South Gloucestershire Direct Local October 2022

Editor Michael Davies

Journalist

Lisa Davies Distribution coordinator Matthew Clarke

10 High Street Shirehampton

Bristol BS11 0DP

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

HISTORY OF HALLOWEEN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NEW MACHINE OFFERS EASY ANALYSIS OF MALE SEMEN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

.

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

HIGH-QUALITY APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES

£147,000 in Apprenticeship Levy funding from South Gloucestershire Council and partnership with the non-profit Western Training Provider Network will deliver more high-quality apprenticeship opportunities and support local small and medium sized businesses (SMEs).

The support will help young people entering employment for the first time as well as older people who want to re-skill and will enable small businesses to fund the skills and training they need to expand their companies. Every apprenticeship created will be a new opportunity for a local resident to build their skills and progress.

Western Training Provider Network is a local network of Government-approved apprenticeship providers. They support the transfer process from full-time edu cation to working in an apprenticeship setting and deliver the apprenticeships alongside colleges and universities.

More SMEs will be able to engage in the skills system by forming partnerships with larger employers who contribute Levy funding, allowing them to hire more young people, whether they are pro gressing from school or college-based education, or older people looking to re-train.

This in turn will decrease unemployment and can strengthen local supply chains and relationships, creating mentoring relationships between larger employers and SME’s and increasing regional productivity.

SME’s having access to this funding will mean apprentices can get real work experience reducing the barriers many face, when entering employment. Employers will be able to access funding to support them to expand their work forces and train them.

Councillor Ben Burton, cabinet member with responsibility for apprenticeships at South Gloucestershire Council, said: “Apprentices are so important to us. We’ve increased the number of apprentices being taken on by the council, and we’ve seen the benefits they bring, introducing new ideas, innovation and enthusiasm to our work.

“We’re keen to help local businesses reap these same rewards and we’re supporting small and medium sized organisations in South Gloucestershire with the training costs of taking on an apprentice through our levy sharing arrangements.”

If you’d like to find out more about Levy Funding and about how it could help your business, please email apprenticeships@wtpn.org.uk

THE FENCE

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

In cinemas 1st October

MRS. HARRIS GOES TO PARIS

ALSO SHOWING IN CINEMAS

BLACK ADAM

& MANGO WHITE SANGRIA PEACH COCKTAIL

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

What you need

• 1 peach, cut into wedges

1 ripe mango, peeled and cut into wedges

100ml White rum

200ml Apple juice

75cl bottle Spanish white wine, chilled

How to make

• Heat a barbecue or griddle pan over a high heat

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

• Leave to cool, then chop

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

• Add the fruit, along with a handful of ice

• Stir again and serve

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

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

What you need

411g Can peach slices

5cm ginger, peeled and finely chopped

400ml Prosecco, chilled

How to make

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

•

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

PUMPKIN & DARK CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE

Ingredients

80g Unsalted butter, melted, plus extra for greasing

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

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

3 tsp ground cinnamon

750g Soft cheese

200g Caster sugar

6 large Range eggs, lightly beaten

40g 70% cocoa dark chocolate, roughly chopped

Method

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

JESSIE MAY CELEBRATE 17 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP

On Thursday 1st September, Bristol-based hospice at home charity

Jessie May held a special celebration day at Bristol Zoo. Joined by families, supporters, trustees and staff, it presented a fabulous opportunity for a first in-person meeting since COVID and a chance to give thanks to this unique charity.

The event marked the retirement of CEO Chris Roys after 17 years at the helm, and gave new CEO Daniel Cheesman the opportunity to set out the next 5 Year Strategy for the charity.

Jessie May provides specialist palliative care in the home for children who have terminal and life-shortening conditions. The charity has family at its heart, and that family spirit was ever present on the day.

New CEO Daniel Cheesman described the celebration event as being like a family coming together,

“Having just completed my first month, I’m really enjoying getting to know this amazing charity and I have been so impressed with the passion and commitment shown by the whole team. We have launched a very strong strategy, with big aims to support even more families, through innovative new projects as well as expanding the geographical reach of the charity - I am looking forward to working to fulfil this over the next few years.

I have been so appreciative of Chris’ guidance over these last few weeks, as he graciously hands the reins and responsibility of Jessie May over to myself. I hope that myself and the team can continue to do him proud, and take his achievements and steady platform from over the last 17 years”

Outgoing CEO Chris Roys was thankful for the opportunity the event gave, “To be able to have the opportunity to say goodbye in such a public way, to a group of individuals who I have collectively known for over 17 years, was a difficult but incredibly heart-warming moment. It was made particularly special with the attendance of some families and children that we have supported over the last 25 years, seeing them interact with their Jessie May nurses and the beaming smiles on their faces is exactly what makes this charity so special.

