Bristol Weekly Magazine 23 February - 2nd March 2023

C ontents

12

16 music, comedy, dance, sport and Irish heritage

What’s love got to do with it?

LET’S FAST FORWARDS TO SEPTEMBER FOR THE RETURN OF BRISTOL’S NEWEST MUSIC FESTIVAL

Ahead of FORWARDS returning to Bristol Downs, the Capture FORWARDS exhibition will see emerging talent present their take on the inaugural edition next week at Trinity Centre

Harnessing the power of live events and bringing people together for incredible live music and positive change, FORWARDS festival will make its highly anticipated return to Bristol Downs on Friday 1 - Saturday 2 September 2023.

Following the success of its inaugural edition, audiences can expect the platform for social purpose and timely debate to return to Bristol Downs alongside a lineup of the biggest names in international music. As festival-goers eagerly await the announcement of the line-up, dropping soon, fans can get their FORWARDS fix with the Capture FORWARDS Exhibition at Trinity Centre on Thursday 23 - Saturday 25 February.

As part of the 2022 edition FORWARDS invited young aspiring photographers to apply to take part in Capture FORWARDS. A project that ran in collaboration with Big Team CIC, it aimed to provide entry into the music, events and festival industry to those who historically haven't been able to access it.

As part of this, four up-and-coming photographers took part in a workshop and mentorship programme with professional photographers, which culminated in a paid placement over the weekend of FORWARDS 2022, working as part of the media team. Since this project, every one of the participants is now working as a photographer in the industry.

Naomi Williams, Megan Tsz Kiu Ip, Jade Ayino and Ismael Abdi make up the emerging talents who will present their work as part of the Capture FORWARDS Exhibition. Presented by FORWARDS and Big Team CIC at Trinity Centre, the people of Bristol are invited to explore the works and experience the festival through the eyes of the Capture FORWARDS cohort.

Megan Tsz Kiu Ip, said of the experience: “Capture Forwards was my first opportunity at festival photography and it was the perfect platform for me to stretch my photography skills and connect with fellow creatives. After Capture FORWARDS, I have gotten more opportunities to photograph events and I’m grateful to those who made the program possible.”

Championing grassroots and supporting new talent is an integral cog in Big Team CIC's ethos and this exhibition is the ultimate opportunity to showcase the encompassed investment in the four photographers.

Phoebe Holamn of Big Team CIC, said: ‘Big Team’s goal is to create accessible pathways into the creative industries and we are utilising Team Love's flagship events as the perfect place and route to create these opportunities. Capture FORWARDS was born out of a need for more diverse representation in the photography world. Through this programme we’ve been able to develop skills, and create an environment in which applicants can meet other professionals, learn and connect. It’s been an amazing project to see grow and build a legacy for.

With line-up announcements to follow in the coming weeks, the first weekend of September should be highlighted in Bristol’s cultural calendar as an event not to be missed.

The Capture FORWARDS exhibition will be held at Trinity Centre for three days. With the private view on the evening Thursday 23rd and it open to the public on Friday 24th & Saturday 25 February from at 10am -5pm.

This year’s Window Wanderland takes place from 11th March to 13th March from 6pm until 9pm each night in Shirehampton. It originally featured local residents doing their own designs displayed in their front windows but this year Shirehampton Window Wanderland is expanding. Shirehampton Window Wonderland

They are working with several local artists – Annelies, Juliet & Sarah – who will work with local schools and groups as well as individuals who will contribute to our High Street shops and business window designs to make the area as bright and welcoming as possible, following the footsteps of Shire Christmas Illuminations.

Some shops will feature daytime themed designs and others will have night time Window Wanderland designs shining brightly on our very own High Street.

There will be opportunities again for workshops providing ideas and materials for all people and families who’d like to participate in this year’s event.

You don’t have to be artistic, just an idea that can be turned into reality for your home windows.Shirehampton Window Wonderland

In the meantime there are workshops taking place every Thursday from 3pm until 8pm at the JTE Hub based at the Methodist Church that faces the High Street in Shirehampton.

You could be helping with the High Street window art which will be a hive of activity or just need advice for your own home window design. This is an event to bring our community and High Street together.

“I am hoping that our artwork will brighten up our high street and make people smile. I also hope the publicity will bring people from other parts of Bristol to enjoy it too.” said Juliet Le Feuvre

Whilst Sarah Trigg said “Our community and our High Street are really worth celebrating and this is a brilliant, creative way to do it. I hope loads of people feel welcome to contribute and many more have fun spotting all the art.”

IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO JOIN SHIREHAMPTON’S WINDOW WANDERLAND.

Meanwhile Annelies Egli concluded: “This project is a great opportunity for local creatives to collaborate and share their ideas and experience with one another and the public. I hope that this one off event will light the way to future events and exhibitions which bring together, showcase and celebrate local talent.”

John Hastings has been co-ordinator for Shirehampton’s Window Wanderland event and can’t wait to see all the window displays that have been made in recent weeks not only for homes but the local shops as well. “Shirehampton’s Community Plan Committee decided that the High Street would really benefit from a pick me up at the end of a long winter. Following the previous success of BS11 Window Wanderland, grant money form the High Street Funds were allocated and some local artists have stepped forward to help decorate the windows of many of the local businesses. Let’s hope it’s a great success for everyone involved”.

You can still sign up for Window Wanderland in Shirehampton by going to: www.windowwanderland.com/event/ shirehampton-2023/

You can also email: shirewindowwanderland@gmail.com if you have any questions and don”t forget to join and follow their Facebook

Group: www.facebook.com/groups/shirehamptonwindowwanderland and their Instagram Page: shirewindowwanderland

WHATS ON

FEBRUARY 24

Soul Roots

Description: Soul Roots Connection is back with our 3rd annual Mardi Gras event! Come and join us for a night of great music from the Big Easy.

