117 950 8644 Sacred Heart Catholic Church, WoT www.sacredheartchurch.co.uk 0117 983 3926 St Peter’s Church, Henleaze www.stpetershenleaze.org 0117 962 4524 Highgrove Church, Sea Mills www.highgrove.church 07966 028 046 Trinity URC, Henleaze www.trinityhenleazeurc.org.uk 0117 962 9713 The Community Church, WoT www.the-community-church.net 0117 946 6807 St Edyth’s Church, Sea Mills www.stedyths.org.uk, 0117 968 6965

Postal Services Westbury on Trym Post Office 9am - 5.30pm Mon to Fri, 9am - 4pm Sat Henleaze Post Office 8.30am - 6pm Mon to Sat Sea Mills Post Office 9am - 5.30pm Mon to Fri, 9am to 12.30pm Sat Stoke Bishop Post Office (in Spar) 7.00am to 8.00pm Mon to Sat, 7.00am to 5.00pm Sun Westbury on Trym Parcel Collection 8 - 3 Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri, 8 - 8 Wed, 7-2 Sat

Waste & Recycling The Household Waste and Recycling Centre on Kingsweston Lane, Avonmouth for pretty much everything. The Avonmouth centre is now open Winter hours, 8.00am to 4.15pm, 7 days a week.

The Silver Line

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.

The Silver Line is the new and only free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people - open 24 hours a day every day of the year. Call anytime on 0800 4 70 80 90.

Local Trains

Bristol City Council

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

The Council website offers residents information about BCC services including council tax, bins & recycling, schools, leisure, business, streets and parking. Visit www.bristol.gov.uk or contact the General Enquiries switchboard on 0117 922 2000.

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Talking Pets with Viking Vets I do love Christmas, the smells, the candles, the thees and all the amazing food. I am originally from Norway, with a mother who came from Finland, so in our house we have to have three different Christmas meals! In Scandinavia we celebrate Christmas Eve rather than Christmas Day. Trying to incorporate all the meals, we start Christmas on the 23rd, with the traditional Norwegian meal of three ingredients; old mutton ribs, swede mash and potatoes, washed down with a Norwegian potato spirit called Aquavit the water of life. I think it may wake the dead - it's an acquired taste but works to numb the flavour of the mutton. Norway was a very poor country until the oil was discovered in the North Sea in the 1970. Norway is now a very rich country but the Christmas habits has remained the same. On the 24th we have our Finnish meal - ham with all the trimmings. As a dessert we have something called cloudberries, these are orange looking raspberries, but they only grow in the mountains and have to be handpicked which makes them rather expensive. By the time we get to the 25th I do cheat a bit and get the stuffings from M&S, and we never manage to fit in any Christmas pudding! In the practice we see the seasonal ailments: a lot of chocolate poisoning - we make the dogs sick as long as we see them within three hours. Remember as little as 50 gram dark chocolate

can kill a Labrador. Do remember that grapes and raisins are poisonous to dogs, unfortunately there are no set toxicity levels, some individuals have much more sensitive kidneys than others, and we have no test to predict which will be ok and who are at risk. So they end up staying on a drip for a few days whilst we monitor the kidneys. In our feline friends we see an increase in cystitis. Cats are very sensitive to stress, to them any type of change is stressful. Christmas is full of change, weird decorations and people in the house, different smells and so on. All of this contributes to the cats becoming stressed out and this can manifest as cystitis. Females generally just feel uncomfortable and we sort them out rather easily, males however can end up unable to urinate. This will very quickly develop into an emergency situation where the cat is in excruciating pain, and can end up with kidney failure. If you see your cat straining, most people think they are constipated, however it is more common that they are unable to urinate, so make sure you check the litter tray for results. Make sure nice smelling presents are kept out of reach of crafty dogs, and that cats are kept away from climbing the Christmas tree. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Maria Lowe, Veterinary Surgeon

Senio r Snippe ts

Tips to communicate with people living with dementia

Welcome to the latest edition of Senior Snippets: the monthly advisory column with the older members of our community in mind, brought to you by John Moore, Director of Home Instead Senior Care in North Bristol. In this edition, we will be sharing some tips and ideas about how to communicate with people living with dementia. When communicating with someone with dementia, there are many things to consider, and remember that talking isn’t always the most effective method. Acknowledge what the person has said - Even if they don’t answer your question, express that you’ve heard them and encourage them to say more about their answer. Use gestures, movement and facial expressions - Physical signs and body language can all convey meaning and help get messages across, especially when speaking becomes more difficult. Use Humour - Laughing can help to bring you closer together, and may relieve the pressure. Become an active listener - Listening is a very important aspect of engaging with someone with dementia. Look for non-verbal cues such as facial expressions and body language to try and understand what they are trying to tell you. Let the person express their feelings - If the person is feeling sad, don’t try and persuade them away from that feeling. Showing you care by just listening is sometimes the best method of communicating. Use physical contact to provide reassurance - Holding or patting the person’s hand or putting your arm around them might be all that is needed to let them know you are there for them. Communication difficulties can be frustrating and upsetting for people with dementia as well as their carers and loved ones. The above methods are just a few ways to help alleviate some of the tensions you may experience. If you would like to speak to someone at Home Instead, please do get in touch. Similarly, if you have any ideas for a future topic, please call 0117 989 8210 or email John.Moore@HomeInstead.co.uk - we’d love to hear from you!

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Christmas Gift Ideas for the younger generation My parents tell me it’s always tricky, knowing what to get young people for Christmas, and I'm told it becomes increasingly difficult the older the child gets. It’s typically said that all kids ask for these days are the latest smartphones, which seem to cost the price of a house, or some other form of gadget with which to be glued to 24/7. Technology obviously changes things and presents have become more and more hi-tec especially, I'm told, in my lifetime. Having now done some research and asking some of my family members "slightly older" than myself, I have discovered some of the most popular presents for children from the past. Most are pretty lo-tech and some of which I have never heard of. 1958 was the year the Hula Hoop was invented, a simple yet highly entertaining toy that has gone on to be not only used for fun but as a piece of fitness equipment. Although similar toys had been created in the past for children to run with, the 40 inch circular tube was officially released in the late 50’s. In the 60’s, toy dolls were exceedingly popular with girls and boys, being some of the most wanted presents for two decades in a row and still available today. Girls all over the world fell in love with Barbie, a doll released in 1959 that had an hour glass figure and long blonde hair. For the boys there was Action Man, released in 1966 - a moveable fighting model complete with army uniforms and equipment. Also introduced in the latew 60's was my dad's favourite - Hot Wheels toy racing cars. I suspect that they are still up in our attic. In the 1970's action figures continued to be popular with big sellers including "Stretch Armstrong", with an elastic boidy that could be stretched and knotted, the Evil Knievel stunt cycle based on a famous motorbike daredevil, and a whole range of Star Ways figures and models. The 1980's started with the Rubik's Cube, invenmted by a Hungarian professor. The three by three puzzle took nothing but concentration, memory, skill and a little luck to complete. Even to this day the Rubik's Cube is still hugely popular in the game industry with various different versions being released each year. 1985 was the year Care Bears were released. A soft multi coloured teddy, each having a individual symbol on its tummy that represented a different personality. Care bears were initially found in cartoons but were later developed into children’s toys, books, TV and films. In 1987 one of my favourites when I was younger came out. Sylvania Families, little animal figures with outfits, accessories, houses and vehicles were and still are a huge success. The 90’s was the real start of gadgets and technology for children. Despite being considerably basic in comparison to today’s technology, games like the Tamagotchi (1997) and the Nintendo Game Boy (1991) were both huge hits for kids all over the world, being the first major screen based toys. Since then, electrical and technologybased presents have been one of the most loved presents for any age, and continues to be so to this day. And since the turn of the century - who can forget Furbies, Beyblades, Transformers and Nerf Guns? All of the above are probably collectors items by now, but if you are looking for Christmas present ideas for todays youngsters then here are a few ideas for you, sorted by age and price. All of this stuff can be bought online but don't forget there are some great toy and gift shops around locally when you can get some great present ideas. (continued overleaf) 17

(more) Christmas Gift Ideas Primary School age Under a Tenner Bathroom darts game - £6 from Flying Tiger (The Mall and Cabot Circus) Penelope Penguin cross stitch bauble kit - £8.95 from www.notonthehighstreet. com £10 to £30 Mermaid tail blanket / Shark blanket - various under £20 at www.amazon. co.uk Personalised Disney Princesses / Finding Dory books - £14.00 from www. gettingpersonal.co.uk £30+ Zoomy handheld digital microscope (PC / Mac compatible) £49.95 from www.wickeduncle.co.uk Q-BA-Maze Big Box - colourful interlocking cube marble run £34.99 from www.brightminds.co.uk Secondary Schoool age Under a tenner Peg string lights - £8.99 from www.iwantoneofthose.com £10 to £30 Smartphone projector - £18.99 from www.findmeagift.co.uk World Map Doodle Pillowcase - £15.95 from www.wickeduncle. co.uk £30+ Meet the Meerkats Experience - £35 from Wild Place (part of Bristol Zoo) www.wildplace.org.uk Young Driver Experience at Cribbs Causeway - £34.95 from www. youngdriver.eu Sixth Form / College Under a Tenner Insta-Photo Booth - £5.99 from www. iwantoneofthose.com Cake Splat Game - £8.56 from www. prezzybox.com £10 to £30 Indoor skydiving experience - £29 from www.buyagift.com Make Your Own Neon Sign - £14.99 from www. thepresentfinder.co.uk £30+ Clocky - the alarm clock that runs away - £35 from www.wickeduncle.co.uk CoLiDo 3D pen - £70 from www.prezzybox.com "Back in the day" I'm told it was really exciting to receive a box of coloured pencils with your name printed on them in gold. Nowadays you can get your name, photo or pretty much anything printed on to - pretty much anything. You really go wrong with a personalised Pug Mug. Happy shopping. Heidi Fraser 18

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Quiz Time General Knowledge 1. Which London tube line runs from Harrow & Wealdstone to Elephant & Castle? 2. Name the garden birds shown below (t-b). 3. What type of fruit or vegetable are the following - a) Desiree, b) Victoria, c) Savoy? 4. In what year were the following Bristol landmarks / attractions opened - a) We The Curious (formerly @Bristol); b) Cabot Tower, c) the old "temporary" Redcliffe flyover? 5. Name the four former Blue Peter presenters shown below. 6. What links the middle line pictures below? 7. By area, which are the three largest countries on the African continent? 8. By population, which are the three biggest countries of the former Soviet Union? 9. In what decade were modern Royal Mail postcodes introduced? 10. There are 31 areas in the Met Office Shipping Forecast - which are the two that take their names from towns?

Music 1. In what years were these number 1 hit albums - "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy" (Elton John), "...Baby One More Time" (Britney Spears), and "Bridge Over Troubled Water" (Simon & Garfunkel)? 2. Three artists needed - who had hits with "Lily the Pink" (1968), "The Last Film" (1983), and "So What" (2008)? 3. Who narrated / sang as the Artilleryman in the original Jeff Wayne "War of the Worlds" concept album, and who took on the role for the 2012 version of the musical? 4. In which UK cities would you find these famous music venues - The Barrowlands, Rock City and The Leadmill? 5. Who provides the musical soundtrack to the 2017 John Lewis Christmas advert? 6. Put these events in order, earliest first Mick Jagger's 65th birthday, Ed Sheeran did his GCSE's, Amy Winehouse died. 7. Name the albums from the covers shown below.

Answers on page 100 20

Kemps J

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Much more than j The team at Kemps would like to thank all of their customers for their support over the year and wish all Bristol Nine readers a very Happy Christmas.

Look out f Festive Fav limited nu beautiful pi our ladies ranges wher sparkle as m jewel

Rings and jewellery both new and modern second hand, watches and watch repairs, complimentary gift wrapping on all purchases - and we also buy old and scrap gold. Kemps Jewellers, 9 Carlton Court, Westbury on Trym Telephone 0117 950 50 90 - www.kempsjewellers.com 22

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This BS9 Life - Duncan Haskell So our first year as BS9 residents will soon come to an end. Having been here since January, a carefully engineered moving date designed in order to bring some nice seasonality to future articles, we’re now firmly rooted in the customs and quirks of our not-so-new surroundings. From getting a puppy to tending our very first garden, I can’t think of a better part of Bristol to call home and carry out the pretence of adulthood in. The last couple of months in particular have been full of community spirit. First up was Halloween and a never-ending procession of gruesome trick or treaters. My initial response was to let Mrs Haskell take the reins and dish out the goods, happy to hide in the background. That all changed when a friendly bat complimented my pumpkincarving skills, at which point I was delighted to hand over piles of sweets to everyone - including the surly, furry-lipped teenagers who couldn’t even be bothered to dress up and could only just muster the three magic words.

be celebrated. Less enjoyable was the continued bombardment that followed, which drove the dog into a mad panic. Though she didn’t go full Taba and wedge herself between a wall and a conservatory, it’s fair to say that Frazzle didn’t particularly enjoy the occasion and is now dreading New Year’s Eve. So now the countdown to Christmas begins and the big choices that we’ll have to make for the first time, such as where to put the tree and whether to string-up the cards or place them on the mantelpiece. Once we’ve wrestled our way out from underneath the weight of these decisions it’ll be time to settle down and embrace the festive spirit - all set to offer mulled wine to any carol singer who happens to stop by (surly teenagers included) and enjoy these last few December days before getting ready to d1o it all again next year. Duncan Haskell PS - Thanks as always for reading this column, have a wonderful Christmas and see you all in 2018

Up next was the pet-traumatising weeklong assault of Bonfire “Night”. Of course, after last year’s weather-affected performance (we just so happened to be in the area on house-hunting recce that night), the triumphant return of the Canford Park Firework Fiesta was something to 24

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Music - now and then Album of the Month Infinite Worlds by Vagabon (House Anxiety/ Marathon Artists) There’s a point towards the end of each year when music’s big guns decide to drop their latest offerings. This year has seen heavyweights such as Sam Smith, Taylor Swift and Noel Gallagher make a late dash for chart domination and has also welcomed re-releases of seminal albums by the likes of Metallica and The Doors. Those acts aren’t in need of further promotion here, so instead we’re delving a little deeper and focussing on the reissued debut album by Laetitia Tamko, better known as Vagabon. The eagle-eyed among you will remember that we recommended Vagabon’s show at Thekla as our gig of the month for October and our love for this immense talent shows no sign of abating. Born in Cameroon, before moving to New York, she has emerged from the Brooklyn DIY scene with the perfect album for these confusing times. Her voice, reminiscent of a steelier Regina Spektor, tackles issues of identity and belonging. Lyrics such as “I’ve been hiding in the smallest space/ I am dying to go/ this is not my home” (Fear & Force) and “What about them scares you so much?/ My standing there threatens your standing too” (Cleaning House) reveal the record’s central themes. In less dextrous hands, Infinite Worlds could become an overly sombre affair, but through her spiky music and resolution to overcome these differences and carve out something better, it ends up an uplifting affair which deserves to find a larger audience second time around. Next (Christmas) Steps… A Very She & Him Christmas by She & Him (Merge) A Charlie Brown Christmas – Original Soundtrack (Fantasy) A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector (Philles Records)

month and embracing the festive season to highlight three of our favourite Christmas albums. Hopefully you’ll find something a little different to enjoy, before Mariah and Slade have caused you to throw your speakers out the window. First up is a 2011 album from the duo of Zooey Deshcanel and M.Ward (collectively known as She & Him). Deschanel’s voice has just the right amount of nostalgic yearning and is perfectly complimented by Ward’s gentle instrumentation. The pair tackle seasonal favourites and some lesser known gems on this invitingly magical album. Our second pick is the soundtrack to the 1965 animated television special, A Charlie Brown Christmas. There’s something truly evocative in the jazz music of the Vince Guaraldi Trio which elevates compositions such as Skating and Christmas Is Coming out of their cartoon setting and into the December sky. If that’s not enough, it also contains Linus And Lucy, one of the catchiest piano ditties ever committed to record. Our final choice is this 1963 compilation album produced by Phil Spector. Led by artists such as The Crystals and The Ronettes, this record has gone on to become one of the definitive Christmas albums, and rightly so. Spector’s Wall of Sound is ideally suited to songs like Frosty the Snowman and Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, highlighting that these are worthy pop songs in their own right. Gig of the Month Christmas Spectacular @ St George’s (Wednesday 20th December) We’re keeping with the Yule theme and recommending that you all head to St George’s for this extravaganza, performed by professional orchestra the Bristol Ensemble (with added help from 100 voices of the City of Bristol Choir). The evening promises orchestral pieces, carols and sing-alongs. If you can’t make it on the 20th then the following evening will see the Exultate Singers join the Bristol Ensemble for further festive fun. Duncan Haskell

We’re breaking from the norm a bit this 26

Antoine Blanchard (French 1910-88) Oil on canvas Sold for £16,000

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Coaching - Anne Miller Dreams and Goals Is it ok to dream? Or are dreams just an inferior version of goals? There have been some big dreamers throughout history who have contributed significantly to the society we have today: Martin Luther King, Walt Disney and John Lennon, to name a few. These and many others found ways to share their dreams and inspire others, bringing cultural and economic benefits to our world.

