SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE MAGAZINE
MAY 2022
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This Month..
The team Editor Michael Davies Journalist Lisa Davies Distribution coordinator Matthew Clarke
4. A War Child benefit 6. Bristol City vs Bristol Rovers 8. Walk this May 10. Oh my cod 12. Bristol hospitality boss 14. £22.4k grant 16. Plans submitted 20. Landlords on boarding 22. Garden landscaping ideas 28. 5 Things to do in South Glos 33. Movie preview 36. Your garden
10 High Street, Shirehampton, Bristol, BS11 0DP Email: info@directlocalonline.com Website: www.directlocalbristol.co.uk
38. Horoscopes Disclaimer The opinions expressed in Direct Local do not necessarily reflect those of the editor, publisher or their agents. Whilst every reasonable care is taken to ensure the accuracy of information included within this publication, the publisher takes no responsibility for errors or omissions in Direct Local. 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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IDLES, Portishead and many more to play one-off Ukrainian HELP! Concert for War Child in Bristol IDLES, Portishead, Billy Nomates, Katy J Pearson, Heavy Lungs and Wilderman will play a one-off benefit gig for War Child at the O2 Academy Bristol on Bank Holiday, Monday 2nd May 2022. Friendly Records, Crosstown Concerts and War Child UK have joined forces to bring this huge fundraising concert for Ukraine to the Southwest. The concert’s 1200 exclusive tickets will only be available through a £10 prize draw. The HELP! concert will feature an extraordinary bill - both up and coming and globally renowned - coming together to celebrate the music of the city and to raise much needed funds for Ukraine. Returning heroes IDLES follow their lauded fourth album Crawler and a sold-out global arena tour with their only hometown show of 2022. Lead singer Joe Talbot: “We have been kindly invited to play this show for the benefit of War Child. Please donate or sign up to this charity. We believe that nobody should endure war, especially children. Thank you.” IDLES will be joined on the night by Portishead, unarguably one of the city’s most revered and inspirational groups.
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This one-off HELP! show will be their first live performance since 2015 and their only show of 2022. Portishead (Geoff Barrow, Beth Gibbons & Adrian Utley): “We are really pleased to be able to support the people of Ukraine by performing a few songs at this event in collaboration with the amazing War Child charity.” Also performing on the night will be Billy Nomates, Katy J Pearson and Heavy Lungs. Heavy Lung Ukrainian lead vocalist Danny Nedelko says: “Hailing originally from Odessa, this is a cause very close to my heart. It’s incredibly special being a part of this show. We are going to bring our absolute best.” Further acts including Willie J Healey, Wilderman and DJ Boca 45 will be performing across both of the venue’s performance spaces, and more acts are promised to be announced in the coming weeks. The £10 prize draw will see 600 pairs of lucky ticket holders attend the event. Everyone entering the prize draw will have access to a high quality online live stream of the whole event.
Every £10 donated will receive three separate entries into the prize draw, alternatively, anyone can enter the draw for free. All ticket details can be found here: www.ticketmaster.co.uk/WarChildBristol Proceeds raised prior to and during the six-hour special will go to War Child UK, helping them to continue their work supporting refugees and children affected by war and conflict around the world. Donations will help the unfolding crisis in Ukraine, and match funding from the UK government will also go to Yemen where millions of children are still in desperate need of protection from conflict. Rich Clarke, Head of War Child Records comments: “War Child is hugely grateful to the artist community for coming together to create this amazing night of live music at O2 Academy Bristol. So many people have donated their time and energy to bring this show together and help War Child stand up for the rights of children affected by war in areas like Ukraine. We deliver life-changing services and support in communities affected by conflicts to keep children safe and help them to heal and learn for the chance of a better future. The impact of the situation in Ukraine will affect an entire generation and there will be acutely vulnerable children who need our help to stay safe. The money raised by this gig will make sure that we can respond quickly to children who need that support right now.” Tickets will be going on sale for the shows at midday on April 7th 2022. The prize draw can be entered either by donating online or for free by sending a postcard with the entrant’s name, address and contact details clearly written in black or blue ink to WAR CHILD BRISTOL, Studio 320, Highgate Studios, 53-79 Highgate Road, London NW5 1TL. The prize draw will open at midday on Thursday 7th April 2022 and closes at midnight on Sunday 24th April. Winners will be chosen at random on Monday 25th April. There will be additional opportunities to donate further to the charity, and exclusive merchandise for the event will also be available. Artwork for the show and merchandise has been created by 3D (Robert Del Naja) of Massive Attack. All ticketing details can be found at: www.ticketmaster.co.uk/warchildbristol
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Bristol City vs Bristol Rover Fishing comp is back
Taking place on the weekend of July 22-24, Bristol City will go up against Bristol Rovers in the annual fishing competition being held at Acorn Fishery in Clevedon. For the seventh year running, supporters of Bristol’s 2 main football teams come together to raise funds for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) and battle it out to be winners of the prestigious Divvy Cup. One of the organisers, Rod Poole, said: “It’s the one time in the year Bristol City and Bristol Rovers come together in support of a good cause, Children’s Hospice South West. The 2 teams of 13 have been selected we now need as much support from the community as possible including making donations, fundraising, and sourcing raffle prizes.” Spectators are invited over the weekend to watch the catch, there will be a BBQ and raffle as well as a presentation of the funds raised. Last year the competition raised more than £2,500 and Rod says he wants this year’s event to be the biggest and the best yet.