Featuring:

DJ Sugarpusher

DJ Reagan

DJ Sam “Dobstep” Dobbie

Venue: The Boardroom

Bristol

20 St Nicholas Street, Bristol

We Will Rock You

Description: We Will Rock You is a jukebox musical based on the songs of British rock band Queen with a book by Ben Elton. Set in a future where the earth is now called the iplanet and life is lived virtually . The musical tells the story of a group of Bohemians who struggle to restore the free exchange of thought and fashion, and live music in a future where everyone dresses, thinks and acts the same. Musical instruments and composers are forbidden, and rock music is all but unknown.

Venue: Redgrave Theatre

Percival Road, Clifton, Bristol

FEBRUARY 25

Six Nations - England vs Wales

Description: Our massive screen is back again for the 6 Nations. If you came to any of the World Cup games you will know that the Crane Room is the best place for atmosphere to watch the games live. Tickets are limited and come with a FREE DRINK

Venue: Propyard 39-46 Feeder Rd

Bristol

Madonna tribute

Description: Madonna tribute with a fab supporting act and disco. A jam packed evening of entertainment for £7 a ticket.Tickets only available from the club. All welcome.

Venue: Bedminster Down Ex-Service Club

Winford Grove

Bristol BS13 7DY

FEBRUARY 26

Bristol Honda Pitbulls 2 v Invicta Mustangs

Description: The boys will be looking for a win as they continue there run for a league title Please note Huskies will also be in action before this game @ 4:30pm if you fancy a double bill of hockey

Venue: Planet Ice Arena

Merlin Rd

Patchway

Bristol BS10 7SR

Mindful Photography

Description: Introduction to Mindful Photography in Nature The mindfulness of seeing – discussions and photography activities in nature to start viewing the world mindfully and with full attention.

Venue: Willsbridge Mill

Willsbridge Hill

Bristol

Ironwood Challenge 2023

Description: The Ironwood Challenge is six(ish) country miles of trails through ancient woodland, fields and forest above the village of Long Ashton in North Somerset.

Venue: Long Ashton

Community Centre

5 Keedwell Hill, Long

Ashton, Bristol BS41 9DP

Monday Salsa

Description: If you’d like to join us please message us on facebook or email info@salsavida.co.uk so we can send you a link to book your place. Thank you everyone!

Venue: The Stable Games Room

129 High Street, Weston-super-Ma

Wild Heart Drum Circle

Description: We will co-create a sacred space to connect with ourselves, each other, our Ancestors and Mother Earth with drums, rattles and voices. If you have a frame drum or rattle, please bring it. We do have spare drums and rattles for people to use who don’t have their own. We are doing this on a donation basis and refreshments will be provided. All offerings welcome.

Venue: The Stable 3-6 Wadham street, Weston-super-Mare

North Street Games Nigh

Description: We charge £2 per person for every North Street Games Night which includes entry into a prize draw.

Venue: LHG Brewpub

Compressor Building, Hawkins Lane

Bristol

The neverending Story

Description: Few films define ‘cult classic’ as succinctly as this magical adventure...

Gail Bradbrook

Description: Join us for an evening with Gail Bradbrook, co-founder of Extinction Rebellion, and the Bristol branch of Extinction Rebellion for a thought-provoking and inspiring discussion on the urgent need for action on the climate and ecological emergencies. At this event, Gail Bradbrook and members of Extinction

Rebellion Bristol will share their perspectives on the current state of the climate crisis, what actions we can take to address it, and how ordinary people can get involved in the movement.

Venue: Cotham Church

Cotham Rd

Cotham

Bristol BS6 6DR

ABBA Night

Description: Mamma Mia Bristol, it’s been a while but due to overwhelming demand ABBA NIGHT returns this year, and we can’t wait!

Venue: Thekla Bristol

Thekla, The Grove, Bristol

We’re returning to Arnos Vale Cemetery this March for two nights of films that put a twist on fairytale fantasy! Our first film is the exceptionally 80s fan fave The Never-ending Story. Whether you wore your VHS out as a child or discovered it thanks to Stranger Things, there’s no denying the enduring cult status, and the power of its imagination hasn’t faded at all.

Venue: Arnos Vale Cemetery

Bath Rd

Arno’s Vale

Bristol BS4 3EW

Family Storytelling

Description: Come along for this one hour, family friendly session where every week we will create a completely new story!

Venue: Zion bristol Bishopsworth Rd, Bristol

BS13 7JW

Fishermans Friends

Description: Bound together by lifelong friendship and shared experience for more than 25 years the Fisherman’s Friends have met on the Platt (harbour) in their native Port Isaac to raise money for charity, singing the traditional songs of the sea handed down to them by their forefathers.

Venue: The Playhouse

126-130 High St, Weston-super-Mare

BS23 1HP

PAN’s LABYRINTH

Description: Tour March screenings at Arnos Vale conclude with a late screening of the dark fairytale – and firm festival favourite – Pan’s Labyrinth. Guillermo del Toro’s Oscar-winning masterpiece is both hauntingly beautiful and brutally ugly, in its seamless blending of its surreal and sinister mythical realm with the harsh realities of the Spanish Civil War’s immediate aftermath.

Venue: Arnos Vale

Cemetery

Bath Rd

Arno’s Vale

Bristol

BS4 3EW

UPCOMING EVENTS

PORTISHEAD CAMERA CLUB

Portishead Camera Club will hold meetings every Thursday at 7:30pm to approx 9:00pm

AT REDCLIFFE BAY HALL, PORTISHEAD

Please visit our website for the open meeting dates. The first meeting will be free to non-members.

Come along to make new friends, discover how to take better pictures and appreciate the company of like-minded people.

The club seeks to help its members enjoy their photography, explore new techniques and invites expert speakers to share their camera skills.

So, whatever you use to take your family or holiday pictures, the Camera Club can help you.

Regular competitions and outings provide great learning opportunities. .

www.portisheadcamerclub.co.uk

ALSO SHOWING IN CINEMAS

EPIC TAILS

PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH

ANT-MAN AND THE WASP: QUANTUMANIA

Zoe and Kazim, two childhood friends now in their 30’s must decide whether to follow their heads or their hearts once he decides to follow his parent’s advice and enter into an arranged marriage with a woman he has never met in Pakistan. Zoe, a documentary filmmaker, decides to capture his experience, while at the same time dealing with her own digital dating woes, her opinionated mother Cath and both her and Kazim’s high-spirited families and friends.

