Bristol Weekly Magazine 11th - 18th November 2021 by Direct Local Bristol

BRISTOL WEEKLY MAGAZINE

11 - 18 NOV 2021

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This week.. 4. Winter warmer 7. Big Jeff’s first SOLO exhibition. 8. Whats on this week 10. Christmas appeal 12. National cake day 14. Peanut and jelly cheesecake 16. Outdoor play opportunities 18. Sweet potato and spinach Korma 20. Warning to self-employed workers 26. Bristol a finalist 28. Plans to clean up the city’s air 30. Birnbeck Pier plans 32. Bristolian publishes first crime thriller 36. Dramatic growth 42. New vision 48. How to help wild hedgehogs @directlocal

The team EDITOR Michael Davies Journalist Lisa Davies PROOF READER Elisabeth Davies Regular editorials By: Andrea Sexton Martin Powell Daren Bane Kayleigh Penny Andrew Varney Corinna Ingram Molly Pownall Sam Phillips Online Weekly Distribution: Direct Local Online now reaches over 23,656 people across Bristol via email and social media every week.

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Artspace Lifespace are bringing an eclectic collection of ‘Winter Warmers’ to Ashton Court Mansion. Across 12 evenings, starting on the 26th November and ending on the 23rd December, the Arts Mansion will host a Christmas Variety of entertainment from jazz and swing nights, electronic dance, live drum and bass, to comedy, drag cabaret and a four string quartet. The grounds of Bristol’s most famous stately home will become the answer to an alternative 12 Days of Christmas that will help you shake off those winter blues and keep you warm this winter.

On the first day of Christmas Artspace brings you… The People’s Comedy. Born in Stokes Croft, The People’s Comedy comes to Ashton Court for a hysterical night of comedy, featuring host Fella, opening acts Jessie Johnson, Julia Stanton, Eva Bindeman and headline act Olga Koch. Expect energy, enthusiasm and witty responses that will guarantee to have you crying with laughter.

Interstellar Circus Drag Disco Cabaret is a circus, theatrical and dance performance production company who create interactive visual delights centered around circus skills, art and music. It’s going to be a fabulously fun showcase of some of the UK's finest circus Artspace Mansion’s Kathryn Chiswell Jones and drag performers. Expect awe inspiring explains: “We’re thrilled to be bringing our drag performers, spectacular hula hooping Winter Warmers to the people of Bristol for death defying knife throwing, world class what will truly be 12 evenings showcasing the juggling and general silliness. best talent from across the country. With such an extensive variety of performances and Mister Meredith, DJ Baroness Jo Jo and events, there will definitely be something for unique circus acts will all come together to everyone to get excited about.” bring us a Vintage Variety Night with a splash of comedy and magic. Come and be “Ashton Court is the perfect location for these entertained by this hand-picked selection of events and it just adds to the magic of it all. variety talent. And as the theme is With it being in such a beautiful setting, vintage, come dressed to impress in your visitors will get to experience part of the finest threads. Light Up Bristol trail grounds of this stunning location before heading into the Mansion to Described as Fleetwood Mac meets Roni witness some truly amazing performances.” Size, Paper Dragon with Ruth Royal will be coming to Ashton Court to bring electronic band vibes, utilising turntables and synths. After their storming performance on the BBC live introducing stage and their stellar body of work featuring U2, Kate Bush, Massive Attack, Rick Rubin, Distorted Minds and Grafix, they’re definitely one to watch and an event not to miss. 4

The 8th and 9th days of Christms, Artspace is bringing what can only be described as a wintery, icy, journey. Performers from Insight Ensemble will perform four special one off shows across 2 evenings at the unique Ashton Court Mansion which will take you on a wintery journey of classical music, poetry and dance. This full symphony orchestra incorporates musicians, soloists, dancers, circus performers, visual artists and technicians who are breaking boundaries on Bristol’s classical music scene. Kathryn says, “Having performers from Insight Ensemble perform for us at Ashton Court is going to be a truly mesmerising experience. Through their performances, they create enchanting journey’s through themed soundscapes surrounding promenade audiences with an immersive musical and visual experience.” Founded in the heart of Bristol at the historic Loco Klub and working in collaboration with The Invisible Circus, Insight Ensemble are shifting the cliche of classical music with innovation, expression and passion. Tickets for the Winter Warmer events are available on Headfirst, with prices ranging from £15 to £18, with an early bird release price of £12-£15. Each event takes place on either Thursday, Friday or Saturday and the X3a, X3 and X4 bus from the City Centre takes you to Clifton Lodge which is then a 5-10 walk to the Mansion. For more information on all other events, head to the Artspace Lifespace website and follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Big Jeff's first SOLO exhibition

This includes love and joy and everything else. “I use drawing and painting as a form of self-reflection. A lot of my work echoes my struggles around feeling like I don’t fit into this world. Art for me has been about expressing emotions I can’t explain another way. These paintings highlight my issues with hidden anxiety and mental health and the barrier these create. Art for me is about creating space for myself and using my creativity to find my voice. At times this can be intimidating.” Two years in the making, the collection features 34 artworks to challenge perceptions of anxiety, which is being experienced by so many after the events of the last 18 months. The full collection will be exhibited alongside a programme of events and special guest appearances at The Island. Many of the paintings represent moments captured from or inspired by many of the city’s music venues, where Jeff can often be found, right in front of the stage.

Prolific Bristol music fan Big Jeff invites Bristol to his world for one week, as he launches his first solo exhibition at The Island from 16th - 21st November 2021 which will be free to attend. The exhibition entitled ‘Welcome To My World’ will see the unveiling of 20 new paintings alongside the first 14 paintings from phase one of the collection from the artist, well known as one of Bristol’s best known music aficionados. There will also be an opportunity to see the new and existing works online with Jeff talking about some of the paintings and what they mean to him. The paintings, some of which have a musical influence, were created to surprise and challenge the viewer, instigating conversations about mental health and inspiring people in similar situations to make art themselves. Big Jeff Johns explains: "Welcome to my world, the full edition. I’m excited to exhibit these paintings together for the first time and introduce people to a side of me they don’t know. This exhibition brings my world to life, shining light on things I find difficult.

Big Jeff has also invited charities working in Bristol to curate events and experiences alongside the exhibition. OTR will invite young people to experience the exhibition with an exclusive event. Big Issue sellers will have pitches at the exhibition throughout the week. Talk Club and Running Punks will both host events at the exhibition while Gig Buddies will invite their members & volunteers for an exclusive showing and meet and greet with Jeff. Signed Limited Edition prints of 25 and unlimited unsigned prints of each piece will be available to buy via his website www. BigJeffJohnsArt.com. Exhibition curator Lee Dodds explains; “The response to Jeff’s first release of this collection was phenomenal. Musicians, presenters and Bristolians alike rallied around to support Jeff on his first venture as an artist and many of the prints are nearly sold out. His paintings are uplifting and will definitely be popular with music fans and art collectors in Bristol and beyond. This exhibition will enable us to show his full collection in person, while also curating a series of events in the space, obviously including music from some of Jeff’s favourite local acts. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone at The Island for a week of celebrating art, music and supporting some of the city’s most incredible charities in their work.” 7

Whats on this week Eastern Strings at The Bean Tree Cafe

The Peoples Museum Exhibition

Date: 12th Nov Description: The magic of Eastern Strings, one of Bristol’s finest and most original duos. More on the Eastern Strings https://www.easternstringsuk.com

Date: 13th - 14th Nov Description: The Peoples Museum is a collection of the everyday, a peak into the lives of the social history of you and me. Based on an idea that has its roots in The Peoples Shows and inspired by The City Reliquary, New York. FREE Admission, timed entry slots.

