Bristol Magazine Christmas edition 15th - 22nd December 2022

PROPYARD’S HAVING A WHEELIE GOOD TIME THIS CHRISTMAS

As we step into the Christmas countdown, Propyard has added a 55ft ferris wheel to its Winterland extravaganza. Launching on Wednesday 14 and set to stay until early January, families and friends can expect even more winter magic at St. Philips as the venue’s outdoor space is transformed into a haven of festive-fun.

From Wednesday 14, the Winterland ice rink and ice bumper cars will be open daily, with those keen to ride the ferris wheel and score themselves the best views of the experience able to purchase tokens to do so from £3.50 per person. Winterland’s star attraction Bjorn the Polar Bear will also be on hand to meet and greet visitors with regular appearances in the run up to New Year.

If this wasn’t enough to get residents heading straight for Feeder Road, there will also be two additional rides for the young ones alongside the outdoor ferris wheel. The children’s rides will be under cover and blankets will be available to keep riders feeling cosy as they get their thrills. Hot chocolates, hot toddies and other festive treats will be on offer, which will be the ultimate winter warmer whilst enjoying this arctic journey.

The December fun doesn’t stop there. Final tickets are on sale for a Romeo + Juliet spectacle on Friday 16, which will bring an evening of Montague and Capulet grandeur to Propyard. Inspired by the richness and extravagance of Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet, a Christmas party like no other invites Montegues, Capulets and Bristolians alike to indulge in an authentic Italian feast before being whisked away for an unforgettable evening of dancing.

It may not be coming home for England, but it’s not over quite yet. The biggest screen in Bristol is still up at Propyard and tickets are available over at the venue’s website to soak up the atmosphere of the World Cup Final on Sunday 18 December. From 2pm until 6pm, football fans from all over can get their head in the game one last time… until the Women’s season kicks off in 2023.

Access to Winterland is free, with bookable tickets to the ice rink and ice bumper cars available to purchase on the Propyard website. Prices start from £8-12.50.

Fairytale of Feeder Road: Propyard presents a brand new 16 metre ferris wheel, a Romeo + Juliet themed Christmas Party and the FIFA World Cup Final on the biggest screen in Bristol

BRISTOL’S BEST HOME COOKS SERVE UP VEGANUARY

Nick-named “Etsy for food”, All About The Cooks is an online marketplace founded in Bristol, which makes it deliciously easy for the people across the city to eat real food made by local people, all in the comfort of their own homes.

This January, the platform’s talented home cooks are planning to create vegan feasts, inspired by the national campaign Veganuary, with meat and dairy-free twists on their globally-inspired menus (the dishes will be live on the site from 30th December).

At its core, All About The Cooks enables home cooking enthusiasts hungry to share their love for home-cooked food with even hungrier residents, with menus and dishes from across the world, all prepared right here in Bristol and available to order online. With collection or delivery arranged directly from the cook, the days of junk food and faceless deliveries are over. Similarly, you’ll be supporting your neighbours - with over £40,000 already paid to local cooks since the marketplace’s launch.

Inspired by her native South America, Mireya, who lives in Henbury, usually cooks up Brazilian and Chilean delights, including empanadas Chilenas and pao de queijo (Brazilian cheese balls). For Veganuary however, Mireya has veganised the traditional Brazilian Feijoada, typically made with pork, with vegan smoked sausages and bacon exclusively for Bristol residents to order via www.allaboutthecooks.co.uk.

Tomer, who lives in Bishopston, will be offering Middle-Eastern vegan feasts with a menu that changes weekly. Stella in Redfield will be baking stunning vegan celebration cakes, and as a baker at Bristol’s ever popular Hart’s Bakery, her sweet treats are not to be missed. Those looking for Spanish dishes will be delighted to try Horfield-based Rosa’s menu, including vegan tapas plates such as meat-free chorizo cooked in cider.

Those in Easton will be delighted to tuck into Indira’s Cuban delicacies including Frijoles negros; a delicious and rich black bean stew flavoured with bay leaf and garlic and served alongside rice, cassava with a mojito sauce and plantains.

Perfect for those looking for family feasts, fuss-free dinners for two, or a simple and delicious meal for one, All About The Cooks offers a huge host of options for dinners, sweet treats and more, carefully prepared in home kitchens with full health ratings.

Those yet to try out the food of Bristol’s best home cooks can get £10 off their first order by signing up for the newsletter on the website: www.allaboutthecooks.co.uk/newsletter-sign-up

To join in the fun and become one of Bristol’s most well-loved cooks from the comfort of your own home, local cooks can apply via using the website: https:// allaboutthecooks.co.uk/become-a-cook/

All About The Cooks’ current introductory sign-up offer to new cooks - 0% commission fees for the first two months - means the wide range of cuisines and menus is sure to expand even further than its impressively diverse pool, which already includes Algerian, Portuguese, Vietnamese, French, Greek, British, Indian, Cuban, Pakistani, South America and Caribbean foods to name a few.

Claire Ladkin, Founder of All About The Cooks, said:

“With Veganuary just around the corner it's fantastic to see our community of cooks reinventing their home-cooked menus with plant-based ingredients and twists. Hopefully these tasty dishes bring about a bit of Veganuary inspiration and tantalise Bristol’s taste buds! Having launched here in Bristol back in 2020 it’s been amazing to help so many people turn their passion for cooking into a vocation, and see their foods go down so well across the city.”

WHATS ON CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

DECEMBER 16 DECEMBER 17 DECEMBER 18

Elton John and Robbie Williams

Description: Joel Coombes is one of the UK’s leading tributes to Elton John. Joel has a striking resemblance to Elton John both visually and vocally. Combine this with his great piano playing skills and you have a superb tribute show. Doors and bar open at 7.00pm

Venue: Centurys Club 322 Two Mile Hill Road Bristol BS15 1AJ

Christmas Themed Lovely Life Drawing

Description: Bristol Life Drawing presents two hour sessions at HOURS space two Friday’s a month.

Venue: Hours Space Victoria Square Portishead,

Romeo + Juliet – A Christmas Party Extravaganza

Description: Inspired by the richness and extravagance of Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet, there will be banqueting at the Montague residence before partying the night away at the House of Capulet. Expect opulence, feasting, and romance.

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

Christmas Market

Description: A range of small independent sellers Everything is is £25 & under! Stalls include: - Hot drinks & cakes - Home fragrance - Homemade gifts - Gift wraps & decorations - Jewellery - Photographer 2pm til 8pm

Venue: The Hideout Bristol Unit 2 White St St Jude’s Bristol BS5 0TS

BRIDGE FARM WINTER FAIR

Description: Sat 17th Dec & Sun 18th Dec: Join us as we celebrate the magical and transitional time of the year together with our special WINTER FAIR, hosted by Bridge Farm Creative Collective & Friends.

