North Somerset Direct Local November 2022

NORTH SOMERSET MAGAZINE November 2022

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This Month..

4. Birnbeck Pier saved 6. New music experience 8. Bristol renters share 12. Wakanda forever 16. Creamy cappuccino cocktail 20. Compliance made simple (part2) 22. Cars for good causes 24. Royal Mail has unveiled a new set of stamps 26. Call for a Backwell heart 32. Survey says Bristolians are most stressed 36. Your garden 38. Horoscopes

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. Elite Use of adverts need written permission Beds designed .pdf by1 us will 25/04/2022 10:23 first.

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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

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3

BIRNBECK PIER SAVED FROM BRINK OF COLLAPSE

The National Heritage Memorial Fund has saved Birnbeck Pier from collapse by awarding it £3.55 million from the Cultural Assets Fund. (CAF).

Since opening in 1867, Birnbeck Pier has been part of the DNA of Weston-super-Mare as a traditional seaside town, played a vital role during the Second World War as a site of experimental activities and weapons testing and was the backdrop to a famous 1963 publicity photograph of the then up and coming group The Beatles.

It is also the only pier in the UK to link to an island. As well as a great claim to fame, the link allowed the RNLI to set up a lifeboat station on Birnbeck Island in 1882 and for 132 years volunteer lifeboat crew used the pier to access their station.

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However, the pier was closed to the public in 1994 and it was placed on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register in 1999. The RNLI were forced to leave their station on the island in 2014 as the pier became too dangerous to walk across.

After decades of neglect and deterioration, accelerated by stretched resources during the pandemic, the Grade II* Listed pier is in grave danger of collapsing into the sea.

For many years, partners have worked together to try to save the pier. There is now hope on the horizon as North Somerset Council, have joined forces with the RNLI to secure its future.

With today’s funding from the National Heritage Memorial Fund and further funding from Historic England and the RNLI, the ‘legs’ of the pier will be stabilised and restored and a walkway installed, reinstating access to the Island. This vital first phase will allow North Somerset Council to move forward with their plans to see the Island regenerated for the benefit of the Weston community enabling the RNLI to pursue their ambition to re-establish a lifesaving facility on the island.

Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust (£9.9m)

Mark Canniford, Executive Member for Placemaking and Economy at North Somerset Council, said: “This money is vital in our efforts to save the pier and start regenerating this treasured site. We are working tirelessly to secure a sale with the private owner, whilst continuing in parallel with the Compulsory Purchase Order. We hope this will shortly result in us owning the pier and allow us to start using the National Heritage Memorial Funding to save the pier, restore public access and get the RNLI back onto the island to continue their lifesaving work.”

Macclesfield Silk Mills (£308,975)

Adrian Carey, RNLI Head of Region, said: "This successful grant funding from the National Heritage Memorial Fund is a significant step towards North Somerset Council’s wider plan for the regeneration of Birnbeck. The grant means that the RNLI can move forward with the next stage of engineering and design works to restore access to the Island and reinstate a volunteer lifeboat station. While the success of the project is still dependent on many factors the charity is encouraged by this positive news."

Administered by the National Heritage Memorial Fund, the government funded Cultural Assets Fund has awarded over £20m to nationally important heritage sites and assets across England which were left at risk because of the pandemic.

BIRNBECK PIER IS ONE OF 11 PROJECTS SHARING THE FUNDING. THE OTHERS ARE:

SS Shieldhall (£196,415) Torre Abbey (£363,748) Vigilance of Brixham (£820,000) Joem Locomotive (£123,842) Type Archive Collective (£1,409,861) Hurst Castle (£500,000) Waltham Abbey Royal Gunpowder Mills (£420,575) Historic Chapels Trust (£3.6m) Dr Simon Thurley, Chair of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, said: “I am thrilled to announce our funding for the future of Birnbeck Pier which will support The RNLI and North Somerset Council in their mission to bring this hugely important heritage site back into beneficial use.

“We’re extremely proud to have administered £20m of government funding for some of England’s incredible heritage sites and assets – from historic ships and locomotives to castles and chapels – helping them to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic.”

Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England, said: “This is most welcome news for Birnbeck Pier and for Weston-super-Mare. We have been proud to work with the Council, the RNLI and others over many years to try to save this celebrated Victorian structure.