Venue: 21 Park Rd, Bristol BS16 5LB A Unique Evening of Mediumship

Venue: Princes Wharf, Wapping Rd, Bristol BS1

Date: 12th Nov Description: Chlo “ Scarily accurate, incredible. Sam “Bernie never fails to deliver. A wonderful night. Tickets in advance £13 or Ultimate Classic Rock Show on the Door £15 . 7.30pm start Classed as educational & entertainment. Tickets available Date: 14th Nov by phone 07818665230 or via website Description: Dust off your air guitars for an https://www.berniescottmedium.com/events evening of the very best classic rock anthems from legends past and present! Let them take Venue: 118-124 High St, Hanham, Bristol BS15 3EJ you on a roller coaster journey of classic rock nostalgia, performing hit after hit, live with stunning accuracy and high energy accomCraft Fair Keynsham panied by an incredible light and projection show, they’re guaranteed to have you on your Date: 13th Nov feet all night. Description: Come along to our popular seasonal fair, with QUALITY local crafts, gifts, Venue: Redgrave Theatre, Percival Rd, cakes, stalls. Family friendly. Free Entry. Clifton, Bristol BS8 3LE Great to prepare for Christmas! You will find us on the Keynsham High Street. Festival of Remembrance Venue: High St, Keynsham, Bristol BS31 1DS Date: 14th Nov Description: Staple Hill’s very own Festival Festival of Remembrance with Filton of Remembrance is back! BUT, this is strictly Concert Brass & Bristol Military Wives Choir a TICKET ONLY EVENT, featuring our own Staple Hill band and Songsters (senior choir). Date: 13th Nov Tickets are FREE, but you must have one. Description: Filton Concert Brass will host a In the pre-COVID era, we would have Festival of Remembrance concert featuring squeezed as many people as possible into the Bristol Military Wives Choir and Royal our hall for this event, but you will appreciate British Legion to remember those who have fallen. Book your tickets via Eventbrite or that this is no longer possible. Please ensure phone 07757 744 116. Seats will be you get your ticket early to avoid disappointunreserved, but please consider sitting in ment, and ensure you either print it, or bring family groupings, practising social distancing, it on your smartphone electronically on the and wearing a face mask. night. Venue: St Michael’s Centre, Stoke Gifford, Bristol. BS34 8PD Venue: 8

A Vision of Elvis

Turbowolf + Conjurer at The Fleece

Date: 15th Nov Description: A Vision Of Elvis starring Rob Kingsley winner of The National Tribute Music Awards “Official Elvis Show” and “No.1 Male Tribute” is internationally renowned as the best Elvis Presley tribute concert, touring the world today.

Date: 17th Nov Description: Turbowolf are a rock quartet based out of Bristol, England. Formed in 2007 by core members Christopher Georgiadis and Andy Ghosh, Turbowolf quickly built a reputation as an energetic rock act be it studio or live. With a rock nucleus the band expands on that with elements of electronica, psychedelic, stoner rock, punk rock and heavy metal, often making them hard to pinpoint on a simple categorization. This diversity of sound has led them touring with bands ranging from heavy metal to punk rock to indie rock and much more.

Venue: St Augustine’s Parade, Bristol BS1 4UZ Happy Days Are Here Again!

Date: 15th Nov Description: On the 8th May 1945, millions of people took to the streets to celebrate peace Venue: 12 Saint Thomas Street, bristol, and to look forward to a brighter future. This BS1 6JJ show brings you the songs heard at those parties, songs that won the war, good old fashioned singalongs and beautiful ballads. Ladies Night The show includes a tribute to the late Dame Vera Lynn, the Nation’s Sweetheart. Date: 17th Nov Description: Ladies Night in aid of CoppaVenue: Redgrave Theatre, Percival Rd, feel! Fancy a long awaited for night out before Clifton, Bristol BS8 3LE the Christmas rush. Why not join us for a night of pampering, fortunes and a load of bargains. We are holding a ladies night in aid of Fastlove: Everything She Wants Coppafeel. Coppafeel are a fantastic charity that provides much needed advice and Date: 16th Nov education on the importance of getting to Description: THE EVERYTHING SHE know your boobs and pecks, in order to stand WANTS TOUR! Come and see the George the best possible chance against breast canMichael tribute that’s captured the hearts of cer!! https://coppafeel.org/our-charity/ thousands. Coming to a theatre near you. *Dates added throughout the year as tickets Venue: The Miners Social Club, Coalpit Heath and when tickets are available Village Hall, 214 Badminton Rd Venue: Bristol Hippodrome St Augustine’s Parade, Bristol BS1 4UZ ‘Not a Pub’ Quiz Night at the Old Library

Winter Pop-Up Shop Date: 18th Nov Description: Now in its fourth year, The Bristol Pop-Up Shop returns this November to the first floor of The Galleries Shopping Centre, Bristol. Join us as we fling open our doors on the 18th November for 5 weeks, taking us right up to Christmas Eve. Come and find us for all the local, handmade joy this festive time.

Date: 16th Nov Description: Fancy yourself as a whizz on world landmarks? Got a neighbour who’s knowledgeable on nature? Mum know much about musicians? Have expertise in electricity, or familiar with famous faces?! Doors 7pm, quiz starts 7.30!Max 6 per team, £2 per person BYO drinks, snacks & friends (or join a team on the night!) Venue: The Galleries, 25 Union Gallery, Broadmead, Bristol, BS1 3XD Venue The Old Library Muller Road, BS5 6XP

Jessie May, Launch Christmas Appeal

Jessie May is delighted to announce the launch of their 2021 Christmas appeal. The Bristol-based charity provides specialist palliative care to terminally ill and life-limited children, and their families, in the South West. The charity wishes to give something back to the people who have funded their vital work this year: a story of where their incredible generosity has paid off, nurturing two beautiful friendships. Ariana and Noah, both at only 4 years of age, have spent most of their young lives in Bristol Children’s Hospital. Although facing tough times, the two formed a beautiful friendship that touched the heart of their Jessie May nurses. Noah’s mum, Becky, was convinced something wasn’t right with Noah straight after birth. But after being told many times by the doctor that he was fine, it took an emergency trip to A&E, after projectile vomiting blood on a car journey home, for him to be diagnosed with the very rare condition Primary Hyperoxaluria (PH1) at 14 weeks old. (Noah is just one of six children diagnosed with this condition in the UK.) If left undiagnosed and untreated, this condition would result in all Noah’s organs calcifying.

Becky and Hayley met within the first year of their children’s lives on the Dialysis Unit at Bristol Children’s Hospital. Being on the unit at the same time as each other means that Becky and Hayley became firm friends quickly, supporting each other through additional complications that arose. Their children quickly became the best of friends too - holding each other’s hands when experiencing ‘off days’. Jessie May came into their lives within both of their first years, and where possible try to synchronize Ariana and Noah’s visits so that Becky and Hayley can have time together as friends to focus on themselves. Becky expressed the relief she had for a charity such as Jessie May to exist: “Without the support of Jessie May, well, I just don’t know, it’s difficult to put into words, until you’ve needed and had the support of Jessie May, you would never understand how much that means and what a difference it makes.” Donations mean Jessie May can be there for Becky and Hayley to help them navigate life with Ariana and Noah, making sure they have full lives together, as families and as friends.

If you can donate this Christmas, you can help make a difference to all the Jessie May Hayley found out that Ariana had kidney prob- children and families we support, like Becky, lems during her pregnancy, but they didn’t Hayley, Ariana and Noah. know to what extent. Ariana was born a week early and diagnosed with Renal You can read more about Ariana and Noah’s Dysplasia, which means one of her kidneys story, and how your support could help, here hadn’t developed properly. In addition, her birth was quite traumatic; she had a dislocated hip, a collapsed lung, and one of her kidneys had multiple cysts. 10

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National Cake Day: Whats your favourite cake?