When Martin Luther King shared his dream, he shared his vision and his vision engaged people. They saw an alternative society that was worth fighting for. He galvanised people and people worked together to achieve something previously thought fanciful. The people who took action will have set goals, no doubt: specific goals around action and engagement. But they didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need specific goals about justice and freedom: the concept and the vision was enough! We are familiar with the need for goals to be specific and realistic in order for them to be achievable. I will often work with clients to help them be specific so that they can plan their actions and measure their progress towards their goals. When progress has previously been disappointing, this often helps to provide the necessary motivation. But when there is a higher purpose and the vision is compelling, maybe itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ok to dream, maybe its ok not to be preciseâ&#x20AC;Ś

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If we are not someone who likes to dream, we may easily dismiss the dreams of others, disregarding them as unrealistic, fanciful, a waste of time, and a distraction. But as the examples above demonstrate, dreaming may not be such a bad thing! Not all dreams disappear into the winds of time. On the contrary, they have often been the inspiration for action on a massive scale that has shaped history!

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It’s too cold, it’s too wet, the house doesn’t look it’s best’. There are all sorts of reasons why people put off selling in winter, but did you know that almost four million people were searching for property on Rightmove during Christmas and Boxing Day last year? And there are all sorts of solid reasons why you can successfully sell before spring. If a house is ever to feel welcoming and warm, surely, it’s winter? There’s no need to wait for the most competitive time of the year when buyers have traditionally more choice, we can definitely help you sell or let in December. Besides - what’s not to like about a twinkling tree in Clifton Village, ice on the grass tips of Durdham Downs and the steamy windows of cosy city bars after a stroll down our famous Christmas steps? Realistically? Bristol sells whatever the season. Best wishes Howard Davis MD, C J Hole Clifton

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We have several disappointed buyers, they are looking for something similar to this property in Sneyd Park. A spacious ground floor apartment offering: Two receptions, kitchen/breakfast room, two double bedrooms, two bathrooms, patio area, garage and visitor parking.

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VENDORS FEEDBACK - Rachel Smith - often got more information from her about what was happening than from our solicitor. Always felt she was doing what she could to help move things along. Vince also veryhelpful.

More like this required. If you are thinking about moving and would like an up to date appraisal of your property please contact the Sales Team at C J Hole Clifton on 01179 238238.

Clifton Sales 0117 923 8238 www.cjhole.co.uk 31

History Notes - Julian Lea-Jones No. 121- Rouncot, 166 Henleaze Road Number 166 Henleaze Road is a listed local landmark and although most won’t recognise it by its street number or L2543 or even ‘My Giddy Aunt’ they certainly will if you say ‘The Thatched Cottage’. Currently the home of Duncan Ogilvie the cottage is viewed by passers-by as a pleasingly quirky but anachronistic oddity. Nevertheless it engenders a sense of local pride – a memory of the grand mansions that once graced the hills of Henleaze. The cottage on the corner of Henleaze Road and Wanscow Walk was originally, in the early years of the nineteenth century, a lodge house for Henleaze Park House, which became St Margaret’s School, and even later replaced by the bungalows of St Margaret’s Drive. Mounted horse riders entering the Lodge gateway

Thatched roofs, although picturesque, need periodic renewal. Number 166 was last renewed in 1994/5 and, as many will have already noticed, number 166 is currently being re roofed by Somerset Master Thatcher John Harman from Sparkford. Reroofing - removing the old thatch and making and fitting the new - on a building of this size, weather depending, usually takes about 4 – 5 weeks. By mid-November John and his assistants Atilla and Richard, starting from the eaves had replaced the lower layers and had reached as far as the upper windows. Until the new blond thatch is trimmed it gave the bedroom windows the appearance of a Boris Johnson haircut. When talking to John I quickly realised that thatching is an intricate and labour intensive process using tools and Master thatcher John Harman & techniques which team, Richard & Atilla

have remained largely unchanged down the centuries. John very kindly took time to explain the elements, tools and processes that go to make up a thatched roof. Thatch is usually long straw or reeds, long straw is also known confusingly as Devon Reed. This thatch is using Combed Wheat Straw. The term long straw is a post-industrial term. The introduction of combine harvesters resulted in the straw being cut short, which means thatchers now have to buy or grow and cut their own. Also unlike farmers they need wheat straws with small heads Modern straw - large head, and old -this is achieved by straw - small head growing in nitrogen deficient soil. Before describing the tools I will explain the structure and process involved. Similar to most conventional roofs the rafters have battens placed horizontally across them. The thatch straw made into bundles each weighing about 10 pounds (5Kg) are then laid on the battens layer at a time up to about four bundles thick, gradually working from the eaves to the ridge. When a horizontal section, a layer, is in place the constituent bundles are held down by horizontal poles, so that the thatch is gripped between the roof battens and Preparing the bundles the pole. Traditionally the poles are about one inch (25mm) diameter hazel wands. Nowadays the hazel wands, known as ‘sways’, are often interspersed with galvanised steel rods while the sways themselves are held to the thatch by split hazel staples shaped like large hairpins driven into the straw layers. These hazel ‘staples’ are historically called spars, or by the Norfolk term broaches. Because of the demise of many country crafts and thatched houses John, as well as growing his own straw, coppices his own hazel. Once the layers of bundles have

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History Notes - Julian Lea-Jones that Nash borrowed from George Repton. Also, when Nash designed the cottages at Blaise to be arranged around the small green he ensured that for the tenants’ privacy none of the front doors directly faced one another. Similarly, or coincidentally the front door of the Henleaze cottage is on the side that would have faced the drive to the house and not facing Henleaze Lane where one would have expected the door to be where gatekeeper could watch for his master’s arrivals.

reached the ridge with the uppermost ones protruding over the top, smaller bundles dressed round are laid lengthwise along the ridge and the protruding straws are folded over each side and held down tightly by further cross members and hazel spars to waterproof the ridge. The top tie downs are called ligetts. Having built the thatch it is anchored to the roof rafters by galvanised iron hooks like large tent pegs. The hooked upper end traps the hazel or iron sways with the spike end driven through the thatch into the rafters.

Whether or not John Nash directly designed the lodge cottage for Henleaze Park House we will probably never know, however the owner of the cottage was almost certainly influenced by Harford’s Blaise Hamlet. In 1804 Philip Protheroe was Bristol’s Sheriff and by 1810 he held the office of Mayor. What better way to announce his new social status than by copying or commissioning a lodge for his own grand house?

The Reverend Eric McNeill's sisters Jessie & Julie at the Wanscow Walk gate

Now the lodge cottage has a nice bright and waterproof new roof what about its history? The present owner Duncan kindly gave me sight of the various deeds and house documentation in order to compile an outline chronology. Edward Bright had Henleaze Park House built in 1769. Ownership or part interest by members of the Protheroe family is a bit confusing however it is likely that in 1779 Edward Bright sold it to Philip Protheroe but by January 1815 the house again changed hands, this time the 4th & 5th part ownership of the Henleaze Park estate passed to Sir Henry and Edward Protheroe and subsequently to John Savage, the sugar refiner of Wilder Street. Thus if Veronica Bowerman’s research and surmise is correct, and the cottage was built in about 1810 as a lodge at the Henleaze Lane end of the drive to Henleaze Park House, it would have probably been commissioned by Philip Protheroe. John Scandrett Harford had John Nash design the picturesque hamlet of ten cottages at Blaise for his staff and pensioners and the visual similarities between Blaise Hamlet and the 166 Henleaze Road cottage leads one to consider a common guiding hand. A common but unusual feature of both are the massive brick chimneys, almost as tall as the cottages; a design

Since those days, The Thatched Cottage has had an interesting succession of owners:• 1870, September, the cottage was still part of the Henleaze Park Estate, part owners of which included Messrs Budget, Wedd & Derham. •Early 1900s Duncan added; “Rose Clery (nee George) wrote in 1992 that her father and Uncle Harry (who lived in the thatched cottage) rented the farm and field of Henleaze Park and ran it as Henleaze Park Dairy until 1921. The kitchen/living room of the lodge was papered in plain red. On the walls hung a set of humorous hunting prints, the red coats of the hunting characters matching the walls behind. The sitting room always seemed to be full of potted ferns and there was a pond nearby where watercress grew”. • 1913 “The main entrance to Henleaze Park was here and one of the last carriages to use this front may have been that of Mrs Fry of Goldney House (Chocolates and Quakerism) whose daughter was married to Percy Rogers. She was driven over from Clifton in a carriage and pair to visit her family”. • 1915 Cottage still identified as the main entrance lodge to Henleaze Park House.

History Notes - Julian Lea-Jones • From 1920 to 1926 the thatched cottage, now named ‘Rouncot’, was rented to Reverend Eric McNeill's wedding group in the Eric McNeill cottage garden as Minister of the United Reform Church in Waterford Road who lived at the cottage and thus it was also the Manse for the URC.

• 1995 Mrs Elise Beauchamp won a Bristol Civic Society Environmental Award, one of only ten in the city, for the beautiful new thatch. • 2000 Sold to Duncan Ogilvie which except for the mystery surrounding L2543 almost brings the story of the cottage up to date. Duncan received a gift of a Lilliput lane miniature thatched cottage serial L2543 named the ‘Giddy Aunt Tea Rooms’. Duncan was amazed when he realised it was an actual replica of his home – the Thatched cottage, ‘Rouncot’ at 166 Henleaze Road.

• 1923 Abstract of title deed of Mr Sidney Curtis to the Henleaze Park Estate but in August he sold to Mr Henry Winboldt Jenkins.

Lilliput Lane miniature serial L2543 "the Giddy Aunt Tea Rooms"

• 1927 May, was sold by Mr H.W. Jenkins to Mr Joseph Bank Derrick. • 1934 October, Estate of Mr J. B. Derrick (deceased) to Mrs Lizzie Derrick. • 1938 August, Estate of Mrs L. Derrick, (deceased) sold to Mr Edward Albert Anderson. • 1948 February, Messrs E.A. & Vernon Anderson’s tenant Mr Bryan Morton-Roach. • 1948 April, Trustees of estate of Mr E.A. Anderson’s tenant Huw Morris Bowen for 1 year. • 1955 July, Trustees of estate of Mr E.A. & V. Anderson sold to Elizabeth Caroline Beatrice Chapman. • 1955 October, E.C.B. Chapman sold to Mr Geoffrey Frederick Carey. • 1957 Mr G. F. Carey sold to Mrs Helen Marian McLachlan, (teacher of Drama & Elocution). • 1977 The Department of Environment listed the property (number 1282261) for its architectural and historical interest. • 1984 Mrs H. M. McLachlan sold to Mrs Jacqueline Elise Beauchamp. • 1994 Thatch roof renewed by a Wiltshire firm in the traditional nineteenth-century way.

Acknowledgements. My thanks to: Duncan Ogilvie, Veronica Bowerman - Author & Local Historian, The Reverend Eric McNeill’s family, The Reverend Tracy Lewis - Minister of Henleaze URC, Peter Miller - contributor to the book The Centenary History of Henleaze URC. All who provided information or memories about the history of the Church and the lodge house. Not forgetting John Harman Master Thatcher who took the time to explain the intricacies of thatching. Sources: • 100 years of life in our church, Henleaze URC 1907, 2007. • Veronica Bowerman, The Henleaze Book, 2 editions and Henleaze Connections. • A popular retreat, Blaise Castle house & estate., City of Bristol Museum & Art gallery. • John Seymour’s ‘Forgotten Arts – traditional skills’, Published by DK for the National Trust. • http://www.historyofparliamentonline. org/volume/1790-1820/member/protheroeedward-1774-1856 © 2017, Julian Lea-Jones FRAeS 36

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37 www.richardharding.co.uk

Christmas Tree Festival Following on from its inaugural success last year the organisers that the Westbury on Trym Christmas Tree Festival at the Parish Church have confirmed that it will be repeated again this coming festive season. "We have been writing to businesses and organisations to invited them to enter a tree into this Festival. Westbury Methodist Church is coming on board this year and will be displaying some of the Christmas Trees, in their church on Westbury Hill, in partnership with us, during the Christmas Tree Festival period. We propose the Festival will take place from 19th – 22nd December, with the delivery and setting up of trees from 10.30am on Monday 18th December. Visitors will be welcome between the hours of 10.30am and 4.00pm each day, (with the exception of Friday 22nd when, at the bride’s request, a wedding will take place with trees still on display for the guests to enjoy). There will be extended opening hours on Wednesday 20th until 8.30pm. There will be no charge for entering a tree, although you are invited to make a donation to our 2017 Appeal. During all opening hours, there will be an opportunity to purchase a few festive items and enjoy some home made refreshments. It is suggested, that you provide and decorate your tree (size 3.5’ – 4’) to reflect the nature of your group or business. There will be no supply of electricity but, if you wish, you could decorate your tree with battery powered lights. The provider of each tree can also choose to create their tree (using any suitable materials) or to use a traditional garden/artificial one. The details of the provider may be shown discretely alongside. There will be no entrance fee to view the trees, however, there will be donation boxes provided. A descriptive programme will be produced, listing the participating organisations, businesses and their displays. Trees must be removed by the sponsors on the afternoon of 22nd December between 4.30 and 6.30pm Should you have any queries about arrangements or any other matters concerning the display of your tree, then please do not hesitate to contact either Joy Bradley Roake (950 8166) or Lyn Horscroft (962 3164) or email office@westbury-parish-church.org.uk. If you would like to participate in this community Christmas event we would be delighted to hear from you at the above address. We see our Church as a focal point in our local community, and this event is a lovely opportunity for local businesses and groups to be involved. We do ohope that as many as possible will take part".

Council Talk - Peter & John Reporting

Cllr. Peter Abraham & Cllr. John Goulandris serve you on Bristol City Council for the Stoke Bishop Ward covering Sneyd Park & Sea Mills A special message from Cllr.John Goulandris & Cllr Peter Abraham

Our message this month, some will judge, as too political, but we believe we should inform you of the facts as we see them. Bristol’s Labour Mayor will announce this month the fate of our libraries and parks. His proposals are brutal. Parks have to “break even’ financially within two years. Our much loved local libraries in Sea Mills and Westbury are scheduled to close. Public funding is a finite resource and all councils, including Bristol, have to spend public money efficiently. However, other local authorities are making efficiency savings WITHOUT wholesale library and park closures. Innovative thinking, technology and use of volunteers can keep our libraries and parks open. Why isn’t the Mayor considering these options? Sadly, it looks as if the Mayor is using libraries and parks as political footballs. At the Full Council meeting held on14th November all political groups with the exception of Labour supported motions to protect parks and libraries. We will, together with residents, continue to do all we can to stop our libraries and parks being destroyed We wish all readers ‘Merry Christmas’ and hopefully a new year which will see Bristol City Council see sense on libraries and parks.

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Toilet Twinning Here's a nice story that caught the eye recently. Local bathroom and plumbing company Threesixty Services (see p 19) joined forces with charity Toilet Twinning to mark World Toilet Day and help provide toilets in poor communities abroad. Threesixty Services have 'twinned' their own toilet in their showroom on Zetland Road with a latrine overseas through the charity and will now be encouraging customers to do the same in their new bathrooms. By donating £60 to twin their toilet, Threesixty customers will be helping those in desperate poverty to have access to a proper latrine, clean water and the information they need to be healthy. In return, customers will receive a certificate of their toilet's twin (such as this one in South Sudan), containing a photo, the latrine's location and its GPS coordinates, to proudly display in their new bathroom. Those who donate to the initiative will be able to choose a country to twin their toilet with. Threesixty will also be inspiring customers who have received plumbing services, to make a donation towards twinning a toilet, through its match funding scheme. They aim to raise enough in partnership with their

customers to provide 12 new toilets in the coming year. Toilet Twinning CEO Lorraine Kingsley said: "A loo of even the most basic design can literally save lives in the poor communities where we work. So, we are extremely grateful to Threesixty Services for their support in helping us help communities which lack even the most basic services that we tend to take for granted." Eden Warren, Operations Director at Threesixty, said: "We are thrilled to be working with Toilet Twinning and contribute to such a worthwhile cause. Having just twinned our showroom’s toilet with a latrine in Lupaya in the Democratic Republic of Congo, we now want to help spread the word to others in Bristol. As World Toilet Day highlights, many people overseas don’t have access to decent, healthy sanitation - something that many of us here take for granted. Our aim, going forward, is to work with our customers, to provide this basic but critical facility, to as many communities as possible." World Toilet Day is an United Nations initiative to inspire action to tackle the global sanitation crisis. Today, 2.3 billion people do not have somewhere safe to go the toilet. The Sustainable Development Goals, launched in 2015, include a target to ensure everyone has access to a safely-managed household toilet by 2030. This makes sanitation central to eradicating extreme poverty.

Good Reads - recommendations from Bruce Fellows The US Presidential election and one of the candidates is ‘vulgar, almost illiterate, a public liar’, ‘his “ideas” almost idiotic’, and yet the people elect him. Ring any bells? But this is Buzz Windrip, Sinclair Lewis’s creation in It Can’t Happen Here, his novel first published in 1935 as a warning against the danger of fascism snuffing out American democracy. But Lewis has people like Doremus Jessup, too, a small town newspaper editor who resists as the country falls into chaos and the terror begins. Now re-published, this is a strange and disturbing foretelling of what might have been but let’s hope will never be. Whitney Terrell’s gripping, fascinating and moving novel The Good Lieutenant is the story of Emma Fowler, nicknamed ‘Family Values’, as she grapples with keeping her platoon safe and always up to the mark. They’re in Iraq, they carry guns, but they’re a support unit. They rescue vehicles, build roadblocks and so on but they’re still in danger; Sgt Beale disappears and must be found. Emma’s hero is the boring General Eisenhower, who always put others first. When her soldiers suffer, Fowler suffers. This is a vivid portrait of the US Army and what it means to be an officer and have soldiers to care for. From the Farm to the Front is Adrian Harris’s new play about the Somme written for schools but with a message for everyone. As the Powell family becomes embroiled in the First World War, their contributions and sufferings are revealed in a series of quick fire scenes on the farm and at the Front, with judicious use of letters, even one in a box of grenades.

