North Bristol Direct Local October 2022

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

Editor

Michael Davies

Journalist

Lisa Davies

Distribution coordinator Matthew Clarke

10 High Street Shirehampton

Bristol BS11 0DP

Email: info@directlocalonline.com Website: www.directlocalbristol.co.uk

Regular editorials By: Andrea Sexton, Martin Powell Daren Bane Kayleigh Penny kierstan Lowe Corinna Ingram David Hinksman

www.elitebedsandmattressesdirect.co.uk

62/64 High Street, Shirehampton, BS11 0DJ 01172 338777

HISTORY OF HALLOWEEN

Halloween or Hallowe’en is now celebrated across the world on the night of 31st October. Modern day celebrations generally involve groups of children dressed in scary costumes roaming from house to house, demanding “trick-or-treat”. Fearing the worst, intimidated householders normally hand over vast amounts of treats in the form of chocolates, sweets and candy to avoid whatever dastardly tricks may have been dreamt up by these little miscreants. The origins of these celebrations however date back thousands of years, to pagan times.

The origins of Halloween can be traced back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. Until 2,000 years ago, the Celts lived across the lands we now know as Britain, Ireland and northern France. Essentially a farming and agricultural people, the Pre-Christian Celtic year was determined by the growing seasons and Samhain marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the dark cold winter. The festival symbolised the boundary between the world of the living and the world of the dead.

It was believed by the Celts that on the night of 31st October, ghosts of their dead would revisit the mortal world and large bonfires were lit in each village in order to ward off any evil spirits that may also be at large. Celtic priests, known as Druids, would have led the Samhain celebrations.

It would also have been the Druids who ensured that the hearth fire of each house was re-lit from the glowing embers of the sacred bonfire, in order to help protect the people and keep them warm through the forthcoming long, dark winter months.

The Romans conquered much of the Celtic tribal lands when they invaded from mainland Europe in 43 AD, and over the next four hundred years of occupa tion and rule, they appear to have assimilated many of their own celebrations into the existing Celtic festivals. One such example may help to explain the current Halloween tradition of ‘bobbing’ for apples. The Roman goddess of fruit and trees was known as Pomona (pictured to the right), and her symbol just happened to have been that of the apple.

As the Romans moved out of Britain in the early 5th century, so a new set of conquerors began to move in. First Saxon warriors raided England’s south and east coasts. Following these early Saxon raids, from around AD430 a host of Germanic migrants arrived in east and southeast England, including Jutes from the Jutland peninsula (modern Denmark), Angles from Angeln in southwest Jutland and the Saxons from northwest Germany.

The native Celtic tribes were pushed to the northern and western extremes of Britain, to present day Wales, Scotland, Cornwall, Cumbria and the Isle of Man. In the decades that followed, Britain was also invaded by a new religion. Christian teaching and faith was arriving, spreading inwards from those northern and western extremities from the early Celtic Church, and up from Kent with the arrival of Saint Augustine from Rome in 597. Along with the Christians arrived the Christian Festivals and amongst them “All Hallows’ Day”, also known as “All Saints Day”, a day to remember those who had died for their beliefs.

Originally celebrated on 13th May, it was Pope Gregory who had the date of the All Hallows’ feast moved to 1st November sometime in the 8th century. It is thought that in doing so, he was attempting to replace or assimilate the Celtic Samhain festival of the dead with a related but church approved celebration.

The night or evening of Samhain therefore became known as Allhallows-even then Hallow Eve, still later Hallowe’en and then of course Hallow een. A special time of the year when many believe that the spirit world can make contact with the physical world, a night when magic is at its most potent.

Throughout Britain, Halloween has traditionally been celebrated by children’s games such as bobbing for apples in containers full of water, telling ghost stories and the carving of faces into hollowed-out vegetables such as swedes and turnips. These faces would usually be illuminated from within by a candle, the lanterns displayed on window sills to ward off any evil spirits. The current use of pumpkins is a relatively modern innovation imported from the United States, and we can also extend the same debt of gratitude to our friends in America for that ‘quaint’ “trick-or-treat” tradition!

PLUG IN FOR CLEANER AIR

Bristol City Council’s free electric vehicle (EV) hire scheme will now include licenced Hackney Carriage drivers after a successful launch phase, as the city prepares for the Clean Air Zone in November (2022).

In March, the council launched a new scheme offering free trials of EVs to Bristol organisations to encourage them to switch to cleaner ways of travelling ahead of the zone launching on 28 November.

Organisations like businesses, charities and sole traders can trial electric vans and cars for up to two months, to see if EVs could work for them and what the benefits are.

The free EV loan scheme, which is fully funded by National Highways, allows the council’s fleet services team to purchase up to 64 vehicles in batches, with 12 cur rently on loan and 15 arriving soon. The vehicles will be available to loan to local organisations until March 2024.

