The Bristol Nine magazine - April 2014 by Andy Fraser

April 2014 No 96

A community magazine for the people and businesses of NW Bristol ‐ delivered free since 2006, to 12,000 homes and shops monthly across Stoke Bishop, Sea Mills, Coombe Dingle, Henleaze, Westbury on Trym and Sneyd Park

The Editor’s Small Piece Hi there. Welcome to another issue of The Bristol Nine - and an especially warm welcome if you are receiving it through your door for the first time. Circulation has increased from this issue to 12,000 copies per month - to include more of Coombe Dingle, parts of Sea Mills, and the areas around Henleaze Lake and Wellington Hill West. I hope you enjoy receiving the magazine each month. Plenty of bits and pieces inside this month including interesting articles on a community initiative in Sea Mills (p23), a new postal service that may be attractive to local businesses (p58), a World War I commemorative project for Stoke Bishop (p28), a new commuter service for Bristol (p31) and a new monthly cartoon drawn by Tudor Morris just for The Bristol Nine (p63). Of course there is also the usual Prize Wordsearch (p49), fun quiz (p12) and loads of community news and events starting on page 70, as well as this months news from our MP Charlotte Leslie and from several local schools. Fingers crossed the recent upturn in the weather will continue and that you get the chance to enjoy it at Easter whatever you may be up to. If you are keen to feature in the May issue, or have any news or events that you would like featured do please get in touch - by 12th April. Until then, thanks for reading. Andy Fraser

0117 9687787 / 07845 986650 andy@bcmagazines.co.uk www.bcmagazines.co.uk

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6 As the Children and Families Bill is reaching the final stages of its progress through Parliament, Alison Dukes Family Law Specialist with AMD Solicitors considers some of the important changes that are likely to be enacted.

The other terms under the Children Act were “residence” – with whom a child lives – and “contact” which replaced the former “access”. Residence could be “shared” even in cases where the number of nights a child spent with each parent was unequal.

When I was first in practice in 1986 the important terms in children’s cases were “custody” – either sole or joint – “care and control” and “access”. Parents who had “joint” custody were expected to discuss important issues in a child’s life together. The child would live with the parent who had “care and control” and then have “access” to the other parent.

The Children and Families Bill is expected to replace the terms “residence” and “contact” with a “Child Arrangement Order” regulating with whom a child will live, spend time or otherwise have contact. The hope is that this will remove any appearance that there is one parent who has most of the involvement with a child while the other parent’s role is more peripheral. It should also mean the end of current arguments about whether “residence” should be “shared” or not.

With the advent of the Children Act 1989 came “parental responsibility”. All mothers have parental responsibility as, since December 2003, have all fathers registered on their children’s birth certificates. Parental responsibility can also be acquired if the mother and father are married or by entering into a Parental Responsibility Agreement or by court order.

Advice Making a Difference

The intention behind the Bill is to underline a commitment to both parents being involved in a child’s life. A court will presume that involvement of a parent in a child’s life will further that child’s welfare unless, of course, there is evidence that a child would be at risk of suffering harm. This provision is significantly watered down from talk a few years ago of parents having a right to equal contact. For advice on family breakdown and children issues Alison or other members of AMD’s family law team can be contacted on 0117 9621205 or by email to alisondukes@amdsolicitors.com.

8 Useful Numbers Information Useful and Information Gas Emergencies 0800 111 999 Electricity Emergencies 0800 365 900 Water Emergencies 0845 600 4 600 Avon & Somerset Police Non‐ Emergencies 101 (new no.) Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 Southmead Hospital 0117 950 5050 Frenchay Hospital 0117 970 1212 BRI / Children’s Hospital 0117 923 0000 NHS non‐emergency 111 Council Dog Warden Services 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 Pref Service 0845 703 4599 Bristol Care & Repair ‐ home safety checks & handyman 0117 95 4 2222 Postal Services Westbury on Trym Post Office 9 ‐ 5.30 Mon to Fri, 9 ‐ 4 Sat Henleaze Post Office 9 ‐ 1 , 2 ‐ 5.30 Mon to Fri, 9 ‐ 12.30 Sat Westbury on Trym Parcel Collection 7 ‐ 1 Mon to Fri, 9 ‐ 12 Sat Late Post ‐ there is a late post box at the main Post Office sorting depot on the A38 at Filton. Currently the late post is at 7pm. Local Libraries Henleaze ‐ tel. 903 8541 Mon 9.30 ‐ 7.00, Tues 9.30 ‐ 5.00 Wed 9.30 ‐ 5.00, Thur 9.30 ‐ 5.00 Fri 9.30 ‐ 7.00, Sat 9.30 ‐ 5.00 Westbury on Trym ‐ tel. 903 8552 Mon 9.30 ‐ 5.00, Tues 9.30 ‐ 5.00

Wed 9.30 ‐ 5.00, Thur ‐ closed Fri 9.30 ‐ 7.00, Sat 9.30 ‐ 5.00 Sea Mills ‐ tel. 903 8555 Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat 9.30 ‐ 1.00 , 2.00 ‐ 5.00 Wed ‐ closed, Thur 9.30 ‐ 1.00 , 2.00 ‐ 7.00 Public Transport Visit the excellent Bristol City Council website www.travelbristolorg to plan out your routes in, around or out of the city ‐ whether you are planning to go by bus, train, ferry, air, bike, car or foot. Local Churches St Mary Magdalene, Stoke Bishop www.stmarysb.org.uk 0117 968 7449 Methodist Church, WoT www.westburyontrymmethodistchurch.org.uk 0117 962 2930 Baptist Church, Reedley Rd, WoT www.westburybaptist.org.uk 0117 962 9990 Holy Trinity Parish Church, WoT www.westbury‐parish‐church.org.uk 0117 950 8644 Sacred Heart Catholic Church, WoT www.sacredheartchurch.co.uk 0117 983 3926 St Peter’s Church, Henleaze www.stpetershenleaze.org 0117 962 4524 Trinity URC, Henleaze www.trinityhenleazeurc.org.uk 0117 962 9713 The Community Church, WoT www.the‐community‐church.net 0117 946 6807 Recycling and Household Waste The Household Waste and Recycling Centre on Kingsweston Lane, Avonmouth for pretty much everything. The Avonmouth centre is open from 8.00am to 6.45pm, 7 days a week from 1st April.

12 9.

What links “Stiff”, “Factory” and “4AD”?

10.

Which is the most popular flavour of Walkers crisps?

11.

What is a “tuk-tuk”?

12.

Fill in the gaps - Genesis, Exodus, xxxxxxxx, Numbers, xxxxxxxxxxx.

13.

Which of these countries is not a member of NATO? Canada, Poland, Turkey, Austria, Norway.

14.

The Tornados had an instrumental number 1 hit record in 1962 with which song?

15. Who sings the annoyingly catchy song “Happy”?

Which has more calories - a tablespoon of peanut butter or a tablespoon of butter?

16.

Who won the Battle of Naseby, in which war, and in which century?

“By strength and guile” is the motto of which elite force?

17.

What was manufactured in this Bristol landmark building?

18.

Fill in the gaps - Charlie, xxxx, xxxx, Foxtrot, xxxx, Hotel.

19.

Name the cook in The Wombles.

20.

Which of these films won most Oscars? Ben Hur, Gone With The Wind, Titanic.

General Knowledge Quiz No prizes, just a bit of fun - you can find the answers on page 88. 1.

What does a fletcher do for a living?

Brontophobia is the fear of what meteorological phenomena?

What is the capital city of Lithuania?

4. 5.

The climax of which 1970’s film took place at Devils Tower in Wyoming, USA?

Which Formula 1 race takes place at the Sepang International Circuit?

Name this winter visitor to many a UK garden.

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Constituency Matters with Charlotte Leslie MP

I was delighted to see that the Bristol Free School is highly inclusive and has children from all sorts of backgrounds on the role. This is the kind of school we want to see thrive across Bristol – a school which is both needed and which does its job brilliantly. It was set up to meet a need but it required a professional and dedicated group of individuals to make it work – and they did make it work.

