Direct Local Bristol Online magazine 23-29th April 2020

23rd - 29th April 2020

Online Edition

ALLEN STONE ESTATE AGENTS

TRAINING l SERVICE l SALES l HIRE

0117 244 4441

www.allenstone.co.uk FOOD

HOME AND GARDEN

0117 967 0811 www.sullycycles.com

info@davisaccess.co.uk | www.davisaccess.co.uk 0117 980 3337

WHAT’S ON

COMPETITIONS

1 LOCAL NEWS

CONSERVATORIES

WINDOWS

DOORS

Save 10% on the cost of your new conservatory frames and roof when you place your order usiing the discount code below Applies to PVCu, and aluminium conservatories.

Discount Code: MC20C

www.mendipconservatories.co.uk 2

Mendip Conservatory & Window Centre Ltd Smallway Bristol BS49 5AA Tel: (01934) 877 666 Email: sales@mendipconservatories.co.uk

SIMON GOLDSMITH FAMILY OPTICIAN We are an independent practice based in Stockwood for over 38 years. We are fully equipped for eye examinations and all aspects of eyecare.

www.simongoldsmithopticians.co.uk

Tel: 01275 838532

NEW

PATIEN TS

WELCO

ME

Contact us for personal advice for your eyecare and eyewear. We can also cater for all budgets...... Simple & Sophisticated.

NHS and private patients welcome

FREE EASY PARKING

Simon Goldsmiths Opticians 70 Hollway Road Stockwood, Bristol BS14 8PG Opening Hours Monday – Friday 9.00am - 5.30pm Saturday 9.00 am - 1.00pm Closed Wednesday

GET YOUR INKS & TONERS TODAY WITHOUT THE NEED TO LEAVE THE HOUSE!

FREE DELIVERY* ANYWHERE IN BRISTOL *ORDERS OVER £20.00

K | VI

ON FA

U SIT S

BO CE O

CALL OR EMAIL:

0117 329 2788 INFO@WESTBURYINKS.CO.UK 3

Mikes letter

So we are getting to the end of the month and how fast has April gone by.. Also I believe we are heading in to week 5 of lockdown and hope everyone is safe and well.

The team EDITOR Michael Davies WEB DESIGNER Matthew Clarke ACCOUNTS Lisa Davies PROOF READER Elisabeth Davies MOB: 07500 017236 Advertising sales Tel: 0117 3258029

So how is everyone coping with it? By now we should be getting used to the new way of life, however there is some people out there struggling mentally and physically. A very dear member of my family once said to me. “In tough time be thankful for everything you have and never focus on what you can not control.” I think this some very wise words as we seem to be heading in to a very long period of social distancing.

Email: info@directlocalonline.com

Okay enough of doom and gloom I think, time to get positive about all this. Did anyone see the spectacular light show in the sky this week? A lot of people reported the light show and thought it may have been UFOs. However was just Elon Musk’s satellites linking up, weird that we have never seen this happen before though isn’t it . Also its great to see so many people out clapping on a Thursday evening at 8pm in respect for our NHS and key workers. Thank you for being our hero’s on the front line. Till next week stay safe folks..

If your neighbours don’t receive our weekly magazine please tell them to enter their details on our website to be entered to our monthly prize draws.

This week..

Online Distribution: Direct Local Online now reaches over 20,000 people across Bristol via their inbox and social media each week.

Facebook.com/directlocal Twitter.com/directlocalmag

37.

6. Grilled chicken salad (Slimming World) 13. Accessing your pension 16. versatile business solutions 20. Starlink Satellites 26. Donating defibrillator 28. Avoid maintenance 33. Sudoku / word search 37. Life in lockdown 44. Retention scheme 48. Helping separated parents 49. Win £50 Amazon voucher

www.directlocalbristol.co.uk

Disclaimer The opinions expressed in Direct Local do not necessarily reflect those of the editor, publisher or their agents. Whilst every reasonable care is taken to ensure the accuracy of information included within this publication, the publisher takes no responsibility for errors or omissions in Direct Local.

The content of Direct Local is not to be reproduced in any form without permission of the publisher. Please pass to a friend, recycle or compost. All adverts designed by Direct Local are the property of Direct Local please contact us if you wish to reprint them in other publications as a small release fee Is applied. Use of adverts designed by us will need written permission first.

4

NHS Staff Fee Free Mortgage Advice for Life!

Simon Law Mortgage Advice has an advice fee of ÂŁ399 payable on receipt of mortgage offer. This fee will be waived for all NHS employees for life as a thank you for your hard work and dedication during this Covid-19 Pandemic.

Tel. 07771 817546 | advice@simon-law.co.uk

5

Refreshing salad and grilled chicken

Sarah Bryant, who runs a Slimming World groups in Whitchurch and Hengrove, says: "On warm weekends, staying on track with your weight loss might be even more challenging than usual. However, losing weight doesn’t mean you have to miss out and barbecues are brilliant if you’re trying to be healthy”.

Recipe: Zesty Butterflied Chicken Method Serves 4 Ready in 40 minutes, plus chilling Ingredients Pared peel of 1 small unwaxed lemon, plus grated zest of ½ unwaxed lemon to serve 1 tsp sea salt ½ tsp dried chilli flakes, plus extra to serve 1 garlic clove, crushed 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, plus extra to serve 4 skinless and boneless chicken breasts Low-calorie cooking spray Salad or veg, to serve For the potato salad 500g Jersey Royals (or use new or baby potatoes) 3 tbsp warm vegetable stock 2 level tbsp extra-light mayonnaise 4 tbsp fat-free natural Greek yogurt 2 tbsp roughly chopped fresh parsley2 tbsp roughly chopped fresh mint 6 spring onions, sliced

6

Preheat the oven to 140°C/Fan 120°C/Gas 1. Put the lemon peel strips on a baking tray and bake for 15-20 minutes until pale-golden and dry. Using a pestle and mortar or a rolling pin, grind the baked lemon peel and salt together. Stir in the chilli, garlic, rosemary and a little freshly ground black pepper and mix well. Now ‘butterfly’ the chicken breasts. Hold 1 chicken breast on a chopping board and slice through the middle horizontally until almost cut in half – take care not to go all the way! Open out flat like a butterfly. Repeat with the other breasts and rub the lemon mixture all over the cut sides. Lay flat on 2 plates, cover and chill for at least 1 hour.

Meanwhile, make the potato salad. Cook the potatoes in a saucepan of boiling water over a high heat for 15-20 minutes or until tender. Drain and halve, put them in a bowl and pour over the stock. Toss well and leave to cool – the potatoes will soak up some of the stock while they’re still warm. Mix the mayonnaise and yogurt in a bowl, stir in the herbs and spring onions and season to taste.

Add to the potatoes and fold everything together. Light the barbecue for direct medium heat. Spray the chicken with low-calorie cooking spray and barbecue over direct medium heat for 8-10 minutes or until tender and cooked through, turning once. Or cook on a griddle pan over a medium-high heat. Scatter over the extra lemon zest, chilli and rosemary and serve hot with the creamy potato salad and lots of salad or veg.

that Slimming that World Slimming feeWorld ling! feeling!

# ThatFeeling Mondays St Cuthberts Church Sandy Park Rd, Brislington BS4 4HE# ThatFeeling Tuesday 5:30pm and 7:30pm Debbie : 07796 945039 Tuesdays Hengrove Community Centre Fortfield Rd, Hengrove BS14 9NX Tuesday 9;30am Sarah: 07879 443888 Tuesdays St Cuthberts Church Sandy Park Rd, Brislington BS4 4HE Tuesday 9:30am Debbie : 07796 945039 Wednesdays Bridge Farm Primary School East Dundry Rd, Whitchurch BS14 0LL Wednesdayslimmingworld.co.uk 5:30pm and 7:30pm Sarah: 07879 443888

Thursdsays Ex Service Club Winford Grove, Bedminster Down Bristol, BS13 7DY Thursday 9:30am,11:30am, 3:30pm 5:30pm and 7:30pm Debbie 07796 945039 Fridays Ex Service Club Winford Grove Bedminster Down Bristol, BS13 7DY Friday 9:30am Debbie 07796 945039 Saturdays Christ Church Hall Petherton Road BS14 9BP 9:00am Keesa: 07399 597267

Faye reached her dream weight - read her story online

Faye reached her dream weight - read her story online slimmingworld.co.uk

7

N R A C ER OO V D I L W E R D OU Y TO E

STAR

PLUMBING & HEATING SUPPLIES

TEL: 0117 329 5525 Plumbing - Heating - Bathrooms - Boilers - Boiler Spares

April shower anyone?