From this month (September 2022), two of London Electric Vehicle Company's (LEVC) purpose-built electric TX taxis will be available to Bristol City Council licensed hackney drivers, for free loans of two to four weeks, as part of this scheme.

Councillor Don Alexander, Cabinet Member for Transport said, “I’m pleased to see our free electric van trial scheme has been hugely popular since its launch only a few months ago.

“More than 60 organisations have tested a van or car so far and had the chance to see what it’s like to rely on electric: exploring things like battery range, charging point access and the cost of keeping these vehicles on the road. Many have told us the free loan has made them accelerate their plans to add EVs to their existing fleets.

“Taxis are an important part of our transport infrastructure in Bristol, so we’re pleased to extend the free EV hire scheme to our licensed Hackney Carriage drivers. Getting a sense for the smooth ride and price of charging will present local drivers with a cleaner ve hicle choice and the opportunity to help us reduce toxic air pollution which is so harmful to our health.

“We all have a role to play in Bristol getting cleaner air and although some petrol and diesel vehicles will be allowed in the Clean Air Zone, the EV scheme provides a helpful taster step for anyone thinking about switching to electric for their business.”

Angela Halliwell, National Highways' Head of Carbon and Air Quality, said: “We are working with councils across the country to encourage businesses to make the switch to electric vehicles and we expect many more to start using electric vehicles when they experience the savings possible.

“We’ve invested £3.2 million in this initiative with Bristol City Council – a key example of how we are using designated funds to benefit the environment and communities around our roads as well as the people travelling and working on them.”

Each taxi is driven exclusively by electricity but features an additional o n-board generator (a small 1.5 litre petrol engine), which is known as a range-ex tender. This increases the number of miles that the taxi driver can travel on one charge from 64 miles to 318 miles, completely eliminating range anxiety. Featuring flexible space for up to six passengers, the TX includes an integrated wheelchair ramp and can accommodate a forward-facing wheelchair – the only taxi of its kind to do so.

Patrick Masih, a local taxi driver, said; “I’m delighted to be part of this trial. LEVC is a very elegant, durable and strong vehicle. It is the way forward to improve our local air quality, reduce noise pollution and lower carbon emissions across Bristol. It is import ant that taxi drivers test LEVC in our current fuel crisis. Trying it out allows us to accurately reflect on the big decision and financial commitment of switching to electric vehicles.”

Should the new taxis attract a very high number of free loan applications, the council will prioritise taxi drivers with vehicles which will not meet the emission standards of Bristol’s Clean Air Zone or those whose vehicles are nearing the end of their working life.

Taxi drivers applying for a free electric taxi loan must operate at least one petrol or diesel vehicle and make frequent trips in and out of the city on the M32 or other motorways and major routes or travel regularly through the Clean Air Zone.

There is a waiting list of Bristol-based organisations already signed up to try an electric van or car.

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NEW MACHINE OFFERS EASY ANALYSIS OF MALE SEMEN

With statistics verified by the NHS indicating that around one in a hundred women experience the heartbreak of recurrent miscarriage – that is losing three or more preg nancies in a row – a leading Bristol fertility clinic has taken delivery of an advanced new test machine that allows quick and accurate analysis to assess whether sperm damage may be a contributory factor.

According to Karla Turner, senior andrologist at the Bristol Centre for Reproductive Medicine (BCRM), up to half the fertility cases they see involve a problem with sperm which prove to be immature, abnormally shaped, or unable to swim when tested.

Karla Turner said: “Although the main problem very often lies with the male partner, male fertility issues are not widely discussed or investigated.

“Men with high levels of damaged sperm DNA are less likely to get their partner pregnant and have double the risk of miscarriage. The main cause of DNA damage is oxidative stress. Even if a man’s sperm count is normal, the sperm quality may not be good enough to result in a pregnancy.

“So, experts recommend semen analysis, oxidative stress and/or sperm DNA testing to provide a full picture of a man’s fertility.

“Although sometimes sperm DNA damage is beyond personal control, there are several steps that can help men improve their fertility journey, so if the test reveals a problem with a man’s sperm, he should discuss the implications with a consultant.

“Once a man knows there’s a problem with his sperm, and what the nature of that problem is, he may benefit from one of a number of treatments available to improve sperm quality - sometimes medicines, particular vitamin supple ments or lifestyle changes may help, while in other cases a form of IVF treat ment may be suggested.”

Male fertility is one of the subjects being addressed at BCRM’s upcoming open-to-all Fertility Fair, running from 10am-5pm on Saturday 10 September at their clinic at Aztec West. Attendance at the event is free of charge and includes a no-cost private mini fertility consultation for guests. Register for the event by calling 01172 591159.

“Our new test kit, the cutting-edge MiOXSYS system, measures oxidative stress and enables us to provide quickly, easily and with full confidence a measurement of the quality and potential of sperm.

