Bristol Weekly Magazine 17th November 2022

BRISTOL’S FESTIVE CELEBRATIONS ARE COMIN’ TO TOWN

Bristol will feel more festive than ever this year with the unveiling of new sparkly Christmas lights and a Love Bristol Gift Card campaign designed to invite shoppers to the city to support local business this winter.

Bristol City Centre BID, Redcliffe & Temple BID and Broadmead BID have joined forces for 2022 to bring festive spirit to all corners of the city.

Corn Street will be transformed into Bristol’s answer to Carnaby Street with a love themed light installation adorning the historic street. With eight love lyrics to be spotted (and selfied under!), the city’s residents and visitors are sure to be feeling the love (Bristol) this Christmas. The city centre is now lit up after dark with Christmas light installations on King Street and the Old City, Park Street and Queens Road. Park Street is once again lit with stunning festoon lighting, which was launched in 2021, and this has been extended into Queens Road this year. The Love Bristol disco balls also return bringing sparkle to the streets outside the Clayton Hotel, Mother’s Ruin, Mr Wolf’s, Four Wise Monkeys and the Queen Shilling. You can expect to see the city twinkling once the lights turn on from 14 November.

In Broadmead, over-street Christmas lights have this year been joined by new canopies on Merchant Street North and South alongside sparkly tree lights on Union Street and The Horsefair, illuminated from 4th November. You can also find Broadmead’s highly successful Sunday market returning for a Christmassy edition, Festive Sundays Broadmead, operated by Better Events. On 20th November, and 4th, 11th and 18th December, the local, ethical market will showcase the best of Christmas gifts, including wreaths, handmade crafts and decorations from Bristol and beyond.

Just in time for Christmas stocking fill ers, the BIDs have also launched a new edition of the Love Bristol Gift Card: the Love Bristol Night Out Gift Card, shining a light on the businesses that make the Bristol night-time economy so diverse and exciting. With hotels, theatres, res taurants, clubs and bars throughout the city centre featured, the Night Out Gift Card is sure to make the perfect present for the city’s night owls this Christmas.

Brought to life in a campaign by the BIDs, a series of digital and print creatives have launched, demonstrating how the Love Bristol Gift Card means the best of Bristol is in the palm of your hand this Christmas - all ready to be gifted to loved ones.

Vicky Lee, Head of Bristol City Centre BID, said: “Whether you’re looking to treat your loved ones to sneakers, paint supplies, vintage clothes or a night out at one of Bristol’s best restaurants, the Love Bristol Gift Card has it all and is sure to delight when recipients find it in their stockings on Christmas morning. Our city has so much to offer and we’re thrilled that the most wonderful time of the year is finally here to see it sparkle even more than it usually does, through the festive lights and love lyrics that have appeared throughout the city.”

The lighting schemes across the city centre utilise LED lighting fixtures and components which are incredibly energy efficient and have a longer lifespan than other traditional lighting features.

COUNTDOWN TO BATH CHRISTMAS MARKET BEGINS

We’re less than 1 week out from the return of the hugely popular Bath Christmas Market, and to get residents in the Bath and North East Somerset area in the festive spirit, we’re throwing a spe cial preview evening on November 23.

This top-ten European market will have more than 170 amazing stalls spread across the city centre, making it one of the biggest Bath Christmas Markets to date.

On Wednesday, November 23, we’ll be opening our doors early, from 5pm to 7pm, so residents can come and check out all the great festive gifts and delicious food and drink on offer.

And to sweeten the deal, stallholders will be offering discounts from Mondays to Fridays to anyone who shows their Discovery Card during the preview evening or during the Christmas market. Discounts vary by trader, but usually include 10% off or money off if you spend over a certain amount. You can find details of any discounts offered un der each individual trader’s listing on the Bath Christmas Market website.

Bath Christmas Market celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and will run for 18 days from November 24 to De cember 11 as part of the wider ‘Bath at Christmas’ events.

Bath & North East Somerset Council is advising residents and visitors to the market to plan their journeys in advance and where they can access live information about public transport, including three different Park and Ride services, and car parking. Motorists are asked to note that Royal Avenue will be closed to public traffic during the event.

Variable message signs will be in place for the duration of the market to let motorists know how full car parks are on approach. Live occupancy levels are available at most car parks and can be checked online here

Extra staff will also be on hand with ticket machines at Park & Ride sites to speed up boarding. Buses will be running for longer hours into the evening throughout the market. Parking at the Park and Ride sites is free if taking the service into or out of the city.

First Bus’s journey planner

Information on Park & Ride sites

GWR ticket booker to visit Bath by train

Councillor Kevin Guy, coun cil Leader, said: “We’re really looking forward to seeing both residents and visitors from further afield returning to this year’s Bath Christmas Market. The residents’ preview evening is the perfect opportunity to meander through the market streets before bigger crowds start to gather and enjoy a festive evening for the whole family, so please do join us.

“It’s fantastic that the market is so popular and we are keen to welcome an increased number of visitors to see everything our World Heritage city has to offer. However, I’d like to highlight the public transport and parking options there are available. Bath is well-served by bus services including three different Park and Ride services and by regular train services, and our car parks in the city are well signposted with occupancy levels updated in real time.”

This year the market will also debut Christmas Carts on a three or four day let to twenty local micro-businesses, which for many of the traders will provide an opportunity to launch their fledgling businesses.

Sustainability is important to the market which has an emphasis on local artisan, locally produced food and good quality products. Single-use plastics are not permitted and all stallholders must use environmentally-friendly biodegradable alternatives to common single-use plastic products such as product packaging, bags, bottles, straws, containers, cups and cutlery.

All the on and off-street parking in Bath

WHATS ON

NOVEMBER 18

Hip Hop Coffee Shop Sessions

Description: Holly Flo Lightly (@holly_flo_lightly) is an underground Artist living in the North East of England. The SingerSongwriter has recently released “Moves like Water” with Beyonder on the new Metalheadz label; Headzstate. Tickets here.

