4. Simple tips for hay fever
6. Horoscopes
8. Take a break
10. Exposure
15. May the 4th be with you
20. Reflex, empower, grow
22. Your garden in May
24. Bristol’s buoyant economy
26. Countdown to local elections
30. Impressive rates
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Holy hay fever season, Batman! With the sun finally out it’s tempting to wanna blast off and take advantage but so many of us in the South West know that comes with a price.
Hay fever can make spending time outside downright miserable, no matter how sunny it is. But hey, just stuff some tissues in your pockets and hope for the best - because nobody should miss out on summer fun because of a runny nose.
So, with wedding season in our midst - as well as the King’s Coronation just weeks away (at time of writing) - the summer sunshine over the horizon and a whole heap of Bank Holidays we need to fill with activities, the last thing we all need is to be struck down by hay fever.
Fortunately, while there’s no definitive cure for hay fever, there are a few things you can do at home to ease your symptoms...
What you can do to ease your symptoms when pollen counts are high.
These eight simple tips could help ease your hay fever symptoms during high pollen seasons:
• Putting Vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen
• Wearing wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your eyes
• Showering and changing your clothes after you have been outside, in order to wash the pollen away
• Staying indoors whenever possible
• Keeping windows and doors shut as much as possible
• Vacuuming regularly and dusting with a damp cloth
• Buying a pollen filter for air vents in your car and a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter
• Trying to stay home and avoid contact with other
The police are urging people to be vigilant when it comes to suspicious messages to protect themselves from scammers.
Phishing, text messages and emails impersonating well-known organisations remains a common tactic used by criminals. Whether it’s a fake email asking for an individual to ‘verify’ bank details or a text message claiming they have been in contact with someone that has Covid-19, the goal is usually the same – to trick an individual into revealing personal and financial information.
The most impersonated organisations in phishing emails reported last year were the NHS, HMRC and Gov.uk.
As of 31 March 2023, the public has made more than 12 million reports to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service, with the removal of approximately 83,000 scams and 153,000 malicious websites.
The Suspicious Email Reporting Service was launched by the National Cyber Security Centre and the City of London Police in April 2020 to enable the public to forward suspicious emails to an automated system that scans them for malicious links.
DS Tom Williams, of the Cyber Crime team said in a statement online: “Many people will recall having received a suspicious link or text, as these phishing scams are among the most common threats we face. It can affect individuals and businesses and have significant consequences on the victim’s financial situation.
“It is important that if you ever receive one of these links that you do not click on it and provide personal or banking information. Instead, forward the message to the text or email reporting system and block the email address or phone number so the fraudsters cannot reach you again.”
People are also being advised to take time to consider what you have received and what the message is asking you.
PCC Mark Shelford, national PCC lead for Economic and Cybercrime, said online: “Phishing scams are another example of fraudsters wanting to financially benefit from both individuals and businesses. Please be vigilant of unexpected messages or calls that ask for your personal or financial information.
“If you do receive call or message that you think might be a scam, do not respond to it. Instead, contact the organisation directly using contact information from the company’s official website and not the links or numbers provided in the message.
“Your bank or any other official source will never ask you to supply personal information via email or text message. The more awareness this is around such scams, the more people we can protect to falling victim to these heartless scammers.”
Virtually all phone providers are part of a scheme that allows you to report suspicious text messages for free by forwarding it to 7726.
When a text is reported to 7726, the provider can investigate the origin of the text and rearrange to block or ban the sender if it’s found to be malicious.
Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18
With things going on at present, you may be feeling quite down. Remember you are not the only one feeling this way. This could be a good time to reflect and try new hobbies, maybe read a book you have never picked up. When communicating with others, they may be feeling similar so bring your sensitive side with you. Use some of this time for yourself, and remember not to be too hard on yourself or others.
Keywords new things and sensitivity
Taurus Apr 20 - May 20
Someone new may need your help and support, but you may have a few things of your own to deal with right now, if so try and just be flexible and sensitive in regard to speaking to this person. This could be a good time to have a reflect on those practical things as well as some of those inner turmoils we sometimes have, and see what things would help to sort them out, to ring back your balance.
Keywords for stop sensitivity and balance
Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20
Through the challenges we have at the moment, you may be finding it hard to keep calm and in balance. Maybe take time to give yourself a breather, and try and see things in another light. It may be an idea to start thinking of new ideas and projects to begin at this time, that you could continue when things begin to ease.