VISIT OUR NEW SHOWROOM TODAY

Star Plumbing & heating Supplies, 15 Kenn Court, Roman Farm, Road, Bristol, BS4 1UL 8

Board Games For Bored Kids – #BG4BK At Community of Purpose we launched a new fundraising initative to help children in and around Bristol have access to educational and fun resources during the COVID19 pandemic. ‘Board Games for Bored Kids’, aims to deliver compendiums of games to some of the city’s most disadvantaged children. Individuals or businesses can still donate by visiting our website.

In Bristol, we have 13,500 kids on Free School Meals, which includes 70% of children living in South Bristol. We already work hard to ensure that many of these young people have food parcels and activities during school holiday periods, so they’re not going hungry. But during this difficult time these young people who have now been stuck at home with no access to a garden, to the internet or with any games to play need support more than ever.

They may have nothing to do, nowhere to go and no-one to talk to.

Having access to fun and educational activities is really important for their mental health and wellbeing, and to help get them through this crisis.

We are working closely with the schools and charities in South Bristol to make sure the games get to those most in need.

Whilst the initiative is asking for people to donate £20, it has got off to a flying start thanks to a generous donation of £1,500 from local organisation, the Brighter Side of Life Trust.

Faye Morgan from the Oasis Academy in Bristol, some of whose pupils are benefiting from the scheme, said: “We’re really grateful to the team at Community of Purpose and the Brighter Side Trust for helping to resource us with such fab board games. This will genuinely make a huge difference to the children and families who are receiving them, as this has been a really testing time for many. We know there are more families in need, so please do consider donating.”

The games are being given to the children identified by the local schools and charities as in most need, including those who are eligible for Free School Meals or don’t have access to garden space or educational materials. The initiative is an extension of our existing Break Free programme, which supports children on Free School Meals during the school holidays, to ensure they don’t go hungry.

Please visit our website to find out more and make a donation https://www.communityofpurpose.com

9

www.facebook.com/crystalclearbristol

www.pinterest.co.uk/crystalclearbristol

Aluminium, Timber, PVCu Windows & Doors Visit our showroom 24 Emery Road, Brislington, Bristol BS4 5PF To find out more, call 01179 717 880 or visit www.crystalclearbristol.co.uk

Bristol’s Biggest Showroom

DON’T MOVE

IMPROVE

Call In The Experts To Get Your Home Improvments Under Way Today!

Plastering Extensions Decorating Carpentry Kitchens & Bathroom Fittings Small Jobs Undertaken Too! Tel: 01173 257790 or 01275 595790 Advertising Tel: 07500 017236 E: Ron@alsbuildingservices.co.uk W: www.alsconstructionservices.co.uk & 10b High St BUILDING Shirehampton SERVICES Bristol, BS11 0DP

AL

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

10

10% DISCOUNT WITH THIS ADVERT websites.co.uk

BUILD NOW PAY LATER...

WE ARE HERE TO HELP THE LOCAL BUSINESSES OF BRISTOL Need to get online with your business? No problem we can help with packages designed just for you.

Contact us for our latest offers today!

your local website designers terms and conditions apply

11

Try Our Award Winning Karate & Kickboxing Classes Today!

Call: 07757 990 420 ADULTS...Our muscle toning kickboxing classes will make you feel amazing, knock out boredom & blast away fat all over your body...

All this in just a few weeks Register onto our V.I.P. introductory course to receive

3 Weeks Free Classes

PARENTS...We don't just teach punching & kicking! We also help your child develop Greater fitness, rock solid confidence, have better personal discipline & respect, Improved focus, get better grades At school & safety awareness

We Offer Something For Everyone Little Dragons Karate 4 to 6 yrs Junior Dragons Karate 7 to 12 yrs Junior Dragons Kickboxing 7 to 12 yrs Adult Kickboxing 13 yrs +

www.BristolMartialArtsAcademy.com www.facebook.com/bristolmartialartsacademy

252 Central Park, Off Petherton Road, Hengrove, Bristol, BS14 9BZ 12

Accessing your Pension Money sensibly and avoiding Pension scams by Ben Hirst Chartered Independent Financial Adviser at Morgans Ltd Whether you have a defined benefit or defined contribution pension scheme, you can often start taking benefits from the age of 55. You could use this to help top up your salary if you are still working or to enable you to work fewer hours or even retire early. You may also be able to release a cash sum from your pension too.

Often the first 25% of the fund will be tax-free if taken as a cash sum. The remaining 75% would be counted as income and taxed in the usual way. So care needs to be taken as could push you into a higher income tax bracket for that financial year.

Which part of your pension you take also effects what levels you can contribute back into a pension in the future. If you just take the 25% tax free lump sum, you can continue to contribute up to £40,000 per annum into a pension. However, if you take out any of the remaining 75% taxable portion of your pension, the amount you can contribute into a pension each year reduces to £4,000 per annum.

Pension Scams to avoid Pension scams have increased recently due to the Coronavirus impact on the economy and people having financial difficulties due to job losses. One particular scam to be wary of and avoid is companies claiming they can access your pension money before the age 55

One particular scam to be wary of and avoid is companies claiming they can access your pension money before the age 55. Accessing your pension before age 55 is viewed as an unauthorised payment in most circumstances. The tax you will pay for accessing can be up to 55%, as well as charges of up to 30% by the firm which does it for you.

If a website or marketing brochure advertises that you can or should access your pension before the age of 55, it is unlikely they will be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority and any advice or guidance they give you will be unregulated. This means you will not be able to complain to a regulator if anything goes wrong.

There are two instances when you can legally access pension money under age 55. The first is if you’re too ill to work or if you have a serious illness which means you are expected to live for less than a year. The second is when you have a protected pension age lower than age 55. An example of someone who might have a ‘protected retirement age’ might be a professional sportsperson.

If you are planning to access your pension and are unsure of the rules or how to do so, make sure you seek professional advice and consult a regulated financial adviser. You can check if the advisory firm is authorised and regulated to give financial advice by going to the FCA register on their website.

13

Beetroot, sweet potato and pea samosa rolls Ingredients​ For the spring rolls:​ 1 red onion, finely diced​ 1 garlic clove, crushed​ 1 small thumb of ginger, peeled and grated​ 1 tsp garam masala​ 1 beetroot, peeled and diced​ 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced​ 1 medium white potato, peeled and diced​ 3 tbsps. Peas​ Salt to season​ Rectangular sheets filo pastry​ 1 tsp nigella seeds​ Melted butter for brushing

Method​ 1.Preheat the oven to 220C/ fan 200C​ 2.Roast the beetroot and sweet potato in the middle of the oven for 15-20 minutes depending on the size of the chunks.​ 3. Put the white potato in a saucepan of cold water and bring to the boil. Drain once tender.​ 4. Fry the onions on a medium heat until softened and started to colour, then add the garam masala, garlic and ginger. Fry for around one minute.

Leave to cool along with the sweet potato and beetroot then lightly mash together.​ 5. Brush half a sheet of filo with a little butter and fold the length in half. Brush with the butter, place a spoonful of the filling at the edge closest to you, shape into a log. Leave a 1.5-2 cm gap at the edge closest to you and at the sides. Roll away from you, folding the edges inwards to enclose the filling. Keep the remaining pastry covered to prevent drying out.​ 6. Brush with the butter, sprinkle with the seeds and repeat with the remaining filling and pastry.​ 7. Bake on a baking sheet, seam-side down, for 15-18 mins until golden and crisp.

14

Weekly riddles!

5 Riddles that will stump you every time but don’t worry-we’ll give you the answers Next week.

Need a little break to unwind with some fun brain teasers? Check out our list of 5 riddles. They will start off easy this week. However, they will get harder and may require you to be a math whiz.

We will even through in some funny riddles to keep you going . But beware: The hard ones will put you to the test!

1. Riddle: What gets wet while drying?

2. Riddle: What can you keep after giving to someone?

3. Riddle: I shave every day, but my beard stays the same. What am I? 4. Riddle: You see a boat filled with people, yet there isn’t a single person on board. How is that possible?

5. Riddle: You walk into a room that contains a match, a kerosene lamp, a candle and a fireplace.

What would you light first?

15

Versatile Office Solutions for businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak For those who only know me through Facebook or in a personal capacity you may not know that my business Techvolution provides work from home infrastructure.

We are doing what we can to assist our clients to stay in business and have taken strict measures to avoid our own operators from becoming ill during this unprecedented time.

