Bishopstonvoice September 2013 by Emma Cooper

FREE EVERY MONTH for people and businesses in Bishopston & Redland September, 2013 Issue 9

Celebrating C l b ti success

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Five pages on education INSIDE DE

Books, P29 | Recipe, P30 | Shopping, P33

Inside

Gloucestershire County Cricket Club players past, present and future on the balcony of the new building

Bowled over by new pavilion Club celebrates launch on match day â&#x20AC;&#x201C; See P4

Mayor pressed to give his view on fracking P6 Social media in spotlight on school tour P8 Charity shops buck national trend P24 Behind closed doors at city landmarks P25

Residents get their first say on new zone Plus... Smaller parking scheme for Redland â&#x20AC;&#x201C; See P2

On the Beat p13 Bishopston Mum... p15 Letters... p17

Business of the Month P35 Property... p37 Classifieds p39

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September, 2013

News

Bishopstonvoice contacts Emma Cooper Publisher

Joni Mann Editor

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Your views Letters for publication can be sent to us by email at news@bishopston voice or by post to Letters, Bishopstonvoice, 16 Chandag Road, Keynsham, BS31 1NR. The editor reserves the right to edit your letter.

October deadline Our September edition will be going to print on September 23. To ensure your news or letter is included, please contact us by Thursday, September 19. Advertisers are asked to contact us by the same date.

Useful numbers Bristol City Council 0117 922 2000 Citizens Advice Bureau 0844 499 4718 Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk General enquiries: 101

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Bishopston Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Bishopston Voice is distributed each month to Bishopston residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please collect one from local pick-up points. Feedback is always welcomed, contact Emma Cooper on 0117 908 2121 or emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. This month 10,500 copies will be distributed around Bishopston and Redland.

Altered RPZ first round of Residents have told council chiefs what they think of proposals for a residents’ parking zone (RPZ) in Redland in the first stage of discussions on the scheme. The area covered by the zone has undergone significant changes before being put to the public last month in an informal consultation. It was revealed that the parking permit scheme will no longer cover Coldharbour Road, with the boundary cutting across Redland Green instead. The city council said the zone had been made “much smaller” following earlier talks with traders and residents. Redland councillor Fi Hance said: “Clearly, not everybody will be happy with the result, as there are still a number of people opposed to any kind of scheme, but I feel that this is a sensible

Coldharbour Road is no longer compromise and am delighted that highways officers showed some flexibility in this instance.” Ms Hance said she was still looking into the cost and number of permits that would be made available to schools and busi-

Parking issues high on agenda as traders’ group holds first meeting by Rebecca Day Shop owners in Zetland Road held the first meeting of an unofficial traders’ group to discuss the issues affecting their businesses. The initial Zetland Road Traders meeting, which was held on August 16 was triggered by rising concerns over parking in the area. Samantha Mant, director of Three Sixty Services, where the meeting took place, called for a gathering after hearing many complaints from traders about inadequate parking, which they say has been affecting staff, customers and suppliers. Concerns were also raised about how the proposed permit parking scheme is going to affect local businesses. Kazem Marvani, the owner of Number Ten, said: “My staff are always 15 minutes late because they’ve got nowhere to park.” Relatives from the familyrun restaurant La Campagn-

uola, also attended the meeting. Mariangela – daughter of the owner – said: “We’re worried that the scheme will deter people from the area and our customers will go elsewhere to eat.” The group discussed ideas for an annual permit where vehicle users could park anywhere in Bristol at an affordable cost. Traders also suggested implementing loading bays and allocated parking for businesses. “We’re all trying to make it out of this recession, and we’ve done well so far,” says Ms Mant. “However, the residents’ parking zone is only going make existing problems worse. “I have no problem with the RPZ and the principle of it, it’s just the consultation has been woefully inadequate." Thangham Debbonaire – Parliamentary candidate for Labour in Bristol West – also joined the meeting to hear the traders’ concerns.

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September, 2013

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News

proposal in consultation

covered by Redland’s RPZ nesses in the area. Traders in Redland’s Coldharbour Road had previously raised fears for the future of their businesses if customers faced restrictions on parking in nearby streets. Feedback from residents and

businesses on the latest proposals is now being looked at by council officers, who will publish a report online before starting formal consultation, which is expected to take place in October. Mayor George Ferguson, who first revealed his plans for 20 RPZs in April, has said there will be a review of outer boundaries to assess any knock-on effects of the schemes, including in Bishopston, where plans for a zone have been halted for the time being. “I promised to keep listening, and I will continue to do so,” he said. “In return, I ask residents and businesses to be patient while we work through their feedback.” Visit bristol.gov.uk/page/ transport-and-streets/redland-rd formore details on the proposals for Redland.

The junction of Morley Square and Brynland Avenue, where residents and pedestrians have raised concerns over parking

Beat team ‘to patrol junction daily’ Pedestrians are being encouraged to report obstructive parking at a troublesome junction off Gloucester Road to the police. The issue, which was brought up at the last Bishopston Neighbourhood Forum, concerns the bottom of Brynland Avenue and Morley Square. PCSO David Said confirmed that the beat team will patrol the area daily and offending drivers will be warned about their parking. “Vehicles causing obstruction to prams and wheelchairs will be dealt with by fixed penalty notices,” he said.

“Pedestrians are encouraged to report offending vehicles to the police.” One resident has called for double yellow lines on one side of the road, which he said is at times “impassable” for large vehicles such as fire engines. Bristol City Council spokesperson Tim Borrett confirmed that issues such as this rest with Neighbourhood Partnerships. He said: “This was originally an area which would have been addressed through residents’ parking zones, but it’s since been removed from the proposals following the public feedback.”

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September, 2013

News

Club unveils new pavilion by Rebecca Day

Members of the community got the first look at Gloucestershire Cricket Club’s new state-of-theart venue, the Bristol Pavilion, before its official opening. Guests – including club members – were given a tour around the complex, which is spread across three floors. Rooms include a restaurant, bar and seating for conferences. Spaces can be used for weddings, parties, corporate functions and workshops, and can accommodate up to 400 guests. A media centre is also located at the top of the pavilion for match-day broadcasting and commentary. August Bank Holiday Monday saw the official opening ceremony of the pavilion, when Gloucestershire took on local

rivals Somerset. As well as the match, entertainment included an inflatable obstacle course, street performers, a jazz band and an exhibition cricket match from the Gloucestershire Growlers – the County’s cricket team for the visually impaired. The contractors, Galliford Try, finalised the pavilion on August 12, marking the end of the first stage of works to the ground. The Bristol Pavilion took 10 months to construct. Seating next to the pavilion is to undergo work in October this year, and is set to be completed by April 2014. The flats opposite, which are in the process of being built by Linden Homes, are to be finished by summer 2014. The development – comprising 147 apartments – is to include a cricket

Cricket fans watch Gloucestershire take on Somerset from the new pavilion at the County Ground on August Bank Holiday Monday following its official launch museum and a cafe, which will stay open on non-match days. The highlight of the pavilion is the Premier Club, located on the second floor. The room has a double-height frontage, providing views across the ground and there is seating outside on the Premier Club’s balcony. One Premier annual membership for 2014 costs £450, which includes entry to the Premier Club marquee at Cheltenham,

priority booking for international matches and one car parking space per two memberships. “We’re thrilled to bits,” said Tim Davies, commercial director of GCCC. “It’ll be great for the local community and Bristol as a whole. “This venue will host all sorts of events from wedding receptions to conferences – a real mixture of stuff – and, of course, our annual firework display.”

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September, 2013

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News

Decision may be challenged Bristol Rovers’ plans for a new stadium could face further delay following news in August that the decision to grant permission might be challenged in court. Chairman Nick Higgs told supporters he understood their frustration and urged them to “stay calm” after it emerged a “pre-action protocol” had been lodged with the city council, making a judicial review of the authority’s decision a possibility. The scheme, which would see the club move to a new 21,700-seater stadium at the University of the West of England's Frenchay site and a large Sainsbury’s built at the Memorial Ground, was granted planning permission in January before being referred to Secretary of State Eric Pickles, who also gave it the green light earlier this year. The authority said it would

Work under way at Boston Tea Party’s new premises

Cafe to open its doors this month strongly defend its position in the face of any challenge. The notice of intent was submitted by an anonymous party, although it has since emerged that it was a group of people behind the move and they had not yet decided whether to continue to a judicial review. Rovers had said they hoped building work on their new stadium could begin at the end of September.

A cafe chain has confirmed it will be opening its doors on Gloucester Road in late September. Boston Tea Party’s new cafe will be located on the Nevil Road junction and is set to provide 20 new jobs. The cafe will accommodate 100 customers inside, and another 50 outside, as well as provide space for local artists to perform or to display their work. “We have been looking for a suitable location to open on Gloucester Road for a few years now and the building has bags of

character,” says Sam Roberts, the managing director of Boston Tea Party. “Gloucester Road is a great area, and we feel [the cafe] will complement existing operators perfectly – hopefully together we can counter the current tendency of locals heading down to the bottom end of Gloucester Road for their food and caffeine fix!” Boston Tea Party already operates on Whiteladies Road, Cheltenham Road, Park Street and Clifton Village, as well as country-wide.