Venue: Bridge Farm Bristol Glenfrome Road BS16 1BQ Bristol

Sleeping Beauty Description:

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

Family Carol Service

Description: Come along to this popular retelling of the nativity story especially for families.

Venue: St Andrew’s Church The Rectory Tunbridge Close Chew Magna BS40 8SU

DECEMBER 19 DECEMBER 20 DEC 21 - DEC 22

Festive Market

Description: hrough our sustainable business community, the running of weekly sustainability events, as well as our regular monthly, and yearly festive eco-pop-up events, Future Leap provides tools and knowledge to help organisations accelerate their sustainability and progress to net zero.

Venue: Future Leap 1-3 Gloucester Rd Bishopston Bristol BS7 8AA

Santa’s Grotto Description: Santa will be at Born in Bristol this December. You can look forward to a traditional meet and greet experience with Santa. Each Child will receive a gift from Santa. Please pop your child’s/ children’s details, name age and gender in the notes section at checkout so the elves can make sure each child receives their own special gift. Adults are free, dogs welcome

Venue: Born in Bristol 197 Church Road St George Bristol BS5 9HG

Christmas Jumper Bingo Special

Description: We have a special evening planned for you, It’s festive and its fun. - Raffle - Finger Food - Bingo Bonus Cap Christmas jumpers welcome. We are throwing in a bar tab for the most festive attire table�� It’s going to be a very special one. Gather your friends. Arrive early as seats fill fast

Venue: Maytree Pub St Peter’s Rise Bristol BS13 7QT

The Grove Christmas Fair

Description: oin The Grove @ Bedminster Down Youth Club for our first Christmas Fair for the whole family to enjoy! There will be market stalls, Santa’s Grotto, Raffle, games to entertain the children, food and bar on site and much more! Entrance fee is £1, which includes a free raffle ticket on arrival. (under 18’s free!)

Venue: Bedminster Down Ex Service Club Winford Grove Bristol BS13 7DY

Stacey Charles at The Trident

Description: Join Stacey Charles at The Trident, a local pub in the heart of Downend, Bristol, for an evening of live music, singing and dancing. Dec 22

Venue: The Trident Badminton Rd Downend Emersons Green Bristol BS16 6NY

ALSO SHOWING IN CINEMAS

VIOLENT NIGHT

When a team of mercenaries breaks into a wealthy family compound on Christmas Eve, taking everyone inside hostage, the team isn’t prepared for a surprise combatant: Santa Claus is on the grounds, and he’s about to show why this Nick is no saint.

In cinemas Now

AVATAR 2 THE WAY OF WATER

WAKANDA FOREVER

SIX DANGEROUS ROADS THAT BRISTOL CITY COUNCIL GETS NEW POWERS ON

Bristol City Council is set to receive new enforcement powers that would allow them to fine drivers for traffic offences at six dangerous roads. If caught breaking the rules, drivers could be fined as soon as next summer. These cameras will be installed at locations in Fishponds, Withywood, Redland, St George, and by Temple Meads.

The council’s cabinet approved the new measures on Tuesday, December 6; however, final sign off must come from the Department for Transport before the scheme takes effect.

Councillor Don Alexander, cabinet member for transport, said: “We have long campaigned to deal with moving traffic enforcement. Being able to enforce moving traffic contraventions across the city will add to road safety measures that are already being taken to make sure Bristol’s roads are safer for its citizens and drivers.

“We’ll look at how we make the most of these powers in other locations, balanced with the resources. Mobile cameras might be an option in future. These six locations are a great start, as they are known problem areas. Moving traffic enforcement gives us direct control to ensure those who break the law are penalised.”

THE SIX SITES ARE:

Hockey’s Lane and Fishponds Road junction, Fishponds

King Georges Road and Queens Road junction, Withywood

Lower Redland Road between Elgin Park and Exeter Buildings, Redland

Furber Road between Raeburn Road and St Anne’s Road, St George

Bath Bridge Roundabout and Cattle Market Road junction, near Temple Meads

Hareclive Road and Anton Bantock Way junction, Withywood

The final junction on the list was the location of a fatal car accident in 2017. The driver struck and killed Keith Pullin, a father of two, who was walking to a dentist appointment. Since the accident, his family has campaigned for a traffic enforcement camera at the junction, along with their local ward councillor.

Labour Cllr Kerry Bailes, representing Hartcliffe and Withywood, said: “I’m delighted that the council is moving forward quickly to install an enforcement camera on Hareclive Road and Anton Bantock Way junction. This will undoubtedly deter drivers from reckless, illegal driving and help prevent another fatal injury at the junction.”

More sites in Bristol could also see cameras installed to catch drivers making moving traffic offences. But the process involves “jumping through many hoops”, according to Cllr Alexander, who added he was keen to hear suggestions for other dangerous roads and junctions.

Cllr Alexander said: “I wish traffic regulation orders didn’t take so long. It was interesting to see how the government during the coronavirus pandemic managed to loosen up the regulations to allow temporary traffic regulation orders to happen more quickly.

“As soon as that crisis was over, they then reverted to an anachronistic form of the law — where we have to jump through many hoops, put statutory notices in the Bristol Post at great cost and other things which make all of our traffic schemes more difficult and more expensive.”

10 NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION IDEAS FOR 2023

It’s that time of year again! New Year’s resolutions are a great way to set goals and intentions for the upcoming year.

But let’s be honest, most of us never stick to our resolutions. This year, let’s try something different.

Let’s set realistic, healthy, and enjoyable goals that we can actually achieve. Here are 10 popular resolution ideas to help get you started.

1. TRY OUT A NEW HAIRSTYLE

New year, new you — right? It might be cliche, but we’re always here for trying out a new look. After all, what better way to feel refreshed and ready for the year to come than by giving yourself permission to try something new?

Whether finally learning to braid or blowout your hair, updating your go-to makeup picks or going bold with your fashion choices, the new year is the perfect time to embrace change. Go for it, we say!

2. PRACTISE MINDFULNESS

For years now you’ve probably heard about the benefits of embracing a mindful lifestyle. From reducing stress to improving sleep, mood and general life enjoyment, mindfulness is something we should all practise.

Rather than trying to dive straight in with long meditation sessions, we suggest starting small. Set aside five minutes each day to sit and reflect or use a mindfulness journal to jot down a few things you’re grateful for. You’d be amazed at how quickly these seemingly small activities lead to a change in outlook!

3. STICK TO A BUDGET

Guilty of setting savings goals only to watch your bank balance dwindle into nothingness, anyway? Yep. It’s hard to set a budget and actually stick to it. Let alone save anything these days. But, with the right bank account, travel cards and insurance plans, managing your money doesn’t have to be such a mission.

