Bristol Weekly Magazine 2nd - 9th March 2023

2nd March

C ontents

4. A critial shortage

6. Ensemble of talent with a stellar line-up

8. What’s on

14. Big news for Billychip

18. Vehicles seized

23. Mothers day offer

24. Open water swimming in Bristol

26. Five steps the reduce your water bills

30. Energy support in North Somerset

36. Who chooses to live in an HMO

40. Take a break spot the difference

42. Staying free to park in South Glos

44. Selling up!

48. Plastic free Ramadan

Published by

. Editor

Michael Davies

Journalist

Lisa Davies

Contributing Writers

Andrea Sexton

Martin Powell

Daren Bane

Kayleigh Penny

Andrew Varney

Jos Clark

Corinna Ingram

Kathryn Chatfield

Angie Nicholls

Bristol Weekly Magazine is delivered to people across Bristol and South West via email and social media every week to over 20,0000 people.

BRISTOL WEEKLY MAGAZINE

www.bristolweeklymagazine.co.uk

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed in Bristol Weekly Magazine 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 Bristol Weekly Magazine.

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12 CREED III

16 Daily walks prevent 1 in 10 deaths

THERE'S A CRITICAL SHORTAGE OF FOSTER HOMES FOR GUIDE DOG PUPPIES IN THE WEST COUNTRY

At this time, it’s more important than ever for us to come together, and our canine friends are no exception. In Bristol and Somerset alone, 300 volunteer carers are needed to love and nurture upcoming guide dog puppies as they grow.

This process has been put on hold due to the pandemic, so now is the perfect time to show your generous side! For the first 12-16 months of their lives, these pups need people like you who are willing and able to give them all the doses of TLC they need.

Right now there's an 18 month waiting list for any visually impaired person waiting for a guide dog.

Bridget Holyrod in Long Ashton has been look ing after guide dog puppies for more than 15 years and her current puppy Comet has been with her since July 2021.

She has to socialise him, get him used to people and traffic from a young age but also teach him slightly different things to most puppies.

She says: "If I'm in the kitchen, a puppy is quite likely to want to come and lie on my feet or behind me. And for someone with visual impairment, that would be a very dangerous situation. So the ideal thing is that the puppy goes into that basket."

She admits when the time comes it is hard to say goodby:"I think I say it every time, but he's going to be one who is very difficult to let go at the end."

But there are rewarding moments when she finds out how the dogs help other families.

Bridget says: "A woman came up to me a while ago and said 'thank you for what you're doing, my husband's gone blind'.

"They were quite a young couple with a young child, and she said he'd got very depressed and wasn't able to go out, had lost his confidence, and then he got a guide dog and it changed his life."

Volunteer coordinator

Pat Janecka says it is a demanding role, as puppy raisers cannot leave their dogs alone for more than 3 hours a day.

"We really need people who have the time to give the puppy the right training and really get into the role.

"So it will be people who hopefully work from home or are retired. It will be people who can have a pet in their own home."

There are other opportunities to foster guide dogs in evenings and weekends when they are being trained for their lives as working dogs.

Visit https://www.guidedogs.org.uk for information on how to become a volunteer.

BRISTOL BEACON CELEBRATES AN ENSEMBLE OF TALENT WITH A STELLAR LINE-UP OF WOMEN THROUGHOUT MARCH

The month of March commemorates women in music with incredible performances alongside a mesmerising and moving classical masterclass from Barbara Hanningan and the London Symphony Orchestra

Kicking things off for March is the politically unafraid She Drew the Gun. Fronted by ‘Cosmic Scouser’ Louisa Roach, She Drew the Gun are bringing their psych-pop spectacular down to Strange Brew on Wednesday 1 March. Combining their bold and unapologetic sound with Roach’s raw and exquisite vocals, the band has been one of indie music's great success stories in the last few years and is not to be missed.

Grammy-nominated musician and poet Courtney Marie Andrews will be hitting up Trinity on Thursday 2 March, bringing liliting Americana-infused folk music which has her compared to the likes of Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan and Neil Young. Her ethereal guitar arrangements and dreamy use of synths from her new album is waiting to be welcomed into Bristol.

The London Symphony Orchestra is a name that speaks for itself and is one of the biggest names in classical music. Their classical expertise will be twinned with Barbara Hannigans unrivalled talent to bring you a night you won't forget to perform blissful visions of heaven from Mahler and Messiaen at Bath Forum on Monday 13 March. Prepare to be wowed in a night that’s sure to be packed full of emotion and musical genius.

Helmed by Emily Sprague, Florist will be performing at Strange Brew on March 16 which will bring glistening melodies, lilting percussion and soft, poetic vocals. Florist’s music occupies a gently transcendent space and conveys a quiet majesty which through ambient folk and lo-fi bedroom-pop - the band captures the enchantment of nature and a wistful joy in existence.

A female-led soul band known for up-tempo grooves and catchy hooks, Say She She, holds three strong female lead voices of Piya Malik, Sabrina Mileo Cunningham and Nya Gazelle Brown playing at Lost Horizon on March 18th. The band embodies the vibe of 70s girl rock and their recent album has led to national TV appearances in the US. Fighting racial and gender discrimination in the art world and protecting women’s rights, the band has a strong political voice with recent tracks highlighting New York City’s Guerilla Girls.

Irish folk singer, Lisa O’Neill will be coming to Bristol on 21 March and bringing her unique folk sound and distinctive voice. Having won ‘Best Folk Album of 2019’ with her album ’Pothole in the Sky’, this show is definitely something to shout about. At the stunning St. George’s in Bristol, don’t miss out on this ‘soul-shaking’ evening of music.

Tickets for each event are on sale now including booking fee and can be purchased over on the Bristol Beacon website

WHATS ON

MARCH 3

Comedy night

Description: Zion’s Monthly Comedy Night is back, 1st Friday of the month!

Join us for a spectacular night of entertainment!