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Prepare for the unexpected “Fido was hit by a car and it cost him his leg. It cost us £3000!” – one of those stories that only happens to other people you hear about in the park, right? Unfortunately, as hard as owners try, one in three pets every year will require veterinary treatment for some form of illness or accident. Veterinary medicine has advanced greatly, bringing forward many more diagnostic and treatment options – MRI and CT scans are used regularly, and complex surgery such as hip replacements are now possible. This technology brings with it added cost, however, with unexpected veterinary bills easily reaching thousands of pounds. Long-term medical conditions can also be covered by some types of insurance, which can be as costly as traumatic emergencies, if not more so. Long-term treatment can very quickly add up to cost a lot more than most people can afford. Even a relatively minor problem occurring at a weekend can be expensive if treatment is needed ‘out of hours’ at an emergency centre. Animal Health Centre is very keen on promotion of insurance for our patients so that the unexpected is covered and we can concentrate on the best course of treatment for a patient without the worry of financial constraints. There are generally three types of pet insurance policy: 1. Lifetime policy – this has no time limit on how long a condition can be claimed for so is the best comprehensive cover, although it is generally the most expensive. 2. Time limit policy – this will cover each condition for up to 12 months (or less if the spend limit is reached sooner). It is good for one-off incidents but not so good for long-term conditions, although it is generally cheaper than a lifetime policy.

3. Spend limit policy – each condition will be covered until the maximum cover amount has been spent on treatment, regardless of how long this is. This is also normally cheaper than a lifetime policy also. Third party insurance cover is also recommended for dog owners as they are liable for any damage caused by their dog. This is usually covered very well in a pet policy. It is also important to note that insurance companies will generally not insure against any condition an animal had before you bought the policy. The best way to get the most cover is to take out insurance before anything goes wrong with your pet, ideally as a puppy or kitten. Insurance is a brilliant way to give you peace of mind so that you know, should anything happen, you can base your treatment for your pet on what they need, not on what you can afford. This can avoid those heart-wrenching choices that would leave you wondering “what if” had you the money to try something more. If you are shopping around for insurance do check your small print carefully as policies can vary widely and please do call in to the surgery for general advice and leaflets from companies we have experience of. We all hope that the unexpected does not happen to us but sadly it is too late to think about insurance after the event. We look forward to your call for advice on 0117 9247832.

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September, 2013

News

Call to mayor over fracking Bristol’s Mayor has been urged to make his stance on fracking clear. George Ferguson is being pressed to publish his policy on the controversial gas extraction technique following concerns raised by residents, including people living in Bishopston. It comes in the wake of highprofile anti-fracking protests in Balcombe, Sussex, at an oil testdrilling site and, much closer to home, a planning application to explore the potential of land near Keynsham on Bristol’s border, which is currently on hold. In a letter to Mr Ferguson, ward councillor David Willingham (Lib Dem) said he had asked him about the issue at the start of the year. He wrote: “At that time I was advised by officers that ‘the Mayor has grave concerns about the fracking process and is developing a position on this matter’.

“We are now over six months on and because of the current public concern about fracking, I believe that you need to publish your position on fracking soon." Dr Willingham said he felt it was important the issue was given close scrutiny to determine the potential impact on the spring at Hotwells. He added: “While the Hicks Gate proposal has currently been shelved and is outside our jurisdiction, it is clearly possible that the scheme could be resurrected, and conceivable that fracking proposals could be brought forward within Bristol’s boundaries.” Meanwhile, fellow Bishopston councillor Daniella Radice (Green) recently spoke out against GE Oil and Gas’s sponsorship of the fireworks at this year's Harbour Festival because of the firm’s role in fracking.

Nicky Bromhall, BVSc MRCVS

Animal Health Centre Gloucester Road’s Independent Veterinary Practice 358 Gloucester Road, Hor ield, Bristol, BS7 8TP 0117 9247832 www.animalhealthcentre.org

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September, 2013

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Advertising feature

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September, 2013

Education

Tour to put social media in by Rebecca Day Bullying and its effects will take centre stage when educational provider Unique Voice brings performances and workshops to schools across Bristol. From September, the project will be visiting schools around the city – both primary and secondary – to raise awareness of bullying among young people through creative performances and workshops. According to recent statistics provided by the NSPCC, almost half of children and young people have experienced bullying. And with the rise of social media, it isn’t confined to school – the report reveals that 38 per cent have been affected by bullying online. The initiative, whose patron is Sir Patrick Stewart, was started almost two years ago by Bath Spa graduates Krystal Keeley, Cat Sparkes and Claire Farnham, who all met at university.

Unique Voice takes one of its performances to a local school – the project will focus on the impact of bullying when it tours schools during the coming term The Triple R anti-bullying tour, which stands for Recognise, Report, Resolve, will be running through to December and aims to highlight the impact social media has on young people’s lives. After launching the anti-bullying campaign last year, the group received a positive response from the schools that had signed up. “We were absolutely blown

away by the feedback. We had so many requests, so we wanted to make sure we could cater and support as many school as possible this year,” said Krystal. There are currently 17 schools on board – including Redland Green and Orchard School – but the group is hoping to increase numbers. The Triple-R tour came about after the group worked at

a school in south Bristol. After observing the school and reading reports, Unique Voice put on a play which reflected incidents based on what had been witnessed. “The teachers came to watch our performance and asked for it to be presented back to the children, so they could associate themselves with the characters,” explains Krystal. “It was very interesting watching their reactions – they can understand the influence of their decisions and hopefully feel remorseful.” The visit starts with a performance which reflects emotional and physical bullying, and how it affects the victim. A workshop is then held afterwards, where the children can discuss the issues raised. Unique Voice – based in Montpelier – also aims to try to uncover who should take responsibility for bullying and why it occurs. “We want to make

Filton Road Horfield, Bristol BS7 0XZ 0117 377 2000 admin@orchardschoolbristol.co.uk www.orchardschoolbristol.co.uk

Open events for 2014 entry Open nights

Thursday 12th September and Thursday, 3rd October 2013 From 6.30pm

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Tuesdays 10th, 17th and 24th September, and 1st October; Thursday 10th October, From 9am

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September, 2013

Education

the spotlight children aware that if they’re affected by bullying, there’s always a solution,” says Claire. “Our performances are about building up children’s self-confidence and knowing what they need to do when bullying does happen.” Depending on the age of the children, Unique Voice takes a different approach to performances. There is a greater emphasis on social media at a secondary school level because of the role it plays in their lives. “The reality is that young people are using social media – there appears to be no escaping it,” said Claire. “Our performances and workshops are about moving with the times, and drawing attention to the effect social media can have on children.” Krystal adds how performances to this age group are much more “hearty”, with more emotional moments which home in on the repercussions of bullying.

“The social media element is massive – we need people to see the impact it has on someone. There’s no accountability with people remaining anonymous online.” Still mildly drawing on social media at a primary school level, Unique Voice’s performances for younger children are based on subtle forms of bullying, such as mimicking and name-calling. “Bullying at a young age is more subtle and children don’t necessarily realise how their actions affect others,” says Krystal. After the success from last year’s tour, Unique Voice is hoping for Triple R to gain national accreditation, which they achieved with “Me+You=4eva”, a project promoting healthy relationships in order to tackle domestic violence. Krystal said: “We want to generate more evidence and statistics, hoping to shape future interventions, while supporting local schools.”

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September, 2013

Education Delight on A level results day at City of Bristol College, where students achieved a 97 per cent pass rate

Exam success is cause for celebration by Rebecca Day

Students were celebrating as A level results were released at colleges across Bishopston and Redland. Pupils at City of Bristol College – which has a campus at Ashley Down Road – achieved an overall pass rate of 97 per cent. Nineteen out of 29 subjects achieved a 100 per cent pass rate, including English literature and language (combined course), history and physics. Cliff Shaw, acting principal at City of Bristol College, commented: “These excellent results reflect the hard work undertaken by students and teachers along with the vital support of parents and carers. “Results day is always an emotional and inspiring event as it’s the moment when a student’s world begins to open up, and they start to make choices that will dictate the rest of their lives. “I am delighted that so many students have achieved such a high level of success and I wish them all the best of luck with their future endeavours.” Will Vasey, who attended City of Bristol College, received an A* in government and politics, an A in economics and B in history. Having suffered with mental health problems during school, collecting his results was a significant moment. He said: “I found my time at school challenging – even just getting up each day sometimes seemed like an impossible task.

Thanks to the help and support of counsellors, doctors and most importantly my family and friends, I feel excited about the future and I can’t wait to start university.” In addition, more than 850 learners achieved Level 3 vocational qualifications, which will lead them to university or straight into work. Students at the North Bristol Post-16 Centre have also been celebrating their successful A level results. The pass rate was 99.5 per cent with 66 students achieving straight A*-As in all subjects. Fourteen students will be taking up their offers at Oxford and Cambridge University. Marian Curran, director of the centre, said: “I am really delighted that for another year running our students and staff have worked hard to achieve these superb results. We are extremely pleased with the outstanding progress all our students have made. “These results demonstrate that the centre is continuously providing high quality education to all students in Bristol and the wider Bristol area, and more importantly that students feel challenged and supported to achieve their very best.” Students were also successful in their BTEC courses, securing a 100 per cent pass rate with over three quarters of grades falling between D* and Merit. Students from the comprehensive sixth form centre are taught at both Redland Green and Cotham schools.

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September, 2013

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Education

Right result for Red Maids Red Maids’ A level students continued the school’s nine-year track record of 100 per cent success at A level, with an all-time high of 86 per cent of entries awarded an A*, A or B grade. In addition, 23 per cent of all entries were graded A* and over 58 per cent of all entries were graded A* or A. The results position Red Maids’ as the highest-performing day school for girls in Bristol (The Times 2013 A level results tables). Headmistress Isabel Tobias said: “We congratulate our students who have worked hard for this success and their teachers and other staff who have been with them every step of the way. “I am delighted that these results will help the vast majority of the girls to achieve their preferred university choices, in the UK and overseas.

Bea, Ella and Becky are looking forward to the next step after A levels “These results also serve to reenforce our position as a school of real academic excellence.”

