NORTH SOMERSET MONTHLY MAGAZINE
March 2021
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Mikes letter Welcome to March edition of Direct Local,
Well, spring is on it’s way and the hope of some warmer days a head. As its March already! How fast did that come around! Let’s hope the next few months fly by too as the restrictions begin to get eased in the UK over the next few months. It will be nice to be able to sit in the garden with a nice cocktail or cup of tea and bask in the early sunshine that March may bring. March also marks Mother’s Day, so let’s celebrate in style this year and do something special for our super Mums. This month also marks the kids going back to school too, which is great news for all you parents out there. No more juggling home schooling and a full time job. Plus the house becomes a home again. Finally I hope everyone’s looking forward to what looks like a great summer this year. Fingers crossed the coronavirus does not put a dampeners on the whole thing as we all deserve a break I think this year. Till next month Bristol stay safe!
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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.
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This week.. 6. Aardman youth campaign 8. Horoscopes 10. Your Garden in March 13. Scrappy Soup 14. Mama bears invest 16. Puzzles 18. Celebrating 30 years 20. Drivers on low income 24. Mothers Day 26. Road works 28. Soul of the city
www.directlocalbristol.co.uk The team EDITOR Michael Davies WEB DESIGNER Matthew Clarke
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Lisa Davies PROOF READER Elisabeth Davies Advertising sales Tel: 0117 325 8029 MOB: 07500 017 236 Email: info@directlocalonline.com Regular editoials By: Andrea Sexton, Martin Powell Daren Bane Kayleigh Penny Peter Abraham Andrew Varney Distribution: North Somerset Magazines are delivered to homes and businesses to reach 20,000 people each month.. @directlocal
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Conservation areas to protect Ashton Court Estate Ecology of city green space to be safeguarded Visitors are being urged to help preserve the ecology of the Ashton Court Estate when temporary conservation areas are set up within the city’s largest green space next week. Sections of the plateau, located near the Clifton Lodge car park of the 850-acre country park, will be roped off during the spring to offer recovery space to some of the abundance of wildlife on the estate. Record numbers have visited Ashton Court this winter, with many using it to take exercise during the COVID-19 lockdowns, meaning the area has had a shorter recovery time than usual. Bristol City Council has now stepped in to introduce measures as a manager of a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The Parks department will rope off the plateau to protect breeding skylarks which make their nests amongst the grass. Increased visitor numbers and numbers of dogs roaming off the lead are believed to have contributed to a recent decline in their population. The area is also home to an important population of green-winged orchids, some of which are in danger of being damaged by the impact of walkers on the area.
Councillor Asher Craig, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet member for Communities, said: “We recognise how important the use of Ashton Court Estate and the other parks and green spaces throughout Bristol have been in providing safe areas for people to exercise and maintain their physical and mental health during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic and we want that to continue to be the case. “The action we are taking at Ashton Court Estate is about striking a balance between maintaining these facilities and protecting the ecology within them to ensure they can be used and enjoyed by all citizens well into the future. “Everyone can play their part in safeguarding the wildlife at Ashton Court by not entering the roped-off temporary conservation areas and sticking to the mown and surfaced paths “We would also ask them to take any litter away with them and dispose of it safely as well as ensuring that dogs are controlled and, around the plateau, kept on a short lead to help with this conservation drive.’’ The temporary conservation sites are expected to remain in place throughout the spring, with signs being placed within the estate to make visitors aware of them. The red deer park at Ashton Court Estate has been closed to the public since November to help with the welfare of the deer and is expected to remain so for the time being while being reviewed as lockdown eases. Further information can be found on the Ashton Court page of the Bristol City Council website.