Alternatively any menor couples whowish to investigate ifsperm damage may beresponsible forrecurrent miscarriageor conceptionproblems can find outmore by phoningBCRM or emailing lab@BCRM.clinic to book a semen analysis,DNA fragmentation oroxidative stress test

BCRM offers the most comprehensive and advanced fertility tests available for men wishing to find out more about their sperm count, sperm quality, fertility potential or treatment options. Full details at www.fertilitybristol.com

THE FENCE

The story kicks off on Hartcliffe council estate in Bristol during the early 1980’s. It follows Steven Knight, a working-class boy who has his motorbike stolen the day he buys it. Teaming up with his scoundrel friends he desperately tries to track it down before it’s gone for good.

In cinemas 1st October

MRS. HARRIS GOES TO PARIS

ALSO SHOWING IN CINEMAS

BLACK ADAM

PEACH & MANGO WHITE SANGRIA PEACH COCKTAIL

You may be more familiar with traditional red sangria, but this makes a deliciously delicate and fruity alternative

What you need

• 1 peach, cut into wedges

• 1 ripe mango, peeled and cut into wedges

• 100ml White rum

• 200ml Apple juice

• 75cl bottle Spanish white wine, chilled

How to make

• Heat a barbecue or griddle pan over a high heat

• Griddle the peach and mango wedges for 5 mins on each side, or until grill marks appear

• Leave to cool, then chop

• Pour the rum, apple juice and wine into a large serving jug or carafe and mix

• Add the fruit, along with a handful of ice

• Stir again and serve

• Make it a mocktail: Replace the rum and wine with 850ml diet ginger ale

This recipe has just three ingredients AND uses up that tin of peaches lurking at the back of the cupboard!

What you need

• 411g Can peach slices

• 5cm ginger, peeled and finely chopped

• 400ml Prosecco, chilled

How to make

• Add the peaches, 250ml of their juice (or make the juice up with water to 250ml) and the ginger to a food processor and blend until smooth

•

• Divide the mixture between four serving glasses and top up with prosecco to serve

PUMPKIN & DARK CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE

Ingredients

80g Unsalted butter, melted, plus extra for greasing

500g Pumpkin, peeledand cut into 1cm chunks (prepared weight)

2 x 200g packs chocolate chip cookies, broken into chunks

3 tsp ground cinnamon

750g Soft cheese

200g Caster sugar

6 large Range eggs, lightly beaten

40g 70% cocoa dark chocolate, roughly chopped

Method

Preheat the oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas

6. Grease, then line the sides and base of a 23cm springform tin

Put the pumpkin on a lined baking tray, sprinkle with water and cover tightly with foil. Bake in the oven for 45-50 mins, until very soft.

Drain off any liquid, then whizz with a hand blender until smooth. Leave to cool completely. Reduce the oven temperature to 170°C/fan 150°C/gas 3

Meanwhile, whizz the cookies and 1 tsp of the cinnamon into fine crumbs

Mix in the melted butter, tip into the lined tin and press into an even layer with the back of a spoon. Chill in the fridge

Once the pumpkin purée has cooled, weigh out 400g, draining off any water that has risen to the top, then combine with the soft cheese, sugar, egg and remaining cinnamon. Reserve 100g of the mixture, then pour the rest over the chilled cheesecake base and level off

Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of gently simmering water, then mix with the remaining 100g pumpkin batter. Spoon into a piping bag fitted with a 2mm circular nozzle

Starting in the middle, pipe concentric circles on top of the cheesecake, spaced 1-2cm apart. Next, working from the middle to the outside edge, use a cocktail stick to bleed the lines together every 2-3cm to create a cobweb pattern

Bake the cheesecake for 1 hour 30 mins — it should have a gentle wobble in the centre. Turn the oven off but leave the cheesecake inside, with the door ajar, to cool fully, then chill overnight before serving

COMPLIANCE MADE SIMPLE (PART 1)

Part 1 in our series on “Compliance made simple”

As property investors and letting agents, we are regularly having conversations with people about compliance. What often comes across is that people find it changeable and confusing. It is changeable, this is true, but it needn’t be confusing. With this in mind, we have put together a series on some of the most common compliance issues, in an attempt to explain them in a way which is succinct and non-confusing. The first in this series is one that the majority of us will have heard of – Gas safety.

Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 and subsequent amendments

THE REGULATIONS:

The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations came into force on 31st October 1998 and replaced all previous gas safety regulations. These regulations place legal duties on landlords, agents and contractors who are dealing with the rental of the property.

Requirements & Duties:

There must be a valid gas safety certificate in place during the whole duration of the tenancy, covering all gas appliances which are within the property. This certificate must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

The following items must be safe:

• Gas Appliances

• Pipework leading to the appliances

• Flues from the appliances

• The following checks must also be done:

• A mandatory yearly check to assess whether or not the system and ap pliances are safe and meet current standards

•

A check on the meter to make sure that there is no gas escaping

Penalties:

Complying with the regulations is a legal requirement, failure to do so is deemed to be a criminal offence!