Individual success stories include 18-year-old Bea Haigh, who was awarded four A*s and

an A in her five A level subjects, one of which – physics – she added into her studies half way through Year 12. She has now secured a place at her first-choice university, Durham, to study engineering. Ella Cliffe also excelled, achieving an A* in music and two A grades in French and Spanish. This comes on the back of the 18-year-old recently receiving the prestigious City of Bristol “Wait” award, in recognition of her contribution to music. Ella will take up her first choice place at Nottingham University to continue developing her love of music. Becky Pople is on course to realise her ambition to study clinical nutrition in the United States of America thanks to gaining two A and two B grades and a scholarship at the University of California, Davis. Becky is the first student in Red Maids’ history to pursue a degree in the US.

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September, 2013

Education

Caring learning community Redland High School is a caring and purposeful community that offers a fine academic education with a strong record of excellent examination results and a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities. Here students can discover their talents and their strengths, developing good relationships with others within a secure environment with excellent pastoral care. Our experienced teachers inspire girls to think independently and discover their potential. The main building is a beautiful Queen Anne house but, behind this historic façade, the outstanding academic achievement is supported with all the modern facilities one would expect in a school dedicated to educating girls for tomorrow’s world. Sixth Form provision is very strong: students gain places at their chosen university to study a wide range of subjects including medicine, engineering, law

and modern languages. This year’s results show the school has excelled across the curriculum, with success in a wide mix of subjects. Over 45 per cent of

pupils studying science subjects (physics, chemistry or biology) achieved A*/A grades. Of those studying languages, three quarters of pupils were awarded top A*/A grades. In times of unprecedented competition for good university places, Redland High School has the experience and commitment to guide students wisely and effectively and this extends beyond university, with career networks set up by the Alumni Office to ensure we can continue to offer support and opportunities. In the Junior School (age 3-11), we place due emphasis on ensuring that the girls acquire excellent core skills but also devote time to many extras that are not part of the national curriculum. Class sizes are small ensuring each girl gets optimum attention and enabling girls to express their individuality. Redland High School recognises that school is not just about

academic achievement, but also about developing confidence, and pastoral care is a priority. We see ourselves as working in partnership with parents to ensure that girls are thriving socially and consequently academically, and it was no surprise that ISI Inspectors reported that pupils in all parts of the school “are relaxed, highly motivated, unafraid to make mistakes and ready to take part”. Scholarships (academic, music, sport and art) are available for entry at 11+, 13+ and 16+. Means tested fee assistance is available for girls of ability to enter Years 5, 6 and all years of the Senior School.  Visiting morning: Tuesday, September 24, 9.30am.  Open morning: Saturday, October 19, 9.15 am. No appointments necessary. Website: www.redlandhigh.com Telephone: 0117 924 5796

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September, 2013

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On the Beat

News

News from the local policing team with PCSO David Said

Chocolaterie opens its doors

The last couple of weeks have been extra busy for the neighbourhood police team with lots of annual leave, meaning fewer officers having to be spread across adjacent beats. First I must mention the fatal incident in Egerton Road, which resulted in a murder charge. It occurred at a house providing support for those with mental health issues. The beat team have been in the area providing reassurance to local residents. A number of local people believed the house was a bail hostel or “half-way” house, this is not the case. Burglaries are currently down by 14.5 per cent against last year. We continue to work with residents to ensure their properties are less vulnerable and are actively supporting Neighbourhood Watches in the

‘The plan is to carry out more speedwatches this month especially during school pick-up and drop-off times’ area. If any readers are aware of a vulnerable person who needs their home security reviewed, then call a member of the Bishopston beat team on 101. We can visit them and check if they qualify for the safer homes scheme. We have also been looking at road safety in the area. I recently carried out a speed watch with Bishopston councillor Daniella Radice on Ashley Down Road. A total of 124 cars were checked with five drivers getting warning letters about their speed. The fastest driver was clocked at 38mph. Weather conditions and the amount of traffic were factors. The plan is to carry out

more speed watches this month especially during school pick-up and drop-off times. A new term at the City of Bristol college on Ashley Down Road is due to start and the beat team will be joining college staff at a “road show”-type event early this month aimed at keeping students safe, and encouraging responsible behaviour while they are in the area. Local residents often report more incidents at the start of term after a quiet summer break. On behalf of the Bishopston policing team we hope you have a safe and crime-free September.

A chocolaterie and cafe chain has opened its third Bristol outlet, at 318 Gloucester Road. Rubicon opened its doors to the public on August 23, offering breakfast and lunch options as well as handmade chocolates. It’s the latest venture for owner Umut Savas who opened Rubicon in Chandos Road, Redland, four years ago, followed by Rubicon Too in Cotham Hill last year. He said Gloucester Road’s “cosmopolitan feel” was what convinced him to set up his newest cafe in the area.

Offering Allsorts A former barber shop that was closed for more than a year in Chandos Road has been given a new lease of life. Allsorts...Handmade has been opened by Ali Leach-Makey to sell local crafts, with a “guest table” for artists. It is open Monday to Saturday, from 10am-5.30pm.

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September, 2013

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Bishopston Mum My children and I have been up to lots of exciting activities over the summer and, as a result, our holidays have sped by quite quickly. We have also spent much time outdoors and we have been enjoying St Andrew’s Park, in particular. My children can happily while away the hours in this beautiful Victorian park, enjoying the fresh air, green space and all of the wonders which each season brings. Of course, there is the added attraction of the fantastic paddling pool and play park and my kids love digging in the sand pit, climbing on the climbing frames and just generally being outside and active! While at St Andrew’s Park one day this summer, my children and I decided to explore its nature reserve. We had fun discovering its meadow and pond and searching for the creatures who live there, such as frogs, toads, butterflies and damselflies, to name but a few. Some of the best activities and

Exploring the nature reserve at St Andrew’s Park places to go are on our doorstep and are free for all to enjoy – and St Andrew’s Park is one of these. Now that September is here, playgroups will be starting up again. I wanted to write about St Bon’s Playgroup, which is held at St Bonaventure’s Church on Egerton Road, Bishopston, on Wednesday afternoons from 1.30-3pm. It costs just £1 per adult and child and 20p for each extra child – very reasonable, indeed! I found this

playgroup very friendly when I visited. I should mention that the playgroup is upstairs in the parish hall with its entrance by the car park. If you would like more details about St Bon’s Playgroup, please phone Pippa Picket on 07964 159178. I have been busy finding out about the new Boston Tea Party soon opening on the junction of Gloucester Road and Nevil Road. I am pleased to hear that the cafe is aiming to attract families in particular

and includes child-friendly flooring inside for children to play on safely, as well as an outdoor play area with a sandpit and toys. On a personal note, this last month has been an important one for me. I have launched a new blog called Bristol Mum (www.bristolmum.com), which is all about living and raising children in Bristol. Bristol Mum will feature articles about education, as well as interesting activities, events and places to visit in Bristol. It will be relevant to parents all over Bristol rather than just in and around Bishopston and will run alongside Bishopston Mum. Launching Bristol Mum is exciting for me, though slightly nerve-wracking, too! I hope you enjoy a great September! Bishopston Mum www.bishopstonmum.com

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September, 2013

News Rising demand to join the Scouts Growing demand from young people in Bishopston could see a new Scout group launched to provide places. The 1st Bishopston group, which meets at the Scout hut in King’s Drive, already runs two Beavers colonies, two Cub packs, two Scout troops and an Explorer Scout unit. But with more youngsters

wanting to join, plans are under way for a brand new group, and an open evening will be held in September to allow youngsters to try some activities and families to get more information and find out about volunteering. Families can register their interest online at www.everydayadventure.org.uk/bishopston. html.

Garden has a grand design by Rebecca Day

The Golden Hill Community Garden is inviting the community to a Harvest Fair on September 14. There will be music, morris dancing, free activities for children – including a chance to find baby newts in the pond – and craft sessions. Food will also be on offer, including cakes and pizzas made with Mr Frog, the project’s newly-built pizza oven. A competition will also be held for visitors to get creative and design the best creature – or monster – out of vegetables! The fair will run from 1-4pm. Admission is £1 for adults and free for under-16s. The team at the garden has also been busy designing a lowimpact, self-built shelter. The design will be completed by mid-

September, and the community are invited to participate in the project. The Golden Hill Community Garden will be running workshops on aspects of the build – such as putting up a timber frame or putting on a green roof. “We hope to have the foundations, roof and frame done this year, and then fill in the walls and do the floor when it warms up next spring,” explains Lucy Mitchell, the community project worker. “If you've ever watched Grand Designs and fancied a go without committing your life savings then get in touch to find out dates.” For more information contact Lucy Mitchell on 07506 905 394 or email ghcgarden@gmail.com. Alternatively visit the website for more details: www.thegoldenhillcommunitygarden.com.

