Bristol Weekly Magazine 24th November 2022

Be who you’ve always been... a keen gardener

At Trymview Hall care home being a keen gardener doesn’t stop when you make the journey into care. Bring your life with you to a place you can call home.

Award winning, person-centred care for over 40 years.

If you’re considering care for yourself or a loved one call 0117 453 0489.

Trusted to care.

Trymview Hall care home Westbury-on-Trym careuk.com/trymview-hall

TIPS

As we approach the holiday shopping season, it’s important to be aware of the increased risk of scams and cybercrime. With many sales happening online, stretching over weeks or even months, here are some tips to help you stay safe:

1. IF IT LOOKS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT PROBABLY IS

We can get so excited about finding a great deal that we don’t stop to think if it might be too good to be true. For example, we found this website promoted on social media that claims to sell unclaimed Amazon parcels for unbelievable prices.

2. BLOCK AND BLOCK AGAIN

To make your online shopping more pleasant use an ad-blocker, and for the best experience combine it with a pop up-blocker. Some advertisers can make it very hard to differentiate between the offers you were looking for and the ones they want you to look at. Blocking them decreases the risk of buying a pig in a poke.

3. BEWARE OF PHISHING

A lot of phishers will use times like these to go about their malicious business. Should you receive a link in an email, don’t simply click on it—make sure the mail has actually come from the alleged sender, even if you know the “sender” and have done business with them before. If anything feels weird to you, don’t enter in your details and check with the shop directly.

4. CAREFUL WHEN FOLLOWING LINKS

Whether it’s a link in an email or on social media, always treat links with a healthy amount of suspicion. It’s better to go to the website of the shop directly. Even though that still offers the possibility of being tricked by typo-squatters or hijacked Google results, those chances are a lot smaller than that of a malicious link. Also, make sure the link includes https at the beginning of the URL, so you know your data is encrypted whilst browsing or purchasing, although that does not automatically mean the site is safe or legitimate.

5. PROTECT YOURSELF FROM FRAUD

Where possible, use a payment method that offers you fraud protection. US fed eral law limits your liability for fraudulent purchases on a credit card to just $50. But some credit card companies go the extra mile and won’t hold you liable for any unauthorized purchases at all. The law also protects you if your credit card number is stolen as long as you still have your physical card. When in doubt, you can request transaction alerts—such as a text or push notification—every time the card is used, so you can be sure every purchase is one made by you.

Many credit cards also offer purchase protection, which allows consumers to file a claim with their issuer to receive replacement, repair or reimbursement for any eligible stolen or damaged items.

6. DON’T GIVE OUT TOO MUCH INTEL

During online shopping, don’t provide your personal information if you don’t need to. Shopping somewhere that you don’t see yourself frequenting regularly? Why provide them with details they don’t need. A shipping address to send the items to and an email address to keep you updated about the progress is about all a shop really needs. It’s not about not trusting the shop. Data breaches happen every day and what you haven’t provided, they can’t leak.

7. PROTECT YOUR DEVICE

Buying gifts online shouldn’t be so much of a hassle. So, make your shopping experience just that little bit easier by making sure your device is protected.

If you have to create an account, make sure you use a unique username and password combination. That way, if the site does get breached, your passwords for all your other accounts will remain safe.

Malwarebytes Browser Guard can block third-party ads and other unwanted content, including web pages that contain malware, and in-browser cryptojackers (unwanted cryptocurrency miners).

And an updated anti-malware solution on the device you use for your shopping can block malware from spying on your payments or performing other malicious activities.

Happy shopping!

HOW TO KEEP YOUR HOUSE WARM AND SAVE MONEY ON ENERGY COSTS

So this week it’s gotten really cold out there. Like, seriously guys, it’s freezing!

But you know what? I actually kind of love it. There’s something really cozy about bundling up and going outside to enjoy the fresh air.

However, once you’re inside it’s a whole different story.

Apparently, according to the Office for National Statistics, one of the biggest expenses for families is heating their homes. So this year, more than ever, it’s important that we find ways to keep warm while also saving some cash.

Since lots of us are working from home now too, it’s key that we figure out how to make our homes hold onto heat better, without driving up our energy bills.

In order to save money on heating and stay warm, it’s important that you take steps to reduce the heat loss from your home. There are loads of simple (and cheap) things that you can do to use your heat more efficiently and to retain the heat you create.

1 TURN THE THERMOSTAT DOWN

Every single degree you lower your thermostat could save you several pounds per week. Turning your heating down as little as one degree can help save as much as £55 a year.

Experts recommend 18C as an ambient level, rather than a costly 20C or 25C. So give it a try turning it down a bit, even by a degree or two, especially when you’re in the house all day.

If you opt to do this, you will save money. But how do you make sure you are also keeping your home warm enough?

2 REARRANGE YOUR FURNITURE

It might sound obvious, but directly blocking your radiators with furniture will trap in heat, and prevent it from making the room nice and toasty.

If you can, move your furniture clear from the radiators, and let the heat radiate out into the room. This will help increase the heat in your home without having to turn up the thermostat.

3 DRAUGHT PROOF YOUR HOME

All those little holes letting air into your home are making a big difference to the warmth of your house and your energy bills. So, it’s time to cover them all up.

You can do this on the cheap by using gaffer tape to seal cracks in floors and walls and cracks around windows, while the bottoms of doors can be blocked with old clothes or towels. Or you can go all out and buy draught-excluders to plug any gaps.

It’s estimated that this could save you around £20/year on energy bills, and help you better control the temperature of your home.

4 GET YOUR BOILER SERVICED

Heating your home using oil is a very efficient fuel. However this is only the case if your boiler is working efficiently.

We recommend that you get your boiler serviced every 12 months to ensure that everything is running smoothly and safely. We usually recommend that you do this in Autumn (before the Winter season), but if you’ve not done it yet it’s not too late.

5 OPEN YOUR CURTAINS DURING THE DAY

Yes, we get precious little sun during the Winter months in Scotland. But, what little sun we do get can help to heat up your home without increasing your ener gy bills.

Make sure you open those curtains in the morning to let the light and the heat in. It’s an efficient and totally free way to get some more heat in your house.

YOUR CURTAINS AT NIGHT

While opening your curtains during the day can help warm up the room. Closing them as soon as the sun drops will help to retain any heat that has been created.