There are nurses, munitions workers, soldiers, pilots, miners. It’s a great read, as gripping as a good novel, and drama teachers, check it out, there are many great speaking and non-speaking parts and a truly moving children’s battle scene. It’s a film now but thirty years ago it was a quirky memoir relating an episode in actor Peter Turner’s life. Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool relates how an ex-girlfriend rang up begging for rescue from hospital. He brought her to stay at his mother’s house in Liverpool. She was Gloria Grahame, sultry film noir star whom he’d met while both were living in a London boarding house. We learn of their time together in London and New York and get a warm and amusing picture of Turner’s family and the way they all rallied round. It’s a heart-warming though ultimately very sad story. A gruesome murder, a detective who doesn’t jump to conclusions, goes home for lunch and stops for an aperitif. Yes, it’s Inspector Maigret, and Georges Simenon has him prowling the streets of Paris again in The Shadow Puppet, recently re-published in a new translation. Couchet has been shot dead in front of his wide open safe; armed robbery gone wrong, surely. Well. The apartment house where the shooting occurred provides a host of suspects but was it an outside job, and what of the mad woman and her sinister sister? Maigret finds the murderer of course. This is a great read, Simenon at his best. Bruce Fellows - December 2017 42

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The Downs Observer - Richard Bland A journey round the Downs No 10 Stoke Road to Sea Walls Last month we reached the top of Stoke Hill. Cross the road to look at the fine War Memorial to those in Stoke Bishop who died in two world wars. Cross the minor road which joins Stoke Hill at this point, and you wonder why this road exists. It is in fact an ancient toll road, which ran from Bristol, up through Clifton, up Fountains Hill in an 18c cutting, and then straight across the Downs to this point. It was a road created by the 1727 Bristol Turnpike Act, with the turnpike gate at the bottom of Fountains Hill. It was then, and still is today, lined with a fine avenue of trees, but ceased to be used as a road at some point after 1750, when it was replaced by Ladies Mile. It is wonderful that the avenue, long since redundant, continues to be maintained by each generation. At the top there is the Old Halt, a listed former coaching inn, probably pre-dating the Turnpike Act, as anyone coming from the north west would need a break and change of horses after getting up Stoke Hill. Originally the building would have been completely isolated but a Victorian entrepreneur named William Baker decided to create a development on the far side of the Downs, which he called Downleaze and Rockleaze. The magnificent line of Victorian semidetached villas facing the Downs, with stables and coach house behind, is one of the finest of all 19c Bristol developments. Right at the end, at the junction of Ivywell Road, there is a path stretching east, and this was a private road created by Baker in 1862. It runs across to Ladies Mile and then to Upper Belgrave Road, where there is a low cutting. Its creation led to public outcry and he was forced to return it to open grassland, though in 1882 the present footpath was created on the line of the road. At its junction with Circular Road, created, incidentally, in 1877, there are the battered remains of a water trough for the sheep. It is made from a solid block of pennant sandstone from the quarries in the Frome Valley. We turn right down Ivywell Road, to Ivywell House, originally a farmhouse, at the bottom,

and then left along the boundary wall. This section of the Downs is called the Ash Wood, because there is a large wood of veteran ash trees, with a few old oaks, which are certainly 150 years old. Quite why the grazing pressure was so low that a wood was able to develop on this site is unclear. The woodland is now almost impenetrable. The wall has a series of garden gates for the owners of the very large villas built in the late 19c, which themselves have been subject to infill in recent times. The last of these is the eccentric Towerhirst built in 1861.

Just before you reach the cliff edge there is a toilet block. This was created in 1945 from the temporary mess hall created for the American First Army whose tanks covered the Down’s surface and played a key role in D-Day. There were a series of large temporary buildings on Circular Road. Just below you at this point is Turner’s Cave, now part of the gardens of Seawalls flats. Here the 17 yearold artist painted a view of the Avon Gorge in 1791, which is now in the city art museum. He was later to paint other views based on this spot. And finally we are back where we began at Sea Walls, nine kilometres and almost a year ago. We have covered the events of some 2250 years, seen ghost roads, explored wildlife. In case you were wondering, five times round the Downs is a marathon. The Downs are for people, and the management of a vast number of competing interests is sophisticated and subtle. 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 45

Mutual Wills, Mirror Wills & Crystal Balls

Mutual Wills are different. They create an agreement between a couple which cannot easily be undone, once made.

We are often asked by married couples, civil partners and cohabiting couples to prepare ‘Mirror’ or ‘Mutual Wills’ for them. These have been in the spotlight recently following the case of Legg v Burton and you might suppose that Mirror and Mutual Wills mean practically the same thing. Legally they do not and the differences between them can have far-reaching consequences for your estate.

What are the consequences of entering into a Mutual Will? The main consequence is that the survivor of the couple will be bound by the agreement they made with their partner or spouse following their death. Whilst on the face of it, this may seem fine, your wishes may change, particularly if your partner or spouse dies unexpectedly early or if you enter into a new relationship.

What’s the diﬀerence between a Mutual and a Mirror Will?

Does this mean it is not possible to make a new Will after my partner’s death?

Mirror Wills apply where a couple make, broadly speaking, the same provisions. Typically this may be to leave their estate to the survivor and then to their children on the second death.

Whilst it is technically possible, you will still be legally required to include the provisions of your former Mutual Will within your new Will. You will therefore still be held to the agreement made within the Mutual Will.

Mirror Wills can be revised or re-made at any later date so they are capable of being what is legally termed, revoked.

Why do you need professional and specialist advice?

of children or grandchildren, and changes in your finances or other circumstances.

At VWV, we have seen several examples of disputed estates where a couple have created Mutual Wills without appearing to fully understand the nature of the binding agreement they had entered into. Whilst in particular circumstances a Mutual Will may prove the appropriate choice, the full extent of the agreement that you are making should be very carefully explored and explained.

It is vital to seek specialist expert advice when preparing your Will, and to regularly review your wishes with the aid of professional advice. This will give you peace of mind that you remain able to cater for potential changes longterm. For legal advice on making or updating a Will, please contact Michelle Rose on 0117 314 5246 or at mrose@vwv.co.uk

Regular reviews Without a crystal ball, we are unable to predict how events will unfold in the future.You should keep your Will under regular review and this is particularly relevant for key stagesof your life, such as house purchases, the birth

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In the Garden - with Cathy Lewis Honey fungus Fungus isn’t the sort of subject to put you in the seasonal spirit, but it’s thanks to these underground heroes that our festive hollies and ivies grow so well. Beneath the woodland floor is a vast network of fungal threads that have a symbiotic relationship with plants. Amongst the many benefits, plants provide fungi with sugars and get essential minerals in return. Most fungi are both welcome and necessary in our gardens, however there is one horticultural nasty that strikes fear into the heart of every gardener. The disease is honey fungus, which is the common name for several different species of Armillaria. It spreads by underground rhizomorphs, or bootlaces, which radiate out from diseased wood. Infected plants often have a sheet of white mycelium underneath the bark that smells strongly of mushrooms. In autumn, clumps of honey-coloured toadstools are sometimes visible. There is no cure for honey fungus, all you can do is try to prevent it spreading. The RHS recommends digging out infected plants, roots and all, and in extreme cases creating an impenetrable trench barrier around the infected area using heavy-duty butyl liner. My neighbor recently experienced the destructive effects of this disease. It spread into Honey fungus toadstools are edible – her garden but not to be recommended! from an old tree stump and is slowly killing off her shrubs.

Speaking to other gardeners it’s apparent that honey fungus isn’t uncommon in the BS9 area. However there are seven species of this fungus in the UK, only two of which are particularly damaging. If your plants are healthy and well tended there’s a chance they will be able to fight off the disease. Many plants are naturally more resistant, including yew, holly, hebe, hawthorn, beech and box. Particularly susceptible plants include forsythia, Yew, holly and box are apple, azalea, all relatively resistant to lilac and privet. A honey fungus comprehensive list of vulnerable and resistant plants is available on the RHS website. For all its bad press, it’s worth remembering that honey fungus is a natural part of the ecosystem. Remarkably, a specific honey fungus growing in the Blue Mountains in Oregon is reckoned to be the largest living organism on Earth, covering an area Honey fungus can be of 3.7 square miles destructive – here it has killed a rose and estimated to be between 1,900 and 8,650 years old! Cathy Lewis, Dip. PGSF Professional garden design, consultancy & maintenance Tel 07985 008 585 www.cathylewisgardens.co.uk

Graham Cook Gardener and Handyman

Grass cutting, hedge and shrub trimming, weeding, planting, felling small trees, clearing, small painting jobs including garden fences and other maintenance work. Please call for a no-obligation chat

Call 0117 377 0644 or 07415 658 205

Being Brunel NEW BRUNEL MUSEUM NEEDS VOLUNTEERS Being Brunel, an exciting new national museum, will be opening alongside the SS Great Britain in Bristol at the end of March 2018. The museum will provide a fascinating new experience to visitors to Brunel’s SS Great Britain, Bristol’s number one thing to do (TripAdvisor), and around eighty local volunteers are needed to inspire, inform and educate visitors. Brunel was a great engineer, entrepreneur, designer and showman. The new museum will tell the hero’s extraordinary story through never-before-seen personal possessions, as well as interactive exhibits and audio-visual experiences. Being Brunel also recreates the interiors of his London office and the Great Western Steamship Company’s Bristol office set within the Grade II* listed Dock Office building, which has been structurally restored as part of the project. From talking to visitors about Brunel’s life to showing original objects from the Brunel collection, local volunteers are needed to help bring history to life and will play a key role in the new museum. Volunteers will also be able to go behind the scenes, get involved in exciting events leading up to the new museum and be part of a lively team. Annmarie, a Bristol local and volunteer, commented: “Working as a volunteer is interesting and lots of fun. There is a real team spirit. I have really enjoyed learning about Brunel and the SS Great Britain, as well as the people who worked and travelled on her. I have had the opportunity to develop skills and meet new people, as well as hear about and see fascinating stories and objects not always open to the public. Overall, it’s a very supportive and sociable place to volunteer.” The SS Great Britain are looking for people who will enjoy engaging with our visitors and would enjoy being part of a vibrant, dynamic team. Volunteers do not need to have any existing knowledge of Brunel, the SS Great Britain or Victorian history. Ideally, volunteers will be able to commit to a minimum of one morning or afternoon each week. For individuals interested in volunteering, please go online and complete an enquiry form. Alternatively, please email volunteer@ssgreatbritain.org or ring 0117 926 0680. 50

Badminton School

Christmas Bazaar Saturday 9th December 2017 10.30am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1.30pm

Free entry e: schooloffice@badmintonschool.co.uk e: schooloffice@badmintonschool.co.uk t: 0117 905 5200 t: 0117 905 5200 Badminton School, Westbury Road, Badminton School, Westbury Road, 51 Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol BS9 3BA Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol BS9 3BA

Join us as we celebrate the wonder and joy of Christmas!

The Community Church Sunday 17th December 10.30am Christmas Nativity Service - an all age presentation of the Christmas message with music, creativity and lots of fun! The Greenway Centre, Doncaster Rd, Southmead

Reedley Road

Sunday 24th December 4pm Christingle Service For families with young children, candles, carols and the Christmas story. The Community Church, Albert Place, Westbury on Trym BS9 4AF

Sunday 17th December 5.30pm Carols by candlelight Wednesday 20th December 6.30pm Carols on the grass

Christmas Day Family Special 10.30am The Greenway Centre, Doncaster Rd, Southmead

Christmas Eve 10.30am Family Nativity Service 11.15pm Midnight Communion

www.thecommunitychurch.net

Westbury-on-Trym Baptist Church,

St Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Stoke Bishop

Christmas Day 10.30am A Christmas celebration for the whole family

Mariners Drive, BS9 1QJ

www.westburybaptist.org.uk

Sunday 17th December 6.30pm Christmas Carol Service Followed by mince pies and mulled wine

Westbury-on-Trym Methodist Church, Westbury Hill

Christmas Eve Sunday 24th Dec 3.30pm and 5pm Crib Services 11pm Midnight Holy Communion

Sunday 17th December 10.30am Scratch Nativity Service for all ages 6.30pm Carol Service Christmas Eve 24th December 11.15pm Midnight Communion Christmas Day Worship at 10.30am

Christmas Day 10.30am: Christmas morning celebration for the whole family 0117 9687449 www.stmarysb.org.uk

0117 962 2930 westburyontrymmethodistchurch.org.uk 52

Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Grange Court Rd 24th December 6.30pm - Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christmas Eve Mass 11pm Midnight Mass Christmas Day 9.15am - Mass of Christmas Morning 0117 983 3926 www.sacredheartchurch.co.uk

Westbury-on-Trym Parish Church Church Road, BS9 3EQ

Sunday 17th December 6.30pm Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight Christmas Eve 4pm Carols around the crib, for children and families Christmas Day 10am All-age Family Service

Christmas is a special time of the year when we celebrate with our families and friends. We remember the amazing truth that God entered our world in the form of a baby, to rescue us from the darkness of our world.

0117 950 8644 www.westbury-parish-church.org.uk

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Who'd be a Judge? I've never been a fan of Britain's Got Talent or The X Factor - indeed ITV (or should I call it Channel 3 so that you youngsters know what I'm on about) never gets much of a look in on a Saturday night (unless I'm a Celebrity is on, of course). So to hear myself say that my respect for Simon Cowell has increased enormously is something of a surprise to me. The reason - a couple of weeks ago I was delighted to accept an invitation from the lovely people at Premier Homecare to be the independent judge of the competition to choose their 2017 Christmas card. And what a tough job it was - having to pick one winner from twenty terrific entries, from contestants aged from 4 to 12. And while my decision was hardly life-changing for any of the contestants, the weight of pressure bore heavily on my shoulders, especially as my deliberations were witnessed by a dozen or so members of staff, many of whom had children or grandchildren whose entries were laid out on the boardroom table before me. After careful and lengthy consideration I opted for the entry (top left) from 10 year old Faith Mignott, seen below left with her second and third placed friends collecting their prizes from Judith Swindells of Premier Homecare. Well done Faith, I look forward to seeing your finished Christmas card.

Wishing everyone a cosy & festive Christmas from all at Ocean… Christmas isn’t Christmas without somewhere warm and cosy to call home – Ocean supports the Julian Trust Night Shelter, giving a warm welcome, a hot meal, and a little Christmas cheer to Bristol’s homeless and rough sleepers. 55

juliantrust.org.uk

At the Movies - Chris Worthington The Party Directed by Sally Potter

without his wife who may arrive later “in time for coffee.” The dinner party is doomed to fail and for the rest of the evening the guests engage in angry political and moral arguments without any sense of conviviality and are uncertain about how to deal with the crises in their lives while showing concern for the other guests. Celebration is most definitely off the agenda.

The Party has an ensemble cast of seven plus one other character who never appears on screen but has a central part to play. The host of the celebratory dinner party is Janet (Kristin Scott Thomas) who has just been promoted to shadow health secretary. The film introduces the liberal left characters complete with lifestyle choices and their barely concealed dislike of each other as they arrive for pre - dinner drinks at a suburban house.

First up are April, a sharp tongued American (Patricia Clarkson) and her new age boyfriend Gottfried (Bruno Ganz). From the off April makes it know that Gottfried is a waste of space and is about to be dumped. Next to arrive are Martha (Cherry Jones) and Jinny (Emily Mortimer), a lesbian couple. Jinny has just found out that she is pregnant with triplets and that revelation rather overshadows the news of Janet’s promotion. But there is worse to come. Janet’s husband Bill (Timothy Spall), a distinguished academic, is getting mournfully drunk on red wine and playing records from his vinyl collection to console himself, but from what? The first impression is early onset Alzheimers but in fact he has just found out that he is terminally ill. This is not a good start to the evening and things don’t get any better when Tom (Cillian Murphy) arrives in an agitated state and

Things go from bad to worse when Tom goes to the bathroom to snort cocaine and produces a gun that he hides underneath his jacket. In search of some fresh air he goes into the back garden, dumps the gun in the dustbin in a panic and has a twitchy conversation with Jinny when she sees him trying to retrieve the gun from the bin. Meanwhile Gottfried is trying to cheer Bill up with some new age twaddle about curing cancer by mind over matter and Janet is flapping around attempting to bring things back to normal. From the corner of the room April carps at everything and everyone and then impulsively informs Jinny that their relationship is over. Bill recovers sufficiently well to let Tom know that he nothing but a “wanker banker.” In view of what follows that probably was not the right thing to say and for reasons that I will not reveal the party has a violent end. The Party has a stellar cast on top form and an excellent script written by the director. It was shot in in black and white in two weeks in a house in West London, the perfect setting to expose the immorality and uselessness of the political class and the Westminster village. Chris Worthington chrisworthington32@yahoo.com

The Veg Growers Diary - Reg Patch Whilst I hate wittering on about the weather it plays such a vital part in the successes and failures on the vegetable plot. Too much sun, then not enough, too much rain then too dry, high winds, no winds, frosts, and snows. The weather impacts the growing and maturing of individual crops, and it’s for this reason rarely are two growing years the same. For me that makes it all the more fun, as you may start the growing season in a particularly cold wet spell, but catch up at the end enjoying an Indian summer. And of course what would us old chaps talk about if it weren’t at times about the weather? So if a crop fails to reach your reasonable expectations, do consider trying again next year, as chances are you’ll get better results. Keeping a growing diary is very useful, as you can work out sometimes why things may have grown the way they did. For me I learnt the hard way one year, when I spread pelleted chicken manure over my plot. The theory was good, but in practice it was a magnet for every fox in the neighbourhood, and they’d often come and enjoy an evening digging for England. This was a good reason why my carrots failed, and also taught me not to use the manure again without covering over the plot. So what does the vegetable grower do in December? On a fine dry day there’s leaves to clear away and any decaying vegetation, finish digging over the plot, spread over well rotted muck, and avoid walking on, as compaction will only take place, and damage the soil structure. There’s nothing more pleasing to the eye of the vegetable grower, when this winter job is done. Store apples in a cool dry frost free place, in well ventilated trays. Those with blemishes can still be stored if you keep an eye on them, as they are enjoyed by hungry garden birds when scattered on the lawn on a winters day, when other food reserves are low. Get out your binoculars and plump up the cushions in your comfy fireside chair, as watching the squabbling redwing and fieldfare is a delightful winter pursuit. And on an especially cold day I have a schooner of sherry to hand! Sheer bliss.