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Aardman youth campaign tackles mental health
The What's Up With Everyone? Is A short film series made by Aardman Studios looks at five mental health issues that are affecting young people the most. The project aims to tackle the rise in mental health concerns for the age group during the pandemic. Students who took part said the issues they looked at were the ones that often get "ignored". The series focuses on loneliness, competitiveness, perfectionism, independence and social media. University of the West of England student Charlotte Butler Blondel voiced Tai in the short film about competitiveness. Miss Butler Blondel said the issues they focused on were often “ignored” and hoped that when people watch the films they would “talk about them more”. She said: “I know a lot of people who have TikTok and I have too, but the comments on there are filled with people who are so jealous of people’s figures and their lifestyles. “It’s not a healthy thing.” Bristol film student Matthew Cox voiced Merve in the film about loneliness. 6
He said he hoped it helps others "educate themselves" about mental health issues. Mr Cox said: "There is still a taboo around everything. "You see students who are unfortunately ending their lives. "It needs be treated as if it's a physical illness; treat it the same way we treat cancer." Aardman's interactive and creative director Neil Pyner, who helped produce the series, said the team "really wanted to make a difference" for young people. He said: "If it makes people step back and start a conversation then I think we've done our job." University of Nottingham professor of Health Humanities, Paul Crawford, alongside research teams from other universities and young people's mental health expert, Dr Dominique Thompson, were involved in the research behind the campaign. The Mental Health Foundation, Mental Wellbeing charity and Happy Space also contributed. The series is now available online and on social media.
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March Horoscopes
Aquarius Jan 20-Feb 18 Clear communication would be a real asset to you at this time. There is something you have either put on the back burner or chosen to ignore but it is something you would be wiser to deal with at this time. Whatever is going on for you that is difficult, remember you have a lot of resilience and inner strength, and you will find the right way to deal with things. Keywords: Clear communication & Resilience Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20 You feel that something may not have been dealt with fairly, this could be a situation with a family member or someone close to you. Step back and try and see the situation from all sides and try to bring some change and balance back. Keywords: Fairness & Change
Aries Mar 21 - Apr 19 If you are involved in meetings at this time they may not run as smoothly as you would like or not even happen at all. If the situation feels difficult remember to keep calm. You may also feel time for spring-cleaning, both on the physical and emotional levels. Keywords: Calm & Clearing Taurus Apr 20 - May 20 You could get one of those wonderful lightbulb moments, when something inspiring or enlightening suddenly makes sense. You may find the need to bring some harmony to a difficult situation. There could be some small but interesting changes that are coming your way. Keywords: Sudden Realisation & Changes
Leo July 23 - Aug 22 If something isn’t moving as quickly as you would like, this could be a good time to sort and clear what needs doing. As this can make way for new things and ideas. Keywords: Clearing & New ideas and things Virgo Aug 23 - Sept 22 Balance and harmony are very important to you, somebody doesn’t always bring your sensitivity to the fore, as this will be an asset in this situation. You may also think of starting a new interest, that will involve collecting things or gathering information. Keywords: Sensitivity, connecting & Gathering Libra Sept 23 - Oct 22 It does seem as though study is on your mind at present. You may find yourself either researching or seeking information regarding things of interests to you. You may also feel the need to clear things both emotionally and within your living spaces, as you feel there maybe new things on the way. There is possibly an issue that you will have to deal with later in the month. Keywords: Study & Clearing Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21 This may not be one of the easiest times, as you feel as though you need to be on your guard. A situation would be worth stepping back from, and trying to see it from a different perspective. This month would be good for you to follow those instinctive feelings, and work with your intuition. Remember also you are a lot stronger than you think. Keywords: Protection & Intuition
Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21 There is something you’ve been putting off that you need to sort out and this would be a good time to do Gemini May 21 - June 20 so. You can do the same with some spring cleanBe careful in situations that could become volatile, ing, both in your physical environment and possibly especially in communication, try to be a listener as emotionally too. Once you have sorted a few things much as possible. Otherwise things could get into a out it will give you the space to be able to carry on bit of a tangle. Know that you can deal with and rise with some hobbies and a few relaxing things that you above a difficult situation. have not had time for. Keywords: Time and hobbies Keywords: Listen & Inner wisdom Capricorn Dec 22 0 Jan 19 Your social life won’t be busy this month. Cancer June 21 - July 22 Relationships are a high point this month, as well as A few things look to change for you, so be prepared. Could be a time for reflection and from this some possible a small refresh in the home. If something study or research or new interests or hobbies, may is a bit hard going at the moment, you will find that come from this. you will have the strength and endurance to go Keywords. Learning and changes through this relatively plain sailing Keywords: Opportunities & Relationships Want to find out more about what’s in store for you this month! Contact Marie on: 07949 800354 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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Your garden in March Spring is finally here! The warmer and sunnier days during March provide the oppurtunity for an increasing range of gardening tasks. It’s a great time of the year as new life bursts forth and the garden begins to transform. Preparation of seed beds and borders should be well under the way this month as well as cutting back winter shrubs and generally tidying up the mess that the winter has left behind. Whether you’re preparing for shrubs and bedding plants or sowing seed for vegtables. Once all the tidying is done you’ll be in a better postion to plan the seasons planting. Plant of the Month Pansy/Viola
The essential gardening jobs for March
Sow seeds and plant onion sets, shallots and potatoes As the soil begins to warm you can start to sow broad beans, salads and sweet peas. If bad weather is forecast, be sure to cover seedlings with clothes to protect them. March is also the time to plant out onion and shallot sets – cover with fleece or netting to protect from birds. Early varieties of potato such as ‘Rocket’ and ‘swift’ , can be planted. If they have been kept in a light and frost-free environments, they should be ‘chitting’ (a slight sprouting from seed potato). Chitting before planting can encourage earlier and heavier cropping.
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Feed As the warmer weather promotes fresh growth, a general garden fertiliser should be applied to help boost roots, green foliage and encourage more fruits and flowers from your plants. It can be applied around the base of plants by scattering straight from the box and left to be watered in the rain. Unfortunately, the warm weather will also see weeds start to grow as well. Weeding isn’t the most popular of jobs but its best to pull any that start to appear while they are young to prevent spreading. Scarify the lawn Do some lawn preparations before the growing season gets well under way. Choose a dry day and give the lawn a rake to remove the remnants of winter before cutting with the mower blades set at the highest position. Then aerate with a garden fork or aeration machine. This helps drainage and gets oxygen to the roots. Finally, apply a top dressing of spring lawn feed to add nutrients.
Why Should you plant them? One of the most popular bedding plants, pansies and violas are hardy annuals that have a stunning array of colours to choose from. Bringing the joy of spring to your garden during the colder months, they grow happily in borders or containers as well as providing great ground cover. How should you plant them? Plant them in moist, well-drained soil in a spot with good sunlight to encourage flowering. tough little plants that are extremly hardy, they prefer cooler temperatures and need watering regularly. They are also very versatile - plant them in beds, borders, containers and hanging baskets
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Veggie scrap soup
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil in a large pot and add the onions. Saute for around 5 minutes, until the onions start to turn trans3 cloves garlic, sliced lucent and smell delicious. Add in the garlic for 30 more seconds. If you want to use any 1 large ziploc bag frozen veggie scraps (we recommend broccoli stalks, kale stalks, carrot of the optional spices, add them at this point and saute for around 1 minute to release their and parsnip peels) delicious aroma. 5 to 6 cups filtered water you can use Carefully pour the frozen veggies into the pot. vegetable broth if you'd like Stir around to mix with the oil, onions and garlic. Optional seasoning: 1 yellow onion, diced
2 to 3 tsp curry powder 1 inch ginger root, sliced Optional seasoning: 1/2 tsp dried thyme 1/2 tsp dried rosemary Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 35 mins Servings: 6
Season with a nice pinch of sea salt and pepper. Pour in the water and bring to a boil. Once the water in boiling, reduce the heat to low so that the soup simmer. Cover and simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes, until the veggies are really tender and soft. Carefully pour the mixture into a blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until the soup is creamy and smooth. Make sure to taste the soup and add more sea salt and pepper to taste. If you find the soup is too thick for your liking, you can add some more water. 13
MAMA BEARS INVESTS IN FOGGING EQUIPMENT
A South West-based nursery group has invested in the latest anti-viral fogging equipment to keep its 24 settings safe.
