Bristol Weekly Magazine 30th June 2022 by Direct Local Bristol

30 June - 7 July

B R I S T O L W E E K LY M A G A Z I N E

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This week..

4. Bristol Harbour Festival announces 6. World Chocolate Day 10. Horoscopes 16. Clifton Observatory 18. Mortgage affordability rule to be axed 20. Stockhill Wood Walkies 22. Government White Paper 24. Help Paying For Your Childcare 26. Brislington Street Art Festival 28. Efficient Way to Report Potholes 30. Lights Are Coming 32. Meals For Under £5 42. Budget 44. Open Day For Potential Drivers 46. KAM @directlocal

The team

EDITOR Michael Davies JOURNALIST Lisa Davies

Regular editorials By: Andrea Sexton Martin Powell Daren Bane Kayleigh Penny Andrew Varney Corinna Ingram Molly Pownall Kathryn Chatfield 10 High Street Shirehampton Bristol, BS11 0DP Website: www.directlocalbristol.co.uk

Online Weekly Distribution: Direct Local Online reaches approximately 23,600 people across Bristol and surrounding areas via email and social media every week.

Disclaimer The opinions expressed in Direct Local do not necessarily reflect those of the editor, publisher or their agents. Whilst every reasonable care is taken to ensure the accuracy of information included within this publication, the publisher takes no responsibility for errors or omissions in Direct Local. The content of Direct Local is not to be reproduced in any form without permission of the publisher. Please pass to a friend, recycle or compost. All adverts designed by Direct Local are the property of Direct Local please contact us if you wish to reprint them in other publications as a small release fee Is applied. Use of adverts designed by us will need written permission first.

Bristol Harbour Festival announces 50th anniversary programme

Bristol’s flagship event, the Bristol Harbour Festival returns to the city on the 15th to 17th July to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

Bristol Community Big Band will start the proceedings on Saturday with their swing and funk classics, followed by jazz and soul-inspired singer-songwriter Sam Lindo and The amphitheatre’s Bristol Music Stage will Bristol Harbour Festival favourite feature Dazee, Black Roots and Doreen Opa Rosa, who will bring the dazzling Doreen amongst a stellar celebration of the instrumental dance music of Eastern city’s music scene. The Circus Playground Europe to Bristol. Saxophonist James returns to Queen Square with Cirque Bijou Morton's Groove Den, bhangra band RSVP lining up circus and street theatre per– festival favourite and still at the forefront of formances for all the family, while Trinity the British Bhangra scene 30 years on will Community Arts presents Bristol Dances in continue the party. Early 80’s post-punk rock Millennium Square. legends Blue Aeroplanes will follow, before St Pauls’ very own Black Roots – a crucial part Nine performance areas will feature familiar of the emerging British reggae scene in the favourites and new attractions, filling one and 1970s – take to the stage. a half miles of the city with music, vessels, food markets, circus acts, live music and Closing out Saturday will be one of the UK’s performers this July. Ebb & Flow, an most acclaimed jungle and drum & bass inclusive programme showcasing community DJs, Dazee. As a producer, broadcaster and collaborations and emerging and established performer, she has remained at the top of UK creative voices will also feature throughout drum & bass culture for thirty years, with her the festival. Ruffneck Ting record label continuing to keep the jungle flame burning as brightly as ever. Bristol Music Stage, Lloyds Amphitheatre On Sunday, the Amphitheatre will come to life This year will see the Bristol Music Stage with Makala Cheung – Bristol showcase long-loved Bristol acts – many of Happiness Champion and self-proclaimed whom are celebrating key anniversaries this Knowle Wester who will open the show with year, including 40 years for the ultimate party her song Boombox, inspired by stories of band Doreen Doreen. It will champion the Filwood and Knowle West residents. For city’s incredible female DJs with Queen Bee blues done right, don’t miss Kirris Riviere’s taking to the decks throughout the Delta de Bruit, and for a heady blend of weekend and Dazee headlining Saturday neo-soul, hip-hop and nu-jazz, Madly is a night’s programme. must. Vibrant young jazz outfit Snazzback is next on the billing before the 1982 flamboyantly theatrical music legends Doreen Doreen, will delight with their reimagining of rock and pop classics in celebration of their 40th anniversary. 4

Brunel’s SS Great Britain: Albion Dockyard and Brunel Square For the first time ever, there will be free entry to the Albion Dockyard at Hanover Place throughout the weekend, where staff and volunteers from the SS Great Britain Trust will welcome guests to the 540ft-long Grade-II listed dock for unique views of the working shipyard and harbour. Tall Ship Fridtjof Nansen will be in the dry dock with the crew inviting people aboard to hear about the work of youth development charity, Seas Your Future. On Brunel Square, a new year-long outdoor photography exhibition is set to open for the Festival, showcasing the theme of discovery and Bristol’s global connections through the Albion Dock and the SS Great Britain. Food and drink, including a summer barbecue, will make the most of the harbour views. As part of the Festival’s Ebb & Flow programme, on Saturday, Caring in Bristol will present an activity and installation on Brunel Square; and on Sunday, Bristol Refugee Festival will provide music and performances.

The Matthew, Underfall Yard The world premiere of The Hamlet Voyage, a one-of-a-kind theatrical critique of the very beginnings of British colonial ambitions, is coming to the Festival - performed on Bristol's famous ship, The Matthew, which will be docked at Underfall Yard Cafe for this special event. Limited first-come, first-served seats will be available aboard The Matthew with plenty more on the shore of Underfall Yard Cafe. The production will be suitable for all ages. The Matthew will also feature African drumming workshops and an evening music programme throughout the weekend. On The Water, Bristol Harbourside Showcasing the city’s incredible maritime heritage, the historic floating harbour takes pride of place during the weekend, celebrating its rich history with free, family-friendly activities programmed on the water’s edge. Eight visiting Tall Ships will join a host of vessels for the weekend, all decorated for the occasion. The Young Shipwright’s will open the event on Saturday, releasing their boats into the harbour, followed by the legendary Cardboard Boat Race where teams battle it out to bring their handmade vessels home! You can read the full line up on our website at: https://directlocalbristol.co.uk/ bristol-news/bristol-harbour-festival/

Fun Chocolate Facts for World Chocolate Day 7th July World Chocolate Day falls on the 7th July. Although, if we had it our way, every day would be World Chocolate Day! As history has it, in the year 1550, July 7th was the day that chocolate was first introduced to Europe.

If you ask us, it sounds like the perfect reason to treat yourself to a night of relaxation and recovery by enjoying some chocolate whilst you soak in a Chocolate Fudge Cake infused bubble bath… after all, it’s good for your health!

To celebrate World Chocolate Day, here are seven fun chocolate facts:

3. Chocolate is Mouth-Meltingly Tasty

1. Chocolate Money in Mayan Times

The Mayans are believed to be the first to discover chocolate and, in Mayan times, your favourite chocolate bar may have been worth it’s weight in gold! Like many early civilisations, ancient Maya would barter and trade goods instead of using coins as money. However, it’s recently been discovered that the Mayan civilisation started to use Cacao Beans as a form of currency.