Keywords. Re-view and re-new
Aries Mar 21 - Apr 19
We are all facing obstacles at the moment, and staying in touch with your loved ones and friends is important, but remember there are many ways now through ordinary phones and modern technologies. Remember to use your intuition at this time, as it seems to be very important to follow your inner guidance.
Keywords intuition and communication
Gemini May 21 - June 20
Although it may seem a struggle at times, there will be some new changes for you, and a sudden realisation will dawn on you. This realisation maybe something you need to explain to someone and this should clear the air if there were some difficulties. Remember also to be kind to yourself, and stay calm, Maybe read that book you’ve been putting off, I try a new recipe, find something new.
Keywords. Realisation and communication
Cancer June 21 - July 22
There could be some new ideas for projects, and this could be a new interest a project or something totally new. Communication is something very valuable in general, but even more so now. Stay in touch with people who are important to you, and also give yourself that time, to read the book you have been putting off, or something you have not finished. Do you line keywords communication, and projects
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
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.
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.
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
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
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
Horoscope by Marie Hayward
Here are this months puzzles designed to test your mental skills during your lunch break or after tea.
Good luck!
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Did you spot the differences last week?
Here is the answers.
5 differences between these two pictures. We will print the answers next month.
The photography basics are fundamental for anyone who is beginning to work in photography.
You may be wondering, "How can I improve my photography? " It all comes down to building a strong foundation.
Knowing the basics of photography is key to capturing better images and keeping your skills sharp. Although it can be tough when you're just starting out, there are resources out there that can give you a leg up. In this guide, we cover all the important topics of digital photography in an easy-to-understand way with plenty of examples and helpful cheat sheets. We've broken down everything you need to know about the basics so you don't have to spend hours sifting through articles or trying make sense of conflicting information – this is your one-stop breakdown!
Exposure is the most important photography basic and the first photography concept that you need to understand.
You’ve probably heard before the expression “photography is painting with light”, and it’s completely true!
Photography is about capturing light, and exposure is so important because it’s the amount of light collected by your camera.
The photography exposure basics are composed of different elements that we’ll discuss below like the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. The fundamental thing to understand is the effect of exposure, which is to capture the image with a determined brightness (this is also called “Exposure Value”).
Ideally, the image should be correctly exposed, that is, with the perfect amount of brightness where you can see all the detail in the highlights and the shadows. However, in photography exposure there’s no right or wrong, and the artistic choice of many photographers is to capture an underexposed or overexposed image. For now, we’ll focus on the elements to capture a correct exposure.
Exposure basics also has other effects on the final look of the image like the depth of field, the motion, and the digital noise. We’ll also get into this throughout this photography basics tutorial.
On the next page you can see an image showing the basics with the main effect of exposure.
The youngest of King Triton’s daughters, and the most defiant, Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea, and while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric. With mermaids forbidden to interact with humans, Ariel makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, which gives her a chance to experience life on land, but ultimately places her life – and her father’s crown –in jeopardy.
Out 26 May
VOL. 3
Peter Quill, still reeling from the loss of Gamora, must rally his team around him to defend the universe along with protecting one of their own. A mission that, if not completed successfully, could quite possibly lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them.
Out 3 May
Four lifelong friends have their lives forever changed after reading Fifty Shades of Grey in their monthly book club.
Out 12 May
in partnership with North Somerset Council
Est.
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OVER 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE INTERIOR EXTERIOR QUALITY WORKMANSHIP COMPETITIVE RATES
As you might have guessed, Star Wars Day is a commercial celebration of the Star Wars media franchise. It is held on the 4th of May every year, because it sounds similar to the well-known Star Wars catchphrase “May the Force be with you.” (May the 4th be with you).
The first documented use of the phrase “May the 4th be with you” was in 1979 when Margaret Thatcher was elected the Prime Minister of the UK. This was 2 years after the first film in the saga, A New Hope, was released.
Her political party, the Conservatives, posted a message in the London Evening News saying “May the 4th be with you, Maggie. Congratulations.” It has subsequently also been used in TV shows and books referencing the film franchise.
In the years since this first use, “May the 4th be with you” has grown rapidly in popularity and use. In 2008, the first Facebook groups appeared to celebrate ‘Luke Skywalker Day’ (Luke Skywalker being the main protagonist in the original trilogy of Star Wars films.)
In 2011, the first official celebration of Star Wars Day took place in Ontario, Canada. Sean Ward and Alice Quinn produced the event with festivities including an original trilogy quiz, costume competitions, screenings of the films, mash-ups, and parodies. The next official celebration took place a year later on the 4th of May 2012.
