Bristol Weekly Magazine 20th October 2022

Perform Better

Poor sleep and fatigue are common problems affecting millions of people worldwide. It is thought that around a third of all adults in the UK get less than six hours of sleep per night. Research shows that those who frequently get fewer than 6 hours a night are at significantly increased risk of stroke or heart disease.

Good quality sleep is critically important to support well-being from cradle to grave. It is a basic and fundamental human requirement and is essential for good physical, mental and emotional health.

ontents

48. Bath Christmas Market celebrates

Davies

Davies

Contributing Writers

Sexton

Powell Daren Bane

Penny Andrew Varney

Clark

Ingram

Chatfield

Nicholls

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Trails

GET YOUR SKATES ON!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year as lifesize Da Vinci artwork arrives alongside ice rink and ice bumper cars at venue in St. Philips

As we say goodbye to summer, Bristol’s cultural hotspot in the heart of St. Philips is bringing sugar, spice and everything ice to the city with its ‘Winterland’ extravaganza. Launching during half-term on Thursday 27th October, families and friends can expect an indoor ice rink, ice bumper cars, and pop up visits from a ‘real life’ animatronic polar bear; Bjorn.

Adding to the wintery-offering, the widely-acclaimed Da Vinci - The Last Supper Exhibition is also painting its way into Propyard this half-term. The first time the exhibition has come to the UK, it is an exclusive chance to witness the awe-inspiring masterpiece outside of its home in Milan. The exhibit presents a full size replica of the painting, to view up close and in detail. The exhibition also comprises a range of 32 individual installations, in addition to its artistic predecessors, such as Domenico Ghirlandaio and Andrea del Castango. Other pieces inspired by Da Vinci himself also feature, with visitors invited to wonder at the magnificent artworks.

Back on the ice, the 300 square metre rink is guaranteed to have guests reaching for their skates and brushing up on their axel jumps and spins as Propyard transforms the former torpedo testing factory into a haven of festive fun. If ice skating isn’t your thing but don’t want to miss out on the frosty-fun, Propyard will also be bringing ice bumper cars to the rink.

Bumper cars on ice may sound unconventional, but this hilariously-fun activity is suitable for those young and young at heart, and will have guests gliding with glee as they join in on the action. With each brightly coloured car covered in flashing lights, they can spin around and safely bump into each other.

If this wasn’t enough to get residents heading straight for Feeder Road, world-famous animatronic polar-bear, Bjorn, will be making special appearances over the festive period.

A cross between a petting zoo and a nature documentary, Bjorn’s show is an informal, magical and interactive experience. The ultimate winteradventure for families, Bjorn loves to be petted, stroked and tickled behind the ears, so wrap up warm and prepare to be taken on an Arctic journey.

Propyard co-founder, Sam Watts, said: “We’re beyond excited to bring Winter land to Bristol this year. It’s an idea that we’ve been working on for a while and to finally be able to watch it come alive is just brilliant. We all know that the British weather can be unpredictable, which is why we wanted to create a magical indoor attraction for the city this winter.”

Winterland will take place at Propyard from Thursday 27th October until Wednesday 4th January and will also see seasonal craft activities come to life as part of Courtyard-Undercover - a fully heated tent covering the whole of the Courtyard, which will also host winter markets.

Seasonal food offerings from a variety of Bristol’s best street food traders and pizza from Pizzarova will also be on offer. The Leonardo Da Vinci - The Last Supper exhibition will also be on display for the first time in the UK this half-term until January 2023.

To add to the festivities, Isle of Trees will be selling sustainably-grown and freshly cut Christmas Trees, all from the British Isles from mid-November, from the Propyard car park.

There will be seasonal food offerings as well as pizza from Pizzarova.

Access to Winterland is free, with pre-booked tickets to the ice rink and the Last Supper Exhibition available to purchase on the Propyard website. Prices for the ice rink start £8-£12.50, Last Supper Exhibition starts £6-£12.

WITH HALF TERM COMING UP AT THE END OF THE MONTH, BRISTOL HAS A JAM-PACKED LINEUP OF EVENTS FOR STUDENTS AND FAMILIES ALIKE

Whether you fancy getting creative, adventuring in the great outdoors or dancing the night away, Bristol is the place to be this October half term.

Get crafty and creative in Bristol's Bump In The Night lantern carnival on Sunday 30th October, which will see illuminated giant puppets parading the streets of Bristol City Centre. Organised by Lamp Lighter Arts with support from Bristol City Centre BID, family-friendly craft workshops will bring the puppets to life in time for a spooky Halloween celebration featuring ghost ships and giant spiders. Choose your lantern character and get crafting here.

Explore Bristol south of the river with Bedminster BID's Halloween Trail, which will lead children and adults alike on a monster-hunt around the area just in time for Halloween! From 15th October, families can pick up a map from one of the participating businesses around Bedminster (marked with Halloween window stickers) and start the mon ster-hunt for spooky stickers to complete their map. Share a snap with you and your completed map, and you will be entered into a draw for a £100 prize giveaway! Find out more here

Dive into the surreal and fantastical new world of Meridia this half-term at Wake The Tiger, the world's first ever Amazement Park ® created by the Boomtown team. Children and adults alike can explore the depths of 27 different creative environments in an immersive art experience which blurs the lines between imagination and reality. Book your tickets now to get exploring!

Fascinated by spirits, sorcerers and shadows? Then look no further than Wake The Tiger's unique Halloween experience - Danse Macabre - which will invade the fantastical world of Meridia with darkness, dance music and DJ's for one night only on Friday 28th October. With pop-up performers, games and the DJs driving the dance of death, get ready to enter the immersive world of Meridia like you've never seen it before this Halloween. Find out more here.