Books to Inspire. With Christmas just around the corner, I've chosen two books to tempt the vegetable grower, cook and flower arranger - all such lovely green pursuits. Green Kitchen Travels by David Frenkiel and Luise Vindahl (£15). The new vegetarian cookbook from blogging power couple, Green Kitchen Travels will convert even the most meat loving of carnivores. Just like their blog (and their first cookbook), this book features beautifullystyled food photography, stunning shots of their travels and a generous helping of Scandi-cool. With a focus on natural, organic ingredients and a large selection of vegan and gluten free recipes, this inspiring book shows you that creating healthy vegetarian food can be both exciting and enjoyable. Packed with delicious recipes using a wide and varied selection of vegetables. About the Authors - David Frenkiel and Luise Vindahl are the faces behind the hugely successful blog, Green Kitchen Stories, winner of the Saveur Best Special Diets Blog in 2013. Luise is the happy health freak with a passion for developing wheat-free and sugar-free recipes and David is the photographer and designeye behind their work. The Flower Appreciation Society by Anna Day and Ellie Jauncey (£18). A beautiful, fully illustrated 'recipe book' of flowers. About the Author - Anna Day is a trained illustrator and Ellie Jauncey has a degree in textiles; they both love flowers. The seeds of The Flower Appreciation Society were sown, three years ago, when they worked together pulling pints in their local pub and soon realised how much they had in common. They began making arrangements for the pub and quickly branched out into weddings and 59

The Veg Growers Diary - Reg Patch other events - working from kitchen tables, car boots and the pub's function room. They now work out of a studio in Hackney, London, and their beautifully wild floral designs can be seen at weddings across the country, at fashion events and in the national press. Packed with interesting and achievable designs all beautifully illustrated, a must have book for the budding flower arranger. Veg of the Month - Brussels Sprouts ...love them or hate them? My answer is of course the former, but I’m an old fashioned chap and I thought I only liked mine steamed to perfection, not pan fried with spices or roasted with garlic, which is what the adventurous vegan daughter of mine tempted me with, and it worked! Now Mrs P has added a rather radical change to our culinary sprout enjoyment, Christmas lunch will be interesting this year.

Growing Brussels is pretty easy, even for the complete novice. My best advice would be to buy small strong young plants from the garden centre, or better still get an old chap from your local allotment site to give you some for free - I hear they’re generous souls! From May plant in a sunny spot that is protected from high winds, an addition of well rotted manure sets the plants off to a flying start. Keep watered well when needed, and mound soil around base and

firm to help with wind rock, as the plants grow taller and heavier. Sometimes with a sulphery smell, it’s easy to see why sprouts might not be your veg of choice. But, picked just after a frost, when young and sweet, they really can’t be beaten. Their delightful nutty flavour enhances every roast lunch, especially on Christmas Day, when we the veg growers relish every glorious mouthful.

"So just who is Reg Patch?" my long standing font of all gardening knowledge and dear friend Arthur Brice once asked me. He was somewhat bemused as Arthur, being a highly regarded and respected local gardener and qualified horticulturist, had never come across this Reg person before. Was he a local chap? Arthur asked me, as he’d never crossed his path and thought this very strange. "Is Reg Patch sexist?" was once a question sent his way by an avid BS9 reader who clearly felt Reg sometimes over stepped the mark, and who wasn't sure either what Mrs P felt about some of his comments. Well three years on Reg is retiring, not from growing 'n showing veggies, but just writing about them. And Jane Voke, currently of the very successful Flowers By Arrangement supper club and formally of the Henleaze Garden Club would like to say she hopes you’ve enjoyed reading Reg's’ monthly column on the veg plot, as much as she has enjoyed writing it! Sorry Arthur, it’s been me! You’ve no need to worry though, we’ve not got an interloper in the underground veggie fraternity. Connecting with nature, feeling the soul of the soil, is the root to happiness for me. I wish you one and all a Happy & Healthy Christmas, and do hope Brussels Sprouts are on your Christmas menu… enjoy Jane / Reg x

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Computer Corner with Mrs PC Technology gifts for Christmas. If you are needing inspiration for Christmas gifts, look no further. There are plenty of technology items on sale to suit all budgets. You can also make things for loved ones online. Photobooks, calendars, mugs, jigsaw puzzles, mouse mats, phone cases and cushions are some of the things you can be creative with, using your own photographs. Jessops at The Mall is a good place to start. It just takes a little time and planning, and these types of presents always go down well. Some items are small, such as the “Tile” a device used for tracking your lost car keys or wallet via Bluetooth with a smartphone. They cost from £30. A new mouse will not break the bank, and nor will a mouse mat. Several clients struggle with their cheap and lightweight mice, which are hard to control – so it’s worth looking into alternatives. Look for mice that fit well in the hand and don’t jiggle about. A mat will make the mouse glide better. Though expensive, I wouldn’t be without my Apple Track pad for using with my Mac, which works like a laptop track pad and can be controlled by using your index finger whilst the trackpad is static. It can be helpful if you struggle to keep a mouse still. They do however cost £120 or so. Consider printers. It’s helpful to have one that works with Wi-Fi and that you can print directly from your smartphone or tablet. A Kindle Paperwhite costs approximately £110 and is a lovely bit of technology. Though I adore proper books, there are times when travelling that I use a Kindle because I can read in the dark with it, and store lots of books without worrying about weight. There are of course lots of lovely cases and covers for Kindles, smartphones and tablets as well as laptop bags to choose from.

Take a look at fitness trackers. They are now very affordable and definitely encourage a healthier lifestyle. Fitbit are the market leaders and give you information on how many steps you have done during the day, resting heartrate, and length of time asleep and much more. Cost approx. £100. Portable speakers, like this JAM Replay from PC World, are very useful, and can be used with a smartphone when travelling, to listen to music or the radio. A new pair of headphones is always a useful present. Earbud type, sports ones, noise cancelling and wireless are all possibilities. Top of the range Bose noise cancelling are however about £350. The new Apple AirPods are £150. Digital cameras have come down a lot in price and are easy to use. Maybe a Go-Pro is what is required. Digital (DAB) radios come in all shapes and sizes as well as colours and give wonderful sound quality for radio aficionados. If you want more than a speaker or a radio, consider an Amazon Echo dot, a snip at around £40, which allows you to play music and perform tasks by voice. You can search the net and ask it to play music without ever touching it. One of our family favourites is the Chromecast. A tiny device that plugs into the TV- one of the many dongles you can plug into the HDMI socket to connect your smartphone or tablet wirelessly to the TV. This is really useful for watching slideshows of photos and also content from iPlayer that you have downloaded. With so many different devices, it’s hard to stay abreast of technology, however I do my best and would be happy to help you if you are struggling with any of your Christmas presents this year.

MRS PC FRIENDLY COMPUTER TRAINING Word processing, email, internet and safe surfing, digital photography, ipods / music, Facebook, eBay, Skype, spreadsheets, help & advice on anything computer related. Just bought a computer? Want to learn something new? Call 07920 578 194 Based in Redland, Bristol email mrspcbristol@googlemail.com website www.mrspc.co.uk

Battery life on most mobile phones is not very long, so it’s always handy to have one or even 2 power packs to recharge them with. You can buy power packs of varying sizes and weights, but most will recharge a phone at least 2 or 3 times per charge. When travelling we have a large one and can recharge all our devices using a usb wire.

“Patience is my speciality”

Finance Matters Inheritance Tax

H M Revenue & Customs collected £4.84bn in inheritance tax receipts in 2016/2017*; a large amount, but to put it in perspective less than 3% of what is collected in Income Tax. If you think it only affects the wealthy however, think again. The value of your estate on death dictates the inheritance tax liability faced by your loved ones. ‘Your Estate’ means pretty much everything you own – the house, investments (including ISA’s. It’s surprising how often people think the tax efficiency of ISA’s means they are exempt from Inheritance Tax – the majority are not), money in the bank, value of possessions, cars etc. In fact ‘pensions’ are about the only thing that are usually exempt. So if your estate is more than the current nil rate band (£325,000) minus any debts or liabilities, then inheritance tax could be an issue for you. There are numerous ways to reduce an inheritance tax liability if this is a concern. In my experience the biggest issue for most is not doing anything about it – for fear that money given away will be required in the future. However there are ways to reduce your liability, without having to give up ownership of your assets. It is a detailed subject and space here limits what I can cover. However here are a few ‘teasers’ to consider, which I will gladly expand on if you wanted to drop me an email. I also have copies of a new guide; ‘Untangling Inheritance Tax’ by one provider of IHT solutions, which I will gladly send to anyone that would like one – again just drop me an email at p.james@ grosvenorconsultancy.co.uk or call me on 01275 373348 with your address or email. So – here are the ‘teasers’ – just some, not an exhaustive list by any means: • People who are married or in a civil partnership, have two nil rate bands – this

helps reduce IHT. • Your ‘Family Home’ may now qualify for an additional allowance in certain circumstances – reducing IHT • While Cash ISA’s are liable to inheritance tax and most investment ISA’s also, some are not – reducing IHT • Leaving Pension Funds to beneficiaries are usually exempt from IHT – reducing IHT. • There are some investments you can make which are exempt from IHT if held for a minimum of just 2 years – that’s right, they are still in your name - you don’t have to give the money away or live for 7 years. • These can be used by attorneys acting for someone under a ‘power of attorney’ arrangement, where there might be an inheritance tax liability • There are several other ‘gifting’ allowances one can utilise (incl. the £3k p.a. gift) – reducing IHT. • Larger gifts can be made as long as the donor lives 7 years – reducing IHT. • Donations to charities are exempt from IHT – a choice perhaps between a gift to a charity or the Tax Man? • Equity Release – as a debt, has an indirect benefit in reducing the value of the estate liable to IHT. A final point perhaps worth a mention – as you can see there are numerous legal ways to reduce inheritance tax by using the allowances made available and arranging your assets in a certain way if it is appropriate to do so. That said, everyone’s circumstances and objectives are different and therefore advice should always be obtained. What is the right course of action for one person can be wrong for another. From everyone at Grosvenor Consultancy Ltd can we wish you all a very happy Christmas and joyful New Year. Phil James, Grosvenor Consultancy Ltd. * Source – www.gov.uk – Inheritance Tax Statistics, OBR And ONS There are advantages and disadvantages to using all of these strategies and they depend on individual circumstances so don’t take action without seeking competent advice. Tax rules, rates and allowances are all subject to change. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate tax advice and some forms of offshore investments. The value of investments and the income from them can fall as well as rise and you may not get back the full amount you invested.

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The Return of Vinyl? Last month I was chatting to my mate's son on his 16th birthday and I asked him what presents he'd received. Top of his list of excitement was a record player. A record player? Really? Yep, really, and now he has started buying LP's (Google LP if you are under 25). I just hope his music taste is better that his dads. Coincidentally this stereophonic news arrived at the same time as Jamie Reid-Sinclair decided to run his "Record collections wanted" advert here in the magazine (and repeated again this month on page 9). Who better a person then to ask about this ridiculous outbreak of nostalgia than from someone whose hobby is buying and selling slices of hi-fi history? So I did.

edition run - and I sold it for over £200! But the most valuable record I found in a collection was “Zoot Suit” / "I’m The Face” by The High Numbers (who later became better known as The Who). I got about £800 for that and was extremely excited when I dug it out of the bottom of a random pile of singles that had no sleeves! I’d love to find a copy of “Growers of Mushroom” by Leaf Hound. I might be able to retire! Or a collection of Northern Soul singles

Is there really a revival in people buying vinyl and if so why, or is it just middle aged people getting all nostalgic?

What records are selling well or are you asked to try and track down? Prog rock always sells well. Indie and punk too. Although there are records in every genre that are cheap as chips as well as the rare and valuable ones. At the moment classic 70's albums like "Rumours" by Fleetwood Mac get requested a lot. It’s not valuable as it sold millions, but due to the vinyl revival people are looking for excellent condition original copies of classic albums from their youth.

There is a revival but, to put it in context, vinyl sales in the last couple of years are still only comparable with sales from the early 1990s. That was a period when vinyl was being phased out and CDs were coming in. It’s never going be like the 70's and 80's again when vinyl ruled the roost! Vinyl sales currently account for about 5 – 10% of the overall album market, which is considerably higher than it was when I first started selling vintage vinyl in 2005, but still a small niche market overall. Vinyl buyers are very passionate, and whilst I think it is largely men over 50 that drive the revival, I have seen signs that younger people in their teens and twenties are abandoning the faceless download in favour of a more tangible, tactile and, frankly, more beautiful format that looks and sounds better than a compressed digital file

What record would you happily never see again (in terms of its commonness or that you specifically dislike)? Great question! I really like Simon & Garfunkel but I’d be glad if I never saw a copy of their greatest hits again! I’ve also got about a dozen copies of Tubular Bells – no more please!!

What is the most exciting record you have ever come across (ditto most valuable) and what record would you most like to find in a collection you were buying? I was very excited when I found a copy of "Led Zeppelin 1" in a charity shop for £8. I noticed that the sleeve had turquoise text instead of orange, which got my dealer antenna working. This was a very limited

What is the jewel in your record collection? My own personal vinyl collection is quite small (about 200 LPs and about 200 singles). I would have to say that the jewel is my signed copy of “All Mod Cons” by The Jam

The Return of Vinyl? (side B) Do you also sell as well as buy records and if so how do people find out what you have for sale?

Incredibly important! I have turned down rare collections because the records are so trashed! Vinyl covered in scratches, water damaged stained, torn, rubbed and written on sleeves. It breaks my heart! Rare records are worth virtually nothing if the condition is bad and common records are sadly only fit for the dump

Yes, I am a record dealer by trade, so all the records I buy from private collections go up for sale in my eBay and Discogs shops. People can find me easily if they go to my website: www.jamesboyrecords.co.uk and click on the ‘Contact’ tab where you will find all my contact details plus links to my on-line sales and Facebook page. My website also gives details of the kind of collections I am looking to buy

On a personal note, if you command one current band / artist and one from the past to come and perform for you on your desert island who would you choose?

Do you think there is any point in buying any new releases on vinyl? Personally I am on a tight budget so I am more inclined to buy a new release on CD as it will usually be between £7-£10 whereas new releases on vinyl are £20-£25. I love vinyl but ultimately it is the music that matters and CD audio quality is much better now than it used to be. I am happy to have a mix of my old vinyl originals from my youth and CDs from the present. Having said that I did recently buy The Who’s "My Generation" LP on a vinyl re-issue rather than the cheaper CD because the front cover picture is so great I wanted it in all its 12” glory! How important is the condition of the record / sleeve in terms of desirability / value?

I recently got into a band called Eels. They are still going but I’ve never seen them live. So it would be them and The Jam. If I could get in a time machine (instead of being on a desert Island) I would go back to Liverpool 1962 and walks down the steps to The Cavern one lunchtime and see a little band called The Beatles playing. I do actually fantasize about that happening! Do you see cassettes making a comeback? They are back! Morrissey’s new album is available on cassette! All formats now coexist together it seems. However, I have rarely come across a valuable cassette. Most are worthless and most current artists have no interest in releasing their work on tape. If vinyl is, in reality, still a niche product then cassettes are micro-niche! Many thanks Jamie. Do give Jamie a call if you are clearing out your attic and come across a box of old LP's - there may be gold in there.

• The next Westbury-on-Trym Forum is on Tuesday 9th January 2018 at Coombe Dingle Sports centre at 7pm. (The last Henleaze Forum was on 30th November) This is the chance to meet with your local councillors and discuss local issues of concern. • Canford Park and the Downs are under threat from more cost cutting. Please take part in the Parks Consultation. https://bristol.citizenspace.com/neighbourhoods/parks-andgreen-spaces/consult_view/ • The City Council will respond to blocked gutters or drains, but they need to be reported. Either go on to “Fix my Street” or email or phone us and wewill report it. You do need to give the postcode or house number close to the problem to help locate it. • Geoff and Liz thank you for your support and wish you a happy Christmas and best wishes for 2018. 72

Sam, Camilla, Oliver, Tracy, Lynne, Sammy and the rest of the team at Zest would like to thank all their customers for their support in 2017 and wish them, and all readers of the Bristol Nine, a very Happy Christmas! Our Christmas menu is being served right up to Christmas - choose from one, two or three courses but please book your table to be sure of getting a seat Short of ideas for festive presents? We have a wide range of seasonal and speciality foods to choose from, whether you are after a stocking filler or if you wish us to help create your own custom-made hamper. Our last date for Christmas orders is Monday 18th December, so if you are planning to serve up our home cooked meats (slices, half joints and whole joints), bread, smoked salmon, quiches, pies and the like to your festive friends and family make sure you get your order in on time.