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September, 2013

Motor way isn’t the only way Your August edition filled me with a growing sense of dismay as I waded through seas of pro-motor-car opinion and negativity. Residents’ parking zones, enforcement of existing parking restrictions, bus lanes and the 20mph plans all came under attack. It seems that for Bishopstonvoice, the motor way is the only way. We need a better way: a way that acknowledges that residents walk, cycle and take the bus and train through our city as well as drive; that as walkers and cyclists we take traffic off the roads and leave space for those who genuinely have to drive; and that as walkers and cyclists we are entitled to safe streets and a

fair share of facilities. Gloucester Road is a vibrant parade of excellent shops. How much better it would be if the traders got together to provide decent cycle parking, free local delivery, and shopping assistance for the elderly and disabled. Instead they battle every proposal to shift the balance away from the car and towards more civilised and friendly streets. Come on Bishopstonvoice: start fighting for a transport future that’s fit for everyone of every age, and ditch your lastcentury love affair with the motor car. Michael Gray Bishopston motorist, cyclist, pedestrian and bus and train passenger

Using bus is part of the solution In the August issue, you published a letter and two photos from Barry Cash, which (he said) showed the bus lane in Gloucester Road not being used by buses at 5pm despite being clear. Both photos show no such thing. The top photo shows a 76 bus partly in the bus lane – as is the

Follow us on Twitter @bishopstonvoice car in front of it (and the one in front of that is on the line.) Therefore the bus lane was not clear; there was no room for the bus to pass. The lower photo shows what looks like a Wessex 19, beyond the end of the bus lane (as are the two cars behind it) and in the correct lane to turn right into Zetland Road. It also shows vehicles stopped on the other side – illegal at 5pm and obstructing other traffic. Barry Cash claims to want to help the independent Gloucester Road shops – most of which shut shortly after 5pm – so his “solution” would mainly help Tesco Express, Sainsbury’s Local and the like; parking in the bus lanes is legal between 9.30am and 4pm. Finally, having to use the bus is not “a terrible thing” – it’s how to be part of the solution, rather than the problem. Mick Broggio Bishopston

Little space left for pedestrians I’m delighted to see that the old Co-op building next to the

church with the twin towers is being brought back into use. I understand it will be a Lebanese restaurant. Like many establishments recently, the new owners are building a wall to enclose the land in front of the shop. It’s their land so they’re perfectly entitled to do this. However, the public have been walking unimpeded over this land, and other areas now enclosed, for 50 years to my knowledge. Does this give us a right of way over the land? More to the point, does it matter? I think it does. In some places the pavement is going to be extremely narrow. For example there is only room for two people to walk between the bus shelter and the new wall. Where will cyclists ride their bicycles? What do other residents think? Barry Cash Bishopston

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September, 2013

News

Greenest homes put out the by Rebecca Day Residents will be showcasing their energy-efficient homes over a weekend in September as part of a local initiative aiming to make properties “fit for the future”. Bristol Green Doors is supporting local residents who wish to lead a more sustainable lifestyle by making changes to their homes, cutting their energy use – and bills. One resident who has been involved in the scheme is Chris Speller. His motivation to make his home more sustainable came after moving into a Victorian house in 2004 – the property was draughty and not very energyefficient, so he embarked on a journey to reduce the home’s carbon footprint. Already concerned about climate change, Chris – from Wentworth Road in Bishopston – wanted to explore the practicali-

Chris Speller and family will welcome visitors during Open Green Doors ties of retrofitting an old house and how much cheaper it would be to run in the long term. Chris explains how he has undertaken upgrades on his house over a number of years. “There has been a steady stream of projects that have made it off the drawing board,” he said. “I have monitored the direct energy consumption of the house since 2005 to give some idea of the impact of the changes.”

“The first step – and perhaps the most exciting – was the installation of photovoltaic and solar water heating systems,” he enthuses. “This happened in 2006 to take advantage of a government grant scheme before it closed.” Measures taken on his home substantially reduced household electricity and gas consumption. According to Chris, during the first year gas consumption was reduced by 40 per cent and

electricity imported from the grid by 49 per cent. Chris noticed that this focus also increased family awareness of energy consumption – lights and appliances were being readily switched off when they weren’t in use. Over the last seven years, Chris has tied in improvements to insulation and draught reduction with decorating and alteration jobs – for example while repairing and strengthening a downstairs floor, he added underfloor insulation. “Windows have gradually been replaced and are all now either double or triple-glazed, which has instantly made rooms more comfortable in winter.” Other changes the house has undergone include LED lighting, solar-heated air ventilation, rainwater collection, condensing gas boiler, a wood burning stove, and a hot water cylinder as part of the solar water system.

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welcome mat “I am particularly pleased with our composting system,” adds Chris. “We now compost all our garden and kitchen waste, including all cooked left-overs, and we’re just about self-sufficient in compost for our garden and allotment.” In 2009, Chris and his family had achieved four years of reducing energy consumption by 20 per cent yearly. However, Chris confirms that making further reductions at the same level without dramatic behavioral changes, such as turning down the heating by several more degrees, is a challenge. “There clearly is a limit to how far energy efficiency measures can be taken in an old house without a virtual rebuild,” said Chris. “I therefore moved to a 5 per cent a year target, which I’ve just about achieved. “I have learned a lot in this project about reducing the carbon footprint of my house. There are some things that I

would do differently, like putting extra ventilation in the loft space, but overall most measures have worked well first time.” Chris acknowledges that while changes made to his house will have little impact on reducing global CO2 emissions, he believes that the effects would be more measurable if the majority of people in “energy-hungry” parts of the world were to improve the efficiency of their own homes. “I have joined the excellent Open Green Door scheme in the hope of providing ideas and information to others who are considering tackling similar projects,” he said.  The doors to Chris’s home will open on September 29 between noon and 6pm for people to find out more about his improvements and to also share their own ideas and experiences. For more information about other properties in the area, visit www.bristolgreendoors.org.

Sign up to be a Stepford Singer Women are being urged to find their voice – by joining a friendly community choir. The Stepford Singers group was set up in 2008 by Bishopston resident Fran Bolton to give other mums of schoolchildren, as well as retired women or those who work part-time, the chance to sing in a daytime choir. Meeting on Thursday afternoons, from 1-3pm, the choir now has around

50 members and more are welcome when the group meets again on September 12 after the summer break at St Michael & All Angels Church, Gloucester Road. Fran said: “When people find that, as part of a group being led by a supportive, encouraging teacher, they can sing after all, it is such an exciting discovery.” Email fran@naturalvoice.net to find out more.

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September, 2013

Weddings – Advertising feature

Touch of DIY for the big day If you are a bride-to-be you may well be wondering in which direction to take your wedding. A lot of brides still enjoy a very traditional wedding, of course, but many others are thinking quite creatively. I went to two weddings this summer. At the first wedding, the evening party was festival-style, in the garden with different sorts of live music and lots of crafty touches. The second had a full-on summer Olympics theme for the pre-wedding evening. Both were joyous and informal! This departure from traditions over recent years was what prompted me to start my DIY bridal craft workshops. If you fancy getting creative yourself but don’t know where to start get in touch. Not only can it keep the cost down it also completely personalises your special day. Think about your place settings, favours, table centres,

thank you gifts and your general colours and style. Perhaps you love vintage or funky or boho? Perhaps it’s seaside or natural? Think about what reflects your

personality and we can take it from there. Amanda White www.giftfrippery.co.uk Twitter @giftfrippery

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Weddings – Advertising feature

The dress of your dreams My name is Gail Banham, I have been creating handmade wedding dresses for over 30 years. Simply Elegant was born after I made dresses for collegues at the BBC having made my own, my sister’s and sister-in-law’s dresses and bridesmaids dresses. From my base in Stoke Bishop

in Bristol, I design and make bespoke handmade wedding dresses for brides from across the South West and others as far afield as Australia and Holland. Your wedding day is one of the most important days in your life – a day you have probably been planning for some

time, a day when you want every detail to be perfect. That is why your wedding dress is so important. By having your dress individually designed and made you can achieve this. It is my aim to make my clients look radiantly beautiful, confident, comfortable and extremely happy on the day.

For contact details see my advertisement on Page 20. Below right is a silk underdress with gold organza bodice overlay and tiers on a ¾-length dress. Left is a pale pink heavy silk crepe with a fishtail covered in a beaded lace and a crushed silk wrap with a beaded edge.

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September, 2013

News Help needed at recycling project

Getting adults back

If you’re interested in repairing bikes, then a local bike recycling project could use your help. Bike Back is based at Horfield Prison and is looking for volunteers to carry out safety checks on refurbished cycles before they are offered for sale. Visit www.lifecycleuk.org.uk for more details and an application form.

by Rebecca Day

Netball for park A proposal has been put forward to install a netball hoop in St Andrew’s Park, and residents’ views are being sought. The hoop would be sited on the tarmac area near the top of the park’s playground, and people can comment on the plan by getting in touch with Councillor Fi Hance at fi.hance@bristol.gov. uk or environment officer Mark Owen at mark.owen@bristol.gov. uk by September 6.

Cycling in a city like Bristol can be daunting for many people – particularly for adults who might not have ridden the roads for years. However, initiatives like Life Cycle UK are helping adults to rekindle their friendship with the bicycle and to feel more confident on Bristol's roads. Delivering cycle training in Bristol for over 10 years, Life Cycle UK aims to bring the joys and benefits of cycling to everyone in the city. This small charity is making big changes to local people’s lives by building confidence and improving well-being. Since the introduction of free lessons and improvements to their website, Life Cycle UK has noticed a “huge” uptake in bookings for adult cycle lessons. From January 1, a number of lessons by Life Cycle UK have been fully funded by Bristol City

Out on the roads with a Life Cycle UK instructor Council. Beginners qualify for three free lessons, intermediate riders qualify for two and advanced cyclists are entitled to one. Furthermore, the charity has also made a large investment in revamping its website. A new, online booking process allows clients to register for lessons in

a location suiting them and the instructor then contacts them directly to arrange a time and date. Booking online requires a refundable £5 deposit and each session lasts an hour. “The combination of free lessons and an easy web-based booking process has resulted in many more people accessing

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in the saddle cycle training,” explains Frances McMillan, the charity’s cycle training co-coordinator. “This has enabled people to improve their fitness and well-being, help the environment and Bristol’s notorious congestion problems, while having fun with friends and family.” Locations have been riskassessed by an instructor who knows where the best routes are – both on and off road. First lessons involve the instructor inspecting the client’s bike, ensuring it is set up for optimum riding comfort. The instructor then checks the client’s basic skills and the rest of the session involves working on the areas the client wishes to cover. Sophia, an employee at the University of Bristol who took cycling lessons, said: “I’m really happy to be a more confident cyclist now, and I really want to thank [Life Cycle UK] for

being so patient and supportive throughout. For me it feels like a really big achievement to cycle everyday. I had avoided it for 10 years or so because I thought I couldn’t do it.” Currently two instructors are operating in North Bristol; Tabitha, who covers Redland and Cotham, and Alasdair, who covers Bishopston and St Andrew’s. “One of the biggest issues our clients have is confidence,” explains Frances. “However, we help that by teaching assertive riding. Also, someone may be avoiding hills but if taught how to use gears correctly they can tackle them with comparative ease, therefore opening up more route options. “Plus, the more people cycling the more drivers will need to accommodate them.” For more details or to book a lesson, visit: www.lifecycleuk.org. uk/cycle-training-adults.

