Bristol Weekly Magazine 24th - 31st March 2022 by Direct Local Bristol

BRISTOL WEEKLY MAGAZINE

24 - 31 March 2022

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This week.. 4. 5 famous thing about Bristol 6. Spring into a slimmer you 8. What’s on in Bristol 16. Bristol Beacon Listings: End of March/April 18. What’s the best natural remedies for hay fever 20. Conservation areas reinstated 22. Chair’s Community Award winners announced 24. Focus on 28. More than 1,000 empty homes in North Somerset 32. Common sense approach 38. Mistakes to avoid when spring cleaning your car 40. Tips for successful painting 44. Quality care in Bristol 46. Bristol Charities 48. Funded support available for South Gloucestershire businesses

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The team EDITOR Michael Davies JOURNALIST Lisa Davies PROOF READER Elisabeth Davies

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Things Bristol is Famous For

1. Clifton Suspension Bridge Clifton suspension bridge is probably Bristol’s most famous landmark. The Clifton Suspension Bridge was designed by the Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. The bridge, which is about 1,532 metres long, connects Clifton in Bristol to Leigh Woods in North Somerset. It can offer some amazing views when you walk, drive, or cycle across it – including when the hot air balloon festival is taking place. It was also the location of the first modern bungee jump in 1979, although the act itself wasn’t actually legal. Bristol has a lot to offer visitors, with many interesting facts to discover about the city, its history, and how you can enjoy Bristol today. 2. Maritime History Bristol is a port city, and the location of Bristol harbour made it the ideal place for maritime trade. Tobacco, wine, and cotton were some of the commodities that passed through the city. Of course, there is also a darker side to this history. From the 1600s to the 1800s, Bristol was also heavily involved in the slave trade. Many buildings and landmarks in the city have been named after Edward Colston, a prominent politician, philanthropist – and slave trader. However, they are slowly being changed, such as in the case of Colston Hall, a concert hall that has been renamed Bristol Beacon. Another interesting maritime fact is Bristol’s connection with piracy – that’s why pirates often sound like they have West Country accents! Blackbeard is thought to have been born in Redcliffe, near Bristol Harbourside. 4

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4. Interesting Inventions Most cities are the birthplace of some interesting inventions or inventors – although some are more interesting than others. Bristol has given rise to some fascinating things, from confectionary to scientific breakthroughs. Bristol is the originator of the drink Ribena, as well as home to Fry’s Chocolate, which was the first company in the world to make chocolate bars and modern chocolate Easter eggs.

3. Arts and Culture Bristol is a fantastic hub for arts and culture. It has some prominent venues for all kinds of arts, including Bristol Beacon, where you can attend music concerts of all types, and The Comedy Club. Bristol Hippodrome is home to musicals, theatre, pantomime, stand up comedy, and more. You’ll never be bored if you’re looking for fun and interesting live shows to watch in Bristol. Bristol is also the birthplace of some famous people in arts and culture. Hollywood star Cary Grant was born in Bristol, and his first job in theatre was working at the Hippodrome. Graffiti artist Banksy is also from Bristol, and his works can be found at various spots around the city. Even Darth Vader is from Bristol – Bristolian David Prowse provided the physical side of Darth Vader though not his voice.

On a slightly more sophisticated note, the world’s first IVF baby was conceived in Bristol (although she was born in Oldham, Greater Manchester). Tarmacked roads got their start in Bristol too, where Scottish engineer John Loudon McAdam began remaking roads after joining the Bristol Turnpike Trust as a surveyor in 1816. And almost 90 years later, Bristolian P.J. Kerswell would invent the detachable motorcycle sidecar. 5. Balloon Festival Every year, the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta takes place in the city. Teams from the UK and around the world take part in mass ascents, with up to 100 balloons taking to the sky at the same time. The event has been taking place for more than 40 years and often draws crowds of more than 100,000 to watch the balloons take flight over the four days of the festival. You can see standard hot air balloons, but also a variety of balloons with special shapes, many of which are made by the Bristol balloon makers Cameron Balloons.

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Spring into a slimmer you this Summer

For many of us, this summer will be the first time in three long years that we’ve had a proper sunshine holiday. And a lot of us are dreading the moment when we dig out our holiday clothes and find they don’t fit quite as well as they used to! If you’d like to lose weight and hit the beach feeling fitter and healthier, local weight-loss expert Sarah Bryant, from Slimming World, shares their top tips on how making small changes now can get you on track for a slimmer summer:

1. Set a goal

Research shows that if you set yourself a goal you’re more likely to achieve it – and the more ambitious the better. A study of 24,000 slimmers by Slimming World found that slimmers who set an ambitious dream target weight lost almost twice as much weight as those who aimed for a more modest amount. “Setting an ambitious target can help you visualise what you’re capable of,” says Slimming World’s Head of Research and Scientific Affairs, Dr Jacquie Lavin. She also recommends setting ‘mini targets’ which Slimming World members are encouraged to do each week, whether it’s to lose a couple of pounds, go for a lunchtime walk or cook with new ingredients. “Your big goal is your destination, mini targets are milestones along the way. Every time you achieve one it will give you a sense of achievement and motivate you on to the next step.”

3. Get creative in the kitchen

Discover your inner Jamie and cook meals from scratch with healthy seasonal ingredients like asparagus, spring greens and new potatoes, or dig out the barbecue and get grilling lean meat, fish and veg. And remember, losing weight doesn’t have to mean going hungry. A study by the University of Leeds , found that eating a diet based around low energy dense foods – foods that contain fewer calories per gram such as fresh fruit and veg, lean meat and poultry, pasta, rice and grains – is more effective for weight loss than traditional calorie counting. In fact, a group of women who followed Slimming World’s low energy dense eating plan for 14 weeks lost over 12lbs compared to just over 7lbs in a group using a calorie-counting diet plan. You can find deliciously filling recipe ideas based on foods low in energy density at slimmingworld.co.uk.

4. Spritz up your spring!

There’s nothing nicer than sitting outdoors on a sunny spring afternoon enjoying a drink with friends, yet alcohol can be a real obstacle if you’re trying to lose weight. As well as the calories in alcohol, which are often higher than we realise (one large glass of wine has as many calories as a jam doughnut!), Slimming World’s research into theimpact of alcohol on weight revealed that having just slightly too much to drink and reaching our ‘tipping point’ can lead us into 2. Spring into action drinking and eating far more than we Make the most of longer days and warmer intended and as a result can impact weather and head out for some fresh-air hugely on our weight. The good news is that fitness. A study from the University of Exeter by making small changes to your drinking shows that compared with indoor workouts, habits, you can still enjoy alcohol in exercising in a natural environment is moderation and manage your ‘tipping point’ associated with greater feelings of happiness and your weight loss. Carolyn Pallister, and well-being, as well as increased Nutrition and Health Policy Manager at energy levels. Outdoor exercisers also report Slimming World, says, “Interspersing greater enjoyment and satisfaction from their alcoholic drinks with soft drinks, adding soda workouts and feel more inclined to keep water to wine to make a spritzer, switching it up, plus you’ll be boosting your immune to slimline mixers, or choosing a low-calorie system and topping up your vitamin D levels. lager, can all make a big difference.” Whether you’re a complete exercise beginner or already a keep fit fan, there are a whole range of activities you can enjoy outdoors this spring from walking the dog to family bike rides and Park runs. 6 Subscribe to Bristol Weekly Magazine at www.directlocalbristol/bristolonline