The organisers, which also include Ben Chivers, Kevin Haskins, Paul Russell, and Ben Lovell selected CHSW as the beneficiary charity five years ago when they visited its local hospice, Charlton Farm, in Wraxall. Rod said: “Visiting Charlton Farm was emotional, and it really hit home what an important charity it is. When visiting restrictions have lifted it would be good to take some of the team there to see first-hand the work they do for children, young people and families.” ” In February, Kevin Haskins organised another fundraising event for CHSW ‘An evening with Steve Briggs’, which raised £1,600. Clemi Williams, CHSW Area Fundraiser, said: “We are so grateful to everyone involved in organising this brilliant event for choosing Children’s Hospice South West as the beneficiary charity. The money raised allows us to continue to support children and young people who are not expected to reach adulthood, as well as enriching the lives of these individuals and their families.”
If you would like to show your support or get “There’s always a great atmosphere over the involved in the event, visit the Facebook page weekend, despite the teams’ rivalry. There will at: www.facebook.com/cityroverscharityfishing be plenty of laughs and banter and fundraising for the local children’s hospice, and hopefully Rovers will win!” added Rod.
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WALK
THIS MAY
It’s time to get walkin for National Walking Month! 8
MAY IN NATIONAL WALKING MONTH You may not realise it, but May is National Walking Month and now the evenings are lighter for longer, this makes it the perfect time to get outside, and get walking. Walking has a whole host of different health benefits that you can use to motivate you to introduce walking into your daily lives.
WALKING IS GOOD FOR YOUR HEART Your heart is responsible for pumping the oxygen and blood around your body and keeping all the other organs working. So we think you’ll agree that it’s important to keep it in tip top condition! Walking not only strengthens your heart but reduces the risk of heart disease and strokes. In fact a brisk walk for 30 minutes every day is said to reduce your risk of a stroke by 27%. If this wasn’t enough, it also reduces bad levels of cholesterol and increases the levels of good cholesterol too!
WALKING HELPS YOU TO LOSE WEIGHT If you are new to exercise, or maybe trying to lose weight gradually in order to keep it off, then walking is a great form of exercise for you. If you walk at around 2mph for 30 minutes then you will burn around 75 calories, and if you increase this to 4mph this will rise to around 150 calories. 20 minutes of walking a day will burn an incredible 7lbs of body fat a year.
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YOU CAN LOWER YOUR RISK OF DEMENTIA An older person who walks six or more miles a week is less likely to have problems such as dementia. This is because walking has been proven to prevent your brain from shrinking.
WALKING GIVES YOU ENERGY There are times when you feel more lethargic than others, and if you find yourself in this zone then a walk could do you good. It boosts your circulation and increases the oxygen supply is around your body, which in turn will keep you feeling alert and awake.
IT’S A FULL BODY WORKOUT Many muscles in your body are activated during walking including; calves, glutes, hamstrings, quads and abdominals, so give it a try and give your legs, bums and tum a workout.
INCREASE YOUR VITAMIN D INTAKE Here in the UK there are lots of people who are deficient in Vitamin D, the best way to increase your levels of Vitamin D is to get outside in the sunshine. Vitamin D is good for your bone health, as well as your immune system, which is why it is important to try and increase the levels in your body.
WALKING MAKES YOU HAPPY In the same way walking can help you feel energised, it is also great for making you feel happy. A brisk walk can be just as beneficial as taking an antidepressant, and can be a great helping hand if you are suffering from depression, anxiety or feeling stressed. These are just some of the reasons why you should try to work in more walking to your daily routine. Whether you walk at lunchtime, or start your day with a walk, why not try it and feel the benefits for yourself.