It seems a long time since I helped to set up the group Parents’ Voice in 2009, to campaign for a new secondary school for families in BS9. The result was the Bristol Free School which is now thriving at its site in Burghill Road. And if it seems like a long time, it’s probably because so much has happened in those intervening years. So I was proud to return to the school last month North West Bristol was finally given the new secondary school provision that parents to see the progress. were asking for, but were denied, for so long As soon as I entered the school we could see and was real testament to the determination why the school was needed and why parents of local people. have voted with their feet. Pupil numbers Bristol’s education system has received a lot are full to overflowing and the school is a of criticism in recent years but across Bristol success story by any standards. North West and beyond there are real signs I was delighted to meet several students – all that things are turning around. Children from all backgrounds are thriving, and the bright, polite and smart - at the shiny new sports hall, delivered at a fraction of the cost ‘added value’ scores – rather than the somewhat meaningless headline figures – of previous such developments, along with are proving just that. head Richard Clutterbuck and members of his staff team. As a final note, I must pay tribute to a local parent who was absolutely seminal to the set up of the Bristol Free School, and over time, I counted myself lucky to be able to count him personal friend. Nick Short, who was known by many people locally, tragically passed away last month. His kindness, determination, energy and generosity was loved by all who knew him. He will be very much missed - but I cannot think of a better tribute to him than the superb school that the Bristol Free School has become, We had a tour of the classrooms where we from its humble origins as saw some fantastic learning going on in local parents' pipe-dream. modern classrooms. We visited a Year 7 Science practical, a Year 9 Art class which Charlotte Leslie ‐ MP for Bristol North West was working with clay and a Year 9 Oﬃce: 184 Henleaze Road, Bristol, BS9 4NE Geography class which was investigating the 0117 962 9427 causes of hurricanes. E: charlotte.leslie.mp@parliament.uk

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Community Engagement in Sea Mills Sea Mills Community Initiatives (SMCI) is a charity that was set up in 2010 by representatives of the three local churches St Edyth’s (Anglican), Highgrove Church and Sea Mills Methodist. The focus at that time was to purchase a redundant toilet block located on Sea Mills Green, at the centre of the community, and to convert it into a community cafe. Right from the outset the vision was very clear: ▪ This was an opportunity for the churches in Sea Mills to work together for the benefit of the local community; ▪ To create a focal centre for all sections of the community – young and old; ▪ To see a project emerge that engendered a real sense of civic pride; and ▪ This was to be a project led by the community, for the benefit of the community ... and making a positive difference to all those that live in Sea Mills.

permission for use as a community cafe; this was secured in May 2010 and purchase completed. Having set up the new Charity, SMCI then began fundraising in late 2010, and by late 2011 a total of around £140,000 had been raised, sufficient to meet the cost of converting and equipping the building. Construction work had commenced in April 2011, and was completed by November 2011.

The new community cafe – named ‘Cafe on the Square’ - first opened for business on 6th December 2011. The cafe is now open to the public on four weekdays and every Saturday each week under the management of a team of two salaried staff ably supported by volunteers from the local community. More than 40 individuals, most of them from the local community, give generously of their time to help in running the cafe, and this reflects a high level of local commitment and support for the project.

It was always the intention to see the building used for other purposes for the benefit of the community, and over the last two years this has included courses on debt Closed in 2004 by the Council in response to advice and first aid, and a venue for a local youth group. SMCI is keen to continue to growing concern about inappropriate use, the semi-derelict toilet block was auctioned see the building used in these and new ways. to local developers in 2006. Following a A major highlight in the short life of the cafe number of unsuccessful attempts to secure came in May 2012 with the formal opening planning permission for conversion into a by HRH the Princess Royal. This was an commercial cafe the churches in Sea Mills outstandingly happy community occasion eventually agreed the purchase of the the likes of which had never been seen in Sea building in late 2009 – subject to planning

(continued overleaf)

24 Mills since it was first built as a model garden suburb in the 1930’s, with city dignitaries mixing with children from the local school and many from the community.

Use of the cafe has increased steadily since it opened in 2011, and is now close to covering its costs, which for a project of this sort is remarkable. The café depends for its financial operation on the advantages of being a community supported activity. Without the support provided by the team of volunteers who provide their labour for free, the café would not be able to continue

on a fully sustainable basis. The roles are many and varied, including the visible roles of serving and waiting in the café, but also the much less visible roles such as baking cakes, purchasing and delivering stores, washing linen and carrying out the bookkeeping and accountancy. There has been very positive feedback from those visiting the cafe, and it is clear that it has become an essential and established part of community life in Sea Mills. It was never intended that this would be the only project progressed under the banner of SMCI, and discussions have been underway with Bristol City Council for some months to explore the possibility of bringing former allotment spaces in the local area back into positive use for the benefit of the community. It is hoped that this project will progress in the coming year. Article kindly provided by Andy Street from SMCI

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Smart Computers was set up as a small family business in response to a growing local demand for friendly professional IT services at aﬀordable prices. We are based locally in Westbury On Trym, Kingswood and Keynsham and since our beginnings in 2000, we have built up a solid core of business and domes c customers which con nues to grow as we expand to meet this demand. A large part of our success is due to our team of experienced technicians, PC support and sales staﬀ who all enjoy their work. We use our own proprietary service management so ware and every employee is accountable for the systems they repair and check‐in. Through the use of our management system and the feedback from our clients, we try to provide the best service available. Feel free to visit us at any of our stores or Our ethos is to work closely with our call us on 0117 986 1000. customers to ascertain their needs and to provide an economical solu on for their requirements. We work hard to ensure our customers understand clearly what their op ons are so that they can make the right decisions with their budget. All new PC 73 High Street, Westbury on Trym, BS9 3ED builds, PC repairs and upgrades take place www.smart‐computers.net in one of our workshops; your PC will 0117 986 1000

Voices from Stoke Bishop

THE GREAT WAR 1914–18 Remembered

There will be few of us now who are not aware that August sees the hundredth anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War. Many organisations throughout Bristol are planning to commemorate the occasion. In Stoke Bishop, the Stoke Bishop & Sneyd Park Local History Group is collaborating with St Mary Magdalene Church to produce a dramatic entertainment that recreates the part Stoke Bishop played in the Great War and tells the stories of some of the names inscribed on the Roll of Honour. In 1914 Stoke Bishop was little more than a rural hamlet surrounded by large estates and grand villas in Sneyd Park, occupied by Bristol businessmen seeking a country retreat. The terrible slaughter of the war is reflected in the War Memorial at the top of Stoke Hill which contains the names of 62 dead from a population of under two thousand. In an age when the male line was all important, the loss of brothers and sons was keenly felt. Stoke Bishop’s roll contains three sets of three brothers killed. The Notts lived in Stoke House (now Trinity College). Paton was killed by shrapnel on 27 April 1916. One year later his brothers, Louis and Thomas, were blown up by a booby trapped mine as they slept in a cellar. Bristol was one of the major hospital centres for the wounded and Stoke Bishop played its part. Bishop’s Knoll’s owner, Robert Bush, converted his fine house into a hospital for Australian soldiers from, in the first instance, Gallipoli and later the Western Front. Bush had made his money sheep farming in Australia and felt a kinship with those down under. Patients in many states of injury benefited from the peace and beauty of this lovely house that overlooked the Avon Gorge. Then there was no Portway to shatter the peace.

Bishop’s Knoll as a hospital, with views of the Ballroom before and in use as Ward 1 during the war .

These and other stories will be told in ‘The Great War Remembered’ which will be performed at 7.30pm on Saturday 18th October. If you have any tangible record – letters, diaries, photos – of Stoke Bishop between 1914 and 1918, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Keith Sheather (968 2170) or Jenny Weeks (968 6010).

30 An eco‐friendly , hassle free alternative to a skip Everyone enjoys a good spring clean. For many, it’s a case of out with the old and in with the new The question for many households, however, is what to do with the stuﬀ you want rid of? Taking a few things to the recycling centre is fine, but what if you’ve got more than your average car load to shift? – The Junk Buster specialises in the clearance of residential and commercial rubbish. Bristol‐based recycling firm, The Junk Buster, brings a vibrant on demand, hassle free junk removal service to your premises with shiny trucks , up‐front fees and uniformed two man teams that even sweep up after themselves. Their fresh, professional approach and dedication to sustainability has been welcomed by their growing band of customers. Estate Manager Dean Banfield of Hillcrest Estate Management Bristol said. ”The Junk Buster has proven to be a real asset to our business; professional, friendly, prompt and reliable at a great price”. As a business we’re gearing up for what we expect to be one of the busiest times of the year. Whether moving house or staying put people just feel better for breathing fresh air into their homes and that often means they need furniture, white goods and garden waste removing. We’re here to help.