This award is an important milestone and brings our collective vision for the pier a step closer to being realised.

Arts Minister Stuart Andrew, Department of Digital, Culture Media and Sport, said: "I'm delighted that we are supporting the regeneration of Birnbeck Pier with £3.55 million in funding. Heritage is an important part of what makes a place so special. It connects us to our history, brings in visitors and makes us proud of where we live. Thanks to this National Heritage Memorial Fund grant, this iconic pier will once again be the pride of Weston-super-Mare."

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A NEW MUSIC SERIES FOR THE BRAVE AND CURIOUS Bristol Beacon will host an experiential evening of music presenting brand-new commissions from Carman Villain and the Manchester Camerata Ensemble this November It’s classical music like you’ve never heard before as Manchester Camerata bring sound, excitement and creativity to their innovative ensemble. A breath-taking performance will transcend the hall at St. George’s in Bristol on Tuesday 8th November, hosted by Bristol Beacon.

A music series for the brave and curious, Unquiet is a triumph of beauty that redefines classical music with its contemporary and untraditional overtures and scores. Featuring new commissions from Carmen Villain and Afrodeutsche and performing the music by Bruce Dessner, Hildure Gudandottir, Philip Glass and Mica Levi - audiences can expect to be exhilarated as the music takes them on a powerful, emotive journey.

An acclaimed duo of composers, conductors and curators, together they explore their voices, drawing inspiration from their vigorous history of collaborations and passion for electronic and classical music to produce music that’s both cinematic and easy to dance along to.

Through experimenting with composition and production, rich, detailed, abstract soundscapes are created with stunning harmonies and melodies. This is truly set to be a mesmerising event set in the heart of Bristol in the grand setting of the former Georgian church.

Conductor, curator and composer, Robert Ames, said: With Unquiet, we’re building an outlet for people to experience music in a live setting that reflects eclectic listening tastes. I’m excited to collaborate with minimalist greats, electroacoustic pioneers, DJ’s and producers.”

Matt Aitken, Senior Music Programmer at Bristol Beacon, said: “We’re hugely lookNorwegian-Mexican artist and producer, ing forward to Unquiet and are delighted Carmen Villain, makes atmospheric music to be able to introduce the Manchester made up of tapestries of field-recordings, Camerata to new audiences in Bristol. acoustic instruments such as flute, With a world premiere from up and comclarinet, piano and electronics, ing electronic artist Carmen Villain on the culminating in her own distinctive sound programme, as well as work from such which combines elements of fourth world, renowned composers as Afrodeutsche, dub and ambient.

Philip Glass and Mica Levi, this will be a really interesting concert of contemporary Also performing at the incredible evening work”. will be Robert Ames and Ben Corrigan as CARBS. Tickets for the unforgettable show are now available on the Bristol Beacon website. Doors open at 7:30pm with the performance starting at 8pm.

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BRISTOL’S RENTERS SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCES People in the city are able to share their experiences of renting from a private landlord or letting agent in Bristol.

A new survey asks renters to share information about their experience of renting in Bristol, and this information will be used to inform the work of the Living Rent Commission.

The commission, which is made up of representatives from across the housing sector including renters, is exploring the issues facing people who rent and options to tackle the rent crisis in the city, ultimately looking at how Bristol can become a living rent city, without having a negative impact on the quality or availability of rental property.

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Councillor Tom Renhard, Cabinet Member for Housing Delivery and Homes, said: “In Bristol we face a housing crisis. We have more than 18,000 households on our waiting list for social housing, along with over 1,100 households in temporary accommodation. The cost of renting in this city is one key cause alongside the lack of security that renters have in the private rented sector. This is why we set up the Living Rent Commission.

“The powers needed to ensure the rental market is accessible and works for all do not exist. The powers come from government, so we want to work with Westminster on policy development to reform the private rented sector, enabling Bristol to become a Living Rent City.

“I would ask everyone with experience of renting in Bristol in the last five years to consider taking part in the survey.

Your answers will help us to understand what renters are experiencing in the private rented sector in the city and help inform the work of the commission.”

The Living Rent Commission was launched in July 2022 following a Renters’ Summit which took place in March.