2. Chocolate is Good for Your Health

Have you ever wondered why chocolate is so mouth-meltingly tasty? Chocolate melts at just below human blood temperature, which is why it is so mouth-meltingly satisfying. Milk chocolate has higher levels of cocoa butter so is more likely to melt in your hand whilst dark chocolate will melt in your mouth! Not a fan of messy, melting chocolate in the Summer? Get your chocolate fix with our Chocolate Fudge Cake bath & body care treats instead.

4. Say it with Chocolate

Hooray – chocolate can be good for your Belgium are famous for their delicious health! It is generally believed that the darker chocolates. So, it shouldn’t be a surprise to the chocolate, the greater the health benefits. find out that, in 2013, Belgium issued over 500,000 postage stamps which smelled of Recent studies have shown that dark cocoa and were coated in a varnish to look chocolate could prove to be good for helping like chocolate. boost our immune system, reducing inflammation and increasing brain activity! This is The stamps even had a special glue that all thanks to being full of antioxidants, such tasted like chocolate when licked! as flavonoids, catechins, and polyphenol antioxidants. 6

If only chocolate scented and flavoured stamps where a common thing, you’d definitely catch us writing a lot more love letters and sending snail mail to all our pen pals instead of texting!

5. Power Up with Chocolate

Just like reports that chocolate is good for your health, it could also help you focus, sharpen memory and protect your brain from ageing. A study conducted by University of Nottingham researchers in 2012 found eating dark chocolate can boost blood flow to certain areas of the brain. This chocolate-fueled boost directly leads to increase performance in tasks and general alertness.

6. Chocolate Grows on Trees

Money might not grow on trees, but chocolate does! Each cacoa tree can produce 2,500 beans with approximately 3.8 millions of cacao beans growing a year. With such a high demand existing for chocolate, it’s important to help protect the environment by doing your bit to support cocoa suppliers who follow sustainable practices!

7. The First Ever Chocolate Bar was UKMade

We’re proud of our British roots and we were equally proud to discover that the first ever chocolate bar (as we know it!) was made in Bristol. The first solid chocolate bar was produced by Fry’s in 1847 and the chocolate bar market has grown tremendously since then. Almost 200 years later and chocolate is still one of the most-loved sweet treats in the UK!

WHATS ON THIS WEEK Friday 1st July ABBA Tribute Description: Take A Chance On Us... Abba Tribute Will Be At This Venue For 1 Night Only Of Abba Madness.t. Doors Open At 7Pm. Show Starts 8Pm . Tickets £15 A Licenced Bar Will Be Provided

Vassall Centre Fayre Description: Vassall Centre are holding their annual community Summer Fayre. There will be live music, hot food, cakes, Stalls, activities for children, puppet show, a fire engine, bouncy castle and more

Summer Without The City Description: A guided tour of the derelict upper floor of Ashton Court Mansion hosted by the Friends of Ashton Court Mansion. Tours: £6 per person, Booking required Exhibition: Free, No Booking required

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

Venue :Vassell Centre Gill Ave Bristol BS16 2QQ

Johnny Edgar Description: Solo act performing soulful originals and some great covers done the Edgar way. With a bit of Hillbilly-Britpop. Free Entry

Bristol Pride Dog Show Description: Paws up for Pride! Start practising those wags, brushing those coats and working on your tricks, because this year the Pride Dog Show is back! Show starts at 12.30pm

Venue: Ashton Court Mansion Ashton Court Estate, Long Ashton BS41 9JN Bristol

Venue: The Rising Sun 21 Ashton Road BS3 2EA Bristol 8

Saturday 2nd July

Venue: Castle Park Broad Weir Bristol BS1 3XB

American Car Rally Description: View over 100 American Cars on display around the WWII Airfield Control Tower in the grounds of The Helicopter Museum. Venue: Helicopter Museum Locking Moor Rd Weston-super-Mare BS24 8PP

Sunday 3rd July

Monday 4th July

Wednesday 6th July

Johnny Cash Roadshow Description: Award winning front man Clive John dedicates this year to a 50 th anniversary tour of the legendary San Quentin State Prison recordingswhich was televised on Granada Television on February 24th 1969, and later released on June 4 of that same year.

The Play That Goes Wrong Description: Mischief’s multi award-winning international smash hit comedy The Play That Goes Wrong is returning following its previous sell-out successes!

White Bear Comedy Club Description: The White Bear Comedy Club, New Material night, hosted by Harry Allmark and Alex Stevens it runs every Wednesday night at The Room Above Theatre, kicking off at 8pm.

Venue: Bristol Hippodrome St Augustine’s Parade Venue: The Room Above Bristol 133 St. Michael’s Hill BS1 4UZ BS2 8BS Venue Playhouse Weston Bristol WBCB Summer Concert 126-130 High Street Description: West Bristol BS23 1HP MAGIC NIGHT Concert Band are pleased to Description: A night of Magic Weston Super Mare announce their summer at one of Bristol’s great concert, including guest venues. Superworm Trail performances from the Fly-By Description: Join Superworm choir! Please join us at 7.30pm Venue: The Bristol Fringe and friends on their brand-new 32 Princess Victoria Street adventure at Westonbirt Venue: St Mary’s Church, BS8 4BZ Arboretum. Discover the small Shirehampton Bristol but mighty creatures in the much-loved story and learn Tuesday 5th July Thursday 7th July about the everyday heroic feats of minibeasts in the forest. Bristol Pride Comedy Night Saltford Festival Jazz Night Description: We bring you Description: We plan to give Venue: Westonbirt Arboretum a special night of laughter plenty of notice about what Westonbirt with amazing names making we believe will be the most Tetbury waves in the comedy circuit. popular events as part of the GL8 8QS We are incredibly excited to be Saltford Festival. Traditionally bringing this amazing line-up one event that falls into the of acts to Bristol to celebrate popular category is our Jazz Nikki Sutton Duo Description: Delicious helpings proudly with you. visit: https:// Night. This year we welcome www.arnolfini.org.uk/visit/ the return to Saltford Hall of of Jazz standards from access Hannah Wedlock and the Blue Nikki Sutton & Terry Murray, Notes. Doors open at 6.45pm with sides of contemporary for a 7.30pm start. Tickets are tunes with a Jazz feel, at one Venue: Arnolfini 16 Narrow Quay just £15 and can be obtained of the loveliest pubs in town, BS1 4QA via www.tickettailor.com/ the Eldon House in Clifton. Bristol events/scaevents or Saltford Community PO/Library. See Venue :The Eldon House Reignwolf live less 6 Lower Clifton Hill Description: Live Nation Bristol Presents: Reignwolf Tuesday Venue: Saltford Hall BS8 1BT 5 July 20226:30PM-10PM Wedmore Road Saltford Venue: Thekla Bristol Bristol The Grove BS31 3BY BS1 4RB Bristol 9

HOROSCOPES 10

Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18

Taurus Apr 20 - May 20

You may come across a situation or conversation that seems someone is being dealt a rough deal.Try not to get involved in any conflicts, you may find this difficult as your natural way is to try and bring balance and harmony. Work with your intuition in any tricky, or delicate situation. Keywords intuition, balance and harmony.

