NORTH BRISTOL’S MONTHLY MAGAZINE
May 2021
ACCIDENT MANAGMENT BRISTOL
HAD AN ACCIDENT ?
CHOOSE US AS YOUR APPOVED REPAIRER
www.accidentmanagementbristol.co.uk
IMPROVE
AL &
BUILDING SERVICES
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
DO’NT WAIT CALL US TODAY!
ON: 0117 9647948
Call In The Experts To Get Your Home Improvments Under Way Today!
Tel: 01173 257790 Or 01275 595790 www.alsconstructionservices.co.uk
SUBSCRIBE FOR THE LATEST NEWS FIRST @ DIRECTLOCALBRISTOL.CO.UK 1
C J Computing (Systems) Ltd YOUR LOCAL COMPUTER REPAIR SPECIALIST WE HELP FIX ALL COMPUTER PROBLEMS! PC & MAC
Tel: 0117 962 4553
Computer Repair Data Recovery Virus Removal Gaming Hardware Bespoke Pc’s Built www.cjcomputing.com 57 Westbury Hill, Westbury on Trym, Bristol, BS9 3AD Opposite the free Carpark on Westbury Hill
2
3
OUT EVERY
THURSDAY!! SUBSCRIBE TODAY! TO BRISTOL’S ONLY WEEKLY DIGITAL INTERACTIVE MAGAZINE
JOIN THE THOUSANDS THAT ALREADY HAVE Want all the latest news first, straight to your inbox? Then visit hit the button subscribe below!
SUBSCRIBE
Your adverts >>Email your Ad Email address info@directlocalonline.com Please remember to include your name, address and telephone number.
This Month 6.Horoscopes 8. Baggy jeans 10. Your Garden in May 12. Little something for the weekend 14. £125 working tax benefit 16. Mayoral election booklets are out 18. What could Covid passports mean for us 20. 7 money saving hacks 22. Puzzles 28. Strategy for tackling violence 31 The City and Port Of Bristol Bowls Club
The team EDITOR Michael Davies JOURNALIST
Lisa Davies PROOF READER Elisabeth Davies
Regular editoials By: Andrea Sexton, Martin Powell Daren Bane Kayleigh Penny Peter Abraham
>>Phone your Ad Call our office: 0117 325 8029 Phone line is open office hours from: Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm
>>Email News Email address info@directlocalonline.com Informative local news is free to publicise.
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
Distribution: North Bristol Magazines are delivered to homes and businesses to reach 18,000 people each month..
.
www.directlocalbristol.co.uk
@directlocal
City landlord handed unlicensed property fine A Bristol landlord has been handed penalties totalling nearly £8,000 after being found guilty of operating an unlicensed house in multiple occupation (HMO) following an investigation by the city’s Private Housing team. Mohammed Omar Ahmed, of Wells Road, Knowle, was given a £5,000 fine and more than £2,800 in additional costs at Bristol Magistrates Court last Friday (26 March), after failing to license a property he was responsible for in Fishponds Road between January 2018 and March 2019.
“Most landlords provide quality rented accommodation and a good service to their tenants, but a significant number of HMOs are poorly managed and as the private rented sector continues to grow, it is vital that we continue to take steps to help vulnerable tenants and ensure that everyone in the city has access to decent housing.”
Mr Omar Ahmed told the council that he was moving into the property with the two remaining tenants as a resident landlord in November 2017, at which point he was reminded of the requirement to apply for a property licence under the authority’s Eastville and St George West Licensing scheme if that situation changed. Fifteen months later, the Private Housing Team received a complaint from a tenant about dangerous and unpleasant living conditions in the property, while a site visit by officers from the Rogue Landlord Unit in February 2019 confirmed that the property was in an extremely poor condition and appeared to be midway through major building works, that included the removal of the boiler which had left the tenant without heating and hot water. Neither Mr Omar Ahmed nor a member of his family were living there, meaning the property required a licence by law. Due to the condition of the property, council officers helped the existing tenant to find alternative accommodation and the house remains vacant. The council will now pursue formal action to reclaim the Housing Benefit paid back for the period the property was unlicensed. To check if your property needs a licence or find out more on council’s proposals for further property licensing schemes, see the Bristol City Council website. Tom Gilchrist, of Bristol City Council’s Private Housing and Accessible Homes team, said: “This case highlights why property licensing is a useful tool, requiring landlords to license private rented accommodation to help resolve issues of poor housing standards and property management. Want to find out more about what’s in store for you this month! Contact Marie on: 07949 800354
5
May Horoscopes Aquarius Jan 20-Feb 18 With things going on at present, you may be feeling quite down. Remember you are not the only one feeling this way. This could be a good time to reflect and try new hobbies, maybe read a book you have never picked up. When communicating with others, they may be feeling similar so bring your sensitive side with you. Use some of this time for yourself, and remember not to be too hard on yourself or others. Keywords new things and sensitivity
Taurus Apr 20 - May 20 Someone new may need your help and support, but you may have a few things of your own to deal with right now, if so try and just be flexible and sensitive in regard to speaking to this person. This could be a good time to have a reflect on those practical things as well as some of those inner turmoils we sometimes have, and see what things would help to sort them out, to ring back your balance. Keywords for stop sensitivity and balance
Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20 Through the challenges we have at the moment, you may be finding it hard to keep calm and in balance. Maybe take time to give yourself a breather, and try and see things in another light. It may be an idea to start thinking of new ideas and projects to begin at this time, that you could continue when things begin to ease. Keywords. Re-view and re-new