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OH MY COD – NATIONAL FISH AND CHIP DAY IS BACK AND IT’S BIGGER THAN EVER! The biggest food awareness day of the year, National Fish and Chip Day, is back for its 7th year! On Friday 27th May 2022, a week before the nation prepares for a special four-day Bank Holiday to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, also the country will come together to celebrate fish and chips!
FISH & CHIP PUNS Cod I borrow you for five minutes? Oh my cod Pass the plaice mats Don’t be shellfish Good for the Sole Yes I will dolphinitely have those reports with you by the end of the day Whale, to be honest, there’s a decent chance I’m going to miss that meeting, can we reschedule? We’ve a big opportunaty coming up to expand our output I’m herring a lot of problems here but not a lot of solutions When we take this to court, he’s definitely going to be found gillty I’m free any day barramundi Come on, stop being so koi and explain how you made that big sale You need to put your heart and sole into this business or you know where the door is This isn’t rocket science. You don’t have to be a brain sturgeon to understand it Salmon else can answer that phone because I’m not Have you met the new intern? His name’s Brine
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What did the fish say when he posted bail? “I’m off the hook!”
THE ORIGINAL AND NO.1 SINCE 2015 11
Bristol hospitality boss helps raise thousands for children's hospice Bristol hospitality boss helps raise thousands for children’s hospice A leading figure in Bristol’s hospitality industry has helped raise £12,000 for a children’s hospice – after confessing to being a workaholic. Raphael Herzog, Chair of the Bristol Hoteliers Association (BHA), was ‘arrested’ and jailed for his hard work, having to appeal to charitable colleag ues, friends, family, business partners and customers to raise the necessary funds to bail him out. The bail was set at a minimum of £999 and Raphael actually raised £1,800, all of which has been donated to Children’s Hospice South West. Raphael was one of eight people ‘convicted’ as part of the charity’s Jail & Bail Bristol 2022 fund-raising initiative, and between them the eight raised a total of more than £12,000. He said: “I was very pleased with the amount I raised, which will help Children’s Hospice South West continue to provide vital and valuable support to families in and around our city.
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“The day started in the city’s former magistrates court, where eight of us were ‘arrested’. After trying to defend ourselves, we were all found guilty of our crimes. “My misdemeanour was denying I’m a workaholic, and after the judge’s verdict, I was sent to jail, together with the seven others. “While in jail, we were allowed out for group exercise in the courtyard, and for a singing competition.” Earlier this year, Children’s Hospice South West had been chosen as the charity to benefit from the BHA’s annual Night Of The Stars Awards event, a glittering gala which took place in February.
A raffle on the night raised more than £1,200 for the charity. Raphael explained: “During the night of stars event, I found myself agreeing to take part in jail and bail. “It was an interesting experience, but more importantly, was a pleasure and a privilege to help raise funds for such a worthy local charity.”
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£22.4k grants support Bristol community projects Four Bristol community projects are celebrating after receiving a share of over £22.4k project funding. Sovereign Housing Association, working with not-for-profit digital fundraising platform The Good Exchange, gave grants to Meadow Vale Community Association, arts-focused Studio Meraki and creativeShift, and the GoldenOldies Charity. All awarded projects had to focus on growing community impact. The Golden-Oldies Charity, fondly known as “Goldies”, delivers fun daytime social Sing&Smile community groups, supporting health, wellbeing and independent living by combating loneliness and isolation with older adults. Founder Grenville Jones said: “We were absolutely delighted to receive funding from Sovereign Housing via The Good Exchange. We have many plans for 2022, including relaunching many of our popular social sing-along groups that had to stop with COVID, but also to launch many more new groups across B&NES, North Somerset, Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.
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“We look forward to working in partnership with Sovereign Housing, offering their residents opportunities for fun and friendship, engaging in local community-based activities over the coming month.” Rachel Peters, Community Development Officer for Sovereign, commented: "Our themes were community cohesion and growth and it has been great to support so many grassroots and resident-led projects that focus on bringing people back together and will make a real impact in our communities.” Julian May, Head of Collaborative Funding for The Good Exchange, added: “We are delighted that Sovereign was able to use The Good Exchange platform to help find, shortlist and distribute grants to a number of charities across Bristol. The focus on supporting projects that deliver impact and engagement across communities has become even more important as we move into the COVID-recovery period.”
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Plans submitted for Bristol's innovative ‘Gap House' concept Affordable eco homes proposed for disused garage plots in Horfield, north Bristol
Plans have been submitted for Bristol's innovative new concept in affordable housing - the Gap House - to be built on a council-owned disused garage plot in the city. The eco-homes have been commissioned and funded by Bristol City Council and designed by global design practice BDP's Bristol studio in partnership with the Bristol Housing Festival, for a site in Horfield in the north of the city. If the project is a success the council will potentially be identifying further sites for Gap Houses in the future. The plans propose a row of nine affordable, one-bedroom, two-storey, modularly constructed homes. The site sits between two rows of back gardens of existing homes and will include green space and outdoor seating in front of each home to encourage social interaction and community cohesion.