Relationships and your home environment seem highlighted at this time. There may be some situation that will make you feel you need to address the balance, as somebody or something seems to be being treated unfairly. Clear communication, on both sides seem very important now. Try to bring Clarity and calmness into any tricky situation. Keywords relationships and clear communication

Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20

Gemini May 21 - June 20

You may need to follow your intuition and keep your sensible side very much at the fore.You may be trying to juggle work with some social life, although at present we all know that can be tricky. Try not to allow things to make you feel stressed, try to keep calmness and peace within you as much as possible. Remember balance is a very good thing if you can bring that into your everyday situations. Keywords calm, wisdom and balance

If you have a problem or something bothering you, don’t keep it locked up within yourself, maybe discuss it with someone close, maybe spend some time in quiet meditation, or contemplation. You may be feeling a bit stuck and things seem quite hard going at present. Nothing stays the same and you may find over the next few weeks things begin to slowly become a bit easier and you begin to feel more positive. Keywords meditation or contemplation

Aries Mar 21 - Apr 19

Cancer June 21 - July 22

You could be feeling a bit fed up, and stuck. Things do seem as though they will begin to move soon, and your social life looks as though it will be picking up. Family and friends are very important to you now, and along with this your home surroundings, which may mean a few small changes or a lick of of paint to your home. Keywords Home, family and friends

If you have a problem or something bothering you, don’t keep it locked up within yourself, maybe discuss it with someone close, maybe spend some time in quiet meditation,or contemplation. You may be feeling a bit stuck and things seem quite hard going at present. Nothing stays the same and you may find over the next few weeks things begin to slowly become a bit easier and you begin to feel more positive. Keywords meditation or contemplation

Leo July 23 - Aug 22 There may seem to be a few tricky situations or hold-ups, but they seem to be temporary, and may show you something That could enlighten you. This may open doors for you and bring you new opportunities, which could lead to some positive changes. Keywords opportunities and changes

Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21 You could be feeling that things are being held up, and there seems to be a few obstacles in small areas of your life, that becoming are a little irritating. As much as you can try to find some you time, and use it to bring calm and balance back. Keywords obstacles, find balance

Virgo Aug 23 - Sept 22

Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21

If you are feeling a little unclear in your thinking, cut yourself some slack. We are all having to deal with a strange situation Be sensitive to your own needs as well as those of others, and you may find you still have inner strength that will help you through. This in turn may help you to help others. Keywords Sensitivity and inner strength

This could be a good time to do an overview of some areas of your life. It may be changing things at home, changing routine, or something else. Clearing things both emotionally and practically may be useful too. These kind of changes can bring new things and ideas into your life. Keywords overview and new things

Libra Sept 23 - Oct 22 Communication seems to be a little challenging at the moment, in some areas. Stay calm and focused, and don’t let things get on top of you. Once these issues have been sorted, you may find Some positive and new opportunities. Keywords communication and opportunities

Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19 This could be a good time to do an overview of some areas of your life. It may be changing things at home, changing routine, or something else. Clearing things both emotionally and practically may be useful too. These kind of changes can bring new things and ideas into your life. Keywords overview and new things

Forecasted by Marie Hayward Disclaimer This zodiac is for entertainment purposes only please do not take the predictions seriously Marie take no responsibility for your actions

Saver s Mondapyrice

Reduced , all tickets day!

Welcome to Bristol Films & Performance Times: Week Commencing Friday 14th January

Friday 14th

Saturday 15th

Sunday 16th

Monday 17th

Cinema Opens: 4.25pm

Cinema Opens: 10.15am

Cinema Opens: 11.45am

Cinema Opens: 4.25pm

Scream (18) (2hrs.20m) 5.10, 8.00

Licorice Pizza (15) (2hrs.35m) 4.40, 7.45

The King’s Man (15) (2hrs.35m) 4.45

Spider-Man: No Way Home (12A) (2hrs.30m) 7.35

Spider-Man: No Way Home (12A) (2hrs.30m) 1.45, 7.35

The Electrical Life of Louis Wain (12A) (2hrs.10m) 4.50

West Side Story (12A) (3hrs.) 1.00

Cliﬀord the Big Red Dog (PG) (2hrs.) All Tickets £4.00 12.00

Disney’s Encanto (PG) (2hrs.10m) All Tickets £4.00 2.15

Tuesday 18th Cinema Opens: 4.25pm Scream (18) (2hrs.20m) 5.10, 8.00 Licorice Pizza (15) (2hrs.35m) 4.40, 7.45

Ron’s Gone Wrong (PG) (2hrs.), 10.30am

Spider-Man: No Way Home (12A) (2hrs.30m) 7.30

Thursday 20th Cinema Opens: 4.25pm Scream (18) (2hrs.20m) 5.10, 8.00 Licorice Pizza (15) (2hrs.35m) 4.40, 7.45

Wednesday 19th

The Electrical Life of Louis Wain (12A) (2hrs.10m) 4.50

Cinema Opens: 12.45pm Scream (18) (2hrs.20m) 5.10, 8.00

Spider-Man: No Way Home (12A) (2hrs.30m) 7.30

Licorice Pizza (15) (2hrs.35m) 4.40, 7.45

High Frame Rate

The Electrical Life of Louis West Side Story (12A) (3hrs.) Wain 1.00 (12A) (2hrs.10m) 2.10 Event Cinema Royal Opera House Spider-Man: Tosca No Way Home (12A) (3hrs.25m) (12A) (2hrs.30m) Doors open at 6.30 for 7.00 3.15 start

3D performance

covid policies change Tuesday 21st from 10th december

Cinema Opens: 12.15pm

The policies and procedures surrounding Covid-Secure guidance changes from Friday 10th December. Click here to read our updated procedures, as we continue to manage the situation in a steady, safer manner.

Autism Friendly Show

The Electrical Life of Louis Wain (12A) (2hrs.10m) 4.50 Spider-Man: No Way Home (12A) (2hrs.30m) 7.30

Subtitled Show

No Free Tickets

You no longer need to check-in or leave your details.

Physical distancing guidelines will still apply in the cinema.

Enhanced cleaning and hygiene is here to stay.

All venues will have QR posters should you wish to check-in, and you can continue to leave your details when you book online if you would like to.

Although all rows of seats will now be in use, there will still be a 1seat gap between you and anyone else, so no need to share an arm rest with anyone just yet.

More cleaning time is being left between shows, and our enhanced cleaning regime will be in place permanently. Please continue to use the hand sanitiser provided.

This weeks BBFC advice for 12A rated lms

ScottCinemas

ScottCinemasUK

Cinema doors open daily 15 minutes before the first performance of the day and opening times can be found above. The Box Office for the days performances closes 15 minutes after the last film of the evening has commenced.

www.scottcinemas.co.uk

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A WTW-SCOTT CINEMAS GROUP VENUE

You can take your mask off to eat & drink when seated in the auditorium but must replace if you are not actively eating or drinking.

Cinema Information

The Electrical Life of Louis Wain contains infrequent strong language. Spider-Man: No Way Home contains moderate violence, threat. West Side Story contains moderate violence, discrimination, sexual threat, implied strong language.

12UKScottCinemas

Face coverings are mandatory for people of the age of 11, unless exempt.