So, start the year on the right track by sorting your accounts and making sure they work for you, your family and your lifestyle, not the other way around.

4. TRY NEW RECIPES

It’s all too easy to eat out and order in these days. Between neverending restaurant openings and Deliveroo deals, you might find your kitchen is getting less and less use.

But, with the turn of the year comes an opportunity to break out the apron and embrace the joy of cooking at home. And the best (aka easiest) way to do this? By investing in an air fryer. These babies take all the pain out of meal prep and ensure you can whip up delicious and nutritious meals in no time at all. Whether you’re game to host Sunday roasts with the family, potluck dinners with friends or indulge in your favourite fried foods on a Friday — air fryers can do it all.

5. READ EVERY NIGHT

A great way to wind down at the end of the day, improve your vocabulary, feel inspired and exercise your imagination — why not incorporate 20 minutes of reading into your nightly routine?

From fun and frivolous holiday reads to page-turning horrors and inspirational biographies and self-help reads, there is literally a style of story for everyone. So, stop those excuses and break out that Kindle or library card now!

6. CUT BACK ON ALCOHOL

After a month of festivities, it’s no surprise that you might be considering cutting back on your alcohol consumption. Whether aiming to engage in Dry January or just in search of some satisfying alcohol-free alternatives, give your liver a wee break — it will thank you for it!

7. SET UP A SLEEP ROUTINE

Are you sick of feeling tired? You’re not alone. Sleep hygiene is something most of us can improve upon, and it’s easier than you might think to get started.

Small changes to your nightly routine, like switching off the TV earlier, investing in comfortable pillows and lavender pillow spray to assist with relaxation, and a good eye mask to block any unwanted light, can make a big difference. So if you’re looking to create a better sleep routine, this is the year for it.

8. BECOME A PLANT PARENT

This resolution may seem like a bit of fun, but it’s actually an important one. As reported by the Royal Horticultural Society, studies have shown that adding a little plant life to your home office, bedroom, living room, balcony or patio can help reduce stress, improve your mood and even assist with concentration and productivity.

Plus, with so many funky and functional indoor and outdoor pot plants available, you can create your own aesthetically pleasing oasis with ease.

9. LIFT WEIGHTS

Yes, yes, you knew this was coming. In every resolution list — ever — there’s a commitment to exercise more regularly. But, unlike goals of visiting the gym every day or running a marathon, this one is more reasonable. And you can even do it from the comfort of your home. Lifting weights is an oft-forgotten (or avoided) part of keeping our bodies healthy and preventing injury, but now’s the time to incorporate it into your exercise routine.

10. BOOK A HOLIDAY

Resolutions can’t ALL be practical or about the day-to-day. It’s just as important to reward yourself, have something on the books to look forward to and get out into the world. So, we’re all for locking in your next getaway now. Whether you’re after an intrepid snow-filled adventure, a dreamy sun-soaked vacay or an exciting city break — your next trip awaits!

HOW TO KEEP YOUR HOME SAFE FROM BURGLARS AT CHRISTMAS

Follow these rules to keep your presents out of the wrong hands this year

DON’T MAKE IT EASY FOR THEM

Before leaving your home, make sure all doors and windows are locked. Don’t leave your keys in the locks, as a burglar could reach them through the mail slot. Be sure to take these simple precautions to protect your home.

Think about your family calendar. Be careful if the dates you’re away are on display and can be seen through the window,

Burglars can hide behind big pots and hedges, allowing them to reach your home unseen by others, so keep them low if you can.

PRETEND SOMEONE’S IN

Put lights on timers and leave the radio on to make it look and sound as if someone is at home.

Leave an ironing board up with a pile of clothes. “It will look like you’ve just popped out (but don’t leave the iron turned on),

Enabling a free “guard dog skill” on Alexa. “It allows you to set off a barking and growling dog noise by remotely activating it,

GET NEIGHBOURS TO HELP

When all the bins are out on a street except yours, or yours are the only ones out, that can give away the fact that no one is at home, so ask a friend or neighbour to put yours out and back, too.

If you have a drive and your car is usually on it, ask them to park there so it looks like someone is home.

Check the weather forecast while you are away. If leaves or snow fall at your doorstep and aren’t cleared, this can be a sign that no one has been going in and out of the door.

Post piling up can be another give away. If you have a long trip planned, the Royal Mail’s Keepsafe service holds your mail while you are away,

It costs from £16, which covers a 10-day period. If, instead, you have a friend coming in for your post, remind them to put it somewhere out of sight.

TAKE CARE WITH SOCIAL MEDIA

It may be tempting to post photos online while you are on holiday – or to say that you’re off on a break or a night out – but this lets people know you are not at home.

If someone tags you when you are away, remove the tag. Facebook notifies you when this happens, so select “remove tag” on the post.

Criminals get information from social media. It’s fairly easy for someone with the right knowledge of searching to identify someone, find their address, work out where the picture was taken, friends, relatives, workmates, where and when they go on holiday, and almost anything else that’s ever been made public,

So much personal data has leaked over the years that it’s almost guaranteed your address and phone number is recorded against your name somewhere. And anyone who knows where to go can pay a few quid for access to these details..

Burglars frequently know their victims. One in four burglary incidents are perpetrated by someone the victim knows well; in one in five cases they are known by sight or to speak to. The burglars are complete strangers in just over half of incidents (57%),.

KEEP YOUR PRESENTS SAFE

From the minute you get hold of them, to the minute you give them, be careful about who sees what you have bought.

Don’t leave gifts in your car in full view while it is unattended, as opportunist thieves will smash the glass and run.

Avoid leaving the boot open while you unload the car – even if you are juggling with bags, children and other demands.

Hide presents. Leaving them all round the tree in view is advertising to potential burglars, so, too, is posting a photo of them online.

Break up the packaging and don’t put your branded boxes next to the bin, advertising what’s inside your house.

INSURE AGAINST

THE WORST Buildings and contents insurance will cover your home if there is a break-in –as long as you have met all of the policy requirements.

Check with your insurance company if any alarms and/or security cameras you have must be activated every time you leave the property unoccupied.

Photograph your possessions and keep the pictures safe, and, with Christmas presents and other new purchases, keep hold of the receipts. These will be proof of ownership if you need to claim.

If you are using a shed or garage to hide your presents, check they will be covered before you leave them there.

Check your policy to see if it will automatically increase the contents insured by a fixed percentage over Christmas time to reflect any increase in the value. After Christmas, assess the value of presents such as jewellery and increase policy limits accordingly.

You may invalidate your insurance if you do not take reasonable care to secure your home and possessions.