Our Opening Times over Christmas and New Year are as follows • Monday 18th to Friday 22nd 8.00am to 4.30pm • Saturday 23rd - 8.00am to 4.00pm • Christmas Eve, Christmas Day & Boxing Day Closed • Wednesday 27th - Deli open 9.00am to 2.00pm, Cafe closed for refurbishment • Thursday 28th & Friday 29th 9.00am to 3.00pm • Saturday 30th 8.00am to 3.00pm. • Reopen - Tuesday 2nd Jan 2018

Come and join us between now and Christmas and enjoy a free mince pie with any tea or coffee purchased before 11.00am Monday-Friday on presentation of this voucher. Zest Deli & Café, 130 Stoke Lane, Westbury on Trym 0117 962 2848 - www.zestdeliandcafe.co.uk 73

Prize Wordsearch

A seasonal theme to the Prize Wordsearch this month as we look for things commonly associated with the Christmas holiday. Twenty festive items are listed below. Nineteen of them are hidden in the wordsearch grid, listed forwards, backwards, up, down or on a diagonal. Which leaves one Christmas favourite that didn't make it into the puzzle. Just discover the missing item from the list and let me know which it is - answers please by post to 8 Sandyleaze, WoT, BS9 3PY, email to andy@bcmagazines. co.uk, phone to 0117 259 1964 or text to 07845 98660. Get your answers in by 1st January 2018 and the first correct answer pulled at random from the hat will win Sunday Roast for two people at the Eastfield Inn on Henleaze Road or the Gloucester Old _________________________________ Spot on Kellaway Avenue.

advent pudding

Y B T C Q Y C R D Q M R Q P Y B X

ADVENT PAPER CHAINS QUEENS SPEECH MINCE PIES REINDEER CRACKERS TINSEL GOODWILL FAMILY BABY JESUS

PUDDING TURKEY CAROLS WISE MEN BOXING DAY DONKEY NATIVITY STOCKINGS PRESENTS SPROUTS

Thank you to everybody who took the trouble to enter the October competition. The missing chocolate bar was ROLO and Date: ____ the first correct entry out of the hat, and the winner of a diet-busting amount of chocolate, was from Shirley Hume.

Christmas

Best of luck.

H B M V W S R S R D F A M I L Y P

Here are the words you are looking for -

K J I S P R O U T S W E M D N M H

S H N U M G H X C I C I E N N V F

I Y S S L I C D S U A N N S J Y C

H A E O T V N E I P R D I N A W R

V D L T Q O M C R P O E T I Y U A

B G Y Y R E C E E B L E C A T R C

A N I C N A S K O P S R T H I G K 74

B I T R Q E D D I T I U Z C V O E

Y X O S N P K V V N R E L R I O R

J O O T V I U O E K G S S E T D S

wisemen reindeer

E B S Q O O T D E N V S I P A W N

S M U T N O J Y D T T P R A N I C

U J A S B R W B X I A N R P W L K

S E V H C E E P S S N E E U Q L E

I F W E Q R Z P M C G G E U F F H

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A Consultation of Colour If you’re a 50’something women you’ll probably have heard of Colour me Beautiful. You may well have had your colours ‘done’ back in the 80’s or 90’s and been told that you were either a Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter. Colour me Beautiful’s original Colour System used the seasons to describe different colour types but with over three decades of experience they have gone on to develop and extend that system to the six colour Dominants that are used today – Light, Deep, Warm, Cool, Clear or Soft. For those women who haven’t heard of Colour me Beautiful and didn’t know you could have your colours ‘done’– probably the daughters of us over 50’s – there is a whole new world of colour waiting for you to discover. Sandra, a Colour Analysis & Makeup Consultant, trained at the Colour me Beautiful Academy in London and recently established her new business in Westburyon-Trym, Bristol. Seeing her advert in the BS9 last month peaked my curiosity so I booked an appointment to see her, wanting to find out more about Colour Analysis. Sandra said about her business, ‘I want to help build confidence through colour. I help women to look fabulous on the outside so that they can feel amazing on the inside’. Having arrived for my appointment. Sandra greeted me at her front door and took me upstairs to her pretty consulting room. After giving me some background information about Colour me Beautiful she explained how Albert Munsells’ Colour Wheel is used in Colour Analysis to describe the characteristics of colour. Munsell talks about a colour’s Hue, Value and Chroma whilst Colour me Beautiful has translated that into Undertone, Depth and Clarity.

We chatted about the colour of my hair. Sandra asked whether it was tinted and whether I intended to change my colour – we even talked about whether I’d tinted my eyebrows or eyelashes. Sandra also looked closely at the colour of my eyes and asked if I was wearing contact lenses and then (with no makeup on) she determined my skin tone. I was amazed at how much detail she needed before being able to establish my Dominant colour type. Once my Dominant was established, she went on to test for my secondary and tertiary colours. I now know that I’m a Warm-Soft-Deep and have a 42-colour swatch wallet that shows me all the colours in my personal colour palette which I’ll use as a guide when I next go clothes shopping. I have to say it’s a while since I’ve sat in front of a mirror for any length of time looking at myself, but it was very pleasant to have a bit of ‘me time’ and be pampered by an expert! Having established my colour type, Sandra then applied Colour me Beautiful makeup using colours from my personal colour palette. I was pleased to know that Colour me Beautiful makeup is not tested on animals and is paraben free. Now I’m not someone who uses make-up every day and so it was good to learn some new tricks of the trade on how to apply makeup. Once Sandra had completed my look it felt and looked lovely and au-naturale and not heavy at all. I was very happy! I had the thumbs up when I got home too… the family thought the makeup looked very natural. Then came the fun bit. Sandra showed me all 42 colours in my personal colour palette using coloured swatches. This was fun and surprising too, as a few colours I would never have chosen looked fabulous. I discovered 76

A Consultation of Colour - continued some new ‘wow’ colours and learnt how to combine my colours as outfits.

I thoroughly enjoyed my consultation with Sandra and if you’re feeling stuck in a rut with your makeup or confused as to what colour clothes you should be wearing then Sandra can help you!

difference! She also arranges house parties which is a great way to have fun and learn about colour and make-up. Do take a look at her website for more details www. sandrahalward.com or call her today on 07779 295322 to find out more. I’m now going to hot foot it to the shops, credit card in hand, to hunt out some chocolate coloured trousers, skirts or dresses and then add splashes of other colours to compliment the look.......can’t wait!

She also offers gift vouchers and gift experiences so if you are stuck for present ideas give someone special a gift with a

Interest Rate Rise: Can Savers Now Sleep Easy? A rise in interest rates is generally received as good news for savers. However, November’s Bank of England base rate rise increased rates from a historic low of 0.25% to just 0.5%. Interest rates are still lower than inflation At the time of writing, the best savings accounts are only offering around 1.3%. With inflation currently at 2.8%, interest rates are still well below the rate of inflation. Cash is perceived as a ‘safe’ option for savings as it is not possible to lose your money like on the stock market. However, if your money does not keep pace with inflation its buying power will reduce over time. This is a particular risk for retired savers who are holding cash that they want to be able to depend on later in their retirement. Beating inflation in retirement Those keeping cash aside in case it’s needed in later life, for example in case long term care is required, will see the value of their savings eroded by inflation over the long term. To combat this ‘inflation risk’ it is necessary to invest some money in assets that have the potential to beat inflation, such as stocks and shares or peer to peer lending. This will help avoid a shortfall in later years, although inevitably it means accepting some investment risk. Seeing a financial adviser will make sure you hit the right balance of risk and potential returns. Richard Higgs at Wealth West provides friendly Chartered Financial Planning advice in BS9, delivered on a face-to-face basis in the comfort of clients’ own homes. He specialises in advising retired clients on savings, investments, Inheritance Tax and long-term care planning. He can be reached on 0117 9665699, richard.higgs@wealthwest.co.uk, or alternatively through www. wealthwest.co.uk.

Trym Lodge, 1 Henbury Road, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol BS9 3HQ, Tel. 0117 966 5699 www.wealthwest.co.uk richard.higgs@wealthwest.co.uk 79

What’s On & Community News Listings for community events, not-for-profit clubs and charitable activities are free of charge. If you have something of this nature that you would like listed please get in touch by calling 0117 259 1964 or 07845 986650, email andy@ bcmagazines.co.uk, or post details in to 8 Sandyleaze, WoT, BS9 3PY. Details shown are accurate to the best of my knowledge, but dates, times & locations may change without notification. So if you are unsure, and to avoid disappointment, please contact the organiser listed to double check. Theatre, Concerts and Music On Saturday 16th December 2017 7.30 pm Bristol Choral Society, conducted by Hilary Campbell will be performing at the Colston Hall. Featuring Gerald Finzi : In Terra Pax, Ralph Vaughan Williams : Fantasia on Christmas Carols, Gustav Holst : Christmas Day & Psalm 148, and Benjamin Britten : A Ceremony of Carols. Tickets from £10.75 to £31.18. (under 25s £5.38, Seniors 10% discount). Full details at www.bristolchoral.co.uk. Book online via www.bristolchoral.co.uk. or by phone on 0117 203 4040. Carols by Candlelight in the Lord Mayor’s Chapel. You are warmly invited to join the Quartet Ambassadors for carols by candlelight and songs by local community organisation Mind Your Music, followed by mulled wine and mince pies in the historic setting of The Lord Mayor’s Chapel.Wednesday 6 December 7pm-9pm The Lord Mayor’s Chapel, College Green, Bristol BS1 5TB. Tickets £15* per person *Price includes a suggested charitable donation of £7 per ticket. For more booking document below.Come and witness the beauty of music and song by candlelight in the historic setting of St Mark’s, the Lord Mayor’s Chapel, now the only municipally-owned church in Britain. For bookings and more details please call Sabita Ravi on 0117 989 7704 email sabita. ravi@quartetcf.org.uk The Redland Green Choir’s Christmas Concert will take place at St Matthew’s, Kingsdown, at 7.30pm on Saturday 9th December. The programme wil range from the sixteenth century (William Byrd’s O Magnum Mysterium) to the twenty-first century (Ave Maris Stella by James MacMillan), with some carols for everyone to sing. Tickets are £8 (concessions £6). For more details, see redlandgreenchoir.org.uk. Bristol Cabot Choir Christmas Concert – Monday. 11 December 2017, 7.30 pm in Bristol Cathedral. A performance of the Messe pour la Nuit de Noël by Marc-Antoine Charpentier and other

lovely Christmas music for choir and audience. Conducted by Rebecca Holdeman, with Andrew Kirk, Organ, Charity No. 116260. Tickets: Reserved £15 , Unreserved £10/£5 (NUS card/ under 18s). On line: www.opus13.co.uk - Ticket Line: 0117 923 0164/0117 9626521. www. bristolcabotchoir.org. Supporting Bristol Off the Record Charity. Bristol Chamber Choir - Music for Christmas. Settings of the Ave Maria by Biebl, Bruckner, Despres, Liszt, Parsons, Rachmaninov and Victoria with carols from each composer’s country. The Lord Mayor’s Chapel, College Green, Bristol, BS1 5TB on Saturday 16 December at 2.15pm. Tickets £10.00 (students and children free) from: www.eventbrite.com/e/music-for-christmastickets-38473316726, Opus 13, 14 St Michael’s Hill, BS2 8DT 01179 230164 or at the door For further information visit www. bristolchamberchoir.org.uk Friends of Welsh National Opera and all our visitors are very welcome at Redmaids High School performing arts centre on Wednesday 13th December at 7.15pm to enjoy WNO's Orchestra Manager, Matthew Downes giving us a flavour of his role with the company & his involvement in maintaining the very high standards of the WNO Orchestra. He has many interesting stories to tell and will play some of his favourite recordings. Friends £5, visitors £7. Further details from 01275 848526 or borkmail@gmail.com Melody Makers Choir. A fun, friendly, mixed non audition choir singing uplifting pop and rock music. Book a free taster with our Pop Choir on Wednesday's 7:30-9:00pm in St. Peter's Church, Henleaze, or our Baby Friendly Choir on Tuesday's 10:30-11:30am in The Eastfield Inn, Henleaze. www.melodymakerschoir.co.uk Henbury Singers are a friendly choir and welcome new members. We meet at Stoke Bishop Primary School (BS9 1BW) in Cedar Park on Thursday evenings - 7:45 to 9:15 pm. There is ample free parking. Fees are currently £125 per year. There is no audition. We sing mainly choral music from a classical tradition, but we also sing carols, songs from musicals, gospel and folk songs. For membership contact Maggie Cavanna 0117 973 4794 or secretary@henburysingers.org On Sat 9th December, 5pm come and enjoy Amahl and the Night Visitors at St Alban’s Church, BS6 7NU. A magical Christmas Opera in one act by Gian Carlo Menotti. Semi-staged with soloists, dances and St Alban’s Church choir and orchestra. Hot drinks, cakes and mince pies to follow. Children welcome. Profits to be shared between 80

Wildlife Photography The world-renowned Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition is opened at M Shed featuring 100 brand new, spectacular images.

that allows them to be seen by millions of people. A range of events will accompany the exhibition, including a gallery tour by competition judge Roz Kidman Cox. Entries for next year’s competition open on Monday 23 October at wildlifephotographeroftheyear.com.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year is the most prestigious photography event of its kind, providing a global platform that showcases the natural world’s most astonishing and challenging sights for over 50 years. From frozen wastelands and peculiar species, to tropical paradises and fascinating animal behaviour, this year’s selection is a call to action – a plea to band together and protect our fragile planet. Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum in London and sponsored at M Shed by Pukka Herbs and Resource Solutions Group (RSG). For the first time, the exhibition will open in Bristol at the same time as London.

Laura Pye, Head of Culture at Bristol City Council, said: “Wildlife Photographer of the Year has become a staple of Bristol’s winter calendar. I am never disappointed © Sergey Gorshkov / with the calibre Wildlife Photographer of the Year of images and how the photographers are able to capture such beautiful moments while communicating powerful messages of environmentalism and animal welfare. I want to thank our exhibition sponsors Pukka and RSG for their generous support.” Sir Michael Dixon, Director of the Natural History Museum, said: “Wildlife Photographer of the Year is one of our most successful touring exhibitions, enjoyed by millions of people all over the world. The awarded images shine a spotlight on nature photography as a work of art, whilst raising questions about our crucial role in shaping a sustainable future.” Winning images are selected for their creativity, originality and technical excellence. Launching in 1965 and attracting 361 entries, today the competition receives almost 50,000 entries from 92 countries. This year’s 100 award-winning images will embark on an international tour

Exhibition information 21st October 2017 – 8th April 2018. Tuesday – Sunday: 10am–5pm. Closed Mondays except during school holidays and bank holidays. Tickets £6 adult* | £5 concession* | Under 16s Free. *Includes £1 voluntary donation to Bristol Museums Development Trust (BMDT). (Standard entry £5 adult | £4 concession | Under 16s Free) Venue information - M Shed, Princes Wharf, Wapping Road, Bristol BS1 4RN T: 0117 352 6600 W: bristolmuseums.org.uk. Facebook: mshedbristol | Twitter: @mshedbristol | Instagram: @bristolmuseums

What’s On & Community News The Church in Westbury Park and MIND. Tickets £10 adults £5 child, £20 family (2+2). A Gurt Lush Christmas at St Alban's Church BS6 7NU on Sat 16th December, 7.30 pm. A Christmas concert like no other as Bristol’s popular community choir, directed by the inimitable Sam Burns, visit Westbury Park to present a a diverse ‘Christmas platter’ including songs from all over the world, in Gurt Lush multi-part harmonies! Bristol Male Voice Choir will be singing in and around Bristol in the coming year in concerts appealing to a wide range of audiences, performing not just male voice favourites, but songs from musicals, pop classics, spirituals, and classical favourites. You don’t have to read music to join the choir as a tenor, baritone or bass, but you will enjoy learning our repertoire, (re-) discovering the voice you may have forgotten about , and being welcomed into the choir’s friendly social atmosphere. We rehearse every Thursday from 7.00pm till 9.15 pm at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College (formerly Filton College) Come along to a rehearsal, or go to our website – bristolmvc.org.uk - to find out more. Bristol Cabot Choir is delighted to welcome new members for all voice parts. Why not come and sing with us for 2/3 ‘taster’ rehearsals before a simple audition? We meet at Redland URC on Mondays at 7.30 pm. FFI email admin@ bristolcabotchoir.org, visit www.bristolcabotchoir. org or find us on Facebook. ‘Babbers’ Radio Show every Monday from midday to 2pm on Ujima Radio - 98FM. The show is organised and presented by older people for older people with the aim of helping to reduce loneliness and social isolation, however the topics we cover are interesting and relevant to all. For more details - info@ujimaradio.com. Gasworks Choir is celebrating its 20th anniversary with an evening gala concert at St George’s on Sunday 17th December at 7.30pm. Bristol’s 150-strong community choir will sing favourite songs alongside fresh musical surprises. Renowned for powerful acappella performances, rich harmonies and original arrangements that span an exhilarating mix of genres – from pop and folk to jazz and classical – the choir will create an uplifting concert that promises to be a night to remember. There will also be a matinee concert that welcomes children of all ages. Both concerts will feature a performance by Gasworks leaders past and present. Tickets from St George’s: Evening concert (7.30pm): £10 / £8

conc. Family Matinee (2.30pm): £8 / £7 conc. / £1 under 18s. NB: £1 administration fee charged per transaction, plus £1 card transaction fee. All seats are unreserved. Westbury on Trym Methodist Church Orchestra are a group of instrumentalists of all ages who play for morning worship once a month. Our rehearsal time is before the service from 10am. If you play any orchestral instrument, but particularly violin, you are very welcome to join us. Experience of orchestral playing is not essential, but you will need to be able to read music. We’re a friendly and helpful group, who enjoy playing together. Parts are always provided for personal practice. FFI telephone 968 6589. The Bristol Good Afternoon Choir meets every Monday afternoon from 2pm-4pm, at TrinityHenleaze United Reformed Church, Waterford Road, BS9 4BT. Rehearsals are from 2pm to 4pm, there are no auditions and everyone is welcome. The Bristol Good Afternoon Choir enjoys all sorts of music – from folk songs to choral favourites. For more details about the choir please contact Nikki on 01761 472468 or emailing gac@grenvillemusic. co.uk – or just come along to a rehearsal with a friend of course. No cost for your first rehearsal. Henleaze Singing for the Brain Group meet in the Bradbury Hall on Waterford Road, on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursday afternoons each month from 2.00pm to 3.45pm We start the session with tea, coffee and biscuits, and general socializing before starting the singing ‘bit’. We have song books, and sing all sorts of songs including songs from the musicals, well-known golden oldies, and folk songs, and are accompanied on the piano. If you would like to attend a session, please contact Alzheimer’s Society local office in Bristol on: bristol@alzheimers.org.uk or 0117 961 0693. We look forwards to seeing you. Vocal Harmony - an exciting contemporary choir. Meet new people, learn contemporary songs and have a lot of fun. You do not need to read music and there is no audition. We sing modern music by the likes of Adele, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Take That, Queen, all parts are taught in call and response. Email eliza@vocalharmonychoir.co.uk or visit www. vocalharmonychoir.co.uk for more details. Sing with Bristol Chamber Choir. Come and join Bristol’s oldest choir (founded in 1837) and visit parts of the repertoire that larger choirs can’t reach! The music we have sung recently ranges from Ockeghem and Palestrina, through Schütz to Bruckner and Rachmaninov and many others. 82