ANT-MAN AND THE WASP: QUANTUMANIA

MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON

A WELCOME RETURN FOR SHIREHAMPTON'S HIGH STREET MARKET

The High Street Market opened its doors to 2023 on Thursday 2nd February. Many customers said it was good to have the High Street Market open again after a short break.

For a winter's day that constantly threatened rain, this did not the deter the local communities making their visit to this monthly event.

The next High Street Market on Thursday 2nd March at the Tithe Barn will see some additional stalls added to the range they already have with an expansion outdoors. Shirehampton Markets is always keen to support small local business where they can and open to new stall ideas too that will give a wider range of items for the local shopper to choose from.

There will be the Easter Market to look forward to on Thursday 7th April where arts and crafts, garden games, D.I.Y face painting, along with colouring pictures, crosswords, sudoku and word searches will be available to all ages, yes including adults too. And there will be the Easter Character Hunt throughout the High Street. Many of the local shops and businesses will be taking part and all you have to do is find the character names and where they are. You can then return to the Market with completed form to collect your bag of sweets.

On the Saturday 29th April there will be a special event taking place at the Public Hall, Station Road, Shirehampton, BS11 9TU.

"King Charles III Coronation Celebration" will be taking place between 10am until 3pm. There will be plenty of stalls and activities taking place that day and it will be a great family day out for all ages. Like both our venues they are also disability friendly. There will be an environmental/nature/royal celebration character hunt throughout the High Street too.

"Having this special community event the weekend before King Charles III Coronation means our local communities can get into celebration mood a little early especially as many will choose to see the coronation live on TV and then go to their own street parties afterwards" said Ash Bearman, Community Development Officer for SCAF

Volunteers are still needed to join Shirehampton Markets in particular for the Saturday Community Fayres and special events they run to secure their future. As with many local activities volunteers form an important role within the community.

The High Street Markets take place at the Tithe Barn, High Street, Shirehampton, Bristol, BS11 0DE the first Thursday of every month from 10am until 3pm.

If you want to become a volunteer you can call: 0117 9829963 and leave a message or email: shirehamptonmarkets@outlook.com or leave a message via their Facebook page: www.facebook. com/shirehamptonmarkets

BRINGING MUSIC, COMEDY, DANCE, SPORT AND IRISH HERITAGE TO THE STREETS OF BRISTOL

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, the West of England Irish CultureFest is set to paint the city green with support from Bristol City Centre BID

W.E. Irish are inviting Bristol’s Irish community and beyond to join the St Patrick’s Day celebrations, with a calendar full of 35 events taking place between Friday 10 - Sunday 19 March. To close out this extensive programme of Irish cultural activities and events, the W.E. Irish CultureFest will parade through the streets of Bristol on St Patrick’s Day, culminating in an indoor and outdoor party to mark the occasion.

Meeting at Trinity Centre at 11:30am on Sunday 19 March, the parade will commence from 12:30pm, and make its way towards the city centre. The festivities will include a full day of music and dancing - featuring floats, dance performances, bands, street performers and more - continuing into the evening with a party shindig in and around St Nick’s Market that will have visitors exclaiming “slainte!”.

From 2 - 8pm at St Nicks, expect fiddles and folk to keep crowds entertained, with Irish jigs and river dancing encouraged. With 12 acts performing at 2pm in St Nick's Market glass arcade, there will also be a heated and seated ticketed event later in the day, with live bands, dancers, musicians and more in Revolution Bar, with tickets available here: https://weirish. org.uk/festival/

Ahead of the parade, a fringe festival of over 35 events will take place throughout the month - featuring a Ceilidh Dance night with the Perfect Cure Band at Bristol Folk House, dance classes, a Craic House comedy night at Bristol Folk House and plenty more in celebration of the Irish community.

On Saturday 11th March, guests can join Pubs and Potatoes, Giants and Geniuses - a story walk through Bristol led by short story author, Clare Reddaway. Kicking off at 11am, the experience will explore Irish life in Bristol. Through sharing snippets of history and slices of fiction, Clare’s stories are inspired by the streets and buildings at the heart of Bristol, bringing to life the people who once lived there.

Paul Kelly, Chairperson of W.E. Irish, said: “We are looking forward to bringing everyone, Irish or not, together for a big celebration and appreciation of what Irish people, past and present, have contributed to the West of England. Beyond the stereotypes, we’re extremely proud of our Irish heritage, culture and tradition and can’t wait to showcase the diversity in the city and to share learnings from the stories of Irish families in Bristol.”

With events and updates regularly added, keep up to date and register for the St Patrick’s Day post-parade parties at St Nicks and Revolution Bar on the website.

Vicky Lee, Head of Bristol City Centre BID, said: “It’s really great to be able to work in conjunction with the team at W.E. Irish to deliver such a jam-packed series of activities and events in celebration of the Irish community throughout the city. Not only does W.E. Irish CultureFest enhance Bristol’s already extensive and diverse events calendar, as well as providing community activities for all to get involved in, it also helps to support local businesses by driving footfall to those both taking part and nearby. We hope to see residents and visitors there to paint the town green together this March.”

CITY AND PORT OF BRISTOL BOWLING CLUB

The new outdoor bowling season is approaching fast and preparation for its arrival is well underway.

Work on and around the green has been in progress for some time and fixtures both friendly and competitive made.

Starting with a home friendly game against Bristol St. Andrews on April 15th and running through until late September there will be around forty friendly games, home and away on Wednesdays and at weekends to be enjoyed. Fixtures Secretary Phil Cormack has worked hard to put together a good and attractive list of games against clubs in and around Bristol. There will once again be visits to Yatton and to Congresbury. The club will revert to wearing white below the waist for the coming season having worn grey as part of the Covid restrictions ---- to avoid entering changing rooms --- in recent seasons.

Both ladies and men will play in their respective Bristol Leagues --- fixtures for these are compiled and supplied by the leagues and start at the end of April.