5. Spring clean your habits

We’re all creatures of habit and having a routine can be a lifesaver when you’re busy – you’re more likely to exercise regularly if you do it at the same time every week and having a set day for batch cooking can really help you plan for the week ahead. However, research from the University of Hertfordshire has found that when routines get overly rigid, they can act like webs, making it hard to change a habit even if we know it’s not helpful. Having a spring clean of your habits can help you go after your weight loss goals with renewed focus. Carolyn says: “At Slimming World we’ve got a deep understanding of the psychology behind successful weight loss, and our groups are all about getting support to build healthy new habits around food and activity. It’s so much easier to achieve when you have the support of a group of likeminded people who care about your success.” To find out more about Slimming World and how to join, visit slimmingworld.co.uk or call 07879 443888

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

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

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

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Friday 25th March Zion RummmBar Night! Description: Join us for an evening of Rum based cocktails and of course a full bar of other tipples. Sit back relax and listen to ‘The Tristan Darby Quartet

WHATS ON THIS WEEK

Venue: Zion Bishopsworth Rd Bristol BS13 7J

Sunday 27th March

Murder Mystery Description: Hawkesbury Drama Group present one of our popular Murder Mysteries - “Just Desserts” by Andrew Hull.

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Description: Drag Royalty will Ru-Turn in 2022 for the UK’s biggest ever RuPaul tour! Join the queens of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK for an evening of endless eleganza extravaganza!

Venue: High St, Hawkesbury Upton GL9 1AU

Animals & Friends Farewell Tour Description: The Animals were SubAlliance one of the most iconic groups Description: Sub Machine crew and Alliance join forces in the Sixties. Bring pop and rhythm and blues together. to bring you a new event. They were well known for their The famous club delivers 2 tunnels of underground bass, gritty, bluesy sound balanced with a rock-edged pop. beats and breaks. Venue: Basement 45 Frogmore St Bristol Vaughan Williams Description: Bristol Ensemble celebrates the 150th anniversary of the birth of one of England’s greatest composers, Ralph Vaughan Williams. Venue: Great George Street Charlotte Street, Bristol JOSH GRAYLISH LIVE Description: Josh is an incredible live performer with a great following from the local town and the surrounding area. Come and join him and his fans for an unbelievable night of chilled and upbeat covers and originals from £5. Venue: The Walnut Tree Winterstoke Road, Weston-super-Mare

Saturday 26th March

Venue: The Playhouse 126-130 High Street BS23 1HP Weston-super-Mare Harmonic Temple day in Bristol Description: Come and sing Nickomo’s 4 part harmony chants using mantras and affirmations from different spiritual traditions. www.nickomoandrasullah.com Venue: Planet Ice Bristol Merlin Rd Patchway Bristol BS10 7SR Bristol Day Rave Description: The *BIGGEST EVER* Born On Road party bringing that hometown energy alongside a fire line-up packed with that unbeatable Bristol flavour Venue: Marble Factory 74-78 Avon Street BS2 0PX Bristol

Venue: Bristol Hippodrome St Augustine’s Parade BS1 4UZ Bristol Show Jumping Confidence Clinic Description: Run by Heather McClain a BHSI in the indoor arena These clinics will be 1hr groups of max 4 horses. Privates and shared also available Venue: The Avon Centre Kingsweston Road BS10 7QT Henbury Barry Cryer: A Tribute with a Little Help from his Friends Description:The national outpouring of sorrow and tributes at the passing of our friend Barry Cryer proved that he was the supreme British mirth-maker, a unique giant in the history of British comedy Venue: The Redgrave Theatre 2 Percival Road BS8 3LE Bristol Wonder Boy Description: A comic book hero of his own creation helps him soar above his grim reality. Venue: Bristol Old Vic Kings Street Bristol

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Monday 28th March

Tuesday 29th March

Wednesday 30th March

Victory Martial Arts Academy Description: Beginners classes in karate and kickboxing for Adults. Learn confidence, discipline, respect and fitness in our purpose built and full matted dojo. contact Jake on 0117 985 0843 or go to www.vmabristol.co.uk

The Fighter 2022 Description: Ladies and Gentlemen, The Fighter has returned and this year it’s bigger than ever! We have 30 fighters being trained by professionals. Come and see them go head to head: 3 rounds, 2 minutes a round, 1 winner!

Bristol Bears v Gloucester Rugby Description: Bristol Bears v Gloucester Rugby in the Premiership Rugby Cup. Wednesday, March 30th at Ashton Gate (7.45pm KO). Adults tickets start at just £15, with Under-12s from £5..

Venue: VMA Martial Arts, 46 High Street, Shirehampton, Bristol, BS11 0DJ Anti-Racist Workshop Description: NEU Bristol invites you...Monday 28th March, 1.30-3.30pm In response to our member’s enquiries, we have arranged for this 2hr online workshop which will introduce central issues and narratives around race in Britain that have given rise to the need for an Anti-Racist Framework in schools. To reserve your place, click here Venue: Online A Flock Of Seagulls Description:A Flock Of Seagulls may well be known for their bizarrely teased haircuts as much as their hit single ‘I Ran’. A Flock of Seagulls were one of prime movers in the 80’s new wave era. Venue: The Fleece 2 Saint Thomas Street Bristol BS1 6JJ,GB

Venue: O2 Academy Bristol Frogmore St Bristol BS1 5NA

Venue: Ashton Gate Stadium Ashton Rd BS32EJ Bristol

Charity Cake Sale Description: Take your pick of our cakes, cookies, and Bristol Student Fight Night Description: We take 32 willing brownies on sale on. student competitors, and push them to their limits for the love Venue: SU Living Room 4th Floor of boxing entertainment. Senate House 8 weeks of focus and Bristol dedication to Bristol Boxing Gym. Training both physically Thursday 31th March and mentally for 3 rounds in the ring. The 8 week grind boils down to just 360 seconds Clairvoyant Evening Ring O’ Bells to be crowned a champion. Nailsea Description: Please join Phil Venue: Mercure Bristol Grand for an evening of clairvoyance Hotel and watch him bring the 2 Broad Street worlds together by delivering BS1 2EL messages from our loved ones Bristol in spirit. Welsh National Opera - Jenufa Description: Jenůfa has a secret. She is about to have a child out of wedlock, and hopes to marry the father before the secret is revealed. Venue: Bristol Hippodrome St Augustine’s Parade BS1 4UZ Bristol

Venue: Ring O Bells 4 St Mary’s Grove BS48 4NQ Bristol Darren Addicott Thursday Night Solo Description: Singer / Songw riter based in Bristol. Free entry Venue: The Royal Oak 385 Gloucester Road Horfield BS7 8TN

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Saver s Monday ce

Welcome to Bristol

pri Reduced , all tickets day!