Kick start the half term early on Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd October with your favourite Bavarian craft beer, a brass band and a side of Bratwurst at Propyard’s Hoptoberfest! Local cider and beer breweries including Wild Beer Co, Wiper and True, Bristol Cider and Tiny Rebel will be pouring your favourite drinks over the two days, with live music getting the good times started. Find out more here. Kick start the half term early on Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd October with your favourite Bavarian craft beer, a brass band and a side of Bratwurst at Propyard’s Hoptoberfest!

Local cider and beer breweries including Wild Beer Co, Wiper and True, Bristol Cider and Tiny Rebel will be pouring your favourite drinks over the two days, with live music getting the good times started. Find out more here.

Enter Propyard's cavernous industrial playground as the venue is transformed into a monstrous dance hall for Club Blanco. Expect a mind melding AV show, and two rooms of gruesome and groovy music by DJs Avalon Emerson, Job Jobse and DJ Budino for just one night only on Saturday 29th October. Find out more here.

A milestone performance to celebrate thequeen of neo-soul

A performance to celebrate the queen of neo-soul, Erykah Badu, is coming to Trinity Centre in Bristol on Thursday 3rd November, presented by Bristol Beacon. Commemorating the 25th anniversary of her seminal and enduringly influential debut album, Baduizm, a collective group of artists will be backed by an all-star ensemble from London’s jazz scene for this unmissable performance.

February 11th this year marked the 25th anniversary of Badu's award-winning album. Released in 1997, Baduizm was an instant hit of intimate existentialism as it stripped back the act of soul-searching to reach deep into concepts like self-love, romantic love and spirituality.

Taking place at Trinity Centre from 7:30pm, audiences should expect a transcendent evening featuring songs from the entire Baduizm album, with performances from rising-star vocalists, Ava Joseph and Akin Soul. United with smooth, sweeping percussion and jazzy piano chords to accompany the resounding vocals, guests should expect an evening of complete vibrancy in celebration of this milestone achievement.

Badu’s singles “On & On”, “Afro”and “4 Leaf Clover” provided anew perspective to popularculture - and Bristol will be treated to the cream ofLondon’s jazz scene as well as aDJ and live support in order totransport audiences back to theheight of the scene in 1997.

Todd Wills, Artistic Director at Bristol Beacon, said: “We are over the moon to be hosting this event and honouring one of the most influential artists of our time here in Bristol this November. Being able to celebrate this achievement with the city of Bristol is incredible - especially as it’s the 25th anniversary of such a monumental album.”

Tickets for the unforgettable show are now available on the Bristol Beacon website. Doors open at 7:30pm with the performance expected to start at 8pm.

Oct 21

Charity Quiz Night

Description: On Friday 21st & Saturday 22nd October we will be bringing you your favourite craft beer in Bavarian steins, a brass band covering classic tunes and a side of Bratwurst to soak it all up. Plus we’ll have a world-class selection of music acts, local street food and other drinks on offer...

Venue: Propyard 39-46 Feeder Rd BS2 0SE Bristol Hip-Hop Heavy Metal Collective

Description: So the HipHop Heavy Metal Collective gather together again for a night of drinking, tunes, and family

Venue: Hallpass 15 Small Street Bristol,

Oct 22

Winter Gardens Halloween Market

Description: A collection of independent makers, designers, bakers, and creatives all under one roof.Shop small and shop local in our twist of a traditional market with a huge selection of productions from art, baby clothing, jewellery, plants, cake, food, skincare, ceramics, flowers, glass, CBD to animal products and SO much more! Entry on the day is free.

Venue: Winter Gardens Pavilion

Royal Parade

Weston-super-Mare BS23 1AJ

The Sensational 60s

Description: Venue: Playhouse Weston 126-130 High St Weston-super-Mare BS23 1HP

Oct 23

Music River Cruise

Description: A fabulous river cruise on board the Towerbelle boat, up the River Avon from Bristol Harbour to the beautiful gardens at Beeses Tearooms.

Venue: Welsh Back Welsh Back, Bristol Harbour Gas Ferry Rd Bristol BS1 6UN

Christmas Scent 7 Wax candle workshop

Description: Using loads of different scents, shapes, colours, biodegradable glitters & dried flowers Tea, coffee & homemade cake provided Workshop adjacent to our Wick Heritage vintage & gifts shop.

Venue: Wick Heritage workshops and shop Weston-super-Mare BS24 0HD

Henna Art Workshop

Description: Children will learn about the history of henna and create their own beautiful designs before having a real henna tattoo on their hand. A two-hour workshop, led by Henna Artist Devi Patel. Suitable for ages 7+. Children will also get a small tube of natural henna to take away with them at the end of the session.

Venue: Kingswood Civic Centre High St Kingswood Bristol BS15 9TR

Make your own Mini Horse

Description: Open-air speakers like John Wesley travelled by horse in the 18th century. Drop-in and create your own horse –paint it, add wool for hair, and use a table top map to follow the routes they took. Why not pick a name for your horse, and write an imagined diary of your journey across the country? Suitable for ages 5-11. Free with normal museum admission.

Venue: John Wesley’s New Room

36 The Horsefair BS1 3JE Bristol

Blood, Snot + Zombies

Description: Not as scary as it sounds! We’ll be embarking on a zombie fun-filled day of snotty smile making, edible blood & scab making, a hilarious body part scavenger hunt & lots of light-hearted Halloween fun and games.

Venue: St Barnabas CE Albany Rd Montpelier Bristol BS6 5LQl,

The Crafty Magic Show

Description: The Crafty Egg (Stokes Croft) is excited to be hosting its very own comedy magic show. Some of Bristols craftiest magicians will be appearing for a night of amazement, gags and homegrown hilarity!