“The machines work by covering the whole room with tiny droplets of a non-toxic, nonalcoholic, water-based sanitising solution.
Mama Bear’s Day Nurseries & Pre-School group, a family-run business operating across Bristol, Somerset and Devon, has introduced fogging machines in all of its nurseries in order to sanitise each room at the end of the day.
“It’s safe to use on all surfaces including soft furnishings, textiles, wood, metal and plastic and we will be using the equipment at the end of each day to sanitise the nursery.
Nursery leaders say that fogging decontamination is the fastest and most effective way to sanitise a space and will help to protect staff and children against coronavirus and other germs. Tony Driffield, who co-owns Mama Bear’s with wife Bev, said: “We are delighted to introduce our new fogging procedures to each of our 24 nurseries. Using this equipment has been proven to kill the Covid-19 virus so it gives further reassurance to both our staff and parents that the settings are as safe as possible. 14
“We have worked throughout the pandemic, supporting key-worker and vulnerable families, and more recently we have been open to all families. This has meant that our Covid-19 procedures are firmly in place and this latest precaution is just another tool to ensure our environments are as hygienic as possible.” For more information or to arrange a Covid-19 secure tour at your local Mama Bear’s Nursery visit www.mamabear.co.uk
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Take a break and solve theses puzzles ! admire buffet cell coalition compact garbage harm housing manual pay reject rotten science scrape section
EASY
MEDIUM
HARD
Here are this weeks 3 puzzles to test your number crunching skills ranging from easy to medium and hard. 16
MAR
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Step One A
Schools re-opened, childcare allowed One plus one social meeting outdoors One visitor to care home residents Stay at home stays in place
APR
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Step Two
Non-essential retail, personal care Premises, hairdressers , nail salons, libraries, gyms, zoos, and theme parks can reopen.
Pubs and restaurants can reopen outdoors. MAR No need for a meal, 29 Step One B substantial no curfew Rule of six Wider social distancing rules Outdoor sports continue Stay local One household can Work from home stay at a cottage or where possible holiday let. Still no overseas travel
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Step Three
Jun
21
Step Four
Rule of six will be dropped outdoors
All legal limits on social contact go
Two households can meet indoors Hotels, cinema, soft play areas to reopen
Remaining hospitality re-open
1,000 people or half full permitted at indoor sports venues. Outdoor venues 4,000 people or half full 10,000 allowed at Wembley International travel possible Review of social distancing
Restrictions on large events lifted
Restrictions for weddings may still be in effect
Review of certificates for jabs, test
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Children’s Hospice South West celebrates 30 years Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) is “From that bonkers statement, an idea grew,” celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2021 …and said Mr Farwell. everyone is welcome to join the party! “We knew that there were many hundreds of During the last three decades, the charity has families in the West Country who should also provided a safe haven of care, support and have the opportunity to experience the friendship for thousands of local families with benefits which we were receiving at Helen a seriously ill child. And in its 30th year, House.” supporters are being asked to help it create more cherished memories for many years to The couple started fundraising in the laundry come. room of their home and spent days, evenings and weekends on the road with printed A £1m fundraising appeal to build the South leaflets talking to anyone who would listen West’s first children’s hospice was launched about the project. in 1991 by Eddie and Jill Farwell, who experienced the urgent need for hospice care In 1995, Little Bridge House opened its doors for local children. Their two eldest children, in Fremington, near Barnstaple. Huge Katie and Tom, had life-limiting illnesses and demand for its services led to the opening of the family had to travel more than four hours, the charity’s second hospice, Charlton Farm, from their home in North Devon to Helen near Bristol, in 2007. And in 2011, Little House in Oxford, then the country’s only Harbour opened in St Austell, Cornwall, meaning that no matter where families live children’s hospice. in the South West, children’s hospice care is available within an hour-and-a-half drive. Mr Farwell, who is the charity’s chief executive, said the idea to build a children’s hospice came to him during the middle of a restless night, and despite being told to ‘stop being so silly and go back to sleep’ by his late wife Jill, the idea began to take shape.