Venue: Boston Tea Party 156 Cheltenham Rd Cotham Bristol BS6 5RL Race Night in aid of Jubilee Pool Description: Come along to a great Race night to raise urgently needed funds for Jubilee Pool.

Venue: Supreme Sports Lounge Meriton Street BS2 0SZ Bristol

NOVEMBER 19

The Bristol Brick Show

Description: Bristols biggest and best event is back again!! Amazing displays built from LEGO bricks, wonderful LEGO stalls and play areas. All proceeds go to 2 brilliant charities.

Venue: Seat Unique Stadium Nevil Rd Bishopston Bristol BS7 9EJ

Live Music with Johnny Lawless Description: Live Music with Johnny Lawless - Rock, Blues, Pop - A variety for all.

Venue: The Phoenix Bar Victoria Square Portishead Bristol BS20 6AQ

The Take That experience

Description: Don’t miss this tribute to one of pop’s greatest bands Take That. Pristine sound, immaculate lighting and dynamic dance routines, complement breathtaking versions of their Greatest Hits. Tickets £12.50

Venue: BAWA 589 Southmead Road Filton Bristol BS34 7RG

NOVEMBER 20

Being Human

Description: This talk is an introduction to all the things Being Human will be about: Common humanity. Our culture is divisive, the powers that be rely on our division. So the only way forward is beginning to understand that our only enemy is the illusory barriers between us. Sounds idealistic but I think it is the only chance we have.

Venue: Seat Unique Stadium Nevil Rd Bishopston Bristol BS7 9EJ

Foster $ Allen

Description: International Recording artists Foster & Allen look forward to Celebrating over 47 years in the Music Business with their UK Tour.

Venue: Playhouse Weston 26-130 High St Weston-super-Mare BS23 1HP

World Cup: England v Iran

Description: The match starts at 13:00 pm. After the incredible atmosphere at the Men’s and Women’s EURO tournaments, the giant screens are back for the World Cup. Join us with up to 1000 fans with fantastic drink deals available. Great food from Pizzarova and the special menu at PY Kitchen.

Venue: Propyard 39-46 Feeder Rd Bristol BS2 0SE

Mary Gauthier

Description: With song writing as powerful as hers, there’s no need to go looking for qualifiers. She’s a unique, intrinsically valuable musical voice. And there’s never a surplus of those.” — Randy Lewis, Los Angeles Time.

Venue: Hen & Chicken 210 North St Southville Bristol BS3 1JF

Splat and the chocolate factory

Description: come and get messy with different materials to explore using all our senses with are all about chocolate week. splat messy play provide classes for children 6 months plus. One off classes are £7 per child, sibling discount is available.

Venue: YMCA Marson Rd Clevedon BS21 7NN

Rising Sun Open Mic

Description: Come on down to my new open mic night. You get a 15 minute slot to share your music, act, comedy, poetry, magic or spoken word.

Venue: The Rising Sun 21 Ashton Road BS3 2EA Bristol

Satellite of Love

Description: Satellite of Love Poetry and Spoken Word run monthly events, workshops and writing retreats. Our monthly events at the John Sebastian Lightship offer a platform for local and touring poets, open mic and a community poem. Event date 23rd Nov, doors & Bar open - 7pm.

Venue: John Sebastian Lightship Cabot Crusing ClubBathurst Basin Redcliffe Bristol BS1 6SG

Wayne Snow

Description: Wayne Snow’s music exudes an enchanting, vibrant warmth. Channeling the sounds of his Nigerian upbringing, Snow crafts a rich and sultry blend of sun-kissed soul and expansive jazz drawing on influences such as Fela Kuti and Sade alongside his love for Afrofuturism. Event date 24th Nov, Doors: 19.30d

Venue: Exchange 72 Old Market BS2 0EJ Bristol

ARMAGEDDON TIME

From acclaimed filmmaker James Gray, ARMAGEDDON TIME is a deeply personal story on the strength of family, the complexity of friendship and the generational pursuit of the American Dream.

In cinemas 18th November

DECISION TO LEAVE

BLACK ADAM

ROAD SAFETY AWARENESS WEEK 2022

According to Road Safety charity, Brake, people in the South West are said to be at ‘grave risk’.

Brake, a road safety charity, has launched its annual awareness weekwith a focus on calling for an end to the “carnage” on our roads here in the South West.

This year’s Road Safety Awareness Week focuses on ‘Safe Roads for All’. This is especially poignant as it was only earlier this year that the Highway Code changed, to give more priority to cyclists and pedestrians.

Brake has revealed that, here in the South West, 2,291 people were killed or seriously injured on roads in the region last year. These statistics were compiled and released by the Government.

• There was a 19 per cent increase for the number of people killed or seriously injured on roads in the South West - that’s compared to 14 per cent across the country

• 706 out of the 2,291 (Nearly 1 in 3) road deaths and serious injuries were cyclists or people on footthat’s an increase of 18 percent between 2020 and 2021

• 50 per cent of deaths and serious injuries (558 out of 1,125) on roads with speed limits of 50mph or less were cyclists or people on foot

• The number of deaths and serious injuries for people on foot on roads with 30mph speed limits was more than 5 times that of 20mph roads

• 553 out of 2,291 (Nearly 1 in 4) road deaths and serious injuries were motorcyclists - that’s a 20 per cent increase between 2020 and 2021, compared to a 16% rise in Britain

Nationally, Government figures show a post-pandemic increase in road deaths and injuries in Britain in 2021 compared with 2020, with 1,558 deaths on roads in 2021, a 7% increase compared with 2020.

There were 25,892 serious injuries, meaning for every death there were more than 16 serious injuries - according to the data compiled for Brake with information from the Department for Transport.

The United Nations target is a reduction of 50% in deaths and serious injuries on roads by 2030, yet casualty reduction in Britain in recent years has been occurring at a slower rate than other European nations, and has now increased.

Mary Williams OBE, chief executive of Brake, said: “The carnage on roads, that takes lives indiscriminately, devastates families, and causes appalling injuries, must end. No death or serious injury on roads is acceptable.