The principle aims of the commission are to: •

Improve affordability of the private rented sector

•

Understand the impact of regulation on rent prices including on housing quality and maintenance

•

Identifying the most effective rent controls

Consider what other powers are required Consider how to empower tenants’ rights Co-chair of the commission, Professor Alex Marsh from the University of Bristol, said: “The commission is a great opportunity to bring people together to identify policy changes and innovative actions that will improve the city's private rented sector. To do this we need a clear picture of tenants' current experiences of private renting and the problems they're facing. So, we're keen that as many tenants as possible complete our survey and tell us about their situation. All the information is being collected anonymously.”

The survey has been extended until Sunday 13 November. You can take part here: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/ BristolRentersSurvey/ The information provided will be analysed by researchers at the University of Bristol. This analysis will inform the work of the commission and its final report. The report will be published later this year.

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HISTORY OF AVONMOUTH DOCK

A port has existed in Bristol since Roman times, forming a crucial connection between England and the world. This proud shipping tradition is still up.

The Pill Hobblers are known to have existed in 1494. They still provide the linesmen who handle the lines for all shipping coming through the locks and onto the quaysides at Avonmouth and Royal Portbury Docks. Bristol was THE ROMANS England’s second largest city by the Portus Abonae was the name of the Ro- 1760s but the docks were losing trade to Liverpool as they were so congested man port at Sea Mills, up river from the modern business, where the Romans es- and Liverpool had more capacity. The crowded City Docks also had probtablished a military town and port in the lems when fire spread amongst closely 1st Century AD. Archaeologists have packed ships. Bristol trades included identified that the Roman period of exports of woollen and other manufacoccupation ended during the 4th tured goods and imports of sugar cane, Century AD. Visitors can still see tobacco, rum and cocoa.

Roman remains today at Sea Mills and Kings Weston Roman Villa.

The Severn Estuary has the third highest tidal range in the world (after the Bay THE HISTORY OF BRISTOL CITY DOCKS of Fundy and Bay of Ungava, both in Canada) and even in Bristol City Docks are located the centre of Bristol the water six miles inland from where level can change as much the River Avon as 12m each tide. flows into the Severn Estuary. The city develThe creation of Avonmouth oped where it was most Dock was motivated by convenient to cross the the need to accommodate Avon and where ships larger ships being built could be carried to the during the Industrial harbour on the tidal current.

Revolution. These ships were In 1239, the first quays were often too big to navigate the built along the River Frome winding six miles from the city to the near where it joins the River Avon mouth of the River Avon, and as a result, in what is now the centre of Bristol. By the 14th Century, Bristol was trading with they would often run aground and block all shipping until the wreck could be countries such as Spain, Portugal, and Iceland. John Cabot set sail from Bristol cleared. To solve this problem, three entrepreneurial Bristol businessmen in 1497 hoping to find the passage to Eastern Indonesia but discovered Amer- decided to build a new dock at Avonmouth - right at the mouth of the ica/Newfoundlandinstead. A replica of River Avon. The dock opened in 1877, his ship The Matthew was built in 1996 but it initially failed to prosper because it and in 1997 she followed the same course as John Cabot and sailed across was in competition with the City Docks, to Newfoundland to recreate this historic which were run by the Port of Bristol Authority (PBA). However, in 1884 the voyage. The Matthew is often moored PBA took over Avonmouth Docks too, alongside the other iconic Bristol-built and under the same organization, the ship open to visitors today - ss Great dock began to prosper. In 1908 AvonBritain, the world’s first screw-propelled, mouth Docks were extended and the ocean-going, iron ship.

Royal Edward Dock was opened by His Majesty King Edward VII. 10

Left photo of Avonmouth docks in 1968 Above is a image of the docks of Avonmouth docks opening in 1877.

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WAKANDA FOREVER

Queen Ramonda, Shuri, M’Baku, Okoye and the Dora Milaje fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s death. As the Wakandans strive to embrace their next chapter, the heroes must band together with the help of War Dog Nakia and Everett Ross and forge a new path for the kingdom of Wakanda.