Headline act:

Eva Bindeman

Doors 7.30pm

£10 Tickets

Venue: Zion Bristol

Bishopsworth Road

Bristol

BS13 7JW

Spice Description: The tribute are guaranteed to get the party started in true Spice Girls style, delivering an attitude packed punch to any party

Tickets £15

Venue: The Fleece

12 Saint Thomas Street

BS1 6JJ

Bristol

Trainmaster Description: Come and join us for an hour of all things trains! We have ride on trains, giant track layouts, superstations, build your own track kits, dressing up and lots more. All ages are welcome, and we offer sibling discount too

Venue: Cotswold Community Centre

Dursley Road

Shirehampton

Bristol

MARCH 4

Jimeoin: The Craic! Description: You’ve seen him on ‘The Royal Variety Performance’, ‘Live at the Apollo’, ‘Sunday Night at the Palladium’, ‘Conan O’Brien’ or perhaps online where he has clocked up hundreds of millions of views of his comedy clips... but Nothing beats seeing Jimeoin live.

Venue: The Playhouse

126-130 High St, Weston-super-Mare

BS23 1HP

London Bulgarian Choir, Description: Returning to Bristol after their sell out performance in 2020, London Bulgarian Choir will be performing a show specially crafted in collaboration with unique British-Bulgarian storytelling company, A Spell In Time, to celebrate the arrival of Spring.

Venue: Redland Park United Reformed Church, BS6 6SA

Bristol

Aerial Acrobatics Kids Description: earn the daring and graceful art of aerial acrobatics. You will have the opportunity to learn and perfect your skills in order to create your own routine with music if you would like to.

Venue: Albany Centre Shaftesbury Road, Montpelier

Bristol BS6 5LT

MARCH 5

Alison Spittle

Description: Fresh off the back of a complete sell out run at The Edinburgh Fringe and voted one of the best reviewed shows in the comedy section, Alison is diving in to her first UK tour.

Venue: Tobacco Factory

Raleigh Road

Bristol

BS3 1TF

Bristol Male Voice Choir

Description: Join us for an afternoon concert with Bristol’s ‘biggest boy band’ the Bristol Male Voice Choir and our favourite land-based seafarers the Frampton Shantymen.

Venue: Winterbourne

Medieval Barn

Bristo

BS36 1SE

MARCH 6

Sister Act Live

Description: Brace yourselves Sisters! The eagerly anticipated Broadway and UK smash-hit musical Sister Act is coming to Bristol Hippodrome! This sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, sisterhood and music tells the hilarious story of the disco diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder.

Venue: Bristol Hippodrome St Augustine’s

Parade

Bristol BS1 4UZ

Wild Heart Drum Circle

Description: Join us on Tuesday the 7th of March for a laid-back evening of silly drawings and casual pissery. Sample our smörgåsbord of drawing games and make a mess on our large scale Communal Doodle

Venue: Tobacco Factory

Southville

Bristol

BS3 1TF

Monday Salsa Fix

Description: We are very excited to announce that on March 6th we are starting a new 4-week progressive beginner course (Level 1)!

Venue: South Bank Club

Dean Ln

Southville, Bristol BS3 1DB

MARCH 7

Bristol Pottery Class

Description:ou will be introduced to the foundation of hand building pottery techniques including, slab building, coil pots and pinch pots. You will also be shown a variety of decoration methods such as applying coloured slips and glazing.

Venue: Centrespace

Studio 30

Bristol BS1 1EA

Drink & Draw

Description: Join us on Tuesday the 7th of March for a laid-back evening of silly drawings and casual pissery. Sample our smörgåsbord of drawing games and make a mess on our large scale Communal Doodle

Venue: Tobacco Factory

Raleigh Rd

Southville

Bristol BS3 1TF

Junk Modelling

Description: A fun session to make models and artwork out of recycling! All materials provided. All ages welcome.

Venue: Weston Library

Town Hall

Walliscote Grv Rd, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1UJ

MARCH 8

Garry Fabian Miller

Description: Garry Fabian Miller, one of the most progressive figures in fine art photography, makes a welcome return to Arnolfini to present ADORE, a major exhibition celebrating a lifetime of practice.

Venue: Arnolfini

16 Narrow Quay

Bristol BS1 4QA

White Bear Comedy

Description: White Bear Comedy Club runs a weekly Pay What You Want show, showcasing the best comedians in the South West. Come one down to The Room Above for some midweek laughs.

Venue: The Room Above 133 St Michael’s Hill, Bristol BS2 8BS

Beginners Workshop

Clifton DownBristol

Description: Are you looking to tone & strengthen your body, feel more energetic and meet new people? Join one of the biggest clubs in the UK, Bristol Nordic Walking, for one of our fun Beginner Workshops!

Venue: Downs Cafe

Stoke Road

Bristol

MARCH 9

Tales of Adventure

Description: Join our brave band of heroes in an epic fantasy quest, improvised LIVE before your very eyes!

Venue: Bristol Improv Centre

t Paul’s Rd

Clifton

Bristol BS8 1LP

Monty Willoughby

Description: Monty Willoughby will be gracing the stage at Pitcher and Piano on Thursday 9th March. Join him from 7:30pm. Meet Monty, a talented musician whose smooth neo-soul sound and masterful piano skills have earned him a devoted following.

Venue: Pitcher & Piano

Arnos Vale

Cannons Road

Bristol BS1 5UH

MamaFit

Description: A friendly, fun way to meet other mums and get a bit of post-natal safe exercise in!

Venue: Hanham

Community Cenre

118-124 High St, Hanham

Bristol

UPCOMING EVENTS

ALSO SHOWING IN CINEMAS ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT

Paul Baumer and his friends Albert and Muller, egged on by romantic dreams of heroism, voluntarily enlist in the German army. Full of excitement and patriotic fervour, the boys enthusiastically march into a war they believe in. But once on the Western Front, they discover the soul-destroying horror of World War I.

III

Michael B. Jordan is back in the ring and behind the camera in "Creed III"! After his career as a champion boxer, Adonis Creed has been living a pretty sweet life. But when an old friend-Damian--comes back after doing time, he's ready for a throwdown and won't take no for an answer.

It's not just another fight; Adonis' entire future is on the line this time! Joining him are Tessa Thompson from “Passing”, Jonathan Majors from “Lovecraft Country”, Wood Harris from “Blade Runner 2049” and Phylicia Rashad from "Soul". Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind matchup at the movies!

Cert 12A

WOMEN TALKING

A group of women in an isolated religious colony struggle to reconcile their faith with a series of sexual assaults committed by the colony’s men.