Cheesecake has been voted Britain’s favourite cake, according to new research to celebrate National Cake Day (26 November). A national poll conducted by food delivery app Foodhub, found cheesecake (42%) to be the nation’s favourite cake followed by chocolate cake (41%) and victoria sponge (32%). The National Cake Day survey also revealed Brits typically eat cake twice or three times a week.

Over a third of the nation prefers their cake plain (37%), a quarter of Brits enjoy cakes with cream but only 10% of people have cake with custard. Cake with icing (34%) narrowly beats cake without icing (33%) as the UK’s preference.

A spokesman for a large cake franchise said: ‘Brits love their cake. On average the UK is willing to spend £2.74 on a slice of cake, with 19% happy to spend up to £5 per slice if the cake is good enough.

1. Cheesecake (42%)

People in the South West have revealed chocolate cake to be their favourite cake, whereas Liverpudlians prefer apple pie and Thirty per cent of the nation confessed they people in Aberdeen rank carrot cake as their eat cake as a regular snack in-between meals top choice. and 13% of those surveyed said they only having cake as a dessert or pudding. Britain’s top ten cakes include:

“Most people we quizzed say cakes are more popular now than ten years ago because they are more readily available in cafes than they used to be and the shops have better selection than ten years ago. 12

2. Chocolate cake (41%) 3. Victoria sponge (32%) 4. Brownie (31%)

5. Lemon cake (30%) 6. Carrot cake (29%) 7. Bakewell (27%) 8. Apple cake/pie (25%) 9. Christmas cake (24%) 10. Black forest gateau (22%)

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Peanut butter and jelly cheesecake

Ingredients

Method

80g Butter, melted, plus extra for greasing

Preheat the oven to 190C/fan 170C/Gas 5 Butter a square 20cm tin and line with greaseproof paper

250g Digestive biscuits For the filling: 400g Soft cheese 150g caster sugar 200g Smooth peanut butter 3 Eggs, plus 2 yolks 5 tbsp Strawberry jam

Crush the biscuits (by hand or in a food processor) into crumbs and stir in the melted butter Spoon into the bottom of the tin and press down to form the base Beat together the soft cheese, sugar and peanut butter, then add the eggs and yolks and mix again until combined Pour on top of the biscuit base, then swirl the jam over the top Bake for 25 mins, until just set. Leave to cool before cutting into squares

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BRISTOL MEMORIAL WOODLANDS OFFERS OUTDOOR PLAY OPPORTUNITIES TO LOCAL SCHOOLS AND CHILDRENS GROUPS A beautiful woodland location in Alveston, near Thornbury, is being offered up to schools and other play groups as a setting for outdoor exploration, forest schools and nature play sessions.

“We have been running outdoor sessions at Bristol Memorial Woodlands for a while now and it’s fantastic. We get a small grant which allows us to run two sessions a day for four or five days, a few times a year.

Bristol Memorial Woodlands in South Gloucestershire offers nearly 100 acres of woodland, meadows and picnic spots suitable for school, nursery and extracurricular groups to visit and explore.

“The children we take are pre-schoolers with autism and other additional needs and it’s amazing how much their language and communication skills come on during the sessions.

Primarily a funeral venue, the setting is also open to the public all year round for walks and the founders are keen to introduce more children to its unique and tranquil environment.

“We work on independent skills and confidence and just allow them to run around and be children without the restraints of parents or teachers. The children learn new skills, take risks and do things they wouldn’t usually have the chance to do.

One play scheme which already uses the site on a regular basis is aimed at pre-school children with autism and other additional needs, and the leaders say being out in nature has great benefits for the youngsters. Early years specialists Jane Gulliver and Karen Norton, who run the playscheme, said:

“Bristol Memorial Woodlands have provided us with the space to set up a base camp with a log circle and a mud kitchen. We light a fire and toast marshmallows and do some cooking activities, it’s great fun and supports children’s play, development as well as their wellbeing.

“It’s also hugely beneficial for the parents or carers who enjoy a few hours of respite time to get a haircut, grab a coffee or spend some quality time with their other children.

“The whole concept of the woodlands is to provide a beautiful, tranquil, space for generations to come so we really want to see people enjoying it.”

“The location is so calm and beautiful that we have had one mum bring a chair and a book along and one mum go for a jog while the children enjoyed the experiences of the woodland.

Bristol Memorial Woodlands is a 100-acre cemetery at Alveston, Thornbury, offering environmentally-friendly woodland burials where trees and wild flowers are planted around plots, creating a mixture of woodland, wildflower meadow and glades.

“We can’t thank the team at Bristol Memorial Woodlands enough, they’re so supportive when we need to use their facilities or bring water to the base camp and we really look forward to running more sessions there in future.” Chris Baker, founder of Bristol Memorial Woodlands, said: “It is wonderful to see children playing and enjoying the grounds here. We have lots of space and so much can be learned from exploring the plants, trees and insects that can’t be taught in a classroom. “We have several school groups which visit us regularly but we are open to welcoming more – be it school groups during the day, scout or guide groups on an evening or weekend or play schemes during the summer holidays.

It is managed by a charitable trust who ensure it will be properly developed and maintained for the benefit of nature and the pleasure of future generations. Memorial Woodlands has its own chapel and Georgian reception rooms and includes the Meadows of Peace, a dedicated Muslim burial ground and a Jewish cemetery. Families arrange funerals with the team at Memorial Woodlands for a morning, an afternoon, or even the whole day. For more information visit www.memorialwoodlands. com

Sweet potato & spinach korma

Ingredients

Method

1 tbsp vegetable oil

Heat the oil in a large lidded pan and cook the onion over a medium heat for a few minutes to soften

1 large onion, thickly sliced 2 garlic cloves, crushed 180g jar korma curry paste 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground coriander 400g can light coconut milk 500g sweet potatoes, peeled and diced 3 tbsp smooth peanut butter 400g can chick peas, drained and rinsed 3 x 125g packs baby spinach 3 tbsp desiccated coconut Plain naans, to serve

Add the garlic, curry paste and spices, then cook for 1 minute until fragrant Pour in the coconut milk, then fill the can with water and add that to the pan, along with the sweet potato Bring the liquid just to the boil Put the peanut butter in a small bowl and spoon over 2-3 tbsp of the hot coconut milk mixture, whisking in, until it’s runny Pour into the pan and stir in, mixing well Bring back up to the boil, then turn down the heat, cover and simmer for 25–30 mins, until the sweet potato is tender Stir the chick peas, spinach and desiccated coconut into the curry and heat through Season, then serve with the naan breads

Warning to self-employed workers who claimed SEISS grant HMRC has updated its warning to workers who claimed a grant through the SelfEmployment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) last year.

You must also tell HMRC if you:

SEISS was designed to support selfemployed workers whose business was affected throughout the pandemic.

•

The UK Government has paid out more than 25.2 billion to 2.9 million workers since the scheme launched in May last year.

Amended any of your tax returns on or after March 3, 2021 in a way which means you’re no longer eligible or are entitled to a lower fourth or fifth grant than you received

•

The final window for applications closed on September 30 with figures estimating 9.1 million grants have been claimed by self-employed workers.

Made a mistake reporting your turnover in your claim for the fifth grant which means you are entitled to a lower grant than you received

•

Have received a letter from HMRC that says you need to pay back some or all of a grant

However, HMRC has now issued new guidance to warn that some or all of the SEISS grant may need to be paid back - or you may face a penalty. The update on GOV.UK advises: “If you’ve received a letter from HMRC you may need to pay back some or all of the grant.” SEISS repayments The advice states you must tell HMRC if, when you made the claim, you were not eligible for the grant.