In cinemas 11th November

ALSO SHOWING IN CINEMAS

EMILY

BLACK ADAM 13

HOW TO BURN AT HOME SAFELY As the colder nights draw in, residents who burn wood or other solid fuels at home are being reminded of ways to do this safely and legally.

Burning at home can emit dangerous pollution both inside and outside, known as fine particulate matter (PM2.5).

Fine particulate matter is known to cause serious illnesses, such as asthma, lung cancer, COPD and stroke.

Burning wood also emits more carbon dioxide than oil or gas.

The council is advising residents to check that they are using approved stoves, appliances and fuel to help reduce air pollution inside and outside.

The City of Bath is a designated Smoke Control Area, which means it’s illegal to burn smoky fuels such as wood and coal in an open fireplace or in a non-approved wood burning or multi-fuel stove.

Unless people are using an exempt appliance, they can only burn fuel on the list of authorised fuels from DEFRA, such as anthracite or low volatile steam coal.

A list of exempt appliances from DEFRA can be found here. Only the type of fuel stated by the manufacturer can be used.

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Under the Clean Air Act, anyone within the Smoke Control Area not complying with the law could be fined up to £1,000.

Information on financial assistance that may be available to make energy efficiency improvements to your home can be found at https://www.energyathome. org.uk Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for Transport, said: “As winter draws in and during this cost of living crisis, more people than ever are considering how to heat their homes in the cheapest way they can. However, if done incorrectly, home burning can pose a danger to our health and that of others living nearby.

“If you live inside the Smoke Control Area, please check that you’re using the correct wood burning appliance and the correct fuel inside and outside your home. There’s no proven safe level of PM2.5, so the more we can do to reduce emissions, the less impact we will have on air quality and ultimately our health.

“If you live outside the Smoke Control Area, there are currently no restrictions to what you can burn, but we strongly recommend that you follow the same advice.”

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Ginger 50ml dry gin 150ml iron brew Sprig of rosemary, to serve

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PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY CHEESECAKE Ingredients

Method

80g Butter, melted, plus extra for greasing

Preheat the oven to 190C/fan 170C/Gas 5 Butter a square 20cm tin and line with greaseproof paper

250g Digestive biscuits For the filling: 400g Soft cheese 150g caster sugar 200g Smooth peanut butter 3 Eggs, plus 2 yolks 5 tbsp Strawberry jam

Crush the biscuits (by hand or in a food processor) into crumbs and stir in the melted butter Spoon into the bottom of the tin and press down to form the base Beat together the soft cheese, sugar and peanut butter, then add the eggs and yolks and mix again until combined Pour on top of the biscuit base, then swirl the jam over the top Bake for 25 mins, until just set. Leave to cool before cutting into squares

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COMPLIANCE COMPLIANCEMADE MADESIMPLE SIMPLE (PART 1)

Part 2 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 nonconfusing. The second in this series is one that the majority of us will have heard of – Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms.

The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 (and amendment which comes into force on 1st October 2022)

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The Regulations: The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations came into force on 1st October 2015. It is the landlord's responsibility to ensure that working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms, if applicable, are installed.

Requirements & Duties: Private sector landlords are required to install at least one smoke alarm on each storey of the premises as well as a carbon monoxide alarm in any room containing a solid fuel burning appliance. HMO Requirements vary upon the size and number of storeys the property has.

If battery operated smoke alarms are fitted to the premises, the Landlord must ensure they are in working order at the start of the tenancy. The tenant is then responsible for testing the alarms periodically and changing batteries as required.

Whilst carbon monoxide alarm regulations apply only to solid fuel appliances, it is good practice to install a CO alarm where there is a gas appliance too.

Penalties: If a landlord does not install the appropriate alarms, the local authority can impose a fine of up to £5,000 NB: New regulations come into force on 1st October 2022 which amend the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015. These new regulations state that all rented properties in England, must provide a carbon monoxide alarm, in rooms used as living accommodation, where there is a fixed combustion appliance, such as gas heaters and boilers. Where previously, the requirements only applied to solid fuel combustion appliances, such as wood burners. The rules, will, however, not extend to gas cookers.

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CARDS FOR GOOD CAUSES CHARITY OPENS A CHRISTMAS POP-UP SHOP IN OCTOBER Christmas pop-up shop at Tyndale Baptist Church aims to raise funds for charity.