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Today, CHSW supports more than 500 families across the peninsula. It has adapted its care during the pandemic to ensure Covidsafe support wherever and whenever families need it, including in the hospices, and for the first time ever, in families’ own homes. The charity needs around £11m a year to run its three children’s hospices, and around 85 per cent is raised through voluntary donations. “Katie and Tom, who had so little that this world values, not only inspired their parents, but also many thousands of people to create CHSW, which has helped and will continue to help, many hundreds of families across the South West,” said Mr Farwell. “It has been a tremendous journey and so many children and families have been helped along the way at each of our three hospices. That work would not have been possible without the continued faithfulness and generosity of people all over the South West.
“So we hope they will join with us in 2021 and celebrate this wonderful milestone, and all that they have helped us achieve. “We have lots of fundraising ideas on our website and anything people are able to do to help, no matter how big or small, will make a real difference to families in 2021. “Together, we can continue to create more memories to be cherished for another 30 years.” There are lots of ways people can support CHSW during its 30th year and every penny raised will help CHSW continue to care for very poorly children and families. To get involved visit www.chsw.org.uk/30
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Drivers on low income exempt from Bristol (CAZ) charges
Thousands of motorists will be charged a £9 daily fee to enter the Clean Air Zone in Bristol if the council’s plans are approved by the Government. However some drivers of air polluting vehicles will be able to apply for a one-year exemption before they have to start paying the Clean Air Zone fee, and others will not have to pay at all. Bristol City Council must have a Clean Air Zone in place by October 29th 2021 and, after years of planning and consultation, it has decided to seek permission for a small clean air zone in the city centre. Bristol City Council had hoped to avoid forcing drivers of polluting vehicles to pay to enter the Clean Air Zone (CAZ), but said in a statement online that it must impose charges to meet a legal obligation to reduce traffic and air pollution to within legal limits in the shortest possible time frame. However charges will only apply to diesel vehicles that are Euro 5 standard and below, so roughly 2014 and older, and to petrol vehicles that are Euro 3 and below, so about 2006 and older. Those people who live in the Clean Air Zone as well as Bristol-based Blue Badge holders will be able to apply for a one-year exemption before they have to start paying a fee. People on low incomes will also be able to apply for a one-year exemption if they have to drive in and out of the zone to get to work. This group – individuals earning less than £24,000 a year and no more than £12.45 per hour – will also be prioritised for financial support packages under the council’s proposals. The council is also proposing exemptions for people who have to go to hospital for admissions and appointments or to visit-loved ones regularly. 20
Mayor Rees said in a online statement: “We’re looking at a scheme with hospitals for families that have to be frequent visitors to loved ones, particularly children, for example, in hospital.” Most of the exemptions are for one year to allow time for people to upgrade to cleaner vehicles and take advantage of financial support and scrappage schemes. Vehicles such as ambulances, police and fire engines and disabled passenger vehicle tax classes 78 and 85, motorcycles, and classic cars are automatically exempt under CAZ rules set out by the Government. Bristol city council estimates about 74,700 out of 258,000 vehicles would be charged to enter the zone each day. They estimate around 27 per cent of private cars are not compliant with emission standards and will attract a clean air charge. Similarly, they believe about 39% of LGVs, 25% of HGVs and 5% of buses and coaches will have to pay a daily fee. The council is currently asking the government for money to provide financial support packages for households and businesses to upgrade their vehicles. Mayor Rees said online: “We have a moral responsibility to deliver clean air, we recognise that, but never forget we have a legal responsibility [to deliver] compliant air in the shortest possible time. “We will be putting mitigations in place to support people through the transition… We don’t want the burden falling disproportionately on people who are most vulnerable and we don’t want to undermine jobs within the city."