An insurer may well research your social media, decide that you have not taken reasonable steps to protect yourself, and refuse to pay.

APPLE MINCE PIES

Method

Preheat the oven to 190°C/fan 170°C/ Gas 5

Grease a 12 hole tart tin

Make the filling by mixing together the apple, cranberries and mincemeat

To make the pastry: Cut the butter into small pieces and, in a large bowl, rub it into the flour until the mixture looks like breadcrumbs

Method

Add the sugar, egg yolks and satsuma juice and mix together

Roll the pastry into a ball and divide into quarters

Roll out one piece, cut out 8 circles, just big enough to line the tins

Repeat with another quarter to make 16 circles

Roll out the next two quarters one at a time, and cut 8 stars out of each, about the same size as the tart tin holes

Cooking in 2 batches, add the pastry circles to the tin, spoon in some filling and top with the stars

Brush with milk and bake for 15 mins until the pastry is cooked and golden

Leave to cool slightly, then dust with icing sugar

CINNAMON BREAD WREATH

Ingredients

250ml semi skimmed milk

50g unsalted butter

450g strong white flour

7g pack dried yeast

2 tsp cinnamon

100g caster sugar

30g fresh cranberries, chopped, plus 6 for decorating

30g flaked almonds

1 egg

1 tbsp icing sugar

Few sprigs rosemary (optional)

Method

Gently heat the milk in a pan, then stir in the butter to melt

In a large bowl, mix the flour, yeast, cinnamon, sugar and a pinch of salt

Pour in the milk and mix to form a dough

Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 mins, until smooth and elastic

Put in a bowl and leave somewhere warm for 1-2 hours, until doubled in size

Turn out the dough, briefly knead to release the air, then roll out into a rectangle about 30cm x 42cm

Sprinkle the cranberries and half the almonds over the dough, then roll up from the long end to form a tube

Transfer the dough to a baking sheet and pull into a round so the ends meet

Using a sharp knife, make some small slits in the dough around the outside edge of the ring

Put a large, round ovenproof cutter in the middle, cover, and leave somewhere warm for 1 hour more

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

Beat the egg and brush over, sprinkle the remaining almonds and bake for 45 mins, until golden

Leave to cool for 10 mins

Dust with the icing sugar, top with the rosemary, if using

Decorate with the fresh cranberries

BRISTOL PENSIONERS TAKE CASH OUT THEIR HOMES TO COVER SOARING BILLS

A Bristol finance firm is urging struggling pensioners to talk to relatives before using cash tied up in their homes to cover rising bills as record numbers turn to equity release amid the cost-of-living crisis.

Manning Gee Investments says the number of people enquiring about equity release plans has quadrupled during the last few months as cash-strapped pensioners struggle to make ends meet.

Equity release lets homeowners aged 55 and over access tax-free cash from the value of their property. But Manning Gee Investments says using these lifetime mortgages to fund short-term needs may not be the right solution for everyone.

The firm adds that the increased local demand for equity release plans reflects a growing national trend. Homeowners aged 55+ took out a record 13,452 new equity release plans between July and September 2022, according to data from the Equity Release Council. This represents an eight per cent increase on the previous quarter.

And in the South West, the number of new equity release plans has increased by 25% since 2017, according to a new market report published by the council this autumn.

Samuel Gee, director of Manning Gee Investments in Bristol, said: “We have seen growing interest in equity release from retired people with mortgages who worry about paying their bills this winter. As well as soaring heating and food costs, the recent hike in interest rates is only adding to their financial worries.

“Equity release can offer a lifeline for some older people who have all their money tied up in their homes. It’s basically a loan secured against your property which allows you to stay in your home and it doesn’t have to be repaid until you pass away or move into care.

“But equity release isn’t right for everyone and we are concerned that vulnerable homeowners are rushing into it without consulting their children first, or considering other options that may be open to them.

“For example, you may have other investments or assets that could be used, or you could consider downsizing to a smaller property. It’s also important to understand the potential costs of servicing the interest on a lifetime mortgage.

“It’s therefore crucial that you seek professional advice and exhaust all options before making important decisions that could affect your home - and your children’s inheritance.”

HMOS AT CHRISTMASTIME

As the tenants are from overseas, it is not always possible for them to spend Christmas at home with their families, so they choose to share the holiday with the co-living extended families that they have forged in the city. Traditions are shared, as are delicious food treats (and we can vouch for this, having been known to partake ourselves) and tales of the season in different climates. One of my favourite memories of this season, is from doing a property inspection, over in the south of Bristol, where a lovely Spanish tenant was preparing festive tapas!

Everyone has a different idea about what it’s like to live in a shared house; some will see it as a necessity driven by affordability, others will see it as a stop gap due to changing life circumstances and, others will see it as a choice made by being in a new City and wanting to make memories and friends.

Luckily for us, in Bristol, the latter is often true. Bristol has some of the best examples of shared living, in a city which is vibrant, progressive, and much sought after, both in terms of a place to live and a place to work and spend time.

Whenever we do inspections at this time of year, it is heartwarming to see the HMO houses given a little seasonal make over. Quite a few of the tenants, in both our hmos and our landlords are from overseas – as Bristol is both a university city and a city with a large number of startups, attracting business talent from all over the world. Bristol tech companies alone make up 208 startups, accounting for 36% of the city’s high growth businesses, employing over 13,000 people, with a reported turnover, in 2022, of £4.69bn (Beauhurst Oct 2022).

We have not personally had any bad experiences with unsafe Christmas decorations, but we do communicate well with our tenants. Here are a few tips and things to take into account during this festive season, to help keep everyone safe:

(i) Guests are usually allowed, as long as it doesn’t become too frequent, but it’s polite to make sure that your tenants check with the other house sharers about their plans for visitors. (ii) Also, if you have any restrictions in your tenancy agreement about guests, make sure that your tenants are aware of this.

Tenants going away for Christmas. (i) The key thing is to prepare for a cold snap. Lots of tenants will be going to visit family over the Christmas break, so they should remember to leave their heating on low, to ensure no burst pipes. (ii) Check everybody’s plans for Christmas; if the property is going to be empty, be sure to leave it secure.

(i) Before tenants go wild with garlands, paper chains and all the trimmings, check your tenancy agreement to see what’s permitted. (ii) Even though you will be pleased to see your tenants treating your rented property as their home, you will not want them knocking nails in the walls, be sure to point out clauses relating to this in your agreement. (iii) Ask your tenants to talk to the other house sharers before decorating communal areas to make sure everyone’s happy with the plans.

(i) Everyone loves a Christmas tree but getting a big Christmas tree into position can scratch paint and wallpaper, no matter how careful you are, make sure that you speak to your tenants about their intentions and point out that maybe less is more with regard to the tree. (ii) Advise your tenants to take extra care when taking down decorations so that white tack, for example, doesn’t tear wallpaper.