THE CINEMA REVIEW MOVIE REVIEW THE RAILWAY CHILDREN

See the original film before the sequel, ‘The Railway Children Return’ comes to the big screen on the 15th July! After the enforced absence of their father, the three Waterbury children move with their mother to Yorkshire, where they find themselves involved in several unexpected dramas along the railway by their new home.

Release date 1st July

Release date 3rd July

MINIONS: THE RISE OF GRU In the heart of the 1970s, amid a flurry of feathered hair and flared jeans, Gru (Oscar® nominee Steve Carell) is growing up in the suburbs. A fanboy of a supervillain supergroup known as the Vicious 6, Gru hatches a plan to become evil enough to join them. Luckily, he gets some mayhem-making backup from his loyal followers, the Minions. Together, Kevin, Stuart, Bob, and Otto—a new Minion sporting braces and a desperate need to please—deploy their skills as they and Gru build their first lair, experiment with their first weapons and pull off their first missions. When the Vicious 6 oust their leader, legendary fighter Wild Knuckles (Oscar® winner Alan Arkin), Gru interviews to become their newest member. It doesn’t go well (to say the least), and only gets worse after Gru outsmarts them and suddenly finds himself the mortal enemy of the apex of evil. On the run, Gru will turn to an unlikely source for guidance, Wild Knuckles himself, and discover that even bad guys need a little help from their friends.

Sign up to our newsletter https://scottcinemas.co.uk/newsletter Subscribe to Bristol Weekly Magazine at www.directlocalbristol/bristolonline

Hengrove Community Centre Fortfield Road BS14 9NX Tuesday 9.30am Sarah: 07879 443888 Tuesday:5.30pm

Bridgefarm Primary School East Dundry Road BS14 0LL Wednesday 5.30pm and 7pm Sarah: 07879 443888

slimmingworld.co.uk slimmingworld.co.uk My name is Sarah and I am the consultant in the Hengrove Tuesday morning group and the Whitchurch Wednesday evening group. I joined Slimming World 13 years ago and it has totally changed my life. I felt frumpy and was desperately unhappy and knew I had to take action. I found a local group on the internet and joined the same day. I couldn't believe how easy it was to follow the healthy eating plan, especially for a fussy eater like me. I lost 2stone 7lbs to reach my target weight and felt fabulous when I hit forty. As a consultant I now get to share my experience and help my members to feel as good as I do. If you want to achieve your dream like I did, don't wait come and join one of our friendly groups. Sarah - 07879 443888

Christ Church Hall Petherton Road Hengrove BS14 9BP Saturday 9:30am Keesa: 07399 597267

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Clifton Observatory

The Clifton Observatory stands at the hill just by the stunning Clifton Suspension Bridge, a fabulous backdrop for an epic family photo. Inside the building there is a Camera Obscura within the tower, one of the last fully original operational models in Britain! The Camera Obscura is very cunning but quite simply reflects the view of what you see outside in real time, which is amazing thing for kids to see but should really still be an amazing thing for us too: no green screens here, friends! You don't just see an image you really see the people currently walking around and life outside, so allow plenty of time for all the kids in turn to go outside and wave at the rest of them! Also in the building there is an underground feature aptly called the Giant's Cave. At the very bottom of which there is a well-placed viewing platform offering stunning views of the bridge, the city and the river Avon! You simply won't get views better than this, today, wherever you go! The cave is a whopping 100 feet underground and there are a fairly epic 136 steps leading to it, so please do plan it carefully if you've got small or elderly legs to consider! That said however, very small legs aren't allowed anyway as you must be over 4 years old to explore the caves, for safety reasons.

For your interest and to mention to the kids when you're down there, the tunnel leading to the Giant's Cave, which is 61m long, took 2 years to build at a staggering cost of £1300 and initially opened to the public back in 1837! Find our more at https://cliftonobservatory. com/

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24/01/2019 11:54

Mortgage affordability

rule to be axed from August 1

An affordability test for mortgage lending will be ditched from August, the Bank of England has confirmed. The Bank has previously consulted on the potential impacts that withdrawing the affordability recommendation could have on mortgage lending, and it confirmed on Monday 20th that the withdrawal will happen from August 1.

One of the main drivers behind ‘generation rent’ is the fact that house prices have massively outstripped wage growth. Due to high house prices, first-time buyers also need very sizable deposits and in the current fiscal environment saving this type of money will be very difficult due to increasing rents and the cost of living.

Two mortgage recommendations were introduced in 2014, to help guard against a significant increase in household indebtedness that may make any economic downturn worse. These were a loan-to-income (LTI) limit and the affordability test, which specifies a “stress interest rate” for lenders to consider when assessing a potential borrower’s ability to repay a mortgage over time.

On top of this, inflation will be eating away at any other savings they have sitting in cash. House prices have become further and further out of reach for prospective buyers and this change in the affordability rules could perpetuate unsustainable further growth as it steps up demand in a market already suffering with limited stock.

The Loan to income ratio (LTI limit), which will remain in place, limits the number of mortgages that can be extended to borrowers at LTI ratios at or greater than 4.5. According to data from Rightmove released on Monday, the average asking price across Britain stands at £368,614 – with June marking the fifth month in a row that it has hit a record high. While it is potentially bad timing for the announcement, the change in the affordability rules may not be as significant as it sounds as the loan-to-income (LTI) ‘flow limit’ will not be withdrawn, which has much greater impact on people’s ability to borrow. Although the shift in rules is one of the many attempts to help first-time buyers get their foot on the ladder, it may end up having the opposite effect.

The Government recently announced an extension of the Right to Buy scheme in England and an independent review of access to mortgage finance for first-time buyers, with the aim of widening access to low-cost, low-deposit finance such as 5% deposit mortgages. The Bank’s Financial Policy Committee (FPC) judged that the LTI flow limit is likely to play a stronger role than the affordability test in guarding against an increase in overall household indebtedness and the number of highly indebted households in a scenario of rapidly rising house prices. Therefore the LTI limit without the affordability test, but alongside the wider assessment of affordability required by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)’s responsible lending rules, should deliver the appropriate level of resilience to the UK financial system, but in a simpler, more predictable and more proportionate way, the Bank said. The Bank added that the majority of consultation responses were supportive of the proposals.

Stockhill Wood Walkies Stockhill Wood is a great, well looked after coniferous woodland within the Mendip Hills and popular amongst dog walkers. There’s a free car park on site, from there, you can take a few different routes to explore the woods. There are 2 main routes that are signposted, the purple route is the All Ability Trail (600m) and the green one is the Easy Going Trail (0.7 miles). The all ability route is dedicated to Ian McArdle of the Cheddar Valley Access Group. He was a disabled man who loved Stockhill Forest and the Priddy Mineries opposite and inspired the trail’s creation. However, there are many more trails to discover here! The woods are exceptionally well looked after, with wide paths, picnic areas and benches to perch on. It’s a very peaceful walk in a large area, so you may be walking for a little while before you and your pup see anyone else, even if the car park is packed when you arrive. Stockhill Wood is a truly great dog walk for any time of year, it’s magical when it snows (if you can get there!), glorious in spring when the wildflower fields start coming to life and, of course, it’s amazing in autumn with the leaves covering the ground. In winter, the place is still so green with a layer of moss covering much of the woodland floor. Make sure you take wellies in winter, as it can get very muddy! Adjacent to the woodland on its western side (across a minor road) is Priddy Mineries, a nature reserve of the Somerset Wildlife Trust. It has pools of water, which are brilliant for dogs that love a swim. Even though there are signs that indicate horses shouldn’t walk here, some riders still do take their horses here, so keep an ear out in case your pooch is scared of horses. There aren’t a lot of poo bins here, I only found one in the car park, so please stick and flick or take your rubbish with you until you can dispose of it in a bin.