This includes simple and quick set up business tools such as: •

VIOP systems

•

Call handling

•

Telecoms services

•

Telephone call answering service

•

Online business software

•

CRM Software

One or all may be essential to you during this difficult period we are all encountering.

16

For more information about our products please look at our website http://www.techvolution.co.uk/ Where there is more about our services and how we can help you work better from home there is also a simple contact form and phone number should you want to get in touch with us.

TRAINING l SERVICE l SALES l HIRE

Bristol's Largest Independent Construction Health & Safety Training Centre               

CITB Health & Safety Awareness CITB SSSTS and Refreshers CITB SMSTS and Refreshers First Aid Face Fit Testing IPAF PASMA Forklift Manual Handling Asbestos Awareness Abrasive Wheels Working at Height Scaffold Inspection Ladder & Steps and more...

0117 967 0811 info@davisaccess.co.uk | www.davisaccess.co.uk

Unit 4, Bakers Park, Cater Road, Bishopsworth, Bristol, BS13 7TT

10 YEAR GUARANTEE

When we fit any Worcester Bosch boiler with a system filter

HURRY ONLY FOR A LIMITED TIME!

A NEW BOILER FROM ONLY £2500 Plumbing & Heating Co Ltd

keeping Bristol Warm

231756

www.bristolplumbingandheating.com

THE ONE STOP SHOP FOR PLUMBING,HEATING & ELECTRICS

WE ARE SPECIALISTS

IN:

LPG (All makes) Breakdown & repair airs (All makes) Boiler servicing & rep Power flushing P.A.T. Testing Domestic electrics ection Periodic electrical insp Test & inspect Free estimates

Top Rated Worcester Bosch Fully fitted, includes filter and clock Price is for combi-for-combi swap with horizontal flue

CALL NOW ON: 0117 910 9005 or 0117 968 7196 Boiler Breakdowns, boiler Services & Landlord Gas Safe Certificates From Only £60 + Vat 17

JP Locksmiths

For Emergency Call-out 0117 902 3509

www.gasproboilers.co.uk PROFESSIONAL SERVICE EVERYTIME

PLUMBING & HEATING ENGINEERS

ALL PLUMBING & GAS WORK UNDERTAKEN BOILER INSTALLATIONS BOILER REPAIRS POWER FLUSHING UNVENTED SYSTEM INSTALLATIONS 505353 BATHROOM INSTALLATIONS

FULLY INSURED

RECOMENDED

INTEREST FREE CREDIT & 10YR WARRANTY ON NEW BOILER INSTALLATION

Tel: Nathan Proud

07830 448127

thegaspro@gmail.com

Rolls ‘R’ Us FRESH SANDWICHES ROLLS & BAGUETTES DAILY - FREE LOCAL DELIVERY (min order £6) All Day Breakfast Now Available!

Tel: 01275 547 444 Open Monday to Friday (8am - 4pm) Saturday (9am - 2pm) (COLLECTION ONLY)

7 The Parade Hengrove Bristol BS14 9OP 18

www.jplocksmiths.co.uk

24 HOUR

CALL OUT SERVICE Locks Fitted And Replaced Lock Picking & Opening Shop At Broadwalk Shopping Centre

Monday to Saturday 9:30am to 5pm

MARIO’S BARBER SHOP

TEL: 01179 728 771 10 The Parade, Hengrove, Bristol, BS14 9BZ

Traditional & modern gents Italian hairdresser OAP concessions Monday - Thursday Over 20 years experience No Appointment Necessary Monday - Thursday 9am - 5:30pm Wednesday 9am - 1pm Friday 9am - 6pm Saturday 8:30am - 5pm

WE DO BIG IT ALL OR SMALL

CLEAROUTS

& GARDEN MAINTENANCE

BRISTOL

CLEAR

UTS

RUBBISH CLEARANCE SERVICES

Tel: 07508 500 039

HAD AN ACCIDENT? NOT YOUR FAULT?

WE CAN HELP AT NO COST TO YOU..

YES FREE!!

www.AccidentManagementBristol.co.uk

DON’T WAIT CALL US TODAY!

ACCIDENT MANAGMENT BRISTOL

BOCA TEAMWEAR

TEAMWEAR, WORKWEAR PRINT & EMBROIDERY SPECIALISTS

ON: 0117 9647948 W 10% I A TH O D V TH FF E R IS T

Hot & Cold Sandwiches Baguettes Jacket potatoes Open Monday to Saturday

Bristols Favorite Sandwiches

WE HAVE 1000’S OF PRODUCTS AVAILABLE TO SUIT ANY SPORTS CLUB OR BUSINESS CONTACT US FOR A QUOTE WE GUARANTEE THAT WE WON’T BE BEATEN ON PRICE!

www.boca-uk.com 0117 958 8718 @BocaTeamwear info@boca-teamwear.com Unit 1c, 7-9 Emery Rd, Brislington, Bristol, BS4 5PF

01179 638000 26 Winterstoke Rd,Bristol, BS3 2SG

FREE SPRING BIKE CHECK WITH THIS ADVERT

www.sullycycles.co.uk

0117 980 3337

19

Starlink satellites gave us a fantastic sight in the night sky We all saw the glowing satellite formation that started to fly over Bristol during the last few days and weeks, giving us a good reason to look to the skies. Two weeks ago the spectacular Super Pink Moon filled the sky, and sightings of the International Space Station last week gave everyone another lift in light of the lockdown.

And now, at least until April 24, a cluster of satellites known as Starlink will be making its way overhead.

Dozens of tiny satellites will fly across the sky in a train-like straight line, which will look like moving stars.

They will regularly be visible from the UK for the foreseeable future, and more frequently as more and more of them are launched. Starlink was spotted for the first time by people in Bristol a few nights back, with people wondering if what they had just spotted was a UFO. If we can get some clear skies, the spectacle should appear as a string of very bright lights in a line formation, so make sure you look up at the sky for the next few nights to see if you can catch sight of them.

20

The satellite network, dubbed Starlink, was launched by Tesla and billionaire Elon Musk, as part of his new venture. They are being used as a way to provide remote areas across the world with low-cost internet. Elon Musk's company has been launching the satellites in to space since last May. Starlink plans to fly 12,000 of them in the project, which may rise to 30,000.

To put those figures into perspective, there are 2,218 satellites currently orbiting the Earth as stated in the UCS Satellite Database. According to space new.com, They have launched 120 of its 12,000 small broadband satellites into a low orbit around the Earth.

When you will be able to see the Starlink satellites According to findastarlink.com, the Starlink satellites will be flying over the United Kingdom until the April 24. You can enter your location on this web address https://findstarlink.com/ to find the days and times they'll be most visible in your area.

You can also track the satellites using the Starlink app downloadabe on all platforms.

When you open the app click a satellite number from the list provided and select your current location to reveal the visible times.

ECO VAN SPARES Bristol’s Transit & Commercial Vehicle Spares Specialist

Cars

Vans

Lorries

WANTED FOR CASH FREE COLLECTION Unit 17, Bakers Park Cater Park Bishopsworth Bristol, BS13 7TT

Tel: 0117 9781919 ECOVANSPARES.COM

South Bristol - North Bristol - South Glos - North Somerset

WANT TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS ?

We have over 80,000 readers every month Direct Local Bristol has the solution to help your business get seen more..

Visit www.directlocalbristol.co.uk Email: info@directlocalonline.com Call: 0117 325 8029

Join our mailing list and receive our latest digital interactive versions of our magazines straight to your inbox

CALL 01179 647948

Body Repairs

Bristol Ltd

Car body work repairs Bristol

Body Repairs Bristol Ltd specialise in car and commercial vehicle bodywork.

We are Mercedes Benz and Daf commercial approved repairers.

We are a partnership that has been established for 11 years, but we have over 50 years experience in the trade.

Top Quality Professional Job At A Competitive Price We offer:

Accident repairs

Scan this code with your mobile to go straight to our website.

Body repairs Panel beating Paint spraying Fitting of body kits One-off body styling including spoilers Import repair specialists Custom painting, inc flake, candy & pearl Body Repairs Bristol Ltd have a great deal of experience in the repair of cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles.

Unit 5 Bakers Park, Bishopsworth, Bristol, BS13 7TT

Email : info@bodyrepairsbristol.com

Web: www.bodyrepairsbristol.com 21

ALLEN STONE ESTATE AGENTS

0117 244 4441

www.allenstone.co.uk

ALLEN STONE ESTATE AGENTS

0117 244 4441

www.allenstone.co.uk

24 Westward Road £309’995 Virtual Tour is now available! Contact us for more information. AllenStone Estate Agents are pleased to bring to the market this potentially perfect family home in the heart of Uplands, BS13. The property offers generous space throughout, including two reception rooms downstairs, three good sized bedrooms and an impressive rear garden. The property is perfectly positioned in the heart of Uplands, close to great local schools, shops and amenities. Comprising in brief a dining room, living room, kitchen, three bedrooms and a bathroom.