The penalty for non-compliance is an unlimited fine and/or imprisonment.

Should a tenant or occupant die as a result of the regulations not being adhered to, more serious charges may be brought.

There are no grey areas when it comes to compliance - your tenants’ safety should be non-negotiable.

When it comes to compli ance it’s really simple and straightforward; make sure you know it, apply it and keep updated on it. If you do this, then your tenants will be safe and so will you!

These are issues that we deal with day in, day out, so, if we can help or assist in any way, simply give us a call on:0117 440 6789 contact us via our website, email us at angie@kpa.co.uk or benedict@kpa.co.uk or, you can find us on Facebook under KPA Property Management.

BALANCING THE BUDGET

The full impact of the unprecedented national cost of living and social care crises on the council’s finances are due to be shared in a report to be released on Tuesday 27 September.

The report, due to be considered by Cabinet on Tuesday 4 October, estimates that the council must seek to find an extra £31.1million in 2023/24 to set a balanced and legal budget.

Significant growth in inflationary pressures affecting the costs of goods, energy and services has combined with increasing demand on services, particularly in social care, means the council faces a difficult financial challenge in the coming years.

Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, said: “During our administration we've prioritised solid fiscal management, delivering annual balanced and legal budgets that have protected frontline services despite national austerity, growing demand, increased costs, and a global pandemic.

We forecast back in 2018 that the shifting focus of national government priorities and the changing role of local government would mean the council would have to change to preserve essential services. The Corporate Strategy developed at that time set out the journey we would go on to meet the changing role of the council. Whilst we remain on the path laid out in our Corporate Strategy, the impact of forces beyond our control mean that we must accelerate that change to ensure we can continue to do the things we must, to keep being there for those who need us most.

“The core function of local government is to deliver the essential services that protect the health and wellbeing of its residents, invest in the infrastructure needed to promote sustainable growth, and secure investment in creating opportunities for prosperity. These are things we will keep doing. In some core services we will need to change the way we do things to focus our attention on those who need support most.

There are also some other things we won't be able to continue to do, and, in many cases, we will have further conversations with our partners on how the city can, collectively, support those services, actions, and activities we can no longer sustain.

“I recognise the pressure this puts on already stretched sectors across our communities. I meet regularly with leaders in health, education, police, creative, business, religious, community and voluntary sectors and we openly share the challenges we face. Our challenge is a collective one, and one that can only be met with the kind of collaboration we've fostered across our city's leadership. It's in that spirit of collaboration that I will work with city partners to find ways to minimise the impact of this financial pressure on the people of Bristol.”

The report to Cabinet sets out the income and expenditure the council forecasts over the coming medium term (2023-2028). In addition to the council’s core revenue budget (called the General Fund), the report also provides forecasts for a number of other budgets which are set out separately. These include providing an update on the Dedicated Schools Grant, Housing Revenue Ac count and Capital Programme*.

Running in parallel with the financial forecasting underway, departments across the council are working with the Mayor and his Cabinet to identify areas where costs can be reduced, and savings made to meet the legal duty to deliver a balanced budget in the 2023/24 financial year.

Councillor Craig Cheney, Deputy Mayor with responsibility for Finance, Governance, and Performance, said: “Across the city we’re seeing the impact of the current national cost of living crisis and the ongoing challenge of recovering from a global pandemic. Households, businesses and charities are feeling the pressure of rising costs and unfortunate ly the council and city economy are not immune from these pressures.

The scale of the challenge we face is being replicated in local authorities across the country, with councils losing funding equivalent of 60p in the pound between 2010 and 2020 and the Local Government Association warning that at least £13billion is required to tackle the crisis in adult social care. In the absence of Westminster reversing more than a decade of austerity towards local government, we’re left with little option but to hone down our spending and in many cases bring forward the changes we expected to make in future years to make immediate savings.

“We’re not approaching this from a standing start and have been forecasting the need to reduce the amount the council delivers since 2018. We know where our legal duties lie and where we must prioritise our resources to sup port those in greatest need and deliver sustainable and inclusive growth. Now we’re clearer on the size of the challenge, our next task is to put forward the options for meeting it. We will soon publish our proposals for finding the savings and the income needed to balance the budget and encourage all in the city to engage with this challenge, so our final plan is fully informed.”

Draft proposals for meeting the budget challenge will be published shortly as part of a public consultation ahead of a budget being recommended by Cabinet in January 2023. The final decision on setting a budget for 2023/24 rests with Full Council who will meet in February 2023 to discuss and decide on the proposals put forward by Cabinet.

Bristol’s Cabinet will meet on Tuesday 4 October at 4pm to discuss this report and other key items of business. A full copy of the Medium Term Financial Plan report will be available on the council’s website along with the meeting agenda and associated papers.

