Direct local Magazines South Bristol December 2017

South Bristol Edition Dec 2017 www.directlocalonline.com

ALLEN STONE ESTATE AGENTS

0117 244 4441

www.allenstone.co.uk

Competition time Local events Business corner

1 Kids corner Xmas Market

Servicing Bristol for over 3 decades

Bristol’s Largest Indoor Window and Doors Showroom

Family owned and run

For Stunning Contemporary Aluminium Windows and Doors Visit Crystal Clear

VISIT OUR IMPRESSIVE INDOOR SHOWROOM To find out more, please call us on:

0117 911 0412

or visit www.crystalclearbristol.co.uk www.facebook.com/crystalclearbristol

2

24 Emery Road, Brislington, Bristol BS4 5PF

0117 3250 770 info@lucidfs.com www.lucidfs.com

Planning your next move?

We’ll have your mortgage sorted At Lucid FS, we help people in Bristol achieve their home buying goals with minimum hassle.

Our service is flexible, friendly and fuss-free.

We’ll get to know you, find out what you need, then make it happen.

Fed up with feeling frustrated over financial jargon and underhand offers?

Book your free consultation with a whole of market adviser today .

First Time Buyers

Moving Home

Remortgaging

Get your feet firmly on the housing ladder with advice and support for securing your first mortgage

Trust our team of professionals to find you the most suitable mortgage for a smooth, stress-free house move

Minimise risk and avoid financial upheaval with expert advice on remortgaging your home

Call 0117 3250 770 today YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE Lucid FS is a trading style of New Leaf Distribution Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority Number 460421. Registered Office: 1st Floor, Princess Caroline House, 1 High Street, Southend on Sea, Essex, SS1 1JE.

3

www.directlocalonline.com www.facebook.com/directlocal www.twitter.com/directlocalmag

THE TEAM PUBLISHER / EDITOR Michael Davies PROOF READER / Elisabeth Davies DISTRIBUTION LEADER / Matthew Clarke ADVERTISING SALES

Tel: 0117 3258029 Mobile: 0750 0017236 E: info@directlocalonline.com

REGULAR ARTICLES: Eileen Means Jos Clark Sarah Bryant Miles Kitching Nicola Richardson

DISTRIBUTION:

Direct Local South Bristol is hand delivered to selected homes and businesses in Ashton, Bedminster, Bishopsworth, Headley Park, Hengrove, Whitchurch and Brislington. (coming soon delivery to Stockwood)

Get Your Business ahead for 2018 and place a advert with us to reach over 20,000 people each month!

Call us today to find out more information or visit: www.directlocalonline.com

10

Contents 6. Helping people to lose weight 8. Your garden in December 10. Counsillor’s Surgery 12. Recipe of the month 14. Why Bristol should have a statue of Dave 15. Your will and the family home 18. Movies for December 19. Word search competition 21. Kids corner 24. Events guide December 26. Merry Christmas Bristol 30. New years resolutions 32. keeping your business connected

Disclaimer

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

4

hristmas C y r r e m a e v a H cal! from Direct Lo

STAR

IS YOUR BOILER WINTER READY? PLUMBING & HEATING SUPPLIES

www.starplumbingsupplies.co.uk sales@starplumbingsupplies.co.uk 15 Kenn Court Roman Farm Road Bristol BS4 1UL Tel: 0117 329 5525

Opening times: Monday: 7:30am to 5:00pm Tuesday: 7:30am to 5:00pm Wednesday: 7:30am to 5:00pm Thursday: 7:30am to 5:00pm Friday: 7:30am to 5:00pm Saturday: 8:00am to 12 Midday

NG BI ING UM AT ES PL HE PLI & UP S

R A ST

FREE delivery on orders over £99 5

“Helping people to lose weight is the best job in the world”, says local Slimming Consultant Professional sleeper? Island caretaker? Wine taster? The idea of getting paid to do something we truly love is the holy grail for most of us, however, a local weight loss Consultant says she’s cracked it after a recent survey of 26,000 people on LinkedIn revealed that having a sense of purpose is the number one requirement for job satisfaction.

Sarah has run a Slimming World franchise since September 2009 after losing an amazing 2 1/2 stone herself with the weight loss organisation and changing her life. Since then, she’s made it her mission to help others transform their lives like she has.

“This really is the best job in the world as far as I’m concerned,” says Sarah.

Personal qualities are so important and we look for warmth, energy and enthusiasm, good listening skills and, most importantly, a caring non-judgemental nature and a genuine desire to help people lose weight – giving people the confidence to achieve their dreams is our ultimate mission and you don’t get a better sense of purpose than that!

“With latest figures showing that around two-thirds of people struggle with their weight, there is an increasing need to provide people with effective and compassionate support to help them make long-term changes to their lifestyle. We provide franchisee-Consultants with in-depth training, an excellent support structure and all the benefits of a trusted household name brand that has been established for 48 years and has become the UK’s favourite way to lose weight.”

“Having lost weight myself I know what an enormous difference it can make to your life and so being able to help people to change their life like I have really is the most rewarding thing.

“As a franchisee I love being my own boss and I’m lucky to have the flexibility to continue to enjoy a busy family and social life. I always believe that you get out what you put in and that’s certainly the case at Slimming World, with the number of people you can help, in the excellent training and support you get and with the generous financial returns. I’d absolutely recommend the role to anyone looking for a rewarding job.”

The LinkedIn research showed that people who have a real sense of purpose at work are much more likely to be happy in their job. The research also found that people whose role is based in the local community, who have their own business and who work in healthcare are all more likely to feel like they have a purpose in their work and Sarah agrees, saying she’s extra lucky as she has all three!

Slimming World Director of Field Operations, Lisa Salmon, said: “In the current economic climate people might be wary about starting up a business, which is why it’s so important to choose an option that has a strong structure and excellent training, and can be set up in your own local area.