Gemini May 21 - June 20 Although it may seem a struggle at times, there will be some new changes for you, and a sudden realisation will dawn on you. This realisation maybe something you need to explain to someone and this should clear the air if there were some difficulties. Remember also to be kind to yourself, and stay calm, Maybe read that book you’ve been putting off, I try a new recipe, find something new. Keywords. Realisation and communication
Aries Mar 21 - Apr 19 We are all facing obstacles at the moment, and staying in touch with your loved ones and friends is important, but remember there are many ways now through ordinary phones and modern technologies. Remember to use your intuition at this time, as it seems to be very important to follow your inner guidance. Keywords intuition and communication
6
Cancer June 21 - July 22 There could be some new ideas for projects, and this could be a new interest a project or something totally new. Communication is something very valuable in general, but even more so now. Stay in touch with people who are important to you, and also give yourself that time, to read the book you have been putting off, or something you have not finished. Do you line keywords communication, and projects
Want to find out more about what’s in store for you this month! Contact Marie on: 07949 800354 Leo July 23 - Aug 22 We are in trying times at present, and things can sometimes seem bigger than they actually are. Keep lines of communication open with your friends and family, there are many ways And technologies as well as good old fashioned phones. Maybe take some time to sort a few things out in your home environment, or at least have a think of new ideas and things you can change, refresh, or find new interests. Keywords. Communication and changes
Virgo Aug 23 - Sept 22 We are well into spring, if you haven’t already done some clearing it could be a good time now to do so. If you have a tendency to overdo things, or take too much on, remember to slow down at times and give yourself a breather and try and bring some calming balance back into your life. Keywords clearing, balance, and new things.
Libra Sept 23 - Oct 22 Trying to keep balance in your life at the moment isn’t easy, with all these strange challenges.Relationships are important to you even more now,It is just important to find other ways to stay in touch with people. Try and find new interests, and try to keep calmness and balance in your life. Keywords communication and balance
Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21 If you have things you need to change, it may be a good idea to do so round now. Although actually socialising together with people is not viable at the moment, through different technology it is possible to still have some sort of social life. If all else fails the good old telephone is as good as anything. Relationships mean very much to you more so at the moment but stay in touch with people in the safest ways possible. Keywords. Relationships and communication.
Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21 There may be things you really don’t want to deal with but it is best if you do it especially at this time. If you can do some clearing, in which ever areas you feel needed most, it would then be an idea to step back metaphorically speaking, and review situations, and things you are thinking of changing. Keywords deal with things and overview
Capricorn Dec 22 0 Jan 19 It seems as though balance in fairness are important to you at this time. There does seem to be quite a few things in the way and as well it’s all the challenges we are all facing there may be some personal ones for you. Keep the lines of communication open and try to find ways to change things in your life to make things easier. Keywords balance and changes
7
Baggy trousers and slouchy jeans are back! Ten years ago, if you had asked anyone to put on a pair of jeans or trousers that weren't skin-tight, we'd have rolled our eyes in disgust. For what seemed like forever, we gave skinny jeans and leggings our undivided attention. That is, until one day when a light appeared at the end of the tunnel and saved us from another year of wearing pants that were uncomfortably tight. A decade and a handful of half-hearted trouser trends later, we've finally found a silhouette with the potential to rival the skinny jean era in a real way. Baggy pants, or as some people like to call them, puddle pants, have been on the rise for quite some time now, but it wasn't until they started popping up on every street style photograph. It was last year that the trend became crystal clear. A year later, they're back — and the options are better than ever. From slouchy, distressed denim to loose, extra-long trousers — check out offerings for the latest trends this year in baggy, slouchy and cool comfy jeans. From our fashion editor Molly
8
Available at ASOS £32
Available at Next £28
Available at H & M £14.99
n
e er th 1 exp om # r Fr K’s ove U ke a m
he tc Ki
REFRESH YOUR TIRED KITCHEN by just swapping the doors and worktops
. ts
Before
• Excellent reputation • From simple door replacements to fully fitted kitchens • Choose from a wide range of quality doors, worktops, appliances, sinks & taps • Installed quickly and cleanly by our own local professional fitters in just a few days
www.dreamdoors.co.uk
RUN FAMILY SS BUSINE
EST. 1999
®
CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE ON:
0117 944 3223 Visit our showroom: 11/12 The Promenade, Gloucester Rd, Bristol BS7 8AL
9.59/10
Over 290 reviews on
See what our customers have to say
South Bristol - North Bristol - South Glos - North Somerset
WANT TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS ?
