Free
South Bristol April 2016
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Welcome to April 2016 edition of Direct Local Magazine Senior Editor (Mike Davies) Proof Reader (Elisabeth Davies) Tel: 07500 017236 Editorials/ Events 6. Local elections 11. One you 14. Westfalia 15. Competition time 18. Civil war editorial from Benjamin Allen 22. Bristol City Football Club free course 27. Duane Winters next big fight.
Yago as a puppy Yago as a puppy Yago as a puppy Yago as a puppy
33. Ask the vet 34. The Original Bristol Blue Glass 37. Free up your media 38. Optimus editorial from Benjamin Allen 40. And the award goes to!
Direct Local is always looking for local news, views & events. please contact us
Direct Local is proud to support Kisses For Kaylum Text KAYR77 ÂŁ3 to 70070 Disclaimer The opinions expressed in Direct Local do not necessarily reflect those of the editor, publisher or their agents. Whilst every reasonable care is taken to ensure the accuracy of information included within this publication, the publisher takes no responsibility for errors or omissions in Direct Local. The content of Direct Local is not to be reproduced in any form without permission of the publisher. Please pass to a friend, recycle or compost after reading.
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We are proud to announce that our brand new showroom comprising of classic and contemporary bathrooms is now open to the trade and public. With fabulous styles and the best looks for your perfect bathroom. With over 30 years of experience in the plumbing and heating trade we can provide the best advice for you Customer service is the key to our success. If we don’t have it on the shelf, we will order it for you. Being an independent family business we aim to provide quality branded products at affordable prices. So come and visit our brand new showroom today. We hope to have the perfect bathroom for you and your budget. We are able to offer everything from design, advice and installation services to help you make the right choice. Please visit our website www.starplumbingsupplies.co.uk for more information on products and services. We also stock all the leading brands such as Worcester and Valliant boilers at very competitive prices Just call in for a coffee or tea and discuss your requirements. We will be happy to help. Monday to Friday 7:30 to 5pm Saturday 8 to 12 midday. Tel: 0117 329 5525 15, Kenn Court Roman Farm Rd Bristol BS4 1UL www.starplumbingsupplies.co.uk Email: sales@starplumbingsupplies.co.uk
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Councillors Surgery How will You vote in Bristol on 5th May? Well, it seems as if we have waited a long time for this; the opportunity to vote for a new Mayor, or to re-elect George Ferguson, the current Mayor, plus the PCC – Police and Crime Commissioner –ditto, old or a new one, plus all Councillors on Bristol City Council. It is a very important date for Bristol. Never more so than for those of us concerned about transport in Bristol and getting from A to B, plus being able to park when we get there. Regular readers will know how vital I consider this is for business or leisure. The current Mayor has made major changes that affect traffic of all kinds;
Residents Parking Schemes – sometimes welcomed in some areas, often imposed.
20 mph limits on all City streets – is it safer? The statistics don’t seem to show that it is and it certainly adds to traffic pollution and poorer air quality
Roadworks everywhere, many due to Metrobus – will it improve traffic flows by reducing the number of private vehicles?
Cycle routes expanded, some helping and well used, others less so; how much was spent on re-doing the Clarence Rd cycle route in Bedminster after the first fiasco?
Speed Cameras and the worse invention of well-meaning busybodies waving speed guns in some areas ( in fairness, the former Chief Constable was a fan of these and re-loaded them)
Rejection of the common – sense Henbury Loop railway in favour of the ‘Henbury Spur’ by the unelected, undemocratic West of England Partnership, alias W.E.P or should it be WET?
Plus any other money –making schemes that force motorists, van drivers and lorry drivers to pay out, however much care they take. Has the impact been positive or negative? 5th May elections give residents of Bristol their chance of voting for more of the same e.g it will be seen as a validation of RPZs if Mayor Ferguson is re-elected. We can expect a lot more of them. I have been campaigning for better public transport, whether it be the Henbury loop , re-opening St Anne’s station in Brislington, bringing a regular and reliable bus service back to Callington road and other routes before attacking the economy of this city by slowing down essential transport. Bristol is the regional capital of the South West and ought to be recognised as such. We put into the Treasury and as a city, we ought to get more out for our transport infrastructure. You have a choice in these local elections on 5th May; either for more of the same, or for a change of direction. Please choose wisely.