Heavy weight curtains work best, or you can even invest in thermal curtains to keep the heat in.

7 LEAVE THE OVEN DOOR OPEN AFTER COOKING

You’ve got to eat. And the oven is nat urally one of the hottest places in your home. So why not utilise that heat to warm your home?

An oven full of 200C air released into the kitchen is the perfect way to stave off the cold in the evening especially if you have an open plan kitchen-diner.

Also try to think of how you use the oven, and make the best use of it. Having it on for an hour and a half just for one solitary jacket potato is not the best use of energy. Check what everyone in the house wants for dinner before switching the oven on, and consider bulk cooking by putting in a casserole, pie or crumble that you can then freeze, along with your main meal, to make best use of all that heat.

WHATS ON

NOVEMBER 25

Christmas Switch On

Description: Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council are excited to announce our High Street Big Christmas Switch On. We are excited to have The Great Day Choir joining us from 6pm to get us in the Christmas spirit, followed by the switch on at 6:30pm.

Venue: Downend High Street Bristol

Dick Whittington

Description: fter their SELL OUT tour in 2021, Lemon Jelly Pantos presents the PURR-FECT family pantomime, Dick Whittington. Visiting Chipping Sodbury Town Hall on Friday 25th November at 7pm. Featuring all the traditional pantomime ingredients, with a multi-talented cast, this one hour, laughter packed performance features colourful characters, hilarious comedy, fantastic music, lavish costumes & stunning sets.

Venue: Supreme Sports Lounge

Meriton Street BS2 0SZ Bristol

NOVEMBER 26

Duane Conn & The Connections

Description: Duane Conn & The Connections are a Rock N Roll/Rockabilly Trio from the South West. Bringing you all the vibes and feel of the 1950s, playing all the hits by such artist like Elvis, Chuck Berry, Carl Perkins & Buddy Holly. T

Venue: The Regency 22-24 Lower Church Rd, Weston-super-Mare BS23 2AG

Christmas Market

Description: Join us for the annual Christmas Market at Hanham Methodist Church. Over 25 stalls, Santas Grotto, Arts & Craft activities for the kids + refreshments available from The Beacon Cafe.

Venue: 26 Chapel Road, Hanham, BS15 8SD Bristol

NOVEMBER 27

Holly Hedge Christmas Fair

Description: We’re delight ed to announce this year’s Holly Hedge Christmas Fair. And we are even more excited, because this year we’ll be getting a visit from Santa Paws. So, bring your dogs along, and there’ll be a special Xmas gift just for them! There is easy parking available on site. A minimum donation fee of £1, and under 10s (and dogs) are free.

Venue: Long Ashton Community Centre Keedwell Hill BS41 9DP Bristol

Stars of Time Film & Comic Con Description: The Comic Con by the Sea is back for our Winter Event! Another show packed full of Celebrity Signings, Cosplay Competitions, Traders, Movie/TV Displays, Characters from Star Wars, Doctor Who, Marvel and so much more…

Venue: The Tropicana Marine Parade Weston-super-Mare BS23 1BE

The Fighter Bristol

Description: Ladies and Gentlemen, The Fighter Bristol is returning. We have 30 fighters being trained by professionals. Come and see them go head to head: 3 rounds, 2 minutes a round, 1 winner! It’s going to be electric, with 1400 people watching every move and cheering every hit, make sure you’re one of them. Dress code: black tie

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

Winter wonderland

Description: come and get messy with different materials to explore using all our senses with are winter wonderland messy play. splat messy play provide classes for children 6 months plus. Messy play allows children to build, imagine, experience and investigate. one off classes are £7 per child, sibling discount is available here.

Venue: YMCA 1 Marson Rd Clevedon BS21 7NN

The Vagabonds Comedy Description: Before the end of the world, Imaan Frank Hadchiti and Filip po Spreafico used to tour Europe together with their hit variety show “The Vagabonds of Comedy”. Now that the world is over and the dust has settled, after 3 years without seeing each other, they are back at it!

Venue: The Loco Club Clock Tower Yd, Under stone archway, Bristol BS1 6QH

- Dec 1

Cody Pennington

Description: Nashville artist Cody Pennington and his band bring the biggest country hits to the UK with the Cody Pennington Country Show. Don’t miss a night of boot scootin’ hits from artists like Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Dolly Parton, Chris Stapleton and many more. Wednesday November 30th.

Venue: 12 Saint Thomas Street Bristol BS1 6JJ

Freddy B gin and spirits tasting event

Description: Thursday 1st December at The Poacher

You can choose to drink what you want from all Gins to a mixed Spirit tasting of Gins, Vodkas, Rums and Bourbon, the choice is yours. Please contact the Poacher direct for tickets on 01275 818678 or purchase at the bar. Don’t delay as limited numbers available.

Venue: The Poacher 106 High St, Portishead Bristol BS20 6AJ

ROALD DAHL’S MATILDA

STRANGE WORLD

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ original action-adventure “Strange World” journeys deep into an uncharted and treacherous land where fantastical creatures await the legendary Clades, a family of explorers whose differences threaten to topple their latest—and by far— most crucial mission. Helmed by Don Hall (Oscar®-winning “Big Hero 6,” “Raya and the Last Dragon”) and co-di rector/writer Qui Nguyen (co-writer “Raya and the Last Dragon”), and produced by Roy Conli (Oscar®-winning “Big Hero 6,” “Tangled”).

In cinemas 25th November

BONES AND ALL WAKANDA FOREVER

FLEET OF NEW GRITTERS READY TO LAUNCH

The South Gloucestershire Council is launching nine new gritters this week as a part of a £1 million investment to keep roads safe during this winter. They will be out on South Gloucestershire’s roads this weekend.

The new fleet uses 20 per cent less salt by using technology which can be set to spread a more precise measurement to suit the road conditions. This makes them much more efficient and minimises their carbon footprint.

The council regularly grits around 30 per cent of South Gloucestershire’s road network when ice has been predicted. This involves treating main A and B roads, and routes to schools, care providers, fire, ambulance and police stations.

Vehicles, drivers and staff are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout the winter months, to keep schools open, businesses running and emergency services on the road. Winter arrangements begin in late October and run until 31 March each year, although this period can be extended depending on weather conditions.