"Brake's National Road Victim Service sees the devastation caused by road crashes, which strike at the heart of families. We can and must all work together to stop these appalling tragedies and make our roads safe for all.

"We are appealing to everyone, particularly drivers, employers and communities, to shout out for Safe Roads for All in Road Safety Week and every week. Whether you are a driver slowing down, an employer introducing more safe driving policies, or a community working with a local authority for a 20mph limit, we can all make a difference.

The charity is appealing for schools, communities, and employers to get involved and shout out for safer roads by signing up for a free Road Safety Week action pack. It also gives ideas about how to fundraise for Brake’s National Road Victim Service, which supports 1,000 bereaved and catastrophically in jured road victims a year who are facing the shock and devastation of the death or terrible injury of a loved one.

Road Safety Week is organised by Brake, the road safety charity and sponsored by Arval UK, DHL Supply Chain and VisionTrack. It supports the Department for Transport’s THINK! campaign.

NATIONAL ESPRESSO DAY

What’s the difference between espresso and just plain coffee?

According to professional baristas, it doesn’t really matter what kind of bean you use, or how it’s roasted — it’s all in the way the beans are brewed. Forcing pressurized water through finely-ground coffee beans produces a concentrated brew with its signature delicate foam.

This foam, or crema, to use its proper name, contains concentrated sugars and oils from the beans, adding a light sweetness that helps balance out the bitterness. Grab an espresso on November 23 to taste the difference for yourself!

3 UNCOMMON WAYS TO USE ESPRESSO (HINT: YOU DON’T DRINK ANY OF THEM)

Add espresso powder to your next batch of cookies

Espresso powder (concentrated coffee granules), can be added to many cake and cookie recipes, such as brownies and chocolate chip cookies, for a delicious mocha flavor twist.

Trade in your usual vinegar for espresso balsamic vinegar

Whether you’re making a simple vinaigrette or a complex meat marinade mixture, espresso balsamic vinegar will bring a rich new flavor profile to the table.

Indulge in the Italian confection caffé affogato

One last Italian lesson: this dessert is a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream “drowned” (affogato) by pouring a shot of hot espresso over it — molto delizioso!

THE UK’S MOST TALKED ABOUT NAIL SALON HAS COME TO BRISTOL!

The UK’s leading nail salon, Townhouse, will be opening Townhouse Cribbs Causeway on the 11th of November. Known for its celebrity clientele, such as Drake, Kim Cattrall and Emilia Clarke, Townhouse will be bringing their per fectly polished manicures, chic nail art designs and Instagrammable salon to Bristol just in time for the festive party season! Expect state-of-the-art tech nology with easy self-book kiosks and digital colour libraries giving the ultimate, modern-day pamper experience like none other.

“My goal was to create a modern aesthetic with a playful twist, giving the space a holiday-esque feeling! I wanted the salon to be an oasis of beauty, style, and creativity - everything H Beauty embodies. Each element has been thoughtfully designed to meet all our client's needs, whether they need a quick lunch break polish, some relaxing me-time, or an evening catch-up over a glass of bub bles with a friend.” – Juanita Huber-Mil let, Founder and Creative Director Clients will have access to Townhouse’s acclaimed treatment menu including seasonal nail art collections and three exclusive Harrods-inspired designs.

To celebrate the opening, Townhouse will be offering their renowned beauty gift bags with each booking, including products from SLIP, 111 Skin, Maison Francis Kurkdjian, Huda Beauty, Dermalogica, Fresh, Malin+Goetz & Dry Bar. Plus, Mirabeau will be providing complimentary beverages so clients can enjoy their treatment with a Belle Année Rosé! While stocks last. Terms and conditions apply.

LOCATION

Townhouse Cribbs Causeway, H Beauty Bristol, The Mall at Cribbs Causeway, Bristol, BS8 4JG

MUSHROOM & POTATO FRITTATA

Ingredients

• 500g baby potatoes, halved

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 150g baby button mushrooms, large ones halved

• 120g Co-op grated mature Cheddar

• 6 medium h eggs, beaten

Method

Put the potatoes into a pan of cold water.

Bring to the boil and simmer for 12-15 mins, until tender, then drain

Preheat the oven to 180°C, fan 160°C, gas 4

When the potatoes are nearly cooked, heat half the oil in a 20cm ovenproof fry ing pan (base measurement) and fry the mushrooms over a medium to high heat for 5 mins

Lower the heat and cook for a further 5 mins, then remove the mushrooms from the pan

Add the remaining oil to the pan and put it over a low to medium heat

Add the cooked potatoes and mushrooms to the pan, and season

Add three-quarters of the cheese to the beaten eggs and pour over the vegeta bles

Sprinkle over the remaining cheese and cook gently for 5 mins

Transfer to the oven and cook for 15 mins, until cooked through and golden Serve in wedges

CHOCOLATE CHUNK COOKIE CHEESECAKE Ingredients

• 8 double chocolate chunk cookies

• 45g unsalted butter, melted

• 300ml double cream

• 2 x 200g tubs soft cheese

• Juice of 1 lemon

Method

Line a 20cm loose-bottomed cake tin with greaseproof paper

Whizz the cookies in a food processor or bash with a rolling pin to give fine crumbs

Put 200g of the cookie crumbs into a bowl with the melted butter

Stir until fully combined, then press into the bottom of the cake tin and chill for 1 hour until set

Put 135g of the remaining cookie crumbs into a bowl and stir in the double cream

Place in the fridge for 1 hour

Stir together the cream and cookie mixture, the soft cheese and lemon juice, then spoon into the tin over the cookie crumb base

Decorate with the remaining cookie crumbs and leave to chill in the fridge for 2-3 hours, until set Timings exclude chilling

BRISTOL CLEAN AIR ZONE DRIVERS

without paying the fee will be fined £120 for the first six weeks of the scheme.

The ‘Special Pay Offer’ scheme put in place by Bristol City Council, which will run from the day the Clean Air Zone starts on November 28th through December and into the New Year, will allow drivers caught in trouble by the cameras a reprieve.