The Monday Evening Club League which includes a knockout cup competition starts in May and concludes early in September. Four teams will take part again this coming season.

Last season saw only a small number of club competitions running and as a result a very much scaled down finals weekend and presentation evening took place. With Gill Hinksman now in place as Competition Secretary there is hope that the number of competitions running in 2023 will be much greater. There is a link from competitions at club level to county level through the men’s and ladies four wood singles. Winners of each is entitled to enter the Champion of Champions competition which is run by the Gloucestershire Association --- initially in sections, Bristol, Stroud, Gloucester and Cheltenham but culminating in a grand county wide final on County Finals Day.

Mary Lomas is the new Ladies League Captain whilst Bill Hatherall continues in his role as Captain of the Men’s League Team.

So --- why not come to the club in Nibley Road, Shirehampton and have a free trial bowling session. Call David Hinksman on 07932 387217 to arrange yours. The green re-opens for the season on April 10th so any time after that would be good. Bowling is a game that can be learned by anybody ---- last season saw children as young as 6 and much older people who had suffered strokes and are members of Bristol After Stroke on the green, bowling woods and quickly picking up the basics needed to become a bowler. The club has qualified coaches and many experienced bowlers who can show how it’s done and provide support.

The bowling club offers much more than bowling --- it offers a sense of belonging, provides a challenge and the opportunity to make new friends. During the Winter Months the club runs Sunday evening Social Events --- most recently there was an excellent quiz devised and presented by Gordon Dimond. Great fun and with prizes for the winning team --- Nomad

2. The previous month saw a night of skittles. Not everybody plays skittles so for them it was something of a challenge and an experience.

Before the outdoor season begins the annual Winter Bowling Break will see about thirty bowlers, family and friends heading down the M5 To the splendid Toorak Hotel in Torquay early in March.

There will be four two hour long bowls matches against other visiting teams on the hotels four rink arena. But --- it’s not all about bowling --- there is plenty of time to make use of the hotels array of things to do, enjoy the entertainment and explore Torquay and the surrounding area.

Hopes are high for a good and successful season with hopefully an increase in membership numbers and the formation of a Junior Section. The club ran regular sessions for children and young people last season and they were well supported. The plan is to develop what was a group of potential young bowlers into a junior club with real games of bowls and maybe a challenge to junior sections from other clubs.

For further information about the club and its activities please call David Hinksman on 07932 387217.

BUFFALO CAULIFLOWER WINGS

INGREDIENTS

1 Cauliflower, trimmed and cut into small florets

1 tbsp Cold pressed rapeseed oil

2 tbsp Cornflour

½ tsp garlic granules

1 tbsp Unsalted butter, melted

2 tbsp hot pepper sauce

For the dipping sauce

2 tbsp light mayonnaise

150ml Soured cream

¼ tsp garlic granules

50g Blue Stilton®, crumbled

1 tbsp chopped chives, plus extra to garnish

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 220°C/fan 200°C/ gas 7

Line two bakingtrays with foil

In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with the oil until well coated

Sprinkle with the cornflour and garlic granules, season, then toss to coat evenly

Spread out the florets on the baking trays and cook for 15 mins, turning the pieces over after 10 mins

Meanwhile, put the melted butter and hot sauce into a small bowl, and stir together

Take the cauliflower out of the oven and brush it with the sauce mixture

Return to the oven and cook for a further 10-15 mins, until browned and crisp

To make the dipping sauce, stir together the mayo, soured cream and garlic granules until smooth

Gently mix in the Stilton® and chives

Spoon into a serving bowl and sprinkle with a few of the extra chives

Arrange the buffalo cauliflower on a serving plate and sprinkle with the rest of the extra chives

Serve alongside the dip

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.

Our homes in Bristol: Osborne Court Care Home, 0117 321 9289 Bishopsmead Lodge Care Home, 0117 321 9269

Call our friendly team today, or visit: www.fshc.co.uk

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 lemoned

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

BRAIN TUMOUR AWARENESS MONTH

It's Brain Tumour Awareness Month! March 1st to 31st is when we come together to spread awareness about brain tumours and increase research funding. Plus, the last day of MarchFriday the 31s - is Wear A Hat Day, Brain Tumour Research's biggest event. It's a great way to show your support and have some fun while doing it. Lastly, remember that Brain Tumour Research is the only charity in the UK devoted solely to brain tumour research.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A BRAIN TUMOUR?

The symptoms of a brain tumour will depend upon which part of the brain is affected. The most common symptoms are caused by an increase in pressure in the skull (intracranial pressure) caused by the growth of a tumour in the brain.

ARE HEADACHES CAUSED BY A BRAIN TUMOUR?

Headaches are one of the main symptoms of a brain tumour, but of course there can be many reasons for having a headache. Headaches caused by a brain tumour tend to:

• Be severe and persistent

• Often worse in the morning

• Get worse over a number of days

• Give stabbing pains if you do anything that increases the pressure in your head, for example coughing, shouting, bending over or doing exercise.

EYE SYMPTOMS OF A BRAIN TUMOUR

Please remember that there are many reasons why people display these eye and vision-related symptoms, but if any of these symptoms have come on suddenly they may be caused by a blood clot or infections such as meningitis or encephalitis, so it is worth seeking medical advice as a matter of urgency.

• Squinting

• Worsening vision

• Blurred or double vision

• Restricted field of vision, loss of peripheral vision, blind spots

• Problems with looking upwards or controlling eye movements

• Abnormal eye movements such as flickering eyes

• Head tilt, usually because the patient is turning to see things out of the corner of their eye rather than looking straight at them

• Brief loss, blurring or “greying out” of vision, sometimes triggered by coughing, sneezing or bending down

• As the tumour grows, it may cause the eyeball to bulge forwards. This is known as proptosis.

It is always worth seeing both your GP and an optometrist (optician) to investigate such symptoms. If your doctor suspects the presence of a brain tumour, they will immediately refer you for a scan at a hospital in order to be sure whether or not one is present.