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COMMUTAFLOAT IS COMING TO BRISTOL “Less carbon than a car, less puﬀ than a pushbike” COMM UTAFLO AT BRIS TOL An exci ng green alterna ve to tradi onal commu ng takes oﬀ in Bristol this month. You’d be a fool not to try it. Our jolly li le blimp will fly daily from Sea Mills Parade, stopping at Stoke Lodge, Canford Park and the Downs (change on the Downs for connec ng flights to Redland, Southmead, Filton and Gatwick) then on via Cli on (Oakfield Road reservoir), Berkeley Square, College Green and Castle Park before termina ng on the roof of the M‐Shed. • Flights leave Sea Mills at 3.45am, 4.30am and 5.15am and return from the M Shed at 8.30pm, 9.15pm and 10.00pm ‐ perfect for people working long days. • Flight me 30 minutes outward, 40 minutes homeward (when a significant part of the journey is uphill). • Fares ‐ £4 one way, £9 return and a further 37p guarantees you a window seat. For more details please email Louise, Richard or Russell (who give their name to the business ) ‐ commutafloat@loudickruss‐ideas.co.uk Our Spring / Summer metable starts on April 1st and ends on April 1st

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33 HEALTH & FITNESS

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The Downs Recorder - Richard Bland Breeding Birds on the Downs We have fairly detailed accounts of the breeding birds of the Downs over the past century, and there have always been about thirty species that breed, though not always the same species. Last year a detailed survey of the scrubby areas of the Downs surface was made, because the rapid advance of scrub has increased the nesting opportunities of birds, but decreased the area of native grassland, and decisions have to be made about scrub control. There are now about 39 hectares of scrub, about a fifth of the whole area, and ten separate scrubby areas were identified. In all 256 pairs of 22 species were found. Wrens were the commonest species recorded, closely followed by Robins and Blackbirds, and these three species formed about 45% of all the breeding species. They occupied every patch of scrub. There were some 24 pairs of Woodpigeons, though as they can breed throughout the year, and nest in trees rather than scrub this probably understates their significance. Great Tits and Blue Tits, who nest in holes in trees or walls were about half as frequent as the Wrens, and because of the large number of old trees there is no shortage of nest sites, and for them the scrub is a source of food for their young. A single pair of both Coal Tits and Longtailed Tits were found, the latter having suffered as a result of the exceptionally cold March. The Coal Tit

There are about a dozen pairs of both Crows and Magpies. Both are tree nesters, though Magpies will use large Hawthorns, and both will rob the nests of smaller birds if they can. Crows are very territorial, and this limits the number that breed. There is a non-breeding flock, presumably of young birds, who don’t manage to establish a territory. Six pairs of Jays were detected, though they are very quiet around their nest sites, and mostly use the thick scrub of the Gorge face. The Goldfinches were the commonest finch, closely followed by the Greenfinch, and no Chaffinches were detected, which was a surprise as eighty years ago they were regarded as the commonest species. There were probably three pairs of the elusive Bullfinch. Blackcap were twice as common as Chiffchaff, and there were three pairs of Nuthatch, two of Great Spotted Woodpecker, and, surprisingly, Green Woodpecker were apparently absent. They too may have suffered from the weather in March. Eight pairs of Song Thrush, three of Mistle Thrush, five of Dunnock and one Goldcrest completes the list. Of course the Peregrines were once again successful, two pairs of Kestrels bred on the gorge, the Ravens bred somewhere, Feral Pigeons nest on the cliffs, there is usually a Tawny Owl pair but the Rooks that bred in 2012 by Ivywell Road did not return. Jackdaws nest on the cliff face, and feed off the surface of the Downs. There are three flocks, at the Suspension Bridge, above the Great Quarry and at sea Walls 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.

Gardener’s Corner with Cathy Lewis Back to basics. Cathy Lewis gives down to earth advice on looking after your soil. I know soil isn’t the most exciting of subjects, but it’s the starting point to a beautiful garden. They say an army marches on its stomach. Well, the same applies to plants – they grow better for being in nutrient-rich, wellmaintained soil. It’s helpful to know a bit about your soil type so that you can choose plants that will thrive in it. Soil is made up of mineral matter (sand, silt and clay), organic matter, water and Look after your soil and air, all in varying plants will reward you with a quantities. The ideal brilliant display of flowers mix of clay, sand and silt is called loam. Bristol tends to have quite a lot of clay in the soil, making it a bit sticky and difficult to dig, but the good news is that clay holds lots of nutrients. If you can roll a handful of your garden soil into a ball, the chances are it has high clay content. For most plants to do well, soil needs plenty of organic matter. The best way to add this is with compost, which you can easily make yourself in a compost heap or bin. Mid to late spring is the ideal time to add compost to your garden, in the form of a mulch – a nice thick blanket of organic goodness spread around

your plants. If you don’t have your own compost you can use leaf mould, wood chippings, well-rotted manure or mushroom compost. Mulches help feed the soil, discourage weeds, retain moisture, make soils easier to work, and look good. When you are choosing plants for your garden bear in mind that Bristol’s heavy clay soil won’t suit Mediterranean plants such as lavender which prefer good drainage, so dig in plenty of grit and organic matter to create the conditions they enjoy. It is also important to know the acidity of your soil, because some plants only grow well in acid or alkaline conditions. For example, camellias and azaleas will go yellow in alkaline soil and look awful! Plants that require lime-free, acid soil are called ericaceous, and if your soil isn’t right you will need to grow them in pots using ericaceous compost. I’ve seen plenty of camellias and azaleas growing Ericaceous plants such as well in Bristol gardens, Rhododendron ‘Praecox’ but also plenty of very will only thrive in acid soil sad specimens. If you want to grow these beautiful shrubs it’s worth testing your soil using a kit from the garden centre. Cathy Lewis Dip. PSGD Cathy Lewis Gardens & Design Professional garden design, consultancy and maintenance. Tel: 07985 008 585 www.cathylewisgardens.co.uk

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Henleaze Junior School the early years Local writer and Henleaze historian Veronica Bowerman has recently published her first e-book entitled “Henleaze Junior School - The Early Years”. Here Veronica tells us a little more about the book. “This book demonstrates the ability of a new primary school built in the 1950s in South West England, just after World War II, to succeed in spite of numerous difficulties. Staff, parents, pupils and the local community all played vital and significant roles, often with unique and surprising results! The first Headmaster of Henleaze Junior School, Mr Leslie Charles had a vision. He wanted to educate all the children in his school in a memorable, but enjoyable way. The impact he had on his former pupils can be seen from some of their reminiscences written over sixty years later.

over the years as well as the different venues. Some famous visitors came to the school to see the pupils including H E Todd, who was best known for his ‘Bobby Brewster books and his appearances on the television programme ‘Jackanory. It helps to understand how schools such as Henleaze Junior School were able to succeed during the 21st century. The world will only continue to thrive through consistently good education. We need to think deeply about the schools of the future as global changes gather momentum. Numerous benefits can be found from educational ideas and actions generated many years ago before the age of social media and the internet. This book will give the reader many ideas, some perhaps forgotten, that are relevant to education for today. Let’s continue to make learning interesting, fascinating, memorable and above all fun! No one is ever too old to learn!”

Mr Charles encouraged curiosity and the use of different learning aids. Some of the latter were included in the wide and growing range of extra curricular activities on offer, many of them thanks to his supportive and often innovative staff. The importance of individual and team skills for the pupils has been highlighted and many examples have been included, particularly in sport and music. Subsequent Heads and staff were able to build on Mr Charles’ legacy. The problems were sometimes different but the means to overcome them were often inventive and original. The number of day visits arranged for the pupils, and later short holidays, increased

Veronica’s book is available to download from Amazon at just £3.09and will be reviewed next month in The Bristol Nine.

It's incredible to think that 10 years have passed since the founders, Judith and Simon started Premier Homecare. Walking the streets of North West Bristol, pos ng homemade leaflet and le ng the residents know about the care services offered by the company. Since then, 'care management' has taken on many new guises but Judith Tunnicliffe and Simon Swindells have embraced the future; not least with new technology, social media and more employees. Technology might have changed but the welfare and well being of their clients is s ll uppermost in their minds. In the early days the ethos was straight forward in wan ng to make a posi ve difference to people's lives. This core value which was at the heart of Premier Homecare, is as valid and real today as it was in 2004. Over the years, Premier Homecare has grown. They currently employ over 100 staff members, but the founders have always been mindful of con nuity of care; resis ng the tempta on to take on more work than they could manage, or carer availability would allow.

They also understand the value of an 'Open door policy', having recently opened their second high street office; offering the residents of Stoke Bishop the chance to come in, sit down and talk about care face‐ to‐face. This office compliments the more established premises in Canford Lane, Westbury‐on‐Trym. Judith Tunnicliffe remarked "In recent mes, care has made the front pages for all the wrong reasons; in some circumstances quite rightly so. At Premier Homecare, we want to spread a posi ve, balanced message. Encouraging people to visit and tell us what care they are looking for and what we, as an employer, can also offer care workers. Our high street loca on means accessible care knowledge and exper se; making Premier Homecare accountable to it's clients and giving new clients assurances of the best care available." So, join Premier Homecare in celebra ng 10 years of caring in Bristol ‐ current trends can come and go but one thing is for sure; if you are looking for the best care and support in Bristol, Premier Homecare have a respected and experienced track record of delivering the highest quality, bespoke care and wellbeing, people deserve ‐ now and in the future.