BILLYCHIP TO BE INTRODUCED IN ALL CENTRAL CO-OP STORES THIS MARCH

BillyChip is being introduced across all 250+ Central Co-op food stores this March, allowing customers to spread kindness to those in need with a simple gift.

Making a difference is easy with a BillyChip, as the chips - which are made from a biodegradable ceramic polymer - cost £2 and can be given to someone sleeping rough as a way to support them. This £2 goes straight to BillyChip who, through their foundation, help support other relevant local charities in the Society's trading area.

The simple act of giving a BillyChip allows someone to redeem the chip for a hot or cold drink of their choice at any Central Co-op store. Two chips can be redeemed for a meal deal in-store as well, including a snack, main, and a drink.

Tokens will be available for purchase in stores from 27th March, marking the fifth anniversary of the passing of Billy Abernethy-Hope, the creator and namesake of BillyChip.

Meg Abernethy-Hope, Co-Founder of BillyChip, said: "BillyChip is about giving someone who is sleeping rough compassion, connection, and choice. We are so proud to be partnering with Central Co-op, a business we know is built around supporting its community. This is an incredible partnership and we are beyond excited to see where it will take us in the future."

Hannah Gallimore, Social Change Manager at Central Co-op, said: "BillyChip is such a simple way to spread kindness to those who need it, and we are pleased we can make that possible in our stores. We have seen the great work that BillyChip is already doing, and we're always keen to support kind initiatives that make a real difference, especially as times get tougher for everyone."

For further details, head to the Central Co-op website

Meg Abernethy-Hope, Co-Founder of BillyChip

Just 11 minutes per day

DAILY WALK PREVENTS ONE IN 10 EARLY DEATHS

Research from the University of Cambridge shows that even doing just 11 minutes of daily exercise can help prevent premature deaths.

The NHS recommends people take part in physical activity that raises their heart rate for 150-300 minutes a week or 75-150 minutes of vigorous exercise per week, but the researchers say some activity is better than none at all.

By engaging in half the recommended amount of physical activity, people can reduce their risk of developing cardiovascular disease by one in 20 cases and cancer by nearly one in 30 c ses, according to the study’s findings.

This equates to 75 minutes per week - or 11 minutes per day - riding a bike, walking fast, hiking, dancing or playing tennis.

“You should feel yourself moving, your heart will beat faster but you won’t necessarily feel out of breath,” says Dr Soren Brage, who led the research.

Doing that amount is enough to reduce the risk of developing heart disease and stroke by 17% and cancer by 7%, the findings suggest.

Regular exercise reduces body fat and blood pressure while also improving fitness, sleep and heart health in the long run.

The research conducted on exercise and cancer indicates that for certain cancers, such as head and neck, gastric, leukaemia, and blood cancers, the benefits were more substantial than other types of cancer.

However, lung, liver, endometrial, colon and breast cancer showed lower levels of benefit. Furthermore, many people have trouble following the guidelines set by the NHS to get 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity physical activity each week - only 1 in 10 actually manages to complete 5 hours or more a week. Nevertheless, these findings should be encouraging for those who struggle with reaching this goal; it is possible even with shorter duration exercises.

The British Journal of Sports Medicine has recently released the results of a lengthy analysis they conducted on the benefits of exercise. The analysis looked at nearly 100 large studies and 200 peer-reviewed articles, and found that if everyone in the studies did at least 150 minutes of exercise per week, around one in six early deaths would be prevented.

To get more physical activity into your routine, you don’t need to make drastic changes; instead, try replacing some habits for healthier ones by walking or cycling to work or when running errands, or getting more active while playing with your children or grandchildren. Additionally, engaging in enjoyable activities is a great way to add physical activity to your weekly routine. Finally, doing muscle-strengthening activities twice a week – such as yoga, pilates, gardening or carrying heavy shopping bags – can make all the difference.

VEHICLES SEIZED IN POLICE AND DVSA CRACKDOWN IN YATE

During an Avon and Somerset Police-led road safety campaign, a total of 85% of vehicles stopped were found to be non-compliant with motoring legislation or in an unsafe condition. Operation Trader, a multi-agency partnership which included members of the DVSA,

Environment Agency, HMRC, Customs and Excise, DWP and more--was conducted in Yate on February 16th.In total 30 vehicles were stopped during the day of action, with issues such as defective lights, tyre issues and insecure loads highlighted.

• One in five vehicles stopped were found to be used in a dangerous condition.

• 26 of the 30 vehicles stopped were found by DVSA to have defects that required immediate prohibition due to the risk they posed to other road users.

• One-third of vehicles stopped were found to be travelling with an insecure load that is likely to present danger to other road users.

• 20 per cent of vehicles were found to be overweight.

A number of driving offences were also discovered, with five drivers not having insurance, three vehicles being driven without a valid MOT, two motorists not having a valid licence to drive the vehicle they were behind the wheel of and one tax offence.

One person was arrested after failing a drug-driving test and three people were observed not using a seatbelt.

The following actions were taken following 52 offences being recorded:

Arrests – 1

Report for summons – 5

Vehicle seizures – 3

Warnings – 3

Vehicle Defect Rectification Scheme – 3

Traffic Offence Reports – 17

Prohibitions (DVSA) – 26

Sergeant Steve Whatley, who led Operation Trader on behalf of the police, said: “While it is disappointing to find such a high proportion of vehicles fail to meet the necessary safety standards, it has highlighted the value of agencies working together.

“Using a poorly-maintained vehicle at the very least increases the risk of mechanical breakdown, but also worse can cause a collision which would put both the driver and innocent parties at risk.

The lorry was found to be transporting a car that exceeded its maximum limit. “One vehicle was found to be carrying 50 per cent over its weight limit, which had the potential to dramatically affect the driver’s ability to steer and brake safely.

“Road safety is incredibly important and we hope these findings are a wake-up call to those who found their vehicles were not at the required standard. Similar events are planned across Avon and Somerset’s force area throughout the year.”

DVSA Director of Enforcement, Marian Kitson said: “We are really pleased to have worked in partnership with Avon and Somerset Police, the Environment Agency and other organisations to achieve the best safety outcomes for road users in the South Gloucestershire and surrounding areas.

“DVSA’s skilled examiners are determined to educate, and in the most serious instances, take enforcement action to remove dangerous drivers and vehicles from the road.