Further benefits include generous front and rear gardens. Call today to view!

22

15 St Peters Rise £264’995.

Virtual Tour is now available, contact us for more information. AllenStone Estate Agents are pleased to bring to the market this immaculately presented, extended two bedroom home in Headley Park.

The property offers fantastic living accommodation including two reception rooms and a fantastic kitchen/breakfast room. Situated on an elevated position in the popular Headley park with easy access to local shops and on a bus route. Briefly comprising living room, dining room kitchen/breakfast room. The first floor comprises two bedrooms and the family bathroom. Outside of the property there is an enclosed garden, single garage and off road parking.

Highfield House, The Down, Alveston £825’000 Highfield House sits within Hawfield Homes’ latest and exclusive development ‘Chapel View’. Located in the heart of Alveston, a sought after South Gloucestershire village and being an easy fifteen minute commute into the cosmopolitan city of Bristol with all that this amazing heritage city has to offer. Having very easy access to both the M4 and M5 motorways and onto the historic city of Bath with its incredible architecture, vibrant dining and shopping districts and exciting nightlife.

Both local cities are abundant with a generous choice of acclaimed public schools and in the nearby village of Olveston you will find Tockington Manor School, private schooling offering the best in education from ages two through to thirteen.

Alveston also benefits from a lovely village infant and junior school with secondary education just a stone’s throw away from our development. Highfield House is a large five bedroomed family home within Chapel View and boasts some 3,000 sq ft of stunning living and bedroom spaces, its versatility easily flowing over three floors.

To the first floor there are four wonderfully spacious bedrooms, two having luxurious en suite shower rooms and a large family bathroom. To the hall floor you’ll find an exceptional kitchen, dining and family room – rare to then have the benefit of an additional sitting room and study, the W.C completes this space. Access from the hall floor via a staircase to the lower ground floor where you’ll find a fantastic garden studio or fifth bedroom with the advantage of a spacious beautifully installed ensuite shower room. The utility room and boiler room complete the accommodation however there is also access to a more than generous triple garage on this floor. Highfield House sits in the corner of the cul de sac with level turfed gardens, the property also benefits from underfloor heating to the hall floor.

Ki e e th 1 exp om # r Fr K’s ove U ke a m

n he tc

REFRESH YOUR TIRED KITCHEN by just swapping the doors and worktops

s. rt

Before

• Excellent reputation • From simple door replacements to fully fitted kitchens • Choose from a wide range of quality doors, worktops, appliances, sinks & taps • Installed quickly and cleanly by our own local professional fitters in just a few days

www.dreamdoors.co.uk

RUN FAMILY SS BUSINE

EST. 1999

®

CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE ON:

0117 944 3223 Visit our showroom: 11/12 The Promenade, Gloucester Rd, Bristol BS7 8AL

9.59/10

Over 290 reviews on

See what our customers have to say

Free Directory Listing

IT’S FREE www.directlocalbristol.co.uk 23

for all your printing needs......

Printer Inks & Toners • Original ink and low cost refills and compatibles • Wide range of stock • Printer repairs • Printer sales & advice • Range of photo paper

Printing, Scanning & Photocopying • Great deals on flyers • Business Cards • Letterheads & Comp Slips • Banners available • Booklets & Newsletters

Visit us at our new address: 14 Canford Lane, Westbury-on-Trym BS9 3DH Tel: 0117 3292788 info@westburyinks.co.uk

www.westburyinks.co.uk westbury inks 24

April Horoscopes

Aquarius Jan 20-Feb 18 Clear communication would be a real asset to you at this time. There is something you have either put on the back burner or chosen to ignore but it is something you would be wiser to deal with at this time. Whatever is going on for you that is difficult, remember you have a lot of resilience and inner strength, and you will find the right way to deal with things.

Keywords: Clear communication & Resilience Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20 You feel that something may not have been dealt with fairly, this could be a situation with a family member or someone close to you. Step back and try and see the situation from all sides and try to bring some change and balance back.

Keywords: Fairness & Change Aries Mar 21 - Apr 19 If you are involved in meetings at this time they may not run as smoothly as you would like or not even happen at all. If the situation feels difficult remember to keep calm. You may also feel time for spring-cleaning, both on the physical and emotional levels.

Keywords: Calm & Clearing Taurus Apr 20 - May 20 You could get one of those wonderful lightbulb moments, when something inspiring or enlightening suddenly makes sense. You may find the need to bring some harmony to a difficult situation. There could be some small but interesting changes that are coming your way.

Keywords: Sudden realisation & Changes Gemini May 21 - June 20 Be careful in situations that could become volatile, especially in communication, try to be a listener as much as possible. Otherwise things could get into a bit of a tangle. Know that you can deal with and rise above a difficult situation.

Keywords: Listen & Inner wisdom Cancer June 21 - July 22 Relationships are a high point this month, as well as possible a small refresh in the home. If something is a bit hard going at the moment, you will find that you will have the strength and endurance to go through this relatively plain sailing Keywords: Opportunities & Relationships

Leo July 23 - Aug 22 If something isn’t moving as quickly as you would like, this could be a good time to sort and clear what needs doing. As this can make way for new things and ideas.

Keywords: Clearing & New ideas and things Virgo Aug 23 - Sept 22 Balance and harmony are very important to you, somebody doesn’t always bring your sensitivity to the fore, as this will be an asset in this situation. You may also think of starting a new interest, that will involve collecting things or gathering information.

Keywords: Sensitivity, connecting & Gathering Libra Sept 23 - Oct 22 It does seem as though study is on your mind at present. You may find yourself either researching or seeking information regarding things of interests to you. You may also feel the need to clear things both emotionally and within your living spaces, as you feel there maybe new things on the way. There is possibly an issue that you will have to deal with later in the month.

Keywords: Study & Clearing Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21 This may not be one of the easiest times, as you feel as though you need to be on your guard. A situation would be worth stepping back from, and trying to see it from a different perspective.

This month would be good for you to follow those instinctive feelings, and work with your intuition.

Remember also you are a lot stronger than you think.

Keywords: Protection & Intuition Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21 There is something you’ve been putting off that you need to sort out and this would be a good time to do so. You can do the same with some spring cleaning, both in your physical environment and possibly emotionally too.Once you have sorted a few things out it will give you the space to be able to carry on with some hobbies and a few relaxing things that you have not had time for.

Capricorn Dec 22 0 Jan 19 Your social life won’t be busy this month.

A few things look to change for you, so be prepared. Could be a time for reflection and from this some study or research or new interests or hobbies, may come from this.

Keywords. Learning and changes

Want to find out more about what’s in store for you this month! Contact Marie on: 07949 800354 Disclaimer This zodiac is for entertainment purposes only please do not take the predictions seriously Marie take no responsibility for your actions

25

Leading housebuilder donates defibrillators from its Gloucestershire construction sites to help COVID-19 fightback

Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes are donating defibrillators from their sites in Gloucestershire to help in the fight against coronavirus.

The defibrillators, worth over ÂŁ900 each will be coming from sites across the county including Gloucester, Stonehouse, Coalpit Heath, Yate, Charlton Hayes, and Thornbury.

The move is part of a nationwide initiative by Barratt Developments to donate hundreds of defibrillators, usually used on its construction sites, to St John Ambulance.

The health and first aid charity is now on the frontline supporting people and communities through coronavirus, helping to take the strain from the NHS. It has started a nationwide appeal - called Take the Strain - to source desperately needed equipment to help it in the vital role it is playing, including 1,000 defibrillators.

Responding to the call for help, the country's biggest housebuilder has committed to donating the defibrillators from all its sites - an estimated 400 worth more than ÂŁ300,000. Teams from Barratt are urgently gathering up the defibrillators from their sites across the country so they can get them to where they are needed in the next few days.

As part of its response to support the fight against coronavirus, Barratt Developments has also donated ÂŁ100,000 to the NHS Charities Together appeal. NHS Charities Together supports 250 NHS charities across the UK collectively, giving money every day to the NHS so that people can stay well for longer and get better faster.

26

It also plays a key role in mobilising volunteers to support NHS staff and support mental health, community health and ambulance trusts.

These moves follow an earlier initiative last week from the housebuilder to donate personal protective items, including thousands of high quality FFP3 face masks, gloves and hand sanitiser, to local NHS hospitals and social care services across the country.