It’s a fair question, after all it can often seem like there are a lot of causes and celebrations that are a lot more worthy and laudable than celebrating people waving their hands and swinging florescent swords about.
But that’s missing the point of what the films, and in fact the celebration itself, are all about. The message behind Star Wars is to stand up for what’s right, that people who come from humble back- grounds can do incredible things, and a belief in the power of friendship and loyalty. It also teaches us to stand up against corruption, persecution and bul- lies, in whatever form they take.
200g 0% fat Greek style natural yogurt
Juice of 1/2 lemon
2 tbsp mild curry powder
1 tbsp chopped coriander, plus extra to garnish
600g pack chicken breast fillets, cut into
1cm strips
3 tbsp lighter than light mayonnaise
2 tbsp mango chutney
100g mixed leaf salad
1/4 cucumber, chopped
1/2 red pepper, diced
2 spring onions, thinly sliced
You will also need 8 wooden skewers, soaked in cold water
In a large bowl, mix 100g of the yogurt, the lemon juice, 1 1/2 tbsp of the curry powder and the chopped coriander
Season, then add the chicken and toss to coat
Leave to marinate for at least 20 mins
Preheat the grill to high
Stir together the remaining yogurt and curry powder, the mayo and mango chutney to make a dip, then spoon into a jar and chill until needed
Thread the chicken onto the skewers and spread out on a grill pan
Cook for 6-8 mins, turning halfway, or until cooked through
Toss together the mixed leaves, cucumber and red pepper
Serve the skewers scattered with the spring onion and extra coriander, with the salad and dip on the side
135g Pack raspberry jelly, torn into cubes
100ml Summer cup
100g Blueberries
125g Raspberries
5g mint, shredded, plus extra leaves to garnish
100ml Double cream
100ml 0% fat Greek style natural yogurt
150g madeira cake, cut into cubes
1 Meringue nest, crumbled
Make up the jelly according to the pack instructions, replacing 50ml of the cold water with 50ml of the summer cup
Divide between four clean jars or serving glasses and chill in the fridge for 4 hours, or until set
Put the berries, mint and remaining summer cup in a bowl and leave to marinate, stirring occasionally
Whip the cream to stiff peaks, then stir in the yogurt until smooth
To assemble the trifles, put a few cubes of cake on top of each jelly, then spoon over the marinated berries and juices
Top with a couple of spoonfuls of the cream If serving immediately, crumble over the meringue and garnish with the extra mint
If packing for a picnic, put the meringue and mint in a separate container and top the trifles just before serving
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Do you need support for your mental health but the cost puts you off?
Take a look at Ripples Wellbeing for our new affordable counselling where we can offer sessions at a rate of £25 per session.
Do you need support for your mental health but the cost puts you off?
Do you need support for your mental health but the cost puts you off?
Do you need support for your mental health but the cost puts you off?
Take a look at Ripples Wel affordable counselling whe a rate of £25 per session.
Take a look at Ripples Wel affordable counselling whe a rate of £25 per session
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22nd - 24th September 2023, Bristol location.
How well do we know ourselves and are we being authentic?
I’m sure that many of us reflect on a regular basis. We often use societies view to ask ourselves questions and compare: What do I need to change about myself? How much weight did I put on over the last 6 months? How much cash did I spend? What are my goals for this year?
Normally we take this time to reflect in Jan uary when we are probably feeling overwhelmed, miserable, tired and skint. Why wait until January to ask ourselves these questions, wouldn’t it be easier to regularly check-in with ourselves?
We are very quick to book in holidays, trips, social events and much more but how many of us book a check-in day? Most people have a phone with a calendar function on it, why not set yourself a regular check-in appointment (once a month for example) - a chance to be honest, self-critical, and vulnerable.
The allocated time then provides an opportunity to be authentic and look both physically and metaphorically in the mirror.
For those that like to be philosophical or look deeper - A chance to explore our own soul.
There are many resources available that we can use to take a holistic view of ourselves. We have created a very simple one for you to be able to use in the middle of this article.
This simple example can be used to take a snapshot view of yourself at any given time.
Here is a list of instructions of how to complete this:
Number (1 to 10 with 1 being most important and 10 least) the areas in order of importance to you (there is right and wrong here)
To complete the pie, simply trust your gut feeling and shade in each slice of the pie. The more shaded, the more content or fulfilled you are within that area. The less shaded, the less content or fulfilled you are within that area.
The chart allows a visual awareness guide to be able to put things in place to increase those other areas of our lives that aren’t so complete.