Five thousand tonnes of salt is stored at the council depot at Broad Lane in Yate, so they are well-prepared for winter. The council also spreads salt manually on key town centre pedestrian areas and uses a small spreader mounted on a tractor to treat some of the busier sections of cycle routes.

The new gritters have been given superhero names by local school children as part of a competition held earlier this year. Winners were announced in the Spring and the names were selected by council officers from more than 100 entries.

The winners:

• Mr Thaw – Scarlett, St John’s Mead School, Chipping Sodbury

• Super Salter – Daisy, Wheatfield School, Bradley Stoke

• Sir Grittalot – Isabelle, Wheatfield School, Bradley Stoke

• Sponge Bob Grit Pants – Cody, St Mary’s Primary School, Yate

• The Grittest Showman – Harry, St Mary’s Primary School, Yate

• Walter the Salting Machine – Lucas, Christ the King School, Thornbury

• The Salty Warrior – Ben, Christ the King School, Thornbury

• Guardian Gritter – Harry, Christ the King School, Thornbury

• Knight in Salty Armour – Year 6, Christ the King School, Thornbury.

Councillor Steve Reade, cabinet member responsible for transport at South Glouces tershire Council said: “Ensuring our roads are safe is a top priority for the council and we treat 510 kilometres of roads every night during periods of cold weather to keep people safe and traffic moving.

We are delighted that these new, efficient gritters are ready for the winter months as they require much less salt in comparison with the old fleet. This means we can make our supplies go further this winter as well as delivering value for money services for our residents, so it really is about investing our resources wisely to be as efficient as possible.

“I’d like to thank all of the school children who entered the competition to name the gritters and congratulate the winners, there are some very imaginative titles! The new gritters are highly visible with their new reflective decals, so you may see ‘Mr Thaw’ or ‘Walter the Salting Machine’ out on our roads during the upcoming winter months.”

Further information on gritted routes and bin locations in South Gloucestershire can be found at www.southglos.gov.uk/gritting

NATIONAL RED PLANET DAY

Humans have been fascinated by the planet next door for many generations, and the NASA space program has been working to explore and learn more about it for decades. The so-called red planet gets its name from the rusty iron on its surface, which gives it a slightly red colour when seen from Earth.

HISTORY OF RED PLANET DAY

Red Planet Day is celebrated on November 28 as it commemorates the launch of the Spacecraft Mariner 4 by NASA in 1964, which was the first craft to ever reach Mars. It took almost eight full months for the craft to reach the red planet, finally performing a fly-by on July 14, 1965.

The Mariner 4 spacecraft was designed to gain information in fly-by mode that allowed for planetary exploration and closeup scientific observations of the planet Mars, then transmitting the information back to humans on Earth.

Many things have been learned about Mars in the years since the space program has been able to gather information. For instance, it is now understood that, like Earth, the Red Planet has a terrain that is varied, including canyons, volcanoes, deserts, polar ice caps and seasons.

FUN FACTS ABOUT MARS

Red Planet Day is the perfect time to enjoy learning more and gaining information about this neighboring planet. Gaining bits of trivia is a fun way to share with friends, family or co-workers and use it to raise awareness for the day. For instance, Mars is only about 1/2 the size of Earth!

Get started with some of these fun facts about the Red Planet: Galileo Galilei was the first person to view Mars by using a telescope. The name of the planet came from the Roman god, which is related to its red appearance.

Mars has weather that is made up of extreme temperatures and, being further away from the Sun, it is generally colder than Earth. Temps can range from -191 degrees F to +81 degrees F.

The gravity on the Red Planet is roughly 1/3 of that of planet Earth. This means that a person who weighed 100 pounds on Earth would only weigh about 38 pounds due to the difference in the pull of gravity.

Because it is further away from the Sun, it takes Mars a lot longer to make its orbit. A ‘year’ on Mars would take around 687 days, which is almost twice the length of a year on Earth.

A CHILLING TALE PROVIDES THE PERFECT FESTIVE READ

As we recover from a heatwave summer of record temperature highs, it’s hard to imagine that Bristol shivered Siberian-style beneath blizzard conditions in the early 1960s.

Some of the lowest temperatures, and heaviest snowfall, for 150 years were recorded during the winter of 1962-63. The snow started falling on Boxing Day and led to a great freeze which saw the docks covered in ice which was ten centi metres thick in places.

While it’s unlikely that we’ll suffer such chilling temperatures this coming Christmas, the story of that great freeze is outlined in the pages of Manson’s Bristol Miscellany Volume 2, the perfect present for anyone with an interest in Bristol.

But if you don’t fancy the chilly tale of how people had to boil snow for their water in the city, there are many other stories that have been uncovered by author Michael Manson in this second volume of stories from the rich history of Bristol.

The miscellany began as a compilation of things that piqued author Michael Manson’s own curiosity as he wandered around the streets he has called home for 45 years in a quest to find the ‘soul of the city’.

In addition to recalling ‘The Coldest Winter in 150 Years’, readers will discover everything from plans for futuristic aerial walkways in the city centre to the infamous Bristol accent; from notable buildings to Banksy; aircraft to almshouses. Even the most knowledgeable Bristolian will learn something new about the city.

There’s a chapter on ‘the stink of the city’, recalling some of the prevalent odours that have filled the Bristol air over time, from brewery hops to tobacco, from sewage in rivers to the sweet scent of chocolate.

Manson’s Bristol Miscellany is available now from the Bristol Books website, www.bristolbooks.org priced £20.

On Thursday 8 December, Mike will be at Glouces ter Road Books, 186 Gloucester Road, Bristol, between 6.30pm and 8pm, signing copies of the book (and there will be warming glass of sherry awaiting those who attend, too).If you would like to attend, please email mike.manson@pastandpresentpress.co.uk in order to help with the management of numbers.