“All of our Consultants originally joined us as Slimming World members, giving them an understanding of what it’s like to struggle with their weight and all have had success on the plan.

6

A Slimming World franchise costs from £1,500.

For this, Consultants receive Foundation training at the Slimming World Academy on the nutritional foundations of Food Optimising, Slimming World’s healthy eating plan, the psychology of weight loss and facilitating healthy lifestyle changes through a range of behaviour change methods. They are also supported with all the equipment they need to run a successful group and a well-trained management and support team. Successful Slimming World Consultants with good group sizes can earn more than £25,000 a year for around 20 hours work per week.

For more information or to join one Sarah’s group, call her on 07879 443888.

Slimming World

live happy! with

Slimming World

EVERY MONDAY

St Peters Church Hall School Room Church Road Bishopsworth BS13 8RJ 5:30pm and 7:30pm

Call Tina: 07841 974661

EVERY WEDNESDAY

EVERY TUESDAY

Hengrove Community Centre Forifield Road Hengrove BS14 9NX 59:30am

Call Sarah: 07879 443888

EVERY THURSDAY

Bridge Farm Primary

Broomhill Junior School

Call Sarah: 07879 443888

Call Karen: 07854 374016

East Dundry Road Whitchurch BS14 0LL 5:30pm and 7:30pm

Alision Road Brislington BS4 4NZ 5:30pm and 7:30pm

slimmingworld.co.uk

0344 897 8000 7

Your garden in December

Frost, rain and winds are increasingly common this month and most of us would probably like to stay inside in the warm with a glass of mulled wine. The beginning of the month will probably be dedicated to decorating the Christmas tree. For many people this is an essential part of their festival traditions and there’s nothing quite like a real Christmas tree to decorate a room and fill the home with that nostalgic seasonal aroma. There are however a few jobs to do in the garden during December, so wrap up warm and enjoy those crisp, dry winter mornings.

Clear leaves Clear leaves from lawns, patios, borders and ponds. Not only will this keep the garden looking tidy but it will remove any pests and diseases that are present in the rotting vegetation. Enjoy your garden!

The essential gardening jobs for December Protect perennial plants Protect perennial plants from the worst of the winter weather by mulching borders with at least 5cm of bark, compost or manure.

Mulching not only protects roots, and tubers from frost but it also enriches the soil, which will help to give your plants a great start next spring.

Plant of the month: Sarcacocca Why should you plant them?

Saracocca is a slow growing plant that can give great coverage to any spot in the garden. A vastly underrated shrub, its commonly known as “Sweet Box” or “Christmas Box” Its a tough reliable plant that is really easy to grow making it a perfect plant for winter.

Brighten up containers Brighten up containers with evergreens and winter flowering plants. Ivy, pansy, viola, cyclamen and shrubs that look great in the winter such as Leucothoe will make an attractive display to cheer up those dark days.

Don’t forget to raise patio containers onto feet or bricks to avoid them sitting in the wet.

8

How to plant them?

This plant thrives in the shade, making it ideal for shaded border. It wil also grow in sun light but the roots will need to be ketp moist. This plant grows slowly into low growing mounds of evergreen follage making it idea for ground coverage. it can also be put in containers and placed outside the house giving off a rich scent.

01179 118697

www.caddywindows.co.uk

0% FINANCE

NOW AVAILABLE CALL US TODAY 0117 966 9998

OR VISIT US ON HENGROVE WAY. BRISTOL BS4 1UN 9

Councillors Surgery Article by Jos Clark

About 17 years ago Labour promised the City a new concert arena (and tram) and we are still waiting for both. We now hear that Mayor Marvin . has paused the current plan to build the arena at Temple Mead’s due to spiralling costs and massive pressure on the Council’s budget. We have seen threats to close the majority of our libraries (just seen off by the Lib Dems on the Council), cuts to parks maintenance and cleaning and the redundancy of lots of staff. But having said that there are a lot of Bristolians who feel the City will not be complete until it has a concert venue to rival say Birmingham and Cardiff. It is noticeable that the West Country is lacking a major Concert venue and Bristol is best placed to provide one. But what sort of concert hall do we want? Where should it be situated?

They have little arena parking and rely on public transport and the City’s existing car parks to service the arena, but it is around half the size of the one we are proposing to build. So where does this all leave us, well I think we need an honest cross party discussion of the way forward, we need to meet with the big players in the City who have the money and know how to assist the Council.

Our soccer, rugby and cricket clubs, our two universities and others who can bring money and expertise to the table. We should not be hung up on whether the arena stays at Temple Mead’s or even moves to just outside the City.

After all, both our airport and docks (were originally owned by the Council) are outside the City boundary. We need to explore a joint venture with another body to defray the costs and bring their expertise to bear, some are suggesting the old Filton airfield site as a possible venue with its excellent road links and of course a railway station.

But we must never lose sight of the very real financial state the Council is currently in, our current services need to be protected, so a fine balance needs to be struck between current and future spending pressures on the public purse.

How much should it cost and what impact would it have on the Council’s other services? These are all questions that the Mayor and his Labour colleagues are grappling with at the moment. I doubt that we will ever be able to complete with the NEC in Birmingham as it is the Country’s largest indoor venue (the 7th largest in Europe) having a seating capacity of 16,000 and 29,000 parking spaces, its on a major motorway network has a dedicated rail service, oh and is next to their airport. It also has a fine exhibition space as well. The Cardiff arena is closer to the model we have followed in Bristol but their arena is a lot smaller than what we are proposing at around 6,000 (but there is current talk of a second one).

10

Wrap Up Your Home & Move Before Christmas!

FREE VALUATION

Share with family and friends!

Market your property with us and receive a free property website to share with your family and friends.

Call us today for a

FREE market appraisal

0117 244 4441 info@allenstone.co.uk

www.allenstone.co.uk

25 Highridge Road, Bishopsworth, Bristol, BS13 8HJ 11

Creamy Christmas Cocktails

Real Irish Cream Once you have tried the real thing, branded versions will never tasted the same.