(i) Most HMO landlords and letting agents ban the use of candles completely, for safety reasons, but it’s important to be especially mindful of this during the festive season. Battery LED tealights are a great substitute for these, and even flicker like the “real thing.” (ii) Ensure that your tenants have up-to-date emergency contact information, in case there’s an electrical or plumbing issue over the festive season. (iii) Tenants should be aware not to leave fairy lights on whilst in bed or not in the property. (iv) Advise tenants not to overload plug sockets with fairy lights, as they can overheat and cause fires.

Home security. (i) Ensure that your property is locked at all times, and that tenants take extra care if they have visitors as these may not be as diligent as they are and, burglars know that homes will be “worth raiding” at this time of the year. (ii) Check that your tenants know how the boiler works, the location of the stopcock and how to change the thermostat in your properties.

Christmas is a wonderful time of year for your housemates to come together and to celebrate the bonds formed and the friendships made throughout the year; ensuring that they adhere to the tips given above and have emergency conta ct numbers in the event that they should need them, will mean that they can do so safely.

DRIVING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS? REMEMBER THESE RULES

Anyone driving home for Christmas in the coming days, should make sure they’re not risking invalidating their insurance.

According to the RAC, an estimated 31 million separate leisure journeys will be taken between now and Christmas Eve, with 4pm on Friday likely to be the beginning of the ‘peak’ travel period.

1. You should not put Christmas decorations on your car, or drive with an excessively large Christmas tree on your roof

Rules 89 and 98 of the Highway Code state that you must ensure your vehicle complies with the full requirements of the Road Vehicles regulations, and you must secure your load and ensure it does not stick out dangerously.

If you failed to abide by these rules –for example by decorating your car or having an excessively large, overhanging Christmas tree on your roof - and were then involved in an accident, you could be charged with ‘construction and other driving offences’, which relates to the dangerous or unsuitable use of a vehicle. This in turn could lead to 3-11 penalty points and a fine up to £2,500.

2. You should not wear fancy dress while driving (so no Santa suits or festive slippers)

Rule 97 of the Highway Code states that you must ensure that your clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner. Unfortunately, as festive as it may be, a large Santa suit or some Christmassy slippers could prevent you from being able to use pedals, change gear etc. and if you caused an accident, you could be charged with ‘careless driving’. Overall, it’s best to save any dressing up for once you’re reached your destination!

3. You should not overload your vehicle or cover your back window / reduce your vision

According to rule 98 of the Highway Code, you must not overload your vehicle, which means that the manufacturer’s recommended weight should not be exceeded. It would be tricky to do this in most cars – but it’s something to keep in mind if you have a lot of passengers and some very heavy gifts. It’s best to check your car doesn’t look overloaded (usually you can tell by looking at it). Most cars have their maximum load capacity weight outlined in the owner’s manual.

4. You should not listen to loud music, and children must be kept under control

Rules 148 and 102 of the Highway Code advise that safe driving requires concentration, and you must avoid distractions such as loud music, as this may mask other sounds. Drivers who are carrying children in cars, vans and other goods vehicles should also ensure that they are kept under control – so that means no loud singing along to your favourite Christmas playlist if you think there is a chance it could be distracting. Again, these actions fall under ‘careless driving’ and fines up to £1,000 and penalty points (at least 3) apply.

5. You should ensure you have enough fuel before setting off, especially if driving on a busy road or motorway

According to rule 97 of the Highway Code, before you set off you must ensure you have sufficient fuel or charge (if an electric car) for your journey, especially if it includes motorway driving.

If it is proven that a crash came about because of this type of careless behaviour by the driver, many insurers will not pay out and you could face 3+ penalty points and a fine of at least £200.

6.

You must not use your sat nav or a mobile phone while driving

Rules 149 and 150 of the Highway Code state that you must exercise proper control of your vehicle at all times, and that means not using a hand-held mobile phone, or similar device which could be distracting. Drivers are advised to find a safe place to stop if necessary.

The rules and penalties associated with using a mobile phone while driving have recently been updated, so drivers could now expect to receive 6 points on their licence, plus a potentially unlimited fine.

7. You must not drink and drive

Christmas is a time when many will be eagerly heading off to the pub for drinks with friends and family, but rule 95 of the Highway Code advises drivers to never drink and drive as it will seriously affect judgement and abilities. In England and Wales, you must not drive with a breath alcohol level higher than 35 microgrammes/100 millilitres of breath or a blood alcohol level of more than 80 milligrammes/100 millilitres of blood. In Scotland the legal limits are lower, and you must not drive with a breath alcohol level higher than 22 microgrammes/100 millilitres of breath or a blood alcohol level of more than 50 milligrammes/100 millilitres of blood. Penalties for drink driving are severe, with at least 3 penalty points given and a fine of £2,500+.There is also a risk of driver disqualification.

8. You must remove snow from your roof and ensure you fully de-mist your windscreen

According to rule 229 of the Highway Code, before you set off you must remove all snow that might fall off into the path of other road users and you must also make sure the mirrors are clear and the windows are demisted thoroughly.

OVERCOMING FUEL POVERTY REQUIRES A HOLISTIC APPROACH

FUEL POVERTY. IT’S SOMETHING WE’RE HEARING MORE AND MORE ABOUT.

We’re constantly reminded that inflation is going up and more people are struggling. Yes, there’s a need to deal with the immediacy of the situation. But there’s also a need to think about how we support our customers - and the longevity of what we, and others, do.

Statistics from the UK Poverty Report present a sobering analysis of where the country is currently. There is a staggering number of people in work who are reliant on benefits. And with poverty on the up and prices rising, forecasts suggest that the average household is set for a £1.5k real term cut in their annual income.

THIS DOESN’T BODE WELL FOR OUR CUSTOMERS AND THOSE MOST IN NEED.

Not being able to heat your home can have a profound impact on your quality of life.

We believe that everyone deserves to live in a property which is good quality and affordable to run. And if you look across Sovereign, you’ll see our approach to overcoming fuel poverty is holistic for this reason.

Last month we launched our new Customer Support Fund. Between now and 2024 we’ll be setting aside £1.5 million each year to provide targeted support to our customers who are most affected by the cost-of-living crisis.

We’re putting more money into our existing Helping Hand Fund which provides vouchers to those in crisis. Our team is also providing more emergency fuel vouchers as well as doubling our funding agreement with Pocket Power.

All of this will mean that more customers will benefit and have access to better deals and discounts on gas and electric, water, broadband and mobile bills.

The demand on our services is high, but we’ve listened and provided more targeted support - carefully balancing what we offer against what we need to continue investing in our customers’ homes.