Films & Performance Times: Week Commencing Friday 14th January

Friday 14th

Saturday 15th

Sunday 16th

Monday 17th

Cinema Opens: 4.25pm

Cinema Opens: 10.15am

Cinema Opens: 11.45am

Cinema Opens: 4.25pm

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

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

The King’s Man (15) (2hrs.35m) 4.45

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday 19th

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

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

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

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

High Frame Rate

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

3D performance

covid policies change Tuesday 21st from 10th december

Cinema Opens: 12.15pm

The policies and procedures surrounding Covid-Secure guidance changes from Friday 10th December. Click here to read our updated procedures, as we continue to manage

Autism Friendly Show

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

Subtitled Show

No Free Tickets

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

Physical distancing guidelines will still apply in the cinema.

Enhanced cleaning and hygiene is here to stay.

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

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

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

Face coverings are mandatory for people of the age of 11, unless exempt. You can take your mask off to eat & drink when seated in the auditorium but must replace if you are not actively eating or drinking.

the situation in a steady, safer manner.

This weeks BBFC advice for 12A rated lms

Cinema Information

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

UKScottCinemas

ScottCinemas

ScottCinemasUK

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

www.scottcinemas.co.uk

Our App is available for Android and iOS from App Stores now

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A WTW-SCOTT CINEMAS GROUP VENUE

THE CINEMA REVIEW MOVIE REVIEW X In 1979, a group of young filmmakers set out to make an adult film in rural Texas, but when their reclusive, elderly hosts catch them in the act, the cast find themselves fighting for their lives.

MORBIUS

One of Marvel’s most compelling and conflicted characters comes to the big screen as Oscar winner Jared Leto transforms into the enigmatic antihero Michael Morbius. Dangerously ill with a rare blood disorder and determined to save others suffering his same fate, Dr. Morbius attempts a desperate gamble. While at first it seems to be a radical success, a darkness inside him is unleashed. Will good override evil – or will Morbius succumb to his mysterious new urges?

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

2022

FRIDAY 1ST APRIL

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Victoria Park Bowls Club Play Lawn bowls - A sport for all

Comes and try a different sport Friendly and Competitive A game for all ages Open from April to September 2022 Monday 1-3pm or Tuesday 6-8pm Free Coaching Bar available New members will be very welcome For more information Tel: 07792 126344 Email maybgolf2@gmail.com Visit: Nutgrove Ave Bedminster BS3 4QF

READY TO LOSE WEIGHT, YOUR WAY? MAN v FAT is coming to South Gloucestershire with our exciting MAN v FAT Challenge programme. Working in partnership with South Gloucestershire Council, we’ve got funded places available for men in the county! MAN v FAT Challenge is a flexible, supporting male weight loss programme, where you can participate at a time and at a place that suits you! Weekly challenges are set based on the core areas of nutrition, exercise and building healthy habits. You’ll receive weight loss support, routine and accountability from your teammates and an experienced coach as well as weekly progress reports showing how you’re doing and regular newsletters to inspire you. We’re ready to welcome you on board now! Take a look at the website www.manvfat.com/south-gloucestershire for more details!

CHALLENGE

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Bristol school working with students to address ‘the feeling of powerlessness’ over Ukraine invasion.

Bristol head teacher Paul Dwyer is urging students to monitor their exposure to social media posts about events in Ukraine to better manage their anxiety levels.

“We also to try to make the point to our young people that we are not experts ourselves, but rather seeking out why this has happened now as far as we understand it.”

Mr Dwyer, head of Redmaids’ High School, The school is using assemblies, current said: “We are helping them recognise that affairs, history and PHSE lessons to help put taking time away from their screens does not the situation into context. mean they are turning their backs on the war. As Russia’s war against Ukraine unfolds, Mr “It’s about not feeling guilty if you put your Dwyer says it is also important to help young phone down for an hour and think about people understand that not everything they something else in your life, it’s about self-care see on social media is true. and managing their worries. “The recent disinformation campaign by the “This is the most internet-accessible war; Russians over the bombing of the the footage we are exposed to now bears no Mariupol theatre – suggesting it was the work comparison to what we saw in the Kosovan of Ukrainian nationalists – is a case in point. crisis in the 90s or the first war in Iraq. “The planting of false narratives to manipulate “Students are seeing unfettered images – and obfuscate facts is straight out of Russia’s whether it be on Twitter on Tik Tok or any playbook and it’s important they understand other social media sphere – which can be what’s going on and not be caught out by deeply shocking. that. “It’s also about making them aware these are real people caught up in this appalling act of aggression, and about not losing sight of that.”

“It’s about making students aware this a fast-changing situation and that social media posts they are exposed to may be misleading, manipulated or just plain lies.”

Mr Dwyer says the school, which teaches girls from three to 18, is approaching the situation in a range of ways and in an age-appropriate manner.

The school’s Year 9s have made ribbons to sell to raise funds for the Moldova Project which is supporting Ukrainian refugees in Moldova; and Year 12s are looking at holding a benefit concert.

“For younger pupils, it's around the how-a nd-the-why of what's going on; they will hear things like nuclear disaster being mentioned and we try to explain how it translates into their reality.

Redmaids’ High School is the oldest existing girls' school in the country, dating back to 1634.

“For older students, we try to address the feeling of powerlessness surrounding everything that is going on and giving them space to ask questions or talk about what they've seen. Subscribe to Bristol Weekly Magazine at www.directlocalbristol/bristolonline

Bristol Beacon listings: March & April 2022

Rock and Pop: Ibibio Sound Machine, Komedia Bath, Wednesday 30th March, 8:00pm, £16.35 incl. Booking fee

This month, Bristol Beacon brings us an extraordinary abundance of entertainment across Bristol and Bath. From melodic afropop, through cathartic pop and rock and lively jazz and contemporary folk, to dramatic orchestral performances and everything in-between.

Since Ibibio Sound Machine was formed by Williams and Max Grunhard in 2013 the London-based group has become renowned for their irresistible grooves and dynamic live shows.

Unmissable events in the next few months include: Rock and Pop: Blue Rose Code, Folk House, Sunday 27th March, 8:00pm, £17.44 incl. booking fee The musical moniker of Ross Wilson, Blue Rose Code’s songs hold a stirring, deeply emotive potency. Wilson’s songwriting is imbued with resplendent vibrancy as he paints a rich sound palette drawing on folk, Americana, jazz, soul and the celtic traditions of his native Scotland. 16

Ibibio Sound Machine’s music offers “a groove-driven melange of styles”. Fronted by singer Eno Williams, the project fuses “New York new wave and disco with Ghanaian highlife and Nigerian folk culture” (The Guardian).