Members of north Bristol’s Slimming World clubs on the Gromit Unleashed trail  Slimmers from north Bristol have done their bit for Bristol Children's Hospital’s Grand Appeal, raising money as they tracked down 25 Gromit statues. Members from several Slimming World groups, including Horfield and Filton, walked

the trail around the centre and docks area on August 17 with collection buckets, raising £178 in donations. They were also sponsored by family and friends, with the total to be split between the Grand Appeal and Cancer Research UK.

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When should you make or update your will? Anna Molter, Wills & Trusts solicitor at Barcan Woodward, looks at the life events that may trigger the need for you to write or update your will. Moving in together: If you’re unmarried, it’s a common misconception that your share of the property will automatically pass to your partner when you die. The law of intestacy doesn’t recognise cohabitation in the same way it recognises marriage, so rather than pass to your partner, your share of the property may be distributed to your relatives. Changing relationships: If you’ve married, divorced or become a grandparent, you’ll almost certainly need to update your will. As well as adding beneficiaries, you can also remove them if your relationship has deteriorated. You’ve had children: Mak-

ing a will is the single most important thing you can do to ensure your child is cared for if you die. Through your will you can appoint a guardian for their care, invest money in trust and make provision for higher education. Changes in assets: If the value of your assets has increased, it’s the time to look at ways in which you can mitigate or avoid future liabilities to tax and care fees through careful estate planning. Regular check-ups: Your will is a living document and will change as you do. However, without one it’s the courts who’ll decide how your estate will be distributed and it’s very likely that this won’t be as you intended.  Anna can be contacted on 0117 944 1966 or by email at axm@barcanwoodward. co.uk. Visit the Law Shop at 48 Gloucester Road, BS6 7BH.

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September, 2013

News

Shoppers help by Lucy King Gloucester Road is well known for its numerous charity shops, and despite the difficult economic climate, it seems sales of second-hand clothes, furniture and homeware are still going strong. Last month Oxfam reported a 9.9 per cent drop in net income from shops nationwide, but Gloucester Road’s often-busy charity shops seem to be bucking this trend. Cancer Research UK has had a store on Gloucester Road for more than 20 years. Store manager Gemma Fisher said the shop has seen an increase in profits every year and this year has been no different. “I think the number of charity shops on Gloucester Road is a really good thing,” she said. “It seems to be a destination for people who want to browse in all the charity shops and business is

doing really well this year.” Earlier this summer, housing and homelessness charity Shelter opened a new store on the Promenade, Gloucester Road, and it has been a busy first few months. Julie Kenworthy, head of retail at Shelter, said: “It’s been great to see how busy our new shop has been, but with sales doing so well we now desperately need more donations to keep the shop well-stocked.” She added: “We’d like everyone locally to search through their wardrobes and donate a bag of pre-loved clothes, books, DVDs or homeware to Shelter. With homelessness in England at a five-year high, we urgently need more donations to help us reach more people. Every item donated helps homeless families find and keep a home.” Little Steps, a charity shop supporting Children’s Hospice South West, has recently celebrated the first anniversary of

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charity stores to buck trend

Shelter is the latest charity to open on Gloucester Road, left; the city’s first department store-style charity shop, which is run by St Peter’s Hospice, right its launch on Zetland Road. The shop sells a mixture of pre-loved and new goods for under sevens. Manager Gemma Schofield said it had been a great first year. “We are doing really well, we had a slow start but now lots of people are talking about us and we are always busy with a mixture of regular visitors and new customers.” Gemma added: “We receive

lots of donations from the public, more so here than at our other shops – once we received 58 sacks in one day! We always welcome more donations as they can be shared out across our other stores.” A spokeswoman for Marie Curie Cancer Care said some of their shops are doing better than others, but overall the charity has been boosted by the warm weath-

er, as people look for secondhand summer clothes while high street shops are already stocking autumn trends. The area is also home to the city's first department store style charity shop. The St Peter’s Hospice shop opened in 2011 and is set over two floors with sections for menswear, childrenswear, furniture, books, wedding dresses and vintage clothing. The

shop, previously home to Tile Flair, was taken by the charity after its smaller Horfield shop closed. Janet Loud, head of shops, said: “Since opening our Gloucester Road shop we have been overwhelmed by the support from the local community which continues to shop with us and donate unwanted items. Our previous Horfield shop was also a great success and we wanted to remain within the heart of the community. “This shop is in the centre of our support base, and as the city’s only adult hospice we care for Bishopston families when they need us the most. It’s lovely to see people giving back to the hospice which means so much to many. As a local charity we were started by the people of Bristol, for the people of Bristol and I'd like to say a huge thank you to the Bishopston residents who continue to help us carry on our vital work.”

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September, 2013

News

Unlock the secrets of city’s

Inside award-winning Horizon House, above, and the Red Lodge Wigwam, below

Residents are being invited behind closed doors once again this month at 62 venues across the city. Bristol Doors Open Day will be celebrating its 20th anniversary when it returns on September 14, offering the chance to take a peek inside many landmark buildings, including backstage tours at Bristol Old Vic theatre and the Colston Hall, an insight into life as the Lord Mayor at the Mansion House in Clifton Down, or a trip up the iconic tower of the Wills Memorial Building. Visitors keen to find out more about the city’s history will be able to step back in time at a number of historic venues, such as the medieval Elsie Briggs House of Prayer in Westbury-onTrym, the 18th-century home of Methodist hymnwriter Charles Wesley and the grand Victorian Merchants' Hall on Clifton's Promenade. Some of the city’s most his-

Inside Redland Parish Church toric buildings are, of course, its churches and many will be welcoming visitors to take a closer

look at the architecture, stained glass, towers and monuments that have stood the test of time. Redland Parish Church has taken part in every Doors Open Day since the event’s launch to allow the public in to explore and this year will be no exception, with refreshments available and members of the congregation on hand to answer questions. Visitors will be able to take a closer look at what was orginally built as a private chapel in 1743 for the small Redland community, who as part of Westbury parish had until then faced a long trip to worship every Sunday. The chapel, which only became a church in its own right in 1942, is an early example of the Palladian style, and has earned itself a place in a recent list of Bristol’s 100 finest buildings, church member Gerry Nichols explained. “It managed to escape the more radical attentions of the

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Wellbeing

landmarks

with acupuncturist Eleanor Breen

Victorian church architects and preserves much of the character of the original building, including the marvellous lime wood carving of Thomas Paty,” Mr Nichols said. “The churchyard was the last consecrated ground available for burials in the area and a number of notable persons are commemorated, including Thomas Brown, the Manx poet, Sir Herbert Ashman, the first Lord Mayor of Bristol, and John Daunt, who was awarded the Victoria Cross in the Indian Mutiny. The churchyard will be open for those who like to wander round and enjoy it.” From the city’s rich history to more modern marvels, some of Bristol’s more recent landmark sites will also be taking part, including tours of the 2009 Bristol Heart Institute and a look inside Horizon House, the Environment Agency’s HQ which was named “greenest office in the UK” by

BREEAM in 2010. Following the green theme, Wessex Water is also once again welcoming visitors to its Avonmouth sewage treatment works to see what becomes of the city’s waste. Fans of art and crafts will also be able to choose from a range of galleries and studios joining in the open day, including the Red Lodge Wigwam, a mock medieval tythe barn now used by the Bristol Savages art society, and art in action with glass-blowing at Bristol Blue Glass in Brislington and Bedminster.  For a full list of the venues taking part in Bristol Doors Open Day on September 14, including times and details of accessibility at each site, visit http://www. bristoldoorsopenday.org.  Redland Parish Church is on Redland Green Road, BS6 7HE. Steps at the entrance mean access is difficult for wheelchair users.

Late summer: A time to digest Once summer reaches its height, the year’s cycle begins its decline. Traditional Chinese Medicine describes an extra season: “late summer”, the season of Earth. Time to harvest and reflect on the growth and accomplishments of summer as well as reflecting on and consolidating our experiences. The Earth energy of late summer is concerned with digestion, of food as well as thoughts and feelings. We spend a lot of time “in our heads” – planning, thinking and worrying, which can interfere with our digestion of food. Weak digestion can also leave us feeling foggy-headed

and lacking in concentration. If you have digestive problems, this is an important time. As the weather cools, incorporate lightly cooked, warming foods that support your stomach like ginger, squash, and root vegetables. Give yourself time to eat. Relax and focus on your meal rather than eating at your desk or in front of the TV. Chew your food well and don’t overeat to avoid straining your stomach. Looking after your digestion will leave you feeling clearer headed and more focused.  Eleanor Breen is an acupuncturist in Bishopston and Westbury Park. See her advert on page 16.

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’ ATS H

September 7

Charborough Road School Car Boot Sale, Filton Park, 10am1pm (sellers from 9am). Cars £6, van £8. Refreshments available. 10p admission. Grand sale of books, mainly 20th-century children’s fiction. The Apostle Room (off the car park), Clifton RC Cathedral, entry on Worcester Road, BS8 3BX. 11am-4pm. Wide range of general children’s fiction, and prices will start from £3. Also rare first editions, including Enid Blyton’s Famous Five titles and CS Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Book-related crafts, cards, refreshments. Entry £1 per person. Raffle proceeds will be donated to the Motor Neurone Disease Association, as will profits from the card stall.