These are just some of our short-term interventions to help our most vulnerable customers experiencing fuel poverty and in a state of crisis.

To address fuel poverty we know there’s often a need to provide immediate intervention to help customers out of crisis. But as soon as we’ve done this, we turn our attention to longer term solutions.

How our customers can sustain themselves in the future either by finding work – or better paid work is key. Our employment and training team will look at how they can help and what opportunities they can explore.

THEN WE START TO LOOK MANY YEARS DOWN THE LINE.

Housing associations have a vital role to play when it comes to addressing fuel poverty. Not only do they provide that immediate safety net and route out of crisis, but in the case of Sovereign we build new homes and retrofit existing ones. By improving and investing in our customers’ homes, we help to reduce how susceptible our customers are to changes in energy prices. It’s an important, but often overlooked point.

There aren’t many organisations that can say they are taking a truly holistic approach to addressing fuel poverty. Housing associations like Sovereign, which provide welfare, access to employment opportunities, and build homes for the future are one of the many few doing exactly that.

SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE CREMATORIUM ‘PROPS UP’ BRISTOL CHARITY WITH £5,000 GIFT

Christmas came early for a Bristol-based charity when it received a £5,000 donation from Westerleigh Group, which is headquartered just outside the city.

PROPS, which is based in Fishponds, supports adults with learning disabilities to achieve their full potential in the local community.

It does this by providing access to practical learning, skills development and accessible, work-based, experiences.

Westerleigh Group is 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.

Every year, the group donates many tens of thousands of pounds to charities, schools and other organisations which make a positive contribution to their local communities.

PROPS has been running for 21 years, supporting more than 50 trainees each week with a broad range of learning disabilities as well as many with physical disabilities.

Fundraising Manager Konna Beeson said: “Thank you so much to Westerleigh Group for their generous £5,000 donation.

“As a small charity supporting local adults with learning disabilities, this donation made a huge difference to our work by helping us to open our first café, and Bristol’s first disability-led brewery.

“Both projects are designed to train and employ local adults with learning disabilities, empowering them with opportunities they would usually face barriers to, and reducing the stigma that disabled people face.

“Thanks to Westerleigh, and the families who visit them, a legacy of inclusivity has been created and we are so grateful to Westerleigh for making this happen.

“Our trainees absolutely love working in the café.”

The Vassall Café is based in the Vassell Centre, Fishponds, where PROPS is based, together with other organisations. The café serves the building but is also open to the public.

The Tapestry Brewery in Totterdown is a bar as well as brewery and is open to the public on Fridays-to-Sundays from 12pm.

Jordan is just one of the PROPS trainees who works in the brewery. He said: "Before this opportunity, I was sat around doing nothing but now I am on a mission.”

It was Jennifer Farrow, Head of HR Operations at Westerleigh Group, who suggested that the organisation support PROPS.

She said: “As an HR professional, I am passionate about creating a diverse and inclusive working environment and culture and see that PROPS, with the excellent work they do to provide training and genuine employment opportunities for people with special educational needs and physical disabilities, fits hand in glove with my passion.

“I could see some of the initiatives which PROPS has – such as their café, which our donation has helped to make a reality, and their allotment project –are areas which Westerleigh Group is passionate about, as we have our own hospitality suites and an exceptional horticulture team, providing unrivalled environments for the families who use our crematoria and cemeteries.

“For me, the choice was easy to propose PROPS as a recipient for some funds raised throughout our metal recycling schemes, given our shared values and passion for inclusivity.”

THIS WEEK’S ROUND - UP OF LOCAL NEWS

OUR LATEST COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER:

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

CHRISTMAS CHURCH SERVICES:

All our local churches have a busy month of services leading up to Christmas. See the picture for details of services at St Cuthbert’s and St Anne’s.

ASH TREE REMOVAL ON BRISLINGTON HILL:

Following a recent asset inspection, unfortunately there is an Ash situated adjacent to Brislington Hill on the raised bank which will have to be removed in the coming weeks due to extensive buttress decay, ash dieback and honey fungus infection. The main stem of the tree is also decayed.

Due to the tree’s location overhanging Brislington Hill, there will be a requirement for traffic management and there will be a degree of disruption, as a mobile platform will be required located on the road to dismantle the tree.

YOUTH CLUB ON WHEELS COMING TO BRISLINGTON WEST:

We are excited to let you know we are getting the Youth Club on Wheels back out on the road. It will be in Brislington starting January 2023. The mobile youth club will be going out on Monday 19 December to canvas the area and distribute leaflets to local businesses. From January, it will be out on Mondays, 3:30-5:30, delivering social action work and then staying on to deliver Open Access Sessions, 6:30 –8:30. All will be from the Lynwood Park Area.

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

EXTRA SUPPORT FOR BRISTOL’S FOSTER CARERS

Bristol City Council is giving extra oneoff payments to foster carers in the run up to Christmas to help deal with the cost of living crisis.

In April (2022) the council increased its fees and allowances for foster carers, who now receive up to £458 a week for each child they look after, as well as extra for birthdays and holidays.

As inflation and interest rates have continued to rise, the council has now agreed a one-off payment for foster carers of £400 ahead of the festive season.

And, to encourage more people to consider fostering, the council is offering a welcome grant of £500 to all new foster carers when they have their first placement.

Councillor Asher Craig, Deputy Mayor of Bristol with responsibility for Children’s Services, said: “Our foster carers give an amazing amount of love, time, patience and care to the children in Bristol who need safe and secure homes.

“We hope this cost of living payment will take some of the financial pressure off this Christmas, while we explore more ways to support our foster carers in these challenging times.

“Likewise, the welcome payment is our way of showing that we understand how stretched household budgets are, and we hope it will encourage more people to consider starting their fostering journey with us.

“It’s important to pay our foster carers a fair amount. If fostering becomes unaffordable, we run the risk of losing our foster carers and will struggle to recruit more.

“If we can’t find enough people to carry out this vital role, we need to use more expensive, independent fostering agencies that often place children outside the city, away from their community, schools and important people.

“We are incredibly proud of all our foster carers and so grateful for all they do, and look forward to welcoming more in the new year.”

People who foster with the council also have access to a raft of support, training and development programmes, and are part of a wider network of carers.

John Stokes, a Bristol City Council foster carer, said: “I am proud to see my local authority leading the way in addressing the concerns of all foster carers affected by the cost of living crisis. It is so reassuring to see a council act so promptly in support of their carers.”

Find out more about fostering with the council at www.bristol.gov.uk/foster or phone 0117 353 4200.

For anyone struggling with the cost of living, visit www.bristol.gov.uk/costofliving for advice and guidance or phone the We Are Bristol helpline for free on 0800 694 0184, Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm.