“This operation has served to remind drivers of their responsibilities to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, safely loaded, and their drivers are fit to drive. There is no excuse for poorly maintained vehicles on the road.”

Fifteen potential waste carriers were approached by the Environment Agency and those who were required to be registered as a waste carrier were and they were taking waste to authorised waste sites. Advice was also provided in relation to their responsibilities to correctly classify waste and complete waste transfer notes to accompany the waste.

Clive Clasby, Senior Environmental Crime Officer for the Environment Agency said: “Anyone who carries waste as part of their business must be registered with the Environment Agency.

“Companies are clearly starting to take their responsibilities seriously. It is also important to remind everyone that duty of care is not only the responsibility of the producer but also the haulier and the receiving site.”

BROCCOLI MACARONI CHEESE

INGREDIENTS

300g Macaroni

1 Broccoli head, cut into florets

30g Unsalted butter

1 Heaped tbsp plain white flour

400ml Semi-skimmed milk (or 300ml milk and 100ml cooking water)

120g Grated mature Cheddar

METHOD

Cook the pasta according to the pack instructions, adding the broccoli florets to the pan halfway through, then drain Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small pan

Stir in the flour and cook for 2 mins

Remove the pan from the heat and gradually add the milk, a little at a time, stirring well until fully incorporated before each addition

Put the pan back on the heat and cook, stirring, until the sauce has thickened and been bubbling for 2 mins

Stir in the cheese and season with black pepper

Preheat the grill to medium-high

Stir the cheesy sauce through the pasta and broccoli, then spoon into a 1.4 litre baking dish

Grill for 4-5 mins, until golden, then serve

A happyplace to live

We pride ourselves on having happy homes, where residents and their families can enjoy spending quality time with each other and develop new friendships along the way.

Our homes in Bristol are located close to local shops and amenities, and benefit from strong connections with community groups. We offer a busy and varied activities programme that includes something for everyone and ensures residents get the most out of every day.

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

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

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

PERFECT ROAST POTATOES

INGREDIENTS

1.5kg Maris Piper potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks

3 tbsp vegetable oil or duck fat

1 heaped tbsp plain flour

½ tsp garlic granules

25g parmesan, finely grated

METHOD

Put the potatoes into a large pan of cold water, bring to a boil and cook for 10 mins, until soft on the outside when pierced with a sharp knife

Drain using a heatproof colander, then set on top of the hot empty pan, cover with a tea towel and allow to steam dry for 10-15 mins

While the potatoes are steaming, preheat the oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas 6

Shake the colander to rough up the edges of the potatoes

Mix the flour, garlic granules and parmesan, and season with black pepper

Toss the potatoes in the mixture

Put the vegetable oil or duck fat in a large, shallow baking tray

Put the oiled tray in the oven for 5 mins to heat up

Carefully add the potatoes to the trays and turn in the oil to coat

Roast for 25 mins, turn, then roast for a further 25-30 mins, until crisp and golden

MOTHER'S DAY MEMORIAL OFFER

Westerleigh Cemetery & Crematorium has an extra special way to help people remember and pay tribute to their maternal loved ones.

It is hosting a Mother’s Day Memorial Service on Sunday 19 March between 10.30am and 11am at its Woodland Chapel.

Refreshments will be available at the Willow Tree Café between 10am and 2pm to everyone who visits the crematorium on Mother’s Day.

Families can also advantage of a very special offer, too, as Mother’s Day is often a time when many people are thinking more intently about their loved ones and looking for ways of remembering them longer term.

Enabling families to do this in a unique way is a priority for the team at Westerleigh Crematorium, which is offering –between 6 and 26 March - a contribution of up to £500 towards the personalisation of new granite memorials (terms and conditions apply).

The personalisation can include hand-designed artwork, such as portraits, club crests, animals, hobbies, places of interest and so on, or a picture of a loved one transferred onto a ceramic plaque and placed on the granite stone.

Westerleigh Cemetery & Crematorium is part of Westerleigh Group, the UK’s largest independent owner and operator of crematoria and cemeteries, with 37 sites in England, Scotland, and Wales, all set within beautifully landscaped gardens of remembrance which provide pleasant, peaceful places for people to visit and reflect.

Shaun Chapman-Young, Site Manager at Westerleigh Crematorium, said: “Mother’s Day can be a particularly poignant time for those who have lost their mum or mother-figure, or for mothers who have been bereaved of a child.

“We hope that visiting us will bring comfort to anyone who needs it during this special time of the year, as will our special offer for the personalisation of new granite memorials, which will help make people’s ideas a reality and provide a unique and very personal tribute to their loved one.”

For more details, visit www.westerleighcrem.co.uk/personalisation-offer

Open water swimming is all the rage these days, and Bristol is no exception. People here really want to be able to take a dip in safety, which makes perfect sense. So if you’re thinking about taking the plunge, now’s your chance!ely.

It can be hard to imagine when you’re faced with the thought of wading out into cold water but there are proven health benefits. Cold water swimming can boost your immune system, metabolism, and increase happiness- so why shouldn’t we give it a go? We have listened to people’s requests for a safe swimming space in our harbour and have been working with local and experienced partners to explore how we can make this a reality.

Bristol’s harbour is a working area in an integral part of the city. To make sure we can offer an area that is safe to swim there must be measures in place to ensure the health and safety of all harbour users. This means having an area of our harbour cordoned-off to create a course specifically for swimming which can be safely accessed. There will be lifeguards and safety boats to help to keep people using the swimming facility safe.

Otherwise it remains unsafe to swim in the harbour or other waterways in Bristol, as we continue to highlight through safety campaigns and signage around the docks.

We have also been working with partners like Wessex Water to check the water quality and look at how we can put in place additional testing to ensure it is safe before allowing people into the water. We have been drawing on the expertise of All Aboard, based alongside the Cottage, and Uswim, the open water swim specialists who also operate sites around the country, and are working with them and local partners towards an open water swim trial for Bristol’s harbour this spring.

After an initial test swim in March, our aim is to run one-hour public swim sessions on Saturday and Sunday mornings for five weeks starting on 29 April. The sessions will be available to pre-book online at a cost of £7 per person – this small charge allows us to have in place the necessary water safety provisions. In the meantime, stay out of the harbour and swim at one of our city’s many pools.

