North Bristol Direct Local Magazine May 2022

NORTH BRISTOL MAGAZINE

MAY 2022

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This Month..

The team Editor Michael Davies Journalist Lisa Davies Distribution coordinator Matthew Clarke

4. Wake the Tiger 6. Bristolians will be give the choice 8. Walk this May 10. Local Artist 14. £22.4k grant 20. Landlords on boarding 22. Garden landscaping ideas 28. City And Port Of Bristol Bowls Club 33. Movie preview by Westbury Park Cinema 36. Your garden

10 High Street, Shirehampton, Bristol, BS11 0DP Email: info@directlocalonline.com Website: www.directlocalbristol.co.uk

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.

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Regular editorials By: Andrea Sexton, Martin Powell Daren Bane Kayleigh Penny kierstan Lowe Corinna Ingram Susan Uzel David Hinksman Subscribe to Bristol Weekly Magazine via this QR code or visit www.directlocalbristol.co.uk

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Credit Andre Pattenden

The creators of the music festival Boomtown, are excited to announce Wake The Tiger presents the world’s first Amazement Park®.

Wake The Tiger is a brand new, fantastical experience coming to Bristol this summer.

The brainchild of a collection of creatives, it encompasses interactive environments and daring new experiences at the site in St Phillips, Bristol.

Opening in Summer 2022, the Amazement Park® is an interactive immersive art experience which provides an exciting alternative to the traditional art gallery.

Visitors will step through the secret portal into the amazing world of Meridia; a multilayered maze of immersive environments, secret passageways, hidden forests, temples, ice caves and mesmerising wonders.

Wake The Tiger will encourage visitors of all ages to leave no corner unturned, as they discover the stories and secrets of the four great Guilds in Meridia, and how they uncover the answers to their world’s greatest problems.

Graham MacVoy, Founder and Managing Director of Wake The Tiger, explains: 4

“This project is two years in the making and the result of decades of creative input from some of the best technologists, story-tellers and creative minds working across festivals and attractions in the UK. We are starting this new movement in our spiritual home of Bristol and can’t wait to be open this summer.”

Bristol was seen as the perfect place for the project, as a booming city, within easy reach of London, the Midlands, Cardiff and with two of the UK’s biggest international universities situated in the city. Additionally the city welcomes over 50% of all visitor trips in the South West, with over 16m visits in 2019. Wake The Tiger is perfectly positioned to capture the imagination of this significant visitor economy - especially as tourism in Britain is growing and predicted to be worth over £257 billion by 2025.

The Wake the Tiger team has an exemplary track record of creating and delivering incredible experiences, masterminding the sustained growth and success of the internationally-renowned Boomtown Festival, which has grown from 1,500 attendees to 70,000 in 10 years.

Over £1.5million of seed investment has already been secured from private investors bringing new jobs to enhance Bristol's creative sector. In April the team is launching its Crowdcube fundraiser to secure an additional £350,000 to launch this new and exciting tourist attraction. Wake The Tiger invites investors to join them as shareholders on this amazing journey and really become part of the story.

For more information visit: www.wakethetiger.com.

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5th May Bristolians will be given the choice on how we want our city to be governed On 5th May Bristolians will be given the choice on how we want our city to be governed. The choice is between having a mayor, directly elected by you, or governance by committees of cross-party councillors – giving up your right to elect our city’s leader.

With a mayor, your vote decides the city’s political direction. Mayors are accountable to you, the public, and can only be hired or fired by you. They are a visible, well-known, accountable leader tasked with responsibility for the whole city and promoting Bristol at home and abroad. They give the city a clear focal point for interactions with the government, businesses, unions, charities, and so on.

The question being asked in this referendum is essentially: do you want to elect your city’s leader, or do you want councillors to appoint one of themselves to run the council on a day-to-day basis?

You may not have voted for either of Bristol’s mayors, but the key point is that you have the opportunity to vote them out. You have direct control over the city’s future.