Registra on No. 1994

School Reports A monthly round-up of interesting and goodnews stories from our local schools. Staff and students at The Red Maids’ School have been studying with interest items of pottery which have been discovered in the basement of the school. Clearing the basement of the main building ahead of a redevelopment project, staff came upon around 50 ceramic items including a couple of pieces of Spode pottery. The miscellaneous collection included soap dishes, pots and jugs which are believed would have been used when Red Maids’ was a boarding school. During the war, boarders would shelter in the basement during air raids, but it is not known whether the pots and dishes date back to this time or Phoebe, Isabella & Chris na whether they were with the Redmaids pots simply stored there when no longer needed. “One never knows what might come to light during times of change – it was a fascinating find!” said Headmistress Isabel Tobias. “Red Maids’ has such a rich and interesting history and these items are a reminder of how girls might have lived at the school in years gone by.” Mr Treby, Assistant Heads of English at Henbury School writes “This term we became poets. Class 10b1 were set the challenge of writing their own poetry using only the vocabulary used by Dylan Thomas in his own poem, ‘Do not go gentle into that good night’. Here is one spectacular example, which shows a clever and imaginative use of language. On Thomas’ Words Fierce meteors swept across with dark death. Frail, old men grieved over light. Blind sight, curse the rage of tears. Men would rave at the sight of light. They saw a flight late at night burn, rage as if it was a rave in the blinding bright.

Caught late by the blaze it hits the bay. At height, lightning forked as a curse on light. No sun was seen, no gaiety to be heard. Pray we might be wise and see the right way in the end. Everything became bright. By Mitchell Pinnock, Year 11 Girls at Redland High School are following in the footsteps of the heroic women at Bletchley Park during the Second World War, by testing their decoding skills in the UK Linguistics Olympiad. In a week which saw veterans gather at Bletchley Park to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Colossus, the computer developed for British code-breakers, the pupils at Redland High have been participating in the nation-wide competition which has been described as a cross between Sudoku, a Sherlock Holmes mystery and detailed grammar analysis. Competitors are given a few linguistic clues, and then have to decode a language that they have never seen before such as Ancient Phoenician, Tangkhul or Kannada. At School’s Out Henleaze Holiday Play-scheme our mission is to enrich the lives of children and young people and support their wellbeing through creative fun and play. We provide a not-for-profit holiday play-scheme for children aged 4-12 (from any school) during Bristol school holidays and Henleaze in-service days, and are mainly based at Henleaze Junior School. The scheme is relaxed, engaging and friendly, so children come back to us time and time again because they have had such a great day. Each week is themed around different topics. A typical week includes a one-off site visit to n attraction or a trip to the local cinema and parks, as well as days full of fun, play and activities. In addition other options are available such as board games, colouring tables, books, ball games, indoor/outdoor play equipment, den building, and snooker able. Parents may book full days or shorter days. The Easter holidays play-scheme 7th - 17th April is now open for bookings! To find out more about this, future programmes and how to book go to www.schoolsouthenleaze.co.uk . We are OFSTED registered and staffed by a team of CRB checked, well qualified, experienced and professional play workers.

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Prize Wordsearch Competition time and this month the popular wordsearch puzzle goes all literary with a Shakespearean theme. The list contains 21 reasonably well known characters from The Bard’s portfolio. 20 of them are also hidden in the wordsearch grid, either forwards, backwards, up, down or on a diagonal. Just track down the missing character and send me his or her name. All correct entries received by the 30th April will be entered into the computer for one to be selected at random - and that person will win a £20 book token to spend on the works of William Shakespeare or any other author of their choice.

Entries please by post (8 Sandyleaze, WoT, BS9 3PY), telephone (0117 968 7787), email (andy@bcmagazines.co.uk), text (07845 9866540) or tweet (@BS9Andy). Last month there was so much rain that I inadvertently flooded the puzzle with two missing rivers rather than one planned. Anyone spotting either of them has been entered into the draw to win the gardening voucher. There is still just time to enter in case you fancied a go - check out the puzzle in the March issue online at the website www.bcmagazines.co.uk. Back to this month though and here are the Shakespearean names you are looking for -

AGUECHEEK VIOLA BELCH TROILUS CRESSIDA SHYLOCK CYMBELINE ROSALIND DESDEMONA PROSPERO DOGBERRY PETRUCHIO FALSTAFF OTHELLO FESTE MALVOLIO HAMLET MACBETH HERMIONE LEAR JULIET

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The Kitchen Garden with Tara Hofman

seeds and a spade, it’s not too late - dig for victory! Eat what you grow! Share the anticipation and excitement of what spring and summer have to offer and hopefully Dirt, Digging and New Beginnings some delicious meals using the fruits of your labours, too. I’ve had success in the I had dinner with a friend recently; she’s in past with cabbages, borlotti beans, runner the premier league when it comes to growing veg. I dabble in it although I’m just beans, broad beans, courgettes, cavolo nero, an apprentice, but with the arrival of Spring, rainbow chard to name a few. my zest and my confidence for growing veg Perhaps the most brighten. satisfying of all though, are lettuces. I started a veg patch a few years ago and There’s nothing quite have had varying degrees of success. With the first springtime days of the year it seems like cutting your own that everything is possible. “When should I garden leaves and eating them straight dig my patch over?”, I asked my veg growing mentor over dinner, “Now!” , came from the ground little gem, radicchio the answer. So, beneath the bluest of skies and with a gentle breeze, I began. Weeding and lollo rosso, each has its own degree of and digging really is the best therapy – a chance to square things, to turn a few things crunch, bitter/sweet scale and a colour spectrum from the palest over in your mind. Now I have a green through dark purple and deep blank canvas of rich, crimson – what more could a girl ask from a plate? Then there’s the dressing: a simple dark earth, a new beginning and a lot lemon and olive oil mix, a classic vinaigrette with red wine vinegar, a dollop of Dijon of hope for the mustard, seasoning, olive oil or yoghurt, future. lemon juice, seasoning and perhaps some chives which are so easy to grow and keep If you’re lucky coming back when you cut them. Now enough to have where is that trowel? … some space, a few

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58 I wonder how many readers have recently seen items of addressed post come through their door bearing an unusual postage stamp? If you are a member of the Bristol Pound you probably will have - my £B directory came stamped with a nice image of the Suspension Bridge. Subsequent enquiries led me to the offices of Velopost and what is an interesting story - and one that might save Bristol businesses a tidy sum on their postage costs.

Royal Mail. The company is fully accredited and audited to the appropriate security standards, and all deliveries are made by enthusiastic staff on bikes Velopost aim to run the business to exacting environmental standards.

I’ve since met some of the team, and will be trying them out for the delivery of Velopost are one of a number of companies all the post I send to magazine advertisers. I’ll bring you the full story next month. In exploiting opportunities resulting from the the meantime if you are a business that liberalisation of postal services in the UK, and are of particular interest here in BS9 due regularly sends addressed mail around the local area then a chat with Velopost might to their local focus. In short, Velopost be a profitable idea. For more details ring operate a postal service in Bristol and Bath, 01761 410186, email info@velopost.co.uk or delivering letters to most BA and BS post visit www.velopost.co.uk. codes, at a cost significantly lower than the

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Here Comes Spring ‐ Some Tips for you and your Liver Spring is on its way and hopefully the sun will be shining. We’ve come through an incredibly wet winter and now it’s me to get outside and enjoy the spring with its new beginnings. Everything is star ng to grow – including us. In Chinese Medicine, this me of year is associated with the Liver and Gall Bladder (Wood Elements). These organs help to nourish the tendons and connec ve ssues and regulate the smooth flow of Qi and emo ons. When we’re moving with the seasons this is the me of year when we start to feel more energised, with projects on the horizon and goals to fulfil, it’s all about vision and direc on. If the Liver isn’t flowing the way it should, then we can feel moody, frustrated, irritable and possibly depressed.

How can you make sure you’re op mising your health this spring me? You might already be enjoying the gym, but if that’s not your thing then ge ng outside for some fresh air and a brisk walk is a great way to help smooth the flow of Liver Qi. Also some gentle stretching, yoga, or tai chi can help maintain flexibility in your tendons and connec ve ssue and relieve any stagna on. Diet wise you could consider cu ng down on your Liver’s workload by reducing alcohol, refined sugar and anything ar ficial and ea ng foods that are green and leafy: kale, watercress and parsley are very beneficial to help detoxify the Liver. At home it’s a great me to de‐clu er, have a spring clean and get rid of those things you know you don’t need anymore. This helps us de‐clu er ourselves and free up our energy. If you do feel you need some more support acupuncture is great for trea ng stress, anger, frustra on, and depression, as well as spring me allergies. If you want any further informa on you can call me for a chat or book a free consulta on to see me at the Chiron Centre.