DON’T LOSE YOUR VOTE Your annual canvass form has arrived and you must respond in one of three ways:

Click it

To make changes or confirm no changes it’s quicker and easier online www.householdresponse.com/bristol

Ring it

To confirm no changes call 0800 197 9871 (this is a freephone number)

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To confirm no changes text NOCHANGE and your security codes to 80212 (texts will be charged at user’s standard rate)

For further information visit www.bristol.gov.uk/voting-elections/register-to-vote or you can contact us by calling 0117 922 3400 or by email at electoral.services@bristol.gov.uk Residents without a computer or phone can return the form by post using the pre-paid envelope provided. By law you must respond to the household enquiry form. You can choose to respond online, by text, phone or post. Your response ensures that existing voters appear in the 2018 electoral register and new eligible residents are identified. Any new eligible residents must register to vote individually either online www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or by filling in an individual invitation to register form.

BD9982

What’s On & Community News We invite experienced singers who enjoy a capella singing to join us at the start of 2018. Rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings at Redland Park United Reformed Church at 7.30pm. Further details can be found at www.bristolchamberchoir. org.uk. If you are interested please contact: our Secretary, Rae Ford, on 0117 939 1685 or Rod Coomber on 01275 843900 or rodcoomber@aol.co.uk The Mosaic Singers are a compact group but would like to grow our line-up with an additional soprano, alto, tenor and bass. We rehearse in Stoke Bishop on Tuesday evenings, where a warm and friendly welcome is assured. This need not be as heavy a commitment as with some choirs. If you would like to find out more, please phone David Vicary on 0797 346 0994. Bristol Concert Wind Band offers you the opportunity to learn a wind or percussion instrument in a friendly atmosphere with others in the same position. Every year we start a class for absolute beginners. This year we are particularly interested in those wanting to play brass, oboe, bassoon and percussion instruments, however all are welcome! 3 year course. Weekly tuition from our excellent course leaders. Performance opportunities in the year. We’ll lend you an instrument and age is no barrier! Contact Tina Bartlett to register your interest. tinabartlett@bcwb.co.uk / 0117 405 7369 / www. bcwb.co.uk/learners. Henleaze Ladies Choir is a friendly welcoming group which meets in St Peters Church Hall, Henleaze, on Thurs between September and May from 1.45 – 3.45 pm (with a short break for tea). We give 2 charity concerts a year in December and May and from time to time we are invited to entertain community groups around the city. There are also occasional social events organised. We are always pleased to see new members but would particularly welcome first sopranos at the moment. Please come and try a rehearsal without obligation. To find out more please contact either Jane English (0117 9511430 or 07752 332278) or Jean Wickham (0117 962 4466). Stoke Bishop Ladies Choir meet at Stoke Bishop Village Hall, new members welcome and no auditions are necessary. We are a friendly group that sings for pleasure, and we hold a concert at the end of each term to raise money for charity. Please call Maureen on 9567894 or Carolyn on 2791409 for more information. Exhibitions, Markets and Meetings Christmas Family Lecture on an iconic toy: the

Airfix kit. Hear one of Airfix's Lead Researchers on the history of Airfix, how it grew to become Britain's most prolific toy manufacturer, and how they research and produce model kits today. Thurs 7 Dec at UWE, free festive refreshments from 18:00, lecture at 18:30. More info and register for a place at http://tinyurl.com/ IETBS17Xmas. Brought to you by local branches of engineering institutions IET, RAeS, IMechE, ICE, NI, RSC and WEMMA. Country Market. Every Friday morning from 10.30 to 11.30 in Westbury on Trym Methodist Church Hall. Homemade cakes, arts, crafts, plants, vegetables, jams and chutneys. Refreshments are also available in a relaxed and friendly environment. For more details contact Sue Sills on 962 8306. Fitness, Health and Wellbeing Folk/Country Dancing on Tuesday's 1 - 3 pm at The College in College Road, Westbury on Trym, starting on 16th January 2018. This is a sociable group meeting to have fun, get some exercise and, of course, stop for a cup of tea. No experience is necessary as all dances are called first. For further information, call Christine on 0117 962 2223. Henleaze St Peters Keep Fit Class on a Wednesday 10-11am at St Peters Henleaze is £5 per session. Come and join us! A gentle exercise class for everybody! Improve your health and wellbeing with a class designed for people who enjoy low impact, low intensity exercise. With music from the 60s to todays pop for a fun filled work out! Strengthening muscles, improving suppleness, balance, mobility and stability. All whilst enjoying the benefits of general wellness and positivity. Call Louisa today for more information on 0772 509 1429 St Peter’s Badminton & Social Club are a small friendly badminton club and we meet every Monday and most Wednesdays from 7.30pm until about 9.30pm in St Peter’s Church Hall, Henleaze, BS9 4LD. Membersip Fees are £50.00 from September to May. Visitor Fees are £3.00 per night. £1.00 for Juniors who are very welcome. Contact Ann: tel:0117 9694882 or email: martannmitch@outlook.com. North Bristol Ultimate Frisbee Club. The best sport you’ve never played! We turn frisbee from a beach and dog pastime into a fast-paced, mixed-gender team sport. Our beginner-focused club wants newbies of all ages to come and try it out! We play every Wednesday from 6pm on the Downs, over the road from the water tower. Just wear sporty clothes and trainers and bring some 84

Westbury on Trym Christmas Fayre Saturday 16th December 11am-3pm

Don your winter woollies and be prepared to fill up your Christmas stockings with some delightful gifts from the Westbury on Trym Christmas Fayre on Saturday 16th December, from 11am-3pm. With a mix of over 40 stalls from local independents, live entertainment, delicious food and drink, children's activities a nd a fun fair it promises to be an afternoon full of festive cheer supporting Bristol homeless charity StreetLife and the BS9 Advent of Kindness. Bristol North West MP Darren Jones will be opening the Fayre at 11am alongside an uplifting and energetic live performance by local group African Sambistas. There will also be entertainment from Bristol Free School choir, the Cafe Crew, Free Range Acapella singers and a veritable line-up of talented local singers and musicians all giving their time for free. The offering from this year’s stalls includes everything from local produce to handmade crafts, cheeses and chutneys to exquisite jewellery, imaginative children’s toys and clothing, and more wonderful festive gift ideas than you can shake your sleigh bells at. For food and drink lovers there will be some mouthwatering delights from deli style warm brisket sarnies to filled crepes and of course mulled wine to w arm you up and wash it all down. Alongside the fun fair, Red Bus Nursery & Preschool will be providing free activities and face painting for children and make sure to look out for a dancing Santa and his elves and the return of Olaf the snowman. Many of the local shops will also have stalls a t the Fayre so you can come along and find out what Westbury has to offer all year round. The organisational team would also like to thank the following local businesses who have kindly sponsored the Fayre and without who this wonderful community event would not be possible. Many thanks to Craig Short Building contractor, Kemps Jewellers, Edith Wilmott Florist, Sarah C Fruit and Veg, Merilyn’s, Marie’s Bargains, Number 7 Kitchen and We Make Bristol. Printing sponsored by Westbury Inks, St Johns Ambulance sponsored by Samuel David Eco Salon, Tombola sponsored by Premier Healthcare, advertising by Direct Local Magazine, advertising and reindeer from BS9 Magazine.

What’s On & Community News water. Find us on Facebook (search “North Bristol Ultimate”) or email jake.f.waller@gmail.com for more details, or just turn up - it’s free! Westbury Harriers is for all ages and abilities, with a variety of different groups and sessions to suit all. Based at Coombe Dingle Sports Complex and Blaise Castle. Training nights Mondays and Thursdays 7pm with additional sessions at Yate track on Tuesday evenings and an informal social run on Saturday mornings. See www. westburyharriers.com for more information on our events or joining us. Ladies Badminton. We meet every Tuesday afternoon, 2pm to 4pm, at Stoke Bishop Village Hall. We are looking for players to join our friendly group. Interested? Please call Pat on 0117 914 9511 for more details. Morris Dancing - Bristol Morris Men welcome anyone who wants to try morris dancing. We practise on Thursday evenings in the Sports Hall at (QEH) Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital (School) at Berkeley Place, Clifton from 8pm to 10pm(ish). For more information please visit www. bristolmorrismen.co.uk or call Grant on (0117) 9442165. Pilates Classes running in the local area on Tuesday’s 9:30am (improver)/10:30am (beginner) /12:10pm (mixed ability)/13:30pm (Postnatal) and on Wednesday 18:15pm (intermediate). For bookings please call Leanne on 07817189474 / leanne@mindbodypilates.org, or for further details visit www.mindbodypilates.org. Keep fit with dance moves – at Filton Community Centre, Elm Park, BS34 7PS, Tuesday afternoon, from 2pm – 3pm. Improve your mobility and general wellbeing, have fun, challenge yourself and feel more confident, keeping fit to music. The class also includes some body conditioning. Working at your own pace, the class is suitable for everyone. Pay as you go at £4 per session. Wear comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear. For further information contact Eileen Scott, (qualified instructor), on 07969929733, or visit www.keepfit.org.uk for more info about our organisation. Scottish Country Dancing for beginners and experienced dancers at St Monica Trust’s Hall on Thursdays, 7.30 pm. New dancers welcome - come on your own or with friends. Contact Margaret, 01275 794638 or Graham 01275 854782, or visit www.rscdsbristolinfo.co.uk Westbury Scottish Club country dancing classes for beginners at Leonard Hall, Trinity-Henleaze

URC, Waterford Road, Henleaze. Tel. Maggie on 01934 838175. Classes for more advanced dancers at St Peter’s Church Hall, Henleaze. Tel. Cheryl on 0117 4012416. Every Tues 7.30 9.30pm. See www.wscbristol.co.uk for details. Tai Chi’s slow gentle movements can ease the body, quiet the mind, restore vitality. Why not try it for yourself? Classes start in September around Bristol. To find out more contact Karen on 0117 9424167 or see www.taichiworksbristol.co.uk. It is worth a try. Men at St Peter’s Keep Fit group would like to invite you to attend their weekly sessions every Tuesday from 9.30 to 10.30 am. This is a men only group of 60 + year olds who enjoy regular exercise routines taken by fitness professional Natasha Johnson for only £4 per session payable on attendance. Please contact Keith Bonham on 0117 968 4972 or just turn up. Hydrotherapy Exercise Sessions - group exercise in lovely warm water at Southmead Hospital’s purpose built pool. Benefits include relaxation, relief of pain & swelling, improved movement, balance & fitness. All ages & abilities welcome. We are a friendly local team of Chartered Physiotherapists with expertise in a variety of disabilities & medical conditions. For more details please contact Chris & Ali Cowley on 07971 086 628, email healthyhydrotherapy@gmail.com or visit www.healthyhydrotherapy.co.uk. Ladies Keep Fit, Thursdays 10:00 - 11:00 am, at St Peter’s Church Hall, Henleaze. This friendly session, which has a dance element to it, is suitable for all ages, levels, and abilities who want to maintain their general fitness, mobility, range of movement, and well being. New members are always welcome. £5:00 per class, pay as you go - which includes refreshments. Ring 01454 618488, or email laili@tiscali.co.uk, visit www. exercisewithlailibrooks.com for full information; or just turn up. Zumba Gold / Light 5.30pm/ Zumba Fitness 6.35pm. Westbury -on-Trym Village Hall. Weds. £5 on door. Just drop in with water and a sense of humour! Phone Marie on 963 4104 or visit www. bristoldancezumba.co.uk for more info. Fancy a ramble? How about joining us for enjoyable 8-10 mile walks on two Sundays per month ? Our usual group size is 12-15 walkers. If you are interested please come and give Stoke Lodge Ramblers a try. For more details please visit www.stokelodgeramblers.wordpress.com or phone Secretary 0117 9684140. 86

New Pre-school Storytime This new Storytime is for any parent who wants to explore the Spanish language with their child, so although the session will be run in English Ann will include some childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spanish songs and teach them some basic Spanish words and phrases. Ann is one of our library volunteers and already runs a Storytime session at Westbury Library on a Monday afternoon at 2.15pm. The library staff are really excited to be working with Ann on this new project and would encourage you to come and give it a go if you have little ones. Sessions last 30mins approximately.

What’s On & Community News Easy. This National Charity is now expanding into North and West Bristol and is looking for people to become reading coaches. We use a scheme that has been specially designed to be delivered by people who are not trained teachers. After an initial day of training our Coordinator will pair you with an adult reader and ask you to deliver two half hour sessions for most weeks of the year. The timings for the sessions and the venue (chosen from a list provided by Read Easy) will be decided by you and the reader to be mutually convenient. More information can be found at www.readeasy. org.uk and if you are interested please contact our Coordinator by email: bristol@readeasy.org. uk or ring 07941 078332

Tai Chi Classes for beginners - Join us in the New Year and fit the Chinese way. Always wanted to try Tai Chi? For centuries the Chinese have practised Tai Chi as simple but powerful form of exercise for strength, balance and mindfulness. The Bristol School of Tai Chi has lots of daytime and evening classes in Henleaze and Bishopston starting from the 8 January. Any questions contact Ben Milton 0117 9493955 taichi@bristoltaichi.com www. bristoltaichi.com Gardening and Horticulture Sea Mills Garden Club have regular monthly meetings, every 3rd Wednesday, held at Sea Mills Methodist Rooms, Sea Mills Square at 7.30 pm. 14th December (Thursday) - Christmas Party; 17th January, Adrian Hutchinson "Plants, Poisons and Potions". Visitors always welcome at £3 per meeting. Hope to see you there. FFI contact Gail Mitchell 0117 9685350 or Pat Prior 07779 203626 The Clifton Garden Society invite you to come and join is as a new member. Monthly coach visits are arranged to great houses and gardens. There is a quarterly newsletter, an annual holiday and a Christmas party. If you would like to join this friendly group please contact 0117 973 7296 for further details . The Alpine Garden Society meet on the 3rd Friday of the month at Westbury Methodist Church, Westbury Hill, at 7.30pm. We have speakers on various topics, plant sales and social events. Visitors are very welcome at £2 a visit. For more details please call 967 3160. Henleaze & District Flower Club meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at Bradbury Hall, Waterford Road in Henleaze. Flower demonstrations are held on the second Thursday, practice classes on the fourth Thursday. New members always welcome. For more details please ring 0117 907 5724. Henleaze Garden Club is a thriving club for anyone interested in anything to do with gardening! We meet the first Wednesday of each month in the main hall at St Monica’s, Cote Lane, with a summer break when the club arranges coach trips. Expert speakers, a quarterly newsletter, and great Christmas event. Annual membership is £20 plus 1 per visit, visitors are most welcome at £5 per visit. Contact Brian Dury 9621227/ www.henleazegardenclub.co.uk for more info. Volunteering and Charities Volunteers to teach adults to read with Read

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. Many of the ‘contact parents’ are fathers, so we would especially welcome more men to join us. The volunteer role involves: meeting and welcoming parents and children; preparing the hall and toys; assisting with cleaning up at the end of the session; serving refreshments; listen non-judgmentally and with empathy whilst remaining impartial; using good communicating skills. If this appeals to you, and you’d be free to join our Saturday volunteer rota every 4-6 weeks for a few hours, do get in touch for further details. We are open on every 2nd and 4th Saturday a month, from 10am-1pm and from 2pm-5pm. You will get an enhanced DBS check, training and support, plus the satisfaction of maintaining a much-valued service which helps families stay in touch after separation. See our website at www.bristolchildcontactcentre.org.uk. and/or ring Monika on 07511 290505 for informal chat or email: info@bristolchildcontactcentre.org. uk. REMAP is a registered charity that designs and makes custom aids for the disabled. We are on the lookout for volunteers (engineers, craftsmen, DIY enthusiasts etc) who are willing give up a little of their time to enable a disabled person to enjoy a better quality of life. We design, make or modify equipment to suit their specific needs. Please contact us if you can help please contact Colin on 01275 460288, colin305@gmail.com, or Ray on 0117 9628729, rwestcott@blueyonder.co.uk or visit www.bristol.remap.org.uk If you’d like to get more active or involved in your community why not give an hour a week or a day a month and help Marie Curie. We depend on contributions of time and skills so that we can continue to provide care to patients and their families. There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer for us, from helping at a collection to

Kondi Brasserie, Henleaze Road, Bristol

Entertai Children’ nment, s rides, St alls, Late nigh t Prize draw shopping, and much, much mor e...