NHS COVID HERO WINS WORLD TITLE IN MARTIAL ARTS

An NHS physiotherapist who turned to martial arts to deal with the stress during the pandemic has gone on to win a world title in a combat sport.

Becky Sheppard, 25, graduated in 2020 and started her first job working on respiratory conditions in intensive care after Covid-19 broke out - witnessing first-hand the devastating impact of the disease.

And the Brentry Tang Soo Do Club member then upped her training in the Korean-based art as a physical and mental outlet.

Becky has gone on to compete in world championships in the USA – taking home two gold medals and a silverfor weapons, sparring and forms respectively.

Becky, who rotates around hospitals offering support for conditions varying from stroke or injury rehabilitation, said: “Working in the NHS during the pandemic was a particularly stressful time and it could take its toll emotionally.

“It is a very rewarding role and we often see people make recoveries over time. But we also saw young, healthy people become very poorly and some would not make it. It was hard. I found Tang Soo Do helped me to focus on the moment, release physical and mental stress and generally sleep better at night.”

PUSHING PHYSICAL AND MENTAL BOUNDARIES

Becky, from Warmley, started training in Tang Soo Do with her sister, Alice, at the age of six. Her parents, who later took up the sport themselves, found it helped to improve their ‘high-energy’ daughter’s concentration at school.

But she took a break as a teenager when her parents divorced and she started studying for her GCSEs. She returned to the martial art four years later, more focused and mature. Becky, Alice and their mum have all now gained their black belts.

The former Oldfield School pupil said: “I was more serious and focused when I went back. I’ve learned now that during times of stress it’s tempting to put things you enjoy aside - but perhaps that’s when you most need it most.”

Becky, who has reached the rank of E Dan, 2nd degree, qualified for the world championships during a UK competition in the spring. She won trophies but did not perform as well as she had hoped due to a ‘mental block’.

She said: “Sometimes life gets in the way and we all have our ups and downs. I remember I’d had a particularly difficult week at work and didn’t concentrate fully or perform at my best. But that’s life and it was a motivation to pick myself up, make more time for myself and make sure I would be better next time.”

She worked with her instructor, Master Kristian Reed, to improve her technique over several months before heading off to North Carolina with over 100 members from Team GB. She competed in the Female 2nd Dan Black Belt category and the team brought back the overall male and female Grand Champion trophies. Fellow club member Mitch Hopes, 31, won two gold medals for forms and sparring in the Male 1st Dan Black Belt category.

Becky, an assistant instructor at the club, said: “I enjoy competing as it gives me a goal to work towards and winning a world title has certainly been a highlight. Competing encourages you to push yourself physically and mentally, as well as providing an opportunity to travel and meet new people.

“But I also enjoy the art itself, which promotes respect, discipline and self-defence. The club is massively family orientated and a very supportive group, with everyone working to help each other improve.

“I’ve trained with great instructors who are passionate about the art and their enthusiasm is contagious. I first trained with Master Rob Wootton, who would do a 120-move pattern, with a forward roll, to keep me motivated. I looked up to him and wanted to be able to do the same when I grew up.

“Master Reed cares about his students and is keen to share his knowledge with others. He has been successful in competitions as well and he found the techniques which worked for me.”

COBRA KAI AND TANG SOO DO

Master Reed, 29, a 4th Dan Master and European champion in weapons, forms and sparring, said: “Becky worked hard and we are all really proud of her at the club. It’s a pleasure to instruct people who want to improve, not just for com petitions, but personal development as well.”

Tang Soo Do is one of the oldest martial arts systems and it promotes self-de fence, physical and spiritual health and all-round personal development. Martial arts film star Chuck Norris is a student of the art and he displayed his techniques in films such as Way of the Dragon with Bruce Lee. And it is the same style that Kreese’s captain teaches him in Vietnam in the Netflix Cobra Kai series, which is a sequel to the 1980s Karate Kid films. Grandmaster Pat E Johnson was the martial arts choreographer for the original films and holds a 9th degree black belt in the art of Tang Soo Do.

Johnson rose through the ranks to chief instructor at Norris’ school and captain of the Chuck Norris black belt competition team. Students of Tang Soo Do have credited it with developing focus, clarity, greater flexibility and strength.

Master Reed, who started training at the age of seven and teaching at the age of 18, said: “It’s great that popular culture is raising awareness of martial arts. It’s more than just kicking and punching - it’s about following a code of conduct, developing focus, confidence and resilience.

“I’ve seen how people have been strug gling during a difficult time in life and it’s helped get them unstuck. I believe it can and does change lives.”

CITY AND PORT OF BRISTOL BOWLING CLUB

With the 2022 season drawing to a close it is time to reflect on what has been a season of change and challenge but also some success and memorable occasions.