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The Gap Houses will be contemporary, cost effective, eco-friendly homes, largely factory-built using modern methods of construction (MMC), in order to minimise disruption in the existing neighbourhood. Designed to fit into small garage sites that are often disused in many cities and neighbourhoods, the homes will be super-insulated to support minimal heating requirements. They will also use renewable energy generated by solar PV panels and air source heat pumps, resulting in minimal environmental impact and low running costs. The homes will include an open-plan kitchen-living area and bathroom on the ground floor, with a bedroom and storage on the first floor. Large windows allow for maximum natural light. The houses generously meet national space standards for a single-occupancy, one-bedroom unit.
This new concept is the latest in a series of innovations being explored by Bristol City Council and the Bristol Housing Festival to tackle the city's housing crisis. The Gap House is part of a wider research, development and innovation programme, funded by Innovate UK, which looked at the potential for Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) to increase the scale and pace of the delivery of beautiful, quality, sustainable affordable homes in the city. Martin Jones, landscape architect director in BDP's Bristol studio, hopes that the ‘Gap House' concept could be replicated in cities and towns across the UK. He said: "There are many disused garage plots across the country that have fallen into disrepair. The Gap House concept has been designed to intelligently repurpose these urban plots, providing much-needed new affordable homes and revitalising neighbourhoods.
Low energy lighting, solar panels and air source heat pumps will ensure these eco-homes are both highly sustainable and cost effective. The entrance to each property has been carefully designed to promote a front porch culture encouraging residents to connect and bring the community together." Jez Sweetland, Director, Bristol Housing Festival said: "Tackling the housing crisis requires innovative approaches. The Gap House is a shining example of this; helping unlock brownfield land to deliver quality, sustainable and affordable housing. I am excited about the potential of this concept not just for this site but to help unlock and revive other small sites in the city and beyond."
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12 Words and Phrases That Only Make Sense to Bristolians
Me lover
Meaning: My darling, my dear, mate. This is a term of endearment and can be used for your family member, friends, acquaintances, random strangers.
Gert
Meaning: A way of putting emphasis on something; used in the same way as ‘really’ or ‘very
Drive Meaning: No, this isn’t referring to something you do with a car. Or the award-winning Ryan Gosling film. This is actually what the locals in Bristol use when they’re thanking bus drivers and taxi drivers.
Lush
Mint
Babber
Proper
Meaning: Very, very nice. Something that is pleasing to one’s eye. ) Meaning: Another term of endearment meaning baby, babe, love. You get the picture. How to use: “Alright me babber?”
Innit
Meaning: Isn’t it just. Used a lot at the end of sentences or in response to something.
Brizzle
Meaning: Bristol.
Jason Donervan
Meaning: Only the very best chip van in the whole of Bristol. Where you go after a night on the Triangle (see three points above). 18
Meaning: A word that means really, really great.
Meaning: Again, this is used to describe something that’s really good and pleasing to the local Bristolian.
Where's it to? Meaning: Where is it?
Bemmie
Meaning: Bedminster, an area south of the river in Bristol.
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This is the term we use for new business – signing up new landlords, uploading all their documents and certificates onto our system, ensuring that both they and their properties are compliant, dealing with the documentation and compliance surrounding any existing tenancies and signing and agreeing our terms and our agency contract. It sounds simple – just a few signatures, what can be complicated about that? However, it’s an important process and forms the basis upon which both sides understand each other. It can all happen very quickly, where everyone is motivated towards speed, but it’s significance should not be overlooked or understated. We will be looking at two things here, when we are onboarding landlords– compliance and business plan. In terms of compliance, we like to break this down into 3 areas (i) Compliant landlord (ICO, Insurances, Mortgage type etc.) (ii) Property Compliance (certification, HHSRS, any licensing requirements, risk assessments etc.) (iii) Tenant and Tenancy compliance. In terms of business plan, it’s here that we look at any overarching concepts, projects, desires, or plans, which affect your property or portfolio. Two great and recent examples of this are of two individual landlords, who are lovely landlord clients of ours.