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GOVERNMENT WHITE PAPER JUNE 2022 “A FAIRER PRS” “Fairer Private Rented Sector” White Paper from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

The Paper itself is 86 pages long and you can find the original document here at:

The recent White Paper from the Government, delivered on 16th of June 2022, represents the biggest overhaul of the Private Rented Sector (PRS) in the last three decades. It has been coming for a while and parts of its content have been on our radar since 2019. Some elements have caused quite a stir and there are even parts that have caused division in our own team, in the office, here at KPA HQ.

Where something is going to have a major impact on your business, it would always be our advice to not only listen to well informed parties, but to research and read for yourself, to get a broader understanding of all the facts involved.

So, what’s it all about? Let’s take a closer look: Firstly, what is a White Paper? A White Paper is a policy document, produced by the Government, that sets out their proposals for future legislation. There will now be further consultations and discussions, with interested and affected groups and parties and final changes, before a Bill is formally presented to Parliament. This particular White Paper, has been on our radar since 2019 and there are certain elements of it that we’ve been fairly certain would be included. 22

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-fairer-private-rented-sector

All interested parties, such as the NRLA, ARLA Propertymark, Shelter etc., will now be in discussions with the Government regarding the finer detail of the document, which they had sight of before publication.

There are 10 major points in the paper, let’s have a look at them now: •

•

• •

•

Gratifying to hear was the statement that “…this Government does not support the introduction of rent controls…” As this was something causing concern for many landlords, especially those in Bristol, following the recent (March 2022) Renters’ Summit, where there were wholescale calls for rent controls and a flat rate across the city.

•

Outlaw blanket bans on renting to families with children or tenants on benefits, by landlords and agents, with restrictions like “No DSS”, “No Benefits” or “Working professionals Only.” Making it illegal for landlords or agents to have blanket bans onrenting to families with children or those in receipt of benefits.

•

Incentivise landlords to accept tenants with pets, by making it easier for landlords to accept pets by amending the Tenant Fees Act 2019, to include pet insurance as a permitted payment. Landlords should not “unreasonably withhold consent…tenants to be able to challenge a decision.”

Periodic tenancies. The proposal here is to convert Assured and Assured Shorthold Tenancies to a single structure, where tenants can terminate a tenancy with 2 months’ notice and Landlords with a“legitimate reason.” As there will be a complete overhaul of Section 8, these “legitimate reasons” are subject to change • and addition. Abolition of the so called “no fault eviction” Section 21. With the introduction of new possession grounds for Landlords and a complete overhaul of Section 8. The wording here is worth noting: “We will reform grounds of possession so that they are comprehensive, fair, and efficient, striking a balance between protecting tenants’ security and landlords’ right to manage their property.

Reform and speed up the court process. Looking at “…areas that frustrate and hold up possession proceedings…” (bailiffs, paper based proceedings, prioritization).Passporting Deposits to bridge the period where deposit requirements overlap, with “market led solutions…,” like loan and insurance products.

In conclusion:

This is a White Paper, it’s not law yet and there will be many “hoops” for it to “jump” through before it becomes law and many Create a new Private Renters’ Ombuds- interested parties making suggestions and, man to settle disputes informally no doubt, many changes to be made. It’s important to seek out good quality information Extend the Decent Homes Standard and not to listen to those who “sell by fear”; to the sector (to include a review of the nothing is insurmountable, and we will all be HHSRS, due to conclude in Autumn playing with the same hand here, in terms of 2022) adhering to the “new normal.” If it flushes out the cowboys, leaving opportunities for those The Introduction of a new Property Portal in the sector who are diligent and like to do to support Landlords (with compliance, things properly, then that must be a good regulations etc.) and to provide thing surely. information on rogue landlords And, lastly – be compliant, be well informed Abolition of Rent Review Clauses in and, if in doubt, ask – we will have our eyes contracts (where tenants are locked into all over this one here at KPA and will bring automatic increases). “Rent adjustments you the news of the changes as they happen, should be predictable and allow time for until then, if you have a question, a query or tenants to consider their options…once a are just unsure about any aspect, then just year…notice of increase to be 2 months.” give us a shout! 23

HELP PAYING FOR YOUR CHILDCARE HMRC is reminding thousands of parents That is why I’m encouraging families to sign and families not to miss out on financial up now and save on childcare costs. support that can help pay for childcare during the summer holidays. There are lots of fantastic holiday clubs and childcare providers to help working parents Through Tax-Free Childcare, families can during the upcoming summer holidays, so receive up to £2,000 a year per child – or now is the time to take advantage of this £4,000 if their child is disabled – to put support. towards the cost of childcare. And it is available for children aged up to 11, or 17 For thousands of families who use Tax-Free if the child has a disability. The money can Childcare, the money they save each month help towards the cost of holiday clubs, before on their childcare costs is money that goes and after-school clubs, childminders and back into their pockets. Accounts can be nurseries, and other approved childcare opened at any time of the year and can be schemes. used straight away, and money can be deposited at any time and used when needed. The government will pay 20% of childcare Any unused money that is deposited can be costs by topping up the money paid into a simply withdrawn at any time. Tax-Free Childcare account. This means for every £8 paid into the online account, famCaroline from Portsmouth uses Tax-Free ilies will automatically receive an additional Childcare to help pay for her children’s after £2 in government top-up. school and holiday clubs and explains why she uses it. Caroline said: More than 384,280 families used Tax-Free Childcare in March 2022 – the highest I’m a busy working mum with 2 children number of families recorded using the and I find Tax-Free Childcare is easy and scheme since it was launched in April 2017 – straight-forward to use. I go on to the system but thousands more could be missing out. every month and set the amount I need to Research published earlier this year by pay to my childcare provider. The financial HMRC estimated that about 1.3 million support definitely helps but I also like the families could be eligible for this government flexibility and how Tax-Free Childcare helps support. me budget for my childcare costs. Find out more about Tax-Free Childcare via the Childcare Choices website. Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: Tax-Free Childcare can make a big difference to families, helping with the bills for things like holiday clubs, nurseries, childminders and after school clubs. It’s easy to register – search ‘Tax-Free Childcare’ on GOV.UK. Helen Whately, HM Treasury’s Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, said: Tax-Free Childcare helps families with the cost of childcare bills but we know that thousands of parents could be missing out.