2017 Wednesday 6th December 4.00 - 8.00pm, Henleaze Road, BS9

Thursday 7th Dec 6:15-9:00 simply crimbo

We’re a friendly group of like-minded individuals who share a love of flowers and meet the first Thursday of the month

P RIZ

Create your own beautiful floral arrangement over a glass of fine wine and Italian supper Jane Voke E: janevoke@hotmail.co.uk M: 07980 958326

Debbie Ward E:debragailward@hotmail.com M: 07974 937741

E DRAW £ 1 PER TICKE T

For more information and updates visit:

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£10 per ticket, to be purchased in advance

All skills welcome, all knowledge shared

HenleazeXmasFest HenleazeChristmasFestival

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What’s On & Community News placing collection tins in your local community or by joining your local fundraising group. If you enjoy meeting new people and raising money for a great cause, we would love to hear from you. FFI please contact Community Fundraiser Helen Isbell on 0117 9247275 or email Helen.Isbell@ mariecurie.org.uk

busy ongoing wedding schedule. We’re looking for more volunteers to help these events run smoothly. If you’re interested please email us at enquiries@wotvillagehall.org or leave a message on 0117 9623399.

RSVP (Retired & Senior Volunteer Programme). Do you like reading? Do you like helping children? If yes to both, you are just the sort of person we are looking for! If you can spare a minimum of an hour a week to hear children read in a local school you could make a huge difference. We want children to enjoy books and reading, and individual attention is always a great way to do it. Volunteering is a great way to stay active and to feel useful, so if you are interested in joining us please get in touch. Contact Mina on 07860 669953, or explore the website RSVP-west.org.uk

Do you, or someone you know, need support following a relationship breakdown? Over the past 20 years Aquila has helped many people learn to cope and rebuild their lives following separation or divorce. Our next 7-week selfhelp course starts on Wednesday 24th January in Southmead/ Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol. The course is facilitated by a group of men and women who have all experienced broken relationships or divorce. If you would like to know more call Gill on 07807 058479, email bristol@hopeafter-heartbreak.co.uk or visit www.hope-afterheartbreak.co.uk or our Facebook page www. facebook.com/hopeafterheartbreak

Friendship, Social and Support

Volunteers needed to support carers. Could you please help us develop and increase our support to carers, people looking after an unwell, disabled or elderly family member or friend in Bristol and South Glos? Could you help us develop the support that carers can access through their G.P. surgery and other sources? If you are outgoing and could offer two mornings a month to meet, greet and give information to carers when they visit their GP surgery, I would very glad to hear from you. Full training and support provided. Please contact Mike Hatch, GP Carer Link Volunteer on 07503 577830 or email mikeh@ carerssupportcentre.org.uk. If you look after someone who couldn’t manage without you, and would like some information about our services for carers or would just like someone to talk to about caring for the person you look after, please telephone our Carersline on 0117 965 2200 or visit www.carerssupportcentre.org.uk .

Prospect is a support group for Bristol and district prostate cancer patients, partners and carers. The next meeting will be at BAWA, Filton BS34 7RF, on January 15, with a speaker (7pm). Coffee mornings are held at the Macmillan Centre, Southmead Hospital, on the first Thursday of each month (10am-noon), to help new patients. The group’s webmaster, Bernard Smyth, has been a member for five years and said: “I have found it a great help. Meeting other patients and swapping stories helps to lighten the load of dealing with this condition. Every member’s story is different but all agree that Prospect is very useful."www.prostatecancerbristol.org.uk and the Tackle helpline, 0800 035 5302, will put callers in touch with Prospect.

Wanted - Volunteer Drivers for transport, once or twice a week, of local elderly patients to the Westbury doctors’ surgery or to a hospital. Please come and join us and experience the gratification from helping others in your own neighbourhood. We operate within the Charity RSVP-West, who provide us with liability insurance for these drives and with practical help and advice. And of course we work closely with the Westbury-on-Trym practice. For information please contact Wendy Clark (0117 962 0733) or Zina Wilson (0117 431 3671)or by e-mail on Bernzina@blueyonder.co.uk or ask the Westbury Practice Reception or your local GP on tel. 9623406. Do you love Weddings? Westbury-on-Trym Village hall is a very popular wedding venue and has a

Coffee Morning, every 3rd Saturday, at Westbury Park Methodist Church, North View, BS6 7QB All welcome. 10.30am-12.30pm. This is raising funds for the Church and for our Quarterly charity. January 20th, February 17th and March 24th (NB different date due to prior booking). We are currently fundraising for several capital projects - the new kitchen in the Methodist Church, 2 new boilers at the Methodist Church, works at the back of St Alban's Church to improve the layout and install a kitchen, improved toilets at St Alban's Church, renewed lighting at St Alban's and decorations at the Methodist Church. As part of our Fundraising campaign we are holding a Beetle Drive on Saturday January 13th in St Alban's Church Hall, Bayswater Avenue, with Hot Dogs and bar. Doors open 6.30pm. Adult £6, Child £4. All welcome. Contact the church office to reserve tickets.

Westbury Village Hall

? QUIZ NIGHT

20th January 2018 Doors open 7pm

Tickets Â£10 (includes supper)

ALL WELCOME

Email: enquires@wotvillagehall.org

Tel: 0117 962 3399

What’s On & Community News Westbury Park WI is the local WI for Westbury Park, Henleaze and Bishopston. We meet on the first Wednesday of the month from 7.30pm in Redland Church Hall, Redland Green Road, BS6 7HE.Guest fees are £4 per meeting – Glass of wine £2, tea, coffee, soft drinks 50p, other refreshment options available, biscuits/cake free. December 6th - Christmas Meeting - bring alsong a sample of your favourite Christmas recipe for people to taste. There will also be mulled wine, mince pies and carol singing. Fun for all ages. Our January meeting will be looking at this year's resolutions short list plus there will be a quiz. We meet on January 3rd. Our February meeting has Jackie Franklin coming to speak on being a Foster Carer for over 30 years, fostering over 100 children plus was on the Adoption Panel. All welcome. For more details email westburyparkwi@gmail.com or visit www.westburyparkwi.org.uk.

between our monthly meetings include: Arts and Crafts group, Music club, Book club, Discussion Group, Gardening club, Bridge club, Lunch Club. We have twice yearly outings and a holiday group. Join us to make new friends and have fun! Contact Shirley on 0117 9622243 for further information. Soroptomists International Bristol are part of a global organisation founded in Bristol for women from a wide range of professional and business backgrounds who have joined together to give Service, Friendship and have Fun. We meet on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at Long Ashton Golf Club where we enjoy a two course meal with a speaker. For more details please contact our membership officer on 0117 9739894 or email gillbea@aol.com for more details.

“Simply Social” Activity and Social Club. Whether you are single or in a relationship, enhance your social life by joining our friendly social club. We are in Bristol, Bath and the surrounding areas and are run by members for the members. We enjoy a packed programme of activities including walking, live music, dancing, dining out, badminton, a reading group, weekends away and foreign holidays. Simply Social is a member of a non-profit making, nationwide organisation ( the Association of Intervarsity Clubs). There are no age limits although most of our members are 40+. Check out our website www.simplysocial.org.uk or phone us on 07971 427766,and come along to one of our Thursday Clubnights. Senior Film Club, every third Monday in the month, at 2pm in St Peter’s Hall, The Drive, Henleaze, BS9 4LD. On Monday 18th December at 2pm we will hold our Christmas Party including a short film - A Christmas Carol (Charles Dickens) followed by fun with local performers Tim Lewis and Sheila Furneaux. Easy access, carers welcome. Refreshments £3. Please spread the word and bring a friend. Supported by Home Instead Senior Care 0117 9898210. Friday Lunch- first Friday of every month - at Westbury on Trym Methodist Church from 12 noon - 1.30 pm. You are warmly invited to join us for our regular lunch, to meet with others and enjoy a light lunch. For further information please contact Rachel (330 8503) or Alison (962 9715). Henleaze (evening) Townswomen’s Guild meets at 7.15 pm on the first Wednesday of the month in St Peter’s Church Hall, The Drive, Henleaze, BS9 4LD. Interesting speakers present a variety of topics. Visitors are welcome. Groups that meet

Bristol Brunel Lions Club meet at Shirehampton Golf Club on the first Tuesday of every month at 7 for 7.30. On the 3rd Tuesday of each month we have a social gathering normally with food. We raise money for charity both locally and beyond through a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. For more details of how to apply for assistance with charitable activities in Bristol or to become involved see Bristol Brunel Lions Club on line or contact Secretary Bill O’Neill at lion.bill@ virginmedia.com Pat-a-Cake Toddlers meet at Westbury on Trym Methodist Church every Tuesday during term time 1.15 - 2.45pm. We are a small friendly group who play, do craft and sing. Mums / Dads / Grandparents / Carers have a chance to meet over a cup of tea and biscuits. For further information please contact Alison on 9629715. The Bristol and District branch of Parkinson’s UK meet every first Saturday of the month at St Monica Trust, Cote Lane, BS9 3UN from 10am -12 noon. Carers, relatives, spouses and people with Parkinson’s - all are welcome for a social and informative get-together, with speakers from a variety of backgrounds with many diverse interests. Please join us. We also meet at The Eastfield Inn, Henleaze, BS9 4NQ every second Friday in the month for an informal coffee morning from 11am. On the first Tuesday of the month the North Bristol Alzheimer Café opens at St Monica Trust, Oatley House Atrium restaurant, Westburyon-Trym, BS9 3TN from 3.30pm – 5.30pm. We provide a relaxed, informal and safe space in which issues surrounding dementia can be aired. Our café is staffed by trained, caring and experienced volunteers. Refreshments are served and most weeks live music is played. There is no

The St Ursula Players present

The Prisoner of Second Avenue A comedy by Neil Simon

Newman Hall Grange Court Road, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, BS9 4DR at 7.30pm Wed 6th - Sat 9th December 2017 BOX OFFICE 0117 962 4431 OR 0117 964 5940 www.stursulaplayers.co.uk

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What’s On & Community News charge to attend, free on-site parking is usually available and the number 1 bus stops right outside. FFI or to register your attendance contact Jacqui Ramus - tel 07854 185093 or email jacqui. ramus@stmonicatrust.org.uk.

Henbury ‘Blaise’ Womens’ Institute meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm in Henbury Village Hall next to the church. Visitors and new members are always welcome. Contact 962 9400 for more details or just come along!

Henleaze (Morning) Townswomen’s Guild. This is a recently formed Guild and we meet from 10.00am – 12.00 noon on the third Thursday of every month at The Eastfield Inn, Henleaze Road. New members and visitors are most welcome. Further information can be obtained by ringing Elaine Anderson on 907 5279.

St Mary’s Church is open to visitors each morning from 10.00am to 12.00 noon, with a Coffee morning every Tuesday. All welcome (especially those with young children – toddler toys and books available). Our Bright Sparks Carer and Toddler group meets each Monday in term time at 1.30pm at St Marys, Stoke Bishop. 9687449 for more details.

Clifton Rotary Club welcomes new members willing to give their time, interested in making new friends, building business contacts and using their skills to help others. We meet Weds lunchtimes at The Redland Green Club (Redland Lawn Tennis & Squash Club). www.cliftonrotary. org or email secretary@cliftonrotary.org

Trinity Henleaze Ladies Guild meet fortnightly on Monday evenings at 7.30pm in the Leonard Hall Waterford Road. Good varied programme of speakers followed by tea and coffee. All are welcome. For further information contact Jenny on 9620108.

Bristol Grandparents Support Group gives support to grandparents who are estranged from their grandchildren due to family breakdown. Family breakdown can be as a result of separation / divorce, alcohol / drug dependency, domestic violence within the home, bereavement or family feud. We give support over the phone, via email, Skype and at our regular meetings held at 9, Park Grove, Bristol. BS6 7XB. Tel 07773 258270 more information or visit www.bgsg.co.uk.

St Peter’s Ladies Guild meets at 2.15 on the third Wednesday of the month at St Peter’s Church Hall, The Drive, Henleaze. Varied programme. All welcome. Further details from Wilma on 0117 9628895.

Happy Days Memory Café meets 1st Friday of the month from 2.00. pm – 4.00.pm at Westbury Baptist Church, Reedley Road, BS9 3TD. The café is aimed at carers and people living with Dementia and the plan is that we have fun. People with Dementia may be ill, but they are still members of the community. Why not check us out? For more information please contact Tony on 0117 968 1002 or check our Facebook page. Rotary Club of Bristol meet at the Bristol Hotel, Prince Street, BS1 4QF at 7.00pm for 7.30 pm on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Mondays and at 12.30pm for 1.00 pm on the 2nd and 4th Mondays. Meetings start with a meal and are followed by a speaker. New members are very welcome – for more details see www.bristolrotary.org or contact Martina Peattie at mpeattie@btopenworld.com Westbury Art Club meet every Thursday evening from 7pm to 9pm at The Greenway Centre, Doncaster Rd, Southmead. We are a mixed ability group of artists For more details visit www.westburyartclub.org.uk, e-mail us at westburyart@blueyonder.co.uk or phone our club secretary on Bristol 962 9799.

The Friendly Club meets every Thursday from 2 to 4pm (except August and major holidays) in the Methodist Church Hall, Westbury on Trym. We are a lively group of older people who meet to chat, play Scrabble and card games. Regular trips out and entertainments are arranged plus we have delicious tea and biscuits for only £1! Do come and make some new friends. Transport can sometimes be arranged if needed. Contact 0117 950 8644 for more details. Knit and Natter. We invite you to “knit and natter” every Thursday between 10am and 12 at the Methodist Church in Westbury on Trym. It is a sociable and informal time when you can chat while pursuing your choice of crafts. If you prefer we can provide patterns for knitting for charity. Tea and coffee will be available. Men at St. Peters (MASP) is a group which meets Saturday mornings at St Peter’s Hall, Henleaze. The meetings start at 8.30am with a full English breakfast. This is then followed by entertaining and interesting talks by a guest speaker. New members are always welcome. Further information may be obtained from Keith Bonham tel 968 4972. Westbury on Trym Women’s Institute meets on the 3rd Monday of the month in the WoT Methodist Church Hall, next to the car park,

We were delighted to be named ‘Law Firm of the Year for 2017’ (up to 15 partners) at the Bristol Law Society’s Annual Awards Dinner on 19th October. The Bristol Law Society Annual Awards recognise the best of the Bristol legal profession so we are extremely proud to receive this award from the independent judging panel. This award recognises excellence in the provision of legal services and a firm that has seen significant development during the year.