This makes about 1ltr Prepare time less than 30 minutes No cooking required

Ingredients

250ml single cream 1x397g tin of condensed milk 350 ml Irish Whiskey (It must be Irish nothing else works the same) 1tsp Camp Coffee Essence 3tsp chocolate sauce 1tsp vanilla essence 1tsp almond essence

Method

1.Sterilise the bottles for the liqueur by first washing them in very hot water, and then placing them in an oven at 160°C/325f/gas 3 for 10 minutes, then leave to cool.

2.Pour all the ingredients into a blender and blend on high for 30 seconds 3.Pour into the sterilised bottles and store in a fridge. It will keep for about two months ( If it lasts that long) 4.Shake well before pouring.

12

The Cranachan Cocktail ingredients

Ingredeints

50ml Irish Cream Liqueur 25ml Jack Daniels Honey 25ml Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur 100ml milk 1 scoop vanilla ice cream

Method

1. Place all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with a couple of ice cubes and shake vigorously.

Pour into martini glass and decorate with a cherry.

repair/upgrade/replace 0117 9770033 & 0117 9774012 www.wessexglasscompany.co.uk

Established over 35 years ago, our family run business can offer a “one stop” shop for your Window/door maintenance issues. We can repair, upgrade & replace; • Locks for windows, doors, patio sets/French doors & upgrades Composite • Handles, locking & two stage handles (vent)& upgrades doors from • Window hinges, restrictors & gasket £795 Inc • Misted double-glazed units & glass of all types • Cat flap installation into glass, upvc &timber

This summer Winter give your front door a new lease of life…

Hardware for composite doors: available in white, gold, silver & chrome finishes. Lock upgrades, letter plates, security chains, Numerals & spy holes

*UPVC Doors £550.00 UPVC Windows…£235.00*prices from

13

Why Bristol should have a statue of Dave Prowse As a city, we have a

justifiable claim to the silver screen’s most recognisable villain, but within that claim lays a deeper, more heroic champion, one that we should be proud of well beyond one of the most famous characters of all time.

Before donning the black cape and mask, to become the original Photo by Dan Jamieson Darth Vader, David Prowse MBE was a bodybuilding and weightlifting champion. He was also the Green Cross Code man, who, during his campaign as the green hero, managed to reduce road accidents involving children, by an estimated 33,000 during the 1970’s.

David Prowse was born, raised and lived in Southmead Bristol

There is so much more to David’s life achievements, and do we even have a sports hall somewhere dedicated to him? He has done Bristol proud, when was the last time this city, our city, dedicated something to such a great citizen? And who better than our very own David Prowse MBE? The Statue David is most famous for his role as Darth Vader, but has always said his role as The Green Cross Code man was the most rewarding, it also earned him his MBE. He belongs in the city centre with the other statues of our great citizens, with a quote we hope to obtain from him, a statue that shows his staggering physical presence (he was 6ft 6in) and represents his two greatest roles.”

Article by Perry Hicks

But it didn’t just end with the above mentioned facts, David appeared in excess of 60 films, he is good friends with David “Del Boy” Jason, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno, and he was also contracted to “bulk up” Christopher Reeve for his role as Superman.

Photo by Stefano Buttafoco

14

Lasting Power of Attorney

Writing a will is preparation for the inevitable but lasting power of attorney is more of a safety net.

If you begin to lose your mental or physical capacity and you’re no longer capable of making your own decision, the Lasting Power of Attorney ensures that your affairs are looked after by someone you trust. You can nominate friends or family, or someone that you trust to act for you,should the circumstance arise. ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Find out how we can help:

01173 215858

Or visit our website:

www.richardsonswills.co.uk

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Members Of The Will Writing And Estate Planning Practitioners

Your Will and The Family Home For most couples their home is their largest asset.

The thought of it ending up in the wrong hands on our death or our partner’s death is horrifying. Most couples own their homes as ‘Joint Tenants’.

This means that when one dies, the survivor automatically becomes the owner of 100% of the property. The majority of couples who have made Wills, have simple Mirror Wills which gift everything to the survivor when the first spouse dies and then onto the children on second death.

Tenants in Common If the way the home is owned is changed to ‘Tenants in Common’ and your Will is changed to include a Life Interest Trust. Then whoever dies first, their share in the property is protected and the interest is ring fenced for your children.

There is nothing wrong with this type of Will.

However, the disadvantage comes should the survivor remarry, suffer bankruptcy or need long term care. If the survivor remarries, then marriage automatically revokes previously prepared Wills.

This means that the new spouse would inherit under the Intestacy rules if the surviving spouse did not make a new Will for the benefit of your children If the survivor fell out with any of the children, there is nothing to stop the survivor cutting them out of the Will after the first spouse passed away. This is particularly relevant when there are children from previous relationships.

If you would like a free consultation to discuss making a Will or Lasting Power of Attorney or to review your existing Will please call 01173 215858 or email nicola@richardsonswills.co.uk

15

16

17

THE TOP 3 MOVIES FOR DECEMBER

By Aaron Potter

What once was lost will swiftly be found again in Decembers crop of blockbuster movies. Whether it’s the Barden Bellas desire to be the best vocal group in the world, a withered and weary Luke Skywalker, or the hidden game of Jumanji.

Kicking us off in a big way on December 14th is Disney’s highly-anticipated space opera sequel, Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

Picking up mere moments after The Force Awakens’ cliff-hanger ending, the evil First Order have regrouped following Starkiller base’s destruction, making the efforts of Rey, Finn, and the rest of the Resistance even more vital. Thankfully Jedi Luke has found his new apprentice.

Two heavy hitters then fill out the rest of the Christmas month with Pitch Perfect 3 and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, both releasing on December 20th. It’s last call for the pitches of the Barden Bellas with this third and final outing having them face their biggest challenge yet: actual musical instruments.