CHEESEBURGER BAKE

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 450g British lean beef steak mince

• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 beef stock cube

• 250g macaroni

• 40g unsalted butter

• 50g plain flour

• 700ml semi-skimmed milk

• 2 tsp English mustard

• 130g Cheddar cheese, grated

• 1 burger bun, roughly torn into large breadcrumbs

Method

Heat the oil in a frying pan, add the mince and fry for 3-4 mins, stirring frequently, until browned

Drain on kitchen paper and return to the pan

Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, crumble in the stock cube and add 150ml boiling water

Cook for 5 mins, until slightly thickened, then tip into a baking dish

Preheat the oven to 180°C/fan 160°C/ Gas 4

Cook the macaroni for a couple of min utes less than on the pack instructions, then drain

Meanwhile, melt the butter in a pan, then stir in the flour

Gradually add the milk, whisking all the time, and bring to the boil Simmer for 3-4 mins until thickened

Remove from the heat, stir in the mustard and two thirds of the cheese, then tip in the macaroni and stir to coat

Spoon the macaroni cheese mixture on top of the mince, then scatter over the breadcrumbs and the remaining cheese

Bake in the oven for 15-20 mins, until bubbling and golden

CHOCOLATE, HAZELNUT & COOKIE CAKE

Ingredients

• 250g unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing

• 250g 70% cocoa dark chocolate, chopped

• 250g light brown soft sugar

• 250g self raising white flour

• 50g cocoa powder

• 4 large free range eggs

• For the buttercream

• 150g unsalted butter, softened

• 200g chocolate spread

• 150g icing sugar

• 1 tbsp semi-skimmed milk

• 6 Irresistible triple chocolate cookies, to decorate

Method

Grease and line 2 deep loose-bottomed 20cm cake tins

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

Put the chocolate, sugar and butter in a pan and melt together over a low heat, until the sugar is completely dissolved and everything is combined. Leave to cool

Put the flour and cocoa into a large bowl

Whisk the eggs into the cooled chocolate mixture, then whisk the chocolate mixture into the dry ingredients

Divide between the prepared cake tins and bake for 25-30 mins, until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Leave to cool completely

Once the cakes are cool, make the buttercream

Whisk together the butter and chocolate and hazelnut spread until light and fluffy

Whisk in the icing sugar, then add the milk to loosen slightly

Place one of the cakes onto a serving plate and spread a layer of the buttercream over the top

Sandwich with the second cake, then spread over the rest of the buttercream

To decorate, cut 3 of the cookies in half and crush the other 3 into crumbs

Pat most of the crumbs around the sides of the iced cake, push the halved cookies at intervals around the top, and sprinkle with the remaining cookie crumbs to serve

ACCESSING YOUR PENSION MONEY SENSIBLY AND AVOIDING PENSION SCAMS

Whether you have a defined benefit or defined contribution pension scheme, you can often start taking benefits from the age of 55. You could use this to help top up your salary if you are still working or to enable you to work fewer hours or even retire early. You may also be able to release a cash sum from your pension too.

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

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

Pension Scams to avoid

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

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

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

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

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

AGENT “IN THE HOT SEAT” – WHAT’S FULL MANAGEMENT?

Full Management (frequently referred to as a “fully managed” service) is a service offered by most letting agents to landlords that wish to have a more passive experience, where their letting agent is responsible for and will deal with all aspects of the management process including:

• Management of tenants

• Rent collection

• Safety compliance management

• Property inspections

• Management of property maintenance

• Assistance in any disputes

• Protection of the deposit

PROS

This is a great option for landlords who either don’t want to self manage or, for whatever reason (usually time or location related), cannot self manage. It is a passive service, because the letting agent will manage the property and the tenants and will ensure that the tenancy and the property are compliant. So, if it’s passivity that you are after, then this could be the right service level for you. Most agents will be happy to discuss tweaks with you, and trigger points at which you would like to be involved. For example, some landlords are happy to be completely hands off and let their agent choose tenants and some like to have the final say on tenant selection themselves; some are happy for the agent to sign the contract on their behalf, and some want to sign it themselves –and so on and so forth. Usually, if something is do-able and makes sense, your agent will be happy to oblige. Where the tenant find service leverages your agent’s selection experience, full management carries on, where that service ends, leveraging the agent’s management and compliance knowledge and expertise and often their trade contacts too.

The biggest one here is cost, as full man agement is an ongoing cost, as opposed to a one off fee, for a one off service, like, for instance, a tenant find. The im portant thing to mention here is that your agent will be spending a lot of time, on an ongoing basis, managing your proper ty, managing your tenants, and keeping abreast of compliance, in order to keep you, as a landlord, safe. The other important thing to mention here is to choose your agent carefully. There are some great agents out there, and a conversation with them, asking some good quality questions, will help you to choose the right one. Make sure that you do this well and that you don’t choose based solely on price, because they will be managing your biggest asset and their knowledge of the local area and of regulations and compliance are crucial, especially if you want a truly passive service – remember, you cannot outsource your responsibility as a landlord, so your choice of lettings partner is an important one.

Full Management versus Tenant Find

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

The Cost

This will vary from agent to agent, as with all costings but, our advice here would be, don’t be lured in by very low prices. A full management service is time heavy, and time equals money, so if you are being quoted a very low cost, we would see this as a potential indication of how much time is going to be spent on the management of your property, so “buyer beware.”

It’s also important to choose the right lettings partner, not just one based simply on price. There are some fantastic agents out there, so pick up the phone and have some conversations with them and ask some searching questions about how they go about the business of managing property. We charge 10% plus VAT for a single let and 12% plus VAT for an HMO, with discounts available for portfolio land lords. Different agents will have different fee structures, we have chosen ours to reflect time spent and the level of com plexity involved.

Our Tenant Find versus Our Full Management With our Tenant Find, you get to leverage exactly the same experience, knowledge and team as you get with full management, just for the part of the process that you need. We don’t outsource any part of our lettings service, so you get the full KPA experience, just for the “tenant find bit.” With our Full Management service you get that very same, experienced team, managing your property, your tenants and keeping both you and your property fully compliant; it can be as passive as you’d like it to be. Most agents work in a similar way and a conversation with them will help you to make the right choice about your lettings partner.

Us versus our Competitors

There are some great agents out there and, whilst it’s hard to comment, spe cifically, on exactly how they carry out their Full Management service, a chat with them would soon answer any of your questions and queries. Most agents define the service in a very similar way and are very happy to chat with a landlord about specific needs when it comes to the management of their property. The relationship with your agent is a partnership, never more so than in a management capacity, as they will be responsible for the day-to-day management of one of your biggest assets. Have those conversations, ask those questions, address those concerns – you will be pleased that you did!

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

HANG CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTS LIKE A PRO

When you're learning how to put lights on a tree, you figure out pretty quickly that hanging Christmas tree lights is easy. Getting the lights to look just right and taking them down at the end of the holiday season, however, is much harder.