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.

CHRISTMAS TREES WANTED FOR GOOD CAUSES

Hey everyone in North Somerset! We’re once again encouraging people to donate their real Christmas trees to benefit local organizations. This is the third year of the program, and it’s been a huge success.

We’re asking people to donate their trees to Noah’s Ark Zoo and Farm in Wraxall, St. Peter’s Hospice in Long Ashton, or Weston Rotary in support of Weston Hospicecare. Thanks for your support!

Most of the trees are chipped for land regeneration and some are donated for animal enrichment within their habitat.

Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is accepting trees between 2 and 23 January.

Trees should be left in the main car park during zoo opening times (10.30am to 4pm).

Weston Rotary Pines for Pounds will collect trees for Weston Hospicecare on Saturday 7 January in the BS22, BS23, BS24, BS25, BS26, BS27, BS29, BS40, BS49, TA8 and TA9 postcode areas. There are 1,200 slots available, which must be prebooked online at www. westonhospicecare.org.uk/event/pinesforpounds.

St Peter’s Hospice will collect trees on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 January 2023 from selected postcodes across Clevedon, Nailsea, Portishead and Bristol: BS4, BS5, BS7, BS9, BS15, BS16, BS20, BS21, BS30, BS41 and BS48. Tree collection must be prebooked online at www.stpetershospice.org/treecollection.

Councillor Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council’s executive member for community and neighbourhood services, said: "North Somerset Council is very happy to support these Christmas tree schemes again this year. They’re great ways in which people can support local communities and charities – last year's collections raised over £26,000 –while following a sustainable approach.

“Instead of becoming another waste item after the festive period, it’s positive to see the trees being repurposed and used again as a valuable resource. As this is all done locally, it helps cut down on transportation and carbon emissions, while supporting our commitment to tackle the climate emergency.

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank our contractor Glendale for donating their time and resource to helping complete the chipping.”

Christmas trees can also be taken to recycling centres where they will be treated as garden waste. Check the council’s website for advice and opening times www.n-somerset.gov.uk/recyclingcentres.

Residents signed up to the garden waste collection service can also put their trees out for collection when the service resumes from Monday 17 January 2023. Trees can either be chopped up and put in green waste bins or left whole alongside the bin. They can be up to two metres in length and must have the pot and all decorations removed.

Est.

1976

OVER 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE

INTERIOR EXTERIOR QUALITY WORKMANSHIP COMPETITIVE RATES

TAKE A BREAK AND TRY TO SOLVE THESES PUZZLES

EASY MEDIUM

HARD EXTREME

ESCAPE THE MAZE

Can you find your way through this difficult maze?

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

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

Good luck!

BE WHO YOU WANT TO BE AT TRYMVIEW HALL

t Care UK’s Trymview Hall care home in Westbury-on-Trym you can continue to be who you’ve always been, or who you want to be, while receiving award-winning care and attention in a place you can call home.

We treat everyone as individuals so that you can take your life with you on your journey into care. You’ll be supported to continue much-loved interests, to rediscover long lost hobbies or to try something new, as well as making new friends.

IT’S ALL ABOUT LIFESTYLE

At Trymview Hall our team is passionate about supporting you to enjoy a fulfilling life, full of meaningful experiences.

When you join us, we’ll learn all about your personality, your interests and preferences so we can create a fully personalised lifestyle plan to support you to live life in the way you want.

We organise an array of daily activities, such as exercise classes, pet therapy and gardening, as well as events, entertainment, outings and treasured one- to-one time. Then there are our strong ties with local groups, charities and schools so residents feel connected to local life.

Recently, residents of Trymview Hall have enjoyed an outing in the minibus, visiting local retail favourites and stopping for a spot of lunch. Whilst other residents have enjoyed their favourite past time of flower arranging with friends.

EVERYTHING UNDER ONE ROOF

Trymview Hall is a purpose-built care home where every luxury has been thought of. There’s a coffee shop, hair salon, cinema, bar, and beautiful landscaped gardens.

TRUST US TO CAR

At Care UK, we’ve been delivering high quality, person-centred care for over 40 years. That’s why over 8,000 families across the country trust us to care for their older loved one

To find out more about Trymview Hall, please call 0117 911 1605 or email nicola.wolff-donitz@careuk.com

Trymview Hall care home Southmead Road, Bristol BS10 5DW careuk.com/ trymview-hall

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

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

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

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

Trusted to care.

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

‘MIRACLE BABY’ IS READY FOR HIS FIRST CHRISTMAS

A Bristol couple whose son was conceived thanks to gynaecological and fertility treatment at Bristol Centre for Reproductive Medicine (BCRM) have been back to the clinic as they near the end of their baby’s first year to wish the team a very special Merry Christmas.

When Camelia and Andrew Gay married in February 2015 they were aged 35 and 37 respectively and wanted to start a family straight away.

So when there were no signs of a baby by 2017 their GP referred them to BCRM, where investigations revealed that Camelia had endometriosis and experts on the team carried out two separate surgeries to remove excess tissue from her womb, making it possible for them to start assisted fertility treatment.

Given Camelia’s history the decision was taken to use ICSI, a sophisticated form of IVF that overcomes any issues that prevent the sperm from fertilising the egg naturally. The procedure involves injecting sperm into eggs using high magnification with a needle over 10 times thinner than a human hair.

A Bristol couple whose son was conceived thanks to gynaecological and fertility treatment at Bristol Centre for Reproductive Medicine (BCRM) have been back to the clinic as they near the end of their baby’s first year to wish the team a very special Merry Christmas.

When Camelia and Andrew Gay married in February 2015 they were aged 35 and 37 respectively and wanted to start a family straight away.

So when there were no signs of a baby by 2017 their GP referred them to BCRM, where investigations revealed that Camelia had endometriosis and experts on the team carried out two separate surgeries to remove excess tissue from her womb, making it possible for them to start assisted fertility treatment.

Given Camelia’s history the decision was taken to use ICSI, a sophisticated form of IVF that overcomes any issues that prevent the sperm from fertilising the egg naturally. The procedure involves injecting sperm into eggs using high magnification with a needle over 10 times thinner than a human hair.

“We were the only car on the road at midnight as we drove there, and I expected to be given medication. Instead, I was kept in hospital for three weeks. I was very ill and truly, they saved my life and my baby’s life too.

“As my due date approached, it was suggested I should have a C-Section but this wasn’t possible because of my pancreatitis and my diabetes, so on 6 January I was given an epidural, then they hooked me up and induced me.

“It was a long and difficult birth, but eventually our miracle baby arrived safe and sound at 3pm that day.