I’d love to see some of these. Keep an eye out for the next one to see how we can self-invest!
Take care and look after number 1!
Warm regards
Do you want to find out more about how counselling can be an integral part of a new world for you? visit https://www.rippleswellbeing.co.uk/affordablecounselling to see if Ripples Wellbeing can help.
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…
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 beforereplanting 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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
One of the questions that we get asked a lot, is why Bristol is such a buoyant market, rarely affected by events (political or otherwise) going on in the rest of the country. One of the many reasons (and a short trip to the city will highlight lots of the others), is Bristol’s thriving economy and the many employers who choose to base themselves here. Let’s take a brief look at a handful of them.
Bristol is home to a diverse range of industries and businesses. From cutting-edge technology firms to traditional manufacturing companies, the city has a lot to offer those looking for employment opportunities. One of the biggest employers in Bristol is Airbus. This international aerospace company has a major presence in the city, with over 4,000 employees working at its Filton site. Airbus designs, manufactures, and supplies aircraft, and is one of the world’s leading aerospace companies. With a reputation for innovation and quality, Airbus is a great place to work for those with an interest in aviation and engineering.
Another major employer is the University of Bristol itself. This prestigious institution is one of the top universities in the UK, with students coming from across the world to study here and it’s also home to around 6,000 staff members. With a range of faculties and departments, the University of Bristol offers a diverse range of employment opportunities. Whether you’re an academic, researcher, or support staff member, there’s sure to be a role for you at this world-class institution.
If you’re looking for a career in healthcare, then the NHS is a major employer in Bristol. With several hospitals and healthcare centres, many with acclaimed specialisms, the NHS provides a wide range of healthcare services. From doctors and nurses to administrative staff and support workers, there are a variety of roles and opportunities available within the NHS in Bristol.
The financial services sector is also well-represented in Bristol, with several major employers in the city. One of the largest is Hargreaves Lansdown, a financial services company that provides investment management and advice to clients across the UK. With over 1,500 employees in Bristol, Hargreaves Lansdown is a great place to work for those interested in finance and investment.
In addition to these big employers, Bristol is also home to a thriving creative and digital sector. Companies such as Aardman Animations, the creators of Wallace and Gromit, and the BBC’s Natural History Unit have offices in the city, along with a range of digital and tech startups. With a vibrant arts and culture scene, Bristol is a great place to work for those with a creative flair and an interest in this sector.
Another major employer in Bristol is the Ministry of Defence. The MOD employs over 5,000 people in Bristol. From engineers and scientists to administrative staff and support workers, the MOD offers a range of career opportunities for those interested in defence and security.
For those seeking a career in retail, there are some pretty major household names, some very well-known brands and lots of wonderful independent retail outlets all across the city.
Last but definitely not least, Bristol’s food game is very strong, and the food and drink sector is well-represented. Companies such as Thatchers Cider, Pieminister, and The Bristol Beer Factory all have a presence in the city, along with a range of restaurants and cafes, with an eclectic mix of cuisine from every inch of the globe. With a growing food and drink scene, Bristol is a great place to work for those interested in the hospitality industry.
Bristol is a city with a diverse range of industries and businesses, providing a wealth of employment opportunities. Whether you’re interested in aerospace, healthcare, finance, creative industries, defence, retail, or food and drink, there’s sure to be something that appeals to you. There’s a good reason that students come to Bristol, to study at one of the wonderful seats of learning and stay; it’s a vibrant, culture rich city with a whole wealth of opportunities, why not come and have a look for yourself – just be prepared, it gets under your skin and into your heart quickly and you may not want to leave!
Bristol's roads received a much needed £1million boost from the Government to fix potholes. It couldn't come at a better time - just weeks after an insurance survey found Bristol to be the Pothole Capital of England! This additional money is part of Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's £200million national Potholes Fund, and its focus on essential repairs to junctions and roundabouts will go a long way in improving Bristol's road network. City council opposition Conservative group leader Cllr Mark Weston added: “This extra funding is greatly appreciated given the poor state our roads are in." We're hopeful this money will provide much needed relief for our decaying road network!
The Government has invested £1million to help restore Bristol’s roads! We’ve been working hard to make sure our infrastructure is in peak condition, and this generous addition from Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s Potholes Fund will be a great help. Insurance findings have recently deemed Bristol as the ‘Pothole Capital of England’, and we’re hopeful that this money will boost our efforts in restoring nearby junctions and roundabouts. Cllr Mark Weston, Conservative group leader of the city council said: “This extra funding is greatly appreciated given the poor state our roads are in.”