FIRST, WHAT NOT TO DO:

Many times, people make the mistake of putting their lights on the Christmas tree haphazardly, crossing strands to form a wire net that’s nearly impossible to remove. Fortunately, there are a few strategies to try to make your Christmas lights easy to put up—and take down.

Whether you decide to hang your lights horizontally as we prefer, or vertically which also has its perks, use these tips to become a Christmas tree decorating pro.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

Christmas lights, of course! Start by figuring out how many lights you need for your Christmas tree. A good rule is to average 100 lights for every foot of the tree, but you can add more lights (or use fewer) as you prefer.

How to Hang Christmas Tree Lights

Before you start, plug in the lights to check if all the bulbs are working. Leave them on while you work so you can see how they look on the tree, and so you can easily address dark spots.

Horizontal is the most traditional way to install your Christmas tree lights— traveling around and around the tree to wind in the lights. To give your Christmas tree a professional look, string them a little randomly, to give your lights a more organic, natural feel. As you work, place some lights deeper into the branches and place some closer to the front to create depth.

A dead zone of lights occurs when you connect one string of lights to another: Hide the unsightly green plug by pushing it deep into the branches.

If your lights aren’t hanging exactly where you want them by wrapping a little floral wire around the cord and branch to hold it in place. Bend the loose ends of the wire towards the back of the tree to prevent any injuries.

If you have a branch that’s drooping or unattractive, simply remove it by clipping it from behind with a pair of florist shears.

Best Way to Hang Vertical Christmas Tree Lights

While hanging tree lights horizontally is most common, many top decorating experts recommend installing your lights from the bottom to the top. "The trick is to go up and down, not around and around.

Use a trunk-to-tip method to create “not just a shell of light but an inner glow and a three-dimensionality that cannot be achieved any other way.

To follow this tree lighting technique, divide the tree vertically into three sections (think trunk to tip) and string the lights by section. Beginning at the bottom, weave each string in and out of the branches, to the top of the tree and back.

Has your property gone up in price?

YOUR GARDEN IN DECEMBER

Choosing a

Christmas tree

Most gardeners tend to think that every thing in the garden is dormant in December. While this does tend to be the case there are still crops, plants and wildlife to protect from any winter frosts. The lawn will need to be kept clear of any remain ing leaves and patio containers will need raising to avoid them sitting in the wet. The beginning of the month, however, will probably be dedicated to decorating the Christmas tree. For many people this is an essential part of their festive traditions and there’s nothing quite like a real Christmas tree to decorate a room and fill the home with that nostalgic seasonal aroma...

There are several types of Christmas tree to choose from and if you’ve never had one before it can be hard to decide which will be best.

Nordmann Fir - this is the top choice for real indoor Christmas trees and has excellent needle retention.

The lush, glossy, rich green needles are soft and dense making it easy to decorate and the strong branches will support your lights and decorations to create a stunning display. They quite often have a wide base, making a perfect place to hide presents!

Norway Spruce - the ‘traditional’ Christ mas tree. Strong branches make for easy decorating, although the needles can tend to be fairly sharp. If you are choosing this tree it is best kept outside for as long as possible before bringing it into a cool room to help with needle retention.

POTTED/POT GROWN TREES

Most people buy cut Christmas trees, but it is possible to buy ‘potted’ or ‘pot grown’ trees. If you want to keep your tree after Christmas to pot on or plant in the garden always ask for a pot-grown tree. Potted Christmas trees have usu ally been grown in the ground and then dug up and potted with a few roots.

Looking good this month.. Mahonia

They generally won’t last much longer than a well cared for cut tree, and usually won’t establish in the garden afterwards. Pot grown trees have been grown in the pot and so many are more likely to be successful for growing on from year to year.

WHY SHOULD YOU PLANT THEM?

Striking winter foliage, fragrant lily-of-thevalley aroma and beautiful yellow blooms - it’s not difficult to see why the Mahonia is such a well-respected addition to a winter garden.

HOW SHOULD YOU PLANT THEM?

Mahonia are very low maintenance shrubs but a small amount of attention will ensure that they perform to the best of their abilities - an annual prune is sufficient to keep them in check. By nature they are adapted to woodland conditions so plant in partial to full shade however they will grow well in a variety of soil conditions including clay, chalk and even sand.

PLANNING INSPECTOR UPHOLDS JOHN PEER REFUSAL:

We have now heard that the Planning Inspectorate have upheld the decision of Bristol City Councillors to refuse planning permission for the redevel opment of the John Peer site opposite Arnos Court Park on the Bath Road. Sovereign Housing had wanted to redevelop the site with 146 residential units. The main issues were:

• The effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the surrounding area.

• The effect of the proposed development on the living conditions of future residents.

• Whether the proposed development would accord with national and local planning policy for sustainable energy use.

Regarding the first issue, the inspector said, “the combined mass, height and bulk of the Blocks A, B and C would be seen as a single form and, in my view, would significantly dominate the surrounding buildings and dwellings, appearing as an intrusive and incongru ous development that would draw the eye…the proposed development would not contribute positively to the surround ing area’s character or identity and would not respond appropriately to the height, scale or massing of existing buildings.

”

Regarding the second issue, the inspector said, “the single aspect nature of apartments within Block B that face the rear of Block A would result in unacceptable living conditions for future occupants…[the] courtyard would be dominated by the respective blocks and would not, in my view, create a high quality environment for occupants in terms of adequate usable communal amenity space…in terms of long cor ridors and internal circulation, and in respect of the harm to future residents with regards to outlook, I conclude that the appeal scheme would not provide acceptable living conditions for occu pants.” Regarding the third issue, the inspector said, “the proposed use of direct electric systems would not accord with the heat hierarchy element of Policy BCS14 of the Core Strategy, and it has not been adequately demonstrated that the incorporation of heat hierarchy compliant systems would not be feasible or would necessarily render the scheme financially unviable.”

We will be writing to Sovereign Housing to find out what they plan to do next. We do not want this eyesore to remain, but any proposed development must be appropriate for the site and for future residents.

POPPIES REMOVED FOR NEXT YEAR:

We have now removed the knitted poppy garlands adorning our war memorial and will be keeping them safe for next year. St Luke’s Parish Church have told us they hope to decorate the church tower next year, which should look spectacular.