Jazz, Rock and Pop: KOKOROKO, Marble Factory, Sunday 3rd April, 8:00pm, £19.62 incl. booking fee KOKOROKO are a leading force of the London jazz community. Featuring a seismic horn section, guitar, keys, drums and percussion, plus the enchanting vocals of frontwomen Sheila, Cassie and Richie, the band have received critical acclaim from BBC 6 Music, Clash & NPR as well as clocking up over 40m views on YouTube.

Rock and Pop: Portico Quartet, Trinity Centre, Saturday 9th April, 8:00pm, £21.80 incl. booking fee With an intricately considered sound that encompasses elements of jazz, ambient music, electronica and minimalism, Portico Quartet “stake claims to territory occupied by Radiohead, Cinematic Orchestra and Efterklang” (Guardian). The Mercury Prize-nominated group’s latest release ‘Terrain’ is a three-part suite inspired by American minimalism and pioneering Japanese composer Midori Takada.

Folk: Calan, Folk House, Saturday 16th April, 8:00pm, £17.44 incl. booking fee Voted the Best Band at the Wales Folk Awards. Bringing infectious rhythms and high voltage routines, Wales’ greatest folk supergroup Calan return to Bristol with fiddles, accordions, guitars and performances full of raw excitement. Rock and Pop: The White Buffalo, O2 Academy, Wednesday 20th April, 7:00pm, £20.44 incl. booking fee

American singer/songwriter Jake Smith has been performing under the moniker The Rock and Pop: Cleveland Watkiss and The White Buffalo since 2002. His 2017 album Great Jamaican Songbook, Bristol Beacon ‘Darkest Darks, Lightest Lights’ was created Foyer, Saturday 9th April, 8:00pm, £17.44 in just six weeks, with Rolling Stone incl. booking fee describing it as Stone’s “most stylistically rich collection of songs.” Co-founder of the ground-breaking Jazz Warriors, across his career Watkiss has Rock and Pop: Joshua Radin, The Station, performed at the legendary Metalheadz Sunday 24th April, 8:00pm, £24.53 nights at Blue Note, starred in Julian Joseph’s jazz operas and collaborated with the likes of With his music played on shows like Scrubs, Carroll Thompson and Sugar Minott to Grey’s Anatomy, and One Tree Hill, Joshua mention but a few of his accolades. Watkiss’ Radin is “one of a crop of singer-song latest project ‘The Great Jamaican Songbook’ writers whose names became ubiquitous with sees him delve deep into the golden era of a particular kind of heartstring-pulling drama” roots music, tracing Jamaican musical legacy (Americana UK). from 40s and 50s mento through ska, reggae, dub and lovers rock. Over his extensive career, the LA musician has become a worldwide name with his amiable, tender folk-pop. 17

What’s the best thing for hay fever?

Looking for the best hay fever natural remedies? Thankfully, there are plenty of options out there to help those suffering from a seasonal allergy. Pollen season can start from any time in March and carry on until mid-September. It peaks in the summer months. Did you know hay fever symptoms can range from mild to severe, and often include a runny nose, red, irritated eyes, sneezing, and fatigue. Research shows that one in four people in the UK suffer from hay fever and the number of people diagnosed rises by five percent each year, partly due to the impact of climate change.

Clean your clothes— As most sufferers know, washing your clothes thoroughly will usually get rid of the pollen that clings to them. However, drying them on outside rails could put you back where you started, especially on windy days, so make sure to dry your clothes indoors. Avoid exercise at dawn and dusk—The pollen count is highest in the mornings and then in the late afternoon and early evening, If you’re especially sensitive to pollen, you might want to avoid being outside at these times. If you’re worried about a high pollen count, check the weather tracking apps daily. Skip gardening chores— An obvious one, but avoid mowing the lawn or trimming the hedges during the height of allergy season. Annoyingly, some grasses are more likely to release pollen the taller the blades grow, so try to find someone who doesn’t suffer from hay fever to keep your lawn trimmed for you.

Although we have much more exposure to allergens because of climate change, for which global changes are required, there are important lifestyle adjustments we can implement, which will make a difference to our Prioritise sleep— Night-time immune hay fever symptoms. activity (which naturally happens as we sleep) strengthens adaptive immunity, fortifying and repairing wounds, and also fighting off Dietary changes, reducing stress, auditing infection. During sleep reinforces the body's your own environment, as well as supporting ability to remember how to recognize and your own immune system with supplements, react to dangerous antigens, which can help can all help. the body with its fight against allergies. If you’re looking for the best thing for hay fever, you should know that there is no-one size-fits-all treatment. Finding out what works best for you is often a case of trial and error. However, there are some common ways to help alleviate symptoms of hay fever that will often work for the majority of people. 18

Wash your pets— If you have pets that go on regular outdoor walks, the pollen is likely to stick to their fur, so ensure when you wash, they wash too. No time for a bath? Use a microfibre cloth to wipe them down and remove those pesky pollen spores.

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Conservation areas reinstated at Ashton Court

Visitors are being urged to help preserve the ecology of the Ashton Court Estate as temporary conservation areas have been set up. Sections of The Plateau located near the Clifton Lodge car park of the 850-acre country park, have been roped off for the spring to offer protection to some of the endangered wildlife on the estate. Areas marked with a rope fence should not be entered, and visitors must stay on the mown and marked paths with dogs being kept on a short lead.⁠ This replicates last year’s temporary conservation areas which were put in place following record numbers of visitors during COVID-19 lockdowns. The Parks and Green Spaces service has closed off The Plateau to protect breeding skylarks which make their nests amongst the grass. Increased visitor numbers and numbers of dogs roaming off the lead are believed to have contributed to a decline in their population over the last 40 years. After the success of the previous temporary conservation zone in protecting skylark nests, it was decided that they would be put in place again this year. The area is also home to an important population of green-winged orchids, some of which are in danger of being damaged by the impact of walkers while they are dormant underground. 20

Councillor Ellie King, Cabinet member for Communities, said: “We recognise how important the use of Ashton Court Estate and the other parks and green spaces throughout Bristol have been for people to exercise and maintain their physical and mental health, and we support and encourage this to continue. “The action we are taking at Ashton Court Estate is about striking a balance between maintaining these facilities and protecting the ecology within them to ensure the spaces can be used and enjoyed by all citizens well into the future. “Everyone can play their part in safeguarding the wildlife at Ashton Court by not entering the roped-off temporary conservation areas, keeping their dog on a short lead in the area and sticking to the mown and surfaced paths." Bristol City Council has introduced the measures as a manager of a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The temporary conservation zones are expected to remain in place until the mid-summer. For further information and an estate map which includes the location of The Plateau please visit: www.bristol.gov.uk/museums-parks-sports-culture/ashton-court-estate

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Chair’s Community Award winners announced Unsung heroes from across South Gloucestershire have been presented with a Chair’s Community Award to celebrate the selfless and valuable contributions they make as unpaid volunteers. The annual awards are held by South Gloucestershire Council to recognise and thank local volunteers who willingly give up their time to help others and bring communities together. Chair of South Gloucestershire Council, Cllr Ruth Davis presented the awards along with the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire Susie Hewson, Group Chief Executive & Executive Principal of South Gloucestershire & Stroud (SGS) College Kevin Hamblin, and Principal and Deputy Chief Sara-Jane Watkins. The event is sponsored and hosted by SGS College and offers an opportunity to celebrate the hard work and dedication of volunteers in our communities who display outstanding commitment in giving their time and effort to help others. Eighteen deserved winners from diverse range of voluntary backgrounds were recognised, but all shared a common characteristic of dedicating their time to support others without asking for anything in return.