JUST 1% OF THE NATIONAL RESEARCH SPEND HAS BEEN ALLOCATED TO THIS DEVASTATING DISEASE

HMO COMPLIANCE

There are 178 pieces of legislation linked to being a Landlord and HMOs are compliance heavy beasts, before you decide to invest in them, do your research well, educate yourself and understand your obligations. Let’s have a look at some of these pieces of legislation, as they relate to HMOs, now:

HMO COMPLIANCE CAN BE BROKEN DOWN INTO 3 MAIN AREAS:

Investor/Landlord Compliance – Being a compliant investor Property Compliance – Having a compliant property Tenant Compliance – Creating & Maintaining compliant tenancies

Let’s assume you are a compliant investor/landlord: that you have ICO registration; that any company you are using as your investment vehicle is correctly insured etc. etc. and concentrate on the property itself:

Property Compliance can be broken down into a few areas too, some are HMO specific and some are not:

Insurance & Safety – HHSRS & being correctly insured for an HMO Licensing –Mandatory & Additional Licenses Planning – Article 4 & Sui Generis LACORS – Fire Safety

INSURANCE & SAFETY:

Naturally, you will need to have your property insured, each property is going to be different, each area is going to be different and the best thing to do is work with a broker who you know and trust and be very open and honest about what you are looking to achieve (if you don’t know one, we know a great one!)

THE NEXT THING TO BE AWARE OF IS HHSRS.

HHSRS stands for Housing Health & Safety Rating System and it’s the way houses are assessed for being fit for human habitation (or not). The whole document is 72 pages long and while you don’t need to read it all, you do need to know the basics.

The list of what could be a hazard stretches from loose floorboards to asbestos, but the key thing is compounding the risks/hazards. For example, cupboards in hallways, junk mail and loose carpet on stairs on their own are small risks, but combined are a large risk!

Our advice is to imagine you are walking around the house after a few too many or if you were a toddler (can be the same for some!) how can you hurt yourself? What items when paired together pose a greater risk and how can you mitigate that?

LICENSES & LICENSING

Each council has their own set of licence criteria (I know…) and if you are lucky enough, like we are in Bristol, to have a city that spans two council areas, then you need to know both sets! Generally, they are similar but there are subtle differences.

Key things for licences are minimum room sizes, the number of bathrooms/ toilets, fire safety and amenities.

In the eyes of the council, there is no excuse for not licencing an HMO and the rent repayment orders can be very expensive, in Bristol in September 2021 the council fined a landlord £48,000… not only that but if you have your `fit and proper person` status revoked, all of your HMO licences will be taken away, which could be very destructive for your portfolio!

There are two types of HMO licence:

Mandatory Licences – these are applicable to every HMO with 5 or more people.

Additional Licences – these are applicable to HMOs with 3 or 4 people IF your council has an additional licensing scheme in place.

HMO PLANNING:

There are two key aspects to HMO planning

Sui Generis Planning (for large 7+ person HMOs) which is universal and applies everywhere and Article 4 Planning Directives (for converting a family house into a small HMO of 3-6 people) which are area specific.

Article 4 is the big one, it removes the permitted development right to convert a family house (class C3) into an HMO (class C4). Councils bring this in when they want to limit the number of HMOs in an area, you can find a map on the council website if your council has it in place. It is not impossible to get Article 4 planning, but it is quite difficult.

Sui Generis is when you are going for larger

HMOs and will always apply. If you want to have 7 or more people in a house, you will need to apply for it. Each council has specific things they look for: big storage, refuse storage, anti-social behaviour measures, parking etc. these can be found in the local plan and you are best to speak to a local planning agent about the likelihood of getting Sui Generis Planning.

LACORS (FIRE SAFETY)

LACORS is the fire safety guide for all rental properties but has a specific section on shared houses and HMOs. It outlines the fire doors you will need (FD20 or FD30) the fire system you will need (Grade A or Grade D), the coverage of that system (LD1, LD2, LD3 etc.) and other things such as fireproofing of understairs cupboards etc.

Sometimes, the council licensing regulations and LACORS won’t match, so you need to check both and where they don’t, choose the stricter option… if in doubt, always go above and beyond!

If you are unsure, you can pay an independent fire assessment company to come and look at your property, which for a new investor may be a good way of learning exactly what you need to do!

HMO Compliance is a huge topic and we have only covered the basics you need to be aware of to get started - each one could be a whole post in itself. When we do compliance audits for our landlords, we go through all of these items and more. It is important to educate yourself, because there are no grey areas when it comes to compliance!

CONSERVATIVES SECURE FUTURE OF CHIPPING SODBURY MARSHAL SERVICE

South Gloucestershire Council's Conservative councillors are pleased to reveal that the Chipping Sodbury taxi marshal service has been secured for another 12 months from April this year. After much discussion between the Council and Safe & Sound, the current providers, an agreement was reached to continue operations for the next year, thanks to a strong appeal from conservative MP Luke Hall. Fortunately, doubts about the future of this important service have been put to rest.

Cllr Toby Savage, Conservative Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, said: “I am delighted to announce that we have managed to secure this service into 2024.

“The market for the provision of these services is extremely challenging and I am sure residents and businesses in Chipping Sodbury will be pleased to hear that Safe & Sound have agreed to extend the contract for another year.

“This news comes on top of planned upgrades to the CCTV network in Chipping Sodbury in the coming year.”

Luke Hall, Member of Parliament for Thornbury and Yate, said: “The whole Chipping Sodbury community will welcome the news that the street marshals operating along the High Street will continue into the next year.

“The marshals provide a valuable service for local residents and businesses, and the news that the service will continue uninterrupted is fantastic news for our High Street.”

FLEXIBLE PLASTIC TRIAL IN SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE

South Gloucestershire Council’s part in a pioneering trial to collect plastic bags and wrapping for recycling is making good progress and has been very well received.

The council is among the first local authorities to join the project and collect plastic bags and wrapping for recycling, with around 2,000 households taking part in the first stage.