This trial will allow us to assess whether or not we can provide a designated open water swimming area that is safe and financially sustainable – this is pertinent given the current financial challenges faced by the council in general and the harbour in particular.

Throughout the pilot we will monitor costs, up-take, and any impact on our ability to maintain a safe environment throughout our harbour.

The health and safety of all harbour users is our first priority and, along with other members of the Bristol Water Safety Partnership, our harbour staff work hard to prevent accidents and maintain a safe waterway so that people can enjoy all our harbour has to offer. This cannot be compromised.

As inflation rates continue to rise, many households will soon see a 7.5% increase in their water bills during April. It's important to take proactive steps to reduce water usage and keep bills low. This can be done through simple, everyday actions such as taking shorter showers and avoiding extra toilet flushes. These small changes have the potential to make a big impact when it comes to reducing your bill amount at the end of the month.

FIVE TIPS TO HELP CUT WATER BILLS

1 - Keep a bottle of water in the fridge

We all inevitably want to drink cold water, but when sourcing it from a tap, it can sometimes take a few seconds to get the water to your desired temperature. Even by just running the time for 5-10 seconds, you are potentially wasting several litres of water, so keep a bottle of water in the fridge to ensure you’re drinking cold water and not wasting any.

2 - Keep showering as short as possible

Most people opt for a shower over a bath due to it using less water and being more efficient, but it’s easy to get carried away, especially if you’re listing to music or enjoying the warm water. A 10-15 minute shower will roughly use the same amount of water as it would to run a bath, so try to keep your time in the shower between 3-5 minutes.

TAKE THESES FIVE STEPS TO REDUCE YOUR WATER BILLS

3 - Don’t use the toilet as a bin

Not only is flushing items such as cigarette butts, wipes and sanitary products down the toilet bad for the environment, but it can also cause a blockage within the pipes, as well as use a lot more water. Flushing a cigarette butt or face wipe down the toilet will use around 5-7 gallons of water, which is a huge waste, when these items should be disposed of in the bin anyway.

4 - Fix any leaks as soon as you notice them

A leak is one of the biggest culprits of water waste within the home, so spotting a leaky tap or a toilet pipe with a small area of damage could save you a large amount of money each year. A toilet with a leak that is left unfixed has the potential to waste up to 100 gallons of water each year, which goes to show how important it is to fix any leaks as soon as possible.

5 - Reduce the number of times you flush

Toilets that are not equipped with a dual flush setting use around 13 litres of water for each flush, which proves just how much water can be used in a household each day, especially with more people working from home. Although it may not appeal to some, it’s important to remember the saying “if it’s yellow let it mellow; if it’s brown, flush it down”. It may not work for many, but it can save you a lot of money in the long run.

FAMILIES ACROSS BRISTOL OFFERED THEIR SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES

Today (1 March) is National Offer Day with Bristol families receiving offers of secondary school places across the city.

All families who applied to Bristol schools have been offered a place.

This year 4,945 applications for places were received – com pared to 5,008 in 2022*.

Over 90 per cent of families (92%) have been offered one of their top three preferences, with over 75 per cent of families (75.6%) being offered their top choice, slightly down on last year, when 76.9 per cent were offered their first preference.

This year some parents will also receive offers from the two new free schools - Oasis Academy Daventry Road and Oasis Academy Temple Quarter - which are set to open in temporary accommodation in September.

Offers of a school place at these two new schools will be made directly by Oasis Academy, who operates the schools. Therefore, some families will receive two offers of a school place this year, one from Oasis and one from Bristol City Council, and they will be able to decide which school offer they accept.

Councillor Asher Craig, Deputy Mayor with responsibility for Education, said: “We knew that the high numbers of applications for a Year 7 place, with some schools unable to continue offering additional places, and the new schools falling outside of the co-ordinated admissions process, made this a challenging year for our school place planning. However, our admissions team have worked with schools, and I am pleased that we are able to ensure that all Bristol families received an offer of a secondary school place.”

Some families (8%) did not receive one of their preferred schools, which is slightly higher than last year (6.6%). The main reasons for this are that families have applied for schools which allocate places by random allocation, are outside of the Bristol area, or are faith schools.

Parents and carers would have received emails with offers throughout the morning on 1 March and have two weeks to respond to their offer via the Parent Portal. If they have not yet received an email, parents and carers are advised to check their spam filter.

Anyone not receiving an offer for their preferred school will be given information about how to stay on the waiting list and the appeals process.

For more information about the offers process visit the Bristol City Council website.

NOT HOOKED UP TO AN ELECTRICITY METER? YOU CAN NOW GET ENERGY SUPPORT

If you’re a resident in North Somerset and your home isn’t on the grid, you can now get £400 towards your energy bills. Everyone else got this money when the government rolled out their Energy Bill Support Scheme last year, but if you don’t have a meter or an energy contract then you probably missed out. Don’t worry though – now’s your chance to catch up! So don’t miss out - apply for it today!

The Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) announced this week that eligible households across England, Scotland and Wales will benefit from £400 energy bill help under the ‘alternative funding’ route of the government’s Energy Bills Support Scheme.

An online application portal is now open, and any eligible North Somerset resident will receive the one-off, non-repayable lump sum £400 payment via North Somerset Council.

Cllr Mike Bell, Deputy Leader of North Somerset Council said: “I’m pleased that households without a direct relationship to an electricity supplier can now apply for their £400 payment. It is frustrating that this has taken the Government so long to put in place, delaying important help with energy costs for an often overlooked group of residents. As the cost of living crisis continues to affect us all, this support will be very welcome to many across our region.”

The Council is urging all eligible households to apply as soon as possible for support, whilst also warning households to stay alert to potential scams and report them to relevant authorities where they are suspected.

The government will never provide any links to the application portal or directly ask individuals to apply for the £400 support. To report suspicious links, contact https://www.gov.uk/report-suspicious-emails-websites-phishing

Once North Somerset customers have applied online, eligible customers’ details will be shared with North Somerset Council to deliver the support. The payment will be provided directly into people’s bank accounts. To check eligibility and to apply, visit www.gov.uk/ apply-energy-bill-support-if-not-automatic.

For those without online access, a dedicated customer helpline is available - 0808 175 3287, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.