With the school summer holidays approaching, it is more important than ever that parents and carers are able to access the financial aid they qualify for. It can reduce their costs, help them to stay in work, or help them work more hours. More than one million families in the UK are entitled to some form of government childcare support and the government is encouraging those eligible to not miss out on their entitlements. Families can find out what childcare support is best for them via Childcare Choices. To ensure that parents get the childcare support they are entitled to, the government is launching an awareness raising advertising campaign this week.

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Jos and Andrew report on: Brislington Street Art Festival Brislington Street Art Festival:

Great to see some fantastic new pieces of street art appearing in Brislington over the weekend, and thank you to local business, Kemp Carpets, for providing the wall space. Over the last few months, we have been working with a group of local artists to hopefully bring an exciting new festival to Brislington, the Brislington Street Art Festival. It’s still early days and we are currently looking for suitable, public-facing sites in the Sandy Park area, and possibly further afield, such as garage walls, gable-end walls, garden walls, etc, for artists to create their artwork. If you can help with a space or would like to get involved in any other way, please contact the organisers at: brislington.festival@gmail.com Sandy Park vandalism: We were dismayed to see the attacks on our local independent traders, Sandy Park Butchers (for the third time!) and Tarr’s Ice Cream Parlour. These businesses kept going during the pandemic and are the heart of our local community. Whatever your views on animal-based products, these hard working, local shopkeepers do not deserve to be targeted in this way, and such direct action will only serve to alienate people from your cause. 26

We have visited both businesses to offer our sympathy and support and we have been in contact with the local police, who have promised to step up patrols in the area to help reassure local people. If you have any information that may help the police with their enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact them. Repairs round-up: Over the last few days we have reported a fallen tree on Talbot Road, which is completely blocking the narrow pavement on the bridge, some dilapidated advertising hoardings, which are a real eyesore, on the Bath Road, and an abandoned street cleaning vehicle near the Brislington retail park. We want to keep Brislington looking the best it can be and if you spot a local issue that needs sorting, please get in touch. Council tax rebate: If you haven't had your £150 council tax rebate yet, don't forget to fill out the online form on Bristol City Council’s website: https://news.bristol.gov.uk/council-tax/council-tax-rebate

Once you've submitted your bank details, payment could take up to two weeks to go into your bank account. If the form states you're not eligible but you meet the criteria on the website, or if your bank details are not accepted, you'll need to call the Citizen Service Centre on 0117 922 2900 who will be happy to help you. Cost of living concerns: As a local resident, you could be entitled to free career coaching to take control of your future and make positive progress towards new opportunities and better pay to help ease the burden of living costs. In the UK, 1 in 6 jobs pay below the real Living Wage, and with inflation being the highest in over three decades, many of us are starting to consider our options to help improve our situation. Future Bright can offer you a dedicated career progression coach for 3-6 months working with you to: •Create a career action plan •Explore career opportunities

The team can also direct you to other support services, including money, benefits, counselling, and self-employed business support. To be eligible for Future Bright you need to live in the West of England (Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire). Participants must be aged 18 or over, in paid work (including zero hours and self-employed) and receiving eligible benefits OR earning below the Real Living Wage (below £9.90 an hour). https://www. westofengland-ca.gov.uk/what-we-do/employment-skills/future-bright/ Hundreds of Brislington West residents have signed up to receive our monthly newsletter via email. You can register using this link: http://www.bristollibdems.org/efocus. By Jos Clark, Liberal Democrat Councillor (Brislington West) Email: cllr.jos.clark@ bristol.gov.uk Mobile: 07584 370429 & Andrew Varney, Liberal Democrat Councillor (Brislington West) Email: cllr.andrew. varney@bristol.gov.uk Mobile: 07584 183381

•Develop employability skills •Build confidence and motivation

Innovative and more efficient way to report potholes South Gloucestershire Council has just launched an innovative new way for residents to report potholes and other issues on roads, footpaths and cycleways in the area. South Gloucestershire is renowned for its track record in harnessing innovation and technology to deliver improvements to the way people go about their lives. Advanced engineering, computing, and health technology are some of the examples where the area maintains a reputation for creative excellence. Reflecting this reputation, in September 2019, the council signed-up to the Government’s Local Digital Declaration with a commitment to delivering digital projects that benefit local communities. The new online reporting system follows this commitment and enables people to quickly and easily report potholes, damaged surfaces, worn road markings, empty grit bins and similar problems. A photograph and additional information can also be added to help the council identify the issue. Once a report has been made through the new system, issues are dealt with as quickly and efficiently as possible, with up-to-date information sent directly through to the tablets of StreetCare operatives for investigation or, if serious, urgent resolution. The person making the report will receive an email notification once the issue has been logged and can then track its progress via their customer account. Councillor Steve Reade, cabinet member responsible for transport at South Gloucestershire Council, said: “I’m pleased to announce the launch of our new digital system for people to report issues in their community such as potholes and other defects on roads, pavements and cycle paths. As well as being quick and straight-forward to use, this new technology also helps reduce the time required to assess, prioritise and carry out maintenance work. 28

“We are investing more than £12 million in maintenance and improvements to the existing transport network this year, which includes funding to tackle potholes. Our StreetCare teams already do a fantastic job maintaining our local network and responding quickly to pothole requests, and this new technology will make the process even more efficient.” Local resident Pete said: “I was delighted after reporting two potholes very recently to the teams that they were both were fixed within 24 hours. I spotted them both while walking around Patchway and was concerned particularly for cyclists. I have been across the repaired route on the bus and am pleased to report I have very much noticed the difference and I think a lot of others will too.” Since 2019, South Gloucestershire Council has committed a record £174 million towards improving the local highways network. This includes investment into roads, footpaths and cycleways along with significant transport infrastructure to support public transport and sustainable forms of travel. The council has resurfaced over 23 kilometres of road since the start of 2022 and around 5,000 potholes were filled between 1 January and 31 May. Four teams of StreetCare operatives routinely use around six tonnes of materials to repair local roads every day. During busy times the council can increase the number of teams repairing potholes and at its peak has eight teams working hard. You can report an issue by visiting www. southglos.gov.uk/report (a pothole in the road needs to measure 300mm by 300mm and be 40mm deep to be considered in need of attention).

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LIGHT ARE COMING

TO NAISEA SKATE PARK Four directional LED sports lights which are specifically designed for this type of project will be installed at Nailsea Skate Park, with the hope that this will bring a huge benefit to the young people of Nailsea. The lighting will be on timers from dusk until 20:00 hours to enable use of the park during the winter months, meaning there will still be access to the park after school as the early nights draw in. This project has been supported by the local police, whose Avon and Somerset Police Community Trust have given a grant of £1,000 towards the costs, and the ground work for the installations has now begun. The lighting is due to be in place in time for autumn with disruption during the installation at a minimum and the Skate Park still open for use. Nailsea Skate Park Project spokesman and organiser of the Nailsea Community Skate Fest, Phil Williams, said online:

‘Getting floodlights fitted at the skate park is a fantastic idea and we realise that it will be restricted in the winter but at least we will get a few more hours to use the park. A massive thank you to not only Nailsea Town Council but also the police and public for supporting this initiative, and of course from our point of view we need to make sure that we ensure that behaviour of park users during these extra hours as well as during normal daylight hours show the community how much we appreciate this new floodlight initiative.’ Nailsea Community Skate Fest is celebrating its 20th anniversary of the event on Saturday 16th July 2022 between 1pm – 5pm at the Skate Park in Millennium Park, and plans for the day include skateboard, scooter and BMX competitions, stalls and activities, and lots to eat and drink and updates from the day can be found on the ‘Nailsea Skatepark Project‘ Facebook page.