It has been a season when the club demonstrated that bowling really is the Sport for All and also that bowling is the sport for all weathers. During the 2022 season we saw a ladies league season played early in the season when it really was cold and damp --- the cup of tea at the end served to thaw people out. The Monday Night Cup Final was played with thunder rolling around at times and rain falling --- it stopped after 16 ends!! In August the heat became intense --- some games were played --- others not. The Two Wood Pairs was postponed from August 14th to August 31st.

During the season the club provided bowling for not only club members but also members of the Bristol After Stroke Club and children --- lots of them. Some came to the sessions arranged by the bowling club on Tuesdays and some times Wednesdays --- others from the Summer Holiday Activity Club at the main Social and Sports Club. It is hoped that next season will see the formation of a Junior Section at the club.

There has been memorable highlights – Big Band Night back in April when the wonderful David Salt Big Band came to entertain for two hours --- people are still talking about it. At the end of May the club took part in the Bowls Big Weekend for the first time by putting on and open day ---- there was a banner on the bridge over the Portway, Balloons everywhere, posters and flyers --- most importantly ---there were bowlers and prospective new bowlers --- more than ten and two of them became members soon afterwards.

Early in the year --- March --- the Winter Bowling Break in Torquay was a great success and in July the Summer Tour based in Eastbourne was equally successful ---the weather was kind to the tour and the

whole event was great --- starting with the coach and drivers through the games played, the quiz and bingo and the days out --- Brighton was well ---- Brighton ---the pier and that amazing tower --- BA i 360 --- which is 162 metres high --- quite an experience.

Changes at the main Social and Sports Club early in the year presented some challenges to the Bowling Club but these have been addressed and bowling went ahead as planned.

Forty Mixed Friendly games were played on Wednesday afternoons and at weekends. Some were memorable for different reasons --- the game played at home to Yatton in September ---- on a lovely afternoon and on four rinks. Great to see so many bowlers on the green in the sunshine. The visit to West Backwell on August 28th --- always a good place to go and to see the Oak Tree planted at the end of the war to commemorate the support of America during the conflict.

The Monday evening League was won by A.N.Other who also won the Cup to complete the double. Just four teams compete in this competition on Monday evening but the competition is no less keen and competitive. Nomads were runners up in both league and cup this year.

Very few competitions were played this season and Finals Weekend turned into Finals Day with just one game being played on Saturday afternoon. David Hinksman played Carol Green for the Presidents Cup. David and Carol won their respective Four Wood Singles last season so this game was to decide --- who is the club overall champion. It was well contested and close --- with 13 of the eventual 17 ends played scores were level at 12-12. But from that point David kicked on and was first to reach the required 21 shots first to take the title.

The rearranged Two Wood Pairs --played on August 31st was won by Brian Crawley and Alan Coulstring, but it was very close. They

finished level on points with Dave Chilcott and Phil Cormack but scored just one shot more to win the trophy. The day was not all about the Two Wood Pairs --- there was another important even that day.

It was at the tea interval that presentations were made to Lis Davies who left the club in June after 25 years of membership and dedicated service. She held a number of vital offices during that time as well as running no less than 14 Summer Tours. The Fox --- not real --- that she was presented with will take pride of place in her new garden. She also received flowers, chocolates and a collection taken from members past and present.

The final game of the season is on Sunday 2nd October --- at home to Ardagh. The green will close until next April following that game.

There will once again be Sunday evening social events throughout the winter --- these will include skittles and at least one quiz.

The club AGM will be on Tuesday 25th October at 8.15 pm in the Main Club Ballroom.

For further information about the club and its activities please call David Hinksman on 07932 387217.

Bristol China Bureau marks mid-autumn festival.

Businesses have an opportunity to find out more about the work of the Bristol and West of England China Bureau and celebrate the Chinese mid-autumn festival at a special event in the city next week.

The event takes place under the theme of “All Under One Moon” - a motto associated with the traditional annual festival - at YHA Bristol in Narrow Quay on Thursday, 6th October.

It is being hosted by the bureau and supported by the China National Tourist Office, Guizhou Province and the bureau’s partner organisation, Make It China.

“During the evening guests will be treated to a rich cultural experience, outlining the background to this prominent festival, which is similar to our own Harvest Festival and celebrates the fruits of summer and the onset of autumn,” says Dianne Francombe OBE, chief executive of Bristol and West of England China Bureau.

“We shall introduce and highlight China’s beautiful Guizhou Province, a landlocked province in the south of the country, and there will be a chance to enjoy tasty authentic Chinese cuisine.

“China is a huge and growing market and we are working to strengthen relationships and expand our connections there by providing a platform for businesses and individuals to develop understanding and connect with like-minded organisations.”

The runs from 6-9pm at YHA Bristol. Tickets can be booked at: https://www. eventbrite.com/e/mid-autumn-festi val-tickets-410394148947

NO.1 BIGGEST MISTAKE BUSINESSES MAKE WHEN HEADING INTO A RECESSION

With the Bank of England raising interest rates as Britain’s worst bout of inflation for 40 years hit, world-renowned busi ness coach Brad Sugars is warning business owners against taking a natural reaction of battening down the hatches.