For a round-up of cost of living advice and guidance, visit North Somerset Council’s website www.n-somerset.gov. uk/col. It includes help with bills, childcare costs, housing support, and energy and heating advice.

in partnership with North Somerset Council

OUT AND ABOUT IN BRISLINGTON WEST WITH JOS AND ANDREW

We were both shocked to see the amount of litter and fly-tipping in Repton Road Car Park. It’s especially disheartening as we have held many litter picking sessions in that location. We have reported the mess to the council. If the council is going to introduce car parking charges, the least they can do is keep it clean and tidy. Our next litter picking day is Saturday 11 March, meeting at 11am at the Brislington Park and Ride. We’ll organise a follow-up session in the Repton Road area soon.

PAVEMENT PARKING PETITION:

Pavement parking is a widespread problem, but a particular concern on Sandy Park Road in Brislington West. Drivers regularly block the narrow pavements on this busy, shopping street, sometimes forcing pedestrians onto the road to get past.

It’s an accident waiting to happen. Drivers often reverse over the zebra crossing to access the local shops rather than using the local car park and walking a few metres! Drivers regularly park on the zigzag lines of the zebra crossing reducing visibility for people crossing the road. We have repeatedly asked Bristol City Council to do something about it but to no avail. We are now demanding the council step up enforcement and find a long-term solution such as railings and/ or bollards. Please sign our petition if you would like the council to take action:

Click here https://chng.it/BXhMFvf8PM

REPAIRS ROUND-UP:

Kings Road sign: we first reported this vandalised road sign back in October, so we are delighted it has now been replaced.

Bridge railings: the railings on a footbridge over the Brislington Brook have come loose. We have asked the council to get it sorted.

Broken signpost: a local resident reported a broken road sign with a sharp, jagged base sticking up through the pavement several months ago, but nothing happened. We contacted the council and got it sorted.

Grace Park Road: residents were concerned about a verge by the entrance to Grace Park Road. It was looking rather shabby so we contacted the council and it’s now looking much better.

If there are any issues where you live, let us know and we can report them.

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

THE BATCH COMMUNITY CENTRE TO PARTIALLY REOPEN

South Gloucestershire Council is to partially reopen The Batch Community Centre in Warmley to allow Creative Youth Network to run services for young people.

While the centre is open, a formal Expression of Interest (EOI) process will be underway to secure a new long-term operator for the venue.

The centre, which is owned by the council, was forced to close after the previous operator, the Banjo Island Community and Sports Association (BICSA), handed back the keys in October last year. Since then, the council has undertaken repair work to the building and held discussions with select partner organisations who had indicated an interest in taking over the facilities.

A new operator is needed to run the building for the community, including the café, as well as to provide space for the Youth Club run by Creative Youth Network (CYN).

So far none of the local organisations approached have been able to take on the whole operation.

CYN have previously run open access youth work at the Youth Wing of The Batch, reaching hundreds of local young people. Now that facilities have been restored and improved, the council will facilitate a partial reopening so that these services can be restored.

Jack Fitzsimmons, Youth Work Manager for Creative Youth Network, said: “We are really pleased to be able to restore essential services for young people and keen to continue them as an important part of our work with the community when a new operator is found. During the temporary closure, we maintained some youth work in the community and offered some 1:2:1 support, but young people really miss their safe space at The Batch youth club.”

South Gloucestershire Cabinet Member with responsibility for Children and Young People, Cllr Samuel Bromiley, said: “I am really pleased that, having done the much-needed work to restore and improve The Batch, we are now able to get Creative Youth Network back in to deliver activities for young people. We know how much they are valued by young people in the area.

“The next step is to find the right operator for the future, which will be able to offer stable management and put The Batch back at the heart of the community. This building is so much more than a café; it is a place to meet and a hub for many local sports teams and other groups. We are running a formal and transparent process to make sure we secure the right operators to help deliver these facilities.”

The formal Expression of Interest process is now underway. The opportunity to manage The Batch has been advertised to charities, community organisations and other suitable groups who could take on the management role.

This includes managing the community spaces, including the Youth Wing for organisations such as CYN, operating the food and drink facilities, as well as for private hire for local people to use. Potential operators have been able to visit the site and have received information from the council so they understand the costs and community-focused requirements of taking it on.

The council will scrutinise potential operators’ business plans to ensure they can provide stable management for the benefit of the local community. It is expected that a decision will be taken in the coming months to appoint a new operator, based on these assessments.

For more information about the EOI process, please visit our website: https://www.southglos.gov.uk/business/ property-for-sale-or-rent or email TheBatchEOI@southglos.gov.uk

WHO CHOOSES TO LIVE IN AN HMO

As the popularity of HMOs continues to grow, a question that we get asked regularly is: “…who chooses to live in these types of properties?”

HMOs, or houses in multiple occupation, are properties where a group of people share communal living spaces like toilets, bathrooms or kitchens, while having their own private bedrooms. The legal definition of an HMO is “3 or more people, from 2 or more households, sharing facilities like a bathroom or a kitchen.” So, let’s explore who typically chooses to live in an HMO.

STUDENTS

One of the most common groups of people who choose to live in HMOs are students. Students often prefer HMOs because they offer a more affordable housing option than renting a house or a flat. HMOs also provide a social environment that is often appealing to young people who may be new to a city or university.

Living in an HMO can give students the opportunity to make new friends and have a support network while studying away from home.

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

Another group of people who may choose to live in HMOs are young professionals. Young professionals who are just starting out in their careers may not have the financial means to rent their own apartment or house. HMOs offer a more affordable option, as well as a social environment that may be attractive to those who are new to a city or industry. Young professionals may also appreciate the convenience of living in an HMO, as many properties offer furnished rooms and shared amenities such as a fully stocked kitchen, white goods and laundry facilities.

THOSE ON LOWER INCOMES

HMOs can also be an attractive option for individuals on a lower income. These individuals may not be able to afford other rental options such as a house or a flat and may not have the credit or rental history required to secure a lease or a mortgage. HMOs offer a more affordable option, as well as a way to establish rental history and build credit. For some individuals on lower incomes, an HMO may be their only viable housing option.

PEOPLE FROM OVERSEAS, LOOKING TO SET UP HOME IN THE UK.