Residents taking part in the trial have responded positively and are engaging well with the collections. Since the trial started in October 2022, around three tonnes of plastic bags, wrappers and various packets have been collected, the equivalent of over a million crisp packets. The waste has been sent to a number of recycling facilities to test different recycling methods.

The innovative trial, funded by the Flexible Plastics Fund and managed by Suez, is exploring how these plastics can be collected and processed for recycling in the UK. If successful, the trial will be expanded to more households in South Gloucestershire.

In the meantime, people in areas not covered by the trial can recycle their plastic bags and wrapping at most supermarkets.

Being one of the first local authorities to take part in this trial means South Gloucestershire Council is in a position to understand how collections could work with its existing recycling service. The trial is also supporting the market for this material as we move towards 2026/7, when all councils will need to provide a collection for these plastics.

Councillor Rachael Hunt, cabinet member responsible for waste services at South Gloucestershire Council, said: “We are delighted to be taking part in this pioneering trial, which is helping us understand how we can collect more with our current recycling service and what would be needed for us to expand it.

“These types of plastics are very light and are a popular form of packaging for many everyday products, but take up a lot of space in people’s bins. It can be difficult for householders to find similar products in non-plastic packaging, so the best option we have is to ensure they are recycled and their impact on the environment lessened.

“The positive start to the trial shows that people in the area are engaging positively and ready to recycle more. The work of South Gloucestershire’s recycling service coupled with the attitude of residents who have made recycling the norm is reflected in the area’s impressive recycling rate of almost 60 per cent, which is well above the national average.”

For more information about the trial visit www.recyclenow.com/plastic-wrapping

OVER 30’s DANCE PARTY at the superb BAWA Club, Filton on the FIRST Friday of EVERY MONTH (except No Dance in JAN or AUG and the APRIL DANCE is on FRI 14th) It’s The Ideal Night Out For The 30 * 40 * 50 * 60 Age Range.

Come and Dance Amongst A Friendly Lively Crowd. Enjoy A Good Mix of Music, Dancing Thru’ the Decades including some Motown and Soul Favourites. Club times are 9 ‘til 1 (last entry 11pm) –Very Smart Casual NO Tee Shirts or Trainers & Gents are Required To Wear Collared Shirts. Dance adm £8

For more Info call 07860578708 or go to www.mingles.co.uk Facebook: Luv2mingle

OUT AND ABOUT IN BRISLINGTON WEST WITH JOS AND ANDREW

CONSULTATION EXTENDED:

Due to an unfortunate mix-up, local residents received the wrong letter regarding the consultation on Langton Court Road safety improvements! We contacted the transport department, who have now sent out the correct letter. We also asked that the consultation be extended by one week to allow sufficient time for residents to leave their comments. The aims of the proposals are to make it easier for pedestrians to cross the roads in the local area by St Anne’s School, keep as much on-street parking as possible, make sure buses, emergency vehicles, refuse vehicles and delivery vans can still get through and keep vehicles at an appropriate speed around the school. The proposals include:

• At the north end either side of the bridge, provide footway build outs with dropped kerbs to improve visibility for pedestrians

• Widen the footways to provide more space for pedestrians and reduce the width of the road they need to cross. This will extend along Langton Court Road towards the school entrance.

• Outside the school entrance the road would narrow and there would be a speed table, which would help slow vehicles by the school and provide a level surface for people to cross the road.

• Provide a new zebra crossing on Langton Court Road, near the junction. The zig-zags on the approach to the zebra crossing prohibit parking, so some on-street parking will be lost (equivalent to about four cars). This is important to make sure that people using the crossing can be seen by drivers.

• The footways would also be widened and dropped kerbs with tactile paving installed at the junction of Salisbury Road and Bloomfield Road to help pedestrians cross these roads.

Some people have suggested a modal filter, which would close the bridge to motorised vehicles, but this was rejected by a majority of residents in an earlier consultation.

If you have any comments or queries about the present proposals, please get in touch with us, or contact the city transport team by Sunday 12 March 2023.

• Email: transport.engagement@bristol. gov.uk

• Phone: 0117 9036449 and leave a message on the answerphone

• Write to: Langton Court Road, Transport Engagement Team, PO BOX 3399, 100 Temple Street, Bristol, BS1 9NE

OUR LATEST NEWSLETTER:

We believe in keeping local residents informed all year round, not just at election time! We are the only team who regularly deliver newsletters throughout the year and our latest one is hitting the doorsteps right now. We want to thank the many local residents who volunteer to deliver the newsletter to every household across the ward. If you would like to help out for an hour or so every few months to deliver the local news, please get in touch.

COUNCIL BUDGET MEETING:

This Tuesday, Bristol councillors voted on the budget for the next financial year. By law, the council has to pass a balanced budget. In order to achieve that, the Labour administration proposed cuts and new charges for many vital services and also proposed increasing the council tax

SEND (Reduce the amount of money allocated to fund legal defences of SEND cases and instead fund a caseworker to improve assessment times and conduct a review of disputed cases and provide resolutions in order to reduce the number of cases that require legal defence)

Waste and Recycling (Use budget reserves to reverse the proposed charges for new recycling containers, Christmas tree collections and DIY disposal at recycling centres)

Supported Bus Services (Use reserves to increase the Supported Bus Services Grant to ensure services are maintained in communities left with no service) Our amendment on special educational needs won unanimous support across the chamber. Unfortunately, our amendments on reversing new waste and recycling charges and additional funds to help supported bus services were voted down by Labour and Green councillors.

LITTER PICK NEW DATE:

We’ll be holding our first litter pick of the season very soon. The date is now Saturday 11 March starting at 11am. We plan to meet at the Stockwood Road entrance to the Brislington Park and Ride and then head down Hungerford Road towards Hungerford Open Space. We will provide litter pickers, hi-vis, and bags. Hope to see you there.