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63 Readers of last months magazine may recall the innovative student project “Missionly” whereby skilled students are brought together with small local businesses needing assistance with projects and tasks for which the students are well suited. (Please do have a look at www.missionly.co.uk for more details of this great venture.) Well I decided to put them to the test - and the result is that the Missionly team have linked me up with Tudor Morris, a final year student of Illustration at UWE. Each month

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Louise’s tips for an easier life 10 Top Home Detox Tips and the Secret of a Clutter-Free Kitchen This month I’d like to share 10 top home detox tips with you. I recently read an article with these ideas and they really made me think. You may have spring cleaned already, but take a moment to consider these: 1.

2. 3.

4. 5.

6. 7.

9. 10.

Leave your shoes by the front door. Shoes bring in all sorts of nasties – lead, dog doo-doo, car exhaust pollutants and pesticides. Vacuum carpets at least once a week. Make sure you have a few house plants – e.g. bamboo, spider plants and cheese plants which absorb pollutants. Use olive oil rather than a spray-on wood polish. Consider replacing PVC shower curtains with glass doors and PVC tablecloths with washable ones. Think about using water-based or organic paints. Replace non-stick frying pans with stainless-steel or enamel ones (but be prepared to get the elbow grease out!). Use vinegar and lemon juice as everyday surface cleaners; add bicarbonate of soda for extra cleaning strength (particularly in fridges). Make sure your home is well ventilated. Put soft toys in the freezer once in a while to kill house dust mites.

Now, let’s move on to the secret of a clutterfree kitchen. A good question to ask is ‘Which kitchen equipment do I really need?’ Holding onto items that are no longer used or enjoyed can become a habit, and like other long-term

habits, the impact really can be quite overwhelming. There are no rules as to how much anyone should own – I believe that clutter is defined as whatever’s getting in the way. I would never advocate a minimalist makeover: everyone has a personal view of what constitutes clutter but we live in a consumer society where we no longer shop merely for what we need, resulting in the accumulation of all kinds of things. Looking for items that get lost among clutter can be a waste of valuable time (and money if you have to replace them). One of the most common comments when helping clients to de-clutter is ‘Oh, that’s where it is, I’ve been looking for it for ages’, or even ‘oh no, I just bought another one of those - I thought I’d lost it!’. If you’re feeling the task is a bit daunting, the first step is to simply open each kitchen cupboard door and take stock of what you own. It can help to set a timer and limit yourself to 15 minute sessions so you don’t get too bored or tired. Take it one step (or cupboard/ drawer) at a time. If it really feels too much – a professional organiser can provide practical help and support – so give me a call. Either way, de-clutter and feel much better for it. Louise England is a Lifestyle and Home Assistant and her service aims to free-up your free time. Her passion is to make a positive difference to people’s lives by helping them sort things out and complete jobs in their homes quickly and efficiently. Website: www.louiseengland.co.uk Mobile: 07780 474256 Email: louise@louiseengland.co.uk Twitter: @L_England

69Â

Friends of Blaise - Patrick Clarke Last month we looked at the history of the Mansion House at Blaise, situated to look out toward Castle Hill and the Castle from the windows of the main living rooms. The Castle is in fact the last of a series of buildings on this site which has a long history of human occupation. The earliest references are of a late Iron Age Fortress with at least two earthwork defensive rings, probably constructed by a local Celtic tribe called Dubonni. The remains of the two massive defensive rings can still be seen today, but are obscured by undergrowth and trees. Excavations at the hill have uncovered an abundance of late Iron Age pottery fragments and domestic items, giving evidence that a settled community flourished within the Hill Fort.

Blaise Hill was also of considerable interest to the Romans who occupied Britain between 43AD and 410AD. The natural defensive features of the Hill, close to the River Severn and a major Roman Road (Part of which is now Cribbs Causeway) provided an ideal site for a military base which formed part of their defences against frequent attacks by Irish raiders in late Roman times. Excavations made in 1918 discovered the remains of a building thought to have been a Roman Temple and some way away, but still on the top of the hill, fragments of urns, flag stones and painted plaster which suggest a more extensive complex of Roman buildings in this area.

Little is known of the period between 410AD when the Roman occupation ended, and the arrival of Saxons in Henbury at the beginning of the 6th Century. There is evidence of a Chapel which seems to have been built prior to 960AD and occupied by Monks between 960AD and 992AD. It is tempting to conclude that the Roman Temple was in part still standing when the Saxons moved in, and that it was adapted to become a Chapel dedicated to Saint Werburgha. About 1299 it appears that this Chapel was for some reason re dedicated to Saint Blaise. Maybe it was because Saint Blaise is the patron Saint of wool combers and wool was the major industry in the area at the time. Anyway, no matter what the reason, the name Blaise became synonymous with the area and remains so today. Four hundred years later a double avenue of Elm Trees was planted from the Great House in Henbury up the north east side of Castle Hill and a summerhouse added at the end of the avenue in 1708. By this time the Chapel was a complete ruin with only the foundations remaining, and it seems likely that some of the stone was used to construct the Summerhouse.

This avenue was basically still in place when in 1766 the then owner of the estate Thomas Farr, a rich Bristol merchant decided to build the castle which we see today, close to the site of the old Roman Temple.

What’s On & Community News Listings for community events, not-forprofit clubs and charitable activities are free of charge. If you have something of this nature that you would like listed please get in touch with Andy Fraser by telephoning 0117 968 7787 or 07845 986650, or by emailing in your notice (in email or Word format - no PDF’s please) to andy@bcmagazines.co.uk. Or you can post them to 8 Sandyleaze, WoT, BS9 3PF.

All notices must be received by the 12th of the preceding month - any later and they will not be included. Clubs and Companionship Men at St. Peters (MASP) is a bi-monthly group which meets Saturday mornings at St Peter’s Hall, Henleaze. The meetings start at 8.30am with a full English breakfast. This is then followed by entertaining and interesting talks by a guest speaker. New members are always welcome. In conjunction we also provide well directed “Keep Fit” sessions for men every Tuesday morning. Further information may be obtained from Chris McCarthy tel 962 3545. Bristol Cabot Probus Club is for retired and semi-retired professional and business men to maintain contact and fellowship with people of similar interests. Meets third Wednesday each month in BAWA Club Southmead Rd, for lunch followed by a speaker on a wide range of interesting subjects. Extensive programme of social events including holidays, day trips, Sunday lunches and skittles to which ladies and friends are welcomed. Contact John HowardCairns on 968 3134 for more details. Westbury on Trym Women’s Institute meets on the 3rd Monday of the month (not in

August) in the Methodist Church Hall, WOT (next to the car park) at 2.00pm. We have a programme of varied speakers, outings, discussions etc. New members and visitors always welcome. For more information please contact: Sue Murphy – Tel: 950 2826. Do join us for Parish lunch at St Mary’s Church Stoke Bishop, every Thursday from 12.15. 3 course buffet lunch, tea and coffee. £3.50. 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. Instep Club for Widows and Widowers meet weekly on Wednesday evenings 8.00 - 10.30 at Stoke Bishop Village Hall, Stoke Hill. New members welcome. Ballroom and Sequence dancing (If you haven’t danced for a long time, don’t worry, we will help you). Refreshments, social activities. Please telephone Mary on 968 3170 or Wilma on 962 8895 for further information. Westbury-on-Trym Probus Club provide a meeting point for retired and semi-retired professional and business men, to promote social well being through friendship, companionship and discussion. The club meets on the third Thursday of every month at BAWA, Southmead Road, from 12 midday. If you are interested in joining please contact the secretary on 968 4270 or email: graham.horne5@btinternet.com. The Probus Club of Bristol for semi or retired Professional Business men, meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month at BAWA Southmead Road. At these meetings we have a three course lunch with a speaker. In addition there is a

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What’s On & Community News substantial programme of social events to which our Ladies are invited to participate. If you are interested in joining our club, please contact our Membership Secretary Martin Harker on 01275 857324, email probusbristol@hotmail.co.uk or visit www.bristolprobus.org.uk Tuesdays in Lent at Holy Trinity Church WOT until April 15th. Join us for a series of Soup Lunches 12-15 for 12-30 pm in St. Paul's Room in the Parish Church. Lunch will be followed by a short talk with coffee and biscuits. Friendly fellowship with fine home-made soups and biscuits. £3. All proceeds to the East/West Appeal. All very welcome.