The show scheme will end on January 8, but any motorist who drives into the Clean Air Zone with a car that is responsible for paying the toll but has not done so from Monday January 9—six weeks after the zone began operat ing—will have to pay the fine.

Bristol Clean Air District: Everything we know about the scheme a month before it goes into effect

The special payment offer scheme will offer motorists who have not paid a clean air zone fee the chance to do so within seven days, and they will not be fined. If the motorist pays the fare for that trip – which is set at £9 for a car or van and £100 for a van, bus or van over 3.5 tonnes – the fine will be waived.

at £120 per penalty ticket, which drops to £60 if paid within 14 days. Motorists fined for driving in a CAZ in a toll car will also have to pay the initial fee, in addition to the fine, so after January 9, a trip to the Clean Air Zone without paying the toll first will cost motorists £129 or £69. pounds sterling.

It is estimated that between 75-80 per cent of privately owned vehicles in Bristol will not be affected at all by the Clean Air Zone as they are newer models and do not pollute enough to qualify for shipping. The council has set up a website where drivers can provide their registra tion number and see if CAZ applies to them.

However, a quarter or a fifth of vehicles that will be responsible for paying CAZ tolls is still a considerable number. When the Zone Clean Air cameras installed at entrances to Bristol city center from Bath Road at Totterdown to Portway and Winterstock Road at Ashton Gate came into operation in September, the city council tested the systems by generating and sending messages to every motorist whose car would be liable for the toll.

In the three weeks of September, nearly 100,000 motorists received messages warning them that starting November 28, they would have to pay a Clean Air Zone fee before making the same trip again.

AGENT “IN THE HOT SEAT” WHAT’S A “TENANT FIND?”

A tenant-find (frequently referred to as a “tenant find only” service) is a service of fered by most letting agents to landlords that wish to manage their own proper ties. A typical tenant-find service will include marketing services to generate tenant enquiries and tenant-referencing services. Then once a suitable tenant is found, the agent will assist in arranging a tenancy agreement, and then leave the responsibility of managing the tenancy/ property to the landlord.

The service is purely designed to assist landlords in finding tenants and creating a “proper tenancy” for the landlord to then manage themselves.

PROS

This is a good option for self-managing landlords, especially for more hands-off property models, such as single lets or family lets. Choosing this service, means that a landlord can leverage their agent’s experience with tenant selection and referencing, whilst also benefitting from their agent’s regulation and compliance knowledge too, in setting up a proper and compliant tenancy.

CONS

Once a tenant is found, referenced, contract signed and checked in, the lan dlord is left to manage all other aspects of the tenancy themself. This includes all communication and interaction with the tenant and all maintenance. It also means that, moving forward, and be yond the tenancy creation, the responsi bility for all compliance issues (including keeping up with the ever-changing nature of compliance and regulations) remain the responsibility of the landlord.

TENANT FIND VERSUS FULL MANAGEMENT

Where, with a tenant find service, the agent’s services do not extend beyond the check in, Full Management “does what it says on the tin.” A full management service incorporates all aspects of managing the tenancy. This often works well for landlords who do not have the time, experience, or knowledge to self-manage, or who have more than one property. It can also work well for more compliant or time intensive property models, like HMOs (Houses of multiple occupation) or SA (Serviced accommo dation).

THE COST

This will vary from agent to agent, as with all costings. My only comment here would be, to look at the cost as an indi cation of time spent. Selecting a good quality tenant is an art form and there is a huge difference between finding a tenant and selecting a good tenant.

There is also the viewings process, referencing and contract creation, inventory (if you are going to have one) and check in to be completed. So, there is a considerable amount of work involved in the tenant find service, if it’s done correctly, so don’t be lured in by very low prices. We charge £50% of the first month’s rent (minimum of £499) for this service.

OUR TENANT FIND VERSUS OUR FULL MANAGEMENT

With our Tenant Find, you get to leverage exactly the same experience, knowledge and team as you get with full management, just for the part of the process that you need. We don’t outsou rce any part of our lettings service, so you get the full KPA experience, just for the “tenant find bit.”

US VERSUS OUR COMPETITORS

There are some great agents out there and, whilst it’s hard to comment, specifi cally, on exactly how they carry out their Tenant Find service, a chat with them would soon answer any of your questions and queries. Most agents define the service in a very similar way and are very happy to carry out a tenant find for a landlord, understanding that they would like help and assistance at the “front end” of the tenancy but, wish to carry out the remainder of the management of the tenancy themselves.

If you have found this subject useful, then you can find other, related, blog articles here:

https://kpa.co.uk/tenant-selection-partart-part-science/

https://kpa.co.uk/why-tenants-are-likeapples-and-how-to-pick-a-good-one/

https://kpa.co.uk/a-commonsense-ap proach-to-referencing/

https://kpa.co.uk/the-perfect-viewing/

TOTS READY TO SPREAD JOY AT CHRISTMAS

Bristol-based loneliness charity Marmalade Trust has invited some of the youngest members of society to make their own creative contribu tions to hampers that the charity is currently putting together for people who would oth erwise be on their own at Christmas

Children who attend Mama Bear’s Day Nurseries at Crew’s Hole, Grove Leaze, Springhill Green, Long Road, Thicket Avenue and Whiteladies Road loved the idea of making festive decorations for inclusion in the hampers, and have been busy producing all sorts of Christmassy items.

Emma Cave, marketing executive with Mama Bear’s, said: “We were delighted to be asked and the children have had a lovely time making the decorations.

“We explained to the little ones that not everyone is lucky enough to be able to spend Christmas with people they love, and how special it would be for them to know the children had taken the trouble to make something beautiful for them.

“They are such generous little souls, they got a lot of pleasure from knowing that they could do something to make someone else happy.

Details about Marmalade Trust’s Christmas scheme can be seen here: https://www.marmaladetrust.org/christmas

“The team at Marmalade Trust are a fantastic bunch and do great work, which we’re very pleased to support like this.”

The charity’s Christmas Cheer events co-ordinator, Ellie Burns, said: “Thanks so much to Mama Bears for all these wonderful decorations - I just know our member’s will absolutely love receiving these from the children.”