We have over 80,000 readers every month Direct Local Bristol has the solution to help your business get seen more.. Visit www.directlocalbristol.co.uk Email: info@directlocalonline.com Call: 0117 325 8029
Join our mailing list and receive our latest digital interactive versions of our magazines straight to your inbox
9
Your Garden In May
Spring is well under way now. The spring bulbs are fading and the herbaceous border is growing in leaps and bounds. The May days are longer and warmer and the risk of frost should have gone by now. The idea of getting out in the garden during the fine weather and ‘ticking things off the list’ becomes much more appealing. Spring flowering bulbs and plants will need clearing in preparation for summer bedding, and its promise of colour to come. But don’t get overwhelmed by those seemingly endless list of gardening jobs – here are our three most important…
10
Plant summer bedding May is the month to get your summer bedding started in borders and containers. If planting borders lift out old plants run a fork through the soil and add a good fertilizer before replanting summer plants.
Try to fill pots and containers in the position they are going to stay – they can become heavy when filled! Water retaining crystals will help to reduce the amount of watering and keep the compost moist during warmer periods. Don’t forget to feed with fertiliser during flowering period. Prune evergreen hedges and spring flowering shrubs There’s no better time to give evergreen hedges a trim to get them looking neat and tidy. Smaller hedges can be tackled with a pair of shears, but you may need a hedge trimmer for larger bushes. Prune any shrubs that flowered in spring as soon as they have finished flowering. Broom, forsythia and ribes all need pruning now.
Remove around a third of the oldest flowering stems – this will make the plant look better and encourage new growth to create a good display next year. Be sure to check large shrubs and hedges for nesting birds before you start chopping!
Looking good this month...Geranium Why should you plant them?
Geraniums make popular Plant out young veg bedding plants – either in the garden or Marrow, courgette and sweetcorn are all in pots and hanging baskets. They thrive ready to be sown in the greenhouse. The likes of brussel sprouts, kale, peas and swede outdoors in the summer but are also great for should be okay covered outside. using a houseplant. They look good planted in a group in a flowerbed all by themselves If you have already grown tomatoes, move or mixed in with other annuals – the perfect them outside to harden them off. Keep them plant for any spot that calls for a splash of outside during the day and bring them back inside at night for two weeks to acclimatize colour throughout the season. them. How should you plant them? If you have potatoes that are starting to emerge, pull a few inches of earth around the Geraniums need to be grown in well draining plant with a rake to give the plant more soil to soil or if planting in pots a good quality free grow. draining compost. They should be located in a bright spot in the garden that gets plenty of sunshine. Soil should be allowed to dry Enjoy your garden! between watering to avoid root rot.
11
Espresso martini affogato
Holiday bramble cocktail
Ingredients
Ingredients
50g Caster sugar
4 scoops Clotted Cream Vanilla Ice Cream
100ml water
50ml freshly made espresso
4 blackberries, plus extra to serve
25ml Vodka
30ml Dry gin
Coffee beans, to garnish
Slice of lemon, to serve
Method In a small pan, gently heat the caster sugar with 100ml water, stirring until fully dissolved Add the blackberries and bring to the boil Cook until the mixture has reduced by about half Remove from the heat and leave to cool fully Strain the cooled liquid between two glasses filled with ice, then add the gin to each Stir to mix and garnish with a slice of lemon and a blackberry each to serve
12
Method Scoop the ice cream into two bowls Stir together the espresso and vodka, then pour over the ice cream Garnish with coffee beans to serve
A little something for the weekend!
The Loaded Naan Last Sunday the skies were blue and the sun as bright as a button. Brilliant I thought, I’ll take myself off into town and grab a bite to eat and a beer in the sun. It was a lovely day for it, so in the car I jumped and off down to the docks I trotted.
As I watched my emotionless almost robotic like sever place the fillings in the wrap I decided to crack a joke. “Don’t be shy, pile it on!” Not even a sideways look! Drizzling the mint yoghurt and spicy sauce over the meat the young lady just looked at my sandwich like she was facing a 10 year stretch for manslaughter! I was given my change in a metal bowl. And my now rather delicious looking naan.
However upon getting down there, the weather decided to change slightly. The wind had picked up and some clouds had started to form. After half an hour looking for somewhere in the sun to sit and eat I gave up on A faint “thank you” came from behind her cloth the idea. It was just too cold in that wind. So I mask which I’m guessing aren’t that healthy to settled for a takeaway sandwich from one of be wearing in a kitchen environment to begin the many food stalls near the now redundant with? water fountains. I walked away and tucked in. It was incredibly I had a look at several of the stalls on show, good. Fresh, bursting with flavour and warm. and eventually chose “The Loaded Naan”. Everything you’d want in a sandwich like this. Serving up freshly cooked fillings, crisp As I tucked in every mouthful was a delight. It’s salads and slaws all served in a toasty warm just a shame the filling wasn’t as bountiful as naan bread. My sandwich of choice was the I’d have liked. Great sandwich but not worth spicy pulled lamb, with coleslaw and cucum- the £8.50 price tag. ber salad. Article by Peter Abraham I had made my choice, gave my order to the Food critic. masked server behind the counter. Now to eat out of any of these stalls isn’t cheap, so one would hope that you would get your fill?