A report to the Labour cabinet, which meets on Tuesday, May 2, seeking approval for the work said Bristol’s share of £990,000 was from a regional award of £2.8million made to the West of England Combined Authority, which also includes South Gloucestershire and Bath & North East Somerset councils. It said potential roads in the city had been identified and would be prioritised based on their condition, volume of traffic and the number of defect repairs and complaints.
The report said Bristol City Council fixed more than 2,500 potholes a year. “The work will be targeted at sites where there is significant potholing and where we are frequently having to carry out response repairs,” it said.
“That should significantly improve the condition of those sites, impacting the local environment and reducing the number of response repairs, so that resource can be better allocated in the future.” The report said preventative maintenance was already funded for this financial year.
South Gloucestershire Council voters are facing a unique situation ahead of the upcoming local elections. Of the three main parties, only one leader remains - Lib Dem’s Cllr Claire Young. Conservative leader, Cllr Toby Savage, announced his resignation in March due to the birth of his second child while Labor leader Cllr Pat Rooney has declared her retirement after 30 years as a councilor and nine years leading her party.
Voters will cast their ballots on May 4th and await results that may bring unexpected changes to their local councils.
South Gloucestershire Council has been a tripartite body for many years – there are currently no councilors representing others, although some seats are contested by Greens, Independent, Reform UK and National Housing Party No More Refugees candidates.
Cllr Young would likely lead authority in the event of a major reversal to a win for the Lib Dems and if they successfully defend their Frampton Cotterell seat, but who would take the lead if the Tories remain in power or Labor stir up excitement can and improve its standing as the third largest party?
Neither announced their successor before Election Day, which is understandable as it would depend solely on who is elected. But the Conservatives say Cllr Savage’s replacement will be chosen from the new pool of councilors a week or two after Election Day.
If re-elected, the Authority’s current Deputy Chairman, Cllr Ben Stokes, would be among the candidates. Labor says its process will be quicker and that the group will announce its new leader by the end of Tuesday 9 May. Cllr Ian Boulton is the group’s vice-chairman.
OVER 30’s DANCE PARTY at the superb BAWA Club, Filton on the FIRST Friday of EVERY MONTH (except No Dance in JAN or AUG and the APRIL DANCE is on FRI 14th) It’s The Ideal Night Out For The 30 * 40 * 50 * 60 Age Range.
Come and Dance Amongst A Friendly Lively Crowd. Enjoy A Good Mix of Music, Dancing Thru’ the Decades including some Motown and Soul Favourites. Club times are 9 ‘til 1 (last entry 11pm) –Very Smart Casual NO Tee Shirts or Trainers & Gents are Required To Wear Collared Shirts. Dance adm £8
For more Info call 07860578708 or go to www.mingles.co.uk Facebook: Luv2mingle
“We know there’s still more we can do to increase recycling as there are still a lot of materials that could be recycled ending up in black bins. Recycling as much as possible keeps valuable materials like metal, plastic, glass, paper and card in use for longer, reducing the need for raw materials to make products and packaging. It also helps to keep waste costs down for South Gloucestershire and supports our journey towards our net zero carbon target set out in our Climate and Nature Emergency Declaration.”
The amount of waste recycled by South Gloucestershire residents continues its upward trend, reaching almost 60 per cent for the latest data period 2021/22.
This figure puts South Gloucestershire Council in second place for unitary councils in England and tenth position for all England councils for recycling.
Mark King said: “This is a tremendous achievement, a testament to the waste and recycling services provided by the council, and to the efforts of residents to recycle their waste at home and the Sort It recycling centres. Since the introduction of recycling collections and fortnightly bin collections in 2003, our recycling figures have gone from just 14 per cent to our current rate of 59.9 per cent.
“Consistent data collection, forward planning through our Waste Strategy and keeping pace with legislation changes has helped us to identify the best course of action to keep the service fit for purpose.
The council continues to look for opportunities to improve the service, manage costs and cut carbon. It is currently taking part in a trial to collect and recycle plastic bags and wrapping. The trial is taking place with 2,000 households currently and, if successful, the council hopes to expand into a second phase which will include 25 per cent of South Gloucestershire households.
Other plans include building a new site in Filton to include a recycling centre, collections depot and reuse shop.
There are also national changes from the government Waste and Resource Strategy that the council will need to respond to such as Extended Producer Responsibility, consistent recycling collections, Deposit Return Schemes and new recycling targets.
Find out more about recycling from home at www.southglos.gov.uk/recycleweekly