Eileen Means, Labour Councillor, Brislington West
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MONDAY
WEDNESDAY
St Peters Church Hall School Room, Church Road, Bishopsworth, BS13 8JR 5.30pm and 7.30pm
St Christophers Church Hampstead Road,, Brislington, BS4 3HJ 5:30pm and 7:30pm
Tina: 01179 407 471 St Cuthberts Church Wick Road, Brislington, BS4 4HE 5:30pm and 7:30pm
Millie: 07879 423 665 Ashton Vale Primary School Avebury Road, Ashton Vale, BS3 2QG 7.30pm
Emma: 07701 030460 TUESDAY Counterslip Baptist Church Wells Road, Hengrove, BS14 9HT 5:00pm and 7:00pm
Emma: 01173 825 844 The Gatehouse Centre Hareclive Road, Hartcliffe, BS13 9JN 9.30am, 11.30am, 5pm & 7pm
Vicky: 07999 617 075 THURSDAY The Ex Service Club Winford Grove, Bedminster Down, BS13 7DY 9.30 am, 11.30am, 5:30pm and 7:30pm
Debbie: 07796 945 039 Christ The Servant Stockwood Road, Stockwood, BS14 8SP 5pm and 7pm
Debbie: 07796 945 039
Vicky: 07999 617 075
St Annes Junior School Wick Road, St Annes, BS4 4EJ 7:30pm
Broomhill Junior School Allison Road, Brislington, BS4 4nz 7.30pm
Emma: 01173 825 844 Hengrove Community Centre Fortfield Road, Hengrove, BS14 9NX 9:30am
Sarah: 07879 443 888 WEDNESDAY
Debbie: 07429 105270 FRIDAY The Ex Service Club Winford Grove, Bedminster Down, BS13 7DY 9.30 am,
Bridge Farm Primary School East Dundry Road, Whitchurch, BS14 0LL 5:30pm and 7:30pm
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A weight-loss expert is calling on adults from South Bristol to take time out of their busy lives to think about their health and wellbeing as part of a new government campaign that says it’s never too late to make a change. Slimming World are partners in Public Health England’s new One You campaign, which aims to support adults to make simple changes towards a healthier and happier life, and provide the tools, motivational support and encouragement every step of the way. Sarah Bryant, who runs a Slimming World group in Whitchurch, said: "One You is about helping adults take time out of their busy lives to think about their own health and wellbeing. As we all know at Slimming World, taking the time to pause and reflect and spend a little ‘me time’ is good for you! Because, after all, there is only one you - and it’s never too late to start making small changes. A few new healthy habits could be all it takes to live a longer, healthier and happier life." Sarah says that the government’s renewed focus on public health has never been more vital as around one in four (25%) adults are obese and it is estimated that, by 2034, this will increase to one in three. "As well as the serious physical health conditions obesity can lead to – from diabetes and raised blood pressure to the increased risk of heart disease and cancer – people who struggle with their weight often experience low confidence, poor self-esteem and mental ill-health. "At Slimming World our members know how much energy and confidence losing weight gives them and they also enjoy the hidden benefits, like fewer aches and pains, lower risk of illness and improved sleep. Many of our members reduce how much they drink too. "One You is a perfect fit for Slimming World. We know that making healthy lifestyle changes, such as improving your diet and becoming more active, can have a huge impact on your health right away. It also helps raise self-esteem and self-confidence by helping people to feel more in control of their own lives. Plus these behaviours can be passed on to the whole family, meaning the next generation grows up with healthy habits too."