Venue: The Crafty Egg 113 Stokes Croft Bristol BS1 3RW

9 to 5 The Musical

Description: Weston Operatic Society is proud to present the ‘Dolly Parton’ musical, 9 to 5. Based on the film of the same name. click here for more information

Venue: The Playhouse 126-130 High St Weston-super-Mare BS23 1HP

Awesome owls

Description: Discover the wonderful world of wild owls with expert Ian McGuire. Investigate how they live and hunt in this hands-on workshop. Book Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project events online at www.bristolzoo. org.uk/all-events/AG&DWP or call 0117 4285300.

Venue: College Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3HABristol

Oct 27

Portishead Camera Club

Description: Meetings are held at Redcliffe Bay Hall, Newhaven Road, Portishead, starting at 7.30pm every Thursday. Visitors, £3 including refreshments. Expert speakers, regular competitions and outings provide great learning opportunities for those want ing to improve their photography..

Venue: Redcliffe Bay Hall Newhaven Rd, Portishead, BS20 8LH

BAY HALL, PORTISHEAD

ALSO SHOWING IN CINEMAS

MRS. HARRIS GOES TO PARIS

LYLE, LYLE, CROCODILE

BLACK ADAM

Nearly 5,000 years after he was bestowed with the almighty powers of the Egyptian gods—and imprisoned just as quickly—Black Adam is freed from his earthly tomb, ready to unleash his unique form of justice on the modern world.

In cinemas 21st October

EMILYTHE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN

Bristol is invited to join a national call for reform of the government’s childcare policies by joining March of the Mummies on Saturday 29th October from 10.30am until 2pm.

March Of The Mummies is a national protest organised by Pregnant Then Screwed, taking place in 11 cities simultaneously on Saturday October 29th 2022 across the UK. Bristol’s march will start and finish at College Green with speeches, music, children’s entertainment and a chance to come together in solidarity as a city. Everyone joining the march is encouraged to dress in Halloween fancy dress.

March of the Mummies is demanding good quality and affordable childcare for all children to enable families to return to work, as well as flexible working as a default.

Bristol March co-ordinator Mhairi Threlfall explains;

“Childcare providers are falling like dominos, mothers are dropping out of the workforce in droves, the gender pay gap increased in 2021, and more families are now living in poverty. Have you had enough yet?

These are political choices made by our Government and the only way we make them listen is if we organise. We want Bristol’s parents and supporters of this issue to come out in their droves to demand the issue is addressed by central government. These issues have a significant impact on the lives and livelihoods of families and we want the Government to acknowledge these issues and set out a plan for action. Please join us, we need you!”

Pregnant Then Screwed sets out three demands to the Prime Minister to prioritise childcare, parental leave and flexible working.

• Good quality affordable childcare for all children

• Flexible working as the default

• Ring fenced, properly paid parental leave for all parents

The Bristol March will start at College Green, walking the route past Castle Park via Corn Street and finishing back at College Green. At College Green there will be speeches, face painters, story tellers and info on other Bristol campaigns for families.

Marh of the Mummies is a protest for families to shine a light on the UK’s appalling record in providing for families.

WHY BE VISABLE MONTHLY?

WHEN YOU CAN BE SEEN WEEKLY!

To find out how to

visit:

in

Has your property gone up in price?

FROZEN BERRY BELLINI

This fruity frozen bellini is made by blend ing frozen fruit, honey!

What you need

100g Frozen berry fruits

250ml Cranberry juice drink

2 tsp Clear honey

150ml Sparkling rosé

Raspberries, to serve

How to make

Blitz the frozen winter fruits, cranberry juice drink and clear honey until smooth, then sieve into a jug, pressing down with the back of a spoon until only the pips remain

Discard the pips, then divide the mixture between four glasses

Top up each glass with the rosé and garnish with raspberries to serve

BLOODY BEETROOT COCKTAILS

These Gothic, dark purple cocktails have an earthy flavour, thanks to the beetroot, plus a fiery ginger finish

What you need

250g Long life beetroot

5cm ginger

Peel of 1 lime, plus extra to garnish

150g Llght brown soft sugar

500ml Co-op Irresistible vodka

How to make

Put 250g beetroot, grated, 5cm ginger, grated, the peel of 1 lime, 150g brown soft sugar and 500ml vodka in a large jug

Cover, then leave to steep for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally Strain, then discard the beetroot, ginger and lime peel

To serve, pour 60ml of the beet mixture into each glass with ice, and top up with soda water

Garnish with extra lime peel to finish

CASTLE BATCH OFFERING FREE FAMILY FUN THIS HALF TERM

The Castle Batch Children’s Centre and Family Hub in Worle is having a day full of free activities and attractions this half term, and everyone is invited to come by on Wednesday 26 October from noon to 4pm.

It’s run by North Somerset Council and is one of 11 children’s centres in North Somerset that offer early years health care and support services for families with children under five.

The centre at Castle Batch is one of three North Somerset children’s cen tres to recently also become a family hub. Family hubs offer a broad range of support to families, children and young people aged up to 19. They also cater for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilit ies (SEND) aged up to 25. The other family hub locations in North Somerset are in Clevedon and at the Carlton Centre in Weston-super-Mare.

Attractions at the open day include Somerset County Cricket Club (noon to 2pm), Bridgwater United Football Club women’s team (noon to 2pm), Worle Football Club (2pm to 4pm), North Somerset Violence Reduction Unit’s drugs bus and escape room (noon to 2pm), Avon Fire & Rescue with a fire engine, BookStart (2.30pm to 3.30pm), free bike security marking from Avon and Somerset Police, Better Health North Somerset's Smokefree team will be there to provide advice on how to quit smoking and create a smokefree home, drama and hula hoop dance workshops by Theatre Orchard, ka raoke, giant garden games, arts and crafts, and a smoothie bike as well as other refreshments from local suppliers.