FROM BRISTOL WITH

LOVE:

The charity, from Bristol with Love, have asked us to encourage residents to make the following donations to help the people of Ukraine:

Sleeping bags

Candles

Blankets

Thermal clothes

With the winter fast approaching, conditions in Ukraine are going to be really worrying, especially as bombing has destroyed so many homes. The charity recently announced their 37th delivery of aid from Bristol, which consisted of two tonnes of food, first aid, 10 electrical generators and sleeping bags. Their next deliveries are scheduled for 27/11, 4/12 and 12/12.

Please DM us if you can help. We will be happy to collect supplies and forward to the charity. More details here:

https://lnkd.in/d-f45zWq

GREATER BRISLINGTON TOGETHER AGM:

GBT will have its AGM on Saturday 26th November at Wick Road Library from 10.30am-11am (followed by a quick brunch before Sandy Park Road light switch on festivities start) GBT is looking to recruit a new secretary and a communication volunteer. GBT is keen to grow both the committee and engage a wider Greater Brislington Strategy group. Everyone welcome.

BRISTOL BUDGET CONSULTATION:

Bristol City Council is consulting on proposals for next year's budget and meeting the financial challenge facing the council over the coming five years. The council is seeking views on the level of Council Tax and Social Care Precept for next year (2023/24) and its proposals for ways it can start to meet a potential budget gap of up to £87.6 million. Find out more about the budget proposals for 2023-24 and take part in the survey at: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/ Budget-2023-24-ask/

This survey will close at midnight on Friday 23 December.

HOUSING ADVICE DURING THE COST-OF-LIVING CRISIS:

We know that rising household costs are making it difficult for people to pay rent, bills, and in some cases, mean people could be facing homelessness. There is guidance available on the council’s cost of living support webpage, including advice on paying your rent or mortgage and options for applying for housing benefit or Universal Credit: https:// www.bristol.gov.uk/residents/people-and-communities/cost-of-livingsupport

You can also reach out to a number of agencies across the city for housing advice, including:

• Shelter - telephone: 0808 800 4444 – open Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm, weekends and bank holidays, 9am to 5pm

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You can also call the We Are Bristol helpline for free on 0800 694 0184 between 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Or visit the Citizen Service Point in person, located at 100 Temple Street, BS1 6AG, if you need helping using the council’s services or need access to a computer

WELCOMING SPACES:

There are now 58 Welcoming Spaces open across Bristol. While the temper atures have been milder recently, the city's Welcoming Spaces are not just a place for you to keep warm. They are also there for you to socialise with others and access advice and support related to the cost of living crisis. What happens at each space depends on the venue but could include access to Wi-Fi and electrical charging points, community meals and activities. You can find a map and list of all the W

Welcoming Spaces in Bristol here: https://www.bristol.gov.uk/residents/ people-and-communities/welcoming-spaces/find-a-welcoming-space

You can also find information about what is offered at your local Welcoming Space, opening times and contact details.

TEMPLE QUARTER TOUR:

Temple Quarter is the UK's biggest regeneration project, aiming to transform the area around Temple Meads station. If you want to find out more, the project team is running regular walking tours of the key sites being transformed as part of Temple Quarter. These take place on Mondays. Places are limited, so please contact the team at TempleQuarter@ bristol.gov.uk if you would like to attend.

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.

Image related to the John Peer section of this article

WORLD CUP THEMED FOSTERING CAMPAIGN

Monday 21 November, will see coun cil fostering teams across the country joining a new virtual team called ‘Local Councils United’.

Each day of the football tournament, a different council fostering team will share a video created with the message ‘Help a young person achieve their goal’. The videos will highlight reasons why people should foster with their local council.

The national campaign’s 23rd day falls on Tuesday, December 13th, and that is when Fostering North Somerset will publish a complete version of the video. A preview of the video will appear on Fostering North Somerset’s social media pages this weekend. We’re thrilled to bring you this content and can’t wait for you to see it!

Cllr Catherine Gibbons, North Somerset Council’s executive member for children’s services, said: like football, brings people and commu nities together for a common purpose. This men’s football FIFA World Cup, we’re proud to join forces with other local authorities as a united fostering community to raise the importance of fostering.

LEARN HOW TO GET ONLINE

The ‘Tea and Tech’ sessions happen ing across North Somerset will teach residents how to get online and use today’s technology - and enjoy a cup of tea while they’re at it!

In this cost-of-living crisis, it’s more important than ever to bridge the digital divide. Not being online means missing out on basic activities that most people take for granted, like looking for jobs, finding local support, getting essential health information, and using digitised public services..

Free tech sessions to help tackle this are available here.

Cllr Catherine Gibbons, Executive Member for Children, Young People, Lifelong Learning and Skills at North Somerset Council said: “These sessions are a great opportunity as not being online during the current cost of living crisis means you won’t easily be able to shop around for the best deal, access helpful and local cost of living advice on the North Somerset Council website or contact key organisations for the latest online support.

We want to narrow the digital divide and help everyone feel more confident ac cessing online services and finding the right information to help them through these challenging times. Free technical learning sessions are taking place across North Somerset so sign up to a session or pop into your local library for more advice.”

Libraries can help anyone wishing to in crease their digital knowledge. Comput ers are available in libraries as well as free Wi-Fi for anyone bringing their own device. Staff can help you access the Internet as well as use printing/scanning facilities. Click here for more information:

Residents facing digital exclusion through not being able to afford sim cards and mobile data can also access them for free thanks to a scheme available through North Somerset Council's library service.

The UK National Databank provides free sims and mobile data (as well as talk minutes and texts) to people in need through the Good Things Foundation’s network of local community partners, including North Somerset libraries. It’s like a food bank but for internet connectivity data.

Anyone over 18 from a low-income household who qualifies in at least one of the following ways can obtain data vouchers from their local library:

Has no access or insufficient access to the internet at home, and/or has no or insufficient access to the inter net when away from home, and/or can’t afford their existing monthly con tract or top-up.

Residents who need a data voucher should contact their local library to make an appointment to collect it. For details of North Somerset libraries visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/libraries, email libraries@n-somerset.gov.uk or telephone 01934 426 834

DECEMBER HOROSCOPES

Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18

Something you have been putting aside needs to be dealt with. The sooner you do this the better things will be for you. Remember that in any situation you have a strong enough character that you will be able to deal with most things. If you have hold-ups and obsta cles, check that you are not causing these yourself.