“The first thing business tend to do in a recession is stop their marketing activ ities to save money. If our businesses made it through the 2008 crash, we thought we were plain sailing until the pandemic hit and now global forces are threatening us once again. Now’s the time to dig deep, get the marketplace coming to you by learning what will really work if you’re committing your marketing spend,” said Brad.

Brad is a serial entrepreneur who has turned around hundreds of companies over the last 30 years, but he’s also teamed up with award-winning author of They Ask, You Answer Marcus Sheridan for a speaking tour of the UK in November. Marcus saved his swimming pool company, Rivers and Spas, from the brink of collapse during the economic recession of 2008 and ultimately became the most trafficked swimming pool website in the world.

The story of how he managed to attract enough of an audience to achieve this has been featured in multiple books, publications and case studies across the globe.

Touring from Bristol to Edinburgh across 7 locations, the evening event will help you spark insightful conversations with your marketing team, get you communicating with like-minded individuals and allow you to collaborate and inspire each other in an environment like no other.

“All too often, business owners don’t get back what they put in, in terms of time, effort and investment, because the strategies they’ve learnt are either outdated or not implementable in the real world. The insights we share on our tour explain how you can get your prospects raising their hand to come to you through engaging techniques, creating long-term relationships and value,” added Brad.

Starting from 2nd November in Bristol and ending on 10th November in Sheffield, the Raise Your Hand, Raise Your Profits tour has tickets available from £24. The team at ActionCOACH Bristol are giving away a free ticket with every complimentary coaching session booked between now and 31st October. To find out more or click here.

NORTH BRISTOL ART TRAIL

The annual North Bristol Art Trail will be taking place on the weekend of the 25th27th November 2022 in venues around Bishopston, Redland, Horfield, St An drew’s, Ashley, and Henleaze. 110 artists will be showing their work in homes and community venues and you are warmly invited to come along and see what they have been creating.

Now in its 21st year, the North Bristol Arts Trail is one of the most important events in the Bristol art calendar. The artists tak ing part are a mixture of professionals and amateurs, and they have so much that they want to share with you. Taking a walk around the trail you will find paintings, prints, ceramics, jewellery, sculpture, photography, textiles and much more. There will be something to suit all budgets, from larger original pieces to inexpensive gifts and greetings cards.

But an art trail is not just about buying art. The North Bristol Artists are passionate about being creative. They love making their work and they really enjoy being able to show it to you, even if you are not an art-buyer. When visitors come and look at their work, they love it. So please feel free to come into artists’ homes and see what they have on display.

There is no pressure to buy, or even to chat to the artist, so don’t feel anxious about visiting any of the trail venuesyou are very welcome!

Many artists will be raising money for charity over the art trail weekend. Some will be donating the money raised from the sale of artwork to their chosen charity, while others will be providing refreshments to raise money. The North Bristol Artists know how lucky they are to be able to spend time on their art, the thing that they love. Using their art to raise money for good causes is a way of helping others too.

A number of venues will be offering refreshments and music, which is another good reason to have a walk aro und the trail and have a great day out in this creative area of the city. You can find out all about the artists taking part in this year’s trail and the venues where they will be showing their work at: www.northbristolartists.org.uk.

Art trail maps will be available to pick up from shops and cafes around the trail area from the beginning of November. In the meantime, keep up with all of the NBA news by following North Bristol Artists on social media and signing up for the email newsletter on the website

Take a break and tryto solve theses puzzles

SUDOKU

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

Good luck!

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EASY HARD MEDIUM EXTREME

ESCAPE THE MAZE

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Your Garden In October

Autumn is officially here! October, in all its glory, gives us a wonderful display of colours. The trees are beginning to lose their leaves in abundance as they become dormant for winter, telling us that the change of season is in full swing.

The days are much shorter and cooler and we can feel autumn chill in the air. Although trees are the stars of the month, October is time to think about how the garden will look when it wakes from hibernation.

There are plants to be cut back and left tidy for the winter, shrubs to be planted or moved, summer plants to be removed and replaced with winter hardy bedding, bulbs to be strategically placed in borders and the lawn to be fed and given its final mow October may bring with it the beginning of quiet times for the garden –but not for the gardener.

TIDY PERENNIALS

Perennials are not difficult plants to care for, but trimming them after flowering finishes in autumn helps to improve their appearance and give a boost to next year’s flowering. Using a knife, shears or secateurs, cut stems close to the ‘crown’ or dormant base of the plant.

Any crowded clumps of perennials can also be lifted, divided and replanted. Take the opportunity to remove weeds as you prune before applying a light mulch to protect from any hard frost.