Weston-super-Mare Town Council will also be there to talk to people about planned improvements to its play area at Castle Batch. This follows a recent successful bid for matched funding from North Somerset Council’s Improving Play Spaces Fund.

Councillor Catherine Gibbons, North Somerset Council’s executive member for children’s services, said: "Children’s centres provide a lifeline to many families, helping them to overcome difficulties and build stronger relation ships. It’s great to see the Castle Batch centre opening its doors and shouting about the positive work that they do. It’s so important that people know about what’s on offer, especially now that we’re able to support a wider age range as a family hub.

“Why not pop along on Wednesday the 26th to find out what the centre can offer you and your family. It certainly promises to be an action-packed fun-filled day.”

Councillor Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council’s executive member for safer communities, said: “I’m pleased to see the Violence Reduction Unit supporting this event, alongside our partners. It’s a great opportunity for us to engage with young people and families, to raise awareness and educate people. The early interventions team will be on hand to speak with people about their experiences and signpost them to support and opportunities to have their voices heard.”

COMPLIANCE MADE SIMPLE (PART 7) – AMENDMENT TO REGULATIONS (SMOKE ALARMS)

Amendment to The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations

As property investors and letting agents, we are regularly having conversations with people about compliance. What often comes across is that people find it changeable and confusing. It is changeable, this is true, but it needn’t be confusing. With this in mind, we have put together a series on some of the most common compliance issues, in an attempt to explain them in a way which is succinct and non-confusing. Number 7 in this series covers the changes to the regulations on Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms, which came into effect from 1 October 2022.

The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 came into force on 1 October 2022. From that date, all relevant landlords must:

3. Ensure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are repaired or replaced once informed and found to be faulty.

4. In the case of HMOs – ensure that all Grade A alarms (large HMOs) are tested weekly and serviced (by a competent fire safety professional – we use our electrician) every 6 months. All Grade D alarms (smaller HMOs) are tested monthly and serviced (by a competent fire safety professional – we use our electrician) yearly. A record of each test should be kept and the maintenance certificated with a UL Certificate.

1

. Ensure that at least one smoke alarm is installed and working, on each storey of their homes, where there is a room used as living accommodation. This has been a legal requirement in the private rented sector since 2015.

2. Ensure a carbon monoxide alarm is installed and working in any room used as living accommodation which contains a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers).

The requirements are enforced by local housing authorities who can impose a fine of up to £5,000 where a landlord fails to comply with a remedial notice.

Enforcement authorities (local housing authorities) are required to serve a remedial notice where they have reasonable grounds to believe a landlord has not complied with one or more of the requirements. The landlord must comply with the notice within 28 days (unless the notice has been suspended). If they do not comply (and the notice is not suspended or withdrawn), the local housing authority must arrange for an authorised person to carry out the remedial action specified in the notice (where the occupier consents) to ensure the requirements in the regulations are met and can issue a civil penalty – as described above.

IN SUMMARY

New regulations come into force on 1st October 2022 which amend the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015. These new regulations state that all rented properties in England, must provide a carbon monoxide alarm, in rooms used as living accommodation, where there is a fixed combustion appliance, such as gas heaters and boilers. Where previously, the requirements only applied to solid fuel combustion appliances, such as wood burners. The rules, will, however, not extend to gas cookers.

TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES TO SUPPORT FILTON ARENA PROJECT

More than £10 million will be spent on making improvements to traffic management and flow and to introduce new cycling routes that will help make the Arena and Brabazon community being built on the former Filton airfield site more accessible for residents, workers and eventgoers.

The new developments, which will generate around 5,700 new homes and hundreds of jobs in construction and then operating the country’s third largest indoor arena, will be a major boost to the economy and vibrancy of South Gloucestershire, but it is vital that infrastructure keeps pace with that growth.

The measures this new funding will deliver will keep people moving to and from, in and around the new comm unity and arena and are in addition to MetroWest rail improvements and the MetroBus extension.

The scheme will include, for example, cycle routes between the arena and Brentry and improved connections linking the arena, the Ring Road and the A38 to connect with Charlton Hayes, Frenchay, Stoke Gifford and Little Stoke.

New traffic management systems will reduce congestion and delays on the network surrounding the Arena on non-event days and reduce the potential impact of people arriving and leaving when major events take place. Taken together, providing sustainable travel options and improving traffic flow and reducing congestion will improve local air quality and help reduce carbon emissions.

Other improvements are also being delivered by the developers and include improvements to local roads, a new foot bridge across the railway line, bus infrastructure, on site cycle lanes, electric vehicle charging points, park and ride facilities and shuttle buses. The full business case, which will include greater detail of the schemes that will be involved and delivered ahead of the first event taking place, will be presented in January.

The £7 million funding was approved by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) Committee and adds to the £3 million funding already secured by South Gloucestershire Council, which will deliver the projects.

Councillor Toby Savage, Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, said: “The new community at Brabazon and the new arena will drive brownfield regeneration and revitalise this part of South Gloucestershire, delivering new homes for thousands, job opportunities for hundreds and put South Gloucester shire on the map for countless thou sands who will attend concerts and other events here.

“With development underway, it is crucial that we can also deliver the in frastructure that will keep these projects moving and keep people moving in and around the site.

“People living in and around the area will be encouraged and able to walk and cycle, take the bus or the train and we are investing massively to make this an easy option for people. This is what building for the future can look like.”