Keywords strength and endurance

Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20

Meeting people is quite promi nent this month, both in social and other groups and gatherings. If something needs to be said or sorted now is a good time to do it. It may be a time to reflect and for decisions.

Keywords. Gatherings and decisions

Taurus

Apr 20 - May 20

Looks like changes are on the way for you. It may be a new venture or career. You may be feeling a bit restless at the moment., May be time to reflect aon nd some of the things you would like to achieve. You may find people keep wanting to give you their problems, but do not let yourself get involved in gossip or conflict.

Keywords changes and reflection.

Aries Mar 21 - Apr 19

If you are involved in meetings at this time they may not run as smoothly as you would like 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 and clearing

Gemini May 21 - June 20

You may be feeling that things are being held up for you, or that your vitality levels are low. Spring is just around the corner and soon your energy and yourself will be feeling back to normal. If there is something complicated in your life at the moment, you will soon be able to unravel it and and let it go. Don’t be too hard on yourself, remember you can achieve more than you think.

Keywords. Letting go..

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 with relatively plain sailing.

Keywords opportunities and relationships

Leo July 23 - Aug 22

This month pay attention to your intuition especially in regarding to situations with other people. You may need to step back from something and try and see it from a different perspective In all situations this month try and keep calm and balanced.

Keywords. Intuition and balance

Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21

It may be that time of year to go through some paperwork and to change some things that you have been putting off. A good time now for clearing and getting rid of things you don’t need both physically and emotionally. Try to be aware of being sensitive to other’s needs.

Keywords: Clearing and sensitivity

Virgo Aug 23 - Sept 22

You may be at a point where a knew interest hobby or some kind of study is on your mind. This could lead to opportunities in many directions. Just remember anything you want to achieve may involve some kind of challenges.

Keywords challenges and oppor tunities.

Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21

This month is just the right time to start sorting other things out you have been putting off. You may feel I need to have a revamp in your home, this may also involve a clearing for yourself emotionally. Should be a chance to get rid of all those paperwork issues too.

Keywords clearing and cleansing

Libra Sept 23 - Oct 22

Any obstacles that have been in your way look likely to be on their way out. You may have been feeling a bit stuck in your ways of late, this could well be about to change. It may be time to think of having a break, even if it’s just for a day or so.

Keywords change and relaxation

Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19

At this time any hold-ups you have had are going to be easing. It would be good to listen more than talk at this time.Then may be things will be of value to you. Sensitivity and flexibility is something for you to be aware of this month.

keywords: Listen and sensitivity

Forecasted by Marie Hayward Disclaimer

TAKE A BREAK AND TRY TO SOLVE THESES PUZZLES

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

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

Good luck!

EASY MEDIUM

WEEKLY GUESS THE WORD COMPETITION ANSWER

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

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

Good luck!

HARD EXTREME

ESCAPE THE MAZE

Can you find your way through this difficult maze?

AVON AND SOMERSET POLICE CHRISTMAS CARD COMPETITION

Avon and Somerset Chief Constable Sarah Crew and the force’s Police Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford are looking for talented young artists to help design this year’s official Christmas cards.

This year’s children’s competition theme is ‘How the police keep you safe in your community’.

They are asking children aged between four and 11 to draw the constabulary’s police officers and staff showing how they will keep communities safe during the festive period.

The two winning designers will receive a visit from the force’s mounted section to their home or school, plus a gift voucher.

The competition officially opened on No vember 21 and the final day for entries to be received is Friday, December 2. All entries must be hand drawn and must be received by the closing date.

The image should fit on one side of A4 portrait or landscape.

The template to be used is available on the Avon and Somerset Police website

Entries can be submitted by post to Avon and Somerset Police, Corporate Communications – Christmas Card Competition, Police and Fire Headquarters, PO Box 37, Valley Road, Portishead BS20 8QJ or via email to digitalcomms@ avonandsomerset.police.uk with the sub ject ‘Christmas Card competition’.

You need to provide your full name, date of birth, home address including postcode, home phone number, email address and name of your parent/ guardian who gives permission.

Winners will be announced on social media week commencing Monday, December 5.

Terms and conditions are on the Avon and Somerset Police website.

BRISTOL CLEAN AIR ZONE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SCHEME

£6000 of financial support was given to a business in Bristol through Bristol’s Clean Air Zone Financial Assistance Scheme. This is the first grant and subsidised finance agreement adminis tered by Shire Leasing PLC. The scheme offers direct financial aid in the form of a grant, interest-free finance, or a combination of both to help people and businesses avoid being charged up to £100 a day.

Shire Leasing PLC are an independent funder appointed by Bristol City Council who are delivering the scheme and financially supporting businesses to invest in lower emission vehicles before the Clean Air Zone comes into place.

Julie Henehan, Corporate Development Director of Shire Leasing, said: “Being from Bristol myself, I’m delighted that the City is one of the first in the UK to offer financial support to ease the transition to greener vehicles. As a tried and tested funder in this space, we look forward to supporting many more businesses in and around Bristol.”

Shire Leasing’s services on the Scheme are to support businesses, for which Bristol City Council has £32m in government funding to upgrade HGVs, LGVs, taxis, and private hire vehicles to cleaner, compliant vehicles.

Through Shire’s Bristol Clean Air Zone webpage, eligible businesses can submit an online finance application for a Grant and/or subsidised interest finance option, with credit decisions returned within 8 working hours.

The appointment to the Bristol Scheme bolsters Shire Leasing’s ‘Driving Clean Air’ programme, which already supports SMEs upgrade vehicles through other similar schemes across the UK. In 2020, Shire Leasing worked closely with Bath & North East Somerset Council to develop the first Clean Air Zone Financial Assistance Scheme, which formed a framework for other Local Authorities to adopt in their cities. Since financing the very first vehicle on the Bath scheme in January 2021, Shire Leasing played a key role in enabling fleet compliance throughout the city, providing funding for over 40% of all vehicles replaced through the Scheme.

Mayor of Bristol, Marvin Rees, said: “We have always sought to deliver Bristol’s Clean Air Zone in a way that protects those who need it the most. Bristol has secured £42 million of to help people prepare for the CAZ, the most in the country, and part of this large package of support will help Bristol businesses upgrade to cleaner vehicles, while helping us reduce dangerous air pollution and deliver cleaner air for Bristol.”