Received more than HMRC said you were entitled to

Deadline of when you must inform HMRC In most cases, if you’re not eligible and have to pay the grant back, you must tell HMRC within 90 days of receiving the payment. For the fourth and fifth grants the rules for when to tell HMRC are different if amending your return affects your eligibility or grant amount.

For example:

You must tell HMRC if there is an amendment to any of your tax returns on or after March 3, 2021 which either:

•

For the first or second grant, your business was not adversely affected

•

Lowers the amount of fourth or fifth grant you were eligible for

•

For the third, fourth or fifth grant, your business had not been impacted by reduced activity, capacity or demand or inability to trade in the relevant periods

•

Causes you to no longer be eligible for the fourth or fifth grant If your return has been amended before claiming your grant, you must tell HMRC.

•

You did not intend to continue to trade

If your return has been amended after receiving your grant, you must tell HMRC within 90 days of making the amendment.

• You have incorporated your business 20

If you do not tell HMRC, they will get in touch with you to recover the grant and you may also have to pay a penalty - find more information on how they will recover your overpaid grant on GOV.UK here.

You can also tell HMRC if you want to voluntarily pay back some or all of the grant you received - you can do this at any time.

You do not have to tell HMRC if the grant amount:

•

Government Gateway user ID and password that you used when you made your claim

•

Grant claim reference - you’ll find this in the online service or on your copy of the grant claim

•

Self Assessment Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number - if you do not have this find out how to get your lost UTR here

•

You are eligible for has lowered by £100 or less

•

Was £100 or less

If you are not sure, you should still tell HMRC about the amendment using the online form here. You need to tell HMRC if you: •

Made a mistake reporting your turnover in your claim which means you are entitled to a lower grant than you received

•

Later realise you should have reported a different turnover figure in your claim which means you are entitled to a lower grant than you received

To do this, you will need your:

How you can pay back HMRC The process is different depending on why you need to pay the grant back, however, there is a service available on the GOV.UK website which allows you to check whether you need to tell HMRC and pay back some or all of a grant. Find out more on the GOV.UK website here.

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SELF ASSESSMENT DEADLINE IS COMING

JAN 31 ARE YOU UP TO DATE?

NEW NURSERY OPENING SOON IN CHARLTON HAYES A brand new purpose-built nursery is coming soon to Charlton Hayes, providing a much-needed childcare setting for the local community. Opening in Spring 2022, Mama Bear’s Day Nursery and Pre-School, which already runs 15 other settings in Bristol, will serve families in Charlton Hayes, Patchway and surrounding areas with its new 96-place nursery for children aged three-months to five years. With a ground floor position in the heart of Charlton Hayes, the nursery is perfectly positioned opposite Charlton Wood Primary School Academy and will be open to families from 7.30am until 6pm, all year round.

“As ever, the setting is ideal for working parents, with all-year round cover and extended opening times. It’s also in close proximity to the local primary school, doctor’s surgery, shop and library.

Demand is expected to be high for this new nursery so parents are being encouraged to register their interest early.

“Charlton Heights at Charlton Hayes is our latest development project at Mama Bear’s and demonstrates our commitment to bringing our model of affordable and quality childcare to key communities in Bristol and the South West.”

Mama Bear’s Managing Director, Chris Marston, said: “It’s extremely exciting to be opening a brand new nursery in Charlton Hayes and to bring a quality childcare setting to this neighbourhood. “The nursery is currently under construction and when complete will be fully resourced with brand new age-appropriate toys and equipment. All facilities are being designed by age group, including the outdoor space, meaning children will benefit from an environment perfect for them. 22

The nursery will provide freshly cooked meals every day, handmade by the on-site catering team. Located on the old Filton Airport, next to Cribbs Causeway, the setting is also buggy accessible and has a designated car park for smooth drop offs and collections. To register your interest for this new nursery email enquiries@mamabear. co.uk and to find out more, visit www.mamabear.co.uk

LOOKING TO MAKE FRIENDS IN THE AREA? Since 1929 many women across the country have enjoyed the invaluable benefits of TG membership. They’ve experienced new things, visited different places, taken on incredible challenges, fought for women’s rights and most importantly developed lasting friendships. Interested in seeing what it is all about? You are welcome to attend a guild before considering membership. If you would like more information or to find your local guild visit

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JOS & ANDREW REPORTS ON LOCAL ISSUES Planting plan for Arnos Court Park:

The Forum meeting details are below:

Great news! The planting plan we have been working on with council tree officers is now ready for consultation. Plans include:

Date: Monday 22nd November 2021, 6 – 8pm. Book a place online at Eventbrite: Housing Forums for Bristol Council Tenants, 22 November.

1. 24 large standard trees, funded through DEFRA (Trees for Climate grant). These will be chestnut leaved oaks, which will form an avenue through the park. We believe this will be the first of its kind in the country, possibly the world! 2. 6 large standard trees, funded through section 106 (Development / Planning levy) 3. A4 Bath Road perimeter mixed species hedgerow, funded through One Tree Per Child Project. If you have any comments, please contact the One Tree Per Child officer via email: onetreeperchild@bristol.gov.uk or online: https://www.bristol.gov.uk/museums-parks-sports-culture/one-tree-per-child Please respond by Friday 3 December. New development approved for Bath Road site: 109 new flats, 50% of which will be affordable, have been unanimously approved by a cross party group of councillors for Bath Road next door to the Paintworks Development. Construction is due to commence in the spring.

Date: Wednesday 24th November 2021, 1 – 3pm. Book a place online at Eventbrite: Housing Forums for Bristol Council Tenants, 24 November. Bristol high streets Welcome Back Fund: The Council has put in place a Welcome Back Fund to support activities that will encourage people to visit Bristol’s high streets and city centre. Organisations can apply for funding to help pay for events such as markets and parades or activities such as marketing or promotion of an event. Organisations can apply for up to £2,400 excluding VAT. Applications must be made by midnight on 30 November 2021, and all activities or events must be delivered, and funding spent, by 31 March 2022. So if you’re working on events or involved in community groups where this funding could be applied (or you know any organisations that might benefit), take a look at the website for guidance on the Fund and check eligibility. Covid-19 – continue to protect each other:

Cases of Covid-19 remain high as the cold weather sets in and people gather indoors. The vaccination programme means that Housing forum for council tenants: many more people have a strong layer of protection against becoming severely unwell The next round of Housing Forums for council from the virus. However, people can still tenants is taking place online in November. become unwell, and even if you have had a The Forums provide an opportunity for coun- vaccination you can still pass the virus on to cil tenants and leaseholders to have a say others. Please protect each other by on how the housing service is run and make continuing to take simple steps: suggestions about improvements. For winter 2021 residents are invited to come along and take part in the big housing conversation and find out more about how long-term proposals for investing in council housing are being developed. Here is the link for more information: www.bristol.gov.uk/web/councilhomes

Comments are invited to: One Tree per Child, Bower Ashton Depot, Kennel Lodge Lane, Kennel Lodge Road, Bower Ashton, Bristol BS3 2JT

Key: Trees funded through Trees for Climate Grant Trees funded through s106 planning levies Double-rowed native hedgerow

Email: onetreeperchild@bristol.gov.uk Online: www.bristol.gov.uk/onetreeperchild Please respond by Friday 3rd December

If you have any symptoms, please stay at home, get a PCR test and self-isolate until you get a negative result Make use of the offer of free lateral flow (rapid) testing – remember that asymptomatic people can still spread the virus Wear a face covering (unless exempt) – in crowded areas like supermarkets and in shops, on public transport and indoor settings Respect one another’s space – mild illness for you could be very serious for someone else, so please think of others when you’re out and about Meet outdoors where you are able, or if you’re meeting indoors, make sure to open a window or door to let in blasts of fresh ai Hundreds of Brislington West residents have signed up to receive our monthly newsletter via email. You can register using this link: http://www.bristollibdems.org/efocus.