Calling all Carers. Would you like the opportunity to share your experiences, relax and make new friends? Then come and join the new Henleaze Carers’ Group. 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.

Rotary Club of Bristol Northwest. We meet every 1st and 3rd Wednesday, as well as any 5th ones that come along, at Henbury Golf Club. Meetings start with a meal at 7.30pm followed by a speaker or occasional other social events. Guests and new members are always welcome at our meetings. For further details visit www.bristolnorthwestrotary.org or contact our club secretary on suketar@btinternet.com.

Stoke Bishop Townswomen's Guild have now moved to the Hulbert Room, St Mary Magdalene Church, Mariner's Drive, Stoke Bishop. The Hulbert Room is approached via a path to the left of the steps just past the church. Our meetings are on the usual 1st Thursday of the month, at 2pm - come and visit us a little before 2 free of charge. Further details from 968 3671 or 968 5638.

Retired Professional Engineers' Club Bristol is a non-profit making club that arranges regular events for retired professional engineers, whatever their background. Guests will be made most welcome, with a notional charge to cover the cost of tea and biscuits. Talks normally start at 14.00 in St Peter's Church Hall, Henleaze, BS9 4LD, on the second Wednesday of the month. Further information on membership on our web-site: www.rpec.co.uk or call Julian on 968 2824.

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.

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 Jean Wickham on 962 4466.

Westbury-on-Trym Townswomen's Guild meets at 2.15pm at Westbury Village Hall, Eastfield Road, Westbury-on-Trym on the second Monday in each month. We have speakers, whist, table tennis, discussion and social events. New members and visitors welcome. Please contact Anne Trathen, Chairman, on 962 4256 or Margaret Smith, Secretary on 924 1728.

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

What’s On & Community News Bristol Brunel Probus Club for retired professional and businessmen meet at BAWA Southmead Rd, once a month to enjoy lunch and a mix of social events, regular speakers, visits and outings, to which wives and friends are warmly welcomed. For more details please ring Fred Martin on 968 3875. 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. If you would like to know more call Sian on 07807 058479, email bristol@hope-after-heartbreak.co.uk or visit www.hope-after-heartbreak.co.uk. Interest Groups Do you like reading? Our Book Group meets on the last Thursday of the month at Westbury Library, from 2.30pm til 4pm. We would love you to come and join our lively group. For more information call Sue on 959 4365 New Dimensions meets every month and we have talks on a wide range of esoteric subjects. The meetings are held at the Friends’ Meeting House, 126 Hampton Road, Redland, Bristol BS6 6JE. Admission: £5 (including tea/coffee/ biscuits). The next meeting will be held on Sunday 13 April 2014 at 3pm. The speaker will be Analaura Trivellato and the title of her talk is “Out-of-Body Experiences”. Annalaura will explain what happens when we have an out-ofbody experience (OBE) and what has been discovered about them. Come and meet new like-minded friends. For further information, please telephone 01749 678 834 or write to: leasurs@tiscali.co.uk North West Bristol Camera Club (NWBCC). 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. Stoke Bishop & Sneyd Park Local History Group will meet at Stoke Bishop Village Hall on Friday 11th April at 7.30pm when Bristol archaeologist Peter Insole presents “Know Your Place” - a look at the Bristol Council website that enables you to explore your neighbourhood through historic maps, images and linker information. New members and visitors (£2 charge) always welcome. Please ring Jenny Weeks for more information - 0117 968 6010. Like making Airfix models? Avon Branch of the International Plastic Modellers Society meets on the third Wednesday of every month at the BAWA on Southmead Road at 8.00pm. New members are very welcome. For more information contact Andy White on 0117 330 0288 or visit www.ipmsavon.org.uk Bristol Mahjong Club meets every Thursday 25pm at The Eastfield Inn, Henleaze Rd. Experienced players and beginners welcome. British Mahjong Rules. Please contact Lee - Mob: 0790 567 2979 or neeliej@hotmail.co.uk. Stoke Lodge History and Archaeology Group meet on the first Thursday of every month at the Friends Meeting House in Hampton Road at 7.30pm. We have speakers on a varied range of topics, many of which have a strong emphasis on local history. New members are always made very welcome. For further details please contact Annette Martin on 0117 979 3209. The Bristol Branch of the English Speaking Union welcomes guests to their meetings which are held in the Apostle Room of Clifton Cathedral at 7.15 p.m. for 7.45 p.m. Entrance is £3. Our April meeting is on 3rd April when plastic surgeon Mr Donald Sammut will be talking on “My work in hand surgery in Nepal”. May meeting is on 1st May when Mr Gareth

(GWAAC4)

What’s On & Community News Williams (Professor of Medicine and former Dean of Medicine at BRI) will be talking on “heroes and Villains- the story of Smallpox”. Ray Bridge Club meet every Tuesday 6.30pm to 9pm at the Sea Mills Methodist Church, Shirehampton Road (new venue) for social rubber bridge. New members welcome. Please ring 942 7760 or 968 2652 for further details. West of England Bridge Club meets for duplicate bridge on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Golden Hill Sports Club, Wimbledon Road, Henleaze from 7.30pm - 10.30pm. New members and visitors welcome. £4 per evening for members, £5 for non-members, special rates for juniors/unemployed. Licensed bar. For further details of the club or lessons please contact Gareth Evans on 07921 788 605 or visit www.woebc.co.uk. Social Bridge, every Tuesday at 7.30 p.m. at Stoke Bishop Village Hall. New members welcome. Tel Chris on 968 5640. 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.

(Tel: Cheryl 0117 9590970). Every Tuesday 7.30 -9.30pm. See www.wscbristol.com for details. Stoke Lodge Ramblers provide a varied range of walks that will suit all levels of walking ability. Walks are scheduled for the first and third Thursdays and Sundays of every month. Thursdays are either medium walks of 5 - 7 miles or short walks of 4 miles. Sunday walks are approximately 8 - 11 miles. A number of social events are also held each year. New members are most welcome. www.stokelodgeramblers.wordpress.com or ring our Secretary on 968 4140 for more information. Do you need to borrow a PA system? Martyn at North Bristol PA Hire has kindly offered his services and PA equipment for any community or charitable event being held here in BS9. Martyn is happy to be contacted to discuss if he can be of help at any appropriate events e.g. fetes, fun days, musical productions. He can provide music, commentary or just turn up with a PA (and lighting if needed). If you are interested please ring Martyn on 07977 512436 or 0117 987 0534 or check out his website www.northbristolpahire.co.uk. Music and Concerts

Scottish Country Dancing for beginners and experienced dancers at St Monica's Trust hall on Thursdays 7.30pm. All new dancers welcome; come on your own or with friends. Contact Trish at 962 3775 or go to our website: www.rscdsbristolinfo.co.uk

Organ Elevenses at Westbury Parish Church is on Saturday April 12th. We are delighted to welcome back Owain Park, Bristol's young and talented organist. He spent his two 'A' Level years at Wells Cathedral School and while there he held the post of Organ Scholar at the Cathedral. Owain is now Organ Scholar at Trinity College Cambridge. Come for coffee and luscious cakes from 10.30am. Owain's recital starts at 11 am. Suggested donation £5, children free.

Scottish Country Dancing Classes for beginners at Leonard Hall, Trinity-Henleaze URC, Waterford Road, Henleaze, ( Tel: Tina 0117 9075462). Classes for more advanced dancers at St Peter's Church Hall, Henleaze,

An evening of Cabaret with 'Sue K and the Caplin Quartet' will be held on 17th May @ the Bradbury Hall, Waterford Road, Henleaze. Tickets £10 to include a Buffet Supper. Contact: Tel. 9620108 or 9621150

What’s On & Community News Stoke Bishop Ladies Choir are holding their free Spring Concert on Monday 14th April, 2.30pm at Stoke Bishop Village Hall. Donations to charity. Free tea included. All welcome.

gospel. We have 2 or 3 events each year usually raising funds for a charity. Do call Maggie Cavanna on 973 4794, email secretary@henburysingers.org, check our website www.henburysingers.org, or drop in on a Thursday evening.

Charity Ceilidh with Lupercailia on Saturday 10th May 7:30-11:00pm. A fund raising ceilidh to benefit cancer support charity CLIC Sargent. St. Albans Church Hall, Bayswater Avenue, Westbury Park, Bristol BS6 7NU. Tickets £8 from www.wegottickets.com/event/260154 or £9 on the door. Half price for under 16s, under 5s free. BYO alcoholic drinks, soft drinks bar available.