Marmalade Trust’s aim is to bring joy and companionship to people who would otherwise be alone at Christmas, often such a difficult time of year for someone struggling with loneliness. Their outreach work includes an invitation to a free festive lunch on 25 December, or a door step visit if members prefer, or if getting out is too challenging.

The lunches are currently held in pubs or restaurants throughout Bristol, South Gloucestershire and the North Somerset region, and each member also receives a connection doorstep visit in November and a Christmas gift.

The family-run Mama Bear’s group runs 24 day nurseries across Bristol and the South West and is known for its affordable and flexible childcare provision, giving children their first vital level of education to give them a head-start when they start at primary school.

Further information about places for children and about career opportunities at Mama Bear’s are available at www. mamabear.co.uk

Has your property gone up in price?

WHEN SHOULD YOU PUT UP YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE AND DECORATIONS?

Christmas trees and decorations are traditionally put up at the start of Advent, when Christians begin celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. So this year, Advent is on Sunday, 27 November.

Many of us opt to put up our Christmas decorations at an earlier date, with research showing that people who do so are generally happier.

But how early is too early? Read on to learn more about why we decorate for Christmas - and when to take your deco rations down.

Deciding when to deck the halls is a great divider. Although it certainly feels like winter outside and some of us are antsy to start decorating for the festive season, there are several different tradi tions and beliefs as to when we should start putting up the Christmas tree and decorations.

While some prefer to wait until mid to late December to dig out the decorations, others like to get their Christmas on the minute Halloween is out of the way.

But when is the official date we should be getting the house all festive for Christmas?

WHAT DOES TRADITION SAY?

Traditionally, Christmas trees should be put up and decorated at the start of Advent, which is the season when Christians prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, known as Advent Sunday, and always ends on Christmas Eve (24 December).

This means that this year, Advent falls on Sunday, 27 November.

So, if you’re keen to follow tradition, this is the earliest date that you should be putting your tree up.

Some say it’s unlucky to put your tree up prior to this date. However, other tradi tions also claim that popping up your tree more than 12 days before Christmas is unlucky, too.

PORTISHEAD RAILWAY LINE RECEIVES DEVELOPMENT CONSENT ORDER

Portishead Railway Group (PRG) is delighted that the Secretary of State for Transport accepted the Portishead Branch Line Development Consent Order (DCO) application. The announce ment is cause for great celebration. It has been a long andarduous journey to get to this most welcome point in the saga of reopening the railway to passenger traffic.

PRG also thanks and congratulates North Somerset Council staff for their hard work that resulted in the success of the DCO application, and Dr Liam Fox MP for his tireless work over many years to support the case for Portishead rail in Parliament and central government. Thanks are also owed to the three other local councils for their patience and support, and to WECA for also lobbying central government.

PRG members, and the people of Por tishead and of Pill, are only too aware of the need for the town’s rail link with Bristol and beyond, the great benefits of which are well known and demonstrated in the DCO application. Urgent action is now required to push forward with construction so as to help solve the existing road congestion and resulting pollution problems,as soon as possible.

The acceptance of the DCO application is a prime example of local councils, regardless of political affiliation, working together for the common local good.

PRG will now turn its attention to what sort of stations and amenities can be provided at Portishead and Pill, to make this important new alternative transport offer as attractive as possible to those who currently use road transport.

Alan Matthews, Chair of Portishead Railway Group says, “This is a very welcomeannouncement. The Portishead line has always had a very strong business case and we are pleased that this was recognised by the Secretary of State. We now look forward to seeing the business case and full design so that the contracts can finally be put in place forconstruction of the line to start.”

THIS WEEK’S ROUND-UP OF LOCAL NEWS

Brislington bids get the go ahead:

At a recent meeting at City Hall, all the Community Infrastructure Levy bids from across Greater Brislington received unanimous support from local councillors. Bids include the joint Brislington West and East bid for road safety improvements on Wick Road and Newbridge Road and biodiversity and recreational improvements at Arnos Court Park. At the meeting, we also spoke about the new ‘mudslide’ in the local park. Our fellow councillors were shocked at the way the specifications for this job were changed without con sultation and what has been delivered is poor quality and not fit for purpose. We insisted that the council deliver a tarmac path, which is what the Friends group won funding for almost two years ago.

Vote for Jubilee Jules: Now that Jubilee Pool belongs to the local community, let’s try to support it as much as we can.

Why not vote for Jules, Chair of the Friends group, in this online poll? You could help Jubilee win a £5000 prize: https://www.marshcommercial.co.uk/ campaigns/for-the-people-awards-2022/ passionate/rachel-heateon?fbclid=IwAR0yHsiCefkuYmzAFGcK5dAcAqHfOfs1gmrVPGemkgHveXtignY_sF26a6Q

CATT Community bus comes to Brislington:

Following the loss of Bristol’s Dial-a-Ride bus service, not to mention some of our regular bus services, we were delighted to speak to the team at CATT Commu nity Transport, based in Hartcliffe and Withywood, about providing a community bus for Brislington residents. Initially, they would like to organize a once-a-week, door-to-door, shopping service, and if the demand is there, this could be expanded. All their buses are fully accessible and cater for people in wheelchairs or with mobility needs. For more details, please check out their website, and if you have any further queries, please feel free to contact the CATT office on 0117 3773451

Jos and Andrew With the Wick Road Community Speedwatch Team

https://hwcp.org.uk/catt-community-transport/

Advance notice - Whitby Road closure in December:

A quick heads-up about a temporary road closure from Unicorn Business Park southwards for 171 metres along Whitby Road, which is anticipated to take place between 10pm on 12th December to 6am on 13th December. This is due to railway bridge survey works. ALTERNATIVE ROUTE: Whitby Road (part unaffected), New Brislington Bridge, Feeder Road, Short Street, Albert Crescent, Albert Road, St. Philips Causeway, Whitby Road (part unaffected) and vice versa.