Have you got an event you would like to publicise? Or do you run a club or society in the Bishopston or Redland area? Send details of your events and activities to emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk or call us on 07715 770448 and we will make sure thousands of people in the area know about them. your violin, dig out your trumpet. Out There Orchestra welcomes new members with Grade 5 or equivalent. Come and see if it’s for you with free wine and nibbles. (Music available in advance on request.) Just come along or contact Estelle on admin@out theremsuic.net or 07754 518254.

September 26 Out There Music Come and Sing, 7.45-9.30pm, Westbury Park School Hall. Always wanted to sing in a choir? Feel a bit shy or unsure? Come and have a go, with our friendly, fun, non audition choir. Free wine and nibbles, bring a friend or two, and see if it’s for you! Just come along or contact Estelle on admin@outtheremsuic.net or 07754 518254. www.outtheremusic.net

September 27

Redland Forum, (Bishopston, Cotham and Redland Neighbourhood Partnership), Redland Green School. 7-9pm.

The Bristol Spanish Circle is an association of people interested in Spanish language and culture all around the world. They meet once a month, on a Friday evening at 7.30pm, at the Elmgrove Centre Small Hall, Elmgrove Road, Cotham, BS6 6AH. Canciones de siempre. A musical evening with Iranzu Esparza and friends. Check our website www. circuloespanol.org or phone Sue Smailes 0117 985 6458 or Ann Blight 0117 977 7116 for details of membership and fees.

September 14

October 1-6

September 11 Bishopston Forum (Bishopston, Cotham and Redland Neighbourhood Partnership), Ashley Down Primary School, Lower Hall, Downend Road, BS7 9PD. 7pm-9pm.

September 12

Golden Hill Sports Ground Party in the Park Wimbledon Road, Golden Hill, BS6 7YA, noon onwards. A community event raising money to pay for the upkeep of the YMCA field. Stalls and entertainment. Golden Hill Community Orchard Harvest Fair, entrance on Monk Road, Horfield. 1-4pm. Best vegetable basket competition, best scarecrow, music, cakes, face painting, kids’ activities and homemade pizzas! Entry is free.

September 24 Out There Music Come and Play Tuesday, 8-9.30pm, Westbury Park School Hall. Did you have years of music lessons and then wish you’d carried on? Dust off

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Heartfelt Art Exhibition at Philadelphia Street Gallery, Quakers Friars. Work from scores of local artists with all A5 pieces priced at £40 and sealed bid auction of larger works. Opening night, October 1, 6-8pm. Proceeds to Cruse Bereavement Care Bristol.

What’s on on a regular basis Mondays Playful Café, Chandos Road, Redland, Hokey Cokey, 9.3010.30am all year round and drop-in sessions so no need to book. £4 per family/childminder includes squash and biscuits. There is also a free sensory play

time from 10-10.30am for carers and children to come along and have a look at what we do. Morris for fitness and fun, 7.158.15pm at Horfield URC, Muller Road, Horfield, BS7 9RE during term time only, no performance element, small groups. Sticks and hankies provided. Tel/text: 07813 346819 / 0117 940 1566, www.thegreatcaper.co.uk

Tuesdays Food and Friends at Cairns Road Baptist Church 12-2pm. A monthly meeting point for senior citizens, first Tuesday of every month. Lunch will be served at a cost of £2.50 followed by coffee and fellowship. Transport can be arranged. Tel: 0117 942 5669 KudaCan, 7 Dongola Avenue, Bishopston, BS7 9HG. Join the Bishopston Mum for an NCT Cafe every second and fourth Tuesday of the month, 10.1511.30am, just drop in. Ashley's Rise Junior Morris performing Morris side for boys and girls aged 8-16. We practice at Horfield URC, Muller Road, Horfield, BS7 9RE, 6.15-7.15pm during term time. Tel/text: 07813 346819 / 0117 940 1566. www. thegreatcaper.co.uk Morris for fitness and fun, 7.308.30pm at Horfield URC, Muller Road, Horfield, BS7 9RE during term time. www.thegreatcaper. co.uk Bristol Ladies Hockey Club. A friendly club based at Orchard School, Filton Road. Training on Tuesday 7.30-9pm, play on Saturdays. All ages welcome. If you would like to join us contact Michelle on 07980 598761 or michesaunders@hotmail.com.

Wednesdays Knit & Stitch Club 9.30-11.30am at Heart Space Studios textile workshop, 4 Harcourt Road. Tel: 0117 9232391. A chance to swap creative ideas and inspiration. £35 per term, including tea and coffee. The Golden Hill Community Gar-

September, 2013

den. 10am-4pm. Come and get involved in your local community garden! No experience necessary and kids welcome. Learn about growing and relax in our beautiful space with a cup of tea. For more information contact Lucy ghcgarden@gmail.com or 07506 905 394. We're just through the gates at the end of Monk Road BS7 8NE www.the goldenhillcommunitygarden.com. Bristol Voices Community Choir will welcome new members at the start of next term, beginning on Wednesday, September 4. Try this first session for free to see if you like it. After that fees are £5 a week (£3 concs) payable at the start of each term. We meet each Wednesday from 7.30-9.30pm in St Werburgh’s Primary School, James Street, BS2 9US. It is fully accessible and has free parking. www.bristolvoices.org

Thursdays Bristol Ladies Choir sings a wide range of music from classical to light. Meet at 2.15-3.45pm at Church of the Good Shepherd, Bishop Road, Bishopston, BS7 8NA. New members welcome. For more information contact Hazel on 0117 924 6587 or visit www.bristolladieschoir.org.uk The Stepford Singers, come and try Bishopston's all-female community choir. No need to read music and no auditions! We meet 1-3pm on Thursdays so you can still be in time to pick up kids from school. For more info, email fran@naturalvoice.net Knit & Stitch Club, 7.30-9.30pm, at Heart Space Studios textile workshop, 4 Harcourt Road, tel: 0117 923 2391. Friendly group offering a chance to swap creative ideas and inspiration. £35 per term including tea and coffee. Avon Harmony Ladies’ Acappella Chorus meets for rehearsals every Thursday 7.30-10pm at Fairfield High School, Allfoxton Road BS7 9NL. We are recruiting. We provide teaching tracks for learning by ear. Call Mandy on 0117 965 2693 or Barbara on 07717 424421, email enquiries@ avonharmony.co.uk or visit www. avonharmony.co.uk.

Saturdays Whiteladies Farmers and Fair Trading Market organised by Sustainable Redland, first and third Saturday each month, 8.30am-2pm, junction of Whiteladies/Apsley/Burlington roads.

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Adult Fiction – Read by the Library Reading Group in August, now Book of the Month for September  The Outsider (L’ Etranger) by Albert Camus Blurb: Meursault will not pretend. After the death of his mother, everyone is shocked when he shows no sadness. And when he commits a random act of violence in Algiers, societyy is baffled. Why y would this seemingly law-abiding bachelor do such a thing? And why does he show no remorse morse even when it could save his life? His refusal to satisfy the feelings of others only increases his guilt in the eyes of the law. Soon Meursault discovers that he is being tried not simply for his crime, but for his lack of emotion – a reaction that condemns him for being an outsider. A

Follow us on Twitter @bishopstonvoice Mersault really being consistent?) but still brilliant.” Children’s Fiction – Read and enjoyed by Theodore Rubin-Petrovic (age 10)

with staff from Cheltenham Road Library p peerless work of existential ficction that is as shocking to today as when it was first p published. Amazon review: “I love this book. I first read it when I was about 20, and was blown away. At a time when I was wrestling with my own feelings, the idea that someone could be honest about his lack of emotions was staggering. On re-reading it years later, I find it flawed (is

 Big Nate In a Class by Himself by Lincoln Pierce Blurb: Big Nate is a normal sixth grader who struggles academically, y, but when he opens a fortune cookie that says “today you will surpass all others”, he goes around school trying to make the fortune come true. This his book abo aboutt Nate’s misadventures with his best mates is half comic book and half storybook. There are 11 Big Nate books in this series, six of which are in your local library. Theo’s review: It started when I received Big Nate books for

Christmas. Later that year I brought my Big Nate books into school, and one of my friends saw me reading it. He took one look at the page I was reading and wanted to start reading it himself. In a few days the entire classroom was reading Big Nate books. I've read some of the books in this series about 15 times and I am still laughing out loud when I read them now! I would recommend this book to children who like to read easy but funny books over and over again. It's perfect for the holidays.  For these books and many, many more titles, come along to Cheltenham Road Library and let us point you in the right direction. If we don’t have what you’re looking for, you can reserve any item from over 2 million items across LibrariesWest, and collect from a library of your choice for only £1 per item. Opening Hours Monday: 10–1 & 2-5pm Wednesday: 10-1 & 2-5pm Friday: 10-1 & 2-5pm Saturday: 10-1 & 2-5pm

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ECIP

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by Rachel Scott lemon zest and juice and mix until smooth. Add the flour mixture and mix on low speed until just combined. 3. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter. Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin on top of the peach cubes and smooth the top with an offset spatula. Bake the cake for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the centre of the cake comes out clean.

Ingredients 2 white peaches, diced 75g brown sugar 85g plain flour 2 tsp baking powder Â˝ tsp salt 170g butter, softened 150g caster sugar 3 large free range eggs, separated 240g whole-milk ricotta cheese 3 large lemons, zested 2 tbsp lemon juice

4. Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes, then carefully invert onto the rack to cool completely. 5. Serve with fresh slices of white peaches and wine (definitely serve with wine!).