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

Come along to a fabulous Piano Recital by Tatiana Pavlova, international concert pianist. Music composed by Sergei Rachmaninoff and Tatiana Pavlova. Concert in aid of Fountain Housing Association, care of the elderly in Gloucestershire. 7.30 pm, Saturday, 26th April 2014. St Georges, Great George Street (just off Park Street), Bristol BS1 5RR. Tickets available from St Georges box office on 0845 40 24 001, or visit www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

Bristol Chamber Choir present Masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance , featuring Gregorio Allegri “Miserere”, Antonio Lotti “Crucifixus” and Giovanni Anerio “Missa Pro Defunctis”. Sunday 6th April 2014, 3 pm, at Redland Park United Reformed Church, Whiteladies Road, BS6 6SA. £10 (Concessions £8.00) Children Free. Available from the Choir Secretary on 07447 042 441 and from Opus 13, 14 St Michael’s Hill.

Bristol Concert Wind Band, conducted by Rainer Dolz, present their Spring Concert on Saturday May 17th at 7.30 pm. The programme includes Danceries by Kenneth Hesketh, the jazzy Suite of Old American Dances by Robert Russell Bennett, and Ronde for Isolde by David Bedford. These are all written specially for wind orchestra. Our principal clarinettist Nicola Ware will play the lively Tico Tico written in 1907 by the Brazilian composer de Abreu. Tickets are £8 on the door, or £6 in advance (950 3104 or 07925 967 549) with under-12s free.

Westbury Singers. We are an enthusiastic group of people who love singing in four-part harmony. We rehearse on Monday evenings during school term time in Reedley Road Baptist Church. We give performances in a variety of local venues. If you are interested in joining us please contact the Secretary Marilyn Baker on 968 3993 or email mazzb@hotmail.co.uk.

Henbury Singers welcome new members. We are a non-audition and friendly choir who meet at 7.30 pm at Stoke Bishop Primary School in Cedar Park, on Thursday evenings in term time. We sing mainly choral music (Vivaldi, Handel, Schubert etc) but also sing carols, folk and

Gilbert & Sullivan's “The Gondoliers” will be performed by the Bristol Gilbert & Sullivan Operatic Society from 1st - 5th April at the Redgrave Theatre. Tickets are available from www.bristolgsos.co.uk and on 907 9122 priced at £14 adults (£12 concessions). Group discounts available- please call the box office. We have a free app that can be used on all smart phones, tablets and PCs, and includes an offer on the programme price. Simply click on the

What’s On & Community News link and show at the theatre to receive your discount http://myapp.is/BristolGSOS Volunteering Volunteers Wanted - RSVP/CSV Reading in schools. We are looking for volunteers over 50 both male and female to go in to local schools on a regular weekly basis to help children with their reading. We organise your references and a short training course and the school would do any necessary checks. If you think that this is something that you would like to be involved in please email vckitchen1949@gmail.com or ring 909 6858. Do you love weddings? Westbury on Trym Village Hall is a very popular wedding venue and has another busy wedding schedule set for 2014. Would you like to put your skills into action? If so, why not become a wedding volunteer and help organise these happy events. If you are interested, please contact Anne on 968 0872 or Cat on 07931 112 192. More Reading Buddies Wanted Please! Would you enjoy offering reading and language support to children for whom English is a second language? Can you help them improve their reading ability, benefiting both them as individuals and the wider class? Can you commit to giving one hour of reading time a week in term-time? We are working with eleven schools in the Southmead, Brentry and Horfield areas. Training is offered, and your advanced CRB check is paid for by Bristol City Council. You would read with the same children each week and be part of a growing group of volunteers. For more information please contact Paul Harrod, paul.harrod@gmail.com, or on 07576 150 706 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. Our forthcoming programme of talks is:16th April -Jon Mason “Spring Garden Tips”; and 21st May our very own “Garden Question Time” + Plant Sale. Annual individual membership is just £12. Visitors always welcome at £2 per meeting. FFI contact Gail Mitchell 968 5350 or Esme James 968 2571. Indulge your creative soul at the University of Bristol Botanic Garden Easter Art and Sculpture Exhibition, 18th to 21st April from 10am-5pm. Exhibits include ceramic pomegranate seeds, a Rust-o-saurus, soaring swans, an iridescent stained glass Sacred Lotus, and a host of botanical art including Indonesian floral batik and water colour and ink hellebores. For the first time, the popular garden sculpture and Friends art exhibitions are combined, all displayed in the unique setting of the Botanic Garden. Refreshments, tours of the garden, demonstrations. Admission: Adults £3.50. Free to Friends, university staff and children under 16. University of Bristol Botanic Garden, The Holmes, Stoke Park Road, Bristol BS9 1JG. For more details 0117 331 4906 or www.bristol.ac.uk/botanic-garden Henleaze Garden Club is a thriving club for anyone interested in anything to do with gardening! With a healthy membership of 200, this friendly club meets the first Wednesday of each month in the main hall at St Monica's, Cote Lane, with a summer break when the club arranges coach trips. Expert speakers, a quarterly newsletter, an annual plant sale and great Christmas event. Annual individual membership is £20 plus a £1 per visit, visitors are most welcome at £5 per visit, both to include refreshments and raffle. Visit www.henleazegardenclub.co.uk or contact Jane Voke 9622440 for more info. 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

What’s On & Community News Thursday and practice classes on the fourth Thursday. New members are always welcome just come along and join in.

your local market and buy fresh healthy food. Talk to the stallholders and find out exactly how and where it is produced. New stalls and stallholders always welcome. For further information contact Derek and Myra Jones on 0117 950 4238 or by email to dsjones@btinternet.com

Markets, Fairs and Exhibitions Henleaze Schools Campus in Park Grove, Henleaze, are holding their popular Annual May Fair on Saturday 10th May, starting at 2 pm. The event is packed with lots of entertainment for the whole family, and attractions include Maypole Dancing, Magic Show & Animatronic Dragon, Children's fairground rides, Bouncy Castle and Slide, Plants, Books, White Elephant, Barbeque, Homemade Cakes and much, much more! Admission is only 50p, with pre-school children free! Quiltfest 2014 - an exhibition by Bristol Quilters from 29th – 31st May at Badminton School, Westbury Road BS9 3BA. Thurs 1pm–6 pm; Fri 10am–6pm; Sat 10am–4pm. Admission £4. Refreshments, sales table, traders, and charity tombola in aid of the Great Western Air Ambulance. Disabled access, parking. www.bristolquilters.co.uk or email infoquiltfest14bristol@gmail.com 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. Westbury-on-Trym Local Produce Market. Every fourth Saturday of the month from 9am until 1pm. The Market is held in the Westbury Primary Care Centre’s staff car park, which is at the back of the main public car park on Westbury Hill, next to the Methodist Church. Local producers and suppliers sell meat, cheese, eggs, bread, cakes, pies, apple juice etc. Support

“Reflections VI: Renewal” A Mixed Art Exhibition from the Reflections Group at The Guild Gallery, 68 Park Street, Clifton, Bristol until April 12th. The exhibition is at The Bristol Guild Gallery, Park Street, Clifton and the gallery is open between 10am and 5pm, Monday to Saturday. FFI contact Denise Lonsdale at denise@demonpotters.co.uk Health & Wellbeing Lip-reading class. An evening lip-reading class to help you cope with your hearing loss runs in Clifton from 6.15pm to 7.45pm every Monday at Redland Park United Reformed Church, Whiteladies Road. Fee is £5 per session. For more details email the tutor, Mary Hall at lipreadingmary@yahoo.com or telephone 07790 283 939. Get ready for spring. Tai Chi’s gentle movements warm the muscles, open the joints and increase energy - the antidote to gardening strain! Friendly classes with an experienced teacher. Tuesday 11-12 am, Greenway Centre and Wednesday 11-12 am, University of Bristol. Ffi: Karen 942 4167 or www.taijiworks.co.uk Moves Fitness – exercise to music for all ages and fitness levels at St Peter’s Church Hall, Henleaze from 10am till 11am every Wednesday. A fun, effective and friendly welcoming class. Come and give it a try – £4 per session. Just turn up, phone Jane on 968 1042 or visit www.movesfitness.com Yoga Classes in BS9 with Sara-Jo Cameron at Bristol Chiropractic & Pregnancy Clinic, 130 Westbury Rd, WoT,BS9 3AL on Wednesdays

Festival’s Charity pay-out Local charities and organisations have benefited to the tune of over two thousand pounds from the Henleaze Christmas Festival. The biggest sum ever was raised by the festival thanks largely to a big response to the Prize Draw which had prizes donated by 38 local businesses. Charities who have benefited include Tenovus, the Air Cadets and the Breast Cancer Unit at Southmead Hospital. And this year the entertainers have come in for some financial help too. That means cheques for Henleaze Junior School, the Salvation Army, Henleaze School of Dancing, the Hum and Drum Recorder Group, the Gilbert and Sullivan Operatic Society and TrinityHenleaze Church Choir.

Stan Hazell (r) presen ng a cheque to Adam Barber, Head of Henleaze Junior School and some members of the HJS Choir

are changes on the committee and a need for new members to help plan and stage the event - including help on the day. Paula Dangerfield who masterminded the Prize Draw so successfully, and Adrian Smith who has had the vital role of organising the licensing for the festival – are stepping down. Mike Drysdale, whose initiative launched the festival six years ago and who was co-ordinator until last year, has also stepped back. Coming on board the committee are Mark Niblett, Manager of Nat West Bank in Henleaze, who will take on the licensing responsibilities, Tom Bradly from Maggs and Allen, and Matthew Hynett of Just So Toys. It is hoped someone will take on organising the Prize Draw. Paula Dangerfield has offered to shadow whoever takes it over to settle them in. There is also a need for someone who can be responsible for health and safety. “We are grateful to Mike, who has been the backbone of the Festival for so long, and to Paula and Adrian for their support and commitment to the event.” says James. “We welcome the new members of the committee and look forward to hearing from others in the community who want to join the team as we plan the next Festival and hope to make it even better” he adds.

Festival co-ordinator, James Goodchild, said: “We are delighted to be able to use the bulk of the Festival proceeds to benefit local charities but also, this year, we wanted to do something for the entertainers who play such a big part in making the event a success and perform without charge”.

Help Needed But, following the success of the latest festival – it attracted bigger crowds than ever – there

Anyone who can help contact James at jgoodchild@maggsandallen.co.uk

What’s On & Community News (from 9.30 to 10.45 stretch and relax yoga, 11.45 to 12.45 pre- and post-natal yoga) and Thursdays (6.30 to 7.30 pre- and post-natal yoga, 7.40 to 9.00 beginners yoga). Also at Stoke Bishop Village Hall, BS9 1EX on Wednesdays (2.00 to 3.15 General yoga, 6.00 to 7.00 stretch and relax yoga, 7.30 to 8.45 General yoga) and on Fridays (2..00 to 3.00 pre- and post-natal Yoga ). NB Pre- and Post-Natal Yoga must be booked in advance. Please ring Sara-Jo on 07789 552 052 or visit www.yogawithsarajo.com for more details. Tai Chi for Health class. Mondays from 10.45am-11.45am at GH Health and Fitness, Pembroke House, Pembroke Grove, Clifton BS83DA. Non members and beginners welcome. Sessions £5. For further information contact Sue on 07929 030209, visit www.sueqi.co.uk or just drop in. Pilates Classes in Henleaze and Westbury on Trym. Classes held at:- Henleaze URC, Monday 9.30- 10.30 & 10.30- 11.30 am (Beginners New January classes); Keith James Physios, Coldharbour Rd, Monday 7.30pm (Pre-Natal Pilates ); Henleaze United Reformed Church, Tuesday 6.15 pm (Beginners) and Wednesday 6.15 pm (Intermediate); Westbury on Trym Methodist Church, Tuesday 9.30 am & 10.30 am (Intermediate/ Beginners). For bookings please call Zoe Rayne 07747 696 938, or visit www.adaltapilates.co.uk. Zumba Gold Class @ Horfield Parish Church Hall every Weds 2pm-2.45pm (£4.00 per class) for the mature movers aimed at age 55+ (All other ages including Beginners) Zumba Class @ Orchard School every Thurs 7pm-8pm Contact Georgina for further details on www.bristolzumba.com or tel: 07545 625 089. Keep Fit for Ladies class every Thursday between 9:45 am and 10:45am at St. Peter's Church Hall, Henleaze. An enjoyable class of

mixed ages and abilities introducing the use of balls, scarves, ribbons and clubs. Coffee is available to finish the class. New members welcome - just turn up or for more info contact Margaret Clarke on Bristol 950 1967. Zumba Light 5pm/ Zumba Fitness 6.30pm. Westbury -on-Trym Village Hall. Weds. £5 on door. Just drop in with water and a sense of humour! Phone Marie on 963 4104 or visit www.bristoldancezumba.co.uk for more info, Tai Chi Classes for beginners. A 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 13 January. Contact Ben Milton, 949 3955 or visit www.bristoltaichi.com Weekly yoga classes in Stoke Bishop – Mondays at 7pm to 8.30pm, each class costs £9. Stoke Bishop Primary School, Main Hall, Cedar Park, BS9 1BW. Drop-in class, no booking – come any week, come every week. Mixed ability class, suitable for most levels of ability. FFI visit www.yogabristol.co.uk; email gary@yogabristol.co.uk or call 0789 903 4645 Playgroups and Pre-School Teddy Praise is a short informal service for preschool children and their carers. It is held monthly on the second Monday of the month (next meeting Monday, 14th April at 10am. St. Peter`s Church Hall in Henleaze) and all are welcome to join in bible study, prayer and activities - followed by toddler group in the Main Hall. Happy hands and Twinkly Toes. Music and movement sessions for babies 0-4, running at The Eastfield Inn, Henleaze. Sessions Monday/ Wednesday/Friday at 9.30,10.30 and 11.30am. £4.50 per session, pay as you go. Contact Sharon-happyhandsbristol@yahoo.co.uk 07779797919 Facebook-happyhandsbristol

What’s On & Community News Fallodon Playgroup offers childcare for children aged 2 ½-5 years old. We meet Monday – Friday (9.15 – 12.15pm) in Fallodon Way Scout Hut, Henleaze, and take the early years entitlement for 3-4 year olds. Our recent Ofsted inspection rated us as ‘Good’ (April 2013). To arrange a visit please email fallodonplaygroup@hotmail.co.uk or text our mobile 07585 817 173 and we will get back to you. Little Hearts Toddler Group meets every Wednesday during term time, 10am-1145am at Newman Hall, Grange Court Road, Westbury on Trym, BS9 4DR. Story time followed by a snack for the children and tea/coffee and cake for the grown-ups, a craft activity, free play and singing. For more details email littleheartstoddlers@yahoo.co.uk Westbury-on-Trym Toddler Group. New members welcomed to join a fun and lively group Wednesdays in term time 9.30-11.30am at Westbury Methodist Church Hall. Run by group members we have a baby area, crafts, toys and ride-ons. For mums and carers, a termly night out! So come and make some new friends - please book a taster session. For more info visit www.westburytoddlergroup.co.uk or email westburytoddlers@gmail.com. Pat-a-Cake Toddlers. We are a small friendly parent/carer and toddler group for babies to preschool aged children. We meet on a Tuesday 1.15 - 2.45 at Westbury Methodist Church Hall. We have a baby corner, crafts and lots of toys to play with. £1.00 per family per week, each session finishes with a lively singsong. For more information contact Caroline on 968 4894. Do you have an active pre-school child who would like to have some fun and do something different? 'Little Sports' is an exciting class for 2 -3 year olds and 3-4 year olds, held in Henleaze.

Limited spaces available in each class so book your free trial session early! Contact Bryony on 9499688, email littlesportshenleaze@yahoo.com www.little-sports.com for more info. 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 Ltd.

Get In Touch - it couldn’t be easier • Telephone - 0117 968 7787 • Text / Phone - 07845 986650 • Email - andy@bcmagazines.co.uk • Post - 8 Sandyleaze, Westbury on Trym, Bristol, BS9 3PY • Twitter - @BS9Andy

Quiz Answers from page 12 1. Makes and sells arrows; 2. Thunder; 3. Vilnius; 4. Pharell Williams; 5. The Parliamentarians (‘Roundheads’) in the English Civil War, 17th Century (1645); 6. Close Encounters of the Third Kind; 7. Malaysian; 8. Fieldfare; 9. They are all independent record labels; 10. Ready Salted; 11. a motorised 3 wheeled rickshaw; 12. Levi cus, Deuteronomy; 13. Austria; 14. Telstar; 15. Bu er (102 calories, Peanut Bu er has 94 calories); 16. the Special Boat Service; 17. Lead shot; 18. Delta, Echo, Golf; 19. Madame Cholet; 20. Ben Hur 11, Titanic 11, Gone With The Wind 10 (inc 2 honorary).

88 Index of Advertisers

Advertising in The Bristol Nine magazines costs from just £30 + VAT and gets your business name and details to 12,000 homes and businesses (i.e. potential customers) across the BS9 postal district - Henleaze, Westbury on Trym, Sea Mills, Sneyd Park, Coombe Dingle and Stoke Bishop. Do get in touch for more details by ringing Andy on 0117 968 7787 or 07845 986650, or email andy@bcmagazines.co.uk or visit the website www.bcmagazines.co.uk