This is in stark contrast to the proposed committee system, where councillors would govern the council in cross-party committees.

This was the system used in the UK until the late 1990s, when it was abolished for being slow, inaccessible, and unaccountable. If we go back to it, you can expect a deadlocked council with squabbling councillors unable to agree on anything.

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The 2020s are such an important decade for Bristol. We are faced with housing and climate crises, the highest inflation in thirty years, and a skyrocketing cost-of-living. We, as a city, won’t be able to properly address these issues if even the most minor policy decisions have to be accepted by all five of the council’s political parties. Such weak governance arrangements would lead to councillors shirking responsibility for tough decisions, blaming everyone but themselves for bad ones, and ambitious policies being watered down until they’re acceptable to everyone.

A mayor is elected on clear pledges, has the ability to deliver them, and is held to account on those pledges by the public.

The Government has already said that it prefers dealing with elected mayors. In a time when the government is still giving precious little funding to councils, this means Bristol will likely get more grants and investment to spend on our city if we keep the mayor and reject the committee system.

The mayoral system isn’t perfect, but it is the only system that gives you a direct say in your city’s leadership.

Don’t give up your vote. Vote for a mayoral system on 5th May. Don Alexander, Bristol City Council Labour and Co-op councillor for Avonmouth & Lawrence Weston ward. Cabinet Member for Transport.

Tel: 07914 385321 Twitter: @BristolDon Facebook: Labour in Avonmouth & Lawrence Weston Ward.

Email cllr.donald.alexander@bristol.gov.uk

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WALK

THIS MAY

It’s time to get walkin for National Walking Month!

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MAY IN NATIONAL WALKING MONTH You may not realise it, but May is National Walking Month and now the evenings are lighter for longer, this makes it the perfect time to get outside, and get walking. Walking has a whole host of different health benefits that you can use to motivate you to introduce walking into your daily lives.

WALKING IS GOOD FOR YOUR HEART Your heart is responsible for pumping the oxygen and blood around your body and keeping all the other organs working. So we think you’ll agree that it’s important to keep it in tip top condition! Walking not only strengthens your heart but reduces the risk of heart disease and strokes. In fact a brisk walk for 30 minutes every day is said to reduce your risk of a stroke by 27%. If this wasn’t enough, it also reduces bad levels of cholesterol and increases the levels of good cholesterol too!

WALKING HELPS YOU TO LOSE WEIGHT If you are new to exercise, or maybe trying to lose weight gradually in order to keep it off, then walking is a great form of exercise for you. If you walk at around 2mph for 30 minutes then you will burn around 75 calories, and if you increase this to 4mph this will rise to around 150 calories. 20 minutes of walking a day will burn an incredible 7lbs of body fat a year.

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YOU CAN LOWER YOUR RISK OF DEMENTIA An older person who walks six or more miles a week is less likely to have problems such as dementia. This is because walking has been proven to prevent your brain from shrinking.

WALKING GIVES YOU ENERGY There are times when you feel more lethargic than others, and if you find yourself in this zone then a walk could do you good. It boosts your circulation and increases the oxygen supply is around your body, which in turn will keep you feeling alert and awake.

IT’S A FULL BODY WORKOUT Many muscles in your body are activated during walking including; calves, glutes, hamstrings, quads and abdominals, so give it a try and give your legs, bums and tum a workout.

INCREASE YOUR VITAMIN D INTAKE Here in the UK there are lots of people who are deficient in Vitamin D, the best way to increase your levels of Vitamin D is to get outside in the sunshine. Vitamin D is good for your bone health, as well as your immune system, which is why it is important to try and increase the levels in your body.

WALKING MAKES YOU HAPPY In the same way walking can help you feel energised, it is also great for making you feel happy. A brisk walk can be just as beneficial as taking an antidepressant, and can be a great helping hand if you are suffering from depression, anxiety or feeling stressed.