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The first is a property investor who had an absolute HMO nightmare. He is a portfolio landlord, who had stopped investing in HMOs because “they just aren’t worth the hassle…when you equate the time, stress, and extra maintenance, they just don’t make sense.” He passed the management of his remaining HMOs over to us, from another agent and we were able to make some adjustments for him. We re-modelled some of the rooms; filled his empty rooms, thereby correcting his void situation; found the problem tenants and served the correct eviction notices and replaced them with good quality tenants; hired a cleaner; set up effective working relationships with the tenants and managed the properties correctly. It wasn’t an easy or “painless” process, but it turned a nightmare situation around, into a positive (both in terms of stress, anxiety and cashflow) situation. Just recently, the investor in question has come back to us, to discuss other HMOs that he is looking to develop, as he now has confidence in the model again. The second example is of a landlord, with a flat in the centre of Bristol, who wants to use it for himself and his family for part of the year. We were able to discuss his plans and look at different tenant types and how this might work for him.
The message here is, to speak to your agent as early as you can because that way, they can add real value. Our portfolio landlords often come to us at the planning stage, and this is great, because here we can discuss design, layout, refurb and tenant type with them. We can look at design that differentiates and adds real value and help avoid costly mistakes and use our knowledge and experience to help future proof their assets. • It's also crucial to remember that the onboarding process is not just about information that your agent needs – it’s about you, your property, and the service you want! We spoke earlier about your business plan and lettings should be the cornerstone of that plan. The onboarding stage is a fact-finding mission for you too and a great chance to ask those all-important questions: • • • • • • • • • • What’s their process for ensuring your property won’t be underlet? Do they send out a standard notice every year and “stick their fingers in the air” or are they more data driven? This is important because, on average, when we take on management, we usually increase the rent roll by 12% •
Tenant retention – what are their stats and averages here? The national average is 9 months, ours is 14 – they should have this figure to hand because it means that they are tracking it and using it as a key metric, as we are.
•
Management costs – how do they deal with maintenance? We try, wherever possible, to fix maintenance issues over the phone, to save landlords money and have videos for tenants on standard issues.
•
Ask them about their inspection process – how regular? How long do they take? What are they looking for? Do they encourage tenants to be present? This is really important because a 5-minute inspection that just checks that the house is still standing, is not going to protect you or your tenants.
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Quiz them about compliance and regulations (there are 178 pieces of these) and how proactive are they about this pivotal area of lettings?
•
And last, but probably the most important, do you feel that they have the skills, knowledge and experience to be your lettings partner? Are they a friendly face that will field your tenant calls and collect your rent or do they also understand the importance of compliance, have the ability to manage your properties and your tenants safely and effectively and will be proactive in keeping you abreast of the ever-changing legislation and advising, in good time, accordingly? This part of the process is your opportunity to find out – not only is the letting agent onboarding you – you are also onboarding them!
Be proactive, ask the questions and make sure that you come away feeling happy and content with the answers. We love talking property and lettings and when we hear landlords say, “I have a few questions…” it is music to our ears and we always respond with “fire away, ask us anything, we are an open book.” A good, local, agent is worth their weight in gold and should have the answers to your questions at their fingertips. The onboarding process should be a two-way process - get it right and enjoy all that comes with having an experienced and knowledgeable lettings partner, who is every bit as invested in your success as you are!
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Garden landscaping ideas how to plan and create your perfect garden Re-designing your garden is an exciting prospect. Do you wish you had somewhere to sit, relax, entertain or let the children play? Maybe you are just a little bored and want a garden design that is more colourful, varied or maintenance friendly. Garden landscaping is the ideal way to craft an attractive space to grow plants that give you a beautiful environment and design a practical layout that allows you to use your garden how you want. But where do you start? Take a look at our answers to common garden landscaping questions; whether its planning and budgeting, resourcing and building or aesthetic planting, our guide holds the key to the garden landscaping design of your dreams. How do I start my garden design? Landscaping ideas start with good research. Take inspiration by visiting garden centres, public gardens, annual garden shows, even other people’s houses to get a feel of what is to your taste. Take into account your garden size and think about what you need your garden to do for you. Then, take to the drawing board to sketch your ideas and make mood boards from magazines and Pinterest of your dream garden landscape.
Elements to consider when first planning garden landscaping ideas Walls and boundaries Hedges and fences Paths and patios
Next consider your plot. Look at the size and shape and take into consideration the direction if faces, the style of your house it will be framing and the surrounding area. Achieving balance is a strong aspect of good garden design; pay equal attention to all areas and remember that plants and shrubs will change size and shape throughout the seasons. Do you prefer formal or informal gardens? Formal gardens tend to be tidy and geometric with lots of straight lines and clipped hedges, whereas informal gardens are made up of organic curves and planting is much more relaxed. Soften a sloping garden with grass steps If your garden is on different levels but you’re not keen on hard landscaping severely breaking things up take inspiration from this garden we saw in North Bristol. Instead of incorporating stone steps, They used grass treads, integrating them into the existing lawn to connect the lower patio to the small sun terrace above. Creating a softer approach to the flow, seamlessly journeying from one space to the other. Pave the way The trend for creating garden zones is hugely popular, meaning the need for having a garden path is great. A link that unites the different areas is not only highly practical, it can also be visually appealing as this example demonstrates. Without a pathway you’ll soon find that you tread an unsightly channel into the lawn – which will ruin all your hard work with the overall garden aesthetic.