“I cannot describe how grateful we are to the team at BCRM who worked so hard to give Andrew and me our beautiful son, and to the NHS for the amazing way they nursed me through my pancreatitis.

“Our fertility treatment with BCRM was also paid for by the NHS. We were incredibly lucky that everything worked for us first time around, but I know the endometriosis treatment that BCRM gave me played no small part in that.

Elite Beds .pdf 1 25/04/2022 10:23

“It was so lovely to take baby Liam into the clinic in his Christmas outfit and introduce him to some of the staff who helped make our dream a reality, and we can’t wait to share our first Christmas with our beautiful little boy.”

BCRM www.fertilitybristol.com is the longest established fertility clinic in Bristol, helping people from throughout the South West and Wales with fertility treatment for both private and NHS patients. The clinic is involved in innovative research and has one of the best success rates with IVF and other fertility treatments in the UK.

www.elitebedsandmattressesdirect.co.uk 62/64 High Street, Shirehampton, BS11 0DJ 01172 338777

HOSPITALITY AWARDS NIGHT SET TO BE BRISTOL'S BIGGEST YET

The next ‘Night of the Stars’ event celebrating the heroes of hospitality in Bristol is set to be the biggest and best yet.

The fifth awards evening, organised and hosted by the Bristol Hoteliers Association (BHA), takes place on Thursday March 2 at Ashton Gate stadium.

Almost 400 people – a record number – are set to attend which the BHA says is a welcome vote of confidence for the city’s hospitality businesses, which have endured an extremely challenging period over the past couple of years.

Nominations are now being invited from BHA hotels for a number of award categories: Employee of the Year (front of house); Employee of the Year (heart of house); Rising Star; Chef of the Year (up to Sous Chef level); Hotel Bright Idea & Best Innovation; Team of the Year; Unsung Hero; Community Spirit and Green Initiative.

BHA Chair Raphael Herzog said: “Around 350 people attended our last Night of the Stars, in February this year, so we are delighted to have almost 400 already set to attend the next one.

“After the past few years – with Brexit and the pandemic – it is more important than ever to recognise and reward the incredible efforts of our inspiring individuals and talented teams.

“We would not be able to put on this event without the generous support of our sponsors, to whom we are extremely grateful.”

There are nine main awards sponsors this year: Bristol Sports (Ashton Gate); Johnson Laundry, Bristol Bid Team/VisitWest, Bristol College, Limber, Entegra Procurement Services, Molson Coors, 6 O’Clock Gin and Sounds Commercial.

The welcome drink is being sponsored by Pommery Champagne and FXC Brands.

Mr Herzog said: “Their support shows everyone who is working so hard in Bristol’s hospitality industry that their efforts are recognised and valued.”

In addition to honouring Bristol’s hospitality heroes, the glittering gala will also help raise vital funds for Bristol Autism Support, a charity which provides valuable assistance to thousands of local families affected by autism.

Anyone who wants to find out more about the BHA and the Night of the Stars event should visit www.bristol-hoteliers.co.uk

BRISTOL AIRPORT DELIVER A NEW DIGITAL CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

Digital customer experience agency

Great State is marking twelve years of strategic digital partnership with Bristol Airport with the launch of their new website, transforming the digital experience for their customers.

Bristol Airport is the fastest passenger recovering airport in the United Kingdom since the pandemic, forecast to register more than 8M passengers in 2022. For many, their first experience of the airport is the website which forms a crucial role in delivering the goal of seamless customer journeys.

The new website offers a new sleek modern design using best-in-breed technological solutions to improve speed, functionality and resilience. With the customer at the heart of the project, Great State carried out extensive user testing and research to guide and optimise the overall user experience for both desktop and mobile.

Isabelle Whiteman, Head of Marketing at Bristol Airport, says:

“We’re delighted to be launching our brand new website, bringing together a modern and fresh design with the introduction of new features and functionality to create an even more enjoyable user experience. Whether it’s to get inspiration for a trip away, find information before flying, or to simply book parking, our new website makes it even easier, quicker and with a significantly enhanced mobile experience”.

Built on the Umbraco CMS platform, new improved features include a trip finder tool for destination inspiration, real time information on arrivals and departures, as well as a new e-commerce landing page for booking airport parking

Matt Powell, Creative Director at Great State, says:

“Our strategic digital partnership with Bristol Airport has remained solid over the years, and therefore we were a clear choice to redesign and overhaul the digital customer experience of the whole website. Working closely with the Bristol Airport team we helped identify which components were most important to their customers, and originated a cleaner, clearer, more aspirational design system to bring them to life. Another benefit of this creative work is that it will bring consistency to the end-to-end digital customer journey, strengthening the digital presence of the Bristol Airport brand beyond the website”

The new website reflects not only 12 years of digital advancement, but also the strength of a local, strategic partnership that will continue to serve the South West for years to come.

It’s been a real collaborative project, working with Great State who have been our digital agency for over 10 years”, adds Isabelle. “They have transformed the design and user experience, creating an enjoyable experience for our customers and a robust platform from which we’ll continue to optimise and develop over the coming years. We’re delighted with the end result”.

£2BN IN UNFINISHED SOUTH WEST GOODS

A report from Barclays Corporate Banking has found that there is a large amount of ‘unfinished business’ in South West manufacturers’ warehouses. This unfinished business, which is delaying the completion of goods worth almost £2 bn, is due to supply chain issues.

The report found that 8 out of 10 firms across the region who took part in the study reported that raw materials, ingredients or component parts had not yet been delivered from suppliers. Around 6 in 10 companies reported they were still facing supply issues that began with the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, with some citing the war in Ukraine and the aftermath of Brexit as having ‘exacerbated’ the problem.

A similar number said this was impacting relations with customers as they have had to wait longer for products. More than half added they were planning to increase their prices to offset rising costs such as energy and transportation, by an average of 45%.

In response, Barclays said around a third of the South West firms it had spoken to had increased their own storage capacity and brought parts of supply chains either closer to UK operations or inhouse.

“a perfect storm” of challenges this year, including ongoing Covid lockdowns in China.

He added: “However, manufacturing firms have done what they do best and engineered new solutions to limit the impact of the issues they face. As a result, many businesses will enter the new year with a degree of cautious optimism and confidence.”

He found more than two fifths (42%) of South West manufacturing firms had been seeking private equity investment to maintain cash flow and liquidity. More than three quarters expected the situation to improve over the next six months, while 90% were confident about growth next year.

Nationally the report, which spoke to senior executives of around 630 manuf acturing firms in October, estimated £9bn of steel and metals products, £3bn of food and drink, £2.6bn of plastic goods and £2bn of electronics remained unfinished because of supply logjams.

Lee Collinson, head of manufacturing, transport and logistics for Barclays Corporate Banking, said the sector had faced