By Jos Clark, Liberal Democrat Councillor (Brislington West) Email: cllr.jos.clark@bristol.gov.uk Mobile: 07584 370429 & Andrew Varney, Liberal Democrat Councillor (Brislington West) Email: cllr.andrew. varney@bristol.gov.uk Mobile: 07584 183381

Bristol a finalist in UN-backed competition Bristol is taking part in the Climate Smart Cities Challenge as innovators from around the world help us to find solutions to reduce carbon emissions and positively impact on the city’s quality of life. Organised by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-Habitat, teams will pitch technologies and solutions to challenges such as green and affordable homes, net-zero neighbourhoods and urban freight, with Colombia’s capital Bogota, Curitiba, in Brazil and Makindye Ssabagabo, in Uganda also taking part in the competition. Bristol has already taken a global lead in addressing climate issues, the city’s councillors and city Mayor Marvin Rees declaring a climate emergency in November 2018 and launching the shared One City Climate Strategy to address these challenges in February of last year. Last February, the Mayor and One City partners also declared an ecological emergency in response to the decline in wildlife in Bristol. Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, said: “As One City, we are delighted to be supporting the Climate Smart Cities Challenge, with Bristol as one of four finalists. “We are committed to addressing the twin challenges of the housing crisis and the climate emergency. “We want to hear from people with their innovative solutions for building good quality homes for people to live in, while reaching net zero carbon as quickly as possible in the build process.”

“Bristol is an ambitious city that is already demonstrating global leadership in how we address issues of common concern. “We look forward to seeing the responses to the Climate Smart Cities Challenge as we work together so that future generations have a planet to inhabit with a good quality of life.” The Climate Smart Cities Challenge launched on 3 November at Expo 2020 Dubai , aiming to empower innovators and communities to collaborate in designing and demonstrating solutions and reinventing how cities innovate. Teams of innovators will be selected to collaborate with cities and investors to demonstrate climate smart approaches that will inform future investments in the cities. The outcomes of the competition are expected to have a significant impact on the four cities' responses to climate change by strengthening their capacity to engage in diverse partnerships, enabling communities and innovators to work with government and stakeholders to come up with solutions to their climate issues. The deadline for submissions is 5 January 2022 and up to 80 finalists will be presented on 20 January 2022. This will be followed by a process to form winning teams that will plan for system demonstration. More information about the Climate Smart Cities Challenge and how to enter a submission can be found on climatesmart. citieschallenge.org The council’s project team will host a webinar to provide more information and an opportunity for potential applicants to ask questions on Wednesday 17 November at 1pm UTC.

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The government has backed Bristol’s plans to clean up the city’s air, including a raft of measures to help citizens adapt to the change. A Clean Air Zone (CAZ) will launch next summer enabling Bristol to meet clean air targets in 2023 with £42 million of government funding available for greener transport initiatives, for example electric bike loans, free bus tickets, and upgrades to cleaner vehicles. One of a number of towns and cities mandated by the government to tackle air pollution, Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees is committed to reducing air pollution but was also adamant that he would minimise any disproportionate impact on businesses and citizens.

1. £5.9 million will be spent on helping people switch to public transport and make more journeys by walking or cycling with free bus tickets, free electric bike loans and cycle training

2. A £2 million freight consolidation project will be set up to help businesses switch to greener ways of transporting goods and meet the council’s target of 95 per cent of all city centre deliveries made by zero-emission vehicles within 10 years 3. £2.1 million of funding has been allocated

to help local bus and coach companies £32 million for businesses to upgrade HGVs, LGVs, taxis and private hire vehicles. £1.8 million of loans and grants will be available to help people on low incomes, or those traveling to work/study in the zone, that need to upgrade their vehicles to meet the zone’s emission standards

4. A range of exemptions will be available

to give eligible businesses and individuals time to prepare for the zone. All residents in the zone with a vehicle that doesn’t meet its emission standards can apply for an exemption giving them until the end of 2022 to upgrade their vehicle. Exemptions will be available for groups including:

Mayor Rees said: “This is a real win for the city. We are introducing one of the most wide-ranging clean air zones in the UK which will see us not only reduce air pollution but also help people change how they travel, delivering a cleaner, greener and healthier city for years to come. “We are tackling a climate emergency, but we also have people facing financial crisis. We can’t look at these two things in isolation. We have taken our time to find a way to clean up our air while not adding huge financial strain to people that live and work in our city.”

•

People on low incomes travelling into the zone for work

•

Patients and visitors to hospitals in the zone

•

Blue Badge holders and people with a disabled tax class vehicle or disabled passenger tax class vehicle

•

Community transport providers operating under a Section 19 permit

•

People with commercial vehicles subject to finance agreements

•

Council-funded buses, minibuses or coaches used as Home to School vehicles

While around 71 per cent of vehicles in Bristol are already compliant so won’t have to pay • to enter the zone, the approved plan includes significant measures to reduce pollution in the city and meet clean air targets by helping more individuals and businesses switch to cleaner ways of travelling: 28

Families who receive Personal Travel Budgets who travel through the zone on their school route

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Plans for Birnbeck Pier Final plans to save Birnbeck Pier, a Victorian structure in Weston-super-Mare, have been announced. North Somerset Council and the RNLI have formally agreed to work together to renovate Birnbeck Pier, bringing vital lifesaving work back onto the island and allowing the public access to the Victorian pier once again. A significant programme of works to renovate the pier and provide a new lifeboat station will be phased over several years. This will be funded through a variety of sources including the RNLI, Historic England and other grants. North Somerset Council and the RNLI will work closely with, and be guided by, Historic England in order to collaborate and secure specific grants and trusts reserved for restoration and community projects to fund the venture.cf The Council has been working for some time to secure a future for the Pier and announced in June 2020 that the RNLI were looking to move their life-saving operations back to the island, significantly improving their access to the water. Cllr Mark Canniford, Executive Member for Placemaking and Economy, at North Somerset Council, said: “Thanks to the huge amount of work behind the scenes, we have finally reached this significant milestone and taken a massive step towards restoring Birnbeck. The private owner has agreed to sell the pier to the council, and we are keen to acquire Birnbeck as soon as possible. I am delighted that we have been able to avoid the CPO process, which would have been overly complex and time consuming. Together with the RNLI and Historic England, we have found a solution that will allow us to renovate this stunning piece of Victorian architecture, bring the RNLI back to their original home, and welcome the public onto the pier again. There’s a great deal of work to do but this is the start of us finally able to begin plans to restore this treasured site.” 30

Duncan Macpherson, RNLI Principal Estates Manager said; “The RNLI is extremely grateful for the support and commitment of North Somerset Council in its determination to secure a long-term base for the RNLI’s lifesaving in Weston-super-Mare. This announcement comes after many months of collaborative work between the two organisations and while the funding and engineering involved in such a project is incredibly challenging, the Council taking ownership of Birnbeck is an essential to the RNLI’s ambition to re-establish a lifesaving facility on the island.” Ross Simmonds, Acting Regional Director at Historic England, said: “Birnbeck Pier is one of the longest standing and most important cases for Historic England here in the Southwest.” We are delighted that the council have secured the ownership of the pier and with the RNLI, we will continue to work closely with all partners to help rescue this outstanding and much-loved structure.” Birnbeck Pier is one of only six Grade II* piers surviving in the country. There are four further Grade II structures and buildings located on the island and the landward end of the site. The pier was designed by Eugenius Birch, the noted Victorian engineer. Construction took place between 1862 and 1867, with the foundation stone being laid in 1864 and opening to the public from 1866. The pier closed to the public for safety reasons in 1994.