Barratt Developments has long been committed to supporting and developing local communities and is doing all it can to join other businesses and organisations coming together to offer practical help during the current crisis.

Chris Burton, regional managing director, West at Barratt Developments said: "We are pleased to be able to donate this equipment where it is urgently needed - to help St John Ambulance, who are on the frontline, supporting the NHS and helping to save lives.

We are seeing an amazing collective effort by businesses, communities and individuals in the fight against coronavirus and we want to play our part in that."

Barratt Developments took the decision to temporarily close all of its offices and construction sites two weeks ago in order to protect customers, employees and the public.

TRADE ONLY

Tel: 0117 938 1515

AVONMOUTH

web: www.howdens.com

Kitchens

Joinery Hardware

email: avonmouth@howdens.com

Flooring

Appliances

NEW KITCHEN SHOWROOM NOW OPEN TO EVERYONE

PLEASE COME BROWSE OUR NEW DISPLAYS. WE HAVE EASY LEVEL ACCESS & AMPLE PARKING

NEW

NEW

Free Free Kitchen Design Service

After a Free home measure consultation our professional instore kitchen designers can create and plan your dream kitchen using our computer aided software and provide you with an A3 illustration. Or bring in your own details.

Don't have a fitter ? We can assist with details of local kitchen installers.

CALL US TO BOOK A FREE HOME MEASURE TODAY!!

We sell directly to the trade because we understand they have the know how and craftsmanship to install your new kitchen. They can install it exactly the way you want it and when you want it.

Unit 1 Avonbridge Trad. Est, Atlantic Road, BS11 9QD

Opening times Mon - Fri 7.30am - 5.00pm, Sat 8am - 12pm 27

PARENTS SEEKING TO USE CORONAVIRUS TO AVOID MAINTENANCE PAYMENTS Expert lawyers are reporting an increase in parents using the coronavirus pandemic to avoid paying their monthly maintenance payments.

With incomes and livelihoods under pressure as a result of the economic shock caused by the crisis, there are an increasing number of instances of individuals unilaterally stopping monthly maintenance payments overnight, without discussing any potential variation of payments, or evidencing a genuine change of financial circumstances.

Leading South West-based lawyer Lizzie Smith, who is an Associate in the family team at Clarke Willmott LLP, says the rise in this behaviour is unfortunate and warns that failing to make these payments can lead to significant difficulties and distress for clients relying on maintenance as a source of income.

Lizzie said: “Of course, this is a difficult time for everyone and we understand that divorced spouses and separated partners or parents, who have perhaps had their hours cut or pay reduced will be under more financial strain than usual, but there are ways to get help and simply cutting off maintenance payments is unconscionable.

“Such action puts families and children at risk and creates a wave of knock on impacts. At Clarke Willmott we are seeing such actions impacting even the most vulnerable divorcees and it is very difficult to witness the fall out.

28

“This behaviour is unacceptable, in particular where a vulnerable person is concerned. We have seen an increase in enquiries on this issue so we want people to know that it’s not acceptable.”

Clarke Willmott partner Anthony Fairweather is handling one such case. Anthony, who is a leading UK Court of Protection Attorney, is representing a vulnerable client – Client A – who is being looked after at home under the Court of Protection. Her ex-husband has advised that he is unilaterally withdrawing Court ordered maintenance payments without any official approval to do so, citing financial pressure caused by coronavirus as the reason.

Smith continues: “Where there is a Court order in place, maintenance should only be stopped either by agreement between the parties or following a formal variation by the Court. Where a divorced spouse, separated partner or parent seeks to use this pandemic to avoid their obligations they can expect to be asked to provide evidence of their financial position, or potentially enforcement applications to be issued at Court where necessary.

“Those who find themselves unable to pay should themselves take advice before ending payments as a temporary agreement may be reached by negotiation, mediation or arbitration, or by an application to the courts.

“I would urge anyone affected to get in touch with me directly to discuss possible solutions before it results in any undue stress or hardship being inflicted on families.”

Clarke Willmott is a national law firm with seven offices across the country in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, London, Manchester, Southam

Henbury & Brentry Community Centre Machin Road Henbury BS10 7HG St Edyths Church Monday 9:30am and 11:30am Avonleaze 5:30pm and 7:30pm Sea Mills Helen: 07748 705690 BS9 2HU Wednesday 5:30pm and 7:30pm Coniston Community Centre Janice: 07860 444647 The Parade Coniston Road Patchway BS34 5LP Thursday 5:30pm and 7:30pm Janice: 07860 444647

WE DO BIG IT ALL OR SMALL

CLEAROUTS

& GARDEN MAINTENANCE

BRISTOL

CLEAR

UTS

THIS SPACE ONLY £5 A WEEK

RUBBISH CLEARANCE SERVICES

Tel: 07508 500 039 www.barberontrym007.co.uk 10 Carlton Court Westbury On Trym Bristol BS9 3DF

barberontrym@yahoo.co.uk On-Demand Local Fast Food Delivery

0117 3305520

29

Some fast food chains have announced they're reopening Some of the biggest fast food companies are reopening across the country this month.

Burger King, KFC, and Pret a Manger have announced they will be reopening some stores for takeaway and delivery.

The bigger chains are expected to be offering a limited menu and no eating in th premises as the Government extended the national coronavirus lockdown for another three weeks.

Four Burger King branches have opened again from Thursday, and the company announcing they will give 1,000 free meals a week to the NHS. They did state all of its workers will be provided with personal protective equipment (PPE).

Burger Kings marketing director said "We are committing to provide 1,000 meals a week to NHS staff based in and around the local restaurants as they want to demonstrate how appreciative Burger King UK is of their efforts in these unprecedented times." KFC is reopening approximately 11 of its restaurants with staff volunteering to work.

30

They said on social media: "Our teams are amazing and we'd never ask them to come back to work if they weren't comfortable, so they're returning on an opt-in basis." Pret A Manger has also resumed food production in 10 shops that are located near hospitals for takeaway and delivery with a 50% discount for NHS staff until the end of April.

Pret's chief executive said in a statement: "We are incredibly grateful that 160 team members have volunteered to help reopen 10 shops in the capital, located close to hospitals. " This will help give frontline healthcare workers better access to freshly prepared food while also getting our supply chain up and running again to deliver food to the homeless."

The Government announced that the coronavirus lockdown will be extended for another three weeks last Thursday, amid renewed warnings that it is still too soon to begin easing the restrictions as the numbers of hospital patients are not yet at a peak.

31

The month of November offers up the Then there’s the fast-paced thrills of Le Mans ’66, where Matt Damon and Christian Bale must If you don’t mind diving into some terror and Times opportunity might be weird at because perfect topresent, shakebutoffjustthose together toHunt create a car equipped beatknowing the cinemas are closed doesn’t mean there aren’t newworkmissed The upon release, resttoeasy Halloween scares and set your eyes dominant movies to watch via streaming. The COVID-19 that it Ferrari. is too watchable via on-demand platforms. has prompted certain whether studios to make their Produced by the same team behind Insidious and on crisis something snowier, that’s movies available a little early on home video, so The Purge, the movie asks how will 12 strangers it’s some these we’ll be highlighting until your in the formofof a returning Disney Ice fare when they suddenly wake up on an estate, local Cineworld re-opens. only to be hunted by a group of wealthy elites?

Queen or Christmas-set romantic First up is director Leigh Whannel’s brilliant comedies featuring the music of re-imagining of The Invisible Man. A far cry from George Michael. this ofand more this the Universal horrorAll stylings yesteryear, version sees the idea brought up to date as awaits in the month ahead, so let’s Elisabeth’s Moss’ tortured Cecilia must evade the diveclutches in… of her transparent ex-boyfriend. Rent the movie through on-demand services now.

Kicking us off on November 8th is both Midway and the The Good Liar. The former centres on the efforts Lastly, on April 6th, Trolls World Tour is skipping of US Navy sailors in the wake of Pearl Harbour. cinematic runsees entirely toAnna stream right to homes The its following week Elsa, and Olaf But if con artist antics are more your thing, Helen all in over UK.anticipated What kind of musical antics return thethe highly Frozen 2, but haswill Mirren and Ian McKellen do well to swindle their way the ice friends Poppy and to Branch get up to this time? queen learned ‘let it go’? through life in the latter movie.

As always Cineworld Bristol and Direct Local Magazine are giving readers a chance to win a prize, this time to celebrate the release of Trolls Jane Austen’s classic nineteenth-century novel World Tour. Simply complete the colouring sheet about misread romance was adapted again this page 31. Bring some Silver Screen magic to your year with Split’s Anya Taylor-Joy in the lead role. home this April and remember to take care of Set within the fictional English country village of yourselves.