It’s really easy to get involved with One You. There is a link from Slimming World’s website to the ‘How are You?’ free quiz – a quick and easy quiz to help people recognise the things they can do to improve their health in the long term, from eating well to moving more or being smoke free to drinking less. Sarah adds: "While being a healthy weight is an important part of ensuring that every adult enjoys a long and healthy life, it is of course not the only aspect of health that we need to think about quitting smoking, reducing the amount that we drink, sleeping better and being more active are all essential to great health and wellbeing. "Each week members are losing weight beautifully in Slimming World groups and there are people across South Bristol who have changed their lives with Slimming World. Yet there are still so many more we could help and now is a perfect time!" To celebrate its new partnership with Public Health England, Slimming World is offering free membership (saving £10/€18) when new members sign up for a 12-week Countdown (12 weeks for the price of 10) between 7 March and 29 May 2016 to tie in with the campaign.
To join Slimming World group simply pop along every Tuesday at 9.30am or Wednesday at 5.30pm or 7.30pm or call Sarah on 07879 443888. For more information about Slimming World and One You visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk
www.facebook.com/slimmingworld
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Trailer Towing Assistant Reverse parking with a trailer made easy Westfalia-Automotive has been designing and manufacturing towbars for over 80 years and were first to market with the ball coupling towbar. Westfalia-Automotive’s most recent innovation is a driver assistant system or the 4th generation towbar - “Trailer Towing Assistant” (TTA). The TTA is built into the latest Westfalia ball rod, which enables automated reverse steering and makes reversing with a trailer exceptionally easy. The TTA complies with European guideline ECE-R 55 and because it has been built into the towball of the electric swivelling towbar, no further approval is required. The new innovative sensor is part of Audi’s Driver Assistant Systems and is now a factory fit option, available with the All-new 2015 Audi Q7. A sensor in the towball forms an intelligent interface linking the towing vehicle and trailer, measuring the angle between the towing vehicle and drawbar, communicating a continuous stream of data about the trailer’s rotation angle to optimise driver performance.
This information is processed and visualised on the Audi MMI display allowing the driver to easily input the required angle to achieve the desired parking position – steering is then handled by the system with the driver only having to control the accelerator and brake. In addition to the reversing aid function, the TTA also benefits trailer stability. Extensive testing has shown that the rotatory sensor detects dangerous trailer rolling and trailer sway at a much earlier stage than the vehicle’s integrated yaw angle sensor does. The data can then be fed back and integrated into a new generation of ESP, providing the driver with an enhanced Trailer Stability Program and safer towing. The innovative technology of the Westfalia-Automotive TTA provides an intelligent information Interface, which can supply data to allow new functionality to be incorporated into future developments. To learn more about ‘Trailer Towing Assist” visit www.westfalia-automotive.com where you can also view a demonstration video of the TTA in action.
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Where will yours take you? – Westfalia launch national photo competition Westfalia UK, part of the Westfalia-Automotive Group, are delighted to launch a national Photography Competition under the theme ‘Where will yours take you?’. There is a fantastic array of prizes on offer with the overall winning photograph judged to best reflect the beauty and experience of travel, winning a 7-night luxury stay in a stylish and iconic Airstream 684 trailer pre-located at Holgate’s flagship holiday park, Silverdale - situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty, with panoramic views over Morecambe Bay. Five runner ups will each receive a free Caravan Club membership and £100 worth of vouchers from The Caravan Club. In addition, each winner will also receive a professionally printed and framed copy of their winning entry, which will also be featured in the 2017 Westfalia calendar. Profits from the sale of the calendar will be donated to Hope House Children’s Hospices.* The theme‚ Where will yours take you?‘ is open to your own personal interpretation and could include stunning landscapes, beautiful campsite settings, adventurous activities or any picture, which uniquely reflects that special setting from your 2016 travels.