ECO-HOUSING CONCEPT GIVEN GREEN LIGHT

The go ahead has been given for Gap House, an innovative new concept in affordable eco-housing, to be built on disused council-owned garage plots in Bristol.

Bristol City Council’s Development Control Committee approved the plans today (12 October) for a row of nine affordable one bedroom, two storey homes on Bell Close in Horfield. Designed by global design practice BDP and to be delivered by EQUANS and Etopia, the homes have been commis sioned and will be funded by the council.

Councillor Tom Renhard, Cabinet Member for Housing Delivery and Homes at Bristol City Council, said: “We’re committed to delivering 1,000 new affordable homes each year by 2024 to help meet the need for high-quality, sustainable new homes in Bristol. It is widely recognised that achieving our ambition requires courage, innovation and collaboration. The Gap House concept will revitalise a disused garage plot and make sure that council land is best used to create value for Bristol citizens, delivering much needed affordable homes whilst tackling the climate and ecological emergencies. If the project is a success, then we will look to identify further sites for Gap Houses in the future.”

BDP originally showcased its Gap House concept design at Bristol Housing Festival in 2018, as a proposed way of helping to meet the city’s acute need for housing and revitalising neighbourhoods.

The homes will be cost-effective, eco-friendly and largely factory-built using modern methods of construction (MMC). The approach means that homes will be built off-site before being brought to the site for the final stage of construction, minimising disruption to the existing neighbourhood, as well as bring ing environmental benefits and ensuring greater speed of delivery compared to traditional methods.

Each home will be highly insulated with low energy lighting to support minimal heating requirements and will use r enewable energy generated by solar PV panels and air source heat pumps, resulting in low environmental impact and running costs.

The homes will include an open-plan kitchen-living area and a bathroom on the ground floor, with a bedroom and storage on the first floor. Large windows will allow for maximum natural light.

The entrance to each property has been carefully designed to promote a ‘front porch culture’ with green space and outdoor seating in front of each home to encourage social interaction and community cohesion.

Martin Jones, landscape architect director in BDP’s Bristol studio, said: “Our Gap House concept to help meet the need for high quality, affordable and sustainable homes has been some years in the making, so we are thrilled that we will now see it come to fruition in Bristol. There are thousands of disused and run-down garage plots up and down the country that are ripe for intelligent repurposing, so we hope that this project will pave the way for other similar schemes in the future. The Gap House provides an opportunity to revitalise neighbourhoods, promote community cohesion and help address the acute housing needs of our cities and towns.”

This new concept is the latest in a series of innovations being explored by Bristol City Council and the Bristol Housing Festival to tackle the city’s housing crisis. Gap House is part of a wider research, development and innovation programme funded by Innovate UK, which looked at the potential for MMC to increase the scale and pace of the delivery of high quality, sustainable, affordable homes in the city.

Two other sites using MMCfor council housing havealso recently been givenplanning approval.

In Lockleaze 12 homes will be built on Romney Avenue, on the edge of the Stoke Park Estate. These highly energy efficient homes, which incorporates renewable energy, will be manufactured in a factory and constructed quickly on site.

And in Knowle West 12 one-bedroom apartments will be built on a brownfield site at the heart of the Inns Court community.

It is hoped that work on all three sites will start in Spring 2023.

Jez Sweetland, Project Director of the Bristol Housing Festival, said: “We are delighted to see another three devel opments from the Innovate UK funded ‘Enabling Housing for Inclusive Growth’ project approved for planning. Each of the nine MMC demonstrator sites have enabled Bristol City Council to address barriers to delivery of new homes and each of these are fantastic and potentially scaleable solutions for other sites in the city.”

FREE SCHOOL MEAL VOUCHERS FOR ELIGIBLE FAMILIES ACROSS BRISTOL

Families liable for Free School Meals (FSM) will receive vouchers to the value of £15 over the week-long October school break, to aid with the climbing cost of living.

The vouchers, which can be redeemed in a broad spectrum of supermarkets including Sainsburys, ASDA, Tesco, Aldi and Morrisons, will be dispatched to families by email from their schools..

FSM vouchers have been provided to support low-income families in Bristol every holiday period since October 2020. This latest offer of support is part of a wider package of help paid for by the UK Government’s £4m Household Sup port Fund grant.

Councillor Craig Cheney, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for City Economy, Finance and Performance, said: “We know that families are struggling with the rising cost of living and that the school holidays can be very difficult for our most vulnerable families, which is why we want to ensure that those families who rely on free school meals during term time can still access this support over the school holiday period.

“School holiday hunger is a real issue therefore as a local authority, and as a father, doing what we can to help families meet this most basic need and ensuring our children and young people can access food outside of term time is why we have chosen to continue to use our Household Support Fund grant to extend this offer over the October half term break.”

If you think you may be eligible for free school meals find out more here: Free school meals and the pupil premium (bristol.gov.uk)

Anyone who does not receive their voucher despite being eligible should contact their school directly to discuss.

Bristol City Council also runs the free Your Holiday Hub (YHH) school holiday food and activity programme over the main school holidays of summer and Christmas, providing eligible children and young people with fun, enriching activities, food education and a nutritious meal with every session.

YHH will be running sessions over the Christmas school holi day, find out more here: Your Holiday Hub BristolYour Holiday Hub Bristol

There is no application process for the Household Support Fund and the council will contact you directly if you’re eligible.

If you are not eligible and need financial support or advice, please visit the council’s ‘Benefits and financial help’ webpage.

Full details on the Household Support Fund can be found on the Bristol City Council website.