Highbury, Emma is the story of the eponymous matchmaker who soon becomes swept up in love herself.

Fast forward one week later to November 15th and it’s another double feature. Last Christmas welcomes in the Christmas movie season as a romantic love story between Game of Thrones’ Emilia Clarke and A Simple Favour’s Henry Golding.

32

And finally, Charlie’s Angels gets a reboot that stars Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott and Ella Balinska as a new ass-kicking secret agent trio.

As always Cineworld and Direct Local Magazine are giving readers a chance to win a prize. Simply complete the next page crossword.

The brink of Christmas brings all the thrills, so be sure to visit Cineworld sometime in November.

Sudoku Puzzles

Trolls World Tour Competition

EASY

Welcome to our Cineworld Bristol merchandise competition.

All you need to do is colour in the Trolls on the next page. Then either scan it or take a photo on your smart phone and email it to us with your address at: info@directlocalonline.com Or send it in the post via snail mail to the address below with your address.

MEDIUM

The best one will win the merchandise above.

Good luck!

7 Hopewell Gardens Shirehampton Bristol , BS11 0JS

HARD

Competition Closes 29/04/20

Here is this weeks 3 puzzles to test your number crunching skills ranging from easy to medium and hard.

Click the download symbol below to download our puzzles and competitions to your phone or computer and complete at your own leisure.

Print it or write directly on the PDF its up to you.

March Winner Mr J Nickolls All the details of the entrants will be stored for 2 months securely and NOT be shared with any other third parties except for the winner of the competition in which Cineworld will need the details to contact the winner to collect the prize.

AGE AMUSE BEAR BEAT BENCH BOLD CALL COPE

DISASTER DRAWING FEED FLOUR GOAT HYPNOTHIZE INSPIRATION INTERACTIVE

INTERMEDIATE MEET MINORITY MULTIPLY NUMBER OPPOSITION POLISH PROVIDE

PUBLICITY READY REAL SLOT SUSPECT TASTY TEMPT UNCLE

33

34

Hearts for Hospices is a local initiative to support our incredible local hospices and care providers across Gloucestershire and Somerset. These organisations are doing a wonderful job, helping care for those living with life-limited illnesses and supporting their loved ones. But their income is at risk, because fundraising events are being cancelled and their shops are temporarily closed due to COVID-19. Our initiative, Hearts for Hospices, is raising funds to keep their vital work going.

We are asking people of Gloucestershire and Somerset to send their love for the nurses, care specialists and the patients these hospices and care providers look after by tagging us @hearts. for.hospices and sending a heart through social media, either a selfie, art, or a heart they have made out of things around the house, donating through our donation page, and sharing the love by nominating others to do so.

We are aiming to raise ÂŁ10,000 for 4 local hospices and charities - St Peter's Hospice, Longfield Community Hospice Care, Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice and Penny Brohn UK. Donate online https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ HeartsforHospices Tag us on on Instagram @ hearts.for.hospices Tag us on Facebook @hearts. for.hospices Tag us on Twitter @HHospices Rachel Jones, Head of Fundraising and Marketing at Longfield Community Hospice Care, commented “It is great that communities and businesses like Campfire Marketing are rallying for local charities. The impact of Covid-19 on charity sector income is significant with the closure of charity shops, alongside many events, challenges and community fundraisers being cancelled. Charities are working hard to keep delivering essential services, care and support and now more than ever it is time to ask our communities to support appeals and fundraising initiatives.â€?.

35

WHAT’S ON ONLINE

Online Aerobics Classes Date: 24th April Description: Easy to follow mixed impact, high energy cardio and fat burning workout to music of the 80’s, 90’s, 00’s and current chart hits. This class is for all abilities and don’t worry if you have 2 left feet, as the moves are easy to follow.

This class is being taught by Karen who also teaches Pilates & Beginners Yoga for us. Due to the current situation, we will temporarily be offering online Pilates classes. Students will be able to access the sessions via a Zoom video link. You will be able to participate in real time on a smart phone or computer.

We are currently offering two aerobics classes per week every Monday -Friday in April Online ticket prices * 1 x class - £3 * 8 x classes (April) - £13 @theflamingocentre Visit: www.theflamingocentre. co.uk Friday Mindful Hatha Online yoga class Date: 24th April Description: Quality Zoom online 1hr yoga class, with Nicola Percy a kind and experienced teacher. Small class sizes. Flow into Fridays, move your body in a range of yoga postures, explore your breath and begin to meditate. Come!

Move GB or PayPal £4-7 sliding scale to lotusyogabristol@gmail. com @nicolapercyUK

36

Online Martial Arts GBFit Brislington are running online martial arts classes. We will be streaming online Kung fu lessons every Monday for all ages from 4yrs-Adults.

Please contact Chris@iamgbfit. com for info or call 07837988762. Join L A Cinema for the third Film @iamGBfit Quiz, broadcast on L A Cinema’s Visit: www.iamgbfit.com Facebook page on Friday (April 24th), at 20:30pm.

Mini Professors @Home Whet your appetite and test your Date: 29th April wits. Fifty questions, five rounds Description: Mini Professors @ and the winner(s) will be crowed Home is , online lives interactive with the L A Cinema “Cineaste” science class for children 2-9yrs title. Not bad hey! This weeks with their parents. Each week we discover a new scientific topic quiz is presented by L A Cinema through 2 interactive experiments, projectionist and social media man James Ewen. He works in singing and storytelling. All a cinema by day, watches films the activities are concise and interactive, catering for the many at night and is obsessed by the films of Stanley Kubrick. James different learning styles and keeping the little ones’ attention will test your cinema knowledge all in comforts of your own home. with fifty questions. The topics @Home classes are held on Mon- and rounds covered will be:day 10-10:45 AM, 11:30- 12:15 Round 1 - Movie Blockbusters PM or 2:30- 3:15 PM. Booking Round 2 - Disney Films is essential at https://www.miniRound 3 - Iconic Characters professors.com/wsm/ 24 hours Round 4 - Movie Soundtracks before the virtual class begins.

Round 5 - Films from 2020 @MiniProfessorsWSM (so far!) Participation is FREE (of course). Answers to be messaged to the L A Cinema Facebook page after the quiz.

The Facebook page can be found here: @longashtoncinema www.la-cinema.uk DJ Alliance Interactive Party Date: 24th April Online * Wiggles & Giggles Description: Over the last Baby Class several week local DJ’s from Date: 28th April Bristol community have joined Description: Wiggles and Giggles forces to provide online entertainis a fun & friend­ly music group for ment for those in doors during babies and toddlers. The classes The Lockdown #covid19. Once more we will be returning with the are fun sing-alongs with a basket of pro­ps and percussion for every third instalment on Fri 24th April child. You can also text 07812 on Facebook Live from 12pm 503 062 the night before or the -11:30pm. Immerse yourself into morning of a class to see if there a online music experience, as is a drop in space & pay by card we syndicate live DJ sets for 11 or cash in the class. hours.

Click the Facebook symbol t@heflamingocentre to go to the page.

Life in Lockdown Like many people across the city, and indeed around the world, our daily lives have changed almost beyond recognition over the course of these last few weeks. Prior to Lockdown, Jos was incredibly busy not only as a ward councillor, but also as Lord Mayor of Bristol. Andrew was working full time at an international school in Clifton and on top of this, both Jos and Andrew were campaigning hard for the Local Elections in May.

Since Lockdown, all that has changed. Although Jos still has plenty of casework as a local councillor, face-to-face meetings have stopped, community events have been cancelled, and campaigning for the Local Elections has been postponed until next year. Furthermore, almost all engagements as Lord Mayor of Bristol have ceased. Andrew has been furloughed from work as his international students have returned home and he suddenly finds himself with a lot of time on his hands.

Both Jos and Andrew were determined to use the time productively in order to help their local community in any way they could. The first thing they did was to set up an online application form for local people to request help during Lockdown, and also for volunteers to offer to help. To date, over 50 people have completed the form and Jos and Andrew have been able to match every request for help with a local volunteer. Jos said, “The kind of help needed has been quite varied but has included dog walking, doing laundry, collecting shopping, and simply phoning people for a chat.”

However, Jos and Andrew were concerned that the most vulnerable people in the ward might not have access to the internet or social media, so they decided to start making phone calls. Using the electoral register, which all political parties have access to, they began phoning elderly and vulnerable residents across Brislington West. So far, they have made close to two thousand phone calls! Andrew said, “The great news is, most people seem to have a good support network already in place, with family, friends and helpful neighbours.”