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We champion training and innovation to support our care home teams to deliver outstanding care. Residents’ quality of life We champion training and innovation to is at the heart of everything we do, helping support our care home teams to deliver individuals to stay active and independent outstanding care. Residents’ quality of life so they can live each day to the full. is at the heart of everything we do, helping individuals to stay active If you’re considering care,and independent so they can live each to the full. call 01174 057618 orday email nicola.wolff-donitz@careuk.com

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Pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and mozzarella

Ingredients

Method

150g Penne rigate pasta quills

Bring a large pan of water to the boil and cook the pasta according to the pack instructions

50g Crusty bread ½ x 280g jar sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped, oil reserved ½ x 25g pack basil, leaves only, torn ½ x 125g ball mozzarella, torn

Meals for under £5

Whizz the bread (including the crust) in a food processor until you have crumbs Heat 2 tbsp of the sun-dried tomato oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat Once sizzling, stir in the crumbs and cook until crisp, then set aside Add the tomatoes to the pan and heat for 1-2 mins Drain the cooked pasta and stir into the tomato pan, along with a splash of the cooking water and half the basil

Divide between 2 bowls, then top with the torn mozzarella, crisp breadcrumbs and remaining basil to serve

Chicken and cherry all-in-one bake

Ingredients 4 Chicken thighs 1 Red onion, cut into 8 wedges 250g Baby potatoes, halved 100g Cherries FROM YOUR STORECUPBOARD 1 tbsp Olive oil 3 tbsp Balsamic vinegar

Meals for under £5 34

Method Preheat the oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/Gas 6 Put the chicken thighs, red onion wedges and potatoes in an ovenproof dish Drizzle with the olive oil, season and roast for 20 mins Turn the potatoes and onions, stir in the cherries and drizzle over the balsamic vinegar Roast for 20–25 mins, until the potatoes are tender and the chicken cooked through, then serve

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The couple began exploring their options, Craig added: “I soke to a friend at work, and she recommended Fosterplus to us, and after getting to know the team, we then decided to go for it!”

Same-sex couple take the leap and foster

Former youth worker and school governor for 12 years, Craig and Byron from Bristol, reflect on their same-sex fostering experience over the past 2 years. In England alone, last year there were 80,850 looked-after children and with this number set to only increase, the need for more LGBTQIA+ people to consider fostering is as great as ever. For one couple, who started their fostering journey almost 2 years ago with independent fostering agency Fosterplus, it was after spending time with their family that the couple decided they wanted children in their lives. In 2021, Craig and Byron welcomed their first foster child. Reflecting on their journey to date, Craig said: “Being in a same-sex relationship means we can’t naturally conceive ourselves, but we are lucky enough to have a lot of nieces, nephews and godchildren that we really enjoy spending time with and looking after. “It was after this that we then started to explore different avenues towards fostering vulnerable children. I have always loved being involved in the support and education of young people.”

Craig and Byron shared how fostering as a same-sex couple has had its challenges, Craig said: “Being proud gay people, we never really considered it [prejudice], but always knew that there could be that element in the background and potentially some negative opinions from people. “However, we knew that together we would get through it and support each other as best we can. We’re also very fortunate that the young people living with us are comfortable in the family environment we provide and more than happy to speak to us when they need to.” Craig continued: “Fostering is all about providing that loving environment for a young person and whether you are gay, straight, bisexual, transgender or any part of the LGBTQIA+ community, anybody can offer that young person a safe and loving environment.” The couple currently care for three children, ages 11, 12 and 14, who have come along in leaps and bounds since being with them. Byron shared: “We have a great, natural relationship with our children and there are rules and boundaries in place, but we have agreed them together.” “When *Josie and *Jack arrived with us seven months ago they were inseparable. They were very dependent on each other as siblings. “We have seen a huge growth in their independence. They went from sharing a room to now choosing to stay in separate bedrooms.” He continued: “Their attitude towards life, school, education and even each other has significantly improved. They are now confident in themselves. Teachers are also saying that they have seen a significant change in their attitudes and behaviours.”

“All three of them get on like brothers and sisters. You would never think that they came from different backgrounds. They call *Sam their big brother. My heart welled up the first time I heard it, I had to hold back the tears. *Sam is very protective over them and he is always there to support them.” The couple further expanded on their hopes for the future, Byron said: “Craig and I are hoping to welcome *Josie and *Jack’s little four year old sister into our home too, so they can all be together. That would be the cherry on top, to keep the siblings together.” Craig and Byron do all of the things that biological parents do, from supporting with homework, to attending parents’ evenings, fun activities and offering any guidance their foster sons need to develop into confident adults. The couple reflect on how Fosterplus has made all the difference to their journey: “Even from the initial assessment, someone from the agency was always in regular contact with us making sure we were well supported and happy. Our supervising social worker has also been fantastic as a sounding board really listening to us when we really needed her support.”

Adding to this, Byron said: “For me personally, fostering is the best thing that I have ever done.” For anyone in the LGBTQIA+ community considering fostering, Craig and Byron have the following advice: “Just do it! There is nothing stopping you as long as you have the love in your heart to give a young person a safe and secure environment, it’s a fantastic opportunity and a fantastic thing to give a child a second chance. We are always happy to speak to anyone about fostering!” Fosterplus is an independent fostering agency who currently take care of children across England and Scotland. If you would like to learn more about LGBTQIA+ fostering today or to find out more about becoming a foster with Fosterplus visit their website here: https://www.fosterplus.co.uk/ or call their friendly team on 0800 369 8512.

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Your Garden In July

Fling the doors open to the garden and head outside! Summer is here and what better way to spend your free time than being outside and enjoying your beautiful flower filled garden. Keep plants looking good by regularly deadheading and you’ll enjoy a longer display of bloom. Make sure you keep new plants well hydrated to get them through those long, hot days and hoe off those pesky weeds, which can thrive in the sunshine. Although this still can be a busy time in the garden, don’t forget to find the time to sit back and relax so that you can enjoy all the hard work you’ve put in to achieve your beautiful display. FEED, WEED, AND DEADHEAD

Adding a liquid feed to your weekly watering regime will give a much needed boost to hanging baskets, container and borders helping them to produce more flowers and, in some cases encouraging a second flourish of flowers late in the season. Bedding plants, roses and many other perennials will also benefit from regular dead heading. This will prolong the flowering period making the garden more attractive and will also prevent the plants from putting their energy in to seed heads. Simply pinch off the fading flowers, or for tougher branches use secateurs. 38

Don’t forget to keep weeds down they steal vital moisture and nutrients. Kill them by regularly hoeing borders and vegetable patches. Larger weeds should be dug out or pulled up by hand. With Hanging baskets a bit of common sense goes a long way. Try lifting a container or basket. Does if feel light or under watered? How does the compost look? Is it pale and shrunken away from the sides? Dig into the compost with your fingers. Does it feel dry? It should be moist but not dripping wet. During prolonged dry spells, water at least once a day. SPEND SOME LAZY HOURS IN THE GARDEN

After all your hard work, enjoy the sunshine and laze in your garden.