13
£125 working from home tax relief
Did you know the government has recently made it much more easier for those working from home to claim tax relief worth up to £125 to help cover the extra costs of things such as stationery and some household bills. Current coronavirus advice across all UK nations is for people to work from home where possible, with many employees seeing some outgoings increase as a result. It’s possible to make claims for both the 2020-21 and 2021-22 tax years, which could mean a rebate of up to £250. How can I claim working from home tax relief?
For the next step, you simply state what date you started working from home. You’ll receive a rebate for the full year even if you don’t know when you’ll be going back to the office and even if you’ve only had to work from home for one day. The government has recently made it much easier for those working from home to claim tax relief worth up to £125 to help cover the extra costs of things such as stationery and some household bills.
The government’s microsite makes claiming tax relief pretty easy, but there are some eligibility criteria.
If your claim is successful, your PAYE tax code will be changed, which means you’ll be able to earn more before tax payments kick in. If you started working from home before 6 April 2020, this will take into account any tax relief owed for the 2019-20 tax year as well.
To have a claim, you must:
How much will you get?
•
Only be claiming expenses for working from home
•
Not pay tax by self-assessment
Tax relief for the full tax year will be worth either £60 or £125, depending on the rate of income tax you pay.
• • •
You can claim tax relief on £6 a week; if you Not have had your expenses paid by your pay the 20% basic-rate income tax that will employer mean a gain of £1.20 a week (20% of £6) or £60 a year. Have started working from home due to the coronavirus pandemic If you’re a higher-rate taxpayer, the tax relief you receive will equate to a gain of £2.40 a Have encountered higher costs since week (40% of £6) or £125 a year. If your emworking from home. ployer chooses to give you the working from
The government’s eligibility tool will check all of these facts. To proceed, you must have a Government Gateway user ID and password – but if you don’t already have one it will guide you to the right to create one.Abraham Reviewed by place food critic Peter
14
Need a local business? Everything from plumbers to florists, mechanics to hairdressers - Find local businesses on Bristol Business Directory!
Search local businesess
Bristol’s Business Directory
.co.uk
“ Everything Local All In One Place” TSA ACCOUNTANTS BRISTOL LTD CHARTERED CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS AND ADVISORS 0117 923 5394
enquiries@tsabusinessadvisors.co.uk
ACCA
www.tsabusinessadvisors.co.uk
Your one stop shop for Accountancy, Tax and Business Advice
TSA Accountants Bristol Ltd 124 Gloucester Road Patchway Bristol BS34 5BP
Accounting Services Sole Trader Self Employed Limited Company Partnership Contractor
Business Advice Professional business advice to help set you on the path to growth and success. This is included within our services as standard.
Free Initial Consultation We offer a free initial consultation to assess the level of accountancy services you require.
15
Mayoral election booklets are delivered Mayoral election booklets are delivered As well as the election of the Bristol Mayor, Information about next month's poll heads out 293 candidates will stand in the local council to city voters election in only the second time all 70 councillors will be elected on the same day. The A printed booklet with information about next names of those standing to become councilmonth’s Mayoral election for Bristol will start lors and represent the city’s 34 wards will be to be delivered to households in Bristol this available on the council website. week. The deadline to register to vote in these elections is midnight on Monday 19 April. The booklet, required by law to be sent to each registered voter, contains information There are three ways to vote in the elections about the candidates, the Mayor’s role, the on 6 May, all will be COVID-safe: election, and how to vote and will land on doormats from this week. There are nine can- In Person at a Polling station – citizens will didates for Bristol Mayor and seven of them be able to vote in person at the polling station have chosen to be included in the booklet. on their poll card from 7am to 10pm. Elections staff will put it place measures to ensure The nine Bristol Mayor candidates are as polling stations are COVID-secure, including follows: one-way systems, social distancing, face coverings and sanitising. Voters will also be • Tom Baldwin - Trade Unionist and Social- invited to bring their own pencil if they prefer. ist Coalition • Robert Clarke - Reform UK * By Post – voters can apply for a postal vote • Sean Donnelly - Independent by completing an application. The deadline • Dr Caroline Gooch – Liberal Democrats for applications to be returned is 5pm on • Sandy Hore-Ruthven – Green Party Tuesday, 20 April • John Langley – Independent * • Marvin Rees – Labour Party Proxy – where you can ask someone to vote • Oska Shaw on your behalf. Voters can apply for a proxy • Alastair Watson – The Conservative vote by completing an application. The deadParty line for applications to be returned is 5pm on * Not included in booklet Tuesday, 27 April. Anyone who is self-isolating and can’t attend a polling station themselves can apply for an emergency proxy vote after 5pm on Tuesday 27 April. Visit the Bristol City Council website to learn more about registering for a postal or a proxy vote. Residents across the region will also cast their votes for who they want as the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner and West of England Combined Authority Mayor. The list of candidates standing in those elections can be found on the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner and the West of England Combined Authority websites respectively.