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47% of Bristolians want more opportunities to connect through food. A survey undertaken by Bristol Bites Back Better, a campaign empowering Bristolians to build a fairer, healthier and more sustainable food system in the city, has revealed that nearly 50% of respondents would like to see more opportunities for communities to come together over food, including shared community meals, group cooking, local food markets and local events allowing people to share and learn about different cultures. A further 23% highlighted that they would be inspired to get involved in activities that would tackle the issue of food equality, including surplus food swapping with neighbours and the distribution of food to support vulnerable people in the city. The outcome of these initial survey findings collated by Bristol Bites Back Better has already prompted the team to organise weekly virtual communal meals across March to provide an opportunity for connection over food that many seem to be missing. Joy Carey, Strategic Coordinator from Bristol Bites Back Better says: “This desire for connection with others demonstrated in our survey findings is unsurprising after lockdown has both limited that activity, and also shed light on its importance and value. Food is such a powerful tool in bringing people together and we know that communities across Bristol value occasions where food is shared as vital moments to connect, learn and support each other.
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Food is deeply connected to the things that will drive our recovery from the pandemic. We’re eager to understand what the people of Bristol want for their city’s food future as we know it will impact us all.” The campaign’s ‘Join the Conversation’ survey page allows anyone living in Bristol to share their hopes and ideas for the future of food in their community, or across the city. People can also share their thoughts and start discussions by using the #BiteBackBetter hashtag on social media. This input from Bristol citizens will inform city-wide thinking about how Bristol can create a resilient food future; it will form the basis of a plan that will put food front and centre of Bristol’s recovery from the pandemic and improve food in the city for everyone by 2030. ommenting on the growing need for a C citizen-led food movement in Bristol, Public Engagement Lead for Bristol Bites Back Better, Florence Pardoe, said: “A resilient food future must be led by all the city’s residents, not just the few who tend to engage in these conversations already.
Throughout the Bristol Bites Back Better campaign we ’ve been lucky enough to have engagement from all corners of our city, but we’re determined to gather more opinions and ideas, as well as to encourage more people along to our virtual events, which provide friendly and informal opportunities for connection over food. By joining the conversation about Bristol’s food future, you can be part of really meaningful change.” The call for Bristol’s citizens to ‘join the conversation’ through Bristol Bites Back Better is just one of several moves from food organisations around the city to open up the city’s food movement to its residents. Organisations such as Feeding Bristol and St Werburghs City Farm have also been championing citizen engagement, exploring topics such as food equality and diversity through online workshops and door-to-door surveying.
Bristol Bites Back Better is a campaign in support of Bristol’s bid to become a Gold Sustainable Food City this year. The bid will recognise the extraordinary work of individuals and organisations across the city, who are working collaboratively to make food fairer, healthier and more sustainable in Bristol. Bristol Food Network, Bristol Green Capital Partnership, Bristol City Council and Resource Futures are coordinating the bid and the campaign is sponsored by Essential Trading, GenEco Sustainable Solutions and Lovely Handcrafted Soft Drinks. For more information and the join the conversatio, visit: https://www.goingforgoldbristol.co.uk/jointheconversation/
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Mother's Day is an important so Mother’s Day is an important event every year, but particularly this year, as many of us will have spent almost a year away from ours by now. That’s a year of missed coffee dates, missed home-cooked meals, missed hugs and — for a large chunk of us — missed childcare opportunities.
Don’t feel you have to think really out of the box or go extra whacky in order to show you’ve thought about it — clichés are clichés for a reason! — however, if you do want to get something a little bit out-of-the-ordinary this year, we’ve accommodated for that as well.
And so, in 2021, it feels more important than ever to show our mums just how much we love and appreciate them.
Perhaps you have more than one ‘mum’ to buy for, and want to treat your step-parent, grandmother or career, in which case we’ve got gift suggestions that are affordable enough to be bought in bulk.
This year, Mothering Sunday falls on March 14 (put it in your diary now) and this year we’re determined to head into the day calm and confident in our gift choice, rather than worried that the last-minute gift we picked out some favourites. Buying presents for your parents can be intimidating, but our advice? Go with your gut. Though it feels a bit cliché to get your mum a candle, book, perfume or a pair of slippers, chances are, she’ll love it (who wouldn’t?).