“Volunteers have been a vital lifeline for many residents through the pandemic and I was moved to learn of people’s selfless actions which became a real beacon of light for those who were coping with the effects of Covid-19. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, many volunteers managed to continue with their voluntary work to support our public open spaces and local wildlife, which is testament to their commitment. “It’s important that we shine a light on the work of our local volunteers who do so much to help others. These people are community heroes and I personally thank each of them for their efforts.” SGS College Principal, Sara-Jane Watkins said: “SGS College were delighted to sponsor and host the Chair’s Community Awards. The winners hard work and dedication this year has shone through. They make such a difference to their local community and should be tremendously proud of themselves. This event highlights the good work the volunteers do, and it was a pleasure to meet them all.” The final award to be presented during the evening was the Lord Lieutenant’s special award, which was presented to Steve Riches. Steve has been a school governor since 1998 and his primary focus is always on what is best for the children. In 2013 Steve helped establish the Resound Foodbank in Emerson’s Green, where he works with donors, local agencies, and the North Bristol Trussell Trust.

Cllr Ruth Davis, Chair of South Gloucestershire Council, said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to meet and recognise the volunteers who make such a significant For further information visit: www.southglos. and important contribution within South gov.uk/communityawards Gloucestershire. 22 Subscribe to Bristol Weekly Magazine at www.directlocalbristol/bristolonline

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FOCUS ON: Bus services change Another round-up of local news from your hardworking Lib Dem team Victory for our Greenway campaign: Our five-year campaign to open up the long-derelict, former Brislington Railway Line as an active travel corridor for walkers and cyclists was supported unanimously by councillors at a planning meeting at City Hall on Wednesday 16 March. Bristol City Council Transport Development Team had recommended that two applications, one for a shipping container village for local artisans and the other for a footpath and cycleway connecting Sandy Park with Callington Road, be rejected because the route was safeguarded for a future road scheme, the Callington Road Link. At the meeting, we reminded Committee Members that the Mayor had previously told Full Council there was no plan to build a road here but had clearly forgotten to send the memo to his transport team!

We also said that the two applications would make good use of a vacant site, provide a shot in the arm for the local economy and encourage more sustainable journeys. The Brislington Greenway was the central plank of our successful election campaign last year and so we are both delighted with the outcome. We want to thank everyone who has supported the campaign over the last few years, including over two thousand five hundred Bristol residents who signed our petition against the Council’s road plans. We will now be encouraging the landowners, Bristol City Council, to work constructively with the developers to avoid any further delays. More details here: https:// www.facebook.com/100069085274730/ posts/276983804614460/?d=n Langton Road safety improvements shelved: Residents will be disappointed to learn that the Mayor has decided to shelve plans for road safety improvements near St Anne’s Infants School.

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This is despite our successful petition in 2019, when we were assured improvements would be delivered within the year. We had asked the Mayor for an update at Full Council last week and he told us that the scheme was ‘paused’ and other projects were being prioritized. We’d like to know what schemes take priority over the safety of our children? Flowers Hill approval: Outline Planning Permission has been granted and the developers will now be work ing on their plans before applying for Full Planning Permission shortly. At the Development Control Committee meeting on Wednesday, we spoke in support of the plans. It is making good use of a brownfield site and providing much needed accommodation in the area. The developers and their agents have listened to our concerns and those of local residents. We are especially pleased that our suggestion for a footpath and cycle way linking Flowers Hill and Hungerford Road is to proceed and we are also happy that we were able to get class F (Community Use) added to the possible uses of the listed War Rooms as we would both like to see some form of public access for this interesting and unusual space. More details here: https://www. facebook.com/100069085274730/ posts/275660041413503/?d=n Bus service changes: Many changes have been announced to local bus services including a reduction in the frequency of the flagship No. 1 bus route from Broomhill to Cribbs from 24 April. According to First Bus, these changes are due to driver shortages and low passenger numbers. More details here: https:// www.facebook.com/100069085274730/ posts/275358168110357/?d=n

Scrap the Mayor! A quick reminder that we have secured a referendum on the future of the directly elected mayoral system in Bristol, keeping one of our key election promises. Both your Brislington West councillors spoke in support of the motion at Full Council, which went on to win by 41 votes to 24. Only Labour councillors voted against giving the people of Bristol a voice. As a result, we will be having a legally binding referendum on the future of governance in Bristol on Thursday 5 May, 2022, a date for your diaries! More details here: https://www.bristollibdems.org/referendum-motion-passes If you would like to get involved in the campaign to #ScrapTheMayor, please sign up here: https://www.bristollibdems.org/getinvolved

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

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Clevedon travel improvements to start A £500,000 scheme to improve access for pedestrians and cyclists in Clevedon is set to start after Easter. The improvements are part of the eagerly anticipated Pier to Pier Way between Weston-super-Mare and Clevedon which will be completed in the summer providing an attractive new route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders between the two towns. The Clevedon scheme, which includes a range of improvements to the Beach/Hill Road, aims to encourage more walking and cycling in the town as part of North Somerset Council's commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles and tackling the climate emergency. The scheme includes: 20mph speed limit Pavement widening and better crossings facilities More seating and greenery More car parking overall through new spaces on Elton Road Dedicated loading bays for delivery drivers Cycle lanes and cycle parking on Hill Road and The Beach One-way roads on key streets to promote

Cllr Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council’s executive member with responsibility for sustainable travel said: “We consulted extensively on the draft proposals in April 2021 and the scheme was amended with local input and knowledge from residents and businesses. "This scheme is backed by local councillors, Clevedon Town Council, Clevedon Business Improvement District (BID) and the Pier Trust. Many other interested parties have also helped with the development of the scheme and are in favour of the amended improvements. "We feel we have the right scheme now and have changed the timescales for implementing it in order to minimise any disruption to businesses during the busy summer and holiday periods." Work to improve Hill Road will begin after the Easter holidays and take up to eight weeks to complete. Improvements to The Beach will start in the Autumn when footfall is lowest and take around eight weeks to complete. The works will avoid all key holiday dates in order to minimise the impact on local businesses and retain enjoyment of the area during the Summer. Further information on the consultation can be found at https://n-somerset.gov.uk/ clevedonpublicpaceimprovements.