These are just some of the reasons why you should try to work in more walking to your daily routine. Whether you walk at lunchtime, or start your day with a walk, why not try it and feel the benefits for yourself.

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Local artists to be showcased at second BS5 art trail

Local artists are being given the chance to showcase their work at venues around BS5 as the popular BS5 Art Trail returns for its second year.

“Although fairly new the BS5 Art Trail is an important and exciting event on the calendar for this community so we jumped at the chance to be a part of it.

Celebrating creativity across the BS5 community, the trail is back on 7-8 May when visitors can enjoy a wide range of art and craft from local exhibitors.

“We are opening up our visitor centre, to support local artists and their work. There will be event maps and visitor boards to help people navigate the trail, it’s going to be a great event.”

This year the event promises to be bigger and better with homes, gardens, artist studios and group venues in BS5 showcasing wares and open for exploration.

The inaugural BS5 Art Trail took place in September 2021 and saw over 80 artists and makers exhibit at venues across the neighbourhood. Similar numbers have signed up for this year’s trail, which will cover the communities of St George, Greenbank, Easton, Whitehall and Redfield.

One of the venues signed up to display artwork is The Chocolate Factory in Greenbank. Mya Castillo, sales and marketing consultant for The Chocolate Factory, explains why they chose to be involved.

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This year’s event maps have been printed by Whitehall Printers and CJ Hole are sponsoring the venue boards.

Maps will be available to collect from CJ Hole’s Redfield office as well as from other venues in the area and online at www.bs5arttrail.co.uk

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The Hub Bristol City Council has new local lettings policy for Lockleaze, and The Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust, will ensure that new social housing built in the area will benefit local residents in housing need.

The policy aims to make sure that the new homes built in the neighbourhood can benefit current residents and help build more sustainable communities.

Councillor Tom Renhard, Cabinet Member for Housing Delivery and Homes, said: “We are committed to the creation of a mixed and balanced community within Lockleaze and it is important to make sure the new developments in the area play an active part in this.

“We recognise the need to strike a balance to ensure that local residents in housing need benefit from the development in their areas as well as others, and believe that this lettings policy will help to make that a reality.

“We welcomed the opportunity to build a strong effective working relationship with Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust and the local residents during this process and look forward to continuing this positive engagement into the future.

In the case of Community Led Housing developments 100 per cent of the new social and affordable units will be allocated in line with the Local Lettings Policy where possible.

There are a number of residential developments coming to Lockleaze, including Bonnington Walk, and Romney House, and by allocating social housing in this way, the policy will make a significant difference to local people who currently find themselves in housing need.

There was a high level of local engagement during the creation of the policy, with the council taking part in a number of different community events.

Maria Perrett, Lockleaze resident and Chair of the Residents Planning Group, said: "Adoption of the Lockleaze Lettings Policy is fantastic news and a wonderful example of how all those who got involved have brought about positive change by using their voice effectively.

“Residents have worked closely with Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust and the council to help people in housing need to stay in the area. That's what makes Lockleaze such a great community and why residents “We have worked hard to ensure that the com- want to continue to live here." munity has driven decision making throughout the development of this policy and have been The policy also aims to address the current given the space to provide meaningful input at challenge of providing homes for both every stage.” growing families and those who are downsizing, to enable people to move within Under the new policy 50 per cent of new the area as their needs change over time. social and affordable rented properties on any new developments being built within It will be reviewed annually, and it is hoped it Lockleaze will be allocated to applicants that can become a template that can be rolled out meet the relevant criteria. This includes to other areas of the city. people who have lived or worked in Lockleaze for at least two years.

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£22.4k grants support Bristol community projects Four Bristol community projects are celebrating after receiving a share of over £22.4k project funding.

Sovereign Housing Association, working with not-for-profit digital fundraising platform The Good Exchange, gave grants to Meadow Vale Community Association, arts-focused Studio Meraki and creativeShift, and the GoldenOldies Charity.