Jim Bedford, Westfalia UK Managing Director states “We are delighted to launch this fantastic competition, which has only been possible with the great support from our prize sponsors – Adventure Leisure Vehicles, Holgates Holiday Park and The Caravan Club. We really look forward to seeing all of the photographs submitted by our holidaying adventurers and seeing the fun and joy that the great outdoors brings.” Michael Holgate, owner of the Holgate’s, Silverdale, said: “Holgate’s are thrilled to be supporting Westfalia’s Where will yours take you? photographic competition, especially as the winning photographs will be turned into a calendar to raise funds for Hope House Children’s Hospices. Selfishly it would be nice to see an image from Morecambe Bay among the winning entires – so fingers crossed... but that aside I would urge everyone to get out and about, get exploring, have fun and get snapping, you never know where you may end up...”
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It’s finally here! In no more than a few short days, Captain America: Civil War will hit cinemas all over the country! The third Captain America film is loosely based on the Marvel civil war comic books. While the comics focus on superheroes and villains of the world being forced to reveal their secrets identities, the film adaption will focus on the governments of the world wanting superheroes to be accountable to a branch of the government. After the vast destruction in New York (Avengers Assemble), Washington, D.C (Captain America: The winter Soldier) and sokovia (Avenger Age Of Ultron), who can blame them? Captain America and his team (consisting of Hawkeye, Sharon Carter, Falcon, Bucky Barnes and Avengers new-comer Ant-man) absolutely do not want to be micromanaged by the government, so Team Iron Man is brought in to change their mind. Joining Iron-Man’s team are War Machine, Black Widow, the debuting Black Panther, The vision and that guy over there, your friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man! The reason that Spider-Man is such a big deal is because up to now, Sony have owned and retained all rights to using Spider-Man, and any associated characters on the big screen. A couple of years ago it was revealed that Sony and Disney-owned Marvel Studios had reached an unprecedented, never-before-heard-of-kind of deal which would allow Spider-Man and any of his supporting characters top appear in Marvel movies, and Marvel characters to appear in a newly-rebooted (for the third time) Spider-Man franchise. The major difference between the last 2 attempts at Spider-Man on films and this version is that this version is and will remain an official part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In theory (and if recent rumours are to be believed) we could see Tony Stark and/or Steve Rogers show up in next year’s Spider-Man reboot. Reportedly, Captain America: Civil war will shake Marvel cinematic Universe to its very core and after this movie, nothing we’ve come to know over the last 8 years will ever be the same again. Without question, one of our beloved Avengers isn’t going to make it past the end credits and especially through the rumoured THREE post-credit scenes. If you ask me, World war II hero Steve Rogers will be the one to meet his maker, enabling him to pass the shield onto long-lost best friend Bucky Barnes aka The winter Soldier. Bucky will reluctantly become the new Cap and will lead a team of New Avengers into battle against Thanos in 2018’s Avengers: Infinity war Part 1 before old Steve returns to the fold (perhaps thanks to the magic of doctor Strange) for the final showdown in Avenger: Infinity Part 2 in 2019. But hey, that’s just my opinion! The best thing about seeing Captain America: Civil War in Bristol is that you lucky people can watch the entire Captain America trilogy starting at 6.30pm with Captain America: The First Avenger, finishing with the new film at midnight. Not only that, but I’ll be podcasting live from the Cineworld foyer immediately before the amazing screening kicks off so you might even get to appear on the show on soundcloud.com/ KencoAndMac! As usual, for your weekly roundup of all geeky goings on, check out the podcast at soundclound.com? KencoAndMac, and if breaking geek-news is more your thing, head over to my brand new website at thewrongdroids.com for all the latest news! Until next time, remember—Never give up, never surrender!