From left to right: Katie Hughes, Grant McCall, Alison Dukes, Marian Davies Duncan Edler (Lloyds Bank), Tony Moore and Becky Moyce, President of Bristol Law Society

This honour coincides with our celebrating 20 years as AMD Solicitors (from 1st September 2017) so, this has become an extra special birthday for AMD! We are positioned today between a small high street practice and a medium sized commercial law firm with 4 offices and over 45 staff. This balance enables us to comprehensively meet our clients’ needs which could range from meeting a client’s first need for a solicitor for legal support, such as a will or first house purchase, right

through to acting for the commercially sophisticated client looking to appoint a legal team competent to handle a larger company and commercial transaction, such as an acquisition or merger. Our structure also means that we are able to ensure that almost all of our services are provided one to one by a solicitor or fee earner (or by a small team of solicitors for commercial services). In October 2016 we were pleased to be able to take advantage of the opportunity to acquire and develop easily accessible and prominent premises at 139 Whiteladies Road. Our new office replaces Thomas Cook on the corner of Imperial Road in the heart of the Bristol restaurant / new cinema quarter. We are proud to remain active and provide work opportunities in the more traditional heart and residential parts of the city. Our new office marks our 4th office at ground floor level providing convenience for our clients together with ease of roadside parking or access from Clifton Down train station just opposite. We would like to thank all of our clients, associates and friends for your continued support and for the kind feedback we have received since receiving the award. AMD Solicitors have offices 100 Henleaze Road, Henleaze (0117 962 1205), 15 The Mall, Clifton (0117 974 4100), 139 Whiteladies Road (0117 973 5647) and 2 Station Road, Shirehampton (0117923 5562) www.amdsolicitors.com 95

What’s On & Community News at 2.00pm. We have a programme of varied speakers, outings, discussions etc. New members and visitors always welcome. For more info please contact: Sue Murphy – Tel: 950 2826. Bristol U3A - a unique organisation offering friendship, fun and learning. If you have retired from full-time work and would like to learn a new skill, explore a new hobby, or just socialise - we have a wide range of groups and activities, including art, computing, languages, gardens, music, books, walking, science and current affairs. Drop-in to one of our many social groups. Come to Browns Restaurant, by the Museum, at 10.15am on the 3rd Wednesday & 4th Thursday of every month, details: Jenny 0117 9043697. Or our coffee morning and talk in the Broadmead Baptist Church on the 3rd Tuesday at 10.00am. Please visit our website: www.bristolu3a.org.uk. If we’re going to live longer, make the most of it - don’t let life pass you by Do join us for Parish lunch at St Mary’s Church Stoke Bishop, every Thursday from 12.15. 3 course buffet lunch. Civil Service Retirement Fellowship. The Westbury-on-Trym group welcomes all retired Civil Servants and their spouses to their meetings held on the first Thursday of the month at Studland Court, Henleaze Road at 2.00pm, Those people without a civil service background are welcome to join our group as Friends of the Fellowship. For more info phone Beryl Webb on 01454 614 451. Westbury-on-Trym Probus Club provide a meeting point for retired and semi-retired professional / business men and women, to promote social well being through friendship, discussion and companionship. The club meets for lunch with a speaker on the third Thursday of every month at BAWA, Southmead Road, from midday. If you are interested contact Peter Wright on 9624196 or email susanandpeterwright@ blueyonder.co.uk Calling all Carers. Would you like the opportunity to share your experiences, relax and make new friends? Then come and join the Henleaze Carers’ Group. We meet on the second and fourth Thursday morning of each month, 10am to 12, in Bradbury Hall, Waterford Road, Henleaze. For more information please call Mrs M Rudston 942 6095. Instep Club for Widows and Widowers. Weds evenings 8.00 pm-10.00 pm at Stoke Bishop Village Hall, Stoke Hill. Dancing - Ballroom and Sequence (If you haven’t danced for a long

time, don’t worry, we will help you learn). Social activities Annual membership £8. Members: £2 per session. Visitors welcome: £3 per session. Come in to see us or telephone Donna on 01275 832676 or Wilma on 9628895 for information. The Fielder Club is an association for local women - though friends and family are welcome at all events. Membership is £5 p.a. to cover delivery of quarterly programmes of events such as lunches, theatre, visits, talks and walks. Weekly/monthly sub-clubs of badminton, book group, bridge, discussions, Scrabble, skittles and whist plus coffee. Thursday mornings at Coffee#1 in WoT and twice-monthly pub lunches. Details from Gloria on 0117 239 3376. Henleaze Townswomen’s Guild meet on the first Wednesday of the month (except Aug) at St Peter’s Church Hall, The Drive, Henleaze. Lady visitors are always most welcome to attend. Further details can be obtained by ringing Shirley Phillips on 0117 962 2243. General Interests The Arts Society Bristol (formerly BDFAS) is Bristol's own society for those who enjoy the arts. Lectures are held monthly on a wide range of subjects. On 18 December the subject is "Old Buildings: Fakes and Fallacies". On 15 January it is "Parodies of Victorian Society in Gilbert and Sullivan". Lectures are held in The Lecture Theatre, The School of Chemistry, Cantocks Close, BS8 1TS. For more information on lectures, study days and trips, visit our website www. theartssociety-bristol.org.uk On Thursday, January 11th in Henleaze Library at 7pm Professor Ronald Hutton of Bristol University will talk about, “The Life and Times of King Charles II”. Tickets £5 to include refreshments Bristol French Circle. The Cercle français de Bristol is for all those who enjoy speaking and listening to French. We meet at BAWA on alternate Thursdays from October to May each year. Our programme is very varied and we have French speakers on a wide range of subjects, including music, art, culture and geography, informal conversation evenings, a literary discussion and an evening of poetry and music. We also organise dinners in local restaurants and trips to see French films. Whether you use your French frequently or studied it at school years ago and would like to dust it down, you will find a really warm welcome with us. Most of our meetings are held at BAWA. Do come along - you will find the programme and more details at www.cfbristol.org.uk and you are very welcome to email or call me if you have

QIGONG Chinese therapeutic exercises For all ages, men and women Beneficial for older people Classes start Feb 7th - March 14th 2018

6 weeks at 11.30 am for 1 hr. ÂŁ60 for 6 sessions At the United Reformed Church, Waterford Rd, Henleaze, BS9 4BT Loose comfortable clothing would be suitable with soft canvas/ daps If interested please contact: Teacher Paulo or Helen On telephone: 0117 9625561 Email: qigong.paulo@outlook.com

What’s On & Community News any questions: charlottejanetaylor@tiscali.co.uk / 07976 922636. Venez partager avec nous notre amour de cette belle langue! The Bristol Astronomical Society host a series of astronomical talks, events and activities each week. We provide free Saturday observing at our observatory in Failand and often stage Star Parties in and around Bristol. Friday evening talks are held at 7pm at Bristol Photographic Society, Montpelier, BS6 5EE. Details of all events are on our website: www.bristolastrosoc.org.uk - All welcome. Bristol University of the Third Age (U3A) scrabble group would welcome new members. We play very friendly and informal games every Friday at the Beehive, Wellington Hill West, BS9 4QY from 2 to 4pm. For further info please contact Heddy Sara on 0117 9241318 and indicate when asked to give your name that you are phoning about scrabble in order not to be blocked. Also email : nigel.d.sara@btinternet.com The Bus Pass Poets are a small, informal group of Bristol pensioners who write poetry. With the exception of August we meet once a month at branch libraries on local bus routes. Come along and read your own poem to the group whether limerick, ballad, rap, humour or sonnet. All are welcome. There are no enrolment fees or subscriptions. If you write poetry, please join us to read and share. Our next meetings for 2017/ 2018 are: Friday 8th December at Redland library on Whiteladies Road just up from Clifton Down station, from 2.30 – 3.30 (Buses 1, 2, 3, 4); Friday 12th January at Central Library on College Green from 2.30 – 3.30 (Buses – any that go through the Centre). All types are welcome whether you write sonnet, ballad, limerick, rap, etc. Contacts - Phone Julie 01179.428637 or text Edith 07758.018768 The National Trust - Bristol Centre hold a series of talks through the autumn and winter at St Monica’s Trust, Cote Lane, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol BS9 3UN. There is a charge of £3 for members and visitors for each talk to contribute towards the costs. Tea or coffee and biscuits will be served after the afternoon talks. For more details please contact David Moore on 0117 9658014. On Saturday 16th December 2017 at 2.15 pm we feature “George Bernard Shaw: Playing the clown” by Brian Freeland. As both narrator and player Brian will combine theatrical memories with his light-hearted chronicle of the life of the “best playwright since Shakespeare”. If you would love the chance to get on the

water here in Bristol, make new friends, grow in confidence and gain qualifications and are aged between 10 and 18, Bristol Adventure Sea Cadets are recruiting now. We are open Tuesday and Friday evenings. Visit: www.sea-cadets.org/ bristoladventure to find out more. Do you love to find out about our local history? The West Bristol History Group hold monthly talks on the 2nd Thursday of each month by excellent speakers – upstairs at the Friends’ Meeting House, Hampton Road, BS6 6JE - starting at 7.30pm. On December 14th our speaker will be Professor Ronald Hutton on "The history of Christmas".Membership of our group is only £10 a year. Visitors pay £2 a meeting. Do please come along. A warm welcome awaits you. For further information please contact Annette Martin on 0117 9793209 or Pat Walker on 07790 172451. The Raleigh Club is a small and welcoming, informal speaking and literary club. We meet in Westbury Village Hall at 7.30pm on the 2nd Friday of each month from October until April, with a dinner in May and an annual summer outing. It is a great opportunity to practice public speaking in a friendly and supportive environment. New members always welcome. For more details please contact smigie2@yahoo.co.uk or lorna. watson@btinternet.com. Stoke Bishop & Sneyd Park Local History Group welcomes all to a series of talks at the Stoke Bishop Village Hall, 42 Stoke Hill, BS9 1EX. Talks start at 7.30pm and anyone interested in local history is welcome. Membership is just £6 p/a and visitors pay just £3 a meeting. For more details please visit www.stokebishop.org.uk/ local_history_group, call 0117 968 6010 or email sblocalhistory@gmail.com. Please do also contact us if you are clearing out documents and pictures of Stoke Bishop! Friendly Bridge SW is a welcoming Bridge Club that meets in Stoke Bishop Village Hall every Monday evening starting at 7:15. New players are welcome, and you can come without a partner. Also available are bridge lessons for complete beginners or more experienced players. Contact Gareth on 07921-788605, email friendlybridgesw@gmail.com or see the website friendlybridgesw.org.uk The Bristol Humanists is a local group for those who make sense of the world using reason & shared human values, who seek to live ethical lives on the basis of reason, humanity and respect for others, and who find meaning, beauty, and joy in the one life we have, without the need 98

What’s On & Community News Disclaimer

for an afterlife. We meet every month on the first Monday at 7.30pm in Kingsdown. Contact Margaret Dearnaley on 07986 555817 (evenings and weekends only) or email bristolhumanists@ gmail.com for more information.

The Bristol Nine is published by Bristol Community Magazines Ltd (Co. No. 08448649, registered at 8 Sandyleaze, Westbury on Trym, Bristol, BS9 3PY). The views expressed by contributors or advertisers in The Bristol Nine are not necessarily those held by Bristol Community Magazines Ltd. The inclusion of any business or organisation in this magazine does 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.

Henbury Art Club are looking for new members for our Wednesday morning club. We meet at 11.15 am till 1pm in Southmead Library. We are a very friendly mixed ability group, and have our annual show in the Henbury Village Hall every May Day. Please contact Gill Dix by email. gill@ dix.org.uk for more details. Twyford Art Club. We are a small group of artists of mixed ability, we meet at the public hall, Station Road, Shirehampton, 10am to 12am Mondays and Wednesdays, chose your day. New members welcomed, help and advice given. For more information visit www.shirepubhall.org. uk, contact John Case on 950 7916 / jacase@ blueyonder.co.uk The Bristol Philatelic Society meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month in the meeting room of the United Reform Church at the bottom of Blackboy Hill (Whiteladies Road) starting at 7.30 p.m. Contact 0117 956 7853.

Quiz Answers from Page 20

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

General Knowledge 1. Bakerloo line; 2. Coal Tit, Nuthatch, Jackdaw; 3. a) potato; b) plum; c) cabbage; 4. a) 2000, b) 1898, c) 1967; 5. Barney Harwood, Lesley Judd, Diane-Louise Jordan, Peter Duncan; 6. Dundee (Deacon Blue's home city, Dundee Cake, Dundee and Dundee United football grounds); 7. Algeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan; 8. Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine; 9. Full introduction started in 1966 and was complete by 1974; 10. Dover and Plymouth Music 1. 1975, 1999, 1970; 2. The Scaffold, Kissing the Pink, Pink; 3. David Essex, Ricky Wilson; 4. Glasgow, Nottingham, Sheffield; 5. Elbow; 67. Ed Sheeran (2007), Mick Jagger (2008), Amy Winehouse (2011)

Philosophy Discussion Group. We are a friendly and welcoming group who enjoy taking a turn to bring a topic to share. We meet at 7 – 9pm every fourth Thursday evening of the month at Eastfield Inn, Henleaze, BS9 4NQ, and 10 - 12 every second Friday morning of the month, also at Eastfield Inn, Henleaze. If you would like to be involved please contact Lorna Tarr on 0770 245 3827.

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Get In Touch Tel: 0117 259 1964 Txt: 07845 986650 Email: andy@bcmagazines.co.uk Post: 8 Sandyleaze, WoT, BS9 3PY Web: www.bcmagazines.co.uk

January Issue Deadline - 10th December Please note this is very early due to Christmas logistics

101

Index of Advertisers Around the Garden Fencing

AM Fencing

Co�pu�ng, A�� & �T 58 Computer Repairs F.A.B. IT Rescue

Fencing

E C Fencing

Garden Design

Cathy Lewis

Computer Repairs Computer Training

Schneider Computer Services Mrs PC

Pet Care and Pet Services 62 9 63

Garden Design & Mtce Robin’s Garden

Garden Design & Mtce Meadow Landscapes

49 Aerials

H & P Aerials

Garden Design & Mtce Red Oak Landscaping

14 Finance, Legal & 49 Business Accountancy 58 Accountancy 6

Walbrook Services

Avonhurst

Garden Maintenance

Graham Cook

Garden Maintenance

Blossom Gardening

Garden Services

Declan McManus

Garden Machinery

North Somerset Garden Machinery Green Thumb

Lawncare

9 Accountancy 72

Coaching

Plants & Garden Supplies Garden Trappings

49 Financial Advice

Manure & Compost

Mr Manure Man

Tree Surgeons

Crest Tree Services

Tree Surgeons

Neville Tree Services

William Price & Co

Anne Miller

Grosvenor Consultancy

Financial Advice

Wealth West

Solicitors

Corﬁelds

2,3

Solicitors

AMD Solicitors

78 Solicitors

Devereux & Co

Bathrooms & Wetrooms Paul Whi�aker

71 Solicitors

Veale Wasbrough Vizards 46, 47

Cleaning Services

Carmens Cleaning Services Bonne Fresh Clean

Cleaning Services

Oven Cleaning Bristol

Cleaning Services

Oven Gleamers

Cleaning Services Ironing Services Stairli�s

Thornbury Stairli�s

62 Qigong Exercise

Around the House Blinds & Shu�ers

UK Blinds Direct

Fitness, Beauty, Sport & Leisure Sports Centres

Viking Vets

Funeral Directors

R Davies & Son

Funeral Directors

MW Funeral Directors

Funeral Services

Property & Acco��oda�on Estate & Le�ng Agents Maggs & Allen Estate & Le�ng Agents C J Hole

104 30, 31

Estate & Le�ng Agents Bradley & Sadler

Estate Agents

Richard Harding

Estate Agents

Ocean

Estate Management

Hillcrest Estate Mgmt

Spanish Story Time

Carpentry

Hathaways Carpentry

Electrical Services

Daley Electrical Services MB Electrical

Electrical Services

Lek Trix

Schools & �duca�on Language Classes Trades

67 Social Clubs

Cli�on College Sports Centre WoT Men’s Club

Pain�ng & Decora�ng

G R Kno�

Home Gleamers

41 Fitness Training

BS9 Fitness

Pain�ng & Decora�ng

Top Notch

The Iron Lady

34 Beauty Consulta�ons Colour Me Beau�ful

Pain�ng & Decora�ng Pain�ng & Decora�ng

Sarah’s Decora�ng Services James Fox

Plastering

A & P Plastering

Plastering

Ar�orm Plastering

Plastering

McCall Plastering

87 71

Quigong Classes

76, 77 97

Handyman Services

Tony Anderson

34 Hairdressing & Salons Evans Hair Design

Domes�c Appliance Repairs Locksmiths

AASP Domes�cs

89 Hairdressing & Salons Classic Cuts

Hairdressing & Salons Erica Mar�n

LockRite

Upholstery � So� Furn CAP

Gi�s, Arts, Food & Retail 25 Retail 71

Window Cleaning

M & C Window Cleaning

Building Services Building & Construc�on BS7 Driveways

Building & Construc�on Garcia Building Services

Building & Construc�on Oakﬁeld Renova�ons

Building & Construc�on L & P Brailsford

Up & Over Doors

Upholstery � So� Furn Nice Things for Nice Homes Window Cleaning AquaTec

Garage Doors

Veterinary Care

103

Plumbing & Gas

J Presland

Zentangle Classes

Heather Lucey

Plumbing & Gas

Peter Harris

Cafes & Restaurants

Zest Deli & Cafe

Plumbing & Gas

Record Collec�ng

James Boy Records

Auc�ons & Sales

Clevedon Salerooms

S & P Plumbing Services Appliance Services

Jewellery & Gi�s

Julie Anne Palmer

Jewellery and Gi�s

Kemps

The Mall

22, 23

Healthcare Services Home Care Services

Premier Homecare

Home Care Services

St Monica Trust

4,5

Plumbing & Gas Plumbing Plumbing Chimney Sweeps

Shaun Doughton

Chimney Sweeps

Bristle Chimney Sweeping

Property Maintenance HAL Maintenance

Property Maintenance A & S Property Services

21 Home Care Services

Home Instead

Property Maintenance Ace Preserva�on

71 Counselling

Aquila Bristol

Property Maintenance MSP Maintenance

24 Footcare

Bristol Foot Clinic

Windows & Doors

Avonmouth Windows

Windows & Doors

Crystal Clear

A & D Plumbing Services Threesixty Services

49 19

Waste & Rubbish Rubbish Clearance

Man & Van

Rubbish Clearance

Autotec

Footcare

Kathleen Nicholas

Cars & Motoring

Massage Therapists

Keon Williams

Garage Services

Contact The Bristol Nine - 07845 986650 / 0117 259 1964 / andy@bcmagazines.co.uk

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Actively selling and letting in your area “I was delighted with the speed and efficiency of the whole process of selling the house from beginning to end. Well done Maggs & Allen” Mr. R. Lee Holmes Grove, Henleaze

Have you seen the signs?

For a service you would recommend to a friend... With our never ending energy, relentless enthusiasm and wealth of experience we always endeavour to excel in what we do.

“...Friendly, professional and efficient from start to finish, Maggs & Allen made the whole process stress free...” “Efficient, straight talking, hardworking agency which is professional in its approach and homely in its individual care” Mr Hunter, Westover Road, Westbury on Trym

“For the second time we have been very pleased with the outcome of our sale with Maggs & Allen and we have also bought from them with equal success” Mr Evans & Miss Hughes, The Dell, Westbury on Trym

Call 0117 949 9000 for a free, no obligation, sales or lettings appraisal