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Bristolian publishes first crime thriller If you’re not sure what to buy the book-lover in your life for Christmas, why not consider ‘Wicked Tongue’, written by Bristolian (and frequent Direct Local contributor) Darren Bane. Although it is the eighth title he has published since 2014, it’s his first crime novel. Within the first weeks of publication, almost every review has awarded it five stars. Darren drew on his experiences of spending 12 years working as a journalist and a further 12 years working in the press office at Avon & Somerset Police to give ‘Wicked Tongue’ a realistic tone. Darren describes it as a “character-driven crime thriller” set in an un-named seaside town which is, of course, very much based on Weston-super-Mare, where he has lived for almost 30 years. He explained the story. “A heartbroken man brands his mother a ‘black widow’ at the inquest into the death of his father, who took his own life. “A few days later, his mother is found dead. The post mortem reveals that she died of fright, setting tongues wagging. “Was she killed in retaliation for her husband’s suicide, or is this the start of a serial killing spree?” Darren has previously published one children’s book, a non-fiction book about the first six months in the life of his son who was born three months early, a compilation of imponderable questions, and three full-length comedy novels. So what prompted him to write something considerably darker? “I actually wrote the first three chapters many years ago,” he said. “But I didn’t think I had it in me to complete a crime thriller. I thought it might be too obvious who the killer was, so I just let those chapters collect dust. 32

“I offered to proof-read a crime novel, Kill List, by my friend Vicki FitzGerald. But I ended up not just checking the grammar and spelling, but making some suggestions about the plot here and there, and suggesting some dialogue. “She liked my ideas and said I should try writing a crime thriller, so I shared those three chapters I had written so long ago. Her response was that I simply had to write the rest, so I did. “I’ve been absolutely delighted with the positive response, and quite a few readers have said I managed to keep them guessing about the identity of the killer, which is very satisfying. “Several people have now suggested I write another thriller, so I’m thinking about it, although I’ve got a couple more comedy novels to finish first.” ‘Wicked Tongue’ is available in paperback and digital formats from many on-line booksellers. Full details can be found on his website, www.darrenbane.co.uk

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Stockhill Wood Walkies Stockhill Wood is a great, well looked after coniferous woodland within the Mendip Hills and popular amongst dog walkers. There’s a free car park on site, from there, you can take a few different routes to explore the woods. There are 2 main routes that are signposted, the purple route is the All Ability Trail (600m) and the green one is the Easy Going Trail (0.7 miles). The all ability route is dedicated to Ian McArdle of the Cheddar Valley Access Group. He was a disabled man who loved Stockhill Forest and the Priddy Mineries opposite and inspired the trail’s creation. However, there are many more trails to discover here! The woods are exceptionally well looked after, with wide paths, picnic areas and benches to perch on. It’s a very peaceful walk in a large area, so you may be walking for a little while before you and your pup see anyone else, even if the car park is packed when you arrive. Stockhill Wood is a truly great dog walk for any time of year, it’s magical when it snows (if you can get there!), glorious in spring when the wildflower fields start coming to life and, of course, it’s amazing in autumn with the leaves covering the ground. In winter, the place is still so green with a layer of moss covering much of the woodland floor. Make sure you take wellies in winter, as it can get very muddy! Adjacent to the woodland on its western side (across a minor road) is Priddy Mineries, a nature reserve of the Somerset Wildlife Trust. It has pools of water, which are brilliant for dogs that love a swim. Even though there are signs that indicate horses shouldn’t walk here, some riders still do take their horses here, so keep an ear out in case your pooch is scared of horses. There aren’t a lot of poo bins here, I only found one in the car park, so please stick and flick or take your rubbish with you until you can dispose of it in a bin.

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Dramatic growth at Shuttercraft after 18fold digital marketing ROI

A shutters and blinds business which started as a man-and-van nine years ago has doubled turnover in the past three years and opened new stores in Bristol and Cardiff.

“Even with the setback of Covid, which was a difficult but temporary loss, I’ve been really pleased with the growth we’ve enjoyed over the past few years,” said Mr Burge.

M&S Burge Ltd, run by husband-and-wife team Martin and Sue Burge, now encompasses two franchises of national chain Shuttercraft.

“Digital marketing is a dark art to me, but the results speak for themselves. Google Ads has become a very important lead generation channel for us and we rely heavily on the leads it generates in order to grow the business.

The couple have taken on six full-time and three part-time staff across the two cities, with a brand new showroom in Cardiff and two in St Anne’s and Westbury-on-Trym, in Bristol. Mr Burge gives credit for the growth to significant investment in a digital marketing campaign, which has helped annual turnover rise to over £900,000. Working with Bristol online marketing agency Superb Digital, Mr Burge reckons an overall investment of £83,000 across five years has resulted in around £1.5 million of revenue. Paul Morris, managing director of Superb Digital, confirmed that the Google advertising campaign had created just under 2,000 leads for the business. With a conversion rate of nearly 50 per cent, each sale was generating around £1,500 of income. 36

“Indeed, it’s testament to the effectiveness of the work done by Superb Digital that when our head office recommended a new supplier for online marketing, I stuck with Paul and his team. “Local partnerships and relationships have always been a key aspect of my business growth so I’m pleased to have found a provider I trust and can work with, even if I don’t fully understand the work they do!” “We’re pleased to have weathered the Covid-19 storm and are now happily fitting shutters and blinds again. We’re predicting that turnover is going to continue rising and we’ll be leading the way among Shuttercraft franchisees across the UK.”

Superb Digital was set up in 2014 and has a core team of six based at Spike Island in Bristol’s Harbourside, led by Mr Morris who has been working in the digital industry since 2000. He said: “Every business is different and it’s a source of great pride for me and the team that we’re able to provide bespoke services which suit the diverse needs of each of our clients. “Martin and Sue’s business is no different in that regard. Shuttercraft provide a quality product and have discerning customers, so our services have needed to reflect the client base. Their aim wasn’t just to increase the volume of leads and enquiries via paid search but also the quality of leads, driving up conversion rate. With a new showroom for potential customers to visit, it was vital that the business increased awareness and footfall. “We’ve managed a pay-per-click campaign from the ground up for Martin and Sue, creating a significant increase in conversions while reducing their costs by 22 per cent.

“Meanwhile a 40 per cent increase in leads has certainly put their business in a dominant position in the search results when it comes to shutters and blinds in Bristol, as well as Cardiff. We’re delighted with their growth and look forward to future work together.”

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Free wearable tech wristbands made available to safeguard dementia sufferers Around 40,000 people with dementia go This vital information can be can be accessed missing for the first time every year in the UK. by emergency services, health professionals or community members to help return the According to research by the University of wearer to safety should they be found whilst East Anglia, around 70 percent of people with lost or in need of assistance. dementia may go missing at least once, with some at risk of going missing multiple times. The wristbands have been provided thanks Sadly, this can have life threatening conseto charitable funding* and are free of charge quences. when a person is registered for the Herbert Protocol/Dementia Safeguarding scheme. In 2015, alongside dementia charities and support groups, we launched the Dementia Apply for a wristband and register for the Safeguarding Scheme to help safeguard scheme here. vulnerable adults living with dementia. The passive device is not used for tracking For the past 12 months, as part of the latest and contains non-personal data to ensure the element of the Scheme, free NFC (Near Field safety of the wearer. Anyone who has an NFC Communication) enabled wristbands have enabled phone can retrieve information from been made available to people living with the wristband, meaning getting someone to dementia, which store essential information safety doesn’t always require intervention by about the wearer including their name and emergency services. details of next of kin.