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FREE COLLEGE COURSES AVAILABLE AT BRISTOL CITY FOOTBALL CLUB Based inside the newly redeveloped Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol City Community Trust is providing post-16 male and female students, of all academic and playing abilities, the perfect opportunity to enroll onto one of many exciting college courses commencing in September. With the Community Trust achieving a 100% pass rate in previous years, and current students exceeding their target grades, the Trust is classified as the number one education provider in the Football League. The Community Trust’s course content combines academic studies with a practical sporting experience and all the courses are free to enroll onto, with the exception of the Foundation Degree. The available courses are as follows:
Girls only BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport (Futsal and Football Pathway)
Boys only BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport (Futsal and Football Pathway)
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport (LTA Tennis Coaching Scholarship)
Foundation Degree in Community Football Coaching & Development
Level 2 Diploma in Football Coaching in Community Settings (Football Coaching Pathway)
Students who enroll onto any of the Trust’s courses also have the unique opportunity to train twice a week and play weekly against other professional clubs and athletes, whilst representing Bristol City FC. In addition to compulsory modules, the Community Trust provides students with a diverse range of extra-curriculum activities throughout the academic year. Such activities range in size and scale, with the most sought-after including national and international tours to professional clubs and stadia, such as PSV in Holland and Borussia Dortmund in Germany. With the Trust’s close relationship with Bristol City FC, successful students also have access to work experience with both the football club and the Community Trust. This gives the students additional opportunities to gain valuable experience and knowledge within the field, which can assist in future employment.
With the next academic year fast approaching, places on all of the Trust’s courses are limited, but there is still time to apply. If you are preparing to sit your GCSEs this summer, or you’re an individual who has already enrolled onto a college course but is not enjoying it and you have a passion for sport, then the courses at Bristol City Community Trust could be the perfect opportunity for you. Remember, no matter what grades you achieve at GCSE, Bristol City Community Trust have a course for you! To learn more about the educational programmes on offer at Bristol City Community Trust, please contact the Trust on 0117 963 0636 or email Zak.Dowdeswell@bcfc.co.uk
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We are a modern thinking, well-established firm of solicitors with a long and successful history that can be traced back to the mid-19th Century. We're not a corporate law firm and because of that we can offer you an affordable, high quality, personal service. We understand that when you need a solicitor it is likely to be during a difficult time. We aim to take the stress out of the process by offering constructive advice and answering all your questions. If you need help with a legal matter or simply want to talk to someone about your options, please contact us to see how we can help. We will talk to you at the outset about: Who will deal with your affairs How we will handle your case The cost of our legal services Our open and friendly service will take the drama out of any legal crisis by getting to the crux of a problem, determining your objectives and explaining the law in clear and simple terms; without the jargon. We will explain the process every step of the way and inform you of the likely costs and timescales so you always know where you stand. We have the expertise to answer most of your queries within the firm, but if we can't, we will refer you within our wide network of trusted contacts. At the outset, you will be given the name of the person dealing with your work and their assistants, our terms of business and the procedures for dealing with any complaint. We are not a large corporate firm and we believe that our charges are more affordable than many of our competitors, our service more personal and our style more approachable. We hope you will agree! The majority of our new clients come to us by recommendation. We pride ourselves on our good communication and approachability; the standard of service we have always set ourselves is now formulated in the following charter. We think that being a great solicitor is more than giving great advice, it's about providing great service and support, and as such we promise to:
reply to your letters and telephone calls promptly send you copies of all important correspondence provide regular progress reports see you promptly for appointments keep any funds, deeds, Wills or documents you entrust to us safe and secure return any monies to you at the end of your matter or when they are due
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Guide Dogs events for April and May 3 April. Gazebo at BS4 Market, A37 between Holy Nativity and Totterdown Baptist Church.
9 April. Bucket collection Marks & Spencer Imperial Park Hartclife.
14, 15, 16 and 17 April. Bucket Collection Morrison's Hartcliffe.
Yago as a puppy Yago as a puppy
21 April Group meeting ASDA, Whitchurch. Visitors welcome. Followed by lunch at The Whitchurch. Inn
7 May Bucket Collection Marks & Spencer Imperial Park, Hartcliffe.
14 May Bucket collection B&M, Broadwalk Shopping Centre Knowle. Dogs will be present at all events. Our most recent success was raising over ÂŁ1,400 through a Come and sing for Guide Dogs concert of Rutter's Requiem and a selection of other choral and instrumental music at St Michael & All Angels Church, Windmill Hill.
Yago is a guide dog puppy in training.
For more information please contact Janice Nash on 07341837463 or email nash.j@mail.com.
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Ask the vet How can I help my pet lose weight? It doesn’t have to be difficult to help your pet lose weight. Here are some of our top tips for weight loss: Weigh out your pet’s food – rather than guestimate how many kibbles to put in your dog’s bowl, weigh it instead so you can monitor how much food they’re eating.
Use a weight loss food – there are many pet food diets that are proven to help your pet lose weight without them going hungry. Speak to the vet or nurse to find out which foods are most suitable for your pet.
No more ‘tit-bits’ – Your dinner is for you and your pet shouldn’t be sharing it. Many high fat foods will lead to painful pancreatitis and certain foods can’t even be digested by animals.
According to recent veterinary research, one in three dogs, one in four cats and one in four rabbits in the UK are overweight. Much like in humans, obesity in pets can lead to many debilitating health issues such as diabetes, heart and kidney disease, arthritis, high blood pressure and even forms of cancer.
Tactical treats – if you are going to give treats to your dog, why not use treats that are good for them? There are plenty designed to be low-fat or to help their health in other ways e.g. to clean their teeth. Speak to a member of the team to see which treats we recommend.
If you’re struggling to help your pet lose weight, sign them up to one of our FREE weight clinics with a veterinary nurse. The nurse will be able to tailor a diet and exercise plan to your pet and can schedule regular weigh-ins to monitor their progress.
Regular exercise – A quick walk around the block is better than nothing. Long leisurely walks at the weekend will also be fun for both you and your pet.
Contact Brislington Veterinary Surgery on 0117 971 5115 to find out how we can help your pet lose weight.
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In the spotlight By James Adlington - Founder and Owner Bristol Blue Glass (Founded 1988) Bristol's early glass making history had a 'Lot of Bottle' as a book written describing the history of the Bristol Glass industry was titled, due to the main products made namely 'Bottles' lots of them. Redcliffe is named after the sandstone cliffs by the harbour, this was the raw material that drove the early Bristol glass. The sand is reddish colure due to the high level of iron oxide held within it, which can only be used to make Green glass. When today you buy a bottle of wine, it generally comes in a green bottle, this is just traditional, a leftover from our city's glass history. Along with also, the design of the bottle, which is another story worth hearing. The Bristol Blue colour was introduced by a young glassmaker named 'Issac Jacobs' the son of a local girl and Lazereth Jacobs, a German glass maker who himself introduced clear lead crystal fine glass making into Bristol. Issac mixed Cobalt with the 24% Lead batch, making the beautiful colour that became synomous with the city. At the time all coloured glass was out of fashion, totally. Decanters had to be invented at this time as green bottles were not acceptable on any decent tables. The blue was so beautiful it was the only colour that could be allowed on the table, Bristol became famous and fashionable, as it is today again. Sadly all good things come to an end and the Bristol Glass Industry failed to modernise and it faded away, the last glass makers working in Bristol closed in 1923, at the time it was making agriculture glass for greenhouses. The glassworks were built into a new development in the 1960's although the main blowing room is now a great restaurant purely for the location alone. James Adlington returned to Bristol in 1984 after an interesting youth/young adulthood, where he then started 'HMG (hand made glass, hippies make good, heavy machine gun) of Bristol' with Clare Maryan-Green, the company set up in Perry Road in 1987, moving from 'The Corner House' Montpelier. 'We were quite politically active then, striving to manufacture against the Thatcherite government in power.' says Jim. 'I was involved in a lot of stuff, music, art, pirate radio, direct action, skateboarding, manufacturing was just another thing. I was working a lot in Stained Glass, but was not satisfied, I loved the heating and melting it, from the Painting of Stained glass. The glass makers all have trained on site and are all very talented, they are Dave, Aaron, Reece, Ty and Jake with Steve and Ben coming in from time to time.
Peter Sinclair was an artist living and working in Cornwall, on the Lands End peninsular. He worked in 'Hot Glass' and sold his wares at HMG where he met Jim for the first time in 1987. It was meeting of like minds, from the off. An exhibition was set up in Perry Road called 'Blue'. Other artists were invited to show their work, but Peter was the sole artist to stick to the brief. His work was very popular, but what followed still took them by surprise. So both Jim and Pete decided to run a live exhibition on Colston Yard called 'Bristol Blue 88' . 'Pete brought a portable furnace and set it up in a workshop in Colston Yard, and we put a little ad in the Evening Post and were interviewed on Radio a couple of times. We held an opening of the Friday night and were over run. We had people all over us, we knew we had something on the go. Later that evening Peter and Jim decided to set up 'Bristol Glass Ltd' together and the rest is history, as they say. The following years were not easy at all, I would love to tell the story sometime it would make a thriller, a horror, and a comedy. Least to say we have endured people trying to steal the company away from us again and again. I cannot write for Pete about how he feel about glass making, but I can say that he taught me to blow first off, and the glass he makes is in my mind some of the best, made in this country. Pete is what I call a real artist, his sense of colour is beyond match, I have never witnessed any other glass maker who came close to his colour work. He also lectured me on form, valuable lessons indeed. Myself? I just love making glass, I hate paper work, I feel it's a concept designed to cost you money, think about it, without administration they couldn't collect Taxes. I am driven, whether I am making glass, making music or whatever I am doing at the time, except administration, that is. I have been unwell, so I have been forced to back away from 'Bristol Blue Glass' and my wife Suzanne Adlington took over and has modernised all practices at the company. She requires the staff to be professional, yet the onus is upon them being happy with their work. Suzanne believes empowering people is best for everyone concerned. The cold staff namely Sharon, Nick, Di, Gee, Charlie, Sunny, Ben, Alice....are all creative in their own right, many have artistic outlets outside their working lives, we have clothes designers, music writers and performers artists one and all.
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We have opened a new shop in the centre of town which is a great spot to reach visitors and locals a like. A jewellery kiln has just been introduced so why not pop in to see what they are making. Suzanne has developed the company so we design and build jewellery using silver and glass. So all people working for Bristol blue glass get a chance to design and make stuff. I also believe that when people are allowed to design and make stuff in their lives, which is valued by others, it is of even greater value to them. We are blowing glass six days a week alongside the torch and kiln work Suzi introduced, making products to order and for our retail outlets. The engraving is going from strength to strength. We are quite a unique asset to a modern city, a bespoke glass manufacturer upon the doorstep. I am very proud of what has been achieved since I backed away, although I hope to be back making soon, firstly at my own little glass making studio, in Porlock Weir. Bristol Blue Glass today is a versatile company making a range of product from the blue glass range, bespoke clear glass, Memorial Glass, for Pets and Loved Ones, a fantastic range of jewellery, we are an excellent visitor’s destination and part of what Bristol and represent Bristol to the outside world.