Zoning areas (dining, playing, shading)
While the best time to redesign your space is in winter when plants are dormant, looking at it in summer gives you the chance to really understand how you use the space. Or if you just want to add new surfaces, you can do so now and reap the rewards this summer.
Planting: trees, shrubs, pots
Either way enjoys your garden
Lawns Water features
Lighting Out-buildings 22
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South Gloucestershire Council has successfully bid for £135,000 South Gloucestershire Council has successfully bid for £135,000 of Government funding to install up to six new fully accessible toilets in locations across the area that will feature a host of extra facilities for disabled people and those who need them the most.
“South Gloucestershire currently has seven of these facilities, but they are spread unevenly across the area. This additional funding will enable us to add up to six more across the area and ensure they are provided in the key locations that people wish to visit.”
The funding, announced in March, will be used to provide new accessible Changing Places Toilets in locations around South Gloucestershire for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets. The facilities will include special equipment such as hoists, curtains and adult-sized changing benches, and will feature more space than standard accessible toilets to accommodate carers.
Thornbury and Yate MP Luke Hall said: “Everybody deserves to have easy access and a safe and comfortable facilities, and I am delighted South Gloucestershire Council has secured this funding. I will be supporting the Council to deliver these new toilets for the community as quickly as possible.”
The Changes Places Toilets will be delivered with support from Muscular Dystrophy UK (MDUK). Locations that will host the new facilities include Grimsbury Farm in Kingswood, Page Park in Staple Hill and both Bradley Stoke and Yate Active Centres, plus a further two toilets in Yate and Kingswood with locations to be announced. These facilities will offer much improved opportunities for everyday activities and days out for users and their families in South Gloucestershire. They will also open up our well-loved public and open spaces to more people who currently are unable to enjoy them due to the current facilities not meeting everyone’s needs. Cabinet Member for Communities and Local Place Cllr Rachael Hunt said: “I’m delighted that our bid for Government funding to deliver additional Changing Places Toilets in South Gloucestershire has been successful. Changing Places Toilets make a real difference to users and their families enabling them to take part in more recreational activities with dignity, confidence and freedom.
Kingswood MP Chris Skidmore said: “I am so pleased that the Council’s bid for funding for the installation of further Changing Places Toilets has been successful and that such a facility will be put in place at Grimsbury Farm in Kingswood, as part of up to six further locations around South Gloucestershire. I am well aware of how important these facilities are so that every one of our local residents, regardless of their access needs, can use a toilet facility hygienically and with dignity.” Circadian Trust Chief Executive Mark Crutchley said: “We are so very pleased to have secured this funding bid in partnership with South Gloucestershire Council. Being able to offer more accessible facilities to Active Centre customers who need them means we can deliver better access to existing and new services to help and inspire active healthy lifestyles to our community. “We can’t wait to get on installing the new changing facilities and equipment and look forward to announcing that they are open shortly!” A second round of applications is also expected in the future which will provide a further opportunity to bid for additional facilities. 25
Peach & rosé sangria Method
Ingredients
Slice the peaches into thick wedges
2 large peaches Shiraz Rosé 100ml white rum 50ml orange liqueur 1 lime, cut into wedges 3 mint sprigs Ice
Arrange on a griddle pan over a high heat Cook for 3-4 mins, until lightly charred Put half the slices in a blender, along with 200ml of the Rosé and blend until smooth Strain through a sieve, pressing down with the back of a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible Pour the remaining 550ml rosé into a tall jug before adding the peach mixture, along with 100ml white rum, 50ml orange liqueur, the remaining peach wedges, 1 lime, cut into wedges, 3 mint sprigs and plenty of ice Stir well before serving *2.1 alcohol units per glass
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5 things to do in South Gloucestershire and Gloucestershire Are you stuck for ideas for something to do at the weekend? Here are five Covid-safe ideas for a family days out. All within an hours drive. Wild Place Project The Wild Place Project is a fun family attraction that provides outdoor adventure, play and learning. Meet amazing animals from across Stroud Shambles Market the world from the mischievous lemurs of Madagascar to magnificent European brown An open air and indoors market located in bears. one of the oldest areas of Stroud, at the top of the pedestrianised High Street, in the You can read more about the award-winning shadow of Stroud’s St Laurence Church. Wild Place Project by clicking here Westonbirt Arboretum Home to 2,500 different species from the far corners of the globe and 5 national tree collections, Westonbirt is the perfect place for you to escape, relax or have an adventure! Take a journey up into the canopy on the STIHL Tree Top Walkway, stop by the café for a tasty treat or see if you can spot the Gruffalo! 28
The market traders sell an array of fresh produce and handmade trinkets.