All awarded projects had to focus on growing community impact.

The Golden-Oldies Charity, fondly known as “Goldies”, delivers fun daytime social Sing&Smile community groups, supporting health, wellbeing and independent living by combating loneliness and isolation with older adults.

Founder Grenville Jones said: “We were absolutely delighted to receive funding from Sovereign Housing via The Good Exchange.

We have many plans for 2022, including relaunching many of our popular social sing-along groups that had to stop with COVID, but also to launch many more new groups across B&NES, North Somerset, Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.

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“We look forward to working in partnership with Sovereign Housing, offering their residents opportunities for fun and friendship, engaging in local community-based activities over the coming month.”

Rachel Peters, Community Development Officer for Sovereign, commented: "Our themes were community cohesion and growth and it has been great to support so many grassroots and resident-led projects that focus on bringing people back together and will make a real impact in our communities.”

Julian May, Head of Collaborative Funding for The Good Exchange, added: “We are delighted that Sovereign was able to use The Good Exchange platform to help find, shortlist and distribute grants to a number of charities across Bristol. The focus on supporting projects that deliver impact and engagement across communities has become even more important as we move into the COVID-recovery period.”

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KINGS WESTON ESTATE WALK KINGS WESTON HISTORY

WALK DIRECTIONS 1. Follow the path from the end of Shirehampton Road car park. This brings you to a clearing known as the Circle that stood at the end of the avenue from the house. Walk straight across the circle and follow the path slightly to the right. Take the first path off it to the left and left at the ‘T’ junction follow it all the way to the end.

2. Just as you exit the trees you will see the remains of Penpole Lodge hidden in the undergrowth on your left. Turn right and after approx. 40m you will come across The Dial a stone pillar set on a high ridge.

First mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086, Kings Weston passed through several families before the estate you see today was formed. It was purchased in 1679 by Robert Southwell, from Humphrey Hooke, a former mayor of Bristol.

Robert’s son Edward commissioned Sir John Vanbrugh to rebuild the house in its present form; it was designed c. 1712 and completed by 1720. The house is Grade I listed and sits in a Grade II registered historic landscape.

Robert was amongst other things Secretary of State for Ireland and later President of the Royal Society. His son Edward followed him into the Society in 1692 in recognition of his interest in ‘natural science’.

Jane Austen records the estate as “being on the circuit” and mentions Kings Weston in her novels Emma and Northanger Abbey.

3. Retrace your steps but follow the open ground rather than going back into the woods. This will bring you to Penpole Lane.

When you have passed the Oasis Academy turn right through an unmarked gap into the cricket ground. Following the path on the right of the grounds will bring you out on Shirehampton Road.

4. Cross the road by Shirehampton Lodge and enter Shirehampton golf course. The path is almost hidden in the front right hand corner of the car park. Follow this public right of way down towards the Portway.

5. Follow the path around to the left and you will come across sweeping views over the river at Horseshoe Bend. From here you can see the Powder House at the end of Hung Road, where ships had to off-load gunpowder and other inflammable materials before they reached the port in the centre of Bristol.

6. Continue along the lower edge of the golf course and at the bottom of the slope by a gate to the Portway turn left. Follow the yellow footpath markers up the hill towards Shirehampton Road. Cross the road and follow the track uphill into the trees. Take the steps in front of you. Here you will find the Echo, one of the garden buildings designed

by Vanbrugh.

7. With the Echo behind you walk downhill towards the house. Once at the house the path which follows the line along the edge of the original main avenue will lead you back to the car park.

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12 Words and Phrases That Only Make Sense to Bristolians

Me lover

Meaning: My darling, my dear, mate. This is a term of endearment and can be used for your family member, friends, acquaintances, random strangers.

Gert

Meaning: A way of putting emphasis on something; used in the same way as ‘really’ or ‘very

Drive Meaning: No, this isn’t referring to something you do with a car. Or the award-winning Ryan Gosling film. This is actually what the locals in Bristol use when they’re thanking bus drivers and taxi drivers.