Method 1. Set oven to 190C. Butter an 8-inch square cake tin and line the bottom with parchment paper. Layer the diced peach on the base of the tin and sprinkle over

September, 2013

Lemon Ricotta Cake with White Peaches

the brown sugar and set aside. 2. Whisk together flour, baking powder and salt, and set aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer fit-

ted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar at high speed until it is light and fluffy. Turn down the speed to medium and add the eggs yolks, ricotta,

To check out more of Rachel's delicious recipes and restaurant reviews, visit: www.foodnerd4life. com

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Inside story with interior designer Zoe Hewett With the back-to-school season already upon us, my thoughts have turned to desks and home offices. A tidy house is a tidy mind, so the saying goes, and I’m a big believer that this one is true. We wouldn’t be allowed to keep messy workspaces in the office, but many of us who work from home are secretly guilty of doing so (myself included upon occasion!), especially when business gets busy, the time we most need to be organised and efficient. Even those who don’t work from home still have plenty of house-related admin to keep on top of, and could benefit from a better filing system than, say, magnets all over the fridge door! So I’ve put together some top tips to help Bishopstonvoice readers streamline their home-

running and working. Hope you find these useful!  Designate a workspace Under the stairs, in a corner, a bureau or an alcove cupboard. Physically containing work to one area avoids it invading the whole house.  Organise Avoid wasting times looking for equipment with wall-mounted storage. Consider displaying your tools of the trade.  Beautify Choose matching files and folders, or thriftily decorate the spines with attractive coloured paper. The uniformity will neaten up your shelves in an instant!  Declutter If prone to clogging up surfaces

with non-functional “stuff”, get a smaller desk so you can’t (once you’ve reorganised and stored old paperwork in the loft that is!).  Inspire Hang an image of a goal you’re working towards such as a tropical holiday island.  Colour Green has traditionally been used in libraries, studies and actors’ rest rooms for centuries, as it is the most restful and relaxing for the eye and mind. Try a shade!  Zoë Hewett is an independent interior designer. Call 07974 544 734 or email zoe@ zoehewettinteriors.co.uk to book a consultation. Visit www. zoehewettinteriors.co.uk for more details.

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Amanda White, gift wrapping and wedding craft Do you ever put a lot of time and effort into choosing a gift but struggle to wrap it beautifully and end up feeling disappointed with the overall effect? My job is to help you! I run gift-wrapping workshops and

they can be arranged for you and a few friends. I’ve always loved gift wrapping and my business, Gift Frippery, has simply grown from my passion. I’ve always been a collector of “stuff” like fir cones, shells etc which was fine when I was a primary school teacher, and now the ideas have grown along with the ribbons, shells and driftwood collections. You’d be amazed at what looks good on a gift and how things can be tweaked to suit your style or the recipients. I’m pretty keen on recycling too so I use a lot of plain paper in my wrapping and leave any sparkly bits for the tags. Recently my daughter was married, I threw a big festival-style garden party and loved doing all the crafty bits

Blackbeard’s Tea Party at Sidmouth Folk Festival, Monday, August 5 A friend of mine once visited Sidmouth during its folk festival and was so enamoured of its vibrant atmosphere that she moved there, oblivious of the fact for the rest of the year, its mostly aged population likes nothing better than to sit in the sun and admire the municipal flower beds. But during the first week in August this Regency coastal resort is transformed by the arrival of folk and ceilidh bands, singer-songwriters, morris dancers, buskers, living statues, fire eaters and the vendors of hippy dresses and knick-knacks. And every year I make sure I spend at least one day there,

www.bishopstonvoice.co.uk and pieces. I also made favours, seed bombs, button holes and her bouquet (fabric flowers) for the wedding. This has developed into bridal wedding craft workshops, particularly for brides loving the boho or vintage style. It adds a very personal touch to a very special day and helps keep everything budget friendly! I also love giving demonstrations if they are local and I offer a gift wrapping service. If you would like to arrange a workshop with a few friends, please contact me via the website. They are really good fun and hands-on! Book onto Amanda’s courses (gift wrapping and wedding) at Stoke Lodge Adult Education Centre, Stoke Bishop.

with Bristol poet and author Deborah Harvey whatever the weather. With so many class acts on offer, the bill for tickets can soon mount up, but with so much going on in the streets and pub gardens, a canny festival goer can have a great time without blowing their entire holiday entertainment budget in one go. One of my favourite gigs, now in its third year, is Yorkbased Blackbeard’s Tea Party at the Anchor Inn, which is

completely free, apart from bucket-based contributions for the band and the obligatory pint or two of Thatcher’s Cheddar Valley cider. While those diehard traditionalists the folk police would doubtless cavil, I relish Blackbeard’s high-octane performances and their unapologetic mix of instruments, which include squeezeboxes and fiddles, electric guitar and bass, and a

September, 2013

Berwick Lodge is also offering Amanda’s wedding craft workshops as a hen-do. Contact: www.giftfrippery.co.uk, http://giftfrippery.wordpress. com, http://pinterest.com/giftfrippery, or follow me on Twitter @GiftFrippery.

wide range of percussion. In Stuart Giddens, they have found the perfect vocalist and front man, while fiddle-player Laura Barber matches even maestro Seth Lakeman for energy and passion. By the end of the gig, whole swathes of the audience, from very young children right through to their grannies and grandads, were dancing and singing along to a raucous rendition of the traditional shanty Whip Jamboree, which also happens to be the title track of Blackbeard’s most recent CD. Sidmouth Folk Week 2014 will run from August 1 to 8. Blackbeard’s Tea Party are currently touring the country and will be playing Bristol on October 29 at Mr Wolf’s in St Stephen’s Street.

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September, 2013

1. PK Music Exchange has been established as an independent music shop in Bristol for 12 years. The owner, Paul, who has been a professional musician and has a great passion for music, is always on hand and happy to offer advice to customers. PK Music Exchange specialise in buying, selling and trading so if you have the following items, then they are interested! Decks, mixers, PA systems, lights, band gear or DJ equipment, hi-fi systems, electric and acoustic guitars and other instruments. PK Music Exchange, 51 Gloucester Road.

2 2. Using TPS for your mobile and laptop repairs is helping save our planet. They work hard to be green by recycling all parts and second-hand devices. Get cash for iPhones, iPads and iPods. Get on the Green Scene with TPS Bristol – Let’s Talk, 24A Gloucester Road. 3. Founded in 1991 from a market stall in St Nicholas Market in Bristol, Pink Planet pride themselves on offering the best prices on buying, selling and exchanging in town. Sell or exchange your pre-owned consoles and games, Blu-rays and DVDs at Pink Planet Games Exchange, 115 Gloucester Road. 4. Don’t waste money on new printer cartridges, get your old ones refilled and use them again. At Cartridge Right, they can refill your printer cartridge and it will perform like new, at half the

Recycling and up-cycling is all the rage. Here in Bishopston, we are surrounded by places where you can make money by trading in your old consumable goods. There’s no need to throw them away – make your old junk work for you, earning you extra cash. Here are some ideas…..

away your old computer, see whether the experts can help with a health check. If you think your computer isn’t performing as it should, or you’ve got annoying error messages popping up, you can take it in to Computer Right. They tune it up and get it back up to speed. In most cases this won’t affect any of your photos, music or documents stored on it. They will also check the hardware and clean away all the dust and fluff. All this is included for £49.95. Computer Right specialises in everything to do with computers for home or business. Find them locally at 9 Gloucester Road. If you just want to take all your old stuff to one place, of course the charity shops up and down Gloucester Road will be more than happy to take your clean, re-saleable items. What you see as junk could be valuable to someone else. They won’t pay you, but you can be assured the money they earn will go to a good cause. And you’ll still be doing your bit for reducing wastage and saving the planet.

3 price, with double the amount of ink! (Refill ink volume can vary. Refills always contain the same or more, never less.) A spent cartridge can be recycled up to seven times. At Cartridge Right when a cartridge is past its useful life, they send them to

a recycling plant where they get broken down and melted into raw material for new products like garden furniture or even drain pipes! Refill yours at 53 Gloucester Road. 5. Before you decide to throw

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September, 2013

One to Watch with film reviewer Chris Worthington

Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa Directed by Declan Lowney Starring Steve Coogan as Alan Partridge The film starts in familiar territory with hapless DJ Alan Partridge broadcasting “MidMorning Matters” on local radio in Norwich. The feeble jokes, pedantic use of language and daft phone calls from listeners are as funny as ever but the show has entered the digital age with North Norfolk Digital Radio and a takeover by Shape, an American media company. This prompts a visit to the boardroom by Alan where the directors are discussing the takeover in heavy corporate speak. Alan soon realises that it is either him or Pat Farrell, an out-of-time Irish DJ, that are up for the sack and he tries to

convince the board with an excruciatingly bad “presentation” that they should keep him on. However, Pat takes the situation in hand himself by acquiring a shotgun and taking the board hostage at the launch party of the new station. At first this seems a little over the top but it really works well. Despite their precarious situation the board keep faith with their corporate values (“this is a business opportunity”) and are seen reading Who Moved My Cheese the well-known guide to corporate change management often given to people who are about to be sacked. Events take a surreal turn (one of many) with the hostages trying to placate Pat by composing an anti-takeover jingle to be played on his radio show. Meanwhile Alan has been taken on by the police as chief negotiator to end the siege. He does this

with surprising aplomb until he climbs through a window leading to the loss of his trousers and a very bravely acted scene where he attempts to conceal his nudity. Armando Iannucci had a hand in writing the script and like The Thick of It the film is full of sharp one-liners and satirises anything from middleof-the-road radio to police procedural clichés, racial stereotypes and political correctness. Two regulars make a welcome return. Lyn (Felicity Montagu) returns as his ever faithful PA and Simon Greenhall (the Geordie garage attendant in I’m Alan Partridge) is perfectly cast as Michael, the ex-army security guard at the radio station. And when Pat, Alan and Michael take to the road in an outside broadcast van, cheered on by crowds of locals thronging the pavements of Norwich

it is quite authentic. The “Fine City” of Norwich has taken Alan Partridge to heart, with the local Tourist Information Centre even offering a Blue Badge guide-escorted Alan Partridge walking tour. The film’s final scenes on Cromer Pier make intentionally crude allusions to other films, including Jonathan Livingston Seagull (1973) and the final scene in the 1993 film Falling Down starring Michael Douglas. Altogether a brilliant film about a character who, in the words of Steve Coogan, is “part of everything I hate about Britain”.