PLANT OF THE MONTH: Salvia A member of the sage family. Salvias are diverse group of plants ranging from annuals to herbaceous perennials and herbs Why should you plant them? With flowers that are popular with wildlife, they not only deliver colour and fragrance but are also great at attracting bees and butterflies. Salvias are long flowering with the potential to put on a great show from June through much of the summer and in to autumn.

How should you plant them? Plant in full sun, with very well drained soil, and water well when it’s dry. Trim in the spring to maintain shape and deadhead once the flowers start to fade. 39

SUDOKU

Take a break and try to solve theses puzzles Here are this week’s puzzles designed to test your mental skills.

EASY

HARD

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

Good luck!

MEDIUM

WEEKLY GUESS THE WORD COMPETITION ANSWER F

EXTREME

ESCAPE THE MAZE Can you find your way through this difficult maze?

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! 40

Start

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

Finish

CHAOS GUESS THE WORD COMPETITION S

m The totally electrifying Pro Wrestling Chaos are giving One luck winner two tickets and meet and greets to the next event in July. All you need to do to enter is guess the famous wrestlers name above and email your answer plus your name to: competition@directlocalbristol.co.uk Terms and conditions apply. Must 16 years or over to enter. Entries must be in before 15th July. Good luck!

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Inflation has now escalated to 9 per cent and the prospect of hitting double digits by the end of the year is looking ever more likely. Energy, food and fuel prices are partly to blame for inflation increasing to its highest point in years with consumers now facing the reality that the cost of living crisis is set to continue for some time.

As opposed to guessing your income and expenditure, gather your credit card and banking statements together along with any regular bills and add up exactly where your money goes. An easy way to see all your regular payments is to check the direct debit and standing order lists on your bank account, while the rest of your statements will flag up other ad hoc spends on petrol, food and going out.

However, there are simple steps that help cut everyday spending and protect finances as much as possible. With this in mind we have You can note this down on a piece of paper, put together some simple tips you can take to in a word document or on a spreadsheet. For a simpler solution, use a free, online planner cut your spending over the next few weeks. or a budgeting app such as Money DashSo lets crack on with the first helpful step you board or Emma. can do. Work out precisely what you earn by checking payslips to confirm the amount that hits Create a budget It’s the oldest rule in the book. The first thing your bank account after tax, national insurance and pension contributions have been to do when looking to cut costs is to create taken out. an effective budget. To do so, write down your short, medium and long-term goals to Remember to include everything from your fully understand how to make your money food shopping and regular bills, to mortgage work harder for you. or rent costs, savings and investments, including pension contributions, and debt A short-term goal might be paying off your repayments. debt or going on holiday, while a medium-term goal could be saving for a wedding, buying a house or funding your child’s univer- Don’t forget to include one-off outlays sity education. Your long-term goal would be whether it’s an annual car or house insurance retirement and ensuring you have enough set payment, a holiday, a new piece of furniture for the house or Christmas presents. Take aside to fund all your expenditure after you the total figure and divide it by 12 to get the have stopped working. monthly outlay.

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Open day for potential drivers

Have you ever thought about becoming a taxi “As a licensing authority we’ve become increasingly aware that, since the pandemic, driver? If so, an open day being held next month by North Somerset Council is for you. a significant number of drivers are choosing to join other industries, and as a result many companies are struggling to fulfil their The drop-in event on Friday 8 July, from booking obligations. 9am to 5pm in the New Council Chamber at the Town Hall in Weston, is a chance to find out exactly what is needed to become a taxi “We’re currently licensing almost 40 per cent fewer drivers than pre-covid. Because drivers driver. are self-employed, they can choose which operators to work for and can effectively Staff from the council’s licensing team will pick and choose which jobs they respond to. be on hand to speak to potential recruits Operators take bookings in good faith on the and tell them everything they need to know, understanding they have drivers pledged to alongside representatives from local taxi firms vehicle rental companies and a driving work but can be left scrabbling to fulfil bookings if drivers log-off at short notice. instructor. There will be information about DBS checks, medicals and the application process. People attending will even be able to take the £20 ‘suitability test’; a written multiple-choice test which includes basic maths, English, map reading and use of an A to Z. It is the first stage in applying to become a taxi driver. People who take the test will get their results immediately which means they can start the applications process on the day, as soon as they have passed the initial assessment. The open day aims to help local operators recruit more drivers and therefore be able to fulfil their bookings. The industry has seen a loss of drivers since the pandemic, as Cllr Mike Bell; Deputy Leader of North Somerset Council and executive member for licensing, explains: 44

“We’re holding this open day so potential taxi drivers can come and speak to us and find out more about the requirements. You’ll need to have had a British driving license for a year or more, be medically fit and have good knowledge of the area. I’d really encourage anyone who’s thinking about becoming a taxi driver in North Somerset to come along on Friday 8 July. You don't need to book in advance and can drop in to see us at any time during the day - it could be the first step towards your new career.”

Expansion for KAM Team

with the Opening of New Bristol Office

KAM Project Consultants is celebrating the expansion of its team alongside the opening of their sixth UK office at 40 Berkeley Square, Bristol.

The construction consultancy has gone from strength to strength since forming in 2013 having built an impressive portfolio of projects across the UK and Germany. The Bristol office will be led by new KAM director, Craig Short, and new senior associate, Adam Rohan. Craig commented: “I am delighted to join KAM to head up the new Bristol office and contribute to the success of our expansion across the South West. It is an incredibly exciting time for the business, with growth being experienced across all of the UK offices. I am very much looking forward to recruiting and leading a team of exceptional individuals in Bristol. “With almost 20 years’ experience in the Bristol property market, predominantly in the commercial, industrial, residential and mixed-use sectors, I will be looking to establish KAM as the ‘go-to’ project management and cost consultancy company in the region. Our team will be taking a huge amount of pride in working together with our clients to ensure we achieve the highest 46

“Our new Bristol office at Origin provides an extremely modern, flexible workspace with the use of best-in-class amenity space. It provides the perfect location for our team to grow and collaborate with our clients and partners in and around the city.” Senior associate Adam said: “I am very excited to be joining Craig and helping launch KAM’s newest office in the UK. The business’s recent growth and continued success is a testament to its very talented staff. I am proud to now be working alongside them and helping grow a new team in Bristol. “My background is primarily in residential and commercial development. Since relocating to Bristol from London just over a year ago, I have had the opportunity to work on some of the city’s biggest new construction projects. I look forward to supporting KAM’s expansion into the wider real estate market while working to maintain the business’s market-leading reputation within the industrial sector.”

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Bristol Weekly Magazine 30th June 2022

Articles inside

KAM

Budget

Open Day For Potential Drivers

Lights Are Coming

Brislington Street Art Festival

Mortgage affordability rule to be axed

Bristol Harbour Festival announces

Stockhill Wood Walkies

World Chocolate Day

Help Paying For Your Childcare

Government White Paper

Clifton Observatory