Knowing that Jessie May has been passed over to Daniel, who has such a sincere motivation and passion for seeing the new strategy through, allows me to leave with the confidence that Jessie May will continue to thrive and grow.”

The new 5-year strategy ‘No Place Like Home’ sets out the 2022 - 2027 aims for the charity and encompasses 6 key objectives. The overarching vision for Jessie May is that all children and young people with life-limiting and life-threat ening conditions are supported to have the very best quality of life possible, and to choose to live, and to die, in their own homes with their families. To read or download your copy visit wwwjessiemay. org.uk/news/our-publications

B BLOCK TO CELEBRATE 5TH BIRTHDAY WITH PARTIES, PIZZA AND PROSECCO

To celebrate its 5th birthday anniversary in style, the Italian-inspired pizzeria and bistro, B Block, is throwing two parties and offering a discounted pro secco and pizza deal on Friday 7th and Saturday 8th October.

The £5 for a glass of prosecco and £5 for a whole pizza deal celebrates the restaurant's 5th year of business and will run alongside two events across its birthday weekend - a Viva Italia evening on Friday 7th October and a free-to-attend family fun day on Saturday 8th October.

B-BLOCK 5TH VIVA ITALIA PARTY - FRIDAY 7TH OCTOBER (5 PM - 8 PM)

Featuring traditional Italian recipes alongside its immensely popular wood-fired pizzas, B Block will be hosting an Italian-style party on Friday evening from 5 pm onwards. Diners can travel to Italy without leaving Keynsham, or breaking the bank, with a glass of prosecco for £5 and a wood-fired Margherita pizza for £5. The Bristol Accordionist will be serenading diners from 5:30-8 pm, with a selection of famous and well-loved Italian classics perfect for the occasion; from O Sole Mio, La Mattinata, to everyone's

B-BLOCK 5TH FAMILY FUN DAY - SATURDAY 8TH OCTOBER (10:30 AM - 5 PM)

On Saturday, B-Block will be inviting families to celebrate by hosting a free family-fun birthday bash with biscuit decorating from B Block’s expert chefs - headed up by Food Development Manager, Adrian Kirikmaa. Party-goers should also expect face painters and circus workshops throughout the day to keep the fun going until 5 pm.

Neighbouring restaurant, Somer Dining, will be transformed for families for the day with a children’s party to keep the kids (and big kids!) happy until dinner time. B Block will also be showing the Disney movie, Luca, throughout the day in The Chocolate Quarter's luxury Charlton Cinema. Set in Italy, Luca tells the story of a young sea monster boy with the ability to assume human form while on land.

Popular with residents and visitors alike, B Block transforms from a coffee spot serving breakfast and stone-fired pizzas by day to an intimate Italian restaurant by night. Over five years, it has earned a reputation for its excellent standard of food, winning several awards.

B Block uses the freshest ingredients that are sustainably sourced from local suppliers. All of its pizzas are a blend of Italian ingredients with British expertise. The team’s fruit and vegetables arrive from the nearby Bristol Fruit and Veg Market, and their meat from WJ Harrisa family butcher in Barton Hill in the east of the city. B Block’s organic flour comes from Shipton Mill in Tetbury, Gloucester shire. Their delicious cheese and cured meats come from Nanona in Clevedon, which offers a direct supply line to some of the best producers in Italy.

B Block is located in the Chocolate Quarter, a £60 million redevelopment of Keynsham’s former chocolate factory site by St Monica Trust. B Block is located within an eight-minute walk of Keynsham High Street. There is a bus stop located outside of B Block and a train station within a five-minute walk of The Chocolate Quarter.

The name and style of the restaurant highlight the building’s heritage. Housed within one of the original factory buildings, the 60-cover restaurant features bespoke furniture, salvaged light fittings, ironwork and reclaimed decorative items to create a stripped-back industrial feel.

Open Monday-Thursday 8 am-4 pm, Friday 8 am-8 pm, Saturday 9 am-8 pm and Sunday 9 am-11:30 am, guests can book via social media or by phoning the restaurant on 0117 363 7119.

COMPLIANCE MADE SIMPLE (PART 1)

Part 1 in our series on “Compliance made simple”

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

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

THE REGULATIONS:

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

Requirements & Duties:

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

The following items must be safe:

• Gas Appliances

• Pipework leading to the appliances

• Flues from the appliances

• The following checks must also be done:

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

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

Penalties:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take a break and tryto solve theses puzzles

SUDOKU

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

Good luck!