16
Tel: 01275 341478
29, Old Street, Clevedon, North Somerset. BS21 6DA. Email: clevedon_funerals@btconnect.com www.clevedonfunerals.co.uk
Tel: 01275 814400
27, High Street, Portishead, Bristol. BS20 6AB. Email: portisheadfunerals@outlook.com www.portisheadfuneralservices.co.uk
Director: Ian Taylor-Rowlands Dip.F.D. LMBIFD Covering Clevedon, Portishead, Pill, Nailsea and surrounding areas. At Clevedon Funeral Services and Portishead Funeral Services, we are here to help you every step of the way, providing dignity and respect to you and your loved ones. Funeral Arrangements can be made at our offices, or in the comfort of your own home. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Pre-Paid Funeral Plans available. Direct Service £1499.00 (No Attendance)
Simple Service £2662.00 (Service before 10am)
Traditional Service £2892.00 (No Limousine )
Traditional Service £2992.00 (1x Limousine )
17
What could Covid passports mean for employers? With the government considering introducing certificates to prove immunity and the UK finally begins to reopen after months of lockdown, the government is considering rolling out Covid status certification – also known as vaccine passports. Employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe working environment for their employees, therefore Covid passports could help in discharging this obligation and providing the greatest level of assurance that the work environment is as safe as possible with reasonable precautions. While the measure has been highly contested, with a number of MPs already voicing their opposition, it could become part of a toolkit to help consumers and eventgoers return to some form of normality. But could vaccine passports also help businesses return their staff to the workplace? Some other questions that are still left unanswered are what about younger employees? It’s reported that all over 50’s who have been offered the jab have now had theirs; but what about the younger generation? When will they get theirs - and indeed, will they want it? There are also the critical employees for employers to consider. For example, pregnant colleagues are not able to receive the jab whilst pregnant; meaning if they are unable to work from home they should be entitled to full medical suspension. So are COVID Immune Passports a divisive move? Or could it give additional reassurance to anxious employees? If you need an HR sounding board for complex issues, get in touch on 0117 287 2477 or hello@duchesshr.co.uk
18
19
7 money-saving hacks you will wish you knew about sooner Sometimes staying on top of your finances can seem like an unmanageable task. There’s always missing paperwork and hidden costs, or even worse, something unexpected you have to cough up for. But with a little bit of forward planning, you can learn to stay on top of your money before it gets out of hand. From easy money-saving household hacks to knowing when you deserve compensation, here are some of the savvy adjustments you can make this week. Maintain appliances to save on bills The seals around refrigerator and freezer doors need to be replaced periodically to avoid energy loss. Test for a tight seal by closing the door on a banknote. If you can pull the note out, the seal needs replacing, and your money is being wasted on an inflated energy bill. And keep your tumble dryer vent clean and free from blockage at all times. A clogged dryer vent reduces the appliance’s energy efficiency and could cause a fire. When your car goes to pot, seek compensation Potholes have cost UK councils more than £3.7million in compensation in the last 18 months, says the AA. While it costs £39.80 to repair the average pothole, the cost of repairing the car is £140-plus, finds Citroen UK. Hitting a deep pothole, even at quite a slow speed, can damage steering alignment, tyres and wheels. It may not be worth an insurance claim, but you might get compensation from the local council.
20
To make a claim, you’ll need to provide details of the location, the size of the pothole – take a photo with a familiar object in the shot to give a sense of scale – as well as copies of all repair quotes and receipts. For more information click here. Do laundry zipped up Always zip up jeans and other garments that have metal zippers before laundering them. Those little metal teeth are like miniature chainsaws, tearing up and ruining other clothing in the washer and dryer. Nail the shop layout You probably already realise that every item on a shop shelf has been specifically placed there to get you to buy more. New research from logistics specialist Whistl shows 60–70% of what we buy is unplanned and the chances are, the retailer has played a part in getting you to impulse buy. For instance, retailers ‘hide away’ essential items such as milk and bread at the back of the shop so that you are forced to walk along the rest of the aisles to get to it – and past shelves laden with enticing special offers and other goodies.
Cut the cost of credit Figures show that people with a credit card balance of £2,000 who repay only the minimum amount each month will take 22 years to clear the debt – and will be charged an extra £2,275 in interest along the way. Avoid these charges by moving your debt to a credit card that offers an interest-free deal. Check lockdown return policies Many retailers extended their refund policies while they were closed for lockdown. However, most are restarting the clock from their reopening dates. For example, John Lewis is giving you 35 days from when its stores reopen to return items, while at New Look you have just 14 days. Find a round-up of retailer refund policies at www.moneysavingexpert.com.
Get paid to recycle Have your beloved GHD hair straighteners died a slow death? Well, don’t throw those bad boys in the bin – you can get paid to recycle them and earn some cash towards a new set. Websites such as GHD Spares, for instance, specialise in spares and repairs, and will pay as much as £10 for a broken set. Similarly, recycle any qualifying Apple device online or at an Apple Store and you’ll receive a gift card. The retailer will either refurbish the device for resale, or recycle its materials responsibly to be reused. Not all Macs qualify though – only models from 2007 onwards are eligible. However, it is important that you do your maths in advance as Apple certainly doesn’t necessarily pay the highest rates –and you might be able to find a better deal by selling on eBay.