Hatherells Yard Market
Bourton-on-the-Water
Found off Chipping Sodbury High Street, the market is a short walk from Waitrose or into the town. With a diverse range of stalls and shops around- this is the perfect place for Saturday trip with a coffee stop in one of the many local cafes.
Regularly voted one of the prettiest villages in England, Bourton-on-the-Water has a unique appeal to visitors and residents alike. With plenty to see and do, Bourton-on-theWater offers a wealth of attractions and shops, restaurants and tea rooms, or simply for you to enjoy some tranquil time by the River Windrush with its beautiful bridges throughout.
Why not read our other publications online! South Bristol North Somerset North Bristol South Gloucestershire www.directlocalbristol.co.uk 29
Luxury granola
Ingredients
Method
2 tbsp flavourless oil such as sunflower or vegetable 2 tbsp honey 80g Oats 20g puffed rice 1tbsp Linseed/ flax seed 1tbsp desiccated coconut 1tbsp pumpkin seeds 1tbsp Chopped mixed nuts ½ tbsp sesame seeds 2 tbsp raisins
Pre-heat oven to 220C/ Fan 200C Heat a frying pan on a medium heat with the oil and honey until hot. Add the oats, nuts and seeds and stir to coat. Transfer to a lined oven tray and bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden and nuts are toasted. Removing off heat and transferring to a piece of greaseproof paper. Leave to cool, then add the raisins and puffed rice. Transfer to an airtight container if storing. Best consumed within 2 weeks. If a little soft after storing, preheat the oven to 190/ fan170C, place on a baking tray and bake for 4-5 minutes to get the crispness back. Delicious on yogurt!
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CINEMAPREVIEW REVIEW THE MOVIE DOWNTON ABBEY: A NEW ERA From award-winning creator Julian Fellowes comes the motion picture event DOWNTON ABBEY: A NEW ERA. The much-anticipated cinematic return of the global phenomenon reunites the beloved cast as they go on a grand journey to the South of France to uncover the mystery of the Dowager Co untess’ newly inherited villa.
DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE Doctor Strange, with the help of mystical allies both old and new, traverses the mind-bending and dangerous alternate realities of the Multiverse to confront a mysterious new adversary.
Sign up to our newsletter https://scottcinemas.co.uk/newsletter 33
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Take a break and try to solve theses puzzles Here are this months puzzles designed to test your mental skills during your lunch break or after tea.
Good luck! EASY
MEDIUM
HARD
EXTREME
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Your Garden In May
Your garden in May Spring is well under way now. The spring bulbs are fading and the herbaceous border is growing in leaps and bounds. The May days are longer and warmer and the risk of frost should have gone by now. The idea of getting out in the garden during the fine weather and ‘ticking things off the list’ becomes much more appealing. Spring flowering bulbs and plants will need clearing in preparation for summer bedding, and its promise of colour to come. But don’t get overwhelmed by those seemingly endless list of gardening jobs – here are our three most important…
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Plant summer bedding May is the month to get your summer bedding started in borders and containers. If planting borders lift out old plants run a fork through the soil and add a good fertilizer before replanting summer plants.
Try to fill pots and containers in the position they are going to stay – they can become heavy when filled! Water retaining crystals will help to reduce the amount of watering and keep the compost moist during warmer periods. Don’t forget to feed with fertiliser during flowering period. Prune evergreen hedges and spring flowering shrubs There’s no better time to give evergreen hedges a trim to get them looking neat and tidy. Smaller hedges can be tackled with a pair of shears, but you may need a hedge trimmer for larger bushes. Prune any shrubs that flowered in spring as soon as they have finished flowering. Broom, forsythia and ribes all need pruning now.
Remove around a third of the oldest flowering stems – this will make the plant look better and encourage new growth to create a good display next year. Be sure to check large shrubs and hedges for nesting birds before you start chopping! Plant out young veg Marrow, courgette and sweetcorn are all ready to be sown in the greenhouse. The likes of brussel sprouts, kale, peas and swede should be okay covered outside. If you have already grown tomatoes, move them outside to harden them off. Keep them outside during the day and bring them back inside at night for two weeks to acclimatize them. If you have potatoes that are starting to emerge, pull a few inches of earth around the plant with a rake to give the plant more soil to grow. Enjoy your garden!