OUT AND ABOUT IN BRISLINGTON WEST

ECO WEEK AT ST BRENDAN’S:

Thank you to the students and staff of St Brendan’s Sixth Form College for inviting us to participate in a panel discussion on the environment during their recent Eco Week event. On the cross-par ty panel were fellow Bristol and Bath councillors, our local MP, and a former West of England Mayoral Candidate. The debate was a lively affair with local and national concerns discussed, including the effectiveness of Bristol’s clean air zone, electric cars, fracking, building on green-field sites and carbon emissions. It was great to see so many young people actively engaging in these issues.

WELCOMING SPACES ARE NOW OPEN:

The first of Bristol's Welcoming Spaces are now open. These are spaces people can go to during the winter months for support and warmth. Each venue will be responding to community priorities which means what happens in each space will vary, but is likely to include Wi-Fi, access, electrical charging points, social activities and community meals.

There will also be support and practical advice provided by city-wide organisations. More information about Welcoming Spaces and where to find your nearest one is available here: https://www.bristol.gov.uk/residents/ people-and-communities/cost-ofliving-support?tab=welcomingspaces More spaces will be added over the com ing weeks. If you’d like to make a differ ence in our community during the cost of living crisis and you have some time to spare, there are also a range of volunteering opportunities available through Can Do Bristol: https://cando bristol.co.uk Opportunities range from befriending and peer support, cooking, driving and helping at Welcoming Spaces. For advice and guidance on cost of living, visit the council’s new cost of living support hub here: https://www. bristol.gov.uk/residents/people-andcommunities/cost-of-living-support?tab=welcomingspaces

BIG TIDY CLEAN UP IN BRISLINGTON WEST:

Thank to the Big Tidy team and several local residents who joined us recently for a clean up of Callington Road and Brislington Brook. It was a great turn out and lots of bags of rubbish were collected.

If you are a parent or carer of a two-year-old, find out if you are eligible here: https://www.bristol. gov.uk/residents/schoolslearning-and-early-years/ early-years-and-childcare/ help-with-childcare-costs/ free-early-education-for-twoyear-olds

We also arranged for two shopping trolleys to be removed from the Brook and discussed the ongoing problem with the damaged fencing alongside the stream, which is a complete eyesore and a serious safety risk.

BRISLINGTON WAR MEMORIAL CLEAN-UP:

A reminder that our annual clean-up of the Brislington War Memorial on Bath Road is taking place this Saturday 22 October from 10am. We plan to sweep the whole area clean, do some weeding and collect any litter! If you would like to help out, just come along as it will be great to see you. We will also dress the monument with hundreds of knitted poppies donated from our local churches. If you can, please remember to support the work of the Royal British Legion and get your poppy.

FREE CHILDCARE PLACES:

There are hundreds of free early education and childcare places available in Bristol. Funding is available for two-year-olds to receive up to 15 hours per week of free childcare at a range of early year providers, including Children's Centres, nurseries, pre-schools, playgroups and childminders.

BOOK YOUR BOOSTER:

The autumn COVID-19 booster rollout began on Monday 5 September with England’s care home residents, staff and people who are housebound first in line to receive their top up ahead of winter. If you are aged 65 years old and over, a frontline health and social care worker, pregnant, or have or live with someone who has a weakened immune system, you can now book your autumn COVID-19 booster online: https://www. nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/

Hundreds of Brislington West residents have signed up to receive our monthly newsletter via email. You can register using this link: http://www.bristollibdems. org/efocus.

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

& Andrew Varney, Liberal Democrat Councillor (Brislington West) Email: cllr.andrew.varney@bris tol.gov.uk Mobile: 07584 183381

NOISE CAMERA TRIALS TO DETECT ROWDY DRIVERS COMING TO BRISTOL

A new-age road camera designed to identify and track drivers who break the law by revving engines and using modified exhausts will be installed in Bristol, before travelling to South Gloucestershire as part of a trial to clampdown on antisocial driving.

The Transport Secretary has confirmed these 4 locations will host the new ‘noise camera’ following a government-backed competition to tackle noise pollution on some of the loudest streets in Britain.

The new technology uses a video camera in conjunction with a number of microphones to accurately pinpoint excessively noisy vehicles as they pass by. This means that if drivers break the law by revving their engines unneces sarily or using illegal exhausts, they will be automatically detected. The camera takes a picture of the vehicle and records the noise level to create a digital package of evidence which can be used by local police to fine drivers.

Road noise is known to contribute to health problems, such as heart attacks, strokes and dementia, and the annual social cost of urban road noise, including lost productivity from sleep disturbance and health costs is estimated to be up to £10 billion.

A camera on the A4174 will be installed between the Kingsfield and Wraxall Road roundabouts, near Barrs Court and Warmley in the next 2 months.

Transport Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan said:

Rowdy road drivers beware – these new cameras will help the police clampdown on those who break the legal noise limits or use illegal modified exhausts to make excessive noise in our communities.

We’ll be working closely with the local authorities and police to share any findings, and I hope that this technology paves the way for quieter, peaceful streets across the country.

The trials will continue for 2 months across the country. The department continues to work closely with all local authorities and MPs to tackle rowdy, illegal noise disruption from traffic.

BRISTOL MAN TOOK ON VERSACLIMBER CHARITY CHALLENGE TO RAISE MONEY FOR BRISTOL AFTER STROKE

Bristol-based online body transforma tion coach, Mike Spiring, 55, took on a charity challenge of a lifetime, climbing 60,000 feet with a Versaclimber LX Model, all in aid of raising money for Bristol After Stroke Charity.

The 10-hour challenge, twice the height of Everest, took place on Keynsham’s high-street in Bristol at 8:00am on 15 October.