21
Take a break and solve theses puzzles! Here are this weeks 3 puzzles to test your number crunching skills ranging from easy to medium and hard.
There are seven differences between these two pictures. Can you spot them?
22
Retain Widen Hostage Persist Isolation Jealous Shoot Engineer Gem Restless Executive Prisoner Infinite Pair Good Site Squash Apology Criticism Thank
EASY
HARD
23
c Lo D al er iv el y
TEL: 0117 329 5525
ee Fr
STAR
PLUMBING & HEATING SUPPLIES
OPEN TO THE TRADE AND PUBLIC
Plumbing - Heating - Bathrooms - Boilers
Vist our new websites today and order online. Then either collect in store or use our free delivery service on orders over £99
www.starplumbingsupplies.co.uk Star Plumbing & heating Supplies, 15 Kenn Court, Roman Farm, Road, Bristol, BS4 1UL
24
SPECIAL OF
FER!
WEBSITES from
£349 ONLY
SELF-EMPLOYED, SMALL OR MEDIUM SIZED BUSINESS AND...
LOOKING FOR A GREAT WEBSITE? Contact us today:
matt@directlocalwebsites.co.uk - Tel: 0117 325 7915 - www.directlocalwebsites.co.uk Free Bonus (With every website!)
BONUS
FREE .co.uk domain name FREE 1 month webhosting FREE Updates for 1 month
SAVING £100
Need to get online with your business? No problem we can help with packages designed just for you.Contact us for our latest offers today!
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
Web: www.bodyrepairsbristol.com
25
Strategy to tackle violence against women and girls With almost 20,000 domestic abuse-related crimes and more than 3,500 hate crimes in Avon and Somerset recorded in 2020, independent candidate in the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) elections, John Smith, pledges to protect the most vulnerable from harm if elected, including launching a Violence Against Women and Girls strategy. Recognising that one of the most important roles the police play is to protect the vulnerable from crime and to help those who are victims of crime, John will work with the police and partner agencies to ensure that vulnerable people across Avon and Somerset get the essential support they need if elected on Thursday May 6. He is also pledging to develop a Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy to improve safety for these groups across society. John says: “Recently, we have seen several very concerning examples of male attitudes to women in our society which contribute to women and girls feeling unsafe.
26
If elected, I would develop a Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy which looks at cultural issues in schools and the workplace, lobby for misogyny to become a hate crime and develop a strategy towards safety of women and girls in public spaces in our area including while exercising and during the Night Time Economy.” To further ensure that the most vulnerable people in the region are protected, John’s plans also include: Supporting victims and targeting offenders of domestic abuse: If elected, John will work with the police and other partners to continue to support victims and increase the targeting of offenders. He pledges to both reduce the numbers of these crimes being committed while at the same time increasing the reporting of these crimes by victims. Improving support for victims of rape and serious sexual offences: The Criminal Justice System is too often not serving these victims well. John is pledging to provide additional investment to ensure that all victims of these crimes are listened to, believed and supported, including funding Independent Sexual Violence Advisers and expert legal advocates in court to support victims through their court cases and providing specialist ad trauma-informed training within the police force.
Protecting children from exploitation including child sexual exploitation: As former Deputy PCC, John was part of the team to introduce an Avon and Somerset-wide specialist support service for victims of child sexual exploitation as well as Operation Topaz to identify and safeguard vulnerable children. He will continue to champion these. A zero-tolerance approach to hate crimes: All hate crimes should be handled proactively and fairly so that all communities feel equally safe. Avon and Somerset Police already work in partnership with organisations such as Stand Against Racism and Inequality to transform its approach to identifying and supporting victims of hate crime, and John is pledging to support this work. Improve support for people in mental health crisis: – Mental health was a factor in 30 per cent of all incidents attended by the police in Avon and Somerset last year. There are now mental health practitioners in the police control room to advise police officers and John will continue to work with NHS Mental Health commissioners to ensure that vulnerable people get the right support from the best professionals at the right time.
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 Half Load £139 3/4 Load £179 Full Load £199
www.junkmonsters.co.uk
In particular, John will lobby for additional mental health provision for people experiencing mental health crisis and for police cells not to be recognised as places of safety for people in mental health crisis. Further commenting, John said: “Overstretched officers are often finding themselves with responsibility for some of the most vulnerable people in society, many which would be far better dealt with by specially trained partner agencies. Policing alone cannot protect vulnerable people and I pledge to continue to work with a wide range of partners across Avon and Somerset to protect those at risk. John recently hosted an online roundtable event with expert guest speakers to discuss policies on protecting vulnerable people in Avon & Somerset. These included Anna Smith, CEO of One25, Sarah O’leary, CEO of Next Link, Penny McKissock, CEO of Southside and current independent Police and Crime Commissioner, Sue Mountstevens. Elections for the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner are being held on Thursday May 6. John’s full manifesto can be viewed on https://www.johnsmith4pcc.com/.
www.gasproboilers.co.uk PROFESSIONAL SERVICE EVERYTIME
PLUMBING & HEATING ENGINEERS
ALL PLUMBING & GAS WORK UNDERTAKEN BOILER INSTALLATIONS BOILER REPAIRS POWER FLUSHING UNVENTED SYSTEM INSTALLATIONS BATHROOM INSTALLATIONS
FULLY INSURED
505353
RECOMENDED
INTEREST FREE CREDIT & 10YR WARRANTY ON NEW BOILER INSTALLATION
Tel: Nathan Proud
07830 448127
thegaspro@gmail.com 27
Mobile Speed Camera Sites Bristol
With reports of mobile speed cameras back in operation never get caught speeding again with this list of sites to expect a mobile speed camera at anytime.
A3029 Winterstoke Road (30mph)
Hazelbury Road, Whitchurch (20mph)
A37 Wells Road, Hengrove (30mph)
Hengrove Avenue, Hengrove, Bristol (20mph)
A370 Coronation Road, Southville (30mph)
Hengrove Lane, Hengrove, Bristol (20mph)
A38 Rupert Street/Bridewell Highbury Road, Bedminster Street/The Haymarket, Bristol (20mph) (20mph) Highridge Green, Bristol A4 Totterdown Bridge (30mph) (30mph) Hollister’s Drive, Hartcliffe A4174 Callington Road, (20mph) Brislington, Bristol (30mph) Hollway Road, Stockwood A4174 King Georges Road, (20mph) Bristol (30mph) Hungerford Road, Bristol Allison Road, Bristol (30mph) (20mph)
Stockwood Lane, nr the sports ground, Stockwood (20mph) Stockwood Lane, nr Whitchurch Village sign, Stockwood (30mph) Stockwood Lane, Stockwood (30mph) Sturminster Road, Stockwood (30mph) Talbot Road, Bristol (20mph) Whitchurch Lane, nr Halfacre Lane (20mph) Whitchurch Lane, nr Hawkfield Road (20mph) Whitland Road, Bristol (30mph)
B3119 West Town Lane (20mph)
Ladies Mile, Durdham Down (20mph)
B3122 Redcatch Road, Knowle (20mph)
Ladman Road, Stockwood (20mph)
Wingfield Road, Bristol (20mph)
B4466 Jacobs Wells Road, Bristol (20mph)
Marksbury Road, Bedminster (20mph)
Furber Road, Bristol (20mph)
Bamfield, Hengrove (30mph)
Newbridge Road, Bristol (20mph)
Barnstaple Road, Knowle (20mph) Bishport Avenue, Hartcliffe (30mph) Broadwalk, Knowle West (20mph)
Novers Hill, Bristol (20mph) Novers Lane, Bristol (20mph) Petherton Road, Hengrove (20mph)
Broomhill Road (30mph)
Queen’s Road, Bishopsworth (30mph)
Calcott Road, Knowle (20mph)
Ridgeway Lane, Bristol (30mph)
28
Wick Road (20mph)
Glyn Vale, Knowle (20mph) Hareclive Road, Hartcliffe (30mph) Smyth Road, Ashton (20mph) Somerdale Avenue, Knowle (20mph) South Liberty Lane, Ashton Vale (20mph) Duckmoor Road, Ashton Gate, Bristol (20mph)
A4 Portway Nr Barrow Hill Road (30mph)
B4052 Ashley Down Road, Bristol (20mph)
A4 Portway Nr Hung Road (40mph)
B4054 Avonmouth Road, Shirehampton (30mph)
Bonnington Walk, nr Wordsworth Road, Lockleaze (20mph) Concorde Drive, Southmead (20mph)
A4 Portway Nr Portview Road B4054 Cranbrook Road, Redland (20mph) Constable Road, nr Crome (30mph) Road, Lockleaze (20mph) B4054 Shirehampton Road, A4 Portway Nr Roman Way Sea Mills (30mph) Coombe Lane, Stoke Bishop (40mph) (20mph) B4054 Shirehampton Road, A4 Portway Nr Sylvan Way/ Shirehampton Park (30mph) Eastfield Road, Westbury on Riverleaze (40mph) Trym (20mph) B4055 Station Road, Henbury A4018 Falcondale Road, (20mph) Furber Road, Bristol (20mph) Westbury on Trym (30mph) A403 St Andrews Road, Avonmouth (40mph)
B4057 Knole Lane, Brentry (30mph)
Glenfrome Road, Eastville (20mph)
A4162 Sylvan Way/Dingle Road/Canford Lane (30mph)
B4469 Muller Road, Horfield (30mph)
Gordon Avenue, Bristol (20mph)
A4174 Ring Road, nr Hicks Gate roundabout (70mph)
Bell Barn Road, Stoke Bishop (20mph)
Highbury Road, Horfield (20mph)
A432 Downend Road, Fishponds (20mph)
Bonnington Walk, nr Branwhite Close, Lockleaze (20mph)
Ladies Mile, Durdham Down (20mph)
A432 Fishponds Road, Easton (20mph) Ashley Hill, Montpelier (20mph) Avonmouth Way, Avonmouth (30mph) Highbury Road, Horfield (20mph) Hill View, Henleaze (20mph) Kings Weston Lane, Lawrence Weston (30mph)
Julian Road, Sneyd Park (20mph) Keys Avenue, Horfield (20mph) Hill View, Henleaze (20mph) Romney Avenue, nr Stoke Park Primary School, Lockleaze (20mph) Stoke Hill, Sneyd Park (30mph) Wellington Hill West, Horfield (30mph)
Long Cross, Lawrence Weston (30mph) Merebank Road, Avonmouth (30mph) Portview Road, Shirehampton (20mph) Roman Way, Bristol (20mph) Station Road, Shirehampton (20mph) Wellington Hill West, Horfield (30mph) Wessex Ave, Horfield (20mph)
Please visit www.avonandsomerset.police.uk for exact days and placement of a mobile camera site and remember to give yourself plenty of time to plan your journey to avoid rushing to get to a destination thus (Speeding) 29
CITY AND PORT OF BRISTOL BOWLS CLUB Bowling is back and well ahead of last season when the first woods were not bowled until June 16th. This season bowlers were on the green playing within rules issued by Bowls England on April 12th. Ken Davies, Bill Hatherall, Charlie Maby and Dave Chilcott were the first bowlers to roll woods after a long wait for information regarding what would and would not be allowed under the current restrictions. The following day twelve lady members of the club were on the much improved green for a gentle roll up organised by Ladies Captain Gill Hinksman and the sun shone for them to create very pleasant bowling conditions. On day three six more bowlers including three new members bowled their first woods of the season to take the total number of bowlers rolling up so far this season beyond the total for all of last season. So --- when will the first visiting club be seen at the green to play a mixed friendly game? First up will be Bradley Stoke on Sunday May 2nd and they will be followed by a succession of visiting teams, both friendly and competitive until late September. Visits to other clubs will also be possible. Ladies and Gentlemen’s Leagues, National and County Competitions and Club Competitions will all be played during the season. Individual Club Members have entered competitions run by the two counties to which the club is affiliated. Ken Davies as club men’s champion will play in the Champion of Champions, David Hinksman has entered the GBA Four Wood Singles and there are two entries in the City and County Pairs Competition. Charlie Maby will be partnered by Dave Chilcott and David Hinksmans partner will be Ken Davies. Much work has and still is taking place at the green to ensure that all is ready and continues to be in good order for season 2021. Major repairs to the Portacabin used as changing rooms in March mean that it will continue in that role for years to come.
30
The Green keeper worked through the winter and continues to work through the new season to ensure that the green is in as good a condition as is possible. It certainly looked good when the first woods were rolled on it --- greatly improved from last year. But many other jobs have been done not by companies but by volunteers from the club and in some cases --- their wives. Lots of painting and caring for the plants that grow around the green, repairs to the ageing Ladies Hut. A countless number of things are done voluntarily at the green and sometimes away from the green to keep the club alive and in good shape. The club is grateful to everyone who has and continues to make a contribution in whatever way. Always looking for new members the club is pleased to welcome Pam Merriott who has joined from St.Andrews and Kildare. Hopefully more new members will be welcomed to the club as the season progresses. For further information about the club and how to join please call David Hinksman on 0117 9082713.
10 YEAR GUARANTEE
When we fit any Worcester Bosch boiler with a system filter
HURRY ONLY FOR A LIMITED TIME!
A NEW BOILER FROM ONLY £2500 Top Rated Worcester Bosch Fully fitted, includes filter and clock Price is for combi-for-combi swap with horizontal flue
Plumbing & Heating Co Ltd
keeping Bristol Warm
231756
www.bristolplumbingandheating.com
THE ONE STOP SHOP FOR PLUMBING,HEATING & ELECTRICS
WE ARE SPECIALISTS
CALL NOW ON: 0117 910 9005 or 0117 968 7196
IN:
LPG (All makes) Breakdown & repair airs (All makes) rep & g icin serv ler Boi Power flushing P.A.T. Testing Domestic electrics ection Periodic electrical insp Test & inspect Free estimates
Boiler Breakdowns, boiler Services & Landlord Gas Safe Certificates From Only £60 + Vat
WE DO BIG IT ALL OR SMALL
CLEAROUTS
& GARDEN MAINTENANCE
BRISTOL
CLEAR
UTS
RUBBISH CLEARANCE SERVICES
Tel: 07508 500 039
www.barberontrym007.co.uk 10 Carlton Court Westbury On Trym Bristol BS9 3DF
barberontrym@yahoo.co.uk
0117 3305520
TRAINING l SERVICE l SALES l HIRE
Bristol's Largest Independent Construction Health & Safety Training Centre
CITB Health & Safety Awareness CITB SSSTS and Refreshers CITB SMSTS and Refreshers First Aid Face Fit Testing IPAF PASMA Forklift Manual Handling Asbestos Awareness Abrasive Wheels Working at Height Scaffold Inspection Ladder & Steps and more...
0117 967 0811 info@davisaccess.co.uk | www.davisaccess.co.uk
Unit 4, Bakers Park, Cater Road, Bishopsworth, Bristol, BS13 7TT
31
32