However, as a result of these calls, Jos and Andrew have been able to ensure over two dozen people have got the help they needed.

Jos said, “As a councillor, phoning elderly and vulnerable residents in my ward has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. To know that I have been able to help someone in need is the best feeling.” Andrew added, “I want to pay tribute to all the volunteers who have got in touch and offered to help. Without their support, we wouldn’t have been able to help so many people.

It’s great to know we live in a part of the city with such a strong community spirit.”

If you require some help during Lockdown, or if you wish to volunteer, please get in touch with Jos and Andrew if you live in Brislington West. Otherwise, contact your local councillor or call the We Are Bristol free phone helpline (0800 694 0184)

By Cllr. Jos Clark (Brislington West) and Andrew Varney Email: cllr.jos.clark@bristol.gov.uk Mobile: 07584 370 429

37

STEP INTO A NEW WORLD

WHEN YOU DISCOVER C J Computing (Systems) Ltd

NO FIX NO FEE

Tel: 0117 962 4553

EVERYTHING YOU NEED EVEN FOR THE MOST HARDCORE GAMER WE SELL EVERYTHING FROM NEW PC’s TO HIGH END GAMING COMPUTERS TO GET YOUR ON!

COMPUTER REPAIR COMPUTER REPAIR DATA RECOVERY VIRUS REMOVAL PC’s BUILT

www.cjcomputing.com

57 Westbury Hill, Westbury on Trym, Bristol, BS9 3AD Opposite the free Carpark on Westbury Hill

38

PLANNING – CHECK LIST

RIDING AS A GROUP

•

Do you know where you are going and how long it will take? Have you made sure all the family can cope with the distance and terrain (eg hills)?

•

• •

Have you got food and drink if necessary?

Has everyone has got suitable clothing, and are prepared for changes in the weather?

Is everyone clear on the order you will be cycling in and how you will tackle turnings, junctions or obstacles?

Have you checked everyone’s shoelaces are tied and that there is nothing hanging down which could get caught in the chain or brakes?

•

•

• •

•

Have you done an equipment check?

Do ensure that helmets fit tightly around the circumference of the head and the strap is secure below the chin, with enough room to fit two fingers between the strap and the chin.

Check the bikes over first using the M or ABC check (some advice from our friends at Sustrans) Also explained in our Parent’s Handbook

FREE SPRING BIKE CHECK WITH THIS ADVERT

www.sullycycles.co.uk

0117 980 3337

•

•

It is a good idea to position the children who are most proficient at cycling at the front. If there are two parents, then the best option is to have one in front and one at the back. If there is only one parent, make a considered decision about whether it is safe enough to have more than two children in the group You may ride side by side with you children, position yourself on their right. (The Highway Code advises you not to ride more than two abreast) When you are on the road, ride as a unit and keep the together as one piece of traffic. Your aim will be to negotiate junctions together, tackling the priority system as one. Rather than dashing across individually

JUNCTIONS T-junctions, side roads, crossroads and roundabouts are all negotiated using the same basic sequence, there are always four things to do: • Look: Behind and ahead, consider rights of way and consider time and space • •

•

Communicate: By signalling your intentions if other road users are present Position: When time and space permit, approach the junction in primary position, hold primary position through to the junction exit Priority: Give way where you need to, if crossing a lane or entering a new lane and other road users have right of way.

39

websites.co.uk

BUILD NOW PAY LATER...

WE ARE HERE TO HELP THE LOCAL BUSINESSES OF BRISTOL Need to get online with your business? No problem we can help with packages designed just for you.

Contact us for our latest offers today!

your local website designers terms and conditions apply

Body Repairs

Bristol Ltd

Specialists In Car And Commercial Vehicle Bodywork www.bodyrepairsbristol.com

HOME ADDITIONS We buy and sell quality prel ved furniture and collectables HOUSE CLEARANCE AVAILABLE

Top Qualiy Professional Job At Competitive Price

Visit our shop on Nailsea High Street

07967 596589 or 07814 583723

Quality

Value

Service

Visit our showroom today 64 Station Road, Yate BS37 4PW

www.yatewindows.co.uk 40

01454 320320

DTechnics The Personal Touch to Computer Services

House, Garden, Office Clearance

Plus All Your Other Waste Removal Needs too!

On Average cheaper than a skip.

Tel: 07592 506 003

www.dtechnics.co.uk

We have been serving the North Somerset community since 2004. We specialise in building, servicing and the repair of computers and laptops.

1/4 Load £89 Half Load £139 3/4 Load £179 Full Load £199

www.junkmonsters.co.uk

Call: 01275 340614

All our staff offer quality and reliable products and services you can count on.

CJ Cleaning Services Professional cleaning at affordable prices

Call: 07915 698665 Domestic & Commercial Window Cleaning & Gutter Clearance End Of Tenancy

cjcleaningservices@outlook.com

www.cjcleaningbristol.co.uk 41

Your Garden In April Spring should be well under way this month with daffodils in full flow, their bright flowers enough to cheer up any day. Blossom trees will be blooming and fresh growth will be appearing on plants everywhere. April showers are common but don’t be deceived by sudden bursts of rainfall – you may need to start watering plants more regularly on dry, bright and windy days. With longer days and stronger sunshine growing conditions are continually improving and the warmer weather will give us all the opportunity to get busy in our gardens.

Care for your lawn The lawn will need regular mowing from now until autumn. Get some maintenance carried out to your lawn mower to ensure it stays in good running order – at the very least your mower blades should be newly sharpened ready for regular use. Keep the edges of the lawn tidy after mowing with a sharp pair of shears or a lawn edger. Don’t forget to give the lawn a spring feed after mowing if you haven’t got around to doing it yet. If a more drastic approach is needed to spruce up your lawn, sowing seeds for new lawns or over seeding dead patches can be carried out from mid-April onwards.

Sow hardy annuals Hardy annuals are plants that can be sown from seed in the open ground. Get them off to an early start by sowing in pots or modules. Modular trays are also handy for sowing summer bedding plants such as marigolds, lobelia and petunias. Label each seed tray and once they are growing put them outside when the weather is warm day and night.

Plant of the month: Rhododendron

Support climbers Climbing plants should be growing rapidly now, so will need ample support for new growth. Extend or replace trellis as necessary or add more wire to archers and tripods.

New shoots will need to be gently encouraged sideways as they grow. This will send vital growth hormones doing the length of the shoot rather than just to the tip and so will encourage flowering all over the plant.

The rest of the garden will also be growing well now, so if you have been putting off carrying out any major pruning then now is the time to bite the bullet and get it done. Trees, shrubs and hedges

42

Why should you plant them?

Ancient Greek meaning “Rose tree’ the rhododendron family includes azaleas. These stunning shrubs flower in all sorts of vibrant colours and can help brighten those difficult dark spots in your garden. Rhododendrons are grown for their spectacular flowers usually borne in spring, although some – the deciduous rhododendron or azaleas have good autumn colour.

How should you plant them?

In the wild rhododendrons are woodland plants, so they prefer dappled sunshine and can manage well in shade. They like plenty of water however and will not do well in boggy or badly draining soil, so drainage is key. Plant in autumn or spring and use ericaceous compost.

ai158161156125_Epic Installations Direct Local Ad A5.pdf 1 13/02/2020 16:32:42

Epic deals on boilers Replace your old boiler from only...

ÂŁ1550* fully fitted

10 months

interest free credit* ask for details

Is your boiler old? Inefficent? Or just unreliable? It could be wasting a lot of valuable energy. Fitting a modern condensing boiler could save you up to 30% on your home heating bills!

For a no obligation quote, call today!

01275 750 225 24hr

12

YEAR WARRANTY

www.epic-installations.co.uk *Price shown excludes VAT. Interest free credit subject to T & Cs, available on request.

43

Government jobs retention scheme.

We are receiving a huge amount of e-mails regarding the government jobs retention scheme.

This is the scheme that the government announced whereby employers will be refunded up to 80% of staff wages up to ÂŁ2500 per employee. This is a very welcome measure, but there are very few details on this.

HMRC will be setting up another portal to report these members of staff, so whilst this is a welcome announcement, there are few details and we just have to be patient until the government release more information.

Please note, existing systems (especially HMRC) are not equipped to deal with this. It's a deeply troubling time for us all, but for this particular measure I'm afraid there is no more immediate news. My advice is for employers that pay their staff monthly, ensure they get their March wages.

I would hope this would all be resolved for end of April pay runs and that's really the only information we can give our employees as little as it is. For those needing immediate financial assistance the business interruption loan scheme may be of help.