Bristol After Stroke is an independent, local charity based in Bristol and South Gloucestershire, helping people to rebuild their lives after a stroke. Its services include a combination of practical, social, emotional and psychological support to stroke-affected people and their loved ones.

Mike set up Leaner for Life in 2020 to help people lose weight, reduce the risks of coronary heart disease (CHD), lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and to just enjoy exercise as part of this process.

As part of his work, Mike works to change his client’s mindset and create weekly or daily habits, from exercise to diet, that will stay with them once they have finished.

Mike Spiring, online body transformation coach and volunteer for the Bristol After Stroke Charity, said:

“Last year, my old school friend had a life-changing stroke at the age of 54. Being in the fitness industry myself, he asked me if I’d help him with his rehabilitation while he was in care at Bristol After Stroke Charity.

“Not only did I want to help my friend, I also wanted to raise funds for the charity that does so much good for so many people - In the last few months alone, I’ve known three people who have suffered strokes.

“I was doing the charity climb on the Versaclimber LX, which I have used for a number of years now. To me, it’s about getting a cardiovascular work-out to improve stamina and burn calories, but the biggest advantage is that it’s low impact so it's perfect for rehabilitation. It also works a whole range of muscles.

“The clients I work with also enjoy training on the machine. If they have hip or back injuries, they can get a great workout, without having to go running or participate in high-intensity interval training (HIIT). They just simply enjoy training on the machine.”

Operations manager of Versaclimber UK Ltd, Ryan Kelford, added:

“We’re delighted to have played even a small role in such a fantastic challenge for charity. It’s always a pleasure to be able to give people, and we’re glad that Mike’s open air challenge prompted other passersby to exercise and stay fit. Bringing a second climber on the day to support Mike’s challenge proved to be successful, as people walking on the high-street were keen to join in, help raise money for the cause and see how the machine works.”

To support Mike’s fundraising efforts, visit his Just Giving page and follow his journey on Facebook.

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SAM POLLEDRI FOUNDATION DEFIBRILLATOR INSTALLED AT THE DOWNS CAFE

It was a bittersweet moment when the first public access defibrillator in memory of Sam Polledri launched at Millennium Square in Bristol on 29 July. Sam suf fered a fatal cardiac arrest in February at the age of just 24 years old. He fell to the ground a few feet from where his defibrillator now stands ready to help anyone who might need it.

Sam was not given that chance to survive; there were no publicly accessible defibrillators in the area that might have saved his life.

Sam’s family and friends want to ensure other families don’t experience the heartbreak they have endured. They’ve created the Sam Polledri Foundation (through Great Western Air Ambulance Charity [GWAAC]) which aims to keep Sam’s memory alive and our communities safer by installing public access defibrillators and teaching lifesaving skills.

With every defibrillator installed, that’s another community better equipped to improve the outcomes of those suffering a cardiac arrest. Early bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can double or triple the victim’s chance of survival from a cardiac arrest. CPR plus defibrillation within 3-5 min of collapse can produce survival rates as high as 49–75%*

Sam’s second defibrillator is now up and rescue-ready at The Downs Cafe in Bristol thanks to a collaboration between the Sam Polledri Foundation, Try Tag Rugby, The Downs Cafe, GWAAC, and the communities who dug deep into their pockets.

James Hawken from Try Tag Rugby Bristol said: “When we realised there wasn’t a defibrillator available on the Clifton Downs for public access, we made it a goal of ours at Try Tag Rug by Bristol to have one installed. Timely access to a defibrillator in the event of a cardiac arrest can be lifesaving. Given the popularity of the Downs for sport and leisure, we felt this would be a hugely important addition to the area. Our players at Try Tag Rugby Bristol shared our ambition and helped us fund raise, with all ticket proceeds from our 2021 Christmas party going to the cause.

We worked with Joe Hughes from Great Western Air Ambulance Charity who helped us join forces with the Sam Polledri Foundation. We were very pleased that two different parts of the rugby community could team up for such an impor tant cause. It’s fantastic to see the defibrillator now in position at The Downs Cafe — the culmination of a project made possible by GWAAC, The Downs Cafe and the Sam Polledri Foundation.”

GWAAC and the Sam Polledri Foun dation will be launching Sam’s public access defibrillator number three at the Co-Op on Stoke Lane, Bristol, and number four at Cotham Park Rugby Club later this month.

If you want to support this incredible project, you can donate to the Sam Polledri Foundation (through GWAAC) by visiting: greatwesternairambulance. enthuse.com/cf/sam-polledri-foundation

Or get in touch with the GWAAC team by emailing hearts@gwaac.com to find out how you can fundraise or purchase a defibrillator for your local community.

LOCKLEAZE SPORTS CENTRE

LEIGH COURT

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

AQUAPHOBIA

SUDOKU

HARD EXTREME

ESCAPE THE MAZE

Can you find your way through this difficult maze?

m

The winner of last week’s guess the word competition was Norman from Clevedon 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!

HISTORY OF AVONMOUTH DOCK

A port has existed in Bristol since Roman times, forming a crucial connection be tween England and the world. This proud shipping tradition is still up.

THE ROMANS

Portus Abonae was the name of the Roman port at Sea Mills, up river from the modern business, where the Romans established a military town and port in the 1st Century AD. Archaeologists have identified that the Roman period of occupation ended during the 4th Century AD. Visitors can still see Roman remains today at Sea Mills and Kings Weston Roman Villa.