Democracy Bristol - Stand to be a Councillor:

Bristol City Council is running a couple of ‘Be a Councillor’ events as part of their commitment to promote local democracy and public engagement in decisionmaking in Bristol. If you are curious about the role of a councillor and what it involves, if you are interested in standing as a local councillor now or in the future, if you know someone who should stand for public office, then come along to one of the following meetings this month: Virtual on Microsoft Teams Monday 21st November 19:00-21:00

https://www.eventbrite. com/e/445961943177

In Person at City Hall, College Green Saturday 26th November 10:00-12:00

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ democracy-bristol-stand-to-bea-councillor-in-person-event-tickets-445958833877

For information on being a Councillor, please visit: Get involved in local democracy (bristol.gov.uk)

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@bris tol.gov.uk Mobile: 07584 183381

WALKING WORKOUT IS GOOD FOR YOUR BODY

The UK is largely populated with sedentary workers, we take less and less exercise. Yet one of the most simple forms is also the most effective - walking. There is evidence to suggest that regular brisk walks could be as good for us, if not better, than strenuous jogging.

WHAT DOES WALKING DO TO YOUR BODY?

Regular walking, like most aerobic activi ties, is great for you because cardio-vas cular exercise strengthens the heart and lungs, overall increasing fitness. Together with healthy diet and other exercise plans, it can also help with weight loss and tone up muscles

A sports science lecturer at the University of Exeter is a firm believer in the benefits of walking, and said: ‘It can improve muscle endurance as well as muscle strength, especially in the lower body.

‘It is also good for bones and improves the body’s cardiovascular system. It also helps boost circulation.

Power-walking - keeping a brisk pace at moderate to high intensity - can burn the same amount of calories as running or jogging. So it is very useful for helping with weight loss ‘Because it is low impact, it does not have the same potential for injury as jogging or running. Yet it can offer all the benefits.’

Walking helps to drain the lower legs of excess fluid and can help prevent varicose veins through the pumping action of the calf muscles. The increased supply of oxygen exercise promotes also gets rid of the waste products in the tissues.

Because more people are able to walk at a consistent speed than run, it is a more beneficial form of tissue-cleansing, partic ularly for people over-50, As jogging can actually cause more problems.'

Did you know walking is also better for the spine than running, as it puts less stress on the discs. As we are designed for constant movement, not sitting in cars or in front of computers, which causes negative pressures on our spinal cord.

Regular walking is excellent for spinal discs, which receive minerals and vitamins through the pumping action it causes. The best thing is that you can see results from walking very quickly - although it depends on each person's individual level of fitness, age and how often and fast they are walking.

WHAT DOES IT DO TO YOUR FEET?

The main players in regular walking are, of course, your feet. And we don’t use them in the best way.

Our feet were made for walking about. And that’s exactly what they should do as It’s the best way of exercising the 50-odd muscles we have in our feet.

we learn to walk as infants, very few of us have continued to walk correctly.

For instance, a slight 'bounce' while walking not only slows you down, but also places a strain on joints.

When taking a step, let the heel land first. If you think about how your body weight is distributed, it makes sense to land the foot in a heel-to-toe motion as you take the movement from heel towards the ball of the foot, try to make a slight rolling motion inwards. This will help to give you more power when you push off with your foot. The result will be a faster stride. Walking can burn just as many calories as jogging if you walk with a special technique.

It’s called the race walking wiggle. If you walk with a slight swivel in your hips with each stride, it makes you move faster. Yes, it can make you look a little strange but, mile for mile, it uses the same calo ries as you would if you were jogging.'

Also maintaining your posture also makes a huge contribution in obtaining the maximum benefits from walking. walk tall and also holding the ribcage up and tummy muscles in.

This means you get an additional midriff work-out while walking. Also it’s advised to squeeze your bottom in as you walk since this tightens the gluteus maximus muscles.

Imagine you are holding a £50 note between the cheeks, so that you achieve a firmer bottom and also get a more effective walking session.'

minutes daily, for a minimum of five days a week. But you can split the walk into a couple of 15-minute journeys each day or make up for lost time with an extra-long walk at the weekend.

Walking beats other forms of exercise as there are excellent strategies for boosting the amount you do.

For example, getting off at an earlier bus-stop than your usual one will add on a two to three minute walk. That may not sound much, but if you do that twice a day, every day, it all adds up.

Another great tip is walking up a flight of stairs instead of taking the lift. Even a brisk walk around the block for ten minutes in your lunch break contributes to your daily walking too.

HOW TO KEEP IT UP?

Also there is psychological benefits to walking. When you walk, just like any other form of exercise, your body has a chemical release of serotonin, the natural feel good chemical.

Also the release of endorphins, which are happy hormones, which is why people feel on a natural high at the end of an exercise session. Remembering how you feel should be an incentive for you to keep it up. However linking up with a 'walking buddy' can also help with motivation. If you have a commitment to meet a friend for that walk, you are less likely to cancel. Where as if you are planning to walk on your own, it is often easier to make excuses and put it off.

COMMUNITY LEARNING AND SKILLS SERVICE PARTICIPANTS CELEBRATE

Adult learners from South Gloucester shire were celebrated at an event that recognised the ways they have thrived by taking part in South Gloucestershire Council’s Community Learning and Skills Service (CLaSS) courses and 1:1 career progression programmes.

The learners were recognised for their resilience, significant achievements and innovation, as well as awards being handed out for a Community Champion and a Hidden Hero.

In total seven awards and over 25 certificates were presented to learners who completed Functional Skills and Accredited Employability courses. In addition, over 40 learners were rec ognised with 100 per cent attendance through the presentation of Attendance Scrolls.

Councillor Erica Williams, cabinet member responsible for skills, schools and employment and Councillor Sanjay Shambhu, Chair of South Gloucestershire Council, welcomed over 100 participants and their families to this annual celebratory evening.

Councillor Williams said: “The Commu nity Learning and Skills Service works with local people to help them overcome barriers, stretch their minds and build resilience.

“Through taking part and working with the service, so many of the participants are making huge strides to improve their work skills and are feeling empowered to reach for their aspirations in both their work and home lives. It was great to see how much this recognition means to the participants and their families.”