Simplified road layout, pedestrian priority and More information is available at https:// better road safety. www.n-somerset.gov.uk/piertopierway. 26 Subscribe to Bristol Weekly Magazine at www.directlocalbristol/bristolonline

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More than 1,000 empty homes in North Somerset

There are 1,182 empty homes in North Somerset, according to Parker’s Estate Agents – and around 600 have been empty for more than six months. Andrew Simmonds, Director at Parker’s, which has been operating in the area since 1989, says the total value of these long-term empty houses is £187 million.

He said: “Some of the properties belong to private landlords or the local authority and are in the process of being refurbished after a previous tenant moved out. Any private landlords needing support in bringing properties back into use, or wanting to sell them, should get in touch with myself and my fellow director Juliet Noble, as agents we can help.

He said: “The number of empty homes in the area surprised me when we decided to look into it. Homes that are left empty for an extended period can affect a locality and we all know that there is a shortage of housing, so it is vital these properties are brought back into use as quickly as possible to generate much-needed housing for local people.

“Juliet has unrivalled knowledge of this area as she has been supporting families here for decades. Many of the properties are stuck because of probate. When a property owner passes away it can take six or twelve months for beneficiaries of the will to sort out a deceased estate. Sometimes they decide to renovate a property before sale.

“This is impacting on the local housing market as there are currently not enough properties available for sale or rent which is pushing house prices up, making them less affordable for those who want to get on to the housing ladder.”

“Some North Somerset homes are also empty because the owner has been placed into a care home, yet there is no Power of Attorney to put the home onto the market.

Mr Simmonds, an associate of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors who has worked in the residential property sector for more than 20 years, says that North Somerset Council is working with property owners to bring some of the empty properties back to the market. 28

“It shows how important it is to plan ahead for these things.” Mr Simmonds says the situation has remained the same for many years with hundreds of empty properties in the county at any one time. “We need all parties to work together to bring homes back into use as quickly as possible in the current housing market.”

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Has your property gone up in price?

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Make a simple hedgehog house in your garden What you need: Medium sized plastic storage box

Stanley Knife

4. Put an opened-up carried bag over the top of the box, then cover with twigs, dry grass and leaves.

15cm 5cm

15cm

15cm Leaf litter

3. Tuck the box near a hedge (with the entrance facing south if possible).

1. Cut two side air vents and an entrance into the plastic box.

2. Put some leaf litter inside the box,with clean, dry grass or straw on top. W

Dry grass or straw

Carrier bag

N E

Twigs and dry leaves

plant a butterfly border to more wildlife What you need: A sunny edge of your garden (at least 3m x 1m) Compost green waste A mix of seeds or plants suitable for butterflies and their caterpillars (See list on right ) A spade

Postions the hops against a wall or fence, or up an abelisk.

1. Prepare your butterfly border by digging up any old roots in that area and turning over the soil. 2. If using seeds, scater them on the soil. Alternativley, place your plants on top of the soil in their pots to decide where you would like to plant them - tall ones at the back and smaller ones at the front. 3. Dig a hole twice as large as the plant. Fork a little garden compost into the soil you’ve removed, place the plants in the hole and firm back in with the improved soil. Water well.

. Holly . Bird’s-foot-trefoil . Thistle . Nasturtium . Hops . Cuckoo flower . Forget-me-nop . Thyme . Sage . Buddleia . Verbena . Ivy . Scabious . Vipers bugloss . Lavander . Hebe

You should plant a mixtiure thta are suitable host plants for caterpillars and that give necter to butterflies. Pick ones that flower at different times of the year.

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In the lettings space, there is a lot “said” about Here are some important facts to note about many things, and every day is a school day! referencing: We love to hear new ideas and swap experiences with like-minded landlords and, • A credit check and Comprehensive equally, we’re always keen to share the Tenant Referencing are two completely experiences that we’ve had, to help other different things. Credit checks only show landlords, keep everyone safe and with a adverse credit history, they will not show genuine desire to improve standards across identity theft, details of previous tenanthe industry! cies, employer’s information or confirm right to rent status. However, there are some things that are non-negotiables for us. Compliance is one • HMO Licence. If you hold an HMO Licence of those – we believe that there are no grey and you haven’t referenced your tenants, areas with regard to compliance and, then you are contravening condition 9.3 referencing is another. of your Licence conditions, which states that your tenants must be referenced We’ve heard so much said about referencand, the results of the referencing kept ing, in fact, everything from “…I don’t bother for 6 months. these days…” to “I do a credit check.” These statements always make us shake our heads, • Landlord’s insurance. If you haven’t particularly when you’ve seen some of the referenced your tenants, then you could things, on a daily basis, that we have. be invalidating your insurance, especially if you haven’t carried out Right to Rent checks. Check the small print, under Landlord’s Liabilities. • Mortgage. The same goes for your lender. If you haven’t referenced your tenants, then y ou could also be invalidating the terms of your mortgage – check the small print. • Rent Guarantee Insurance. If you have not fully referenced your tenants, then any Rent Guarantee Insurance that you have, may well be void. 32

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• Right to Rent. As a landlord, you are legally required to check the immigration status of all your tenants and these checks must take place BEFORE the tenancy starts. These checks are changing in April 2022. The penalties for not carrying out Right to Rent checks or, for getting them wrong, can be severe. You could be sent to prison for 5 years or receive and unlimited fine for renting property in England, to someone who you knew or “had reasonable cause to believe” did not have the right to rent in the UK.

So, now let’s take a look at what good, comprehensive referencing should include:

These are the external checks that we carry out – so that we know the tenants are who they say they are; have the right to rent in the UK; have produced good previous landlord/ agent references and employer’s references; pass affordability checks and don’t have any credit check skeletons in the closet. In addition to the external checks, we also like to do our own, internal checks and these include communications between the prospective tenant and our team, to ascertain whether they are courteous (and to the whole team) and present the same “picture of themselves” at the viewing as they have throughout the communication process and, we also ask to see 3 months’ bank statements. In all the time that we have been involved in lettings, I can count on one hand (about 3 times if memory serves), the number of times that we have had a negative response to a request for bank statements. Usually, when we explain our approach to referencing and why, the prospective tenant concerned sees the value to them personally, as it means that all their housemates would have passed the same, vigorous checks and balances.

Information about rent paid to previous landlords •

References from previous landlords

•

Any reputation of damaging properties

•

Income related enquiries

•

Employment reference and whether it is permanent or temporary

•

County Court Judgement Search (CCJs)

•

Bankruptcy and Insolvency Search

•

Residency and Address Confirmation

•

Electoral Roll Search

•

Alias Name Search

•

Linked addresses located and searched

•

D verification checks

•

Reference from current landlord or agent

•

Affordability calculation

•

Bank Account Validation

•

Right to Rent Verification

We take our responsibilities very seriously and so it’s always the commonsense approach for us. Sadly, all manner of things can go wrong for tenants and, if I ever found myself in a situation where something had gone terribly wrong, I would want to know that I had done everything possible to fully check the people that I was putting in one of our landlord’s properties and/or living alongside our other housemates. It doesn’t take long (I’ve personally turned referencing around in 36 hours) and it’s inexpensive. Be a good and diligent detective; find quality tenants; reference them fully; manage the property well; let them enjoy their home peacefully and reap the benefits of long and happy landlord/tenant relationships!

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Lemon meringue roulade

Ingredients 6 medium British egg whites 350g caster sugar 2 tsp cornflour 300ml double cream 4-5 tbsp lemon curd 3 kiwi fruit, peeled, halved and thinly sliced

Use a knife to evenly spread out the meringue on the lined tray and bake in the oven for about 20 minutes or until the surface of the meringue is crisp. Leave to cool completely Put a piece of greaseproof paper on the table, flip the meringue onto the paper (so it’s upside down) and peel off the cooked greaseproof paper

Icing sugar, to dust

Whip the cream until it holds its shape and spread over the meringue

Method

Dot over the lemon curd and lay the kiwi fruit on top in a thin layer

Preheat oven to 180˚C/fan 170˚C/Gas 4

Roll up the meringue like a swiss roll starting at the long end, using the paper to help Dust with icing sugar and serve

Line a swiss roll tin or baking tray with greaseproof paper so that the paper sticks up around the edges Whisk the egg whites until stiff, add the sugar and carefully stir together 34

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Easter chick eggs

Ingredients

Method

4 British eggs

Cook the eggs in a pan of boiling water for 9 mins

2 tsp low-fat mayonnaise Small piece of carrot 2 handfuls watercress or other salad leaves

Drain, plunge into cold water for 1 minute and peel off the shells Carefully cut a zigzag pattern around each egg just above the middle and pull off the top Scoop all the yolks into a bowl and mix with the mayonnaise Sit the eggs in egg cups and spoon the egg mayo back in, then pop the lids on top Cut beak and eye shapes out of the carrot and stick into the mayo

To serve, scatter salad leaves around the plate to look like grass Subscribe to Bristol Weekly Magazine at www.directlocalbristol/bristolonline

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11:54

MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN SPRING CLEANING YOUR CAR We all know it doesn’t hurt to give your car a good spring cleaning every so often.This not only makes you thoroughly proud of your nice clean car but also gets rid of any ground in dirt that builds up over time. But, mistakes can be made on when to actually begin the process of doing your deep cleaning or spring cleaning. Our guide will also advise you on when to never wash your car.

UPHOLSTERY

If you have either leather or cloth seats, it’s most important not to leave them to not have a build -up of grime and dirt. This by no means never looks pleasant and neither is it hygienic or nice and comfortable to sit on. It’s always advisable when cleaning leather and cloth seats to never use any household disinfectant such as bleach, which will ruin the overall appearance of most materials. The two basic rules to follow:

LEATHER SEATS

Never soak your seats completely and the best natural cleaning solution is white vinegar, mixed in hot water and a dash of washing-up liquid. Once your seats have fully dried, apply a reputable leather conditioner to increase the look and longevity of your leather car seats. 38

CLOTH SEATS

Firstly as you would normally do, give your cloth seats a good vacuum clean, and like before, use a combined solution of hot water, white vinegar, and a dash of washing up liquid. Then scrub the solution thoroughly into the fabric with a soft brush to liven up the fabric.

WHEELS FIRST

It’s normally the recommended practice of most professional car washers to wash the dirtiest part of the car, the wheels. The practice is to use a high-pressure washer to get rid of most of the dirt. Then you can start the hand cleaning process of applying a wet sponge to wipe each tyre and wheel alloy clean.

HEAT IS BAD

The best advice we can give you and one of the biggest mistakes most car owners make is to wash their car on a hot day, or with the engine still running. This can severely affect the finish of your car once you have completed the wash. Washing your car in hot heat means you will quickly dry the soap you have applied at the start of your car wash, causing water marks all over your car. This doesn’t make it any easier to successfully wash your car within the normal time ranges. Never wash your car until the engine has fully cooled and when doing so, try and do it in the shade if temperatures are on the hot side.

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WHERE SPEED CAMERAS WILL BE THIS WEEK With reports of mobile speed cameras increasing, never get caught speeding again with a full list of sites to expect a mobile speed camera at anytime.

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Tips And Tricks For Successful House Painting

There is more to house painting than just slapping up a coat of paint. The job can be messy, amateurish if the homeowner is in a rush or impeccable and of professional quality if he or she will follow a few tricks of the trade. This is not a task to hurry through or it will have to be done over again sooner rather than later. Without proper attention, the new coat can flake off in big disappointing peels. Unsuccessful painting can mean that the entire task will have to be done over again or that it will look like a sloppy eyesore for years to come. Here are some tips for the best results: Tools of the trade: Pros take great pride in their tools and for good reason. Having high quality paintbrushes, ladders, stirring stick and rollers will allow a superior result more easily. Inferior quality paintbrushes may seem like a bargain at the cash register but once the painting begins, it may become a different story. Shedding brush-hairs left in the path of the shoddy paintbrush will be a pain to pick out of the newly applied layer. Those crummy brushes will shed more than a dog in the middle of summer. Without a retractable ladder, a homeowner will have a hard time reaching various spots. after the can has set for a while. And rollers, like paintbrushes, must be of high quality for proper absorption and distribution.

Hauling out a kitchen chair to climb up on will result in slops and streaks on the unsuspecting furniture. Stir sticks are a must or the colors won’t be mixed properly Preparation: If the surface is dirty and peeling, it must be cleaned and sanded before a new coat of latex or enamel is applied. Paints don’t stick to dirt and instead of a quick cover-up job, there may be layers of wet muck that fall off before a painter knows it. Flakes peeling underneath will cause a new layer to peel away as well. Prep isn’t something to skimp on if a topnotch result is desired. Taping around windows and woodwork is also crucial in order to keep them neat and spot-free. Color choice: Choosing the color will take a bit of time. It’s not as easy as it may seem. There are zillions of shades of a hue as simple as white. Taking swatches and samples home from the store will be an important step. Looking at tones next to existing furnishings, lighting and woodwork will help with selection. Once a hue has been settled upon, painting a sample area and living with it for a few days will be a good idea. This will allow a homeowner to see what it looks like at various times of the day and in certain lighting. When a homeowner decides to do some house painting, he or she must take the time to do it right. Proper tools , preparation and color choice will be steps on the path to enhanced curb appeal. The interior and exterior of a house can be greatly improved upon with a product as seemingly simple as a can of paint.

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Take a break and try to solve theses puzzles Here are this weeks puzzles designed to test your mental skills during your lunch break or after tea. Click the NEW download symbol below to download our puzzles to your phone or computer and complete at your own leisure. The answers will be published on our website every Thursday afternoon.