Christmas isn’t Christmas without receiving a card or gift from Cards for Good Causes! This year, Cards for Good Causes at Tyndale Baptist Church, Whiteladies Road is opening its annual pop-up shop with the help of local volunteers. The doors will be open from 14th October to 18th December 2022 and will sell a wide range of gorgeous Christmas cards and gifts, all of which raise money for local and national charities.

Buzzing with festive good cheer, the pop-up shops invite local residents, visitors and tourists to shop for good causes and explore the selection of beautiful seasonal gifts, stocking fillers, wrap, decorations and tableware.

Their card selection this year features an amazing mix of traditional religious cards, gorgeous old masters, beautiful landscapes, as well as festive favourites and cute animals, there’s something for everyone!

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The full list of pop-up shops can be found here: www.cardsforcharity.co.uk/ look-for-a-card-shop With the help of supporters, Cards For Good Causes festive shops aim to raise 500,000 pounds this Christmas season in aid of over 70 local and national charities. They’re the cards and gifts that give back!

Cards for Good Causes is a charity, operating for over 60 years with a sole aim of raising funds for UK charities by being a one-stop-shop for gifts and cards. Just some of the charities Cards for Good Causes will be supporting this year include: Diabetes UK, RNLI, British Heart Foundation, Alzheimers UK, Epilepsy UK, MS Society along with many more local charities.

The Shop Manager at Bristol for Cards for Good Causes says: “We can’t wait to meet everyone this year in our shop!

Please come volunteer with us, or come and get your Christmas gifts whilst supporting the charities of your choice. I wish everyone a very festive Christmas and hope to see you soon!”

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ROYAL MAIL CELEBRATES BRISTOL’S AARDMAN ANIMATION

Royal Mail has unveiled a new set of stamps featuring Aardman Animations' most cherished characters, including Wallace and Gromit, Morph, and Shaun the Sheep. The Bristol-based animation studio, which was founded in 1972, is celebrated for its films using stop-motion and clay modelling animation techniques. The British postage service company has partnered with Aardman to showcase some of their most iconic characters on eight new stamps. They include well-loved Wallace and Gromit, Feathers McGraw, Shaun the Sheep, Timmy, Robin, Morph and Chas, Frank the Tortoise, Rocky, and Ginger.

Speaking about the collaboration, Royal Mail’s director of external affairs and policy David Gold said in a online statement: “This set of stamps will surely bring a smile to everyone’s face. These instantly recognisable, iconic animated characters have found a place in our hearts. We are certain they will add a bit of joy to any envelope.”

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In addition to the eight stamps, an exclusive miniature sheet, created specially for Royal Mail by Aardman, will also be available.

On the miniature sheet, Wallace and Gromit celebrate four of their favourite cracking moments by displaying them proudly on their wall, in their recognisable home at 62 West Wallaby Street.

Key moments on the stamps include those from Wallace and Gromit animated short films A Matter Of Loaf And Death, The Wrong Trousers, A Close Shave and A Grand Day Out. Aardman’s managing director Sean Clarke said: “We are delighted to partner with Royal Mail to celebrate some of our most iconic characters in this colourful and fun-packed stamps series.

“We have had the pleasure of creating these films featuring these much-loved characters over the last 40 years, so it is a real honour for the studio to receive this royal stamp of approval.

“It’s a true testament to all the hard work that goes into making these productions and we are sure that our fans will enjoy them.”

Aardman was founded by Peter Lord and David Sproxton, who began their animation partnership while at school when they created a character called Aard-man, which the BBC bought for its Vision On series and marked the creation of Aardman Animations.

Lord, 67, and Sproxton, 68, began to gain widespread recognition after creating the now-highly recognisable shape-shifting clay character Morph for the BBC’s Take Hart series.

Aardman are also responsible for creating some of the most successful stop-motion films, including Chicken Run, after British animator Nick Park joined the company.

The Aardman collaboration stamps are now available to pre-order from www.royalmail.com/aardman and will be on general sale from October 19.

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CALL FOR A BACKWELL HEART

Backwell in North Somerset needs a new social heart to support village life as an increasing number of new homes are set to be built, says local property specialist Andrew Simmonds.

With hundreds of new homes given permission by North Somerset Council local people have expressed concern at the pressure on schools and the medical centre. But Mr Simmonds, a director of Parker’s Estate Agents, says a coffee shop where people can meet and chat is a priority.

He said: “The village has a fantastic sporting heart with the tennis, football and bowls club and shopping heart at Rodney Road and the Post Office but there are few places where people can meet in the day, socialise and chat.

“With a major prominent unit about to become available on the crossroads it would be great if this became that heart.

It is just across the road from the Village Hall and WI Hall and together the three buildings would form a village heart that would be good for existing residents and future development.

“Villages need to keep the facilities that make them attractive in the first place and it is vital that Backwell is not swamped with new homes and does not become a dormitory. At Parker’s we are committed to the village and want to help people find the right homes to suit their time of life.

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“There is already a good mix of properties and recent planning permissions mean there are more to come. There are limited opportunities to create a social centre that would serve existing residents and newcomers alike, so it would be a shame if the opportunity at the crossroads is missed.

“The pressure on schools and doctors is real but these tend to get addressed eventually by local authorities and public bodies. Social facilities are more difficult to regulate for and invariably rely on individuals and groups to get them started.”

Mr Simonds said the crossroads café would be a place for those with young families, pensioners and business people working from home to meet and chat during the day. The unit on the crossroads, currently has previously been an Indian Restaurant and the offices of a property company.

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24/01/2019 11:54

TRAINING WORKSHOP IN LOSS, GRIEF AND BEREAVEMET A training workshop for healthcare and end-of-life professionals to help them understand the impact of grief is taking place on Thursday November 24 at Bristol Memorial Woodlands in Alveston.

The half-day workshop will look at loss, grief and bereavement and aims to build the skills of professionals to support themselves and others through the feelings people experience when someone close dies.

Organised by the funeral venue in partnership with training provider Gentle Dusk, the workshop will also look at the current theoretical approaches to loss and gain insight into the diversity of experiences in relation to bereavement.

The training is being delivered by Mireille Hayden, founding partner of Gentle Dusk which provides training and events around death, dying and bereavement.

She said: “With Covid and the death of the Queen we have all been through times recently where the feelings of loss of many kinds have been felt by the nation. Many have lost loved ones. Covid and confinement meant that many people went through grief at a time where there was isolation and lack of social support.”

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The event will take place on 24th November from 2pm to 5.30pm in the reception rooms at Bristol Memorial Woodlands, a funeral setting with 100 acres of burial woodland, providing families with a place to visit and remember loved ones for years to come.

Previous workshops have been welcomed by healthcare professionals who said it gave them the opportunity to talk about death in a “no holds barred fashion” in a beautiful relaxing setting.

Places are free for local professionals working in healthcare but limited to 25 for this workshop. To book email your name, title and organisation to event co-ordinator Sophie Thomas on sophie@gentledusk.org.uk. For more information visit www.memorialwoodlands.com

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OVER 30’s DANCE PARTY at the superb BAWA Club, Filton on the FIRST Friday of EVERY MONTH (except No Dance in JAN or AUG and the APRIL DANCE is on FRI 14th) It’s The Ideal Night Out For The 30 * 40 * 50 * 60 Age Range.

Come and Dance Amongst A Friendly Lively Crowd. Enjoy A Good Mix of Music, Dancing Thru’ the Decades including some Motown and Soul Favourites. Club times are 9 ‘til 1 (last entry 11pm) – Very Smart Casual NO Tee Shirts or Trainers & Gents are Required To Wear Collared Shirts. Dance adm £8 For more Info call 07860578708 or go to www.mingles.co.uk Facebook: Luv2mingle 29

WARM PLACES PLANNED IN BRISTOL

There will be warm communal places set up in Bristol for people who cannot afford to heat their homes this coming winter.

As energy bills are set to rise again in October, fears are mounting about the many people who will struggle to pay their heating bills as the weather gets colder. Bristol City Council is planning to set up “warm places” across the city to help people who can’t pay.

Marvin Rees, the mayor of Bristol, made a plea for help providing these warm places, and money to set them up. The spaces could also provide support for people with food, education and financial advice.

Average energy bills increased in April by £693 after Ofgem, the regulator, lifted its price cap in response to huge jumps in wholesale gas prices, partly linked to the war in Ukraine.

Ofgem is expected to increase the price cap again this October, meaning bills could go up even further, adding more pressure to people’s pockets just as many turn their heating back on.

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Mr Rees said: in a online statement: “It almost sounds like wartime, but we’ll be working with community organisations and partners around the city to set up warm places that people can go to if they need to, come the autumn when people need to turn their heating on again.

"We’ll be looking at a number of characteristics for these places and we’re exploring what we can do at the moment.

“It’ll be a warm place, there’ll be homework support, services there, financial advice. Hopefully we’ll be able to align it with some of the programmes we have to tackle hunger as well.

"But it will be a real community hub where we can bring people together, and break down isolation as we go into those colder months.”

We will bring you more on this when we have a full list of the places you can use as warm places

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BRISTOLIANS ARE MOST STRESSED ABOUT HOW TO PACK THEIR STUFF WHEN MOVING HOMES According to a recent survey Bristolians are most stressed about how to move their belongings when moving homes.

The research was conducted among 2000 UK adults with the help of Opinium research.

The most common sources of stress for the Bristolians are: packing up all their belongings (76%), the cost of finding a removals company/van (56%), finding a removals company they can trust (52%), and worrying about damaging their belongings during the move (43%).

When asked what kinds of arguments they’ve had, the most frequent one was about whether to get rid of some of the belongings before/after moving homes (50%). The second most common argument was about having too much stuff to move (46%).

Vladimir Minev, removals experts with Fantastic Services, says: “Do as Marie Kondo does and use this as an opportunity to throw away items you no longer need. As tough as it is, moving to a new property is the perfect time to get rid of all unwanted or even junk items. But be careful not to infuriate your better half Women are more likely than men to find by disposing of the present that marked packing up their belongings stressful your first anniversary or the gift from (75% to 65% respectively), while older people tend to worry less about damag- your mother-in-law! However, much else ing the property they’d be moving in (only is fair game if it has no practical daily use or long-lasting emotional clout. And 34%). remember – items may have resale value The most common arguments Bristolians to help pay for your move, and those that don’t may still be warmly welcomed at got into were with a partner who they your local charity shop.” lived with (13%), a partner they were moving in with (7%), and other family Other types of arguments they’ve had members either in their household (7%) or not (7%). were about how much to pay for a removals company (15%), whether to hire a removals company (13%) and having to take too many journeys to move their stuff (13%).

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Half of Bristolians also prefer to use their own vehicles to move their belongings, while 35% have relied on a removal van company or had f amily/friends help move their stuff (33%).

Surprisingly, despite Bristol’s welldeveloped transportation system, none of the people said they relied on it to move their belongings.

People in the South West relocate every 19.5 years on average. The end of summer remains the most preferred season to move, while the last Friday of October is the most preferred date. The number one reason people are moving house in 2022 is to have better access to amenities. The second most popular reason is to be closer to friends and family, while the third reason is work.

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ESCAPE THE MAZE Can you find your way through this difficult maze?

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YOUR GARDEN IN NOVEMBER The garden begins to wind down in November as deciduous plants enter dormancy. leaves are falling rapidly and wind and rain are on the increase.

Whilst most of nature is hibernating in the colder months, winter is the ideal time to get new trees into the ground. trees are best planted in the late autumn when the soil is still warm but not too dry, giving roots time to acclimatise before the harsher temperatures of winter arrives. whatever your plan to do outside in Nonmember, take time to enjoy the garden as it fades, leaving structural plants and evergreens to take center stage.

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PROTECT TENDER PLANTS the weather is turning so its time to get those plants protected - frost can do serious damage to tender plants. Frost tender plants in pots should be moved to the greenhouse, conservatory or porch.

Exotic plants such as palms or tree ferns should be wrapped up for the winter with frost protection material.

LIFT AND STORE CORMS AND TUBERS Lift and store plants such as dahlias and tuberous bedding begonias that have been hit by bad weather. store in a dry, frost-free dark place ideally in a layer of sawdust. Check occasionally over winter to ensure they are dry and rot free. remove any that look suspicious to prevent the risk of further infection.

Tie in all the plants and secure structures an important winter job is to stake tall plants, climbers and young trees to protect against strong winds.

Check that existing ties are not cutting into stems of plants that have grown over the summer. Structures such as arches, pergolas and fences should also be checked and ideally treated with preservatives. If repaired now there is less potential damage in high winds.

LOOKING GOOD THIS MONTH...TREES Why should you plant them?

Trees add structure to gardens and landscapes. As well as being used as a focal point for the garden they also make good hedges and screens. they come in a huge number of varieties, shades and position. Whilst most trees are grown for there foliage or flower, some are praised for their bark and branch shapes. Some trees look fantastic in spring while full of flower and other burst into vibrant colour in the autumn.

How should you plant them?

Young trees should be staked diagonally.

This protects them from strong winds and ensures the roots do not get damaged.

Most varieties of trees will have specific planting instructions. There is a tree that will thrive in all soil types from wet soil to poor dry land and everything in between.

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HOROSCOPES

NOVEMBER

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Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18

Taurus Apr 20 - May 20

If something seems trickier than at first seemed, don’t get upset or frustrated, just stop and try to see it from all angles. If you have a gut feeling about something, try to follow it at this time as it stands in good stead. Be kind to yourself and be sensitive to your own needs.

Keywords. Intuition and be kind to yourself.

You may be thinking of starting a new interest. It could be quite a sociable time coming up this month. Trying to be a listening ear, more than giving advice, you will be surprised how much people will appreciate it.

Keywords. Study and sociability

Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20

Gemini May 21 - June 20

You may get some new ideas for ways of sorting out difficult situations. Work with your intuition if possible, try to see other people’s perspectives. Try stepping back from things if they seem a little difficult, sometimes a different view with things make things seem clearer.

Keywords. New ideas, intuition and review.

There could be some changes on the way, so don’t be surprised if you come up with new ideas, or interests. You may need to be a bit flexible with other people and think before you speak, and try to be sensitive to other’s feelings.

Keywords. Changes, flexibility and sensitivity. .

Aries Mar 21 - Apr 19 Some changes could be about to come your way. If they’re not really to your liking, try and see them more as challenges, and look for opportunities within them. Remember that you have your own values, and don’t be shaken from these, but don’t be too hard on yourself either keywords Changes and opportunities

Cancer June 21 - July 22 There could be some things that feel as though they are being held up right now, be aware and look out for opportunities that may help to sort these hold-ups, so that things will begin to flow freely again. It may also be worth stepping back and looking at the achievements you’ve made this year, and what other things you would like to achieve next.

Keywords. Opportunities and goals

Leo July 23 - Aug 22

Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21

You may otherwise miss opportunities that could be nearby. It does seem some things will be moving forward even if they have felt on hold for a while.

Keywords. Balance and opportunities

Relationships seem prominent, along with your home environment. You may find there are some new interests, or ideas that come to mind for you at this time.

Be open to other people’s ideas or suggestions, Try to be aware of being calm, and fair-minded in dealing with others.

Keywords. New ideas and fairness.

Virgo Aug 23 - Sept 22

Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21

If Life seems a little trying see if there are other ways of dealing with things, to make life easier.

You are often fair-minded with others, but can be quite hard on yourself. Don’t underestimate yourself; value yourself as well as others.

Keywords Find easier Ways, and make time for you

Libra Sept 23 - Oct 22 You may have noticed your vitality is little sluggish at the moment, if so, may be time to review lifestyle habits. Any cutbacks are just a little tweak here and there that should make some difference. Try not to let things build up, or take up too much of your time, Try and listen to your intuition.

Keywords Changes, intuition.

It would be useful if you pay attention to your intuition, certainly in regards any situations that may be a little difficult. Try not to let anyone sway you from things that you have strong values about, and keep your integrity that there could be some changes on the way.

Keywords. Integrity and changes

Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19 Home and close relationships are prominent for you at this time. It seems as though there are a lot of things that need to be done, and a lot of people wanting your time and attention. Try and seek balance for yourself. Somethings may not feel that they are running as smooth as they should, try and keep calm, and know that things don’t stay the same, Keywords. Home, relationships and balance.

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

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