THE HISTORY OF BRISTOL CITY DOCKS

Bristol City Docks are located six miles inland from where the River Avon flows into the Severn Estuary. The city devel oped where it was most convenient to cross the Avon and where ships could be carried to the harbour on the tidal current. In 1239, the first quays were built along the River Frome near where it joins the River Avon in what is now the centre of Bristol. By the 14th Century, Bristol was trading with countries such as Spain, Portugal, and Iceland. John Cabot set sail from Bristol in 1497 hoping to find the passage to Eastern Indonesia but discovered America/Newfoundlandinstead. A replica of his ship The Matthew was built in 1996 and in 1997 she followed the same course as John Cabot and sailed across to Newfoundland to recreate this historic voyage. The Matthew is often moored alongside the other iconic Bristol-built ship open to visitors today - ss Great Britain, the world’s first screw-propelled, ocean-going, iron ship.

The Pill Hobblers are known to have existed in 1494. They still provide the linesmen who handle the lines for all shipping coming through the locks and onto the quaysides at Avonmouth and Royal Portbury Docks. Bristol was England’s second largest city by the 1760s but the docks were losing trade to Liverpool as they were so congested and Liverpool had more capacity. The crowded City Docks also had problems when fire spread amongst closely packed ships. Bristol trades included exports of woollen and other manufactured goods and imports of sugar cane, tobacco, rum and cocoa.

The Severn Estuary has the third highest tidal range in the world (after the Bay of Fundy and Bay of Ungava, both in Canada) and even in the centre of Bristol the water level can change as much as 12m each tide.

The creation of Avonmouth Dock was motivated by the need to accommodate larger ships being built during the Industrial Revolution. These ships were often too big to navigate the winding six miles from the city to the mouth of the River Avon, and as a result, they would often run aground and block all shipping until the wreck could be cleared. To solve this problem, three entrepreneurial Bristol businessmen decided to build a new dock at Avonmouth - right at the mouth of the River Avon. The dock opened in 1877, but it initially failed to prosper because it was in competition with the City Docks, which were run by the Port of Bristol Authority (PBA). However, in 1884 the PBA took over Avonmouth Docks too, and under the same organization, the dock began to prosper. In 1908 Avon mouth Docks were extended and the Royal Edward Dock was opened by His Majesty King Edward VII.

Hengrove Community Centre

Fortfield Road

BS14 9NX

Tuesday 9.30am Sarah: 07879 443888

Bridgefarm Primary School East Dundry Road BS14 0LL

Wednesday 5.30pm and 7pm Sarah: 07879 443888

Left photo of Avonmouth docks in 1968

Above is a image of the docks of Avonmouth docks opening in 1877.

Christ Church Hall Petherton Road

Hengrove BS14 9BP Saturday 9:30am Keesa: 07399 597267

slimmingworld.co.uk

slimmingworld.co.uk

BATH CHRISTMAS MARKET TO CELEBRATE ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY

Bath Christmas Market is coming back to the city this year for its 20th anniversary! The market, which is ranked in the top ten of European festive markets, attracts thousands of visitors celebrating the festive season. After two years without the traditional market, due to the coronavirus pandemic, Bath & North East Somerset Council is delighted to announce the market’s return.

This year the festive fixture will run for 18 days from November 24 to December 11 as part of the wider ‘Bath at Christmas’ events. More than 170 chalets will sell a range of seasonal gifts, food and drink and the proposed site will have a similar footprint to 2018/19 with the re-introduc tion of the areas around Bath Abbey.

Bath Christmas Market has been ranked in the top 10 in Europe and attracts 400,000 visitors per year, with an estimated spend in the city of £32.5 million in 2019.

Councillor Dine Romero, cabinet member for Children and Young People, Communities and Culture, said:

“I am so pleased to be able to announce our traditional Bath Christmas Market is back and that we’ll be celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

As we all know over the past two years the large-scale market couldn’t go ahead due to the pandemic. Despite that we worked with our partners to make ‘Bath at Christmas’ a success in 2020 and 2021 and we really want to build on that.

“Planning is already under way to make it a very special anniversary year. The market gives a huge boost not just to the stall holders, many of which are local businesses, but also to our retail, accom modation, hospitality and tourism sec tors. It will play a crucial role in helping both hospitality and retail after a such a tough time and we hope everyone will get behind it and support Bath Christmas Market 2022.”

Allison Herbert, chief executive Bath BID said: “We are really pleased that Bath and North East Somerset Council has taken this decision and we are looking forward to working closely together, to ensure this year’s Christmas Market is one that everyone can be proud of.”

Kathryn Davis, Director of Tourism at Visit West said; “We are delighted that Bath Christmas Market will be returning to celebrate its 20th anniversary. This is a huge lift for the industry, and we are looking forward to maximising the opportunities to work with our partners locally to showcase Bath at Christmas to our domestic and international audiences. This sustainable celebration of local producers and artisans in Bath’s stunning World Heritage surroundings is central to a very special and unique experience during the festive events season.”

A spokesperson for Milsom Place said: ”The return of Bath’s Christmas Market for 2022 is very welcome news for all businesses at Milsom Place. Its festive presence will bring much needed sparkle to Milsom Street and indeed the rest of the city centre during this vital time of the year for retailers and the hospitality industry. We look forward to supporting the event and alongside our partners, building upon last year’s Bath at Christmas attractions which did so much to help mitigate the absence of the Christmas Market.”

The council has already invested in improvements to the chalets and the fees are being held at 2019 rates. Short term lets for traders who are either starting out or have always wanted to sell at the market but maybe couldn’t make enough stock or are unable to attend the full duration of the market will be available.

This year the market will also feature ‘start-up’ carts for new small artisan sellers which will be available for a three or four day let in the heart of the market.

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.

A happyplace to live

ourselves on having happy homes, where residents and their families can enjoy spending quality time with each other and develop

along the way.

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.

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