Meanwhile Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle sees a group of angsty teens accidentally sucked into the same destructive game that plagued Robin Williams way back in 1995. Now headed up by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, for the first time we’ll experience the game from the inside, as our team fend off creatures and crawlies to make it back home.

Direct Local Magazine and Cineworld Bristol are continuing this excitement, with two sets of cinema tickets up for grabs. Simply fill out the next page crossword.

There’s so much to see this December, so be sure not to miss out.

18

This Months Prize Ferdinand Goodies Welcome to our word search competition Cineworld Bristol are giving away goodies from the new movie Ferdinand!

All you need to do is complete the word search above and either scan, take a photo on your smart phone and email it to us at :

The Draw will take place on the 19th December The lucky winner will be pulled randomly from a hat and contacted by a member of staff at Cineworld.

Children entering must have parents written consent to enter, people over the age of 16 yrs need no concent to enter..

info@directlocalonline.com or send it in the post to via snail mail to the address below.

7 Hopewell Gardens Shirehampton Bristol

Novembers winner Joy Watlow 19

20

21

Bristol’s Christmas Market 2017 The Bristol’s Christmas Market will once again return to the heart of the City Centre on Broadmead. We are aiming at adding an additional highlight to the Christmas season for this great location. Along the high street there will be a variety of unique gifts, presents and food on offer.

Established traders will be there as well as new highlights which Xmas Markets Ltd. will include in Bristol’s Christmas Market.

Broadmead turns again into a christmassy shopping street for the young and the young at heart.

Approx 55 authentically decorated wooden chalets will sell a wide range of unique gifts and unusual Christmas presents as well as delicious food. Wooden and soft toys, unique jewellery, beautiful lights and many more Christmassy products are offered in a magical winter atmosphere.

Sip a warming“Glühwein” (German Mulled Wine) or drink a German Beer at our Jägerbarn (open 10am-10pm), enjoy a famous Bratwurst or indulge yourself with other culinary specialities and delicious treats at our Food Village at the Podium (open 10am-10pm).

Traditional Christmas music will enthrall visitors, filling them with the Christmas spirit. Reservations for Christmas Parties and other enquiries can be made via our website or Facebook page: www.xmas-markets.com www.facebook.com/ChristmasMarketBristol

Experience a taste of what a traditional, beautifully lit Christmas Market has to offer.

Images by courtesy of: Alessa Lovegrove, Xmas Markets Ltd.

Opening: 10th Nov – 24th Dec 2017 10am – 8pm Mondays – Sundays 10am – 10pm Food & Drinks 22

23

Events guide December Family-Friendly A Very Craft Christmas Market Event Date: 1st - 3rd Dec Description: Christmas Party and Craft Market all Weekend: Friday 1st open all day, but party starts at 18:00 till late. Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd, open for breakfast/ lunch all day,however Christmas market stalls open at 14:00.

Venue: Pickle at Underfall Yard, Cumberland Road Saltford Christmas Market Event Date: 2nd Dec Description: A great opportunity to buy Christmas Gifts in a Market that is a highlight of Saltford’s year.

Venue: Saltford Hall Santa’s Grotto at Bristol Zoo Event Date: 2nd - 23rd Dec Description: Visit Santa and his elves.

Venue: Bristol Zoo Bristol Zoo Gardens Guthrie Road Clifton Bristol Winter Fair at Windmill Hill City Farm Event Date: 9th Dec Description: Our fabulous Winter Fair will be held on Saturday 9th December from 12 noon to 4pm.

Venue: Windmill Hill City Farm Philip Street Bedminster Bristol The Bristol Santa run Event Date: 10th Dec Description: Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) is excited to announce the return of its popular Santas on the Run event in Bristol on 10th December.

Venue: Bristol Harbourside, Bristol Docks

24

Family-Friendly Paddington & The Snowman Event Date: 17th Dec Description: Gift your family a magical, musical evening this Christmas of two much-loved classic stories presented by CBeebies star Pui Fan Lee. Venue: Colston Hall Colston Street City Centre Bristol Jack and the Bean Stalk Date: 17th Dec Description: Due to popular demand (and us being bowled over by last years support!) we are doing 2 Shows this year.

Show times are 1.30 & 3.30pm.

Come along for some rip-roaring, traditional panto fun, with an anti-bullying message, and start your Christmas break the right way!! Ticket prices: £6 for adults £3 for children Under 3’s go free If you need any further information or would like to BOOK then please call Sally on 0117 964 99 31.

Venue: Headley Park Community Center Santa Special - Avon Valley Railway Event Date: 21st - 24th Dec Description: Make this Christmas one to remember with the Avon Valley Railway.

Venue: Avon Valley Steam Railway Bitton Railway Station Bath Road Bitton

Music Saltcellar Folk Club guest performer Georgia Lewis and Friends Event Date: 2nd Dec Description: Young, exuberant and musically versatile trio.

Venue: Totterdown Baptist Church, Wells Rd, Bristol Skream Open to Close Tour 2017 Event Date: 16th Dec Description: Skream is back with his back-to-basics ’Open to Close’ tour after last year’s hugely successful, fully sold-out run. Once again, the clubbing stalwart brings his years of experience behind the decks as an innovative trailblazer to the best venues up and down the country.

Venue: Motion, 74-78 Avon St, Bristol Christmas with The Overtones at The Colston Hall Event Date: 18th Dec Description: Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with everyone’s favourite crooning five-piece, The Overtones.

Venue: Colston Hall Colston Street City Centre Bristol

Misc NATHAN CATON: THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS (Tour Show) Event Date: 1st Dec Description: The prolific Nathan Caton is back! He’s keeping it real and keeping it funny, dissecting all things from the personal to the political in this hilarious show.