The good news is that further details have been released on a couple of measures.

The business interruption loan scheme - Full details can be found here https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/ourpartners/coronavirus-business-interruption-loan-scheme-cbils/ We have several dozen e-mails on this alone, so can I urge you to please check out this website with the details.

We are working our way through all the e-mails, but this will give you the same information quicker.

Business Grants - the same applies as to the business loans. We are inundated, but the government has issued more detail. One thing they have said, and this shouldn't dissuade you from making genuine claims, is that anyone who abuses the scheme, or claims a grant fraudulently will be prosecuted. I can only advise that the same is bound to apply to the other measures announced. Details of the grants can be found here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-business-support-grant-funding Support for the self-employed - There is support similar to sick pay through Employment Support Allowance details on how to claim can be found here. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ coronavirus-support-for-employees-benefit-claimants-and-businesses Who is a key worker - We've been asked about this a lot. We've not found a definitive list from the government, it all seems vague, so again, we need more guidance from the top, so for now advice is find what you can, some councils have published lists and applying common sense are the best we can do at the moment.

There is still more to be done, more help for the self-employed and also more to be done on the job retention program. However, no details have been publlshed yet, so please can I ask that any payroll's sent to us don't start taking this into account until we know more about eligibility and procedures for claiming it.

In the meantime we remain open, we are doing our work as usual whilst trying to reply to everyone and keep everyone updated. Please don't listen to the nonsense spouted in the Facebook world as fact. We all know how it goes "my mate Trevor's wife knows someone who's wife is an accountant and she said.......". We live in a world of instant knowledge and gratification. However, with much of this we remain in the dark awaiting more details from the government. So I won't get into speculation, but I will keep on looking to the government and other professional bodies for advice and practical guidance and giving the facts regularly as and when we are able and providing advice and support during these difficult times.

Stay safe and I will update you again as soon as I know more.

44

TSA ACCOUNTANTS BRISTOL LTD CHARTERED CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS AND ADVISORS 0117 923 5394

enquiries@tsabusinessadvisors.co.uk

ACCA

www.tsabusinessadvisors.co.uk

Your one stop shop for Accountancy, Tax and Business Advice

TSA Accountants Bristol Ltd 124 Gloucester Road Patchway Bristol BS34 5BP

Accounting Services Sole Trader Self Employed Limited Company Partnership Contractor

YO R ADVERT HE E Q: WHATS MISSING HERE? A: YOU ARE

CONTACT US NOW TO ADVERTISE

t: 0117 325 8029 e: info@directlocalonline.com w: www.directlocalbristol.co.uk Bristol’s Quality Advertising Magazines

Business Advice Professional business advice to help set you on the path to growth and success.

This is included within our services as standard.

Free Initial Consultation We offer a free initial consultation to assess the level of accountancy services you require.

South Bristol - North Bristol - South Glos - North Somerset

WANT TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS ?

We have over 80,000 readers every month Direct Local Bristol has the solution to help your business get seen more..

Visit www.directlocalbristol.co.uk Email: info@directlocalonline.com Call: 0117 325 8029

Join our mailing list and receive our latest digital interactive versions of our magazines straight to your inbox

45

As promised all the answers to all the puzzles and riddles from last week.

Weekly Riddles 1. Riddle: What is always in front of you but can’t be seen? Answer The future 2. Riddle: There’s a one-story house in which everything is yellow. Yellow walls, yellow doors, yellow furniture. What color are the stairs? Answer There are none 3. Riddle. What can you break, even if you never pick it up or touch it? Answer promise 4. Riddle: What goes up but never comes down? Answer Your age 5. Riddle: A man who was outside in the rain without an umbrella or hat didn’t get a single hair on his head wet. Why? Answer He was bald

Spot the ball

Can you spot the positon of the ball? If you can why not email us your answer to info@directlocalonline.com The correct position will be published in next weeks Direct Local Online Edition... Good luck!

Why not let us know what you want to see in your local magazines.

We would love to here your views on how we are doing.

Email Mike at: info@directlocalonline.com 46

Word Search Sudoku

selling homes in your area HENLEAZE

Sales - 0117 2130777 | henleaze@goodmanlilley.co.uk

ETLE LAGERTEEDASLGA REED

PORTISHEAD

Sales - 01275 430440 | sales@goodmanlilley.co.uk

The Indepen

& Land Agents

Lettings: 01275 2990 lilley.co.uk @goodman 10 • lettin

299010 • lettings A6 Flyers.in

SHIREHAMPTON

dent Sales, Lettings

& Land Agents t Sales, Lettings

The Independen

Lettings: 01275

dd 3

A6 Flyers.indd

3

gs@good

manlilley.c

18/09/2018

o.uk

13:23

18/09/20

18 13:23

Sales - 0117 2130333 | shire@goodmanlilley.co.uk

lettings Lettings - 01275 299010 | 0117 2990101 lettings@goodmanlilley.co.uk

Henleaze • Shirehampton • Portishead Shirehampton_back page.indd 1

24/01/2019 11:54

47

HELPING SEPARATED PARENTS ACCESS THEIR CHILDREN DURING LOCKDOWN Distressed parents whose legal rights around access to their children were not settled before the lockdown began are being urged to think creatively about their current options, because legal decisions on most cases will be delayed when normality resumes, according to a family law expert.

Rayner Grice, a partner with national law firm Clarke Willmott LLP, said: “Family Courts are running on limited hearings at the moment so many cases in the system will be pushed back even further and it’s likely to be several more months before the Court can start to deal with what will sadly, in the majority of these cases, be considered non-urgent work.

“For those not seeing their children this will seem extremely unfair and the impact on the children will be far-reaching in terms of their emotional wellbeing.

“But the good news is there are alternative approaches that affected families can consider - there are options available to re-start these cases and progress them to final determination, so long as both parties are in agreement and there are no welfare concerns.

“Provided there are no safeguarding issues then it is possible for cases to be determined by an arbitrator.

“The case would be dealt with in exactly the same way as would happen at Court in terms of the evidence that would be required, including consideration of a welfare report which may be required to provide recommendations on for example, the amount of time a child should share between parents, a decision on schooling or even a change of name.

“The only difference is that instead of the case being determined by a bench of Magistrates or a Judge in a Court setting, parents will jointly appoint an arbitrator and choose a suitable venue on a day that is mutually convenient.

“If there is a concern that whatever decision is made will not be complied with in the future, the decision of the arbitrator can be recorded within an Order that is then approved by the Court.

48

“If your case is suitable for arbitration the benefits are significant: you will have control over who decides you case, your case will be the only thing being dealt with that day, your arbitrator will have had time to read all of the papers well in advance, and your case will be finalised that day.

“When compared to the risk of waiting several months before the court can deal with your matter this seems like a very attractive option.

“Mediation is also still a possibility so if, for example, you are part-way through proceedings and are just trying to deal with, say, a progression of contact from short periods of overnight stays to more lengthy periods of holiday contact, this is something that a mediator could assist with. Again any agreement reached could be recorded in an Order to give the parties protection.

“The message therefore is all is not lost. If you need to make progress in relation to child access matters, and the willingness to do so is there on both sides, then there are options available away from the Court arena.”

Rayner Grice is a member of a specialist Resolution Working Party and an accredited Family Law Panel member with nearly 20 years’ experience of practising in all areas of family law.

She leads the family practice and is head of the Birmingham office of Clarke Willmott LLP which also has offices in Bristol, Cardiff, London, Manchester, Southampton and Taunton.

Affected parents can find further information here www.clarkewillmott.com or call 0800 422 0123

WHO WANTS TO

WIN! A £50 AMAZON GIFT CARD

Bristol’s Quality Advertising Magazines

AS A THANK YOU FOR SUBSCRIBING TO US ONE LUCK PERSON WILL WIN A AMAZON GIFT CARD EACH MONTH

T

IF

G D

R

A

C To enter all you need to do is email us this code

WIN0529

To info@directlocalonline.com with your full name Terms and conditions apply. You must be subscribed to our online magazine via our website and be over 18 to be entered.

Only one entrant per person and the entry must be a verified email address on our mailing list to enter.

The Draw will take place on the last working Friday of each month with the winner being announced on the 05/29/20 Any questions please contact us at info@directlocalonline.com

Bristol’s Quality Advertising Magazines

49

Add light, space & style

to your home

Windows • Doors • Conservatories Range of finance offers to help spread the cost

Clevedon Showroom: 01275 878153 Bristol Showroom: 0117 971 6067 www.britanniawindows.co.uk 50