People from overseas, who are looking to make the UK their home, particularly those who are new to the country or city, may also choose to live in HMOs. These individuals may not have established a support network in their new location and may not have the financial means to rent their own apartment or house. HMOs can offer a social environment and a way to establish a support network whilst also providing a more affordable housing option.

PEOPLE SEEKING OUT SOCIAL INTERACTION

Finally, there are people who choose to live in HMOs simply because they enjoy the social environment. These individuals may be extroverted and enjoy the company of others, or they may be new to a city and looking to establish a support network. HMOs offer a unique living situation where residents share communal living spaces, which can foster a sense of community and belonging. HMO living can also represent the opportunity to make new friends and connections.

In conclusion, there is no one type of person who would choose to live in an HMO. Students, young professionals, individuals on lower incomes, people from outside the UK making it their home, and those seeking social interaction are just a few examples of the types of people who may choose to live in an HMO. The appeal of HMOs lies in their affordability, social environment, and convenience. With the growing popularity of HMOs, it is likely that we will continue to see a diverse group of people choosing this type of housing for many years into the future.

THE FREE COURSES AT CITY OF BRISTOL COLLEGE

If you’ve been considering advancing your career, developing new skills or choosing to change professions entirely, then the City of Bristol College might be able to assist you. Most individuals in England aged 19 and over who don’t have a full Level 3 qualification or are unemployed or making less than the National Living Wage may get access to Level 3 courses without any cost as part of the National Skills Fund. Moreover, there's no upper age limit now—so no matter your qualifications already held, anyone has the opportunity to make a fresh start! Different courses include accounting, joinery, computing and counselling for individuals multiple specializations and interests. Going beyond just increasing your knowledge base this is also an amazing chance for beginning the next chapter of your life.

There is an expansive range of courses and different offers. For example, if you work with children and want to add some additional qualifications under your belt like Autism Awareness or you are a teaching assistant who wants to upskill, you could take advantage of accessing £2,000 to £3,000 towards training.

For those who aren’t quite ready to take a Level 3 course, the college offers a Level 2 course as a great preparation option. The college also provides online courses geared towards healthcare workers and those interested in leadership and management. You’ll have full flexibility with access to supportive staff throughout your program with assistance from Partne rs in Bristol.

The online courses comprise of -

• Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health

• Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Autism

• Level 3 Principles of End of Life Care

• Level 3 Diploma in Leadership and Management

All the courses offer you a great opportunity to consider a new career or heighten your options where you currently work. Courses will be delivered on site, online, or a mix of both depending on the subject and are either full or part-time.

The college sites are:

College Green Centre - Situated in the heart of the city, this centre offers A Levels as well as many technical/vocational qualifications and apprenticeships.

South Bristol Skills Centre - This impressive, modern building at Hengrove Park is home to a range of specialist training facilities to support some of the college's technical qualifications and apprenticeships.

Advanced Engineering Centre - This centre at Parkway features industry facilities such as workshops, laboratories, computer-aided simulation rigs and testing/diagnostic equipment.

Motor Vehicle Technology Centre - The college's second centre at Parkway boasts modern facilities including heavy and light vehicle workshops, body repair and finishing workshops, electronic engine testing and diagnostic equipment and computer-aided simulation rigs.

Ashley Down Centre -This historic building provides modern facilities and offers study space, learning zones, classrooms, workshops and student social areas in close proximity to Gloucester Road.

There will be an open event at the college on March 29 giving you the opportunity to discover more about the facilities and courses as well as talk to staff.

Take a break and try to solve theses puzzles

Here are this months puzzles designed to test your mental skills during your lunch break or after tea.

Good luck!

Subscribe to Bristol Weekly Magazine via this QR code

8 differences between these two pictures. Are your eyes good enough to see them all?

STAYING FREE TO PARK IN SOUTH GLOS

We’re delighted to announce that free parking will continue in all Council-owned car parks across South Glos!

This is a testament to the long-standing commitment of the Conservative Group to supporting local businesses and high streets. South Gloucestershire Council’s budget for 2023/24, which was agreed by councillors last week, includes this important measure. Hurray for free parking!

Cllr Ben Stokes, Conservative Deputy Leader of South Glos Council, said: “South Gloucestershire is one of the few places in the country where you can park your car for free at all times, and I’m proud that we have been able to keep this in place for another year.

“High streets have been struggling in recent years due to the changes in consumer behaviour. But by ensuring it remains free to park in all Council car parks, we are doing our bit to ensure local businesses are able to thrive.”

The Conservative Group’s budget for 2023/24 delivers on its key priorities for South Glos, which include giving children the best start in life, supporting vulnerable people, boosting economic growth and giving council taxpayers value for money.

As well as the retention of free parking, more money has been put aside to fix potholes and to keep bus services going temporarily following the WECA Mayor’s recent cuts.

The £30 charge for collecting garden waste has been frozen, Street Care teams have been protected, support for veterans’ services will continue and significant levels of investment in schools and community facilities will be made available.

SOUTH WEST LANDLORDS SELLING UP NEED TO SORT TAX AFFAIRS

Private landlords in the South West looking to sell all or part of their property portfolio as inflation and high bank rates take a grip need to be careful over their tax affairs.

Property and tax specialists have warned that the sale of properties that have previously been let need to be carefully handled and disclosures made under HMRCs Let Property Campaign to ensure they do not fall foul of tax penalties.

Chartered surveyor, Andrew Simmonds, who runs Parker’s Estate Agency in North Somerset and Country Property in Chipping Sodbury said: “There are an increasing number of landlords looking to either get out of the market or sell some of their portfolio at the moment.

“Inflation and the cost of borrowing being at its highest for 14 years has made many landlords consider the future. They are looking at all aspects of being a landlord. Some are looking to increase rents – but that may mean they risk losing tenants; some are looking for better mortgage deals and others are decreasing the number of properties they let out.

“With Capital Gains Tax annual exemption dropping from £12,300 to £6,000 at the start of the new tax year there is currently a rush to sell. But as soon as you sell you are likely to alert HMRC to look at your tax affairs.”

Chartered Tax Adviser, Cate Jackson, of Edge Tax Professional Services in Bristol, said: “HMRC’s Let Property Campaign provides landlords who owe more tax from the letting of residential property, in the UK or overseas, an opportunity to rectify mistakes in previous years and bring their tax returns up to date.