Subscribe to Bristol Weekly Magazine via this QR code To enter our cash prize draw each week

EASY HARD MEDIUM EXTREME

ESCAPE THE MAZE

Can you find your way through this difficult maze?

Your Garden In October

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

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

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

TIDY PERENNIALS

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

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

PLANT TREES AND SHRUBS

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

PLANT AUTUMN BEDDING

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

LOOKING GOOD THIS MONTH...

CONIFERS

WHY SHOULD YOU PLANT THEM?

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

HOW SHOULD YOU PLANT THEM?

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

FREE SWIMMING OFFER FOR PREGNANT WOMEN

Pregnant women living in South Gloucestershire can continue to access free swimming as part of the partnership initiative between South Gloucestershire Council and Circadian Trust, the not-forprofit organisation operating the area’s Active Lifestyle Centres.

Following a successful pilot where 460 women accessed the scheme, the council has agreed with the Trust for the initiative to be put in place permanently. The offer aims to help empower people to make healthy choices and contribute to achieving a healthier population.

Swimming is a highly beneficial way to stay active during pregnancy and can be performed safely in all three trimesters. Widely recognised as a low-impact method of aerobic exercise, swimming provides a more comfortable environment for expectant mothers to maintain their physical health, as the water keeps them cool and supports the additional weight.

Maintaining a healthy weight and staying active during pregnancy has many health benefits including improved health-re lated quality of life, and a reduction in health-related complications for mother and baby.

This initiative will also help to tackle the effects of maternal obesity, where it is recognised that obesity during pregnancy increases the risk of adverse health outcomes for both mother and child. What’s more, obesity during pregnancy increases the risk of life-long health problems in children, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

Councillor Franklin Owusu-Antwi, cabinet member responsible for public health and equality of opportunity at South Gloucestershire Council, said: “We want to do all we can to help encourage our residents to lead active and healthy lifestyles, which can be particularly im portant during key moments in their lives.

“We are delighted to be able to continue to offer this free service for all pregnant women in South Gloucestershire.

We hope that by supporting expectant mothers to be active whilst pregnant, they will also continue to take part in regular exercise with their child or children throughout their early years.”

Mark Crutchley, Chief Executive at Circadian Trust, said: “We are delighte d by the success of the pilot scheme. There are a vast number of physical and mental health benefits to exercising during pregnancy. So far, women who have participated in the scheme have benefited from over 1,700 free-swim ming sessions.”

“As a charitable trust with health and wellbeing at its core, we’re committed to making exercise accessible to all. The successful uptake of this scheme means we can continue to offer this service to our local communities.”

To be eligible for the scheme, women will need to visit their local Active Lifestyle Centre and present their Maternity Notebook (yellow book), or Maternity Exemption Certificate, or MAT B1 (issued by their doctor or midwife) and will need to show proof of address before their first session.

Pregnant women can swim for free during any of the public sessions. Eligibility for free swimming ends three weeks after their due date.

Residents who are registered with a South Gloucestershire GP surgery, but live just outside the district, will also be considered eligible. In these cases, proof of registration with the GP surgery will also need to be shown to be signed up.

There are five Active Lifestyle Centres operated by Circadian Trust across South Gloucestershire – in Bradley Stoke, Kingswood, Longwell Green, Thornbury and Yate – and eligible customers will be able to access the sessions at any of the Centres. For more details on the swimming facilities, please visit https://activecentres.org/facilities/ swimming/

OCTOBER

HOROSCOPES

Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18

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

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

Keywords things releasing, relationships and communication

Taurus Apr 20 - May 20

Although you have not been in the best frame of mind recently, which is understandable with strange present circumstances, as well as looking after you, be aware of others needs and try to be more sensitive when necessary. Hope fully, you will now be feeling a little more optimistic and resuming some things that were on hold .

This could be a time to look round and start to sort a few things out, I kind of Autumn Spring clean.

Keywords. You time and sensitive to others. restricted

Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 2

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

Keywords. You time, clearing and balance.

Gemini May 21 - June 20

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

Keywords. Communication, sensitivity and learning.

Aries Mar 21 - Apr 19

This may be a good time to look around your home and see what needs to be changed.

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

Keywords. Home, projects and intuition.

Cancer June 21 - July 22

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

Keywords. Autumn clearing And intuition

Leo July 23 - Aug 22

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

Keywords inspiration and opportunities.

Virgo Aug 23 - Sept 22

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

Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21

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

Keywords gathering information, Study..

Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21

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

Keywords intuition, relationships and House and Home

Libra Sept 23 - Oct 22

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

Keywords balance, calm, opportunities.

Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19

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

Keywords. Clearing, new things, and communication

Forecasted by Marie Hayward

Disclaimer

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