JOIN MY JOURNEY

If you want to help your employees save some money and reduce emissions, sign up for the new journey sharing platform Join My Journey.

It’s a free online service that finds people from the same workplace who are willing to share walking, cycling, and car journeys. Bristol City Council commissioned it, with help from Travelwest and South Gloucestershire Council, so that people have more commuting options.

Business leaders across Bristol and the West of England are now being encouraged to sign up their companies and organisations to the online platform so their staff can easily share journeys to work.

To get started a designated person from each business needs to register for free with the website and create a company hub.

Once the hub has been verified, members of staff can start using Join My Journey to save money, reduce rush hour congestion and pollution and connect with co-workers.

For anyone who does not work in a large company, there is also the option to join an area hub, where smaller businesses are linked up with others to share jour neys to the same area.

Councillor Don Alexander, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “Join My Journey is an innovative platform that solves multiple problems, including cutting travel costs, congestion and pollution.

“We encourage businesses and organisations to sign up and create company hubs so their staff can access the benefits of sharing journeys.

“With Bristol’s Clean Air Zone starting next week, now is a good time for us all to consider how we can change the way we travel, to reduce our impact on the environment and make the air we breathe cleaner.

“You could save money if you and some of your colleagues take it in turns to drive one another to work by sharing fuel costs and cutting down on the wear and tear of your vehicle.

“Join My Journey also gives you the option to buddy up when walking or cycling to work, which is especially handy as we head into winter when it gets dark so early. It’s also a great way to meet people from the same workplace, keep fit, and enjoy the journey.”

Join My Journey has been trialled with the University of the West of England and North Bristol NHS Trust.

Tony Hudgell, Director of Operational Estates and Facilities for North Bristol NHS Trust, said: “The Join My Journey platform is a useful asset to have in our sustainable travel package.

With over 12,000 staff, there is a great opportunity for us to help reduce air pollution and get the added benefit of saving costs by sharing a lift.

“The online platform works out the logistics of linking people up and was very easy to set up. All we had to do was create a hub and tell our staff about it.

“It’s fantastic to have this platform available and we have around 100 members of staff signed up and already sharing lifts. We will be promoting the platform heavily over the coming months to encourage our staff to embrace more sustainable ways to get to work.”

To use Join My Journey, simply register, create or join a hub, search for a journey, then join a journey or host one.

Safety features include only being visible to colleagues in the same workplace or agreed businesses nearby.

Get started at joinmyjourney.org.uk.

YOUNG ENTERPRISE WINTER TRADE FAIR

Get ready to see some entrepreneurial talent from across West England at the Young Enterprise Winter Trade Fair in Bristol! A total of eight student companies will be set up in St. Nick’s Market on Saturday, November 26th, selling their products and pitching their skills to the public.

Young Enterprise is a national charity that gives young people the skills they need to succeed in a changing workplace. They provide enterprise and financial education, as well as help young businesses get off the ground.

Company Programme, Young Enterprise’s flagship enterprise education programme, supported nationally by HSBC, sees students across the country set up and run a real business or social enterprise over an academic year.

The students must make all the decisions about their business. Once it is set up, they are tasked with creating, marketing and selling a product or service to the public. The trade fair provides the final step in the process, enabling the student companies to bring their ideas in front of the public.

The student companies will bring products and services to the trade fair ranging from T-shirts to Christmas decorations and candles.

The companies will be judged by two judges and one mystery shopper. The judges will award Best Customer Service, Best Trade Stand and Overall Winner on the day.

Councillor Craig Cheney, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Finance, Governance, Property and Culture, said: “Giving students the opportunity to set up and run their own businesses provides invaluable experience for those looking to go into business for them selves. Guided by Young Enterprise, the charity provides a safe and secure way for young people to sample what it is like to run a business, understanding the challenges and processes along the journey and hopefully celebrating the successes at the end. Good luck to all the student companies at the trade fair!”

Bethany Young, Educational Partnerships Manager of Young Enterprise, said: “It is always fantastic to see students from West of England selling their products at St Nick’s. The students have been working extremely hard. The experience and skills they are developing throughout the programme will give them the confidence, knowledge and skills to succeed.”

Young Enterprise research shows Company Programme participants develop key employability skills. A lon gitudinal study of Company Programme alumni has shown that, in the two years following their company’s closure, 94 per cent are in education, employment or training (EET) – 7 per cent higher than the national rate.

The Market provides an ideal setting for the trade fair, allowing people to explore the diverse mix of traders while visiting the trade fair.

For further information on the Young Enterprise Winter Trade Fair contact bethany.young@y-e.org.uk

BRISTOL PEOPLE ARE STILL PLANNING TO PARTY THIS CHRISTMAS

The challenging financial climate is not preventing people in Bristol from planning to party this Christmas, city hoteliers say.

Bookings for festive events are up on last year although they have not returned to the pre-pandemic levels of Christmas 2019.

The Bristol Hoteliers As sociation (BHA) says that there are still dates avail able for party planners, thanks mainly to the football World Cup.

BHA Chair, Raphael Herzog, said: “We are pleased to see that, despite the cost of living crisis and concerns over energy prices, people are still keen to enjoy themselves this winter.

“Because of the pandemic, many have not really been out for the last two Christmas seasons and, if anything, because of the current climate, they are even more determined to enjoy themselves this year.

“We are pleased that festive party bookings for 2022 are higher than in 2021, even if they have not returned to the levels they were at in 2019.

“Of course, we have the unusual situation of a winter football World Cup this year, and we have party opportunities during that time because planners have been reluctant to book events for dates when England are playing –or when they may play, depending on how they progress in the tournament.

“There are a lot less corporate parties, which seems to be more down to people running out of time to organise them than a reluctance to spend.

“Overall, the Christmas party season for 2022 is encouraging, an improvement on last year, which is a move in the right direction.

“So many people have been affected by the impact of the lockdowns, energy prices and the cost-of-living crisis, but if there is one time, more than any other, when people feel they do want to let their hair down and try to have some fun, it is Christmas, and we are seeing that in our bookings.

“But there are still some dates available, especially around the World Cup, so it’s not too late to book a festive event at one of our wonderful venues.”

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.