Councillor Shambhu said: “It was a pleasure to celebrate the hard work and success of all the inspirational learners who have achieved so much over the last year, particularly recognising the journeys they have been on.

“Congratulations to all those involved for their successes, and I wish them all the very best for their futures.”

Learner of the Year, Richard Williams, heard about the Community Learning course ‘Developing your Reading Skills’ from his Future Bright career coach. He joined the course and having now completed it has progressed to a Func tional Skills English class.

Richard is now, in light of his improved confidence and skills, looking to set up his own garden maintenance business.

Richard said: “I get on well with the other learners in my class and we support each other to make sure we are all learning. My teachers have told me that they are impressed with the progress I have made. I feel if I continue to make progress, I will in the not-too-distant future be able to pursue the job of my dreams.”

Last year over 700 learners attended courses in South Gloucestershire covering a wide range of subjects, aiming to help people grow in confidence, improve their skills and progress to further learning or employment.

For more information and to find out about the courses and career progression programmes offered visit www.southglos.gov.uk/communitylearning

WELCOMING SPACES OPEN THEIR DOORS FOR BRISTOL RESIDENTS

As we experience the colder winter months, some people in Bristol will have to choose between heating their homes and buying food. This is an incredibly difficult position to be in, and one that I hoped we would never be in. With energy bills and other costs rising, we want to make sure that the Bristol resi dents most impacted by the national cost of living crisis have access to help and support.

Since April, Mayor Marvin Ress has been having regular conversations with community partners, and it was clear back then that we needed to be prepared for a change in autumn as the cost of living continued to increase. Until recently, people haven’t needed to put the heating on much, but as the colder months begin, things will get more difficult for many.

As part of these discussions, the concept of warm, Welcoming Spaces was developed. The first of these spaces are now open. We want to support residents struggling with rising energy prices without stigmatising people. We’re already seeing that some people who haven’t face financial challenge before now are, and it’s important to us that everyone feels welcome.

A Welcoming Space is a place that is already established in the community, for example a community centre, care home, children’s centre, or places of worship, where people can meet up, socialise, keep warm and if needed access support with the cost of living crisis. These spaces are inclusive, accessible and about communities coming together.

Venues will be re sponding to community priorities which means what happens in each space will vary, but is likely to include Wi-Fi, access to electrical charging points, activities and community meals. There will be support provided by city-wide organisations including practical advice about money and finance, emotional wellbeing, mental health support, and employment and skills.

We have created a map of the Welcom ing Spaces which are currently operating and will add more as they open their doors in the coming weeks.

TAKE A BREAK AND TRY TO SOLVE THESES PUZZLES

Here are this week’s puzzles designed to test your mental skills.

Remember you can download our puzzels and print them off HERE. Good luck!

EASY MEDIUM

WEEKLY GUESS THE WORD COMPETITION ANSWER

The winner of last week’s guess the word competition was Marion from Bristol who won £25 cash!

If you want to enter our competition each week to win cash all you need to do is subscribe to Bristol Weekly Magazine HERE and guess the word. Then email us your answer with your name using the link in the subscribers email. Deadline for entering your answer is midnight every Tuesday.

Good luck!

HARD EXTREME

ESCAPE THE MAZE

Can you find your way through this difficult maze?

CEO SLEEPOUT BRISTOL

BillyChip®, the social enterprise scheme supporting rough sleepers, will be taking part in the CEO Sleepout in Bristol with Jon Hope, Co-Founder at BillyChip, joining over 40 other business leaders for the event at Clifton Rugby Club later this month.

CEO Sleepout, which is being held on Monday 28th November between 8pm and 6am, will see business leaders, business owners and senior execs from Bristol and the surrounding area sleep outside overnight to raise money and awareness of homelessness and pov erty. As well as senior leaders, the CEO Sleepout will include some household names including Martin Roberts, a keen supporter of BillyChip.

Since being established in 2013, CEO Sleepout has held events at venues across the country, including Wembley Stadium, St James' Park Newcastle, Old Trafford Cricket Ground, The Alnwick Garden and Lord's Cricket Ground. In to tal the initiative has raised over £3 million for charity.

Jon Hope, Co-Founder at BillyChip, shared: "As the cost-of-living crisis takes hold homelessness is becoming a sad reality for so many people. We're committed to keeping the conversation about homelessness front and centre in people's minds, especially with the colder months approaching. Taking part in this important local initiative is really important to us and gives a great chance for people to come together to fight homelessness in Bristol and beyond."

Jon's involvement at CEO Sleepout will raise funds for BillyChip and Help Bris tol's Homeless, and donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ jon-hope1.

Jon Hope, Co-Founder at BillyChip, preparing for the CEO Sleepout in Bristol

HOTELIERS PLEDGE TO SUPPORT BRISTOL AUTISM CHARITY

Hoteliers pledge support for Bristol autism charity

Christmas came early for the Bristol Autism Support organisation when it was named by the Bristol Hoteliers Association as its charity partner for 2023.

The charity says the move will enable it to continue to provide much-needed support for thousands of local families who are affected by autism.

Bristol Autism Support (BAS) will now be the main benefactor for the annual ‘Night of the Stars’ event organised by the Bristol Hoteliers Association (BHA), which will take place on March 2 at Ashton Gate Stadium.

This year’s glittering gala raised more than £1,200 for charity.

Imran Ali, the BHA’s Head of Charity, said: “Our decision to partner with Bristol Autism Support was driven by a unanimous desire to encourage change and support for our local communities.

“Our 35 members are uniquely based in Bristol and the immediate surrounding area, which has an excellent overlap with the work carried out by the charity.

“We are proud to be supporting them, having them as the main benefactor of an annual ball in March. We will also be organising a charity golf day in Spring 2023, as well as a range of other smaller fund-raising events throughout 2023.”

Jade Page, Parent Support Manager at Bristol Autism Support, said: “We are proud to have been selected as the charity partner for the Bristol Hoteliers Association.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to work with the BHA and to help us continue to support parents, carers and their families throughout the city.