NOROVIRUS UPDATE:

Many children went back to school this week following half term. There has been an increase in norovirus cases (vomiting bug). If you or your child is unwell with norovirus, here are some simple steps to help minimise the spread of infection:

• stay at home until 48 hours after symptoms have cleared

• stay hydrated

• protect others by not going to school, work or visiting care homes or hospitals

• wash your hands regularly with warm water and soap, especially after going to the toilet and before preparing food. Most hand gels do not kill norovirus

For more information, go to the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ norovirus/

By Jos Clark, Liberal Democrat Coun -

cillor (Brislington

West) Email: cllr.jos.

clark@bristol.gov.uk Mobile: 07584 370429

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

NEW HOPE FOR WOMEN EXPERIENCING RECURRENT MISCARRIAGE

New evidence has come to light indicating that treatment using PICSI (Physiological Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) may reduce the chance of miscarriage for a select group of patients, namely those with a history of miscarriage or advanced maternal age, according to Sophia Seabrook, an embryologist at Bristol Centre for Reproductive Medicine (BCRM).

Sophia Seabrook said: “PICSI is a relatively new technique for selecting sperm, designed to improve sperm selection for conventional ICSI (performed as part of IVF when a single sperm is injected directly into an egg).

“The key success indicator in ICSI is the selection of a good quality sperm. The technique can offer good results and bypass many of the natural barriers for conception, especially where there are issues with the quality of the sperm. However, ICSI alone is not able to identify sperm with good DNA quality.

“Good sperm DNA quality is essential for generating a viable pregnancy, with evidence suggesting poor DNA quality can affect success rates.

“This is where PICSI comes in, PICSI selects sperm that are reportedly more mature, with better DNA quality.

Photo: Sophia Seabrook, STP Embryologist at Bristol Centre for Reproductive Medicine (BCRM)

“A large, randomised control trial, HABSelect in 2019 by Miller et al* investigated 2,752 couples, half of whom received PICSI, the other half receiving conventional ICSI. They found that couples who received PICSI were significantly less likely to suffer a miscarriage.

“A more recent review conducted in 2022 by West et al** looked at the outcomes in more detail and confirmed this finding. While this effect was not great enough to impact the success rates of the entire patient group, when one of the authors looked at a subset of patients, those over 35 years old. They found that PICSI strikingly mitigated the decrease in predicted live birth rate seen with normal ICSI for patients in this age group.”

For details of the quoted research see *Miller et al: Here and **West et al: Here is the longest established fertility clinic in Bristol, helping people from throughout the South West and Wales with fertility treatment for both private and NHS patients.

The clinic is involved in innovative research and has one of the best success rates with IVF and other fertility treatments in the UK.

Hengrove

Fortfield Road

BS14 9NX

Tuesday 9.30am

Sarah: 07879 443888

Bridgefarm

East Dundry Road

BS14 0LL

Wednesday 5.30pm and 7pm

Sarah: 07879 443888

slimmingworld.co.uk

Christ Church Hall Petherton Road

Hengrove

BS14 9BP

Saturday 9:30am

Keesa: 07399 597267

Community Centre

Primary School

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in partnership with North Somerset Council

THE COUNTRYSIDE CHARITY RESPONDS

Commenting on Sir Keir Starmer’s speech to the NFU, Sarah McMonagle, acting director of campaigns & policy at CPRE, the countryside charity, said:

‘The Labour Leader is spot on when he talks about the importance of supporting farmers by ensuring the state buys local. If everyone eats more local food, it means everyone eats better food. Policies on public sourcing and procurement are in the government’s gift. A stroke of a politician’s pen could make sure schools, hospitals and prisons buy from farmers in the UK.

‘Thoughtful changes to government policy could also ensure a thriving network of farming cooperatives that secure the country’s food supply in the long term. Supermarkets can and should play their part, by ensuring more than 10 per cent of the food sold is locally sourced within 30 miles.

‘Where Starmer is deafeningly silent is on nature and its important role in farming and food security. It’s not an either/or choice – nature friendly farming policies will support farmers to deliver bigger crop yields and make their businesses more sustainable in the long term.

‘Supporting farmers is important but there’s a lot more to levelling up rural communities and unleashing the potential of the rural economy and we’d like to hear more from Labour on this. If Starmer wants to cut through with rural voters at the next election, it must start by helping rural communities overcome the major barriers they face, which sees thousands of young people abandoning the places they grew up in because they can’t afford a home or they can’t get around. The magic sauce is properly funded and reliable public transport and truly affordable homes, linked to local wages, that will encourage young people to believe they have a bright future in the countryside.’

That’s why we want the Labour party to back a target for 40 per cent more hedgerows by 2050 –a policy that’s overwhelmingly supported by farmers across the country.

CLEVE HOUSE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SET TO OPEN IN BRISTOL

Cleve House International School will open in September on the current site of Cleve House School, on Wells Road in Knowle.

The school is a joint initiative between Cleve House School and Wotton House International School in Gloucester, which already offers the IB Middle Years Programme for 11-16-yearolds as an alternative to the traditional GCSE route.

Clare Fraser, headteacher at Cleve House, said that from the start of the next academic year the school’s intake will expand to include secondary pupils as well as those of primary age.

“This partnership is a game changer for education in Bristol, bringing together two of the West of England’s most successful and long-standing independent schools,” she said.

“Wotton House International is currently one of only 26 schools in the country to be offering the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, which offers a ‘slimmed down’ set of exams in five core subjects at 16. This is the gold standard across much of the world and so puts students at an advantage in today’s inter-connected, globalised world.

“Cleve House International will become the first school in Bristol to offer this robust, inquiry-based knowledge curriculum, as well as integrated technology for learning and outdoor education.

“Wotton House has been a pioneer in both of these areas and our pupils will now have access to the fantastic Wilderness Centre in the Forest of Dean, which comprises a country house set in 30 acres of private grounds.”

Daniel Sturdy, principal at Wotton House International School, said the new establishment would be the first new independent secondary school to open in Bristol for around 150 years.

“There is a track record of success and longevity on both sides in this partnership, with myself and my wife Sophie – our registrar – on the Wotton House side, and Clare on the Cleve House side.

“Bristol’s independent schools have been hugely successful over the years by offering a traditional educational approach but we will be offering something radically different.