Or perhaps she is shielding or self-isolating and so a letterbox Mother’s Day present is the best way to get her well-deserved goods to her. If you’re really stuck, just go for something you’ve bought yourself and liked. And if all else fails, you can’t go wrong with flowers from Beaus Bouquets
Yankee candle shade & tray We are Bristol: Shea Butter Olive Oil Hand Cream 100g sets. starts from £24.99 £10 24
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Bristol Blue Glass £42
M&S Tea in Mayfair Hamper £50
Moon Pig £10 Beaus Bouquets £34.50
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Roadworks on major Bristol city centre roads The resurfacing work is taking place on Cumberland Road between the Baltic Wharf Sailing Club and the Baltic Wharf Caravan A lane on Newfoundland Road - at the end of and Motorhome Club sites. Access to the rest of the road, these clubs, and the docks will the M32 - will close on Wednesday 24th ebruary to allow for drainage repairs to reduce remain possible for motorists. flooding on the road. The northern footway will also remain open This work is due to take eight to 10 weeks and for pedestrians along the whole route. Cyclists will be required to dismount and walk where will require the closure of the inbound lane the works are taking place. Bus stops on one from the end of the motorway up to the Houlton Street traffic lights. General traffic will Cumberland Road will not be in use, with services diverted during the works. be permitted to use the middle lane and the bus lane during this time. A Bristol City Council spokesperson said: “We are carrying out these works while traffic In addition, Cumberland Road will be fully levels are reduced due to COVID-19 closed to traffic from Monday 22nd to Thursday 25th February to allow for important restrictions, but there will inevitably be some disruption. We ask Bristolians to bear with us resurfacing works in the inbound lane that leads into the city centre. This work requires a while we carry out these essential repairs to ensure road safety and prevent disruption to full road closure due to the existing lane closure in place on Cumberland Road to allow Bristolians in the long-term.” for stabilisation works to the riverbank. Diversion signs for traffic will be in place. Work to carry out essential repairs to key city centre roads starts this week in Bristol.
For up to date travel and bus service information, including MetroBus, visit www.travelwest.info
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Bristol people invited to discover the ‘soul of the city’
People interested in the ‘hidden history’ of Bristol can now pre-order the first volume of an indispensable treasure trove of fascinating discoveries from the city’s rich and diverse past. Manson’s Bristol Miscellany is being published by Bristol Books on March 22 and anyone who pre-orders it will be invited to a virtual launch on March 24 with author Michael Manson. The book began simply as a compilation of things that piqued his own curiosity as he wandered around the streets he has called home for 45 years in a quest to find the ‘soul of the city’. He said: “I’m still finding new corners, new streets, new communities even. I’d be delighted if the Miscellany helps readers to see their environment just that little bit more clearly, and maybe embark on their own voyage of discovery. “The toppling of Edward Colston’s statue in the city centre last June prompted an increased interest in Bristol’s history. It made me think that it was time for a revaluation, and I’ve very much tried to look at Bristol from ‘below’, hence the items included in the book. 28
From hidden rivers, medieval walls and public protests to links with slavery, prisons and the treatment of mental illness, Michael’s search for the soul of the city has resulted in a ‘curiosity shop’ compendium of interesting snapshots of the city. He added: ““It was thanks to being in lockdown that I gained the motivation to pull all the loose ends of my compilation together and finish the Miscellany.” Sometimes informative, frequently fascinating, occasionally shocking, the book is extensively illustrated with some striking images to help recount the city’s power and politics, business and trade, markets and fairs, law and order, mines, plague and much more. From Britain’s first female doctor to Bristol Cars, even people who think they know Bristol well are likely to discover something new to them in this book’s clearly-written, bitesize sections. Did Bristol once have its own time zone? Why is the city’s High Cross 40 miles away? Did a Bristol citizen really invent the blanket? It’s all here, and plenty more besides.