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EVENT CINEMA Cinemas are no longer being used just to show the latest movie blockbuster. Here at Scott Cinemas we are bringing a range of cultural productions to the ‘Big Screen’ such as Opera, Sporting Events, Theatre Plays, Musical Productions, Ballets, Music Entertainment, Comedy Shows, Childrens’ Programming and Documentaries. We are in association with Trafalgar Releasing, More2Screen, Cinema Live, Munro and dCinex. 40

WHATS ON AT YOUR LOCAL CINEMA Based on the true story that will inspire the world, Warner Bros. Pictures’ “King Richard” follows the journey of Richard Williams, an undeterred father instrumental in raising two of the most extraordinarily gifted athletes of all time, who will end up changing the sport of tennis forever. Two-time Oscar nominee Will Smith (“Ali,” “The Pursuit of Happyness,” “Bad Boys for Life”) stars as Richard, under the direction of Reinaldo Marcus Green (“Monsters and Men”). Driven by a clear vision of their future and using unconventional methods, Richard has a plan that will take Venus and Serena Williams from the streets of Compton, California to the global stage as legendary icons. The profoundly moving film shows the power of family, perseverance and unwavering belief as a means to achieve the impossible and impact the world.

KING RICHARD (OUT 19/11/21)

The marriage of Princess Diana and Prince Charles has long since grown cold. Though rumours of affairs and a divorce abound, peace is ordained for the Christmas festivities at the Queen’s Sandringham Estate. There’s eating and drinking, shooting and hunting. Diana knows the game. But this year, things will be a whole lot different. SPENCER is an imagining of what might have happened during those few fateful days.

SPENCER From director Jason Reitman and producer Ivan Reitman, comes the next chapter in the original Ghostbusters universe. In Ghostbusters: Afterlife, when a single mom and her two kids arrive in a small town, they begin to discover their connection to the original ghostbusters and the secret legacy their grandfather left behind. The film is written by Jason Reitman & Gil Kenan.

GHOSTBUSTERS AFTERLIFE (OUT 19/11/21) 41

New vision for homes, community and work space revealed for Vassall Centre, Fishponds One of Bristol's oldest charities has this week revealed its early ideas to transform the Vassall Centre in Fishponds into a vibrant new neighbourhood centre for multigenerational living and working. Bristol Charities purchased the site in spring this year and has been working with Bristol architects AWW to develop ideas to deliver much-needed, affordable, high-quality homes for older people and families, along with accessible, contemporary workspace for businesses and charities and a range of new community facilities. Bristol Charities, which provides opportunities and support for people and communities to improve lives through grants, housing and charitable projects in Bristol and South Wales, is asking local residents, neighbours and current tenants of the Vassall Centre to review the outline proposals when they are published later this month and share their views and ideas. The Vassall Centre was built in 1945 as a base for American soldiers and currently offers affordable, accessible workspace and conference facilities for businesses, charities and not-for-profit organisations. The buildings are now at the end of their practical lifespan and offer very low levels of energy efficiency and sustainability.

The proposed new centre will be made up of three areas, offering contemporary homes for older people at one end of the site, affordable homes for families at the other, and workspace, community facilities and shared, public outside space in the middle. Its modern, high-quality design will significantly improve the visual appeal of the centre and include landscaped, outdoor space for the use of tenants and residents whilst also reducing barriers and increasing public access through the site. Biodiversity will also be significantly increased including new trees, planting and space for wildlife. Potential community facilities include a nursery, café, and a landscaped courtyard, with a view to encouraging interaction between older people and children and staff in the nursery. Bristol Charities is committed to the site for the long-term and plans to own and manage the housing for older people, community facilities and workspace. Brighter Places, a highly experienced charitable housing association based in Bristol, has been selected to develop and manage the affordable housing. Bristol Charites will also continue to offer accessible workspace for charities and businesses. It is proposed that construction will take place in two phases, so that tenants can continue to operate from the site whilst work is underway.

Anna Klimczak, chief executive officer at Brighter Places added: "We are delighted to be working with Bristol Charities as a trusted partner to develop and manage high-quality, affordable homes for this transformative multi-generational redevelopment. Brighter Places' strength is in collaborative partnerships and providing sustainable living now and for the future. We look forward to working with partners involved in the Vassall Centre, and to listening and responding to the community needs to deliver high-quality, energy efficient homes with low environmental impact." The newly built, upgraded workspace will be of much higher quality than the current offices, highly sustainable and built to last. Anne Anketell, chief executive officer at Bristol Charities says: "We are really excited to be able to share our outline ideas for the Vassall Centre with people already working here and our local neighbours. We are hoping to deliver much-needed new housing for older people and families and build a really connected and supported community for everyone living and working here. The views of local residents and tenants are hugely important to us so we're asking people to join us for brief consultation events either in person or online, or simply to visit our website to view the details and share their views and ideas." Richard Gore, chair of trustees at Bristol Charities added: "We believe these proposed new facilities will breathe new life into the site, opening it up to people living in the area, making much better use of the space and increasing public and community facilities, green space and biodiversity. We are looking forward to hearing the views and ideas of our neighbours and tenants in order to create a high quality, sustainable and attractive new centre that is built to last."

Commenting on the proposals, Tom Renhard, Bristol City Council cabinet member for housing delivery and homes, said: "I welcome these proposals to deliver a really forward-thinking, mixed use, intergenerational scheme on this site and am excited to hear more about the proposals as Bristol Charities shares its early ideas with residents and neighbours, and those based at the Vassall Centre. "It's great to see such a strong focus on integrating supported homes for older people with affordable housing for families. I would encourage members of the local community to take part and share their views and ideas through the consultation events later this month - in person or online." Local residents and tenants are being invited to hear more about the ideas and share their views through a range of engagement meetings including an on-site meeting and Q&A session, an online meeting and Q&A session or a brief online survey, which will be available later this month via Bristol Charities' website, and in print on request and at the centre. The exhibition outlining the proposals will also remain open to the public to view and share comments on site in the Vassall Centre reception area throughout this first consultation period from Monday 22 November to Friday 10 December 2021. Bristol Charities is a UK registered charity providing a range of affordable sheltered, retirement and extra care housing facilities for older people with sites including Barstaple Almshouse in Brentry, John Foster's Almshouse in Henbury , Haberfield House in Stockwood and William Jones's Almshouse in Monmouth. 43

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How to help wild hedgehogs in our gardens?

How can you tell if a hedgehog needs help? Hedgehogs are adorable and shy animals which awakens our compassionate instinct. However, interfering more than necessary can be harmful. In autumn, these creatures go on the hunt for food and slowly start to build their nests. You shouldn’t be surprised if you come across several hedgehogs during the autumn months. However, their numbers have declined by 50% since the year 2000. This is why it is crucial to help hedgehogs when necessary. There are several signs you can spot to know whether a hedgehog is in need of help.

Welcome hedgehogs into your garden Create small burrows so that these creatures can get into your garden easily. Help them prepare for hibernation Hedgehogs need nesting materials and a place to hide in order to prepare for hibernation. Leave some leaves, greenery or wood in a corner so that they can help themselves and build themselves a nest. You can also make little hedgehog houses or places to hide available. Put some food out

It is important to give hedgehogs extra food only in autumn, otherwise their hibernation If you find a hedgehog that looks injured, can be delayed. When hedgehogs can’t find emaciated or ill, you should act straight away. any more food at the end of autumn, they naturally fall into hibernation but this doesn’t The same goes for baby hedgehogs that have happen when food can still be found. You been left behind. Watch the nest for a while can put out canned cat food, cooked poultry - if the mother hedgehog doesn’t come back meat or scrambled eggs (without seasoning after two hours, you should bring the hoglets or oil). to safety as soon as possible. Hoglets that are found outside of the nest also need your Make fresh water available help. If you find a hedgehog active in winter, it is a sign that it hasn’t started hibernating and Leave fresh water out for the hedgehogs it needs your help. You can make their lives a near the food. This is especially crucial little easier by following these tips: during hot and dry summers. Hedgehogs should never have milk because they are naturally lactose intolerant and it can cause nasty digestion problems. 48

Be particularly careful when gardening

Be careful when driving

Before you mow the lawn or rake the leaves, you should always check whether a hedgehog is nesting there. These creatures like to hide under piles of leaves, stacks of wood and in other similar places.