“Bristol is an international city that is home to global employers and there is a large and growing demand among parents for the IB as an alternative to the established GCSE route, as well as an environment that is more welcoming for neurodivergent children and helps them to build on their strengths.”

MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH AS FIRMS IN TRIAL STICK WITH CHANGES

A critical key to improving employee wellbeing and productivity could lie in a four-day working week, according to an expansive trial conducted by the University of Cambridge. Out of the 61 companies in various sectors that took part in the study across June and December last year, 2,990 participants reported feeling less stressed (39%) and having lower levels of "burnout" (71%). The results have been echoed by one particular company that participated: The Royal Society of Biology. Their Chief Executive noticed improved productivity levels within its staff; which coincided with an average decrease in sick days from four to five per person per year, down to less than two. The comprehensive trial highlights that there's evidence suggesting a potential shift to a four-day working week should be seriously considered for future years.

Tessa Gibson, a senior accreditation officer for the society said it ‘made a big difference to her mental health,” and that she wouldn’t want to go back to a five-day week.

She said: “Weekends can be a pretty hectic time for the best of us, from housework that needs to get done, to the laundry pile that never seems to get smaller and for those who have children, weekends can pretty much be a write off as a time to relax. But a four-day working week allows workers an extra day to get stuff done, giving them at least part of their weekend back.”

However, not everyone is a fan of the idea, Jay Richards who is the co-founder of Imagen Insights explained how a four-day week can leave workers feeling like they have to get more done but in less time. Explaining his reasoning he said: “We do a five-day week but we work 10am to 4pm, we shorten our days so the employees have that work-life harmony but they’re not actually shortening their week, which I think would put more pressure on them.”

While some may not agree or like the idea, 92% of the companies who took part in the study have expressed their intent to continue with the four-day week now the study has finished, and 18 of them are making the change permanent.

HOROSCOPES

Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18

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

Keywords: Clear communication & Resilience

Taurus Apr 20 - May 20

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

Keywords: Sudden Realisation & Changes

Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 2

You feel that something may not have been dealt with fairly, this could be a situation with a family member or someone close to you. Step back and try and see the situation from all sides and try to bring some change and balance back.

Keywords: Fairness & Change

Gemini May 21 - June 20

Be careful in situations that could become volatile, especially in communication, try to be a listener as much as possible. Otherwise things could get into a bit of a tangle. Know that you can deal with and rise above a difficult situation.

Keywords: Listen & Inner wisdom

Aries Mar 21 - Apr 19

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

Keywords: Calm & Clearing

Cancer June 21 - July 22

Relationships are a high point this month, as well as possible a small refresh in the home. If something is a bit hard going at the moment, you will find that you will have the strength and endurance to go through this relatively plain sailing

Keywords: Opportunities & Relationships

Leo July 23 - Aug 22

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

Keywords: Clearing & New ideas and things

Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21

This may not be one of the easiest times, as you feel as though you need to be on your guard. A situation would be worth stepping back from, and trying to see it from a different perspective. This month would be good for you to follow those instinctive feelings, and work with your intuition. Remember also you are a lot stronger than you think.

Keywords: Protection & Intuition

Virgo Aug 23 - Sept 22

Balance and harmony are very important to you, somebody doesn’t always bring your sensitivity to the fore, as this will be an asset in this situation. You may also think of starting a new interest, that will involve collecting things or gathering information.

Keywords: Sensitivity, connecting & Gathering

Libra Sept 23 - Oct 22

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

Keywords: Study & Clearing

Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21

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

Keywords: Time and hobbies

Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19

Your social life won’t be busy this month. A few things look to change for you, so be prepared. Could be a time for reflection and from this some study or research or new interests or hobbies, may come from this.

Keywords. Learning and changes

Forecasted by Marie Hayward

YOUR GARDEN IN MARCH

THE ESSENTIAL GARDENING SPRING IS FINALLY HERE!

The warmer and sunnier days during March provide the opportunity for an increasing range of gardening tasks. It’s a great time of the year as new life bursts forth and the garden begins to transform. Preparation of seed beds and borders should be well under the way this month as well as cutting back winter shrubs and generally tidying up the mess that the winter has left behind.

Whether you’re preparing for shrubs and bedding plants or sowing seed for vegetables. Once all the tidying is done you’ll be in a better position to plan the seasons planting.

Sow seeds and plant onion sets, shallots and potatoes As the soil begins to warm you can start to sow broad beans, salads and sweet peas. If bad weather is forecast, be sure to cover seedlings with clothes to protect them. March is also the time to plant out onion and shallot sets – cover with fleece or netting to protect from birds.

Early varieties of potato such as ‘Rocket’ and ‘swift’ , can be planted. If they have been kept in a light and frost-free environments, they should be ‘chitting’ (a slight sprouting from seed potato). Chitting before planting can encourage earlier and heavier cropping.

FEED

As the warmer weather promotes fresh growth, a general garden fertiliser should be applied to help boost roots, green foliage and encourage more fruits and flowers from your plants. It can be applied around the base of plants by scattering straight from the box and left to be watered in the rain. Unfortunately, the warm weather will also see weeds start to grow as well. Weeding isn’t the most popular of jobs but its best to pull any that start to appear while they are young to prevent spreading.

SCARIFY THE LAWN

Do some lawn preparations before the growing season gets well under way. Choose a dry day and give the lawn a rake to remove the remnants of winter before cutting with the mower blades set at the highest position. Then aerate with a garden fork or aeration machine. This helps drainage and gets oxygen to the roots. Finally, apply a top dressing of spring lawn feed to add nutrients.

PLANT OF THE MONTH: PANSY/VIOLA

Why Should you plant them?

One of the most popular bedding plants, pansies and violas are hardy annuals that have a stunning array of colours to choose from. Bringing the joy of spring to your garden during the colder months, they grow happily in borders or containers as well as providing great ground cover.

How should you plant them?

Plant them in moist, well-drained soil in a spot with good sunlight to encourage flowering. tough little plants that are extremely hardy, they prefer cooler temperatures and need watering regularly. They are also very versatile - plant them in beds, borders, containers and hanging baskets