Eugene Byrne, Editor of the Bristol Times, said the new publication was: “The result of a long love-affair with the city, and a splendid introduction to all the important milestones in Bristol’s history, with plenty of oddities and surprises for those who think they know it already.” Steve Poole, Professor of History and Heritage at the University of the West of England, and Director of the Regional History Centre, described the book as: “An indispensable compendium of Bristol ephemera for streetwalking and armchair explorers alike…dig in and enjoy!” Michael has written four history books on Bristol as well as three novels. His debut work of fiction, the Bristol-based Where’s My Money?, which was published in 2015, was selected by BBC TV as one of their ‘Books That Made Britain’. He is also co-founder of the Bristol Short Story Prize and is an organiser of the Bristol Festival of Literature.
Manson’s Bristol Miscellany is available to pre-order now from the Bristol Books website, www.bristolbooks.org priced £18. Anyone who pre-orders will receive a signed copy of the book, which will be posted on or before 22 March. Purchasers will also be emailed a link to the virtual book launch which will take place on Wednesday 24 March at 12.30pm
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TOP TIPS FOR SPERM HEALTH FOR WOULD-BE DADS Comedian Rhod Gilbert’s BBC film Stand Up To Infertility – which aired across the UK on Sunday – has won praise from a leading fertility expert at the Bristol Centre for Reproductive Medicine (BCRM) who is urging men hoping to become fathers to protect their sperm with a lifestyle overhaul. The 52 year old comedian points out that today’s society looks as fertility as a ‘female issue’ but as average sperm count levels have fallen by 50% to 60% in the last four decades, it should come as no surprise, according to BCRM’s Dr Valentine Akande, that about a third of the couples who come to the clinic because they’re not conceiving naturally find the main problem lies with the would-be dad. In fact, over half the couples have some issues with sperm alongside those of the would-be mum. The good news is that by taking better care of their health, some men can improve their sperm quality in as little as three months. Dr Akande said: “Even when a man has already fathered children, problems may develop in the intervening period, so we always start by carrying out semen analysis, that is a sperm test, if a couple are having difficulty. “And if the man’s sperm count is found to be borderline or slightly low there are steps he can take which may, in some cases, improve matters.” Dr Akande’s top tips for nurturing a man’s sperm count are: • •
Stop smoking Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and binge drinking Seek medical advice on whether prescription drugs which may be interfering with sperm quality Avoid recreational drugs and anabolic steroids Aim to keep your testes slightly cooler than the rest of your body - wear loose fitting underpants and trousers and avoid very hot baths, saunas and long distance cycling If you are overweight take measures to reduce this Avoid undertaking excessive exercise such ultra-marathons.
• • •
• • 30
Diet is also under the spotlight with researchers from Harvard University reporting that young men who ate mainly junk food had a 25 per cent lower sperm count than those who ate plenty of fruit, vegetables and fish. In cases where the quality of a man’s sperm does not improve with lifestyle changes, the way forward is often for a couple to embark on IVF treatment using a technique called ICSI. BCRM’s success rate for IVF/ICSI treatment is the best in the region,with 33% of embryos transferred through IVF resulting in births. “ICSI can be carried out even when there are very few sperm present, and where there is no sperm, we can often extract a reasonable number from the testis surgically,” said Valentine Akande. “ICSI has allowed many men to father children with their own genetic material where before sperm from a donor would have been used. But if donor sperm is required, we can help with that too.” BCRM offers discreet £90 appointments for men to have their sperm tested, evaluated and analysed by an expert scientists. This helps identify whether the sperm is normal or may be causing a couple’s problem in conceiving. If the sperm test shows no problem with the man then it makes sense to focus on the woman, but a sperm test will mean the couple have ruled out 50% of the issues that cause infertility. To find out more about sperm tests email info@BCRM.org.uk or lab@bcrm. org.uk, phone 0117 301 8605 or find advice on the BCRM website at www.FertilityBristol. com . BCRM treats both to NHS and private patients with infertility issues.
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