Looking good this month...Geranium Why should you plant them? Geraniums make popular bedding plants – either in the garden or in pots and hanging baskets. They thrive outdoors in the summer but are also great for using a houseplant. They look good planted in a group in a flowerbed all by themselves or mixed in with other annuals – the perfect plant for any spot that calls for a splash of colour throughout the season. How should you plant them? Geraniums need to be grown in well draining soil or if planting in pots a good quality free draining compost. They should be located in a bright spot in the garden that gets plenty of sunshine. Soil should be allowed to dry between watering to avoid root rot. 37
HOROSCOPES 38
Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18
Taurus Apr 20 - May 20
With things going on at present, you may be feeling quite down. Remember you are not the only one feeling this way. This could be a good time to reflect and try new hobbies, maybe read a book you have never picked up. When communicating with others, they may be feeling similar so bring your sensitive side with you. Use some of this time for yourself, and remember not to be too hard on yourself or others. Keywords new things and sensitivity
Someone new may need your help and support, but you may have a few things of your own to deal with right now, if so try and just be flexible and sensitive in regard to speaking to this person. This could be a good time to have a reflect on those practical things as well as some of those inner turmoils we sometimes have, and see what things would help to sort them out, to ring back your balance. Keywords for stop sensitivity and balance
Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20
Gemini May 21 - June 20
Through the challenges we have at the moment, you may be finding it hard to keep calm and in balance. Maybe take time to give yourself a breather, and try and see things in another light. It may be an idea to start thinking of new ideas and projects to begin at this time, that you could continue when things begin to ease. Keywords. Re-view and re-new
Although it may seem a struggle at times, there will be some new changes for you, and a sudden realisation will dawn on you. This realisation maybe something you need to explain to someone and this should clear the air if there were some difficulties. Remember also to be kind to yourself, and stay calm, Maybe read that book you’ve been putting off, I try a new recipe, find something new. Keywords. Realisation and communication
Aries Mar 21 - Apr 19
Cancer June 21 - July 22
We are all facing obstacles at the moment, and staying in touch with your loved ones and friends is important, but remember there are many ways now through ordinary phones and modern technologies. Remember to use your intuition at this time, as it seems to be very important to follow your inner guidance. Keywords intuition and communication
There could be some new ideas for projects, and this could be a new interest a project or something totally new. Communication is something very valuable in general, but even more so now. Stay in touch with people who are important to you, and also give yourself that time, to read the book you have been putting off, or something you have not finished. Do you line keywords communication, and projects
Leo July 23 - Aug 22
Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21
We are in trying times at present, and things can sometimes seem bigger than they actually are. Keep lines of communication open with your friends and family, there are many ways And technologies as well as good old fashioned phones. Maybe take some time to sort a few things out in your home environment, or at least have a think of new ideas and things you can change, refresh, or find new interests. Keywords. Communication and changes
If you have things you need to change, it may be a good idea to do so round now. Although actually socialising together with people is not viable at the moment, through different technology it is possible to still have some sort of social life. If all else fails the good old telephone is as good as anything. Relationships mean very much to you more so at the moment but stay in touch with people in the safest ways possible. Keywords. Relationships and communication.
Virgo Aug 23 - Sept 22
Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21
We are well into spring, if you haven’t already done some clearing it could be a good time now to do so. If you have a tendency to overdo things, or take too much on, remember to slow down at times and give yourself a breather and try and bring some calming balance back into your life. Keywords clearing, balance, and new things.
Libra Sept 23 - Oct 22 Trying to keep balance in your life at the moment isn’t easy, with all these strange challenges.Relationships are important to you even more now,It is just important to find other ways to stay in touch with people. Try and find new interests, and try to keep calmness and balance in your life. Keywords communication and balance
There may be things you really don’t want to deal with but it is best if you do it especially at this time. If you can do some clearing, in which ever areas you feel needed most, it would then be an idea to step back metaphorically speaking, and review situations, and things you are thinking of changing. Keywords deal with things and overview
Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19 It seems as though balance in fairness are important to you at this time. There does seem to be quite a few things in the way and as well it’s all the challenges we are all facing there may be some personal ones for you. Keep the lines of communication open and try to find ways to change things in your life to make things easier. Keywords balance and changes
Forecasted by Marie Hayward Disclaimer This zodiac is for entertainment purposes only please do not take the predictions seriously Marie take no responsibility for your actions
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