Lush

Mint

Babber

Proper

Meaning: Very, very nice. Something that is pleasing to one’s eye. ) Meaning: Another term of endearment meaning baby, babe, love. You get the picture.

How to use: “Alright me babber?”

Innit

Meaning: Isn’t it just. Used a lot at the end of sentences or in response to something.

Brizzle

Meaning: Bristol.

Jason Donervan

Meaning: Only the very best chip van in the whole of Bristol. Where you go after a night on the Triangle (see three points above).

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Meaning: A word that means really, really great.

Meaning: Again, this is used to describe something that’s really good and pleasing to the local Bristolian.

Where's it to?

Meaning: Where is it?

Bemmie

Meaning: Bedminster, an area south of the river in Bristol.

in partnership with North Somerset Council

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This is the term we use for new business – signing up new landlords, uploading all their documents and certificates onto our system, ensuring that both they and their properties are compliant, dealing with the documentation and compliance surrounding any existing tenancies and signing and agreeing our terms and our agency contract.

It sounds simple – just a few signatures, what can be complicated about that?

However, it’s an important process and forms the basis upon which both sides understand each other. It can all happen very quickly, where everyone is motivated towards speed, but it’s significance should not be overlooked or understated.

We will be looking at two things here, when we are onboarding landlords– compliance and business plan. In terms of compliance, we like to break this down into 3 areas (i) Compliant landlord (ICO, Insurances, Mortgage type etc.) (ii) Property Compliance (certification, HHSRS, any licensing requirements, risk assessments etc.) (iii) Tenant and Tenancy compliance.

In terms of business plan, it’s here that we look at any overarching concepts, projects, desires, or plans, which affect your property or portfolio. Two great and recent examples of this are of two individual landlords, who are lovely landlord clients of ours.

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The first is a property investor who had an absolute HMO nightmare. He is a portfolio landlord, who had stopped investing in HMOs because “they just aren’t worth the hassle…when you equate the time, stress, and extra maintenance, they just don’t make sense.” He passed the management of his remaining HMOs over to us, from another agent and we were able to make some adjustments for him.

We re-modelled some of the rooms; filled his empty rooms, thereby correcting his void situation; found the problem tenants and served the correct eviction notices and replaced them with good quality tenants; hired a cleaner; set up effective working relationships with the tenants and managed the properties correctly. It wasn’t an easy or “painless” process, but it turned a nightmare situation around, into a positive (both in terms of stress, anxiety and cashflow) situation. Just recently, the investor in question has come back to us, to discuss other HMOs that he is looking to develop, as he now has confidence in the model again.

The second example is of a landlord, with a flat in the centre of Bristol, who wants to use it for himself and his family for part of the year. We were able to discuss his plans and look at different tenant types and how this might work for him.

The message here is, to speak to your agent as early as you can because that way, they can add real value. Our portfolio landlords often come to us at the planning stage, and this is great, because here we can discuss design, layout, refurb and tenant type with them. We can look at design that differentiates and adds real value and help avoid costly mistakes and use our knowledge and experience to help future proof their assets.

• It's also crucial to remember that the onboarding process is not just about information that your agent needs – it’s about you, your property, and the service you want!

We spoke earlier about your business plan and lettings should be the cornerstone of that plan. The onboarding stage is a fact-finding mission for you too and a great chance to ask those all-important questions: • • • • • • • • • • What’s their process for ensuring your property won’t be underlet? Do they send out a standard notice every year and “stick their fingers in the air” or are they more data driven? This is important because, on average, when we take on management, we usually increase the rent roll by 12% •

Tenant retention – what are their stats and averages here? The national average is 9 months, ours is 14 – they should have this figure to hand because it means that they are tracking it and using it as a key metric, as we are.

•

Management costs – how do they deal with maintenance? We try, wherever possible, to fix maintenance issues over the phone, to save landlords money and have videos for tenants on standard issues.

•

Ask them about their inspection process – how regular? How long do they take? What are they looking for?

Do they encourage tenants to be present? This is really important because a 5-minute inspection that just checks that the house is still standing, is not going to protect you or your tenants.

•

Quiz them about compliance and regulations (there are 178 pieces of these) and how proactive are they about this pivotal area of lettings?

•

And last, but probably the most important, do you feel that they have the skills, knowledge and experience to be your lettings partner? Are they a friendly face that will field your tenant calls and collect your rent or do they also understand the importance of compliance, have the ability to manage your properties and your tenants safely and effectively and will be proactive in keeping you abreast of the ever-changing legislation and advising, in good time, accordingly? This part of the process is your opportunity to find out – not only is the letting agent onboarding you – you are also onboarding them!

Be proactive, ask the questions and make sure that you come away feeling happy and content with the answers. We love talking property and lettings and when we hear landlords say, “I have a few questions…” it is music to our ears and we always respond with “fire away, ask us anything, we are an open book.” A good, local, agent is worth their weight in gold and should have the answers to your questions at their fingertips.

The onboarding process should be a two-way process - get it right and enjoy all that comes with having an experienced and knowledgeable lettings partner, who is every bit as invested in your success as you are!

www.kpa.co.uk

21

Garden landscaping ideas how to plan and create your perfect garden Re-designing your garden is an exciting prospect. Do you wish you had somewhere to sit, relax, entertain or let the children play?

Maybe you are just a little bored and want a garden design that is more colourful, varied or maintenance friendly. Garden landscaping is the ideal way to craft an attractive space to grow plants that give you a beautiful environment and design a practical layout that allows you to use your garden how you want.

But where do you start? Take a look at our answers to common garden landscaping questions; whether its planning and budgeting, resourcing and building or aesthetic planting, our guide holds the key to the garden landscaping design of your dreams.

How do I start my garden design?

Landscaping ideas start with good research.

Take inspiration by visiting garden centres, public gardens, annual garden shows, even other people’s houses to get a feel of what is to your taste. Take into account your garden size and think about what you need your garden to do for you. Then, take to the drawing board to sketch your ideas and make mood boards from magazines and Pinterest of your dream garden landscape.

Elements to consider when first planning garden landscaping ideas Walls and boundaries Hedges and fences Paths and patios

Next consider your plot. Look at the size and shape and take into consideration the direction if faces, the style of your house it will be framing and the surrounding area. Achieving balance is a strong aspect of good garden design; pay equal attention to all areas and remember that plants and shrubs will change size and shape throughout the seasons.

Do you prefer formal or informal gardens?

Formal gardens tend to be tidy and geometric with lots of straight lines and clipped hedges, whereas informal gardens are made up of organic curves and planting is much more relaxed.

Soften a sloping garden with grass steps If your garden is on different levels but you’re not keen on hard landscaping severely breaking things up take inspiration from this garden we saw in North Bristol. Instead of incorporating stone steps, They used grass treads, integrating them into the existing lawn to connect the lower patio to the small sun terrace above. Creating a softer approach to the flow, seamlessly journeying from one space to the other.

Pave the way The trend for creating garden zones is hugely popular, meaning the need for having a garden path is great. A link that unites the different areas is not only highly practical, it can also be visually appealing as this example demonstrates. Without a pathway you’ll soon find that you tread an unsightly channel into the lawn – which will ruin all your hard work with the overall garden aesthetic.

Zoning areas (dining, playing, shading)

While the best time to redesign your space is in winter when plants are dormant, looking at it in summer gives you the chance to really understand how you use the space. Or if you just want to add new surfaces, you can do so now and reap the rewards this summer.

Planting: trees, shrubs, pots

Either way enjoys your garden

Lawns Water features

Lighting Out-buildings 22

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Uncover lesser-known facts from our dementia experts to help you navigate caring for a loved one. At Trymview Hall care home, we’re here for you every step of the way.

Download our free dementia guide, Let’s talk about dementia, 21 things everyone should know or call 0117 405 9625 to request a printed copy.

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Peach & rosé sangria Method

Ingredients

Slice the peaches into thick wedges

2 large peaches Shiraz Rosé 100ml white rum 50ml orange liqueur 1 lime, cut into wedges 3 mint sprigs Ice

Arrange on a griddle pan over a high heat Cook for 3-4 mins, until lightly charred Put half the slices in a blender, along with 200ml of the Rosé and blend until smooth Strain through a sieve, pressing down with the back of a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible Pour the remaining 550ml rosé into a tall jug before adding the peach mixture, along with 100ml white rum, 50ml orange liqueur, the remaining peach wedges, 1 lime, cut into wedges, 3 mint sprigs and plenty of ice Stir well before serving *2.1 alcohol units per glass

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City and Port of Bristol Bowling Club Bowling is back! The green opened on MonJunior Bowling will return on Wednesday May day April 11th and woods were soon rolling on 4th at 6pm and it is hoped that the great start it to signal the start of the 2022 season. made last season will continue and grow.

Young bowlers today are the senior bowlers There is much to look forward to with forty and stars in years to come. mixed friendly games planned on Wednesday afternoons and at week-ends through to the Before the new season started there was first weekend in October. plenty going on at City and Port Bowls Club.

The first of these was a home game against Bristol St. Andrews on Sunday April 17th.

It was great to be back on the green in the sunshine at the PBA Club. The result --- a win for the visitors --- was much less important than the enjoyment that comes from playing the game and meeting bowlers from another club.

Monday evening club league starts on May 9th and both Ladies and Men’s Bristol Leagues are underway early in the same month. A number of individual bowlers are involved in county competition again this season and they will be hoping to emulate Ken Davies who reached the Bristol Section of the Men’s Champion of Champions competition in 2021.

This season will see more meaningful league competition with the return to promotion and relegation and the presentation of trophies at the end. This did not happen last season due to the pandemic and the restrictions that resulted from it.

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Sunday March 27th saw twenty eight bowlers and families heading down the M5 to Torquay and another great Bowling Break at the splendid Toorak Hotel. Bowling was for two hours each day from Monday until Thursday on the TLH four rink arena. The week started well with a win over another visiting club Devizes. On Tuesday the opposition was local club side Kingsteighton who proved to be tougher opposition and came out in front by nine shots. Another visiting club --Wellington, were the opponents on Wednesday and again on Thursday.

The outcome of the first game was very close with Wellington winning by just two shots --on Thursday, the margin was much greater with Wellington being victorious again. But --- results are much less important than the pleasure that comes from playing the game and meeting people to exchange tales of bowling with.

But --- the week was not all about bowling.

There was plenty of time to do other things ---- a visit to the theatre in Babbacombe to see the highly enjoyable and very colourful show Starlight on Tuesday evening was a highlight of the week. Add to that the now traditional Ten Pin Bowling Night on Thursday --- always great fun ---- nightly bingo and entertainment in the Starlight Room and the many other things that the hotel group has to offer adds up to a really great week. Away from the hotel some folk travelled by steam train from Paignton to Kingswear and then by ferry to Dartmouth. The cruise on the River Dart and some wonderful views en-route including Agatha Christies House and the Naval College --- all great memories. Some bowlers visited the Model Village at Babbacombe whilst others went to see another steam railway at Totnes.

Returning to the bowling ---- and Thursday evening’s presentations ---- organisers Dee and Gill made sure that everybody went away with something. First to be thanked were the weeks four captains --- Ray and Bill Cook , Howard Surman and David Hinksman.

Howard --- with Dave Chilcott, Ken Davies and Janet Reed --- was on the highest winning rink of the week and was also the top scoring man of the week. Janet Reed ---- was top lady. A thank you presentation was made by Ray Cook on behalf of all the bowlers and families – for organising another really great week.

Later in the evening Ten Pin Bowling ---- and this year’s winners were Irene Whitfield and Ken Davies --- well done to them.

Thursday 7th April was Big Band Night featuring the David Salt Big Band in the Ballroom at the PBA Social and Sports Club.

Organised by the Bowling Club it was a great success and highly enjoyable. More about it in the next edition.

Sunday May 29th will see an afternoon of bowling for anyone who would like to try it at the green in Nibley Road--- free of charge and without obligation. This is part of the Bowls Big Weekend which is promoted by Bowls England to attract new bowlers. Come along and bowl some woods --- it might be just the game you have been looking for!!

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

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Luxury granola

Ingredients

Method

2 tbsp flavourless oil such as sunflower or vegetable 2 tbsp honey 80g Oats 20g puffed rice 1tbsp Linseed/ flax seed 1tbsp desiccated coconut 1tbsp pumpkin seeds 1tbsp Chopped mixed nuts ½ tbsp sesame seeds 2 tbsp raisins

Pre-heat oven to 220C/ Fan 200C Heat a frying pan on a medium heat with the oil and honey until hot.

Add the oats, nuts and seeds and stir to coat.

Transfer to a lined oven tray and bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden and nuts are toasted.

Removing off heat and transferring to a piece of greaseproof paper.

Leave to cool, then add the raisins and puffed rice. Transfer to an airtight container if storing.

Best consumed within 2 weeks. If a little soft after storing, preheat the oven to 190/ fan170C, place on a baking tray and bake for 4-5 minutes to get the crispness back.

Delicious on yogurt!

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CINEMAPREVIEW REVIEW THE MOVIE DOWNTON ABBEY: A NEW ERA From award-winning creator Julian Fellowes comes the motion picture event DOWNTON ABBEY: A NEW ERA. The much-anticipated cinematic return of the global phenomenon reunites the beloved cast as they go on a grand journey to the South of France to uncover the mystery of the Dowager Co untess’ newly inherited villa.

DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS Doctor Strange, with the help of mystical allies both old and new, traverses the mind-bending and dangerous alternate realities of the Multiverse to confront a mysterious new adversary.

Sign up to our newsletter https://scottcinemas.co.uk/newsletter 33

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Take a break and try to solve theses puzzles Here are this months puzzles designed to test your mental skills during your lunch break or after tea.

Good luck!

EASY

MEDIUM

HARD

EXTREME

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Your Garden In May

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…

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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!

Plant out young veg Marrow, courgette and sweetcorn are all ready to be sown in the greenhouse. The likes of brussel sprouts, kale, peas and swede should be okay covered outside.

If you have already grown tomatoes, move them outside to harden them off. Keep them outside during the day and bring them back inside at night for two weeks to acclimatize them.

If you have potatoes that are starting to emerge, pull a few inches of earth around the plant with a rake to give the plant more soil to grow.

Enjoy your garden!

Looking good this month...Geranium Why should you plant them?

Geraniums make popular bedding plants – either in the garden or in pots and hanging baskets. They thrive outdoors in the summer but are also great for using a houseplant.

They look good planted in a group in a flowerbed all by themselves or mixed in with other annuals – the perfect plant for any spot that calls for a splash of colour throughout the season.

How should you plant them?

Geraniums need to be grown in well draining soil or if planting in pots a good quality free draining compost. They should be located in a bright spot in the garden that gets plenty of sunshine. Soil should be allowed to dry between watering to avoid root rot.

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HOROSCOPES 38

Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18

Taurus Apr 20 - May 20

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

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

Gemini May 21 - June 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

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

Cancer June 21 - July 22

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

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

Leo July 23 - Aug 22

Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21

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

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.

Virgo Aug 23 - Sept 22

Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21

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

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 - 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

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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