Venue: The Hen and Chicken 210 North Street Bedminster Bristol

25

Merry Christmas Bristol; Onwards and Upwards in 2018

Christmas is approaching rapidly as it does every year with the hype about what every family needs to get increasing every year as our finances and resources are more and more stretched. What this year has shown is that the so-called “Austerity” policies have failed which have frozen the services that are the mark of a civilised country like ours. The NHS, Education, Police and local government services have been subject to vicious cuts and the wages of most people, especially those providing those essential services in the public sector, have fallen well behind.

A visible sign on the streets of Bristol is the number of homeless people; “street sleepers”, people sleeping rough. When I feel worried at the expense of Christmas, I think “I am glad that my family are Ok” and usually give a bit of money or a sandwich to the next homeless person I see. I guess it helps my conscience, but there is no doubt that the numbers have increased noticeably during 2017. All need help, but thanks to “Austerity”, the services cannot keep up.

26

Austerity was the brainchild of George Osborne and David Cameron; this key Conservative policy was fully supported by their lap-dogs, the Liberal Democrats. Thanks to Austerity, Bristol is facing huge cuts to services that we all value like parks and libraries.

So, if I was the Fairy on the Christmas tree, what magic would I like to work in 2018?

1. Ease the pressures on housing, both renting and buying, by increasing the supply of affordable property; the City Council are doing their best now to free up frozen sites 2. Unblock the roads; as first steps, review all roadworks, make contractors stick to the timescale, fine those that overrun or those that no-one is working on for days, amend the flow at traffic lights where there are regular hold-ups. Mayor Marvin Rees’s Congestion Working group is due to report in 2018 – speed ‘em up Marvin!

3. Keep our libraries – they are vital community assets. Once gone, we won’t get them back 4. Find money for our parks – like the libraries, the good that they do by being there for our citizens to enjoy is under-rated. Few services are free, parks and libraries must be retained. ·5. Nationally, reinstate the rail electrification programme to include Bristol Temple Meads and Bath; deleting it is simply not understandable and is so blinkered.

Finally, Austerity is discredited; I would wave my magic wand so that the Conservative and Lib Dems recognise that and invest in the above instead.

May you all have a Happy and trouble-free Christmas May 2018 be even better in all kinds of ways to 2017.

“God Bless us, everyone”.

Artilce by Eileen Means

27

Try Our Award Winning Karate & Kickboxing Classes Today!

Call: 07757 990 420 ADULTS...Our muscle toning kickboxing classes will make you feel amazing, knock out boredom & blast away fat all over your body...

All this in just a few weeks Register onto our V.I.P. introductory course to receive

3 Weeks Free Classes

PARENTS...We don't just teach punching & kicking! We also help your child develop Greater fitness, rock solid confidence, have better personal discipline & respect, Improved focus, get better grades At school & safety awareness

We Offer Something For Everyone Little Dragons Karate 4 to 6 yrs Junior Dragons Karate 7 to 12 yrs Junior Dragons Kickboxing 7 to 12 yrs Adult Karate 13yrs + Adult Kickboxing 13 yrs +

www.BristolMartialArtsAcademy.com www.facebook.com/bristolmartialartsacademy

252 Central Park, Off Petherton Road, Hengrove, Bristol, BS14 9BZ 28

Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/directlocal Their you can enter competitons, veiw local businesses offers and read local news and events in Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

Follow us on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/directlocalmag More local tweets and offers from local businessses!

29

New Year Resolutions Over Christmas you may be wondering about the business you are in, what’s gone well and possibly how you can find more customers next year.

You may like to consider joining a networking group. Networking groups fall into several categories:

1.Professional and trade based groups – specific to your industry or profession 2.Social and charitable groups – Churches, Mosques, Temples or organisations like Rotary 3.Open Business Networking groups – run adhoc or regularly by event organisations 4.Loose membership organisations – like 4N Networking which is part social as well as business 5.Referral Partner Marketing groups – such as BNI where members build close and tight business relationships with one another in a structured environment Word of mouth and referral based business is highly effective and will give a great return on time and money if done right.

Make 2018 the year you include this type of client acquisition into your business.

30

TSA

CHARTERED CERTIFIED ACCA ACCOUNTANTS AND BUSINESS ADVISORS

It’s that time of year again!

Helping You Take Your Business To New Heights

The nights are getting longer, a chill is in the air and the Christmas adverts have started. It’s this time of year that the self-employed and business owners dread. Not the expensive Christmas season, but what comes after. The dreaded self-assessment due on the 31st January. So here’s a few tips to help you enjoy your festive season without the dread of selfassessment looming in the background.

www.tsabusinessadvisors.co.uk

Don’t wait untll the last minute to do your self-assessment. Rushing will mean that you are more likely to make a mistake. Maybe even do it before Christmas and enjoy the festivities knowing you don’t have it left to do. Set aside a reasonable amount of time to complete it, somewhere quiet where you will not be disturbed or distracted. Make sure you have everything you need. Invoices, purchase invoices, receipts and a full years’ worth of bank statements.

Free Initial Consultation Fixed Monthly Fees New Start Ups Ltd Companies Enlist our help to Sole Trader take away the Partnerships stress and hassle Bookkeeping next year!

Payroll Cis

Tel: 0117 9235394

Why not hire an accountant? They may be cheaper than you think and may even save you money. If you are thinking of hiring an accountant don’t delay. Most accountants will be busy at this time of year.

enquiries@tsabusinessadvisors.co.uk

31

Keeping your business connected Cloud systems are the way forward for business systems and communications. If your business thinks it is not for them today, certainly in the future it will be.Tomorrows world will look very different. In your personal lives, how often do you shop online? How many photo albums do you own? Chances are your memories are downloaded and stored in the cloud. It therefore goes without saying that in the future more business will be done online. More applications and programs will be cloud only. More data will be stored in the cloud.Already, cloud-based solutions give you the ability to store huge volumes of data, share files across your business, and do away with your traditional on-premises phone system.

For your business to move away from the desktop and into the cloud, it’s easyto overlook the most important link in the technology chain. Your internet connection.Without a robust, high-performing connection, cloud-based business innovations just won’t work. If you haven’t got the right connection today, and haven’t planned for the right connection in the future, your growth ambitions could fall flat.

How do you know if your connection is up to the job?

A good place to start is to understand what you use your internet connection for now. What applications and websites does your business rely on? Then factor in what could become essential very soon.Even if your business stays the same size, it’s more than a fair bet that your reliance on the internet will grow.If you can, find out how much data your business sent and received over the internet a year ago. Then compare that with what you’re using today. I think you will be surprised.Consider where your business is going in the next five years. Do you plan to expand? Will you employ more people who’ll need access to the internet? If you’re thinking about a new phone system, will you be taking advantage of one based in the cloud?

32

Ways to make your connection ready for the future If you’re a light user and expect to continue that way, then you’ll be fine with standard broadband or fibre.Using a lot of data or your needs are likely to increase? You will need high-endfibre for better upload and download speeds.If you’re a heavy user a leased line could be perfect. These lines guarantee consistent upload and download speeds on your own dedicated line. With verylow latency, a leased line is ideal for businesses using a lot of data and where internet connection is critical.As the demand and reliance from businesses for reliable and fast internet connectivity increases, the networks have reacted by providing more options and much more competitive pricing.

Alliance have partnered with all the Internet and Fibre network providers to ensure you get the best service available in your location, at the best price.

For further information contact us on 01173 700 900, email info@alliancecoms.com or visit our website www.alliancecoms.com

WEBSITE DESIGN Professional, creative website design for small and medium sized businesses

Is your current website giving your customers a good first impression?

Your website is often the first impression a potential customer has of your business.

If it doesn’t look professional and clearly explain what you offer then a visitor simply won’t buy from you.

We specialise in designing and building quality websites for small and medium sized businesses that look good and get results.

carn gerrish creative

Our websites are... u Professionally designed u Mobile friendly u Search Engine Optimised u Scalable u Updatable u Future proof

For a FREE quote call us on

0117 9666 448

websites | e-commerce | brochures | leaflets | catalogues | photography | displays www.carngerrish.co.uk | info@carngerrish.co.uk

33

Your Local Electrician Keeping You Safe in Your Home PLUG-IN SOCKET COVER DEMONSTRATION VIDEO GOES VIRAL Last month Steve Palmer of JPS Electrical Services shared with us information that was provided to help parents question if it was safe to use plug-in socket covers in their electrical sockets at home. Now ordinarily we wouldn’t expect to go back over old ground but something truly sensational has occurred since we published the last issue. Steve created a video at his home showing how two of children, Jayden One and Preston Three, could easily remove socket covers that he had removed from a client’s property. The video also showed the exact danger that was highlighted in the article, which is how the top pin of a socket cover, if turned upside down, can disengage the socket safety shutters that cover the live conductors. A chilling thought for any parent.

We were interested to know just how a sole trader who works alone was able to create a video and send it viral. Here’s what we were able to find out.

Steve stumbled across a website a couple of years ago called www.fatallyflawed.org where he learned about the dangers of the socket covers and why a campaign had been set up to raise awareness.

Whilst the information was eye opening there wasn’t much content that jumped out and grabbed someone with very little electrical knowledge. For a long time, Steve knew that he had to do a video, just one problem. He claimed that he hates being in front of the camera.

34

For some time now Steve has been a member of ‘My Electricians Toolbox’ where he’s been working with a gentlemen named James Dewane. If you’re an Electrician, then Steve recommends that you check this guy out. It’s in this group where Steve works with likeminded Electricians whose number one goal is to improve the way that the business operates.

See there is a great deal more to being an Electrician and running your own business than just doing electrical work. This is proven time and time again through stories are told by homeowners across Bristol complaining about tradesmen.

One of the areas that Steve has been working on in the Toolbox member group is video. He explained that whilst he disliked the thought of doing them he understood exactly why they should be used. Video introduces you to your clients, they get to see you and hear you in your video so when you arrive at the clients’ door it often feels like the client has already met you and knows what you are about. Of course, the clients also enjoy the useful hints and tips which have been provided without cost.

So, how do you take a video and get it to go viral?

This is what Steve said, ‘the truth is I just created the video. I knew the content was golden but never did I think that it would perform the way it did. I watched the video over and over, I posted it on my YouTube Channel and my Facebook business page. I could see instantly that people were interested in it. I’m a member of a group on Facebook called Electricians Community. It can be a VERY ruthless place. Very often a post goes into that group and the poster gets shot down in flames. I looked at the content again.

I looked at the message. It would have been wrong to NOT post it. My thought was, even if just a few people take the message and they share it then the message will spread. I put my tin hat on and posted the video in the group. I was amazed at the response, everyone loved it. They were asking permission to share it on their business pages and post it to local groups.

Well this was amazing and before I knew it the engagement figures were going up in their thousands, then tens of thousands. No sooner had it hit 50k views it was hitting 100k. Then it was literally increasing by a hundred thousand times each time I checked back.

Steve went on to explain that he has been On Air with Emma Britton of BBC Radio Bristol and on ITV West Country News. Now that’s not too bad at all considering this was a message that was intended for an area that mostly included a 2-mile radius of his home address.

The video has now been shared over 33 THOUSAND times and reached over 2 MILLION people. When Steve was asked how that feels he said ‘It’s amazing, I couldn’t even tell you what 2 million looks like. That is a massive number of people that have seen my message.

I’m going to continue making videos and posting them frequently. I’m not expecting the same response but at least now I know it’s possible. I’ll perhaps reconsider some of the ideas that I’ve written off in the past’ We’re looking forward to receiving Steve’s next article which is likely to be followed up with a video so be sure to LIKE the @keepingyousafeinyourhome Facebook page and subscribe to the JPS Electrical Services YouTube Channel.

Once it had hit 1.2 million an article popped up in The Mirror Online and then various other local papers around the Country. Electricians were posting in the group explaining that it had reached their area. I even had a client that told me a friend of hers in Southampton had seen the video. I was getting messages from all across the UK and one from Ireland where people were asking me for advice. I even had a gentleman get in touch who wanted to have a chat with me about a prototype that he was working on that could completely solve the issue that I had raised in the video.’

35

JP Locksmiths PROFESSIONAL SERVICE EVERYTIME

PLUMBING & HEATING ENGINEERS

ALL PLUMBING & GAS WORK UNDERTAKEN BOILER INSTALLATIONS BOILER REPAIRS POWER FLUSHING UNVENTED SYSTEM INSTALLATIONS 505353 BATHROOM INSTALLATIONS

FULLY INSURED

RECOMENDED

Tel: Nathan Proud 07830 448127

07830 448127

thegaspro@gmail.com

Key Cutting Service

Specialising in key cutting Best Prices Around

0117 902 3509

Car Keys, Watch Batteries

Call Out Service available Broadwalk Shopping Centre Knowle Bristol BS4 2QU

www thevapourshack co uk NOW OPEN AT 172A Raleigh Rd Bristol BS3 2AR

TEL: 01179 728 771 10 The Parade, Hengrove, Bristol, BS14 9BZ

Traditional & modern gents Italian hairdresser OAP concessions Monday - Thursday Over 20 years experience No appiontment necessary Monday - Thursday 9am - 5:30pm Wednesday 9am - 1pm Friday 9am - 6pm Saturday 8:30am - 5pm

36

Top Quality Low Prices 10 Off With This Ad

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.

Cooke Painter Limited solicitors

Professional service, personal touch

Residential Conveyancing

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 when they are due

Probate Wills

Commercial Property

Free Initial quote www.cps-sols.co.uk Tel: 0117 9716765 Email: Westtownlane@cps-sols.co.uk 12 West Town Lane, Bristol, BS4 5BN Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority

37

Call us on: 0117 9020968 Or 07725 817863 www.nickwhitelandscaping.co.uk

info@nickwhitelandscaping.co.uk

Patios Turfing Fencing Decking Driveways Sleeper Work Artificial Grass

@nickwhitelandscaping

House, Garden, Office Clearance

Plus All Your Other Waste Removal Needs too!

On Average cheaper than a skip.

Tel: 07592 506 003 1/4 Load £89

CLEANING

Half Load £139 3/4 Load £179 Full Load £199 38

www.junkmonsters.co.uk

Call Steve on 07774 989 717 Or 01275 880 919

email: porter007@msn.com

Fresh Produce Right On Your Door Step..

LOCAL VALUE St Peter's Rise, Headley Park, Bristol, BS13 7ND

COFFEE & SANDWICH BAR

EAT IN & TAKEAWAY

Freshly made sandwich’s Baguettes, Paninis

& home made cakes....

Outside catering/Breakfast & Lunch 42 Gilda Parade, Whitchurch, BS14 9HY Telephone order welcome

BARBER 01172 392 143 Open 7 days Mon to Sat 9am - 6pm

Sun 10am - 4pm

306a Wells Road, Bristol, BS4 2QG W 10% I A TH O D V TH FF E R IS T

Hot & Cold Sandwiches Baguettes Jacket potatoes Open Monday to Saturday

Bristols Favorite Sandwiches

01179 638000 26 Winterstoke Rd,Bristol, BS3 2SG

We have some of the best & most exciting Star Wars collectables on this planet. @moss 278 Weels Road Bristol BS4 2PU 01179082308 39

ECO VAN SPARES Bristol’s Transit & Commercial Vehicle Spares Specialist

Cars

Vans

Lorries

WANTED FOR CASH FREE COLLECTION Unit 17, Bakers Park Cater Park Bishopsworth Bristol, BS13 7TT

Tel: 0117 9781919 ECOVANSPARES.COM

40

FREE

STOP BY TODAY FOR

LOWEST TYRE PRICES

SAVE ££’s

FITTING, VALVES & BALANCING ON ALL NEW TYRES!

0117 953 8484

Best Deals On NEW Tyres

MOT’s Only £50 + Re-test

All Part Worn Tyres Fully Tested

MOT’s Servicing Brakes

J&D TYRES

1c Marsh Lane Ashton Bristol BS3 2NR LOCAL

FAST

FRIENDLY

TRUSTED

RELIABLE 41

0117 9593773 info@lanepearson.co.uk @lanepearsonauto f @lanepearsonautomotive

Don’t Dream It.. Drive It! Welcome to Lane Pearson Automotive Lane Pearson operates locally, nationally and internationally, offering a bespoke level of service to those looking to buy a new or used car or we can locate a car for you.

We Also Stock Commercial vehicles

We take pride in supplying vehicles prepared to the highest standards and back them up with a complete after sales service enabling us to look after you during the sale, and the life of the vehicle.

We can create flexible solutions through various funding packages so that you get the right vehicle within your budget.

If you want to be looked after by a company that takes pride in the vehicles that it supplies, then please give us a call. From a Fiesta to a Ferrari, BMW to a Bentley, there is no better place to buy from than Lane Pearson.

Finance Packages To Suit Everyone

Our Services Include: New & Used Vehicle Sales Independent Advisors Access to Over 300,000 Used Cars Bespoke Finance & Leasing Specialists Vehicle Selling Service Buyers of All Makes & Models Complete After Sales Care

The Beaufort Motor Centre, Wyck Beck Road, Henbury, Bristol, BS10 7JE

www.lanepearson.co.uk

42

Fed up with Dealer prices...

Love Your Car?

We are Bristol’s leading car & light commercial vehicle servicing & diagnostic repair specialist The complete repair solution Servicing & MOTs Braking system repairs BMW specialists Suspension repairs Electrical faults Common diesel faults Fuel injection fault finding BMW approved online diagnostics & programming

DCS Bristol Ltd Unit 19, Dixon Business Centre Dixon Rd, Brislington, Bristol, BS4 5QW

www.dcsbristol.co.uk Tel: 0117 972 4343

Email: info@dcsbristol.co.uk Book your appointment online NOW!

We guarantee to diagnose & repair most problems quickly and cost effectively!

43

ACCIDENT MANAGMENT BRISTOL

HAD AN ACCIDENT ?

CHOOSE US AS YOUR APPOVED REPAIRER

YOU WON’T HAVE TO PAY YOUR INSURANCE

EXC£SS

Visit: www.accidentmanagementbristol.co.uk

You DO NOT need to use your insurance company to conduct any repairs Need a car while yours is in for repair? No problem!

At Accident Managment Bristol we can offer you a Like for like vehicle while it’s off the road

ALL communications with insurers will be handled by us to complete your claim.

If you are not at FAULT! the other driver’s insurance company will pay for your repairs

DO’NT WAIT CALL US TODAY!

ON: 0117 9647948

CALL 01179 647948

Body Repairs

Bristol Ltd

Car body work repairs Bristol

Body Repairs Bristol Ltd specialise in car and commercial vehicle bodywork.

We are Mercedes Benz and Daf commercial approved repairers.

We are a partnership that has been established for 11 years, but we have over 50 years experience in the trade.

Top Quality Professional Job At A Competitive Price We offer:

Accident repairs

Scan this code with your mobile to go straight to our website.

Body repairs Panel beating Paint spraying Fitting of body kits One-off body styling including spoilers Import repair specialists Custom painting, inc flake, candy & pearl Body Repairs Bristol Ltd have a great deal of experience in the repair of cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles.

Unit 5 Bakers Park, Bishopsworth, Bristol, BS13 7TT

Email : info@bodyrepairsbristol.com 44

Web: www.bodyrepairsbristol.com

C J Computing (Systems) Ltd.

NO F

IX N OF

EE

COMPUTER REPAIR DATA RECOVERY VIRUS REMOVAL PC’s BUILT

COMPUTER REPAIR PROFESSIONAL SERVICE FOR HOME AND OFFICE

With over 40 years experience in PC repair give the guys at CJ Computing a call and see if our team of friendly experts can help you with your PC problems.

With our No fix No fee guarantee and very competitive prices there has never been a better time to sort your PC problems.

“GET YOUR COMPUTER RUNNING LIKE NEW”

WE SELL EVERYTHING FROM NEW PC’s TO GAMING COMPUTERS

AT COMPETITIVE PRICES www.cjcomputing.com

Email: sales@cjcomputing.com

C J

Tel: 0117 962 4553

CALL TODAY!

57 Westbury Hill, Westbury on Trym, Bristol, BS9 3AD Opposite the free Carpark on Westbury Hill

45

What is a cavity wall?

Cavity Wall construction was Introduced in the 1900’s, initially in coastal areas because of high exposure to wind driven rain. Buildings were constructed with 2 “leafs” with a gap, the cavity, and held together with “Wall Ties”. Moisture penetrating the outer wall would evaporate and run down this outer ‘leaf’, keeping the inner wall dry.

Cavity Wall Insulation (CWI) was promoted, in the 1970’s, as the solution to our energy saving conscience, and was seen as a way to improve our energy efficiency.

Government backed schemes, followed, which provided CWI to properties, to meet International emissions targets. Property owners were offered CWI at minimal or no cost, and there was an unprecedented push to insulate as many properties as possible.

This led to a large number of installers joining the market, and sales to the consumer increased one hundredfold, hindered only by poorly trained sales staff.

This push was on the back of poor regulation of the installers, poor surveying standards, poor installation practices, and inadequate guarantees..

Homeowners and tenants alike have suffered as a result. Post war, there was an immediate need to build a lot of houses.

Companies such as Laing, Wimpey built homes quickly and efficiently using new methods of fabrication on-site. Concrete was used, rather than brick on brick, so became known as System Built.

There are around one million non-traditional, System Built homes in the U.K. that used this method of construction.

Cavities, present in most ‘system built’ homes were not suitable for standard insulation materials like ‘bead’ and ‘mineral fibre’, and should not have been done. All CWI materials, badly installed or in the wrong type of property can lead to damp problems. Blown fibre and mineral wool, by the nature of its construction are able to absorb and retain moisture affecting the internal wall of the property, and causing problems, such as crumbling plaster, wallpaper lifting and furnishings damage.

46

If you have got it, you’ll know it.

Estimated that 3 million homes in the UK will suffer damage due to insulation being installed incorrectly, and in many cases should not have been done at all.There are some obvious signs of damage, caused by damp, not the least being damp patches on interior walls, wallpaper lifting or crumbling plaster.

Not so obvious are the early signs of rising damp, not helped by the CWI retaining moisture making the interior walls damp. Also, the signs of penetrating damp, where the CWI acts as a wick across the cavity.

Condensation, usually seen as a black mould growth, should not be confused with “damp damage”, insufficient ventilation often the cause.

Air vents blocked by sealant, during the process of installation, can lead to damage to floor timbers, due to lack of ventilation.

Seeking help from a reputable company will involve no expense on your part, and the free inspection will reveal if you qualify for a compensation claim. The process is straightforward and is on a No Win No Fee basis.

Remember, damp can cause long term problems, and will reduce the value of your property, and the chance to sell it, in the future.

It has been said that we are becoming a “compensation” culture, society, but in this case, the fabric of our homes has been affected, and damage experienced.

47

A SSOCIATED W INDOWS NOTHING TO PAY UNTIL 2019

T’s & C’s Apply Visit our Website For Details

Offering Homeowners Throughout Bristol A Premier Installation Service

Tel: 0117 9311777

www.associatedwindows.co.uk Trusted member of

48

Insurance

Trusted trader