As previously mentioned, hedgehogs are particularly active during the autumn months and so can very often be found on the roads. These creatures are active at night, so it is advisable to be particularly careful at dawn and dusk. If it isn’t possible to brake, try to Check carefully in air vents and other holes drive so that the hedgehog goes under the car between the wheels. Usually, nothing Check holes and ditches as well as air vents would happen to the hedgehog in this case regularly to see if a hedgehog has fallen because the gap between the road and the in. When this happens, you can take the car is big enough. hedgehog out carefully with gloves on. As a prevention, small planks can be placed into a Take hedgehogs in need of help to a vet or hole to allow hedgehogs to climb out on their a rescue centre own. If you find a malnourished or ill hedgehog, Garden ponds and swimming pools you should act quickly. First, you should take should be made hedgehog-proof the hedgehog into your home and make sure it has food and is kept warm. If necessary, Hedgehogs can easily drown in ponds and remove any visible parasites with tweezers, swimming pools. It is, therefore, important to then take the hedgehog to the vet or a rescue take the necessary precautions. For example, centre as soon as possible. you could fix wooden planks to the edge of the pond so that hedgehogs can safely get out of the water again. Avoid using chemicals in the garden The main source of food for hedgehogs is insects. On the one hand, the use of insect repellent will take away a source of food and on the other hand, it can be fatal when consumed by hedgehogs. Try to avoid pesticides.

Mobile Speed Camera Sites Bristol

With reports of mobile speed cameras increasing never get caught speeding again with this list of sites to expect a mobile speed camera at anytime. However, if you want a know where the camera is situated within the hour visit this Facebook group. Bristol mobile speed camera watch Hazelbury Road, Whitchurch A3029 Winterstoke Road (30mph) (20mph)

A4 Portway Nr Barrow Hill Road (30mph)

Hengrove Avenue, Hengrove, A37 Wells Road, Hengrove (30mph) Bristol (20mph)

A4 Portway Nr Hung Road (40mph)

Hengrove Lane, Hengrove, Bristol (20mph)

A370 Coronation Road, Southville (30mph)

Highbury Road, Bedminster (20mph)

Hungerford Road, Bristol (20mph)

A38 Rupert Street/Bridewell A4 Portway Nr Roman Way Street/The Haymarket, Bristol (40mph) (20mph) A4 Portway Nr Sylvan Way/ A4 Totterdown Bridge Riverleaze (40mph) (30mph) A4018 Falcondale Road, A4174 Callington Road, Westbury on Trym (30mph) Brislington, Bristol (30mph) A403 St Andrews Road, A4174 King Georges Road, Avonmouth (40mph) Bristol (30mph) A4162 Sylvan Way/Dingle Allison Road, Bristol (30mph) Road/Canford Lane (30mph)

Ladies Mile, Durdham Down (20mph)

B3119 West Town Lane (20mph)

A4174 Ring Road, nr Hicks Gate roundabout (70mph)

Ladman Road, Stockwood (20mph)

B3122 Redcatch Road, Knowle (20mph)

A432 Downend Road, Fishponds (20mph)

Highridge Green, Bristol (30mph) Hollister’s Drive, Hartcliffe (20mph) Hollway Road, Stockwood (20mph)

Marksbury Road, Bedminster B4466 Jacobs Wells Road, Bristol (20mph) (20mph)

A4 Portway Nr Portview Road (30mph)

A432 Fishponds Road, Easton (20mph)

Bamfield, Hengrove (30mph) Ashley Hill, Montpelier (20mph) Barnstaple Road, Knowle (20mph) Novers Hill, Bristol (20mph) Avonmouth Way, Avonmouth (30mph) Novers Lane, Bristol (20mph) Bishport Avenue, Hartcliffe (30mph) Highbury Road, Horfield Petherton Road, Hengrove (20mph) Broadwalk, Knowle West (20mph) (20mph) Hill View, Henleaze (20mph) Queen’s Road, Bishopsworth Broomhill Road (30mph) (30mph) Kings Weston Lane, Lawrence Weston (30mph) Calcott Road, Knowle Ridgeway Lane, Bristol (20mph) (30mph) Newbridge Road, Bristol (20mph)

Stockwood Lane, nr the sports ground, Stockwood (20mph) Stockwood Lane, nr Whitchurch Village sign, Stockwood (30mph)

B4052 Ashley Down Road, Bristol (20mph) B4054 Avonmouth Road, Shirehampton (30mph)

Bonnington Walk, nr Wordsworth Road, Lockleaze (20mph) Concorde Drive, Southmead (20mph)

B4054 Cranbrook Road, Redland (20mph) Constable Road, nr Crome Stockwood Lane, Stockwood Road, Lockleaze (20mph) (30mph) B4054 Shirehampton Road, Sea Mills (30mph) Coombe Lane, Stoke Bishop Sturminster Road, Stockwood (20mph) (30mph) B4054 Shirehampton Road, Shirehampton Park (30mph) Eastfield Road, Westbury on Talbot Road, Bristol (20mph) Trym (20mph) B4055 Station Road, Henbury Whitchurch Lane, nr Halfacre (20mph) Furber Road, Bristol (20mph) Lane (20mph) B4057 Knole Lane, Brentry Glenfrome Road, Eastville Whitchurch Lane, nr (30mph) (20mph) Hawkfield Road (20mph) B4469 Muller Road, Horfield Gordon Avenue, Bristol Whitland Road, Bristol (30mph) (20mph) (30mph) Bell Barn Road, Stoke Bishop Highbury Road, Horfield Wick Road (20mph) (20mph) (20mph) Wingfield Road, Bristol (20mph) Furber Road, Bristol (20mph)

Bonnington Walk, nr Branwhite Close, Lockleaze (20mph)

Glyn Vale, Knowle (20mph)

Julian Road, Sneyd Park (20mph)

Hareclive Road, Hartcliffe (30mph)

Keys Avenue, Horfield (20mph)

Ladies Mile, Durdham Down (20mph) Long Cross, Lawrence Weston (30mph) Merebank Road, Avonmouth (30mph)

Smyth Road, Ashton (20mph) Hill View, Henleaze (20mph)

Portview Road, Shirehampton (20mph)

Somerdale Avenue, Knowle (20mph)

Roman Way, Bristol (20mph)

South Liberty Lane, Ashton Vale (20mph) Duckmoor Road, Ashton Gate, Bristol (20mph)

Romney Avenue, nr Stoke Park Primary School, Lockleaze (20mph) Stoke Hill, Sneyd Park (30mph) Wellington Hill West, Horfield (30mph)

Station Road, Shirehampton (20mph) Wellington Hill West, Horfield (30mph) Wessex Ave, Horfield (20mph)

Please visit www.avonandsomerset. police.uk for placement of mobile camera sites and remember to give yourself plenty of time to plan your journey to avoid rushing to get to a destination thus (Speeding)

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Bristol’s Only Weelky Online Magazine

Bristol Weekly Magazine 11th - 18th November 2021

Articles inside

Plans to clean up the city’s air

Dramatic growth

New vision

Birnbeck Pier plans

Bristol a finalist

Peanut and jelly cheesecake

Big Jeff’s first SOLO exhibition

Christmas appeal

Sweet potato and spinach Korma

National cake day

Outdoor play opportunities

Whats on this week

Winter warmer