35. Call Direct Local on 07500 017236 * info@DirectLocalOnline.com * www.DirectLocalOnline com
36. Call Direct Local on 07500 017236 * info@DirectLocalOnline.com * www.DirectLocalOnline com
Total PC support from Martin at Ship Shape Computers
Backups you might not have thought about If you’ve read many of my previous articles, or the Ship Shape Computers Blog, then you’ll know how important I think backups are. Even as a PC repair expert, there’s little I can do for a customer if there’s not backup and their hard drive fails entirely taking hundreds of precious photos or work documents with it. And I always make a backup myself before I do anything to a customer’s computer. Along with anti-virus software, a backup regime is the most important aspect of using a computer. But have you ever thought of backing up your non -digital memories? Can you still play that old favourite 7” single from 1961? Or that mixtape your friend made you on cassette in 1989? Or do you have unique family videos on VHS that have sat in a drawer for 15 years? These formats are deteriorating all the time, especially if not stored correctly, and the machines to play them on are becoming more rare by the day. At the same time, PCs and laptops are being sold with vast amounts of storage, with the ability to beam videos to your large screen TV, or save for a long bus journey. What if you could re-live that school disco while waiting in line at the Post Office, or take your tablet to your gran’s house and marvel over the grandkids’ nativity play or school orchestra starring moment? You can bring all the advantages of modern technology to your old home movies and rare vinyl records, preserving them for posterity, and allowing you to enjoy them once more. This makes a perfect birthday present too, surprising someone with memories of their favourite holidays, perhaps. And of course you can also back them up! But that’s not all, here at Ship Shape I’ve helped people recover data from old floppy discs, very old PCs, cassette tapes and even MiniDiscs (remember those?). Even though technology marches on, and leaves old formats behind, there’s no need for your old media to get left adrift as well.
37. Call Direct Local on 07500 017236 * info@DirectLocalOnline.com * www.DirectLocalOnline com
38. Call Direct Local on 07500 017236 * info@DirectLocalOnline.com * www.DirectLocalOnline com
39. Call Direct Local on 07500 017236 * info@DirectLocalOnline.com * www.DirectLocalOnline com
Bristol‐based SECURIST celebrates 1 year of being part of the SBS group after getting a Twitter Boost from Theo Paphitis. A Bristol‐based security firm received a business boost from Retail Entrepreneur Theo Paphitis. Kurt Davis, owner of SECURIST, tweeted Theo about his business during ‘Small Business Sunday’, an initiative set up by Theo that runs weekly. Theo retweeted Kurt’s message to his 498,000 followers and as a result, the business (www.bristol.securist.uk) has 400 more followers and extra enquiries for their Key Holding service. They are also profiled on a new website (http://www.theopaphitissbs.com/profile/1201/ SECURIST) that is exclusive to Small Business Sunday winners. Managing Director, Kurt Davis said: “The business has been running since 2009 and we have continuously grown year by year. Since attending our second SBS event in February this year we have made numerous contacts within the SBS community.
At the event Theo Paphitis also provided us with exclusive business access to the sponsors who include DHL, Ryman and Robert Dyas to name a few. It is great to have support from Theo because it’s been tough trying to raise our profile and Theo has recognised our hard work and helped spread the word about what we do to his following.” Anyone looking for a re‐tweet from Theo should tweet him about their business on Sunday between 5 PM and 7.30 PM and include the hashtag #SBS. Six lucky businesses are re‐ tweeted every Monday at 8 PM and then invited to enter their profile on the new website. This is done free of charge and the new website is sponsored by Ryman Stationery, where Theo is Chairman. SECURIST, 7 Kennard Road, Kingswood, Bristol, BS15 8AA, 0117 960 0471 and info@securist.uk For further information and photos please contact Leanne Drew at SECURIST on 0117 960 0471 For further information about Small Business Sunday please visit www.theopaphitissbs.com
40. Call Direct Local on 07500 017236 * info@DirectLocalOnline.com * www.DirectLocalOnline com
41. Call Direct Local on 07500 017236 * info@DirectLocalOnline.com * www.DirectLocalOnline com
42. Call Direct Local on 07500 017236 * info@DirectLocalOnline.com * www.DirectLocalOnline com
43. Call Direct Local on 07500 017236 * info@DirectLocalOnline.com * www.DirectLocalOnline com
44. Call Direct Local on 07500 017236 * info@DirectLocalOnline.com * www.DirectLocalOnline com
45. Call Direct Local on 07500 017236 * info@DirectLocalOnline.com * www.DirectLocalOnline com
46. Call Direct Local on 07500 017236 * info@DirectLocalOnline.com * www.DirectLocalOnline com
47. Call Direct Local on 07500 017236 * info@DirectLocalOnline.com * www.DirectLocalOnline com