PLANT TREES AND SHRUBS

October is the ideal month to plant trees and shrubs. Although the container grown plants can be planted at any time of the year they are easier to care for if planted in the autumn or winter. The ground is damp and still warm which gives the perfect conditions to allow roots to become established before winter sets in.

PLANT AUTUMN BEDDING

Any remaining summer bedding will be looking very tired by now and is best cleared and replaced for a fresher display. Autumn bedding such as pansy and primrose will give an instant lift to the garden and they look great planted between the shrubs in the border. Myositis, which produces masses of small flowers with the little white eyes and Sweet William, which provides a colourful carpet of flowers from spring through summer are both ideal for over wintering if planted now.

LOOKING GOOD THIS MONTH...

CONIFERS

WHY SHOULD YOU PLANT THEM?

Conifers are hardy evergreen trees and shrubs that suit any garden. They come in a huge range of shape and sizes and textures and the colour can be anything from yellow or light green through to dark green and blue. Easy to care for and long lasting, conifers are the ideal choice for any gardener looking for a low maintenance but high impact plant.

HOW SHOULD YOU PLANT THEM?

Dwarf conifers are good for containers and larger shrubs and trees make good hedging or garden features. They are happy in any soil in the sun or shade. Newly planted conifers will need watering until established.. After flowering, sheer back dead flower stems to keep the plant looking full.

OCTOBER

HOROSCOPES

Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18

Things that have felt held up, should begin to move more freely soon. This could be projects or new ideas, that have been on your mind for a while. Relationships are also highlighted at this time from family, friendships and romance

Communication is a very valid key in this area, with listening, and how and what you say.

Keywords things releasing, relationships and communication

Taurus Apr 20 - May 20

Although you have not been in the best frame of mind recently, which is understandable with strange present circumstances, as well as looking after you, be aware of others needs and try to be more sensitive when necessary. Hope fully, you will now be feeling a little more optimistic and resuming some things that were on hold . This could be a time to look round and start to sort a few things out, I kind of Autumn Spring clean.

Keywords. You time and sensitive to others. restricted

Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 2

Any obstacles, and hold-ups should begin to diminish soon. It may help if you do some clearing, maybe in your home, and also allow some time for yourself, to allow relaxation and new ideas to come through.Try not to overthink things, and give yourself the chance to find the balance that will keep you in great form.

Keywords. You time, clearing and balance.

Gemini May 21 - June 20

Communication is highlighted for you at this time. Be aware of others needs and sensitivities, as sometimes you can let words come out that are better held back. It may also pay to be a little more flexible in certain situations, there is a strength in being flexible and sensitive.If you find this hard to do, you it as something you can learn from.

Keywords. Communication, sensitivity and learning.

Aries Mar 21 - Apr 19

This may be a good time to look around your home and see what needs to be changed. If you have had ideas and have never got round to them, maybe now would be a good time to do so. You may also find other projects that you have put off are coming to mind, try not to take everything all in one go. Maybe sit quiet and go with your intuition as where to start first.

Keywords. Home, projects and intuition.

Cancer June 21 - July 22

This could be a good time to do an autumn cleaning, whether it be physically or emotionally. Try and be aware of your intuition as this is high lighted for you at this time, instead of ploughing on just because something is what you would like. Intuition is there as a very helpful thing as long as we actually listen to it.

Keywords. Autumn clearing And intuition

Leo July 23 - Aug 22

You may have felt reluctant to change things, and you may find now, that you are feeling restless, and it may now be time to look for new ideas and inspirations. Some of the ideas you have had recently maybe worth looking at to bring into fruition.

Keywords inspiration and opportunities.

Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21

Here seems to be a few opportu nities to get together with some people in small gatherings. You may find this will give you informa tion, And ideas for either business or hobbies. This could be a good time for studying or research.

Keywords gathering information, Study..

Virgo Aug 23 - Sept 22

You may find you have a moment of illumination, with a great idea. Try not to let people put you down, and to be aware of your own inner strength, and your capabilities.Balance and looking after you, are important at this time.You may already be considering buying things for Christmas, Keywords. Looking after yourself

Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21

This seems to be a very good time to work with your intuition. Things that are bothering you at the moment, are likely to ease over the next few weeks, especially if you are working with your intuition.

Keywords intuition, relationships and House and Home

Libra Sept 23 - Oct 22

You may be feeling things are being held up, and there are obstacles stopping you from moving forward to achieve your goals.Try not to let things stress you out, take a deep breath and give yourself a few moments to bring back some calm and balance.This should help you to avoid missing opportunities or new ideas.

Keywords balance, calm, opportunities.

Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19

It may be an idea to step back and look at a situation, or just things in general, and see what needs to be changed.It may mean doing a clearing physically or emotionally, this will be good and allow new things, ideas to come into your life. Communication is highlighted at this time.

Keywords. Clearing, new things, and communication

Forecasted by Marie Hayward

Disclaimer

This zodiac is for entertainment purposes only please do not take the predictions seriously Marie take no responsibility for your actions