“Capital Gains Tax is calculated after income tax and as most people do not know their total level of income during the year, the CGT return is usually an estimate with a final calculation being provided with the individuals self assessment tax return.

“The Let Property Campaign has been running for 10 years and is a way for landlords to voluntarily come forward and declare income. There are high penalties for not declaring income and HMRC can piece together information from the Land Registry, electoral roll, utility providers and other publicly available information to check up.

“We would urge all landlords making significant changes to their property holdings to discuss their plans with property and tax specialists to ensure they do not fall foul of penalties.”

Andrew Simmonds can be contacted through Parker’s Estate Agents. Cate Jackson, who manages tax issues, can be contacted at Edge Tax Specialists.

THE OLDEST PUB IN BRISTOL

The whole city of Bristol is shrouded in history, so it should come as no surprise that the pubs within Bristol have just as much history surrounding them. Plenty of pubs within Bristol claim to be the oldest, all of which have varying dates that they were first set up. Some are only kept in the running, for the title, by a handful of technicalities.

So, whilst it might not be possible to tell you precisely which pub is the oldest (as many of them claim to be) here is one of the oldest pubs in Bristol that has been running for a fair bit of time, with some twisted and interesting pasts. Whether you’re interested in hearing the macabre tales or it’s the historical architecture that’ll draw you in, be sure to read this tale.

Generally speaking, The Hatchet Inn is considered to be the oldest pub in Bristol as it proudly boasts and claims by the pub owners themselves. This Tudor pub has stood on Frogmore Street.

The building, over 4 centuries old, is now a Grade II listed building and has undergone plenty of preening, changes and alterations since first opening up in 1606.

A time in which Bristol played a key role in the UK’s seafaring trade. One notable change being the removal of the mortar that hung above the front door for a significant amount of time. On the 400th anniversary of the pub, some staff members dressed as historical figures outside the venue to celebrate the pub’s long history. The Hatchet Inn is assumed to be named after the axes used by woodsmen, who would stop by the pub after having worked in the Clifton Woods, though there is no confirmation of this.

Another claim to fame of this Bristol pub is that pirates, most notably Blackbeard, drank at The Hatchet Inn. Though The Hatchet Inn is not the only pub to have made that claim within Bristol. Llandoger Trow, which opened in 1664 (and was also a contender for the oldest pub), is now sadly closed, also allegedly saw Blackbeard pop in for a drink.

Now, since the 1980s, The Hatchet Inn has been an alternative pub, playing rock music, and attracting an entirely different demographic than just the history buffs looking to check it out. The Butcombe Brewery bought the pub and now owns it, leading very successfully as The Hatchet Inn won the Best Food Offer Winners 2019 and 2020 at the Publican Awards.

PLASTIC FREE RAMADAN SET TO BE LAUNCHED NATIONWIDE

A project to reduce single-use plastic at community events during Ramadan is set to be rolled-out across the country –with the potential to save 500 tonnes of waste each year.

Projects Against Plastic (PAP) launched a pilot project with representatives from mosques in Bristol to find sustainable ways to serve food and drink while breaking fast.

And following its success, which saved around a tonne of waste per mosque, organisers are campaigning for other cities to get on board.

Mosques in the South West, South East, North West and the Midlands have responded to the campaign and it is hoped more will get involved.

PAP charity founder Naseem Talukdar said: “Protecting the environment is an important aspect of Islam and together we can tackle plastic pollution nationwide.”

500 TONNES OF WASTE REDUCTION

There are an estimated 500 mosques in the UK and each one can use up to 3,000 water bottles and 2,000 plastic plates and cutlery sets during Ramadan. Naseem, who is also director for social responsibility and sustainability at UK Curry Connect campaign group, which works for betterment of the catering industry, believes reducing waste in mosques would significantly benefit the environment.

He said: “We’re working to get all mosques involved in the campaign and to say no to single-use plastic.

“If everyone gets involved, we could save around a tonne of waste per mosque. This would benefit those communities directly and the country in general.”

He is encouraging leaders to install water refill stations and said the team would help them to make the transition – with communication and education materials – to reduce waste.

It could lead to saving a tonne per mosque – - the equivalent weight of nearly 70 elephants.

SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BAN

Lord Dick Newby OBE, leader of the Lib Dems in the House of Lords, hosted the nationwide launch of #PlasticFreeRamadan at Parliament.

He said: “If we are to clean up the environment, we’ve got to drastically re duce the use of plastic. Plastic Free Ramadan is showing how this can be done. It deserves every success.”

Around 8 million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean each year – harming wildlife and polluting the environment. The chemicals released may also be harmful to humans.

A ban on some single-use plastics will come into force in England from October this year, the government has announced.

Takeaways, restaurants and cafes will have to stop using single-use plastic cutlery, plates and bowls to tackle the growing plastic problem.

PILOT SCHEME

PAP, along with Bristol Muslim Strategic Leadership Group (BMSLG), set up to develop and strengthen Muslim communities in Bristol, have been working to tackle single-use plastic at mosques on a voluntary basis.

Organisers have held events to raise awareness and encourage visitors to bring their own bottles – reducing single-use plastic by 75 per cent.

Seven mosques in Bristol took part in a pilot scheme, which involved installing a water fountain and dishwasher.

Sheila El Dieb, Environmental Task Group Chair of BMSLG, said: “By joining with this ground-breaking charity partnership, we believe we are giving the mosques their natural leadership roles at a critical period of the year.

“Ramadan is a time when Muslims are reconsidering their individual place in the world along with their responsibility to the planet, each other and our fellow global inhabitants.

“No step is too small to seek to find ecological ways of making our living sustainable; no person is unimportant in this journey.”

PAP has been working with leaders within the food and hospitality to reduce plastic for five years. ·

For more information and to get involved, with https://www.pap.org.uk/

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

Come and Dance Amongst A Friendly Lively Crowd. Enjoy A Good Mix of Music, Dancing Thru’ the Decades including some Motown and Soul Favourites. Club times are 9 ‘til 1 (last entry 11pm) –Very Smart Casual NO Tee Shirts or Trainers & Gents are Required To Wear Collared Shirts. Dance adm £8 For more Info call 07860578708 or go to www.mingles.co.uk Facebook: Luv2mingle