The Bristol Nine - May 2014 by Andy Fraser

May 2014 No 97

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 Pot pourri. Smorgasbord. Dogs breakfast. Whatever you want to call it welcome to the May issue of The Bristol Nine magazine. When I put it together there seems to be little snippets and bits and pieces all over the place, so you might find the magazine a bit wobbly this month. That said there is plenty to read, and in a month when it seems as if the event season is kicking off there are loads of activities to read about or support. Biggest of these is the inaugural BS9 Arts Trail on the weekend of 10th/11th May. I know the organisers have put a huge amount of work in putting this event on and I hope they are rewarded with fine weather and fine crowds. I must say I had fun, although it didn’t seem it at times, personally delivering about 1,500 magazines last month around the extended catchment area of Sea Mills and Coombe Dingle. If you received a copy for the first time I hope it will become a regular pleasure for you. Cheers for now, Andy Fraser Ps - sorry but the planned commuters balloon service mentioned last month failed to get off the ground. Never launch a business on April 1st. 0117 9687787 / 07845 986650 andy@bcmagazines.co.uk www.bcmagazines.co.uk @BS9Andy on Twitter

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Book Review

Regular readers of the magazine will know I am partial to a little puzzle walk, and am always happy to share any discoveries with readers. My walks tend to originate from me wandering around with a notebook and a camera and hopefully ending up where I set off from about an hour before. Local authors Julia Killingback and Michael Pascoe however are much more knowledgeable and proficient at devising interesting local walks than I am, so I’m really pleased they have just released the third and fourth volumes of their Explore Bristol books. A few months ago I did a short review of volumes one and two covering Clifton and Victorian Clifton and very good they are too. The new walks however cover parts of our local area that I have a particular fondness for - Cliftonwood and Hotwells. Both areas are real warrens of little streets, alleyways and hidden squares and terraces, and played a key role in the development of Bristol in the seventeenth and eighteenth century. At the time the wealthy were seeking to relocate up the hill away from the smell and bustle of the docks below, while the unhealthy were beginning to flock to the area to take in the “beneficial” waters of the

Hotwells. Add in the industrial and scientific revolutions that Bristol was at the heart of and you get an area that attracted more than its fair share of influential, colourful and innovative characters, benefactors and entrepreneurs. These terrific little books take you on a real backstreets tour of this fascinating little corner of Bristol and will open your eyes to facts, sights and stories that range from the intriguing to the unexpected to the downright bizarre. My favourite story from the Hotwells book is the very odd but true story of Dr Thomas Beddoes and his attempts to discover a cure for tuberculosis which led to a bovine invasion of Dowry Square, while his apprentice (Sir) Humphry Davy was having fun discovering the effects of laughing gas. Less surreal, and certainly more beautiful is the fabulous, and little known vista of Bristol you will discover if you follow the Cliftonwood trail. I can’t recommend these two books highly enough. Carefully researched and beautifully presented (unlike my own efforts) each one includes a children’s quiz to keep them entertained en-route. The books are £7.99 each (from which a donation will be made to the Wallace & Gromit Grand Appeal) and available from www.explorewalks.co.uk

12 her kind invite I turned up at Ashton Court on a glorious morning to be met by Jackie, friends and co-leaders Jerome and Sophie, and Call me a sentimental old fool but I can’t help 10 youngsters - some first timers, others experienced Ray Mears fans. And off we went thinking to myself what a shame it is when into the woods, after a good brisk walk across you see young children passing their free the golf course, taking time to hear and watch, waking time with a phone to their ear and a from a careful distance, the beautiful skylarks console in their hands. Ears that could be listening to the world around them and hands nesting in the grass. Once in the woods we set about a range of great fun, free, simple that could be getting grubby getting to grips activities - making dens, playing coo-eee hide with the planet. and seek, collecting kindling for the fire that the children set and started, watching bugs, Thankfully I’m not alone with this whimsy, birds and wild things. To be honest it and there are an increasing number of reminded me of being eight again, and made opportunities being created for youngsters to get acquainted safely with life outside the front me wish I still was. door. One such opportunity I encountered last “Whatever the week is the “Go Wild Holiday Forest School” weather, we get the where children aged between 8 and 12 have children to the opportunity to go wild, in a forest, while experience fire on holiday from school. Naturally. Actually craft, creative the “school” part of the title refers, I guess, to activities, den the fact that the big outdoors becomes the building, whittling classroom for the day. The idea comes from young local wildlife lover Jackie Roby who set and lots of exciting woodland games the venture up as a social enterprise in 2010, and bug hunts. and whose love and enthusiasm for the There will also be educational benefits of the big wide world marshmallows echoes that of the National Trust, RSPB and cooked over the Project Wild Thing who have been calling on campfire, popcorn parents to allow their children to spend more (made using the time in green shoogling stick we spaces. Based carry with us) and warm drinks.” completely outdoors, this Sadly I couldn’t stay beyond lunch but I know forest school that the kids were exhausted by the end of the course invites day, full of fresh air and stories of adventure. children to leave their laptops, TVs Now isn’t that better than a day with an electronic babysitter? and tablets and connect with The course costs £30 per child per day and is nature, while learning new skills based in Ashton Court Estate. Spaces are and making new limited. For more information or to book, friends. please contact hello@gowildeducation.co.uk

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or visit www.gowildeducation.co.uk. Jackie’s next courses are 27th-30th May

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Constituency Matters with Charlotte Leslie MP There are few things less edifying than politicians wheeling out statistics as proof that everything is fine, when you know very well it is not. I guess we can all be guilty of this. Unemployment statistics showing movement in the right direction can be especially galling, even if correct, to anyone struggling and looking for work. “x number of people fewer out of work, so that’s all right then.” No its not. The sense of hopelessness and despair that unemployment brings is not lightened by the knowledge that other people are getting jobs. I speak to people who have been out of work for a long time, seemingly unable to get any kind of position. Sometimes it is because their job has been superseded by technology or their industry has been forced into cuts. In other cases, young people find themselves struggling to build experience thus propelling them into a vicious circle in which the only jobs available need experience. I have been lucky, but I do sympathise. When I left University, all my peers seemed to waltz off into lucrative jobs in posh offices, while I floundered about trying to find my way in life. Along that way, I've worked as a leisure centre assistant, (I've mopped my fair share of vomit, and unblocked some toilets in my time!), in the local pub, as a gym instructor, swimming teacher, Outdoor Pursuits Instructor, as a surf-lifeguard, TV researcher, children's tutor – and now perhaps the oddest of them all, as an MP. Looking back, I realise that jobs that seemed to me at the time not to be jobs taking me in a direction I wanted to go, have actually been some of the most valuable experience of all. And you also realise that in many occupations, (especially contract-hopping in TV) job security can be very precarious. Being an MP is not entirely dissimilar to having a fixed term five year contract with a popularity contest at the end to decide if you should continue. But in getting elected, it feels like I am fulfilling my vocation, in doing a job serving my

constituents and my country. Since getting elected, although I have seen the unemployment figures for Bristol fall gradually month on month, the message has been very clear – it is not enough to simply observe as things gradually, painfully improve. In Bristol North West, I want recovery to be as rapid as possible. So on May 2 I am taking action and am bringing jobseekers and more than 30 employers together, under one roof in Southmead, at special jobs fair. I am hoping to showcase Bristol's under-utilised talent to employers, and present opportunities to jobseekers, which they may not otherwise have considered. We will also offer training and tips for those who wish to improve their CVs and interview skills, as well as debt advice. The CV and job-hunting sessions are being run by Theodora Clarke of Lifestep (www.lifestep.org.uk) which offers help for jobseekers, with a particular focus on young jobseekers. If you are looking for work, come along. If you know someone who is, please spread the word. My life changed because instead of throwing it away, I dialled a number on a political leaflet that came through my front door, when I was miserable working in entertainment TV in London. It was then I realised that one-off calls, attending a meeting, going to an event, can change the course of a life. I'm hoping the North Bristol Jobs Fair might provide some life-changing, or at least employment-changing moments for those jobseekers out there for whom good-news employment statistics just add to their personal desolation of joblessness. The event is being held at the Greenway Centre in Southmead on May 2, from 10am-4pm. It is free entry and refreshments will be available. We have a great array of employers looking for new recruits, so please spread the word! Charlotte Leslie ‐ MP for Bristol North West Oﬃce: 184 Henleaze Road, BS9 4NE , 0117 962 9427 E: charlotte.leslie.mp@parliament.uk www.charlotteleslie..com

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Mrs PC - Friendly Computer Training Choosing a digital camera If you haven’t yet switched from film to digital photography or if you are in need of replacing an old or broken digital camera, here is a handy guide to help you choose. I have now worn out my trusty Canon Powershot S95 – a much loved compact camera, which took very professional photos, and I am looking to replace it. Choosing a new one is rather overwhelming, and I thought I would share with you what the options are. The choice is a digital compact camera, or one with a much more powerful zoom, known as a super zoom compact camera, a bridge camera - basically a hybrid between a compact and a digital SLR, or DSLR as they are now known, (Single lens reflex, or professional type camera which allows the use of interchangeable lenses). There are compact cameras with interchangeable zoom lenses and then there are of course phones and tablets! The things to look out for are: How does the camera feel in your hand? Is it comfortable?

Is there a deal including a memory card or case? Will you stick it in your pocket? If so the smaller the better! You may find it more comfortable around your neck on a strap, and this will allow you to have just as quick access to it but not all cameras can be put on a strap. Megapixels. The more you have, the better the resolution, but the more space each image will take up on your hard drive. Anything above 10MP is great quality. Wide Angle. This is useful for taking photos of large groups or rooms. Go for 24mm. Zoom. How much will you need? Optical zoom is best. Some cameras only have 3 or 4 x zoom, and others will have massive zooms which are handy for activities such as birdwatching. 24x Zoom would allow you to get in very close. Lens. A high quality lens is worth paying for. Many cameras come with Zeiss lenses. You get what you pay for. Image stabilization is a good idea, as it’s easy to wobble when you take a photo, especially if you have zoomed in a long way. It will eliminate blurred photos.

Do you prefer a viewfinder? Not many cameras have them nowadays but some do. Can you easily open the battery compartment to change the battery or remove the memory card? Do you like the styling or colour? Does the camera come with any extras such as a strap or other useful items. (continued on page 40)

General Knowledge Quiz 1.

What is the name of the French na onal anthem?

Who is the lead singer of the band Elbow?

The character Katniss Everdeen appears in which series of novels / films?

10.

Which actor has played Charlie Fairhead in Casualty since 1986?

11.

The Great Western Railway from Paddington to Bristol opened to the public in which decade?

12.

If you travelled from Lords to The Oval on the London Underground what is the minimum number of changes you would have to make?

13.

The George Cross is awarded for what, and was ins tuted by which monarch?

14.

What is a “munro”?

15.

The Jodrell Bank Observatory can be found in which English county?

16.

Veridian is a shade of which colour?

17.

Which Uruguayan town gives it name to the famous meat product that used to be packaged there?

18.

If you drove from Bristol Temple Meads at the same constant speed which of the following would you get to first ‐ Sizewell B Power Sta on, Hull Coach Sta on or Lake Windemere?

Answers on page 45!

Name this common garden bu erfly.

What country are doughnuts thought to originate from?

Name the missing elements in this series:‐

Hydrogen, Helium, xxxxxxx, Beryllium, xxxxx, Carbon.

In what year did the 1/2 pence piece cease to be legal tender?

Which country has borders with Slovakia, Austria, Slovenia, Croa a, Serbia, Romania and Ukraine?

Who is the Secretary of State for Health in the current coali on government?

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Friends of Blaise - - Patrick Clarke Last month we looked at the history of Blaise Hill up until 1766 when Thomas Farr decided to build a Folly Castle on the summit. Thomas Farr was a successful Bristol merchant with considerable plantation investments in the American Colonies. He had always admired Blaise. It had been a favourite place for his shooting excursions when a schoolboy and from an early age he determined that, if he should ever possess the means and should the opportunity arise to buy the Estate, he would. This he was able to do in 1762. He was keen to develop it into a private pleasure ground with the Castle as its centre piece.

He proceeded to build a series of ramparts and installed eight wooden cannons on the east side of the hill overlooking the gorge. Nothing remains of this building today apart from the South Bastion viewing point with extensive views toward Sea Mills, Leigh Court and Leigh Woods. When Humphry Repton was later employed by John Scandret Harford in 1795 to provide a plan for the Estate he decided that the ramparts and cannon were a serious intrusion into the natural beauty of the gorge and they were demolished. The Castle remained and the Estate became known as

the Blaise Castle Estate. Early pictures of the Castle show that there were very few trees on the hill and the Castle commanded extensive views in all directions. Today some of these views are obstructed by subsequent tree planting, but a visit to the roof of the Castle is still very worthwhile. The Gothic Style Castle was designed by Bristol architect Robert Mylne (1733- 1811) and built at a cost of £3,000. It is built on a triangular plan, of a circle flanked by three towers and was intended as a Summer House where Farr could entertain his guests. The suite of rooms included a kitchen, a large circular drawing room fitted with wood panelled walls, stained glass windows and niches for suits of armour. Access to the roof was by a wooden staircase in one of the towers which enabled Farr to see his ships returning up the Bristol Channel and into the River Avon with their cargoes from his Estates in America. Old pictures of the Castle interior show that it was well furnished and suitable for entertaining important guests. An unsubstantiated claim is that there was set up in the Castle interior a bedstead of ebony taken from a Spanish Ship by a Privateer belonging to Mr Farr and kept as a curiosity, as well as an honourable Memorial of Victory. Whether this is true or not we do not know. Next month we will look at some of the more interesting facts about the Castle in the 20th Century.

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The Westbury on Trym Business Association (WEOTBA) are looking for a Secretary to help with the administration of the Association. Attendance at two 1 hour meetings in the village a month and some minute taking and issuing just about covers Due to increased circulation of The Bristol Nine there is an opportunity for a couple of it. Would suit a retired local businessperson or an organised local mum or dad who is local people to help deliver some copies willing to help us out. For more details just each month. Specifically looking at people who can deliver around the Coombe Dingle, give me (Andy Fraser) a call on 0117 968 Sea Mills or Home Ground/Clover Ground/ 7787 or Richard Devereux on 0117 959 3344. Many thanks - we welcome any Comb Paddock areas. So if you are aged 16 to 116 and have access to a vehicle please do support you can offer.

The Bristol Walking Fes val returns this year and it’s bigger and be er than ever. It’s the UK’s biggest urban walking fes val with over 150 guided walks and events taking place, from the launch on Saturday 26 April at City Hall with walks from College Green, to the photography exhibi on at the Create Centre. Now over a month‐long, running from Saturday 26 April to Monday 26 May, there really is something for everyone. This is your chance to get out and about exploring the city, with walks that range from a gentle lunch me stroll enjoying the harbour, through to full day hikes. Each walk has been designed to keep you entertained giving you the chance to try out plenty of other ac vi es alongside walking, including singing workshops and speed da ng sessions. Other local fes vals such as ‘Bristol Food Connec ons’ are providing a number of food and drink related walks, ‘Fes val of Ideas’ are hos ng a selec on of talks and events, and ‘Mayfest’ are oﬀering up a chance to sample some of their trademark experimental theatre. Full details of all the organised walks can be found in the walking fes val programme which is available from your local library and Bristol Tourist Informa on Centre (next to the Watershed) or online at www.bristolwalkingfes val.co.uk Bristol Walking Fes val 2014 is organised by Bristol City Council in partnership with Bristol Ramblers and supported by Bristol Green Capital, SHINE and Visit Bristol.

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At The Movies - Noah Ever since the huge success of 2010’s Black Swan, it seems like Darren Aronofsky has been linked to every blockbuster some way or another. First he was up to directing The Wolverine before dropping out, and then was oddly tipped to direct the much unwanted 2014 Robocop remake, before finally finding himself at the helm of Noah. It’s understandable to see why there’s a lot of controversy surrounding the movie, especially as Aronofsky, who wrote, produced and directed the movie, is openly an atheist. As an atheist myself, I went in apprehensively expecting an overload of religious messages. But what Aronofsky has managed to do here is something miraculous in itself. The movie manages to set itself up so that both religious and non religious viewers can both enjoy Noah, and both can get from the film exactly what they believe. Not much more can be said without entering spoiler territory, but a scene where Noah explains the creation of the earth is beautifully oxymoronic and should satisfy those who are religious and not. The opening of Noah, is admittedly bumpy. Some dodgy scripting and editing to try and set up the story quickly adds up to some initially necessary but unsettling viewing. Stick with it and it soon find its feet, especially when the story begins to move into the parts that are more familiar. The ark building is strangely but satisfyingly brushed over in a bird flying montage, to make way for the arrival of the animals, which happens surprisingly early into the running time, but there’s still plenty of story to tell. The introduction of Ray Winstone’s generic villain, Tubal-cain, adds some excitement into the mix, bringing a extremely dark and disturbing side to the story. The flood scene is quite simply spectacular, perhaps taking the crown for the most visually impressive action sequence of the year so far. In

something reminiscent of Lord of the Rings, a giant army take on some even more giant creatures as the world around them collapses, and they try to fight there way onto the ark for survival. Russell Crowe is suitably bad-ass as Noah, kicking the butts of every sinner he comes across like some sort of superhero, and as always his performance is outstanding, even with an excellent supporting cast featuring the likes of Jennifer Connelly, Anthony Hopkins and Emma Watson, who’s acting here is much better than her generally wooden Harry Potter work. Once the storm settles, and the ark is afloat, the story slows and the scenes become more dialogue heavy than spectacular. To say these scenes were boring might be too heavily critical, but as a viewer you know that the film has already peaked, and it can feel like its struggling to keep you entertained. However the climax is exciting, even though it may not be as visually impressive as events earlier on. Overall, Noah certainly delivers everything you expect from this famous tale satisfyingly and sometimes spectacularly, but there’s a strange undertone that this is not the film Aronofsky wanted to make. Apart from a few stand out scenes, his wonderfully surreal style is nearly absent, giving the film a slightly too Hollywood feel that must have been forced in by the studios. A directors cut may shed new light on this, and perhaps bring with it a film that is more extraordinary, the vision that this great director wanted, not the one that is perhaps too safe and uncontroversial. A biblical epic, with plenty of epic, and delivers all the famous moments of this story spectacularly, but the Hollywood-ized feel stops this from being the classic it deserves to be **** 4 Stars Thanks to Sean at the new local film review blog Flickpop for this first in an occasional series of looks at what is on at the local cinema. To see more reviews visit flickpop.wordpress.com/

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Mrs PC - continued from page 20 GPS. This will imprint the location of the photograph automatically so that you will always know where it has been taken. Manual settings. If you are a keen photographer you will want to be able to over ride the automatic settings. You may also want to shoot in RAW, rather than JPEG as you will get better results when you edit your photos. WiFi. Some cameras now come with built in WiFi so that you don’t need to connect your camera to your computer in order to transfer the photos. If you are keen on sport you may want to consider buying a camera that allows you to take a fast series of shots or continuous

shots. Most cameras come with a movie mode. I find it best when this can’t be accidentally pressed. Lots of cameras have a separate button for movies- I think this is a good idea. Is the movie mode HD (High Definition)? Lastly, consider taking out insurance on your camera. You can sometimes get cover for 3 years for any eventuality. Look up reviews online for the cameras you are considering to help you make up your mind. I am still doing this and am quite tempted by a bridge camera, but not totally decided yet!

GARDEN TRAPPINGS For plants, shrubs, bedding, garden advice and a good chat stop by and say hello to Julien. For more details and up to date news visit our Facebook page ‐

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Hi, I’m Rachel Clare and I make beautiful and original cakes to order for any occasion. I use quality and Fairtrade ingredients, love making bespoke cakes (particularly modelling figures to look like the cake recipient) and am always happy to have a challenge! And I’m local, living here in BS9. Please visit my website to see more of my work - www.cakesbyrachelclare.org.uk or find me on Facebook To have a chat about your requirements please give me a ring on 0117 968 7822 or 07905 639 136 or email rachel_roberts155@hotmail.com

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43 Come and have a cup of tea in that garden you can see over the wall…….. If you walk along the footpath between the Doctors’ Surgery and Westbury Parish Church, you have probably seen it. It belongs to Elsie Briggs House, 38 Church Road, next to the gate into the church car park. Some of you may have noticed activity going on there as a team of volunteer gardeners have been making a few changes to this delightful cottage garden. Now there will be some additional opportunities to come a see it for yourselves. On 3 Sundays during the summer, you can come and enjoy a cup of tea and delicious cakes – a chance to show friends and family (children are welcome) this very ancient part of Westbury. The house (a Grade II* listed building) dates from the mid15th century and is one of the oldest in Bristol.

So do put these dates in your diaries: Sunday May 18th, Sunday June 15th (part of Bristol’s Green Week), and Sunday July 20th, each time from 3 – 5pm. All proceeds will go to the house’s current Appeal, to help finance building works (initially on the roof and chimneys) later this summer. Plants, cards and second hand books may also be on sale. Elsie Briggs House is self-financing and is not part of any parish or specific local church. If you can’t make it on these dates, remember that the house is always open on Tuesday afternoons from 3 – 5pm, so do drop in then, meet warden Chris Hillman, and look round. More information about the house and what it is on www.elsiebriggshouse.org.uk

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0117 962 2204 / 07860 301756 Email: michaelgarciabldr@yahoo.com Summer is the ideal time to have your boiler serviced. Boilers should be serviced yearly to ensure that they run as eﬃciently and safely as possible. Servicing also picks up any possible problems such as water leaks which if left can cause expensive damage to parts of the boiler. We also check for any carbon monoxide leaks and this is essential as this could be a major threat to the health of people living at the property. We often spot potential problems during a service and it is far cheaper to fix a problem before it develops into a major breakdown. Summer is the ideal time to get your boiler serviced so that it is safe and ready for the start of next winter. Regular servicing of boilers also extends the lifespan of the boiler. We are fully Gas Safe Registered and undertake regular training courses to update our knowledge. We also attend courses run by boiler manufacturers to keep up to date with new technology and any changes. If you would like more information or would like to book a service please contact me, Mike Garcia, on 07860 301756, 0117 9622204 or michaelgarciabldr@yahoo.com Garcia Building Services. Plumbing & Heating Engineers. Property Maintenance & Repairs.

Jayne Connell Psychological Therapy My name is Jayne Connell (MClin Psyc and HCPC Registered) and I'm a Consultant Clinical Psychologist, with a long and excellent record of innova ve and highly eﬀec ve pa ent care in the NHS. I'm now delighted to be oﬀering private clinical psychology sessions in Westbury on Trym, Bristol.

Specialist areas include ‐ • Chronic Pain Management, Trauma • Anxiety and depression • Stress and relaxa on • Loss and end of life work • Family and rela onship ma ers • General adult mental health & wellbeing.

I can be contacted by email to nestles55@hotmail.com or by phone on 07812 987778 to arrange a consulta on.

S & P PLUMBING SERVICES LTD • All plumbing work undertaken • Local, friendly and reliable • Free quota ons • Boiler Service from £50 • Complete bathroom design & installa on • 24 hour call‐out • No job too small • Landlord gas safety cer ficates FREE POWER FLUSH / SYSTEM CLEAN WITH EVERY NEW BOILER INSTALLATION

Sean ‐ 07919 106 393 Paul ‐ 07739 840 225 42 Branscombe Road, Stoke Bishop, BS9 1SN

Artform Plastering 25 years of local experience in ► Plastering ► Internal and External Rendering ► Property Maintenance

Jason Evans 0117 950 3915 07974 275 335

jasonevans130168@gmail.com

Quiz Answers from page 24 1. La Marseillaise; 2. Guy Garvey; 3. The Hunger Games; 4. Speckled Wood; 5. Holland; 6. Lithium, Boron; 7. 1984; 8. Hungary; 9. Jeremy Hunt; 10. Derek Thompson; 11. 1840’s (1841); 12. One (Jubilee Line from St John’s Wood, change at London Bridge for the Northern Line); 13. Civilian gallantry, George VI; 14. a Scottish mountain over 3,000 feet in height; 15. Cheshire; 16. Green; 17. Fray Bentos; 18. Hull in 228 miles (Sizewell 237m, Windemere 242m).

46Â

Prize Wordsearch Competition time and this month the popular wordsearch puzzle is aimed at the children in BS9 - of all ages. The list contains 20 popular cartoon characters from the last 50 years. 19 of them are also hidden in the wordsearch grid, either forwards, backwards, up, down or on a diagonal. Just track down the missing cartoon character and send me his or her name. All correct entries received by the 30th May will be entered into the computer for one to be selected at random - and that person will win something large, soft, cuddly and very Bristolian!

Entries please by post (8 Sandyleaze, WoT, BS9 3PY), telephone (0117 968 7787), email (andy@bcmagazines.co.uk), text (07845 9866540) or tweet (@BS9Andy). Here are the characters you are looking for: Bagpuss Chippy Minton Emily Hector Mr Ben Orinoco Parsley Pootle Roobarb Willo The Wisp Best of luck!

Captain Pugwash Clifford Ermintrude Ivor Mungo Paddington Peppa Postman Pat Shaun The Sheep Windy Miller

Boiler / Central Hea ng Installa ons Landlord Gas Safety Inspec ons Power Flushing Boiler Breakdown Repairs

Email: paulhooper40@googlemail.com

Talking Pets with Viking Vets My name is Maria Lowe I am the owner and one of four vets at Viking Vets. Viking Vets which has been open for nearly 14 years. I live over the practice with my family consisting of my sons Jack 15, Isak 14, my husband Andrew and our lovely Labrador Ruby. I am very excited about having a small page

in BS9 to offer some opinions and advice regarding pets. If you have any questions you would like answered please send them to thevets@vikingvets.com.

To neuter or not to neuter dogs. Male Dogs It never ceases to amuse me how negative some male owners are to having their dogs castrated. It’s like they think I will be castrating them! Many are concerned that the dog’s personality will change. I try to reassure them that the personality is in the head not in the testicles. The main benefits of castrating a dog are; eliminate the risk of testicular cancer, reduce the risk of prostate problems and an anal skin tumour. Some benefits are more indirect; less roaming looking for females in season and thereby reducing the risk of road traffic accidents. It can help in reducing inter-male aggression. Rather than having a set age to castrate the

52 dog, we look at the dog’s confidence and levels of hypersexuality in determining the right time to castrate the dog. Female Dogs We advise to spay the dog unless you are thinking of breeding. There are some very clear health benefits of having this done. By spaying a dog we mean to remove the ovaries and womb, the proper name for this is an overiohysterectomy. This will eliminate the risk of a condition called pyometra (womb full of pus) which we sometimes see in older

G.C.S.E and A. Level Tutor Former University of Cambridge tutor, highly experienced in private tuition and now BS9‐based, available to students of G.C.S.E. and A. Level History and Sociology • Tuition to exam board speci ication ‐ all abilities • Coursework guidance and revision support • Con idence‐building, supportive teaching style Hannah Athayde ‐ Call: 0117 3303673 E.mail: tutorbs9@gmail.com

unneutered females. This condition can be life threatening. By spaying the dog before the second season we will also greatly reduce the risk of mammary tumours (breast cancer). Disadvantages of having dogs spayed are; anaesthetic risks, some risk of urinary incontinence ( this can be treated) and some dogs can develop coat changes. We are running a special offer on neutering in May, so please give us a call on 0117950 5888

Alzheimer’s Society invites Bristol residents to ‘open up about demen a’ this Demen a Awareness Week Alzheimer’s Society in Bristol is encouraging people who have concerns about demen a to stop bo ling it up this Demen a Awareness Week (18 – 24 May 2014). People are invited to a end an awareness raising event on Thursday 22nd May at Horfield Bap st Church, Gloucester Road, where there will be an opportunity to learn more about demen a and how Alzheimer’s Society can help. Paula Shears, Services Manager for Alzheimer’s Society Bristol, said: ‘Demen a is the health condi on people fear most. It is therefore no surprise that many people have diﬃcul es talking about it. We all bury our heads in the sand from me to me but it is important to seek help. This event is a great opportunity to find out more about how Alzheimer's Society can help you.’ The event will include: ‐ 10:45am to 5pm an opportunity to find out informa on and talk to experts from Alzheimer’s Society ‐ 11am to 12noon Demen a Friends session ‐ 4pm to 5pm Demen a Friends session. Demen a Friends sessions aim to give people a li le more understanding of what demen a is and the small things they can do to help people living with the condi on. Alzheimer’s Society wants to recruit a million Demen a Friends by 2015. Alzheimer’s Society Bristol has a range of services which support people with demen a and their carers. These include Singing for the Brain®, Memory Cafés, Ac vity Groups and Carer Support Groups. For details contact Alzheimer’s Society on 0117 961 0693. Also during Demen a Awareness Week, a ‘Living well with demen a in Bristol’ informa on pack is being launched to help people understand more about their condi on and signpost to local support and services. Produced by Alzheimer’s Society, in collabora on with Bristol City Council and Bristol Clinical Commissioning Group, the pack contains: • ‘The Demen a Guide – Living well a er diagnosis’, an Alzheimer’s Society produced booklet aimed at helping guide people with demen a and their families through their journey with demen a. • ‘Living well with demen a in Bristol – demen a informa on prescrip on’, produced by Guideposts Trust, this is a list of key organisa ons providing demen a support. • Informa on about how people with demen a and carers can get involved in demen a research Informa on about services and support in Bristol.

All 54 GP prac ces in Bristol have been given these packs to distribute.

For more informa on, contact Naomi Westbury on 0117 961 0693 or speak to your GP.

Westbury Chiropractic Clinic, established in 1987, is well known in the city of Bristol and is recognised by all major healthcare providers and most health insurance companies. The clinic is run by David Aberdeen, an experienced chiropractor who has practised in Westbury on Trym for the past 25 years. He has a particular interest in problems involving the feet and the jaw and his work has been featured on television. For more information, and to read what people have said who have received treatment, please see our website. The clinic is situated at the top of Westbury Hill where there is ample parking.

Gardener’s Corner with Cathy Lewis In April I was fortunate enough to spend two weeks working in Tresco Abbey Garden on the Isles of Scilly, and just had to share this gem of a garden with you. The Scillies is a small archipelago 25 miles off Land’s End. The islands are blessed with white sandy beaches, spectacular views and a wonderful feeling of tranquility. Add a beautiful Mediterranean garden into the mix, and this is my idea of heaven! Tresco Abbey Garden has an amazing array of exotic plants usually only found in glasshouses in the UK. These thrive on the island thanks to the warming effect of the Gulf Stream which means temperatures rarely fall below freezing. The soil is sandy and free-draining, and there is an abundance of sunshine, all of which enable plants from Mediterranean climates (Chile, California, South Africa and Australia as well as southern Europe) to be grown successfully. Huge Monterey pines and oak hedges help protect plants from strong south westerly winds, as well as adding height and drama to the garden. Walking around the garden you could be

forgiven for thinking you were a million miles away. Canary Island palms tower above you, huge Mexican Agaves as tall as double-decker buses reach out from terraced beds, while succulent Aeoniums poke out of every nook and cranny like exotic cabbages. The garden is arranged in terraces on a south -facing slope, each level suiting different types of plant and offering different views of the garden. You can see King Protea, the national flower of South Africa, Strelitzia (or Bird of Paradise), Australian Bottlebrush plants and swathes of brilliant blue Agapanthus. Further down the slope the garden takes on a more woodland feel, with New Zealand tree ferns, a huge collection of Camellias, and gigantic Eucalyptus trees. Unfortunately most of these exotic plants wouldn’t survive outside in Bristol’s damp, clay soil and frost-prone climate but, with a little nurturing, I’m hoping the few seeds and cuttings I brought back will give me a lasting reminder of this magical place. If I’ve sparked your interest in Tresco Abbey Garden you can find out more at www.tresco.co.uk

Cathy Lewis Dip. PSGD Cathy Lewis Gardens & Design Professional garden design, consultancy

The National Garden Scheme exists to raise monies for charities by the kind work of volunteers who allow their gardens to be visited by other members of the public. There are two cracking gardens here in BS9 and both are well worth a visit. As the Yellow Book suggests, “4 Haytor Park (Pat Prior) hides peaceful haven for wildlife, unusual plants, pots, ponds and flower-laden arches. Much to discover down winding paths, arty objects, places to sit, dragons, nooks and crannies and tantalising glimpses of the green roofed studio and maybe beyond?. So stop, dream a while and forget the city here!”

And then 159 Westbury Lane (Maureen Dickens) offers a “lovely quiet garden, barely overlooked on edge of City. Planted to owners' design from scratch in cottage garden style. Full of interesting and many unusual plants bought from specialist nurseries. Primarily an early summer garden but being developed to show flowers all year. Quirky touch with garden artefacts in many places. Many interesting visiting birds.” Both gardens are open to the public on Sunday 1st June from 2pm to 6pm with a combined admission charge of £5. For more details visit www.ngs.org.uk or contact Pat (07779 203626 or email p.l.prior@gmail.com) or Maureen (0117 904 3008 or email 159jmd@googlemail.com).

130 Westbury Road, Westbury on Trym, 0117 962 0008

For all your complementary healthcare needs

What causes allergies? There are many reasons why some of us react to certain foods while others digest them with ease. It is o en a combina on of factors related to lifestyle, diges ve health and the environment. Examples are: lack of variety in the diet, high consump on of preserva ves and ar ficial flavourings, increased chemical pollu on, impaired diges on due to lack of stomach acid or enzymes, an excessively permeable gut wall, parasites, heavy metal toxicity, gene c predisposi on, stress or emo onal upset. Many common symptoms and signs could suggest the possibility of food intolerance or allergy. For example: nausea, bloa ng and fluid reten on, cons pa on, diarrhoea, dark circles under the eyes, swollen glands, intes nal pain, constant fa gue, racing pulse a er meals, sinusi s, depression, asthma or eczema. If you have extreme allergies, your GP may refer you to a specialist. At the Chiron Centre we offer allergy tes ng through kinesiology (muscle tes ng) or bio resonance therapy. Because the tes ng is subtle, we can iden fy foods that have a localised effect on your body, perhaps bloa ng or cons pa on that is unlikely to show up on other forms of tes ng. We can also check the underlying health of your diges ve system, including all the factors men oned earlier. A session would also allow us to iden fy what steps you could take to redress any imbalances found. The good news is that many food and inhalant sensi vi es will ease when the underlying causes are addressed, especially if the offending items have been avoided in the mean me. For more informa on on allergy tes ng and treatment do give one of our therapists a call or visit our website for more informa on ‐ www.chironcentre.co.uk (le to right ‐ Ellen Forshaw, Amanda Hassan‐Ally, Andrew Kemp, Claire Kedward) Taster Day at The Chiron Centre. Saturday 7 June 1‐5 pm Come and a have a taste of complementary therapies www.chironcentre.co.uk

The Downs Recorder - Richard Bland The Oaks of the Downs

There is a path that leads from there up through Fairyland to the very edge of the Gorge, with a fine view of the Suspension Bridge, and just where that path turns north along the edge of the Gorge that is a fine oak tree that looks to be about a century old, growing right on the lip of the vertical cliff. It is a Sessile Oak, the species that is common to the north and west of Britain, but fairly unusual here. It has rather different leaves, and its acorns don’t grow on stems.

There are a number of fine old Oaks on the Downs, and several very unusual species too. On the triangle of land by the Lord Mayor’s house there are two different species of North American oak, the Red Oak, which is part of the Gorge and Downs Tree Trail and labelled 12b. It has grown very fast since it was planted sixty years ago, and There are two other species that are spreading turns a brilliant colour in the autumn. themselves very rapidly across the Downs and the face of the Gorge. The first is the Turkey Oak, a fast growing tree that holds its leaves very late in the year, has very sharply toothed leaves, hairy buds, and a big acorn in a cup that is covered in little spikes. There are a number of old trees on the Zoo Bank, some of them multi-trunked, and it looks as if one or two were planted a century ago, and since then many others have self-sown from them. They are fine trees, grow faster than native Oaks, and these days produce far more acorns, and saplings.

Close by is a smaller tree, with similar spiky leaves which is the Scarlet oak, though in our climate it does not live up to its name. Closer to the Lord Mayor’s House there is an odd little oak with very distorted leaves. This is the rarest tree in Bristol, it is called the Cluster Oak and came from a tree found growing wild in Savernake forest in the 1940s The tree grows very slowly compared with a normal oak, and there are very few in existence. On the other side of the Promenade there is a grand old Common Oak tree that was planted, as the plaque says, 110 years ago to celebrate the coronation of Edward VII. Not far from it is the Duke of Gloucester’s Accession oak planted in 2003 to celebrate fifty years since the accession of Queen Elizabeth. It is doing very swell. And just on the other side of Bridge Valley Road, rather hidden from view by ivy, is a really grand old specimen with a girth of four metres, and hence an age of at least 200 years. It is probably the oldest oak on the Downs.

The other species is the Holm Oak, which comes from the Mediterranean and is evergreen. It grows very fast, sprouts very readily when cut back, casts a deep dense shade under which nothing can grow, and produced large numbers of small acorns rather late in the season- a bonanza for Jays and Squirrels. There are hundreds of baby trees, and they create real problems on the Gorge face where they are threatening the native flora. They are very common on the Zoo banks, and again it looks as if some were planted a hundred years ago. Many of they are multi-trunked, some fantastically so, indication that desperate efforts have been made in the past, mostly probably in the 1930s, to cut them back. However neglect during the war years enabled them to become massive, and they pose problems today. 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.

61 In Charles Darwin's book 'Earthworms and vegetable mould' the vital importance of worms is divulged. He observed and calculated that each worm brings a fi ieth of an inch of soil to the surface annually. This partly explains why soil levels rise. Worms drag leaves into the soil, enriching it and opening it up to fresh rainwater and oxygen. I am a great fan of worms, but I must admit that this does not stop me from feeding them to the robin that comes and sits on the rake. In geological terms the soil in BS9 is a clay, which bodes well for the garden. Clay is a fer le, moisture reten ve soil capable of hos ng a vast array of plants. You may hear gardeners grumble about its s ckiness and weight whilst digging about in it, but don't listen to them. Vegetables, garden plants and even surprisingly large shrubs get their nutri on and moisture from the top 8 inches of soil, which is not deep or backbreaking to cul vate. Spring me, just before the warmth and the weeds come, is the absolute perfect me to mulch. Mulching just means covering the soil in order to retain moisture and supress weeds. An old carpet can act as a mulch, for instance, bark chippings or a really good thick layer of well ro ed leaf mould. Leafmould is so light and fluﬀy to handle that it can be applied on borders and dressed around trees and shrubs with astonishing ease and rapidity. It then saves hours of disheartening weeding as seeds of annual and ephemeral weeds on the soil surface are prevented from germina ng. It is all jolly well congratula ng our soil for being clay but in the urban jungle it is not that simple. Human ac vity and the built environment can present us with un‐diggable soils devoid of life. As

walls and buildings are constructed and deconstructed, the soil becomes the ul mate hiding place for rubble and concrete. When this is the case the worst can be dug out and replaced with a locally sourced soil. This is especially worth while in smaller gardens or specific borders, where soil scan become dry or depleted. A loam based topsoil is the thing to ask for if you need to import soil. Loams are rich and workable soils with a silty structure. They are durable over me, even under the heat of a glasshouse. There be treasure in your soil! Fragments of willow pa ern crockery maybe pertaining to a fiery argument 100 years ago. Clay tobacco pipes and old coins are everywhere but nothing compared to the 1940's enamel sign that Blackberry Gardens unearthed in whilst we were building a natural stone wall in Shirehampton this March. Lastly‐ to dispel any anxiety about chopping worms in half, the urban legend is only half true, the pinker end of the worm will survive. So you can give the other half to the robin and not feel too bad about it. Falkland Li le, Dip Hort (Kew), Blackberry Gardens We are Blackberry Gardens. Established in 2006, our aim is to give our clients a professional, high quality service from design to build. Excellent communica on and knowledge ensures that we keep our clients happy. Our client basis takes us from landscaping private gardens in and around Bristol to all aspects of commercial landscaping, big or small. The Blackberry Gardens Tree Surgery team can handle any job, from large scale reduc ons to tree reports and surveys.

Blackberry Gardens Ltd. 0117 904 8780 blackberrygardens@yahoo.co.uk www.blackberrygardens.co.uk

Louise’s tips for an easier life Do you love it? If not, chuck it! Do you find it hard to discard items? I recently read about a book called ‘The lifechanging magic of tidying’ by Marie Kondo. The title sounds extreme and perhaps you think unlikely - but it includes a detailed step by step method, and here are just a few ideas that I’d like to share with you: Storage is not the solution. The easy option is to store items to make your home tidy and convince yourself there is no clutter. But storage units will overflow and you are back to square one. Tidying must start with discarding. How to choose what to chuck. Ask yourself ‘Do I love this thing? Does it spark joy?’. It is does, keep it; if not, chuck it! And if you can’t throw something out? It is human nature to resist throwing things away – ‘it might come in useful one day’, ‘I spent quite a bit of money buying that’ – and we don’t want to be wasteful. A couple of good questions to ask are ‘Why did I buy it?

When did I buy it? Does it owe me anything?’ If I didn’t own this, how much would I pay to get it?’. It may be the item has completed its role in your life, so you can let it go. If you no longer need something, it is neither wasteful nor shameful to discard. Remember, the whole point in discarding and keeping things is to be happy. There is medical evidence that clutter equals stress – and that experiences provide more joy than stuff. So if you know there are too many things in your home and want to have a sort out, give me a call and you too can enjoy the feeling that less really is more – more space, more clarity and ultimate simplicity. Louise England is a Lifestyle and Home Assistant and her service aims to freeup 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

63 Set up by Mathew & Lucy Bri on of Sandyleaze W‐O‐T, following their own experience during pregnancy, The Capella Founda on has been born to help increase awareness of medical complica ons during pregnancy. Since the launch in 2013 the Capella Founda on has raised over £20,000, which is being put directly towards funding the ‘Twinkle Capella Research Project’, a 2 year medical research project into diagnosis and advanced treatments, in partnership with St Michaels hospital. This years Capella ‘24in24’ fundraising event takes place on the 3rd / 4th May, star ng with the 3km run in Canford Park at 12pm midday on Saturday, with the all remaining events following on at the David Lloyd Gym, Westbury On Trym. The Capella Founda on are encouraging as many people to come along as possible, whether or not you wish to take part in any of the fitness ac vi es throughout the 24 hours. These include Zumba, Aqua Aerobics and Boxing Fitness. Do come along and show your support.

There is lots of family entertainment planned, including cake sales, face pain ng plus live music throughout the weekend. Both members and non‐members of David Lloyd are welcome to come along and support this great event, and help us have fun whilst raising lots of money for this really worthwhile cause. For further informa on about the 24in24 event, and to register for the fitness events please visit www.thecapellafounda on.com. The 24in24 schedule can be seen on the back page of this issue of the Bristol Nine magazine. For those wishing to make dona ons can either do so via the website, or can come along during the weekend whilst joining in the fun. A special thank you to Maggs and Allen Estate Agents, who are a major supporter of the Capella Founda on.

What can hypnotherapy help with? Difficul es sleeping Lack of confidence & self esteem Is a fear of flying stopping you booking your dream Achieving your goals ▪ Public speaking holiday? Are you thinking about booking your anxiety summer holidays yet? For most of us this is Exam / interview nerves something to look forward to however for some the Anxiety, stress & tension levels thought of ge ng away is but a distant dream. I see Fears and phobias ▪ Weight management many people who suffer from phobias, recent brain Unwanted pa erns of behaviour research tells us that about 1 in 10 people in the UK Nega ve thought pa erns ▪ Stopping FRE have some kind of phobia at some stage in their lives E smoking one of the most common being a fear of flying. If this relaxa on C Pregnancy and childbirth D fear is stopping you or affec ng how and where you include d w and much more travel hypnotherapy may be the answer you are hypnoth ith your erapAll sessions are completely tailored y looking for to help you overcome your phobia. according to your individual needs. If you have not considered hypnotherapy before why

not come along for a free ini al consulta on and I will explain how the brain works and how we may be able to help you to achieve the results you want in your life. Book your free ini al consulta on during May quo ng “Bristol 8/9” and you will receive a £10 discount oﬀ each session. (Oﬀer applies to all sessions, not just for help with phobias and weight loss.) FREE relaxa on CD included with your hypnotherapy sessions

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

It’s Yellow Envelope me. While the driving force behind the Westbury in Bloom project takes an enforced break (get well soon Sue) the rest of the team are going flat out to raise funds to ensure that the village lights up with flowers this summer. Westbury’s track

record of success in the Bristol in Bloom compe on is unrivalled, so if you like seeing the village all floral then do watch out for the yellow dona on envelopes that will be dropping through Westbury le erboxes this month or the collec on boxes do ed around the village. Many thanks

School Reports A monthly round-up of interesting and goodnews stories from our local schools. Students at Oasis Academy Brightstowe recently spent a week celebrating the school’s links with Uganda, through a wide variety of themed lessons. Activities ranged from the design of a new Ugandan flag, printing African-styled fabrics, studying scientific forces with a Ugandan-twist, writing letters to David Cameron to raise awareness of human rights issues in the country, safari mathematics and even an African Cup of Nations football tournament using a ball made of plastic bags and string! “I really enjoyed Uganda Week because each lesson was so fun and we learned a lot about a country which is very different from our own”.

A captivated audience at Red Maids’ School last night heard Rebecca Adlington pay tribute to her family for the part they played in her international swimming success. “I always say that my medals belong as much to my mum, dad and sisters as they do to me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them”, she told the packed hall of 350 students, parents and staff. Red Maids’ welcomed the Olympic athlete who spoke on the subject of “Going for Gold: the Ingredients for Success”, as part of its annual speaker programme. Rebecca, a four-times Olympic medallist, World, European and Commonwealth Games gold medallist and holder of the Olympic record in the 800m Freestyle won in Beijing in 2008, took questions about body image, combining school work with her passion for swimming and her appearance on ITV’s I’m a Celebrity: Get me out of here.

Since retiring from competitive swimming in February 2013, she has launched the Becky Adlington Swimstars initiative which aims to ensure that all children are able to swim 25m by the time they leave primary school. “It was such a pleasure to meet Rebecca,” said Headmistress Isabel Tobias. “She has worked so hard to achieve so much, making her a great role model for girls and a real inspiration to all who heard her speak.” After the lecture, Rebecca spent time talking to sports students at the school’s Annual Sports Dinner. This event was generously supported by the Friends of Red Maids’ School who also provided refreshments on the evening. Healthy eating and healthy lifestyles are the themes of an ambitious festival being run in May by a group of Bristol schools. The With One Voice Partnership – Orchard School Bristol, Filton Avenue Infant and Junior Schools, Upper Horfield Community School and Fonthill Primary – are preparing for the Staying Alive Festival. It is being organised to highlight to families in north Bristol the many fantastic lifestyle opportunities in the community with two flagship events - a food festival at Orchard School on Saturday, May 10th followed by a Get Active Festival at Filton Leisure Centre the following Saturday, May 17. The schools are also promoting issues around health to improve life expectancy which varies greatly across different parts of the city. A highlight of the food festival will be an attempt to set a World Record for the most diverse fruit salad with weird and wonderful fruits brought from across the globe, as well as demonstrations and stalls featuring food from round the world, reflecting the cosmopolitan nature of the schools and communities.

67 A recent report by the Alzheimer’s Society highlighted how people living with demen a feel increasingly trapped in their homes. It included a poll of people living with demen a, completed with the help of carers, which found six out of ten said they no longer felt confident to try new things and 35 per cent said they now only go outside once a week at the most. More than a quarter of those who s ll live at home – the equivalent of about 180,000 people ‐ said they had effec vely given up going outside and felt “trapped” in their home. Similarly The Silver Line, the befriending and advice line for older people, recently founded by Esther Rantzen CBE, states that there are 10 million older people (over the age of 65) living in Britain today. Many of them (51 per cent of people over 75) are living alone. The impact of isola on and loneliness on older people is a real cause for concern because it has been shown to shorten life, create depression, hasten the onset of demen a, and cause physical effects such as malnutri on. With these issues in mind, Tracy Bird, Home Manager at Stokeleigh, has decided to embrace the challenge of comba ng loneliness amongst older people living in Stoke Bishop and the surrounding areas by offering a range of day care services at Stokeleigh. Older people can now a end the home during the day to take part in the regular ac vi es programme, enjoy delicious home‐cooked food or just enjoy cha ng with new friends over a cup of tea. They can also book short stays at Stokeleigh, these can be treated as a way to break the rou ne of living alone, rather like a li le holiday. Tracy says “We are delighted to announce the launch of our new day care service at Stokeleigh. Having researched the services currently available in the area we really do believe that this will provide an invaluable service for older people living alone and also for carers who need regular support from a service that they can rely on to give them peace of mind. There’s always something going on at Stokeleigh so day care clients can enjoy a great variety of ac vi es from flower arranging, baking and cra to gardening and gentle exercise sessions.” For further informa on about day care at Stokeleigh please contact Tracy Bird on 0117 968 4685 or email stokeleigh@har ordcare.co.uk www.har ordcare.co.uk

The Changing High Street The month before last I wrote an ar cle on commercial property funds and the posi ve outlook both in commercial property terms and the economy as a whole which appears to be gathering pace as we progress through 2014. That ar cle, and a walk down Gloucester Road in Bishopston the other week got me thinking. It is interes ng to see how parts of our economy, and in par cular the retail sector has changed over

the past 5 years. Our spending habits are changing the way companies do business and this in turn is changing companies requirements for business premises and the mix of property investment funds. Typically a commercial property fund will have a mix of retail premises, oﬃces, warehouses and business parks etc., but it is clear in the retail sector in par cular that as we change our shopping habits, so are the requirements of companies in terms of business premises. The big retailers who did well over the last Christmas period were those that oﬀered internet

69 shopping. The internet con nues to change how we shop. It acts as a research tool – it enables us to iden fy what we wish to buy, which model and compare prices. However it seems we s ll like to be able to collect our purchases and retailers oﬀering a ‘buy and collect’ service, were the clear winners in 2013. Online shopping accounted for 12.7% of the UK retail market in 2012 and the expecta on is this will increase to more than 20% by 2018*. The CFO of clothing retailer ASOS plc who ship goods to more than 200 countries, said in January that 3 years ago none of its sales came from mobile devices. However in the Christmas 2013 season orders from mobile devises such as mobiles and tablets accounted for 37% of its trading. So if this trend con nues, perhaps larger retailors are more likely to require fewer shops but perhaps more distribu on centres! Does this mean that the High Street as we know it is dead? I doubt it – but it will change. Gloucester Road that Saturday morning was busy with shops full and independent businesses doing a good trade. The ‘High Street’ appeared to be very much open for business. Compare that to Whiteladies Rd.

It now has far too many empty and larger retail premises, some of which are being converted from commercial to part residen al and it is a good example of how things change gradually over me. So while a demand for local shops s ll exists, perhaps it is a return to smaller independent traders opera ng out of smaller premises that will lead the way. If there is one thing worse than an empty property, it’s a large empty property. Phil James Grosvenor Consultancy Ltd.

* Centre for Retail Research – May 2013 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.

Asparagus Tips - from Tara Hofman Now we are well into Spring. Have any of you been busy with your veg patches since my article in last month’s issue? This is definitely my favourite time of year with all the greens, yellows, pinks and purples that appear all around us and warmth, at last. There’s so much excitement in what the rest of the year has to hold; and the summer: will it be a hot one? For me and my chef’s tendencies it always comes back to food and what is in season. By the time this drops through your door, asparagus will have been in our shops for weeks. Yes, I know, I can hear you saying it’s been around all year but that was probably from Peru. I’m talking about good old English asparagus, which by now should be a common sight everywhere. Coming originally from a professional chef’s background in restaurant kitchens, we were always clamouring to get our hands on the highly esteemed and prized Wye Valley asparagus. After a winter of kale, kale and more kale, asparagus, broad beans, peas and other spring veg are so exciting, it was always like finding the oasis in the dessert. This is the challenge of cooking seasonally, it teaches us to align ourselves with the seasons and really live in the present moment, which can only be a good thing!

So, what is your favourite asparagus dish? When there is a glut of any ingredient, it forces us to think of new ways of eating and cooking it and it’s part of my job to devise new recipes constantly. As a child, I remember asparagus simply boiled and served in a puddle of melted butter. Later on, I graduated to asparagus with hollandaise sauce – a classic and still a favourite; add a poached egg and some hot buttered toast and you have a decent meal right there. Asparagus can be the star of so many dishes and simplicity is key. I love serving it cold in a salad with buffalo mozzarella and a simple lemon dressing made with extra virgin olive oil, finely grated lemon zest and lemon juice. How about bypassing the blanching stage and going straight to the griddle? Young, thin asparagus is delicious cooked in this way served with balsamic vinegar and parmesan shavings or a platter of cured ham. When the canapés are in full flow, it’s very happy sliced raw and cooked in a tart with a simple egg & custard mix and a scattering of thyme leaves. Here’s my asparagus tip: just hold the stem between your thumb and forefinger and where it naturally snaps is the key to eating tender spears without tough ends! I’d love to know your ideas, get in touch at info@tarastable.co.uk or leave a comment on our website www.tarastable.co.uk

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Useful 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.

Kemps Jewellers Est. 1881 A local family business offering you professional friendly advice. Rings and jewellery, new and old - and a great range of modern secondhand jewellery to complement our existing selection of beautiful traditional second-hand pieces. Beautiful gift ideas for ladies and for gents, as well as watches & watch repairs.

Do you have any secondhand or scrap gold? Gold prices remain attractive so why not bring it in for a free valuation? Kemps Jewellers & Registered Pawnbrokers 9 Carlton Court, Westbury on Trym 0117 950 50 90 www.kempsjewellers.com

Our terrific Spring Watch Promotion continues with big discounts on a wide range of gents and ladies watches.

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 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 to guarantee consideration for inclusion. 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. St Peter's Ladies Guild meet at the church hall, The Drive, Henleaze, on Wednesday 21 May at 2.15 for a talk about the fashion designer, Charles Worth. New members welcome. 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 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

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What’s On & Community News 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, Discussion Group, Scrabble, Skittles and Whist plus coffee Thursday mornings at Cafe Mundo and twice-monthly pub lunches. Come along and meet new friends! Details from Gloria on 92393376 or Anne on 9077425. 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 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. 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.

(GWAAC4) Stoke Bishop Townswomen's Guild are now meeting in the Hulbert Room, St Mary's Church, Mariner's Drive, Stoke Bishop. The Hulbert Room is reached via a path to the left of the steps just past the church; our meeting are on the 1st Thursday of the month at 2.15pm - come and visit us about 2pm free of charge. Further details from 9685638 or 9683671. 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. 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. 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 The Friends of Henleaze Library present : Not of

What’s On & Community News an age , but for all time. Shakespeare's 450th with local actor Nick Rawlinson. Thursday 8th May 7pm(doors open at 6.45). Henleaze library, Northumbria Drive, Henleaze BS9 4HP Tickets £5 (to include light refreshments) available from Henleaze library 0117 903 8541. A Wine Tasting and wine-related quiz is being held at St. Peter`s Church Hall in Henleaze on Saturday 10th May at 7.30pm in aid of church outreach activity. Entry is £10 including light refreshments, and tickets need to be purchased in advance from David and Sue Fenna on 0117 959 0411 West Bristol Diabetes Group invites you to attend our meeting where the President of Diabetes UK, Dr Richard Lane OBE will be speaking. We meet on Thursday 15 May at 2 pm at the Greenway Centre, Southmead. Please ring Anne on 9621311. 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 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 are having a guided tour of the historic Royal Fort Garden on Wednesday 14th May, meeting at the Royal Fort at 6.00pm (limited parking) 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 The Bristol Society for the Arts of Asia was founded in 1972 to provide Bristolians with access to the cultural achievements of the peoples of Asia through lectures by experts in the field and practitioners, and visits and social events. On Weds 14th May we’re meeting at 6.30 p.m. in the University of Bristol’s Dept of Theology & Religious Studies, 3/5 Woodland Rd, to hear Helen Persson, Curator of Chinese Textiles and Dress at the Victoria & Albert Museum, tell us about the collection of ancient woven and embroidered cloths brought back from the Central Asian desert by Sir Aurel Stein in the early 1900s. Non-members are welcome but are asked to donate at least £5 towards the cost of the Programme; undergraduate students are admitted free of charge on sight of their student card. 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. 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

79 On Friday 20th June Westbury on Trym Village Hall present

ANIMAL PORTRAITS

'H' is for Harmony

Bringing close harmony close to you with the 'H' Club of the Great Western Chorus of Bristol 7.00pm onwards ‐ £12.50 including a great supper

Bookings – 0117 962 3241

By Rosy Fowler 0117 9687792 www.rosyfowler.co.uk

Come & see us at Venue No 8 of the BS9 Arts Trail May 10th & 11th

bs9arts.co.uk

What’s On & Community News 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. 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 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, (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. New members 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 BrushStrokes Theatre presents its enchanting open-air adaptation of Shakespeare's timeless comedy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” for the streets of Bristol. Follow four young Athenians as they are thrown into a forest of madness and mystery. Victoria Square, Clifton on 2nd – 4th of May, 6pm. Free, retiring donations gratefully received. Search BrushStrokes Midsummer on Eventbrite or Facebook for details Clifton Amateur Dramatic Society (CADS) presents a rare outdoor production of Larry Blamire’s distinct comedic take on the famous Robin Hood legend. Set in the stunning woods of the Ashton Court Gardens, the world of Sherwood Forest will be brought to life. This guarantees to be an exhilarating swashbuckler with thrilling sword fights, cracking comedy and romping romance. We are a colourful and big cast with Robin Hood and his band of outlaws including the feisty, Maid Marion battling with the nefarious Sheriff of Nottingham, the impish Bishop and the deceptive King John. There will be a cash only bar and food available. Please bring a chair and wear appropriate clothing, so you can sit back and enjoy this great show. Tickets are £12.50p each or £40 for 4.www.bristolcads.org.uk Sat. May 10th Organ Elevenses will be part of the musical events at the W-o-T Community Fair. Our own talented young organist Richard Johnson plays at Holy Trinity Church. Please check publicity nearer the time for his start time. The June Organ Elevenses is now a week earlier on Sat. May 31st, when the guest organist will be Stephen Bryant from Clifton Cathedral. Usual lovely cakes and coffee at 10-30 am followed by 40-minute recital at 11. A great way to start the week-end! June 21st, 7.30pm Midsummer Concert in the Holy Trinity Church, WoT, with a Trio of Young musicians. Chris Docherty - flute, Laura Baker clarinet and Hannah Slavin - piano. A varied programme of solos, duets and trio pieces with

proudly present Shakespeare’s Ukelele Musical

ROMEO AND JULIET 16 ukuleles hacking their way through a love story. Romance, intrigue, and music supplied by ukulele. An evening of fun and entertainment that will leave a smile on your face. Using an Ouija board we sought Shakespeare’s endorsement of this revolu onary approach to works – he wasn’t impressed…… Doors 7.00pm 7 June Newman Hall Henleaze ‐ See You There! Tickets £8 from Henleaze Post Oﬃce or the Tobacco Factory website at www.ukulelefunhouseorchestra.co.uk Facebook at www.facebook.com/ukulelefunhouseorchestra

What’s On & Community News Pimms in the interval! For further details ring 9624624 or 9502800. St Mary’s Church, Henbury, BS10 7QF – Summer Concert , Sunday 22nd June 3.004.00pm. An afternoon concert of secular music from St Mary’s organ, choir and piano. Music ranging from Dvorak’s New World to Sinatra’s New York and suitable for ages 10 to 110. Afterwards cream teas, drinks and delicious home-made cakes will be served in the garden, Proceeds to the Church Roof Fund. 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 ‘Hansel & Gretel' at St Mary Magdalene Church, Stoke Bishop. Tessitoura perform Humperdinck's fairy-tale opera. Wed 25 June, 7.30pm. Tickets £15 (Under 18s £5) from Church Office. 0117 968 7449 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. 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.

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 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. 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. 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. Volunteering Volunteers Wanted: Bristol charity African Initiatives is looking for friendly volunteers to be trained up to run fun and engaging stalls at local festivals & events, based around global themes such as diversity and development. Gain skills to interact with the local community about important world issues. Contact Holly for more info: holly@african-initiatives.org.uk 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

What’s On & Community News 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. On 21st May we host 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. Plant Sale on Saturday 10th May at 11am in the Methodist Church hall, Westbury–on-Trym, as part of the Westbury-on-Trym Community Fair which starts at 11am. Annuals, perennials, indoor plants, shrubs etc for sale to support this year’s charity – The Horsefair Project , a vision for the New Room Bristol. Please come and enjoy the Fair.

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. Stoke Lane Community Garden Open Day 12– 3pm Saturday 7 June. The Stoke Lane Community Garden is a peaceful haven just behind the shops on Stoke Lane. It was a disused allotment that has been turned into a lovely community garden, maintained by volunteers. Come along to our Open Day on Saturday 7 June 12 – 3pm to find out more and join in the fun. Activities include: Plant Sales, Face Painting, Music, Gardening Advice, Cookery Demonstrations and Refreshments. The Open day is part of the Get Growing Trail: www.bristolfoodnetwork.org/2014/03/bristolsget-growing-trail 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 and practice classes on the fourth Thursday. New members are always welcome just come along and join in. Old Sneed Park Nature Reserve: the 'friends' are holding an extra working party on Saturday 17th may 10am to 12noon. As usual, we meet on the reserve to divide up the jobs and refreshments are served at 'half-time' so it is very sociable. Please wear 'stout footwear' and bring work gloves, secateurs etc. If you are not a member why not come along and sign up to get the newsletter? Then, on Tuesday 17th June at 10am there will be a morning guided walk. Rod Leslie, retired head of policy at the Forestry Commission, will be

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What’s On & Community News leading a guided walk round the Nature Reserve. His subject will be woodland management. He is a keen ornithologist and his book Birds and Forestry is acclaimed as a step towards forestry planning with management for wildlife. The walk will start at the entrance next to 3 Glenavon Park. For more information about the reserve and our events please visit our fantastic website www.spnaturereserve.com Markets, Fairs and Exhibitions Coffee & Cake Morning on Saturday 17th May to raise funds for Christian Aid. Come and enjoy a coffee and cake in our lovely coffee bar at the Bradbury Hall in Waterford Road, Henleaze from 10.00am to 12.30am on 17 May. Plants, books and jams will be on sale plus a raffle. All welcome and any donations of cakes, jam, plants etc gratefully received too! Please call Susan on 0117 373 5667 for further information (Waterford road is the side road by St Peter's Hospice). Westbury on Trym Village Show 2014 Saturday 6th September 2014 WoT Village Hall, Eastfield Road. Make a note in your Diary now to help us celebrate the 35th Show. it is our "Coral" anniversary so look out for "red/orange" as well as "sea/fish" themed classes on our website www.wotvs.co.uk Volunteers to help us now or on the day are needed. Contact the Show Chairman through the website or via Andy at the BS9 magazine. 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!

Westbury Park Art Trail, Friday 6th June 18.00 – 21.00 and Saturday 7th June 11.00 – 17.00. Easily walkable trail near Waitrose and the Orpheus Cinema. www.westburyparkarttrail.weebly.com Art Show and Sale for Charity – Monday 5th May – Henbury Village Hall – 12 noon -4pm – entrance 50p. 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 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 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

Come and play at Henleaze Tennis Club, Canford Park and Coombe Dingle Tennis Centre!

What’s On & Community News 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 (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 Preand Post-Natal Yoga must be booked in advance. Please ring Sara-Jo on 07789 552 052 or visit www.yogawithsara-jo.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, 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. Always want to give it a try, now you don't have to go to China. The Bristol School of Tai Chi has lots of daytime and evening classes in Henleaze and Bishopston starting from the 28 April. Any questions contact Ben Milton 0117 9493955. taichi@bristoltaichi.com 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

89 25th‐28th August. Hurry though as there are only 5 places! Group bookings of 3‐4 people will receive 10‐ 15% discount all year round, so why not come along with your friends. Hurry the first 10 students will receive 25% oﬀ! (8 places le ! This does not apply to the Summer School) Come and learn a new art, the art of mosaic! “Mosaic is an expressive and rewarding art and I enjoy Cotswold Art Studio re‐ opened in Almondsbury this teaching it immensely. It is easy to learn and you don’t need to have any special skills, just an interest and April and will be running enthusiasm! I pride myself that all my students go Mosaic courses and other Art and Cra courses later in home with something they can really be proud of and the year. Tutor, Jackie Isard, they o en come back for another go. Some of my who taught mosaics and ran students have even taken it up professionally. At the end of the course my students’ art courses for many years in the Cotswolds has now smiles speak volumes to me. One relocated nearer to Bristol. She has a new, bigger great addi on to my new studio is garden studio that seats 4 students, that may not the outside area especially for our seem many but it means you will have more of her furry friends, so if a student needs a en on and Jackie believes this is essen al so that to they can bring their dog too.” each student feels well looked a er. Her excep onal teaching skills ensure that every student achieves their says Jackie. best and most importantly has a relaxing and fun Be inspired …and create! me! Next to the studio is a private kennel and run Take a look at her students’ area, so you can even bring along your furry friends! comments and pictures of their work online at Jackie runs One‐to‐one Mosaic courses and Group Mosaic courses all year round so you’ll never be stuck www.cotswold‐artstudio.com. The studio is open 7 with dates you cannot make. This year she is launching days a week so just call Jackie on 07813 864472 or her first ‘Summer School’ Mosaic course running from email info@cotswold‐artstudio.com

Cotswold Art Studio has arrived in Almondsbury!

Appeal for Information I have had a request from Professor Robert Bickers, Department of History at Bristol University. He is seeking information about Ernest Fearn who ran a Newsagent and Stationery shop on Westbury Hill in the early 1920's and returned to it after the war. Professor Bickers would like to hear from anyone who has any information about Ernest or his family. If you can be of any help please do get in touch with me here at The Bristol Nine 07845 986650 / 0117 968 7787 or email andy@bcmagazines.co.uk. Thank you.

What’s On & Community News Teddy Praise is a short informal service for preschool children and their carers. It is held monthly on the second Monday of the month 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 Sharonhappyhandsbristol@yahoo.co.uk 07779797919 Facebook-happyhandsbristol 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

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

• • 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.

•

Telephone - 0117 968 7787 Text / Phone - 07845 986650 Email - andy@bcmagazines.co.uk Post - 8 Sandyleaze, Westbury on Trym, Bristol, BS9 3PY Twitter - @BS9Andy Deadline for inclusion in the June magazine is Monday 12th May. Don’t be late!

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