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Quality care in Bristol you can trust

When a family is thinking about care for a loved one, they want the best - they want to know that the care home they choose will put their loved one’s safety, happiness and wellbeing first. When a family is thinking about care for a loved one, they want the best - they want to know that the care home they choose will put their loved one’s safety, happiness and wellbeing first. Care UK’s Trymview Hall care home in Southmead provides residential, dementia and respite care, giving families peace of mind that their loved ones can stay living at the home should their needs change. Living at Trymview Hall is all about quality of life. Every colleague in the home is passionate about enabling residents to enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle, tailored around their unique needs and preferences. The lifestyle team organises a huge variety of group and one-to-one activities, with plenty going on each day. The team at Trymview Hall are proud to have achieved some great results in the recent relative survey, in fact 92% of families feel their loved ones are treated with kindness, respect and dignity^. Once their relative has settled into Trymview Hall they are able to focus on spending quality time with them again just enjoying each other’s company. With the extra support that our care home offers, new residents are often surprised at what they can do, whether that’s being able to continue with an activity they’ve enjoyed in the past, or even discovering new hobbies with our daily activities. 44

Whether your loved one enjoys a quiet cup of tea in bed before starting the day, loves going for strolls in nature, or enjoys a chat over a beer, the team at Trymview Hall will spend time to enable them to continue living life the way they want to. Trymview Hall is part of award-winning provider, Care UK – one of the UK’s most successful care home operators* with over 35 years’ experience of delivering high quality care to older people.

Trymview Hall care home Southmead BS10 5DW care.uk.com/trymview-hall Email: nicola.wolff-donitz@careuk.com Tel: 01174 059625

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Supporting Supporting over 8,000 over 8,000 families families

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

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Bristol Charities appoints new CEO One of Bristol's oldest charities has appointed a new chief executive officer (CEO) after an extensive search of potential candidates. Julian Mines will join Bristol Charities at the beginning of May to head up the organisation which provides opportunities and support for people and communities to improve lives through grants, housing and charitable projects in Bristol and South Wales. He is currently chief executive of FairShare South West, part of the UK's largest food charity, where he has been responsible for expanding the impact of the charity's work through local charities, schools and projects for the past five years. Julian will step into the role of CEO at a fascinating time for Bristol Charities, as it works up proposals for creating a thriving and balanced new neighbourhood for multigenerational living and working at the Vassall Centre in Fishponds. Plans include new, high quality affordable housing for older people and families alongside accessible, sustainable work and meeting spaces for current and potentially new tenants, as well as facilities for the wider community. The appointment follows the highly successful tenure of its current leader, Anne Anketell, who has been at the helm for eight years. 46

Anne will continue to lead the team of architects, planners and Bristol Charities' trustees and partners working on the redevelopment of the Vassall Centre until Julian joins the organisation and will continue to support through the public consultation process, to ensure a seamless transition. Julian Mines said: "As a Bristolian I am very excited and proud to be joining Bristol Charities, an organisation with such a longstanding commitment to the city, at such a pivotal moment. Building on the incredible legacy of Bristol Charities work over many years, I am looking forward to working with the staff, Trustees, and partners on the next phase of development in addressing some of the most critical social issues facing the city." Chair of Bristol Charities' trustees, Richard Gore said: "Both I and the trustees of Bristol Charities are delighted that Julian has agreed to become our new chief executive. Julian joins the charity at an exciting time in its evolution and I am sure that he will prove to be the ideal person to build on the charity's vision to support more people and build better and sustainable homes for older people in Bristol." "We are hugely grateful to Anne for her highly successful leadership of Bristol Charities, helping us to grow the charity to support more elderly and vulnerable people and deliver many more much-needed, modern and affordable homes for older people."

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Funded support available for South Gloucestershire businesses to bounce back from the pandemic

A timely new programme of business support called ‘Recover, Evolve, Grow’ has launched to assist businesses in South Gloucestershire bounce back from the pandemic and build resilience. Funded by South Gloucestershire Council, the programme is delivered by business support consultancy, Cool Ventures, and offers small business owners free, one-to-one support to help their businesses get back on track after two, tough years of trading. The Recover, Evolve, Grow Programme https://coolventures.co.uk/funded-support/recover-evolve-grow-southgloucestershire provides up to 12 hours of specialist oneto-one support and is tailored to tackle the individual needs of the businesses taking part. This programme allows small business owners to clarify their goals and challenges with a Cool Ventures consultant before working alongside one or more business experts who specialise in either strategy, finance, marketing or HR and can offer practical support or advice.

Cllr Toby Savage, Leader of South Gloucestershire Council with Cabinet responsibility for the Local Economy and Devolution, said: “Small businesses are vital to our local economy and we want to do all that we can to help them to thrive, so I am very pleased the council has been able to fund this personalised support. I encourage any eligible businesses in the area to consider taking part in this beneficial programme. Having tailored 1:1 support and shared experience from experts specialising in either strategy, finance, marketing or HR is an excellent opportunity and will help to ensure that local companies have the skills they need for the future.” To be eligible for this fully funded support, small businesses must be based within South Gloucestershire, have achieved a turnover of over £10,000 and have fewer than 49 employees. If your business isn’t eligible for this programme, Cool Ventures, also offers other schemes via the South Gloucestershire Business Support Service https://coolventures.co.uk/south-gloucestershire-funded-support/.

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Cool Ventures provides business support and coaching for businesses across the West of England and have helped over two thousand companies in South Gloucestershire and Bath and North East Somerset since 2017.

“We decided to take advantage of this fully funded, intensive business advice programme because we need help with our marketing strategy to enable us to grow and refine our services. Cool Ventures matched us with a marketing and branding expert,

Sue Marchant, Managing Director at Cool Ventures based in Chipping Sodbury said: “The last two years have been exceptionally challenging for local businesses and we are hearing about the same issues again and again - recruitment and staff retention challenges, supply chain delays and rising costs. The causes of these challenges are multi-faceted and include the impact of the pandemic on customer behaviour and spending patterns, rising inflation, post-Brexit changes to import and export activity, and the changing working environment. This new programme, with its combination of specialist expertise, hands-on practical and targeted support differs from more general business support programme and can help small businesses re-focus on their strengths to flourish, grow or return to their pre-pandemic form.”

Natasha Bye. Natasha is excellent at helping us to define our brand values and identify target audiences. We are working through the agreed support plan but I already have a much clearer understanding of who we are and what makes us stand out. I feel supported and enabled and look forward to moving my business forward.’’

Emma Doney, owner of Adorno Companions and Adorno Community Day Centre, a South Gloucestershire based organisation supporting clients in later life said.

To apply for these programmes or to hear about support available in Bath and North East Somerset contact Cool Ventures on E: info@coolventures.co.uk /T:08000 418293/ www.coolventures.co.uk

To find out if your South Gloucestershire business is eligible for the Recover, Evolve, Grow Programme visit: https:// coolventures.co.uk/funded-support/recover-evolve-grow-southgloucestershire To find out about other funded business support in South Gloucestershire visit https://coolventures.co.uk/south-gloucestershire-funded-support/

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WE BUILD PROFESSIONAL WEBSITES THAT DON'T COST THE EARTH We make websites that are mobile responsive.

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A place 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 www.fshc.co.uk

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