“Funds raised by the BHA will go towards support groups, information sessions for parents/carers, and family events, all of which provide valuable assistance to local families affected by autism.”

BAS began as a small pub group in 2012 but has grown into a respected charity with more than 3,000 local families in its network.

It is a peer-to-peer support charity for parents and carers of autistic children, either diagnosed or undiagnosed, in Bristol.

Its goal is to improve outcomes for autistic children by providing their parents/carers with information and timely support while connecting them with other parents and carers, to share experiences, knowledge and provide mutual support with like-minded people.

Jade added: “By supporting the parents and carers, we help them to become better at supporting their autistic children. We aim to provide a safe-haven and a community for Bristol’s autism families in order to reduce isolation and improve mental and physical wellbeing.”

To find out more about Bristol Autism Support, visit its website, www.bristolautismsupport.org

To find out more about the Bristol Hoteliers Association, visit, www.bris tol-hoteliers.co.uk

BRISTOL BUSINESSES STAR IN NEW SHOW ON AMAZON’S PRIME VIDEO

Released on Amazon’s Prime Video, all five episodes of Business As Unusual star two businesses from Bristol – salon NOCO Hair and travel company Inside Travel Group. The series follows eight companies on a journey through lock downs, re-openings and the every-day challenges faced by businesses across the UK.

Narrated by Downton Abbey’s Phyllis Logan, the audience is given a fascinating bird’s eye view of business owners navigating through one of the most unpredictable periods in modern history with the guidance of a local business coach, Gary Keating. The series starts at the onset of the pandemic and grips viewers wondering if the business owner heroes will survive the toughest business conditions in living memory.

The scenarios are real and some are seemingly impossible, not least the business partners with travel company, Inside Travel Group in Quay Street, specialising in tours to Japan – a coun try with one of the longest lockdown periods! Whilst NOCO Hair not only contends with lockdowns but also opens a second salon in Clifton in addition to their original salon in Redlands – all with strict guidelines to keep staff and customers safe and healthy.

This series is perfect for anyone thinking of becoming a business owner, under standing the mindset and action needed during times of crisis. For those already fully immersed in business ownership, this show will draw parallels to situa tions you have faced, not only during the pandemic but on a daily basis. And for anyone looking for a heartfelt docu mentary showing how both professional and personal lives collided during the pandemic, this is a window into the lives of some business owners struggling to ensure the job security of their staff and families.

“It was certainly an experience being followed around by a filming crew over the course of two of the most tumultuous years but I think it’s really important for people to see behind the scenes of businesses during that time. There are so many lessons to be learned which are valuable considering the current eco nomic climate,” said Gary Keating from ActionCOACH Bristol.

Search Business As Unusual on your Prime Video streaming service to watch now or follow this link here

EXECUTING A WILL – DON'T BURY YOUR HEAD IN THE SAND

An executor is a person who has the re sponsibility of administering a deceased person’s estate. They are appointed by a person’s will and their role begins when that person dies.

Executors have a whole host of responsibilities, including:

• Organising the payment of any tax due, such as inheritance and income tax

• Applying for any applicable tax reliefs

• Paying the deceased’s liabilities

• Identifying and collecting in all the assets

• Locating the correct beneficiaries

• Applying for a grant of probate (if required)

Distributing the estate to the beneficiaries in accordance with the deceased’s will

Failure to perform these obligations can leave an executor personally liable for matters concerning the deceased’s estate. Furthermore, it is incredibly important an executor fulfils their duties, or they could find themselves being sub ject to serious penalties.

The recent case of Totton and Another v Totton provides a graphic illustration of this.

The case concerns the estate of Hazel Totton, who died in July 2019 and left a will appointing her son Mark Totton, aged 51, as executor. She left half of her estate to Mark and the other half to her grandchildren, Hollie Totton and Daniel Washer.

The primary asset in the deceased’s estate was her house, which sold in April 2020 for £425,000. To date Hollie and Daniel, of Essex, have still not received the inheritance they are entitled to in the will and Mark Totton has failed to account for their inheritance.

Hollie, 25, and Daniel, 19, appointed solicitors who wrote to Mark over a period of eight months requesting him to administer and distribute the estate. No reply was received to any of these letters. Hollie also contacted Mark via telephone calls and texts asking when her and Daniel would receive their inheritance. In October 2020, Mark advised Hollie they would receive their inheritance “within days”.

In April 2021, Hollie and Daniel brought a claim against Mark Totton calling for a full account of the deceased’s estate and for the same to be distributed. With Mark having taken no action, the court made an order in March this year, direct ing him to provide a full account of the deceased’s assets and their location to Hollie and Daniel’s solicitors within three weeks. Again, Mark Totton failed to take any action.

The court produced further official documents in August which were similarly ignored and Mark Totton failed to attend subsequent court hearings later that month, and then again in September.

A warrant was executed and Mark Totton was brought before the court on 15th September. The court provided Mark Totton with several chances to comply with his duties as executor, namely, to correctly distribute the estate. He admitted that he had “buried his head in the sand” regarding the administration of the estate and he received a four-month prison sentence.

The court gave one final deadline, stating that the jail term would not take effect so long as the estate was distributed by 6th October.

The following day Mark Totton was jailed for six weeks for contempt of court after failing to comply with the judge’s order to set out the assets of the estate within a certain time frame and to give a full account of his dealings with it.

The court also noted that he had not instructed solicitors to assist him with his duties, which would have likely prevented proceedings being brought against him.

Acting as an executor is sometimes straightforward, however it can very quickly become confusing, convoluted and time-consuming. Here at Clarke Willmott we have the expertise to assist executors with as much or as little as is felt necessary.

A happyplace to live

We pride ourselves on having happy homes, where residents and their families can enjoy spending quality time with each other and develop new friendships along the way. Our homes in Bristol are located close to local shops and amenities, and benefit from strong connections with community groups. We offer a busy and varied activities programme that includes something for everyone and ensures residents get the most out of every day.

We care for individuals with a variety of care needs including Residential, Nursing and Dementia Care.