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September, 2013

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do know our customers well and we aim to treat them like neighbours and friends in our dealings so that we offer a professional but caring and thoughtful service. Oh, and of course we get to work on lots of lovely properties in one of the prettiest areas around.

For September we meet the team at Threesixty Services Ltd Tell us about your company. We were founded by Eden Warren, operations director, and Samantha Mant, managing director, in August 2008, out of a very real frustration at the lack of any good customer service provision from most trades and the belief that it had to be possible to combine good customer service with high quality workmanship. We started the business as a limited company, from the spare room at home in Westbury Park, with the clear intention of building a solid, medium-size business with a strong local reputation. Our senior engineer Eden, did his plumbing training at Filton College but acquired his other skills working in London. Sam has worked in the business and charitable sectors, in various senior management roles, including Bristol Zoo, prior to deciding to set up the business with Eden. Our Gas Safe engineer is Kurt Richards, and office manager Sarah Duthie keeps things running smoothly. In 2012, we moved a major step closer to our vision as we opened our first offices and showroom at 7 Zetland Road and haven’t looked back since.

We’ve always believed that it’s really important to be part of your professional body (the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineers) to keep up to date with the latest legislation and also the latest best practice and good ideas. But as a business we also take a firm view that we are part of various communities, our most local one around BS6 and BS7, but also the wider Bristol business community, so we are also a member of GWE Business West. As part of our community responsibility we are just starting to develop ways that we can promote and support Frank Water (www.frankwater.com) a small, successful BS6-based charity and social enterprise dedicated to helping to provide clean, safe water in rural communities in India. We hope to raise enough money with our staff and customers to install a water treatment plant in India in the next two years. We’re also very proud that although we like to find new customers through local advertising, the majority of our customers come by referral

from happy current customers. What service do you provide to the people of Bishopston and Redland? We offer the full range of plumbing and heating services, from bathrooms, kitchens and boilers to drains, waste systems and emergencies, but our speciality is bathroom refurbishments. We have the capability to work with a customer from the first moment with a dream idea, through designing the best layout, sourcing the ideal products, ordering, organising other necessary trades, and then installing and commissioning everything. Our tiler is one of the very best in the South West and our senior engineer is able to bring all the practical realities together with some exciting aesthetic skills. Our showroom is the best place to get a sense of what we can deliver. What is the best part of running your business and working in Bishopston and Redland? We live in Westbury Park, so it’s great to work within our own community. We feel that we really

What makes your service different from other companies? Our Threesixty Promise • Friendly and thoughtful • Smart, clean uniformed engineers • Punctual arrival, at fixed time appointments • 8am to 6pm core hours – extended customer convenience • Clean, quiet and tidy operation, with responsible disposal of waste materials • Regular, useful communication with the customer – no oversell • Clear, detailed invoices (charged to the nearest 15 minutes) • All work and materials fully guaranteed • Working with the environment for greener plumbing • Supporting local charities, including Frank Water What are your plans for the future of the business? To be the most respected plumbing and heating company for consistently delivering excellence to all our customers; a trusted household name and first place to call. To conduct our business in the most environmentally friendly way possible and help our customers to make the “greenest” decisions. Contact: 7 Zetland Road, Redland, BS6 7AG. Tel: 0117 322 4154. Visit our website www. threesixtyplumbing.co.uk, email office@threesixtyplumbing. co.uk, or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThreeSixty Services.

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September, 2013

News

Gallery gives trail preview Art-lovers visiting Gloucester Road will be given a sneak preview of what’s on offer in the West Bristol Arts Trail in coming weeks. From mid-September, Bishopston gallery and shop Room 212 is showcasing work by artists who are taking part in the trail, which will take place from October 11-13. Room 212 owner Sarah Thorp said: “Locals are encouraged to pop in, see the art, pick up a free copy of the trail map and possibly bump into one of the artists.” Among those exhibiting as part of the trail are Gloucester Road’s own Catherine Amesbury, jewellery designer at Artemis, and glass and jewellery artist Robyn Coetzee of Fig, as well as Sarah herself, who will be showing her work with wools

and textiles. The gallery has also brought together around 20 local artists for a launch event for the trail to be held at the Bristol School of Art at the Royal West of England Academy in Queen’s Road, Clifton, on October 11 from 6-9pm. The launch is open to the public and will feature work by the artists. The trail, which was first held in 2008, takes place in studios in Redland, Clifton, Clifton Wood and Hotwells. For a full list of artists taking part, a list of venues and more details visit www.westbristolarts. com or pick up a leaflet from Room 212.  Pictured above is work by Maita Robinson, far left, and Lorraine White.

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Elton Road

ÂŁ535,000

Situated on a popular road in west Bishopston, this semidetached family home is ideally located for the sought-after Redland Green School and all the amenities that the Gloucester Road has to offer. The accommodation is arranged over four floors with the top two floors comprising four bedrooms, bathroom and WC. The front door to this property is on the side, which means that there are two large, full-width reception rooms on the hall floor. The lounge at the front is lovely and light and the dining room overlooks the garden and also gives access to the kitchen.

The kitchen was fitted in 2010 by John Lewis and includes quartz work surfaces and integral oven, hob, washing machine and dishwasher. The 41ft pretty rear

garden has been landscaped and is set over three tiers, with the top tier especially ideal for catching the sun. The lower ground floor is accessed from

the main hallway and is currently used as cellar storage space. There are two rooms on this level and there is the potential to turn this into additional living space, subject to obtaining the relevant and necessary consents. The loft also has the potential to increase the accommodation. Well kept throughout and retaining lots of the original features, the property also has off-road parking which is a rarity for the area.

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Computer tips with Graham Simmonds of goto iT

Bring cinema experience to your home I thought that as autumn is on its way, you might be thinking about long nights in watching TV or films. For many people, apart from going to the cinema, the ultimate choice of film experience is to have a home cinema where you can enjoy your own food and drink in the comfort of your own four walls. But you might think it’s far too expensive, perhaps costing thousands of pounds. Well, it used to be but now you can buy a high definition projector for less than £400. If you already have a DVD player in a laptop or PC the only other thing you need is some surround sound speakers, which you can get for less than £50. If you want to play Blu-ray films, you can even buy a Blu-ray player for your PC for less than £30. All you then need is a flat wall which is painted as close to white as possible and you can have a pretty good cinema experience! Your “screen” could be as big as 80 to 100 inches! So for less than £500 you can have the full cinema experience. You just need to choose some new films! Of course, if you need any help getting the right equipment or setting this up, contact us 0117 969 8767 or visit us in our shop on the corner of Filton Avenue and the A4174. See our advert on Page 2

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September, 2013

News

Gym teams take on a triple-peak challenge by Rebecca Day Local gym members have gone to new heights in order to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society. The group from BS7 Gym – Jules, Bernadette, David, Tasha, Martina and Clive – raised an astounding £2,000 for the charity after completing the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge. “Raising over £2,000 for the Alzehimer’s Society is a great achievement in itself. Thank you to everyone who donated and sponsored us,” says Jules. “I was so pleased to finish the walk – my legs have only just recovered! Although it was extremely difficult, the atmosphere within the group was fantastic, making the whole experience memorable.” The Yorkshire Three Peak Challenge involves climbing Pen-y-Ghent (694m), Whernside (736m) and Ingleborough (723m) – all within half a day. The team completed the trek in various times, between nine and 12 hours. There were 300 people taking part in the challenge in total. “It was a fantastic feeling to finish the challenge," said David.

The BS7 Gym teams relax after the Yorkshire Three Peak Challenge "Everyone was applauding each other at the bottom of the third peak whilst the medals were given out. Looking up at the peak of

the third mountain was probably the worst moment and mentally exhausting, but there was no way I wasn’t going to finish it!”

ADVERTORIAL

Meet the property experts at advice evening At Ocean on Thursday, October 3, we will be holding an advice evening at our Clifton office on Whiteladies Road. The event will provide an opportunity to discuss the property market, talk to the experts and gain a better understanding of the buying and selling minefield. At Ocean we have in-house services for the whole buying and selling process and representatives from all parts of the business will be available to talk to in a light-hearted, low pressure environment. Talking to our friendly staff will be a perfect opportunity to get some first-hand advice or have any questions answered promptly by a local expert. Whether you are a first-time

buyer, landlord, seller, purchaser, developer, or buy-to-let investor you will definitely gain some valuable insights from attending this event. It is also going to be a great way of mingling with others and discussing any views, queries, or concerns you may have relating to the property market, getting both a second opinion

and a different perspective on the matter. The event will be held from 5.30-7.30pm and there will be a nice glass of bubbly to greet you on arrival as well as nibbles throughout the evening. There is also going to be an opportunity to win £150 worth of John Lewis vouchers. If you would like to attend this event then please RSVP to invite@oceanhome.co.uk quoting the code NETWORK05 so we can make a record of your name and email you further information about the event along with how you could be in with the chance to win the vouchers. We look forward to hearing from you. The Ocean Team

To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 or 07715 770448. Got news? Call Joni on 07887 561567. Email: emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk

September, 2013

E: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk

TRADE SERVICES

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To advertise, call Emma on 0117 908 2121

STONEMASONRY

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HAIRDRESSING

To advertise, call Emma on 0117 908 2121

To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 or 07715 770448. Got news? Call Joni on 07887 561567. Email: emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk