The Bristol Magazine October 2015

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THE

Issue 136

WWW.THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

MAGAZINE

£3.95 where sold

I

OCTOBeR 2015

Brolly GOODSHOW

SHOWERING THE CITY WITH A CIRCUS SPECTACULAR

THEASTER GATES: SANCTUM IN A STORM

THE CRUCIBLE: WHAT’S BREWING AT BRISTOL OLD VIC

CRAFTY CUTS: HOW TO GET CREATIVE THIS AUTUMN

IN GOOD TASTE: DISCOVERING BRISTOL’S DELICIOUS SIDE

HOT PROPERTY: OUR HOMES FOR SALE WILL BLOW YOU AWAY

T H E C I T Y ’ S F I N E S T M O N T H LY G U I D E T O L I F E A N D L I V I N G I N B R I S T O L

SOFAS IN 2/3 WEEKS

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Curtains and Blinds Sofas and Fabrics Bespoke Cabinet Furniture and Wardrobes

All types of reupholstery Traditional to comtemporary styles Antique and Vintage pieces

Sofa and curtain delivery time 2/3 weeks Bespoke Cabinet Furniture 3/5 weeks We have the largest selection of fabrics in Bristol and any sofa can be made in any fabric

FABRICS

terms and conditions apply

We are just past Clifton Down Shopping Centre 56/60, Whiteladies Rd, BS8 2PY Mon-Sat 9.30 - 5.30/Sun 12 - 5

TEL: 01173 292746

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THE | CONTENTS

OCTOBER 2015

38 64 70 30 12 ZEITGEIST 5 things to do this month in Bristol

14 THE CITYIST My Bristol, book review and the buzz

16 BARTLEBY

52 ARTS & EXHIBITIONS Bristol’s gorgeous autumn galleries

58 BRISTOL AT WORK Ian Hayes from Rooted Furniture

60 GET CRAFTY

On the Treasure Island Trail

Arty classes to try this month

22 ALICE LEVINE Meet the new face of McArthur Glen

26 STREET STYLE

WIN

Looking good Bristol

64 DELICIOUS GUIDE Presenting the best Bristol eateries

68 FOOD & DRINK NEWS Things to tickle your tastebuds

28 FACE THE MUSIC Sam FM’s Downsy picks his fave tunes

30 CIRCUS CITY Bristol’s spectacular circus festival

38 SANCTUM Theaster Gates’ haven in the city centre

42 WHAT’S ON Diary-planning for the month ahead

48 THE CRUCIBLE Arthur Miller’s classic returns to BOV

70 WRITTEN IN THE STARS In a galaxy far, far away...

72 FAMILY FUN Half term shenanigans

74 EDUCATION NEWS What’s new at school

78 FREELANCE MUM From rags to riches

84 BRISTOL UPDATES News from in and around the city

Even more great content online: thebristolmag.co.uk 4 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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Follow us on Twitter @thebristolmag

88 FIT & FAB Beauty tips and must-have buys

96 OUT & ABOUT A Halloween stroll in Goblin Combe

98 GARDENING Try your hand at topiary

100 INTERIOR IDEAS All you need to create an outdoor office

106 PROPERTY PROFILE Tally ho! It’s off to Easton in Gordano

110 CITY PROPERTIES Beautiful homes to buy or rent

ON THE COVER

There’s a myriad of circus companies and performers coming to Bristol as part of this month’s Circus City festival, including the Kitchen Circus Project on our cover. Image © Andre Pattenden

Like us on Facebook.com/ TheBristolMagazine

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Knight Frank October.qxp_full page 22/09/2015 10:12 Page 1

BE SEEn in 370 offiCES in 55 CountriES Guide price: £1,395,000 Leigh Woods Substantial family home (3,384 sq ft) enjoying distant views. 4 reception rooms, kitchen, utility room/2nd kitchen, 6 bedrooms (3 en-suite), bathroom, integral double garage, parking and enclosed gardens. EPC E.

to find out how we can help you please contact us

Knightfrank.co.uk/bristol bristol@knightfrank.com

0117 295 0425

Guide price £650,000 Wraxall Stunning house (1,609 sq ft) with outstanding views. Kitchen, open plan living/dining room, 3 bedrooms, 3 bath/shower rooms (2 en-suite), parking, terrace and garden. EPC B.

Guide price: £465,000 Clifton A beautiful 2 bedroom maisonette (1,494 sq ft) recently modernised at the heart of ever popular Clifton. Drawing room, immaculate kitchen/dining room, 2 bedrooms, nursery/study, family bathroom, cloakroom/WC. EPC E.

KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

nTheMarket.com

Guide price: £650,000 Redland A beautiful period 4 bedroom family home (2,390 sq ft). 2 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, master suite, 3 guest bedrooms, family bathroom, ample storage and enclosed gardens. EPC E.

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Abbots Leigh Stylish and contemporary family home (8,193 sq ft) positioned in a peaceful valley.

5 reception rooms, kitchen. 6 ensuite bedrooms, gym, wine cellar. Gardens, garage, paddock. In all about 4.8 acres. EPC A.

Guide price ÂŁ3,250,000

Knightfrank.co.uk/bristol bristol@knightfrank.com

0117 295 0425 KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

nTheMarket.com

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Hinton Blewett A wonderful Grade II Listed former Rectory (7,610 sq ft) within the heart of the village and providing complete privacy. 5 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, second kitchen, master bedroom suite, 5 further bedrooms, 4 further bath/shower rooms, utility room, cellar, extensive heated garaging, levelled gardens.

Offers in excess of ÂŁ2,250,000

Knightfrank.co.uk/bristol bristol@knightfrank.com

0117 295 0425 KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

nTheMarket.com

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Elberton Beautiful Grade II listed house (7,895 sq ft). 4 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, gourmet kitchen, master suite, 6 further bedrooms, 4 bathrooms. Traditional barn with stables and flat. Outbuildings, walled gardens, manège, orchard.

About 1.7 acres.

Guide price ÂŁ2,175,000

Knightfrank.co.uk/bristol bristol@knightfrank.com

0117 295 0425 KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

nTheMarket.com

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THE | EDITOR

EDITORS PICKS PLAY The Crucible, Bristol Old Vic

Directed by BOV’s own Tom Morris, this promises to be unmissable. From 8 October – 7 November

GIG Maribou State at The Exchange I’ve been hooked on Maribou State since I heard Midas on BBC 6 Music, and I can’t wait to see them at The Exchange on Wednesday 28 October

BOOK Les Misérables by Victor Hugo For several years, this weighty tome sat ignored on my bookshelf, but I finally picked it up last month, and couldn’t put it down – it’s brilliant

from the

EDITOR WISHLIST

“The circus was unlike anything I could ever imagine. I wanted to be part of the magic...

I wanted to fly” – Laura Lam

Denim is a year round wardrobe staple for me, but perhaps this autumn I’ll step out of my favourite jeans and into this cute mini skirt, £35 from Oasis

I

t’s getting to that time of the year when we all crave a bit of escapism – something that will elevate life above the everyday and into the extraordinary. Sometimes we stumble upon these moments by chance – like that exquisite moment in autumn when we watch a leaf, turned golden with age, fall from a tree and drift down to the ground at our feet. At other times, we seek out action and adventure to broaden our minds and lift our souls.

In October, you should be fortunate enough to experience the former if you simply take a stroll round your local park to appreciate the beautiful autumn colours that are starting to emerge on the trees. And if it’s the latter you’re after, boy are you going to be spoilt for choice in Bristol this month.

You could tumble head first into the bold and beautiful world of contemporary circus, when Circus City arrives in town on Thursday 8 October. Stretching out over three weeks and across 15 venues around the city, there’ll be acrobats, aerialist, clowns, jugglers and other talented performers galore appearing in such a wide and wonderful variety of shows you’re sure to find something exquisite to go along to and enjoy.

If the chaos and carnival of the circus gets too much, retreat into Sanctum. This thoughtful, uplifting and inspiring artwork by Theaster Gates is set to arise from amid the ruins of Temple Church from Thursday 29 October. For 24 days, 24 hours a day, performers from across Bristol will maintain a vigil of sound and music in this atmospheric setting, so visitors can come at any time of the day of night and find there a moment to pause and reflect as they listen to the sounds of the city (p. 38).

And I have one more piece of news to brighten your day, readers – Sam is returning from maternity leave to rejoin the team here at TBM for our November issue! We’ll be sharing the role of editor, and we are both really looking forward to working together to bring you magazines that are even more choc-full of brilliant Bristol happenings. But for now, this gorgeous October issue beckons you... happy reading!

JENNY HAYES EDITOR

@thebristolmag

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www.thebristolmag.co.uk

These leather and suede burgundy boots are perfect for stomping through the fallen leaves, £45 from Topshop

Intense ochre is a key colour this season. I’ll be wearing it the form of this dusky nail lacquer from the new Yves Saint Laurent Saharienne range, £19

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ZEITGEIST

The top The Taming of Moloch as part of Art Weekender

5

things to do in OCTOBER

RELIVE THE DRAMA

I STOP, LOOK & LISTEN Bristol and Bath will be hosting a three day Art Weekender at the end of the month, where venues, artists and performers will come together to present a varied programme of activities, exhibitions and events, all celebrating visual arts.

From 30 October – 1 November there will be specially-commissioned art works and site specific pieces in both cities, as well as public performances and self-guided tours. In Bristol don’t miss the animated projection on Hamilton House by experimental audio-visual collective, Aural-I. And in Castle Park you’ll find The Kiosk Project, an installation from which free souvenirs will be given out, which you can then photograph and post images to a dedicated website. Activities for families include a Halloween-themed storytelling boat trip on the River Avon. For the full programme visit: www.artweekender.com

f you were hooked to the BBC’s dramatisation of Hilary Mantel’s hugely popular novel, Wolf Hall, which shed light on the shadowy corners of the Tudor court, then you won’t want to miss the special evening of Music and Words from Wolf Hall at St George’s Bristol on Sunday 25 October.

Composer Debbie Wiseman will reunite with The Locrian Ensemble of London to perform her original music from the series, with live narration from Hilary Mantel’s texts, read by director Peter Kosminsky. Debbie and Peter will also take part in a Q&A immediately after the concert. Tickets (£15) from the box office on tel: 0845 40 24 00 or visit: stgeorgesbristol.co.uk.

FOOD, MUSIC AND FILM As we start to hunker down for autumn, our thoughts turn to cosy nights in with good food, music and maybe a movie. So that’s why this month sees the launch of Hot Pot Cinema at Hamilton House – a night of silent film with a live score and a meal too. This feast for the senses takes place on Wednesday 21 October with a film screening of Cabiria, an Italian classic from 1914, directed by Giovanni Pastrone. The soundtrack has been composed by Epistrophe Smith, an exciting electronic musician who will be performing his score live along to the film.

Tickets (£8-15) from: www.hamiltonhouse.org/hot-pot-cinema

CITY OF CULTURE October sees the annual celebration of Black History Month (BHM), acknowledging the importance of African Caribbean culture and history. Here in Bristol, it is about bringing together the many different ethnicities that make up this multicultural city through a number of events, such as dance, music, film, theatre, talks and workshops. On 3 October there’ll be a Q&A session based on excerpts of the biography of Malcolm X and the film Selma; on 20 October catch the Malian lute master Bassekou Kouyate (pictured below right) and Ngoni Ba as they bring their infectious sounds to The Lantern; and at the city museum there will be talks and workshops surrounding the latest exhibition: Ancient Egypt: Life and Death. Visit: www.bristol.gov.uk.

Images from the BBC’S dramatisation of Wolf Hall

Autumn at Westonbirt Arboretum ©Forestry Commission,

AUTUMN DAZE The blaze of fiery colours provides a spectacular show at Westonbirt Arboretum each year and there are so many ways to appreciate the famous autumn displays and enjoy a fun family day out there too. See nature at its best as you set conker challenges, collect colourful leaves, take beautiful photos and even wrap up for a cosy picnic. Pull on your wellies and let your little ones run free among the explosion of red, orange and yellow hues in the 600 acre site where you’ll discover a new path to explore every time you visit. And after a long walk, indulge in a steaming mug of hot chocolate in the café. Ahhhh. For more information visit: www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt

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ist

THE CITY THE BUZZ

My BRISTOL We ask Bim Mason, founder and artistic director of Circomedia, what he’s doing this month...

Thinking caps on...

Are you interested in other countries? Do you want to study and understand other cultures?

Then enrol in Bristol University’s free online course in Cultural Studies and Modern Languages. For three hours a week, over four weeks, this course will let you explore the culture, language and national identity of eight countries through their books, images and monuments. You’ll learn with a team of 12 academics from the School of Modern Languages, each of whom is an expert in their field and passionate about the study of culture.

You’ll also be able to discuss things with other members of your course online. To enrol, visit: www.futurelearn.com/courses/cultural-studies

What brought you to Bristol?

I was first here for university in the early 70s but didn’t stay long. I came back in 1986 because Fool Time, the first British circus school, was opening its doors and looking for teachers. I’d just been in Paris for two years studying and wanted to set up with my circustheatre company and as a solo performer.

Bristol was ideal for national touring and had a strong counter-culture.

What are you reading?

This Changes Everything by Naomi Klein, about the imminence of global warming and the major political changes that are required to do anything significant about it.

What’s on your MP3 player?

Philip Glass, Jan Gabarek, various world music and classics like Van Morrison, Steve Wonder.

TreeSong This month, a 100-year-old beech tree on Durdham Down is set to host a new music installation. Called TreeSong, it has been created by professional orchestra The Bristol Ensemble and aims to capture the sound of the old tree in an interactive project. The ‘song’ that is captured will then be translated by Bristol-based composer William Goodchild into a 15-minute orchestral work for the concert hall, which will be premiered at St George’s Bristol on Sunday 29 November. TreeSong is open to the public from Thursday 1 – Sunday 4 October, 10am – 10pm.

The tree is situated near the junction of Stoke Road and Saville Road on Bristol's Durdham Downs. For details, visit: www.treesong.org.uk

Which café or restaurant takes your fancy?

I’m a regular at Montpelier Thali and Maitreya in Easton. Bell’s Diner for special occasions.

Favourite watering hole?

The Grace, on Gloucester Road.

Evening in or evening out?

I see a lot of circus/theatre performances as part of my job, so I relish quiet time at home.

Film or play? What will you be going to see?

The Circus City festival has loads of great stuff.

I’m prioritizing Hogwallops, L’Homme de Boue and Clockwork.

Which museum or gallery will you be visiting?

My top priority is the Richard Long exhibition at the Arnolfini.

What hobbies or interests will you be pursuing?

I’ve just bought an inflatable canoe and love taking it out on the Wye above Symonds Yat. What local event will you be attending?

The Clowns and Power Symposium which is part of the circus festival – there are some amazing performers and clown teachers from around the UK coming.

Favourite local walk?

My current favourite is the path between Portishead and Clevedon. It gives space and peace and dramatic skies, and it only takes half an hour to drive there.

Any projects/work in progress?

Once Circus City is over, I’ll start preparing for Circomedia’s new MA in Directing Circus – it’ll be the only one in the world. www.bimmason.com, www.circomedia.com, www.bristolcircuscity.com

BOOK OF THE MONTH...

Stone Mattress by Margaret Atwood £8.99 (Virago)

© Luke Taylor

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A collection of nine irresistibly devilish tales from one of the world’s greatest authors. The stories traverse themes of old age, memories of youth and long-faded glories, but far from being softened by nostalgia this book is clearly the work of a razor-sharp mind. Some characters are likeable, some are loathsome, but each is in some way relatable thanks to Atwood’s gift for addressing innate human flaws with sensitivity and her signature wry wit. Take for example the intertwined tales of Constance, a timid, recently widowed author and her first love Gavin, once a womanizer and now an impotent old man who one can’t help but pity despite feeling that justice has, rather wittily, been served. Dark, funny and deliciously bittersweet, it’s the perfect book to curl up with as the evenings begin to draw in. Available from most good bookshops and online, visit: www.littlebrown.co.uk

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Ship shape

O

ne of the minor amusements of the summer just gone was observing people on the trail of Shaun the Sheep. Happily, the powers-that-be had decided to place one of the many statues close to the café in our local park, so we could observe at close quarters the behaviour of Shaunhunters. Many, but by no means all, operated in family groups. Of these, some approached stealthily up the hill, evidently enjoying the thrill of the chase.

They gave our Shaun (who, for reasons I never understood, was dressed like a Roman centurion) a proper looking over, in some cases staying long enough to enjoy a drink at the café. Others came racing through the streets in their cars, stopped as close to Shaun as legally possible, and were in and out of the park in seconds. Perhaps they were trying to beat the record for the fastest set of Sh-elfies, or perhaps they were just busy people. Or perhaps they just didn’t appreciate that life is all about the journey.

Well, I hope people will be less hasty when they set out to explore Bristol’s latest cultural trail-type phenomenon. Don’t worry, this has nothing to do with Banksy, at least not so far as I know. No, this new trail is the fruit of a ten-year campaign to win official civic acknowledgement for Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale of derring-do, Treasure Island, and its anti-hero Long John Silver. For a whole decade a dedicated group of fans tried to persuade our elders and betters to establish a permanent marked trail, persevering despite some stubborn resistance. No doubt there were financial issues, but I also seem to recall an unwillingness on the part of some civic leaders to encourage the association of Bristol with pirates.

❝

REAL PIRATES LIVED LONG AGO, AND WERE RAGGEDLY STYLISH IN THE MANNER OF JOHNNY DEPP’S CAPTAIN JACK SPARROW

❞

Perhaps these were the same officials who sent teams out to whitewash Banksy paintings. Maybe they were concerned that tourists might be put off visiting the city, in the same way that people avoid sailing off the coast of Somalia, but it does seem a little wrong-headed. We all know that there are pirates out there on the high seas today, but we also know that they’re not proper pirates. Real pirates lived long ago and were raggedly stylish in the manner of Johnny Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow. Evil they may have been, but they were also adventurous and exciting.

Purists may argue that the connection between Treasure Island and Bristol is a bit tenuous, since Stevenson hadn’t visited the city before he wrote the story, nor is there much evidence to support the claim that The Hole in the Wall is the model of Silver’s pub, the Spy-Glass. But such was Bristol’s fame as a birthplace of pirates that Stevenson chose the city as the place where Jim Hawkins meets Silver and sets sail on his adventures. And so we have our Treasure Island Trail.

If you were looking for an excuse for an amble round the old City Docks you now have one. There are eight locations on the trail, each marked by a large wine barrel planted – very suitably – with a palm tree. One is of course outside The Hole in the Wall, which may or may not have served as a model for The Spyglass. Either way it was no doubt once full of ‘old sailors, with rings in their ears, and whiskers curled in ringlets, and tarry pigtails’, as Silver’s pub was. It’s worth stopping for more than the time it takes to snap a Tr-elfie - to have a drink maybe, or at any rate to gaze over the water at St Mary Redcliffe, the church that rose above the harbour even in the days of the pirates, and try to imagine what it was like.

It’s hard to think of a fictional character less like Shaun the Sheep than Long John Silver, but perhaps that’s no bad thing. n 16 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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THE

B R I S TOL MAGAZINE Follow us on Twitter @thebristolmag

Co-Editor Tel: Email:

Jenny Hayes 0117 974 2800 jenny@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Co-Editor Tel: Email:

Sam Coleman 0117 974 2800 sam@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Production Manager Email:

Jeff Osborne production@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Publisher Email:

Steve Miklos steve@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Advertising Sales

Kathy Williams Sue Parker Liz Grey

For advertising enquiries please contact us on: 0117 974 2800 Email: sales@thebristolmagazine.co.uk Financial Director Email:

Jane Miklos jane@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

The Bristol Magazine is published by MC Publishing Ltd. An independent publisher.

The Bristol Magazine is distributed free every month to more than 20,000 homes and businesses throughout the city. We also have special distribution units in the following stores and many coffee shops, hotels and convenient pick-up points.

THE

BRIST OL MAGAZINE Bristol and Exeter House, Lower Approach, Temple Meads, Bristol BS1 6QS Telephone: 0117 974 2800 www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk Š MC Publishing Ltd 2015 Disclaimer: Whilst every reasonable care is taken with all material submitted to The Bristol Magazine, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to such material. Opinions expressed in articles are strictly those of the authors. This publication is copyright and may not be reproduced in any form either in part or whole without written permission from the publishers.

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BRISTOL | FASHION

RED

REVIVAL

Vintag eb hat, £3 uckle floppy 2 Acce ssorize

Accessorize Geo triangle crystal ear jackets £15

HOT RIGHT NOW

Light as air bra, £19.50 M&S

Per Una Speziale coat, £159 M&S

It’s fashion code red on the high street right now, so stock up on this season’s hottest hue, says The Mall Cribbs Causeway’s stylist Crimson, scarlet, burgundy or poppy – whichever shade you love, you’ll be sure to find it this autumn, as designers have rolled out the red on almost every catwalk. Of course, the more ‘sexy’ couture houses of Versace, Dolce & Gabbana and Gucci all featured shades of red – but the trend extended beyond that to Dior, House of Holland and Emilia Wickstead, suggesting that this is one look that won’t be going anywhere soon.

Head-to-toe looks using either the same or mixed shades of red will be a major trend this season, so be brave and don’t be afraid to layer up your items. The hot ticket item right now is of course a BRD (that’s bright red dress for the uninitiated) or a pleated maxi skirt, as floor length fabrics are where it’s at.

If you’re petite, knee length styles with a cinched-in waist are a great option and tap into the trend for ladylike luxe styling.

Tailoring is another great way to wear red; a sharp scarlet blazer is a fantastic pick-andmix item that will serve you well in the colder months. Likewise, a quality red wool coat is a great investment piece which you’ll be able to wear for years to come.

Finally, don’t overlook accessories in your quest for all things rouge. Red shoes, when worn in a classic way, can be extremely elegant and a red bag can transform even the dullest of winter outfits.

Here’s to a very berry autumn of fashion!

A-line skirt, £30 Next

Jaeger cashmere pocket crew, £185 John Lewis

Watch, £85 Karen Millen Relish the Moment at The Body Shop

Mini pushlock bag, £15 Accessorize

*Please note that some items shown are taken from current stock, while others are taken from forthcoming Autumn/Winter collections and all are subject to availability.

Looking for more fashion inspiration? Then head over to Bristol Fashion Week at The Mall Cribbs Causeway from Wednesday 30 September – Sunday 4 October.

For more information, or to book tickets, visit: www.mallcribbs.com

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Red Mary Jane, £25 M&S

M&S Collection leather gloves, £18

Super chunky knitted short snood, £17 Accessorize

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AUTUMN | STYLE

THROUGH THE

LOOKING GLASS Jenny Hayes meets the face of McArthurGlen’s Wonders of Autumn campaign, Alice Levine

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AUTUMN | STYLE

Main image: Alice adds a twist to a classic winter coat with a patterned shirt and chunky boots This page, Alice’s picks: navy coat from Jaeger and black leather bag from Osprey, both exclusive to McArthurGlen; Alice and Laura model other chic styles from the Wonders of Autumn campaign

A

lice Lavine is a multi-talented woman. When she’s not hosting shows on Radio 1, she’s presenting a variety of programmes across our television channels, and also somehow finding time to write a monthly food column with her best friend – and co-model for the McArthurGlen Wonders of Autumn campaign – Laura Jackson.

Despite this busy schedule, Alice always finds time to look good, rocking a signature style that is classic with a quirky, feminine twist. So, ahead of the launch of her McArthurGlen campaign later this month, TBM caught up with this one woman whirlwind to ask her more about her autumn style, and what she’ll be up to this season.

What first sparked your interest in fashion?

My earliest fashion memories are basically of me being like a magpie. I loved going through my Mum's jewellery box and putting everything on. She also had a pair of pewter high heels which I would go and dig out, take to my room and try and walk around in.

You have a very individual and enviable sense of style. How has that evolved?

My mum is very stylish and has a great eye when shopping. I also look to icons from different eras, like Charlotte Rampling in the 70s – what a babe. Diane Keaton had an incredible look too. In terms of modern muses, I love Michelle Williams and how she mixes and matches things and always looks herself. And Instagram can be addictive too – I constantly screen grab looks I like for inspiration.

How do you make sure you stay true to your style when you are out shopping?

I’m such a creature of habit. I like what I like and don’t really get sucked into fads. I think because I always go for a look with a 60s aesthetic, or at least a hint of that, then that keeps my style quite consistent. That’s why the McArthurGlen Wonders of Autumn campaign really intrigued me – AW is the key season to herald those timeless, classic pieces in your wardrobe.

What are your AW wardrobe staples?

I think investing in a handbag and winter coat are my absolute favourite seasonal purchases. Do visit McArthurGlen in Swindon this autumn where Jaeger and Osprey have created beautiful products, totally exclusive to the centres. The Osprey black leather handbag is ideal for work, then play, then work again,

WWW.THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

and the Jaeger navy winter coat ticks all my boxes. It feels incredible on, the shape is classic with a twist and navy is definitely my choice over black. I’d always advise to make like a Parisian and go for navy.

Do fashion and music correlate for you?

Distinctive aesthetics that belong to certain music communities obviously exist, but I think more and more people listen to a whole range of genres and express themselves in a variety of ways rather than dressing to be part of a music tribe.

You’ve had some incredible musicians perform in the Radio One Live Lounge. Do you have any particularly memorable moments?

My first ever live lounge was FKA Twigs when she was just emerging. She’s such an interesting performer, but a woman of few words in interviews. I was mesmerised when she did Two Weeks for us. That was definitely stand out.

And is there anyone you’re really looking forward to having on the show, or that you’d really like to invite on?

I recently interviewed Jake Gyllenhall and that was such a laugh, so it would be great to get some more movie guests on. I love interviewing people; it’s my favourite part of the job.

Do you have any bands or performers you’d advise us to look out for over the next few months?

Having come from the specialist music world (I used to do the John Peel slot on week nights), I listen to everything from grime to dance, so I get to hear a lot of different genres. That's the beauty of a show like that. At the moment I'm loving Rationale, a producer called Luca who’s done a track with a vocalist called Tei Shi, and Mapei is amazing.

And finally, what can we expect to see you doing over the next few months? Any exciting projects in the pipeline?

I’ve just finished a documentary about girls in technology for the BBC, and I’m also working on a comedy podcast that launches in October. Laura and I also have a food show to start making with Channel 4, so it’s an exciting time! n The McArthurGlen Wonders of Autumn campaign launches on Thursday 15 October, and runs until Monday 2 November.

Fronted by best friends and style heroes Alice Levine and Laura Jackson, the campaign presents iconic pieces from the new season’s collections. For more information, visit: www.mcarthurglen.com

OCTOBER 2015

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0117 950 5090 WWW.THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

OCTOBER 2015

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BRISTOL | FASHION

Name: Nerys Age: 40 Occupation: Interior design student

Name: Oliver Age: 35 Occupation: Writer

Name: Sarah & Lesley Age: 46 & 44 Occupation: Teacher & housewife

“My jacket is from House of Fraser, my cardigan New Look, the t-shirt GAP, jeans Topshop, my shoes are Office and my bag Urban Outfitters.” We love the trainers – a cheeky nod to the animal print trend.

“My whole outfit is second hand. The jacket I got on Brick Lane, my boots are from Ebay, jeans from a charity shop, and the hat was a present from a friend.” Proving its possible to look stylish on a budget.

Sarah – “My coat is from Hobbs, shirt ASOS, jeans and boots from Next, and my bag is Laura Ashley.”

Lesley – “My jacket is Joules, jeans GAP, bag Massimo Dutti, and the boots are old!”

WIN

TICKETS TO...

THE CLOTHES SHOW 2015

Name: Jacqui Age: 37 Occupation: Programme manager

Name: Yui & Maika Age: 23 & 21 Occupation: Just visiting Bristol

“My trousers are Banana Republic, t-shirt Ted Baker, jacket TK Max, leather jacket from Camden market, bag from Harris Tweed and the scarf is old.” Casual yet chic.

Yui – “Most of my outfit is second hand, except my jacket which is from Uniqlo.”

Maika – “My cardi is second hand, the shirt is Heaven & Earth and bag by Kate Spade.”

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The Clothes Show in association with Alcatel Onetouch returns to the NEC Birmingham from Friday 4 – Tuesday 8 December. With over 500 leading fashion and beauty brands, non-stop catwalk shows, makeovers, manicures, beauty demos and style advice, it’s fashion heaven.

The Bristol Magazine has teamed up with The Clothes Show to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a pair of tickets to this year’s event. All you need to do is email us at: competitions@thebristolmagazine.co.uk with your name, address and telephone number, writing ‘Clothes Show Competition’ in the subject line. Deadline for entries: Thursday 22 October.

For more information about The Clothes Show, visit: clothesshow.com

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BRISTOL | FASHION

STREET STYLE Jenny Hayes pounds the pavements in search of fashion inspiration from you stylish Bristolians

T

he fashionistas of Bristol are one step ahead of the leaves this autumn, as they’ve already changed their colours for the new season. Gone are the crisp, zesty whites and brights of summer and it’s all about a warmer palette of soft browns, burnt oranges and deep greens, brought to life with the inclusion of a pale neutral here and there.

It’s great news for those of us who tend to err towards black, ‘because it goes with everything’, and then find ourselves faced with a funereal array of wardrobe choices each day. As if the darker mornings aren’t depressing enough! Rich tones like plum, ochre and sage can be mixed in with your existing wardrobe to lend just a dash of panache, or worn together for a bolder look.

The new season’s colours may evoke the earth, but procuring them for your wardrobe doesn’t have to cost it, as the capsule collection of items below goes to show. A neutral blouse is a wardrobe staple, and as pleats are big this year this one from the Bruce Oldfield collection at John Lewis (1)

For the girls

1

works well on its own, or underneath a chunky knit like this ochre number from Warehouse (2). Both items can be worn in combination with either of these trousers from Oasis (3) – if you prefer a slim silhouette the dark red skinnies are for you, and the tailored khakis are perfect if you’re looking for a more relaxed fit. It’s also good to make a statement sometimes, and I’d recommend you do it with this beautiful maxi from Warehouse (4), as it not only incorporates this season’s key colours, but also ticks the floor-length hemline and bold pattern boxes. Then just grab your gorgeous Baia bag in plum leather (5), and you’re ready to go.

Men can also flirt with a little autumnal colour while keeping the look masculine. The check shirt is here to stay for another season and this one from New Look is right on trend (1). Team with this luxurious, moss green wool waistcoat from John Lewis (2), a pair of plain blue jeans like these from Next (3) and some sturdy brown boots from M&S (4). Sorted. n Thanks to all our Street Style participants. Shots taken at Cabot Circus and all are © Amanda Thomas, www.amandathomasphotographer.co.uk

Check shirt, £19.99 New Look at The Mall Cribbs Causeway

1

Cream pleated blouse, £69 by Bruce Oldfield at John Lewis

2 Cowl neck tee, £38 from Warehouse

GET THE LOOK

4 Silk paisley maxi dress, £160 from Warehouse

2 3

Skinny biker jeans, £42 and soft khaki trousers, £35 both from Oasis

Green wool waistcoat, £100 from John Lewis

4 3 Jeans, £32 from Next at The Mall

Brown brogue boots, £69 from M&S at The Mall

5 Plum leather drawsting bag, £280 by Baia, baiabags.co.uk

For the boys WWW.THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

OCTOBER 2015

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FACE | THE MUSIC

GIFT OF THE GAB Jenny Hayes meets director of programming and voice of That Morning Thing at Sam FM, Ian Downs, to find out about his life in Bristol, and what tunes get him up each morning for the early shift

T

his month I had the pleasure of chatting to Sam FM’s Ian Downs, better known to his friends and loyal listeners as Downsy, who’s been brightening up our mornings here in Bristol for nearly six years. But there’s more to Downsy than just a way with words – he’s also a history buff who’s pretty handy with a rugby ball. But first things first, how did he get started in radio?

“I’ve always been obsessed with the sound of my own voice, and taping it on recorders and microphones. I remember my dad had a very old-fashioned Dictaphone that he used in his work as an architect for the district council in Oxfordshire – he’d draw up plans and then record an explanation to go with them – which I inherited when he got a more modern one.

“Playing around with that led in to Bedroom FM, for which I set up a record player and cassette recorder in my room so I had my own makeshift radio station. I absolutely loved it and my dream was to become a radio DJ. But my dad, who was a nononsense northerner, said to me: ‘Ian, you need a proper job. You can’t do all this silly television and radio stuff you want to do.’ So I went off to Plymouth University to train as a teacher.

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“When I got to uni, my next door neighbour in halls turned out to be a DJ. So I started DJing in the student bar with him, and then we set up a studio radio station that was sponsored by the local commercial station. All of a sudden, I was spending more time doing student radio than I was on my course.”

Uh-oh. That can’t have gone down well with your dad? “No it didn’t. I can remember standing in a phone box and having a big row with him about it. But eventually we agreed that I should take a year out. I think he secretly thought I’d be heading back to uni with my tail between my legs, but that was back in 1995 and I’ve been gainfully employed in radio ever since.

“Bizarrely, the first full time job I got in radio was at the station I grew up listening to as a kid in Oxford. It felt like all my dreams had come true and it was lovely that my mum and dad, who are sadly no longer with us, got to see me achieve that.

“I remember mum burst into tears when I told her, and although Dad didn’t really ever show much emotion, he also shed a tear when I launched a new station down in Newbury. He couldn’t get reception in the house, so he used to go out and sit in his car to listen to my show.”

Main image: Downsy doing his thing in the Sam FM studio © John White Media

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FACE | THE MUSIC

“Hey, guess what Per said the first time he met me?” <Hit play> Hello...

You fool... I love you… Come and join the joyride This page: Roxette at the Beacon Theatre NYC, 2012 © Dimitry Avdeev

❹ Year 3000 by Busted Simply the best power pop tune ever written. James Bourne (one third of Busted and one sixth of McBusted) has an amazing talent for penning perfect pop. His melodies are so hooky, you just feel like you already know them and his slightly oddball take on life comes across in some fantastic lyrics. I really do hope that in the year 3000 this song gets hammered on the radio (or whatever it is then!) and Bourne’s great great great granddaughter makes a packet in royalties. ❺ The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonight by REM I’d choose the whole of the Automatic For The People album if I could. It kept me company on the long journeys between university in Plymouth and my parent’s house in Oxfordshire. I ran my mother’s 1.1L Ford Fiesta Plus into the ground on those four hour journeys. I’d had the stereo upgraded (obviously – I was 19), and I did lots of soul searching on those journeys as I knew I didn’t really want to be a teacher and would much rather be on the radio. I spent more and more time on the university station, until it became obvious I was more interested in that than my actual course. It’s still one of my favorite songs to play on the radio today.

And now you host That Morning Thing with Alice Crocker and Simon Green at Sam FM, as well as being programme director?

“That’s right, so after I have fun messing round on the show in the morning, I put my manger’s hat on and take responsibility for all the budgeting, HR stuff, coaching, social media, and all sorts of other things at the station.”

It sounds like you have a pretty hectic schedule. But I’ve heard a rumour that you still find time for some volunteer work?

“Yes, I’m a volunteer tour guide for the Suspension Bridge. When I was younger, my Dad brought me to Bristol on his ‘Brunel Tour of the UK’, and since then I’ve been fascinated by his work. I’ve always loved history, so when I moved to Bristol to live it seemed like the obvious thing to do.

Although I don’t get to do it as often as I’d like anymore.

“The other thing I really enjoy is rugby, and I’m gradually getting more involved with Bristol Rugby. Sam FM teamed up with them last year, and I’ll be doing more silly interviews and podcasts for them as they kick off their campaign to get back in the premiership.

“So my autumn and winter is going to be getting up early for the radio, and then standing round all day in the freezing cold watching rugby. That’s the showbiz lifestyle of Ian Downs right there.” n To find out more about Downsy, visit: iandowns.co.uk; or for information about Sam FM, visit: www.samfm.co.uk

Downsy’s top 10: ❶ Make Your Own Kind of Music by Mama Cass The lyrics say it all for this one, my anthem for life almost – Make your own kind of music, sing your own special song, make your own kind of music even if nobody else sings along. Basically, everyone is unique and has a right to be themselves, and if other people can’t accept you for who or what you are, it doesn’t matter, carry on being who you are anyway. ❷ Stand By Me by Ben E King Memories of the film of the same name. It takes me right back to my youth where my best chums and me would head out on adventures as we came of age. The movie is taken from a Stephen King novella, and is about four young lads whose journey isn’t just physical (in a hunt to find the dead body of a missing classmate) but also a journey of discovery about life itself. There’s one line that really sticks out for me and I’m so grateful to say it still rings true for me today – ‘You never have friends later on in life like the ones you had when you were 12.’ ❸ Joyride by Roxette The reason music is so special in my opinion is that every song evokes a memory. And this song is one of the most played songs on commercial radio ever. It takes me straight back to making demo tapes and trying to make it as a DJ. It’s a great ‘radio song’ – upbeat, hooky melody and easy to learn lyrics. Plus it lends itself to an awful dad joke at the beginning: WWW.THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

❻ The Miracle of Love by Eurythmics Aw, the song that reminds me of my first love. I had just left uni and was trying to break into radio, so I’d be forever doing demo tapes. I’d sit in the studio and do pretend dedications and requests for my first proper boyfriend. This was one of his favourite songs, and even though he dumped me on Christmas Eve after 2 years of being together, there’ll always be a special place in my heart for him, the heartless bastard. ❼ Defying Gravity from Wicked One of the only gay stereotypes I guess I fit into is adoring musical theatre. My secondary school put on Bugsy Malone when I was a kid and, from that moment on, singing on the stage became a part of me. You know that feeling when you watch someone who is so good at their job, that it makes you cry a bit? (And feel jealous of their talent.) I get that everytime I see a good theatre production and my favourite by an Emerald City country mile is Wicked. The first time I saw Defying Gravity performed in the West End, I wept and wept. Goose bumps, hair standing up on the back of neck and completely under the spell. Wow. ❽ Queen of Rain by Roxette In actual fact, this choice could have been any songs from the Roxette Tourism album. It was the second CD I ever owned – the first was Madstock: Madness Live at Finsbury Park – and I played it to death on my CD Walkman while walking our family dog, Sammy the Shetland Sheepdog. Because I only had the two CDs it meant I learnt all of the words to each song and I can still remember the order of all the songs because I played them over and over again. It was given to me by the Johnson family in Witney, Oxfordshire, where I met their son Henry while on work experience in a primary school. I still love that album and recently saw Roxette at the O2 in London. ❾ The Heart Never Lies by McFly I became quite chummy with the boys from Busted during various radio tours in their early days. They introduced me to what they called ‘their successors’ – how true that statement became! I love a cracking pop tune and McFly really do crank them out, plus I have a massive crush on Dougie. I’ve picked this one especially as I really identify with the lyrics and Tom always sings that McFly is forever. It’s a proper tearjerker for me if I’m in one of those moods. ❿ American Idiot by Green Day I’m a big pop punk fan. Blink 182, Bowling for Soup, All American Rejects, Paramore, My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy etc. Green Day was one of those bands that went from being underground and cool to suddenly really popular and so, according to some, a sell out. But surely to be successful a band has to sell records, right?! I’m not into music snobbery like that. A tune is a tune, and you either like it or you don’t. It doesn’t matter who it’s by or whether they’ve ‘sold out’ or not. I’m off to see the Green Day musical in London next weekend and can’t wait to hear this song which is just so up, in our face and anti-establishment. Plus I’m excellent at the drum parts on Rock Band for the Playstation. n OCTOBER 2015

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CIRCUS| CITY

RUN AWA Y WITH THE

C IRCUS

This October, Bristol becomes one giant big top as the Circus City festival arrives in town.

Jenny Hayes caught up with producers Lina B. Frank and Kate Hartoch to find out more 30 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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oll up, roll up – the circus is coming to town! So if you’ve always dreamt of packing up your belongings in a spotted hanky and running away to a live a life of derring-do on the high wire, it’s time to dust off your tailcoat, slip into some sequins, and start limbering up so you can leap right into Circus City 2015. And the second installment of this biennial festival is set to be a blinder.

It’s no coincidence that many Bristolians have a hankering to take a turn on the trapeze. We live in a city where we are regularly treated to dazzling circus displays at most of the city’s main events. Be it the launch of our year as European Green Capital, the Harbour Festival in the summer, or the Arcadia take-over in Queen Square just a few weeks ago, there are talented performers tumbling and twirling all across the city. In fact, contemporary circus is now so integral to the culture of Bristol, it’s hard to imagine life without it.

But the discipline is actually a relatively new one, with its roots in the counterculture that was emerging in the UK during the late 1970s. Gay rights, women’s liberation, antiracism and environmental movements were beginning to challenge consumerist, capitalistic society and, as is often the case in times of social change, some of the very first people to speak out were from the arts community.

To strengthen their voice, these artists joined together to create united, cross-discipline performances and festivals in which to express their ideas. Circus skills flourished in this environment, conveying the spirit of these movements in a physical and very beautiful way – demonstrating that a person can achieve the seemingly impossible if they put their mind to it, and just what amazing things can be done when people all work together. The companies that developed within this scene – such as Welfare State International and Footsbarn – poured time and passion into devising and rehearsing their shows, which allowed for stories with far greater depth of narrative and character to be developed.

These formed the foundations of modern contemporary circus, from which grew the skillful, visually rich and thoughtful performances we are now accustomed to.

It was in the mid 1980s that Bristol began to gain momentum as a circus city. In 1986 Fool Time, Britain’s first circus school, opened in St Agnes Church. The school went from strength to strength over the next few years, outgrowing its premises and making plans to relocate to a larger space in Kingswood. But vital funding from Foundation for Sport and the Arts was withdrawn at the last minute, and Fool Time was forced to declare itself bankrupt in 1993.

This could have been the end of circus in Bristol, but this is a discipline born from overcoming challenges so it comes as little surprise that, from the ashes of Fool Time, teacher and performer Bim Mason and his colleague Helen Crocker rose to establish Circomedia. This initiative was supported by the Arts Council and, since 2004, Bristol City Council.

Circomedia has gone on to be recognized as one of the city’s Key Arts Providers, and is an institution that many Bristolians are rightly proud of.

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Elsewhere across the UK, with the exception of London, this foresight in supporting this emerging art form was not shared by other cities. As a result, Bristol attracted talented performers from across the UK who worked together to create the active and pioneering circus scene we all enjoy today, and establish Bristol’s reputation as a circus city.

Since 2013, we have also been the only UK city outside London to host its own circus festival – the biennial Circus City – which is further stamping Bristol on the contemporary circus map. I caught up with festival producers Kate Hartoch and Lina B. Frank to find out more about how the festival came about, what we can expect from this year’s event, and a bit more about the circus scene in Bristol today.

“There has always been a lot of support for circus in Bristol,” says Kate. “When I started working in circus, about 15 years ago, it wasn’t really recognized as a discipline by the Arts Council so a lot of time was being spent lobbying and advocating to get it recognized. But here the argument never had to be made that it was an art form, it was just accepted as a great thing to support.”

“Circomedia, Cirque Bijou, Theatre Bristol, The Invisible Circus and Artspace Lifespace have been working with Bristol City Council for many years now,” says Lina, “creating shows and events that have really shaped the Bristol public’s idea of what circus is. And they are now all Key Arts Providers for the city.”

“The idea of producing a circus festival has been discussed for several years by the Bristol Circus Forum – which includes Circomedia, Theatre Bristol, Cirque Bijou, Invisible Circus, Ausform, Bristol City Council, Artspace Lifespace, and Lina and I as independent producers,” says Kate. “Then George Ferguson became mayor and approached us to see how Bristol could strengthen its reputation as a circus city, so we put a proposal together.

“From that we developed the Bristol Circus City initiative, which will see the Bristol Circus Forum working year round to further the progression of contemporary circus in the city. Then the biennial Circus City festival will showcase this work, and show the world just how much Bristol can do.”

Previous page: The Bullzini Family © Joe Clarke This page: Circus City © Joe Clarke, model is Chanti Hobbit Next page: Bedtime Stories

by Upswing, at Arnolfini

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The first festival was held in a big top at Creative Common, near Temple Meads, but in just two years the scale and ambition of Circus City has grown so much that this month’s event will take place over three weeks in venues all across the city.

“Bristol is amazing in that way,” says Lina.“People have been really open-minded when we’ve approached them about staging shows. It’s a reflection of the mentality, which reaches right across the arts here, that nothing is impossible and you can make anything happen if you really want to.”

“We’ve secured 15 spaces,” says Kate. “Some are well known venues, such as Bristol Old Vic and the Arnolfini, and others are more surprising. We’re going to be staging one show in the MShed, which has never been used for a public circus performance, so that’s really exciting. And being able to work across these different venues should help us reach new audiences.”

“We devised a programme for Circus City that was audience led,” says Lina. “We don’t really have a boss, we have the city of Bristol – that’s who we feel answerable to – and that means everyone who lives and works in the city.

“We’ve tried to market each performance as honestly as possible. So often we read that something is going to be ‘mindblowing’ or ‘earth-shattering’, and that doesn’t really mean anything so isn’t actually very helpful to someone trying to decide what they might enjoy watching. So we’re trying to be really open about what each show does and who we think would like to see it, so that people can make an informed decision about what they go along to.”

It’s a refreshingly thoughtful approach to marketing, which speaks volumes about Kate and Lina’s dedication to producing an event that is welcoming, unpretentious, and deeply memorable for the city in its entirety, and also their understanding of what the people of Bristol want from this festival.

“The audience here is more developed than many other cities in the UK,” says Lina. “This is not only because there are a lot of circus artists in the city, as well as Circomedia, Cirque Bijou and the Invisible Circus, but because there are also really progressive arts and theatre festivals in the city. This means that people here

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are really open to experiencing new things – they don’t go to something because it’s a particular art form, but because they want to see the ideas being presented.”

“Bristol people like to explore new directions in the arts, and that’s what we are trying to help them to do with our programming of Circus City,” explains Kate. “Those who have already seen a lot of circus, perhaps at festivals or cabarets, will be able to take a step deeper into what can be done with performance. Those who have only seen traditional circus, or who are looking for a more family-friendly show, can also dip their toe in to some beautiful but very accessible performances.

And then people who are fans of different art forms will be able to find a show that straddles their interests – perhaps circus and comedy, or circus and theatre, or circus and dance.”

“When we talk about taking people in a new direction with circus, we mean in an expansive as opposed to linear way,” adds Lina. “It’s about broadening in every sense. We really want the people of Bristol to feel that they can enjoy circus by creating a programme that reflects its full spectrum.”

It’s not only important for the people of Bristol to be able to see how contemporary circus is developing within the city.

Circus City will attract both audiences and performers from across the UK and beyond into Europe, adding yet another jewel in Bristol’s already sparkling cultural crown. The ebb and flow of people and ideas that will come into the city can only serve to further enhance the future of UK circus within the larger sphere of Europe, as conversations open up and inspiration taken from the range of shows and styles on display.

“French circus theatre has dominated Europe since the 1980s,” explains Kate. “It’s created some really beautiful work, but I think people are now looking for new ways of doing things. In the UK our sense of humour is different, our music is different, and our skills are different. That is expressed through our circus, art and performance, and as we are getting more confident about what we have to offer this is drawing increased attention from the European companies who are beginning to look outside the French aesthetic for inspiration.”

“Circus City will also show the rest of the UK, both audiences and potential funding bodies alike, how much circus has to offer as an art form,”says Lina. “We want people to look at Bristol and see that we mean business, and that we are in it for the long game of supporting circus in Britain. As soon as you’ve labeled yourself a circus city, the possibilities of what can be achieved are endless. That’s why circus is so amazing to work in – no one thinks a challenge is too daunting, and Bristol as a city embodies that attitude. People here aren’t afraid to just shoot for the stars and see where they land.”

Talking to Kate and Lina, and seeing the impressive feats that the city of Bristol has pulled off in the past, I don’t doubt that Circus City 2015 will be stellar. n Only a few of the incredible circus companies and performers of Bristol were mentioned in this feature. You’ll be able to see them and many more from across the UK and Europe at Circus City, which runs from Thursday 8 – Saturday 31 October at various venues across the city. For more details or to book your tickets, visit: www.bristolcircuscity.com

WWW.THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

KATE & LINA’S PICKS L’Enfant Qui… Theatre D’un Jour Bristol Old Vic Sunday 18 & Monday 19 October We’re very excited to bring this show to Bristol Old Vic main house. The story is based on the life of a French artist, Jephan de Villiers, and how he dealt with childhood difficulties in his imaginary world. It’s quite dark and tragic, but also really beautiful.

Chaos Lords of Strut Tobacco Factory Tuesday 29 – Saturday 31 October Lords of Strut are an Irish comedy company and they’re absolutely hilarious. It’s a fast-paced, very silly show about ego and ambition, and we think it’s going to go down really well at the Tobacco Factory.

Bedtime Stories Upswing Arnolfini Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 October This is just amazing. The audience sit in beds that surround the performance area, and snuggle up under duvets as they watch this gorgeous show unfold. It’s about bedtime stories, and also about the struggle for parents to find a work/life balance, very sympathetically done.

Marie Celestial Secret location Saturday 10 October Marie Celestial is a Bristol company, whose show was born from a very successful Kickstarter campaign last year. The people of Bristol really got on board and supported the idea, so they were able to take the show to Glastonbury and then on to tour the UK. Now it is coming back to Bristol where a lot of the people who contributed will be able to see it.

Workshops All Hallows Hall Saturday 17 October We’re also running this day of have-a-go sessions so that people can come along and try some of the skills and apparatus they’ve seen over the festival themselves. It’s great for adults and children, but it’ll be popular so it’s essential to book your place in advance.

Circus City 2015 is sponsored by Bristol City Council, Arts Council England, the National Lottery, and Bristol 2015 European Green Capital.

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SOUNDS OF THE CITY This month, Theaster Gates’ Sanctum is set to rise from the ruins of one of Bristol’s oldest sacred spaces.

Jenny Hayes caught up with Situations arts producer Claire Doherty to find out more 38 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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omething remarkable is happening in Bristol this autumn.

From the bombed remains of Temple Church will rise a new structure that, in our year as European Green Capital, invites us to stop and listen to our city, and in doing so really consider what is needed to build a sustainable future.

It is the vision of acclaimed Chicago-based artist Theaster Gates, who was invited to Bristol by local arts producer Situations to create his first public project in the UK. The result of this collaboration is Sanctum, a temporary installation that will exist amid the ruins of the church from Thursday 29 October until Saturday 21 November. Over these 24 days, you’ll be able to enter Temple Church at any time of the day or night and find yourself immersed in the sounds of our city, created through a continuous programme of live performance, that includes Bristol musicians, spoken-word performers, choirs, DJs and sound-makers.

Theaster is well known as an artist with a conscience, who has used his success in the lucrative commercial arts sector to fund social redevelopment initiatives such as the Dorchester Projects on the South Side of Chicago. It was this concern with creating art that is high in both aesthetic and social value, and his commitment to using reclaimed materials within his work, that made director of Situations Claire Doherty determined to bring him to Bristol in 2015.

“I’d been following Theaster for a couple of years,” Claire says, “because of the way he embraced the social side of public art and understood its scope to inspire people, just as we do at Situations. I was also interested in the way he used materials and resources that were being thrown out from other parts of Chicago in his Dorchester Projects, working with what the city had available. So when it came to 2013 and I started speaking to Andrew Kelly from Bristol Festival of Ideas about what Situations could do to help the city celebrate Bristol 2015, I suggested we invite Theaster to the city. And Andrew said – if you think you can get him, go for it! Then Arts Council England granted the city an Exceptional Award which funded six major projects as part of the cultural programme for 2015, and that was the impetus to seek out Theaster and start the conversation.

“I tracked him down in Chicago, and we had a brilliant conversation about Bristol. I think what first attracted him to the city was its size, which meant that he could create something that had a real impact here, in a way that he perhaps couldn’t in a larger metropolis. I also told him the story of our music scene, and about the incredible wealth of talent in the city. It all persuaded him to come over for a visit.”

This first visit was to prove an auspicious start to Theaster’s relationship with Bristol, because it was then that he found the ruins of Temple Church and in them the initial idea for Sanctum. It has been a religious site since the 14th century, although the skeleton structure that stands there now is the remnants of a 19th century church that was destroyed during the Bristol Blitz on the night of 25 November, almost exactly 75 years ago. Since then, it has been protected by English Heritage but left unused and, as society increasingly turns its back on organised religion, abandoned.

“This site was the first inspiration for Sanctum,” says Claire. “I think, with the decline of faith and worship in society, it gave Theaster the opportunity to explore what may become our sanctuaries of the future. Where will we meet? Where will we gather?

We started to think about the features of community spaces of the past, and how Theaster could create that feeling again within the ruins of Temple Church.”

In order to do so, Theaster is building the structure that will provide this sense of shelter and togetherness within the ruins from unwanted materials. True to both his commitment to creating sustainable artworks, and the message of Bristol 2015, the materials Gates and architect Andrew Cross are using to build the structure have been sourced and reclaimed from sites of demolition and

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redevelopment across the city. With the support and advice of English Heritage, these will then be sensitively hand built into the final structure within Temple Church.

“Every piece comes from a building that has a history of either labour or devotion,” explains Claire, “as it was important for Theaster that the materials didn’t come from domestic buildings.

Because Sanctum explores the idea of a social space, it is built from the fragments of places that people would have come together in – for either work or worship – and the stories they hold. Then around this framework we wove the other element that had attracted Theaster to Bristol – the diversity of music and performance that runs across the city.

“One thing we were very committed to was not releasing details of who would be playing when. We wanted people to come time and time again and always hear something different, and unexpected – whether that be a gospel choir, a headlining band, an amazing 12 year old cellist, or a beatboxer. The fact that it is free further removes it from any form of consumerism – people haven’t paid to hear a certain set – so it’s a more complete experience that takes into account the architecture you are surrounded by, the people you are with, the time of day, and the anticipation of not knowing what you’re going to hear next.”

In essence, Sanctum asks us to just take a moment to pause and listen to our city. When you step through the gates, you won’t be hearing what you’ve chosen for yourself, but what Bristol has decided to give you at that moment. And this is perhaps the most beautiful thing about the project – it offers us all the opportunity to encounter a new side of a city that we know so well, we sometimes take it for granted.

“We want people to have an intimate encounter with the city,” explains Claire. “That’s why we’ve limited the capacity for visitors to just 50, to ensure everyone gets a highly personal experience and the sense that what is happening is just for them, at that moment in time.”

Time itself is another key element of modern life that is

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explored in the project, which evolves and changes throughout the day and night. “I think that’s where Theaster and Situations really came together,” says Claire. “I’ve undertaken a number of projects over the years that contemplate the relationship between art and time, like One Day Sculpture in New Zealand in 2009, which involved staging 24 hour public art over a whole year.

Each work had it’s own day, and it was all about shaking up ideas around the permanence of public art.

“So often, public art is considered to be an object placed in a public space, but rarely is duration or time considered. I think it’s really important to reflect how life in the day of a city changes too. That’s why we started to explore the idea of creating in Sanctum something that felt very different depending on what time of day it was experienced. It then took on the feel of a vigil – we wanted to maintain something that would keep Theaster’s structure alive for 24 days, and that came from the performers and visitors who would sustain it with their presence.

“Matthew Austin and Kate Yedigaroff at MAYK, who are behind Bristol’s Mayfest, and producer Luke Emery were also pivotal to realising this idea. They put together the complex jigsaw puzzle of scheduling 500 performers over 576 hours of continuous live performance.”

The symbiotic relationship between a public artwork and its audience is something both Gates and Situations see as of intrinsic importance, and to achieve that the piece must have real resonance with the city in which it stands. In Sanctum, they have made something that not only celebrates the creativity and diversity of Bristol, but also a work that taps into and relies on the fact that we are a collaborative, collectively-minded city known for pulling together to achieve remarkable results. This was very much reinforced for Claire as she worked with people in Bristol to produce Sanctum.

“At Situations, we recognise that there are limits to our knowledge and connections, so we rely on ambassadors to open up different sectors for us,” says Claire. “For example on this

Previous page, main image, and this page, the atmospheric ruins of Temple Church © Max McClure

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This page, clockwise: Theaster Gates © Sara Pooley; some of the performers you may encounter in Sanctum: Sara Zaltash, disarmingly direct and prone to radicalism; Just 3 Harmony, an uplifting vocal group; Hannah Sullivan, creating honest reflections on contemporary existence

project Edson Burton, who is an amazing local spoken word artist, introduced us to a whole network of people who we hadn’t previously known. And from then on in the city continued to unfold for us.

“That also tied in with something I talked about with George Ferguson at the outset of this project, when we discussed the idea of gathering together all the different voices of Bristol in one place.

He said that one of the great challenges of Bristol 2015 was not limiting the cultural programme to events that only took place within the city centre, which made us question whether or not we should house this project somewhere else. But ultimately I felt that it was important for all these voices to have their space right in the city centre because it is the most visible point. We’re saying that it is a gathering place for everyone.”

This thoughtful, inclusive approach is also reflected in the 10 individuals from youth engagement programme Babassa who’ll be working as ambassadors for the project. These are young people who wouldn’t normally get this kind of opportunity, but are interested in Sanctum and keen to tell people about the project and Theaster’s work.

“Providing live guides who don’t come from a traditional art history background is something Situations has done previously,” says Claire. “We like to invite people in to work with us who have a real investment in each project and who feel an ownership of it, because we find that they are the ones to best represent it.” And what better way to root a project in the city than to invite the people who live in and love Bristol to help make it grow?

“To many people, public art is just a bauble on a roundabout,” says Claire. “So at the core of Situations is an honest belief that art can help transform the way in which we live our lives. At its heart, quite a lot of the work we do is political in the sense that we facilitate artists to help us see things differently – whether that be through a fictional tale, or something very practical.

“It’s also about the future, and I think that one of the key things about public art – particularly permanent public art – is that it’s

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not just about us, but also a future generation. That is something we think about in all our work. Another of our projects, Future Library by the artist Katie Paterson, is designed to take shape in Oslo over the next 100 years. Each year, a writer will create a text and give it to the city, but it will remain unread until 2114.

Meanwhile, we’ve planted 1000 trees and placed the funding we received for the project in trust, so that in 2114 these trees can all be chopped down and the 100 stories will be printed on the paper that’s produced, using the money that has been set aside. Margaret Atwood was the first writer in 2014, and David Mitchell is doing it this year. So although there’s nothing to see now, it’s a gift to a future generation.

“That is also true of Bristol 2015, and although Sanctum is only a temporary installation, it will live on permanently in people’s memories because it is a project that questions how we are going to sustain ourselves in the future. How will we sustain ourselves using the resources we have? How do we sustain ourselves socially? And spiritually? What will be the spaces where we gather and meet, given that so much of our communication is now online?

“In fact,” Claire laughs, “people have been asking whether or not we are going to live stream Sanctum. We won’t, because that would undermine the point of the piece. It’s very much about being there, being present, and having the kind of real-life experience that is disappearing in the contemporary world. This is something from Bristol, for Bristol, and so you’ll have to come to Bristol to fully appreciate and understand it.”

It’s a decision that exemplifies the integrity of this project. In an age where very little is sacred anymore, Sanctum may just be a haven for us all. n For information about Theaster Gates, visit: theastergates.com, and for details about Situations, visit: www.situations.org.uk.

Sanctum runs from 29 October – 21 November. Entrance is free, and you can either drop in or reserve a place in advance.

Visit: sanctumbristol.com

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CULTURE BOOK This month’s events and entertainments

DON’T MISS UNTIL 15 DECEMBER, 1.15PM

Lunchtime Recitals, Bristol Cathedral Bristol Cathedral’s popular lunchtime recitals are back for the Michaelmas term. They take place every Tuesday, admission is free and the varied programme includes organ music, classical guitar, a South Korean piano trio and a Christmas Concert. For further information tel: 0117 926 4879 or visit: www.bristol-cathedral.co.uk 29 SEPTEMBER –10 OCTOBER, 7.15PM

Ghost Opera, Tobacco Factory Theatres Two strangers, both haunted by living ghosts in their everyday: one, her dying mother, and the other, his celebrity idol. Escaping to seek refuge at a spa retreat, the 30 year-old woman and the 17 year-old boy meet, and together they try to resist becoming that which haunts them. Tickets from £8 available from the box office on tel: 0117 902 0344 or visit: www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com THROUGHOUT OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER

A variety of workshops, Windmill Hill City Farm Fancy knowing more about the fascinating world of fungi? Or perhaps you’d like to learn techniques on cultivating your own mushrooms? Are you

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Magic of Motown, Hippodrome

One Night of Elvis, Bristol Hippodrome

Lunchtime Recitals, Bristol Cathedral

interested in smallholdings and animal husbandry? Or do you quite like the idea of learning how to make your own natural gifts?

There is certainly something for everyone at the series of workshops hosted by Windmill Hill City Farm. For more information visit: www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk

to Bristol Hippodrome for one night only. Featuring the music of The Four Tops, The Supremes, The Temptations, The Jackson 5, The Isley Brothers, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Lionel Richie and more. Tickets from £28.90, tel: 0844 871 3012 or visit: www.atgtickets.com 4 OCTOBER, 3PM – 5.30PM

3 OCTOBER, 12PM

Bristol Comic and Zine Fair 2015, The Station BCZF 2015 returns to The Station, giving artists interested in selfpublishing a chance to sell their work and to invite new audiences to see what the UK’s vibrant DIY arts scene is up to. For details visit: bristolcomicandzinefair.wordpress. com 3 OCTOBER, 7.30PM

New Harmony Ladies Choir, Redland Park United Reformed Church Special guests The Ryslinge Choir, all the way from Denmark, will join the New Harmony Ladies Choir and the Bristol Male Choir for an unforgettable concert.

Tickets: £10, available on the door or from choir members, for details visit: www.nhlcbristol.co.uk 3 OCTOBER, 7.30PM

Magic of Motown, Bristol Hippodrome Celebrating its 12th year with more chart toppers than ever before, Magic of Motown returns

| OCTOBER 2015

Speakeasy Jazz Club, The Brunswick Club Jazz/Blues vocalist Kate Sheridan is bringing national and international jazz celebrities to Bristol on the first Sunday of each month. To launch the new club this October, she is welcoming the 7-piece Bateman Brothers Jazz Band, who will perform songs from the Louis Armstrong concerts of the 40s, 50s and 60s. Tickets: £8 on the door.

For more information tel: 01275 848 391 7 OCTOBER, 7PM

Castaway’s Choice with Sarah Connolly CBE, Redmaids’ School Sarah Connolly is an internationally acclaimed mezzo soprano. Join her as she talks with Andrew Borkowski about her early life, her studies at the Royal College of Music, the difficult years following completion of her studies and the gradual development of her distinguished career. Discover too which music will accompany her to her desert island. Tickets can be bought on

the door: £5 (Welsh National Opera Friends), £7 visitors, £1 students. For details visit: www.wno.org.uk 7 OCTOBER, 7PM

Belinda Carlisle, Colston Hall Belinda Carlisle made her name as lead vocalist of the Go-Go’s, one of the most successful all-female groups ever. They sold over 7 million albums, and Carlisle went on to make a successful solo career for herself with hits such as Mad About You and Heaven Is A Place on Earth. Tickets: from £34.94, available from the box officE on tel: 0844 887 1500 or visit: www.colstonhall.org 9 – 18 OCTOBER, TIMES VARY

Bristol Festival of Song, St George’s Bristol The festival takes place right across the city with live performances, interactive workshops, vocal masterclasses, walkabout acts around the harbourside, and much more.

Tickets: £12 a day or £6 for a session, available from the box office on tel: 0117 929 4929 or visit: www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk 10 OCTOBER, 10AM

Green Man Mask Making, Bristol Botanic Gardens Peter Garrard is a local artist who creates functional and sculptural handcrafted ceramics for the home and garden from his studio

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in Gloucester. Spend a day with Peter during which you’ll create your own tree mask. Your work will be made with crank clay and taken to Peter’s studio for firing to stoneware, making it frost proof and impervious to water. It will then be available for collection four weeks after the workshop.

Cost £55, enrol online at: www.bristol.ac.uk/botanic-garden

research and book and buy everything they need for their wedding under one roof. With catwalks at 11am, 1pm and 3pm showcasing inspirational wedding dresses, accessories and men’s wear there will also be expert talks and demonstrations. Tickets: £5.

For more information or to book, visit: www.perfectweddingshow.co.uk

10 OCTOBER, 7.30PM

13 OCTOBER, 6PM

Henleaze Concert Society: Classical Greats, Trinity-Henleaze URC

Lindsey Davis: Deadly Election, Bristol Grammar School

Three masterworks of the classical era open this year’s Henleaze Concert Society season.

Professional orchestra The Bristol Ensemble will be joined by the Russian violinist Natalia Lomeiko to perform Beethoven’s Violin Concerto. Its spirited, lively finale contrasts with the dark intensity of Mozart’s Symphony No. 40, the middle in the trilogy of his final symphonies. Rossini’s Overture to The Barber of Seville provides the zesty opener to whet your appetite for the fine programme ahead. Tickets: from Opus 13, St Michael’s Hill, tel: 0117 923 016 or visit www.henleazeconcertsociety.org.uk

Bristol Grammar School and Hodder invite you to an evening with Lindsey Davis talking about her new flavia alba novel ‘Deadly Election’. Also enjoy live music and light refreshments.

Tickets: £7, visit: www.bristolgrammarschool.co.uk

10 OCTOBER

Flagged Up, Stoke Park Estate An exciting new art trail designed to connect Horfield Common to the natural spaces of Stoke Park Estate. Led by artist Deborah Wienreb, 52 colourful banners have been created, inspired by words and images made during community workshops, to inspire visitors to think about, and appreciate, their environment.

For more information visit: www.bristol2015.co.uk/hl 11 OCTOBER, 10AM – 4.30PM

The West of England Wedding Show, UWE Bristol This is the ultimate event for couples who want to source,

FROM OCTOBER 14

Mask Making, Bristol Botanic Garden

expect from the Bard; love, deception, friend turning on friend and a casual bit of cross dressing.

Tickets: £8 – £10, visit: www.kelvinplayers.co.uk

Belinda Carlisle, Colston Hall

14 – 24 OCTOBER, 7.30PM

Verdi’s Falstaff, Tobacco Factory Theatres

14 OCTOBER, 7.30PM

Arvo Pärt 80th Birthday Celebration, St George’s Experience the hypnotic, mesmerising quality of the music of Estonian composer Arvo Pärt in this 80th birthday celebration. The all-Pärt programme, performed by professional orchestra The Bristol Ensemble and the Choir of Royal Holloway, includes Tabula Rasa, the 1977 work that brought his music in the ‘holy minimalist’ style of tintinnabulation to a worldwide audience, and the luminous Te Deum. Tickets: £12 – £23, tel: 0845 402 4001 or visit: www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk 14 – 24 OCTOBER, 7.30PM

Cardenio, Kelvin Players Theatre, Gloucester Road The Kelvin Players is the first UK non-professional theatre company to take on Cardenio. Dubbed Shakespeare’s ‘lost play’, it hasn’t long been released by the RSC for outside performance. It is set in Andalucía, Spain, and combines all the great dramatic elements you’d

When the mischievous, lecherous Falstaff sets out to seduce the beautiful Mrs Ford and Mrs Page to get his hands on their husbands’ money, he feels sure he’ll succeed.

But will the women let him get away with it? And what will happen when their husbands find out his plans? There’s sure to be trouble. Tickets: from £27 from the box office on tel: 0117 902 0344 or visit: www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com

entry to the after party, which finishes at 1am. Tickets: from £45, available from: www.blackdogevents.co.uk

16 OCTOBER, 6.30PM

England Legends Evening, Bristol Marriott Hotel Black Dog Events, in association with the Childrens Hospice South West, present an evening with two England sporting legends: Stuart Pearce MBE and Mark Regan MBE. Come and hear these icons share their stories and open up the floor for an intimate Q&A session.

Have a photo with the stars and share an evening of good food and drink with a brilliant atmosphere.

All tickets include a luxury two course meal and complimentary

17 OCTOBER, 7.30PM

Verdi’s Requiem, Colston Hall Verdi’s tribute to Alessandro Manzoni is a Requiem writ large and from the heart. Headed by a distinguished line-up of soloists Bristol Choral Society usher in a new season with a work whose graphic depiction of the Day of Wrath will set the Colston Hall trembling. BCS is joined by the British Sinfonietta and soloists Claire Rutter (soprano), Maria

EDITOR’S PICK...

14 – 17 OCTOBER, 7.30PM

Romeo And Juliet, The Bristol Hippodrome

Romeo & Juliet, Bristol Hippodrome

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The world’s greatest love story, Romeo & Juliet features inventive, passionate choreography set to Prokofiev’s score, performed live by the English National Ballet Philharmonic.

Sumptuous costumes and sets transport you to Renaissance Verona, and a piazza bustling with market traders, street entertainers and the restless factions of the Capulet and Montague families. Amidst the grandeur of the Capulet’s ball, our star-crossed lovers meet, unleashing a fateful sequence of events, from the romantic night scene to their tragic final embrace. Tickets: from £11.90, available from the box office on tel: 0844 871 3012 or visit: www.ballet.org.uk

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through the history and provenance of eight renowned and exquisite wines. The tasting will be accompanied by specially selected cheeses from Arch House Deli. To book, email: frank.mason@averys.com 24 OCTOBER, 10AM – 12PM

Table Top Sale, Westbury Methodist Church Hunt out your unwanted gifts, bric-a-brac, nick-knacks, jewellery and books and sell them at this Table Top Sale, in aid of the East/West Appeal at Westbury Parish Church. Or, if you’ve nothing to sell, just come along, join the fun, and pick up a bargain.

To book a table contact Gina on tel: 0117 962 4708 Autumn Tree Gazing, The Downs

17 – 18 OCTOBER

End of Season Gala, Avon Valley Railway The End of Season Gala will feature an intensive timetable with a mix of both passenger and demonstration freight services, express and stopping passenger services and double headed services using all available steam engines. Tickets: £15. For more information visit: www.avonvalleyrailway.org 18 OCTOBER, 7PM

Autumn Tree Gazing, The Downs Join tree expert Tony Titchen for an autumnal walk along the beautiful Promenade. Along the way learn to identify native and exotic species using their leaves, bark and twigs. To book a place for £4 please email Mandy Leivers: mleivers@bristolzoo.org.uk or tel: 0117 903 0609 20 – 24 OCTOBER, TIMES VARY

Welsh National Opera, Bristol Hippodrome Madness descends upon the WNO this autumn, with three new productions that will explore human turmoil through some of the finest musical expressions of madness and the human condition.

The season opens with Bellini’s I puritani, followed by Handel’s Orlando, and closing with Sweeny Todd. Tickets: from £11.40, tel: 0844 871 3012 or visit: www.atgtickets.com

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FROM OCTOBER 21 21 – 24 OCTOBER, 7.30PM

Calamity Jane, Armstrong Hall In the wild west outpost of Deadwood City lives tomboy Calamity Jane. After a mix-up in the talent pool at the saloon theatre, Calamity goes to Chicago to fetch the glamorous actress Adelaide Adams, but returns by mistake with her maid, Katie Brown. Back in Deadwood, Katie’s inability to perform is overcome as she wins the heart of Lt Danny Gilmartin, and when Calamity sheds her tomboy persona at a ball, she realizes where her love lies. Tickets: £12, visit: www.tmtg.org.uk 21 OCTOBER, 8PM

Nish Kumar: LongWord, LongWord, Blah Blah Blah, I’m So Clever, The Lantern Expressive, articulate and mildmannered comedian Nish Kumar has been dubbed the Asian answer to John Oliver because he is the voice of liberal common sense, calling to account stupid thinking wherever he may encounter it. An Edinburgh Festival regular since 2009, Kumar has featured on The Guardian’s Top 10 Jokes of the Festival and is one half of the stand-up duo The Gentlemen of Leisure. Tickets: £10.75 available from: www.colstonhall.org 22 OCTOBER, 7PM

Fine Wine Evening, Averys Cellars Head down to Averys this autumn and let Master of Wine Matthew Hemming take you on a journed

OCTOBER 2015

Vanity Bites Back, Tobacco Factory Theatre A bold, subversive and very funny clown-cookery show about searching for self-worth in a cheesecake. Join aspiring TV cookery host Jill – described as a cross between Alan Partridge and Margaret Thatcher – for her most exposing episode to date.

Nominated for a Fringe First Award, Vanity Bites Back delves into the complexities of mental illness and bites back at the silence and stigma surrounding anorexia.

Tickets: £12 from the box office on tel: 0117 902 0344 or visit: www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com 30 – 31 OCTOBER, 5.45PM

24 OCTOBER, 7PM

Jagusz (mezzo-soprano), Lawrence Thackeray (tenor) and Stephen Gadd (baritone) to perform this Verdi masterpiece. Tickets: £5 – £25, tel: 0845 652 1823 or visit: www.bristolchoral.co.uk

29 – 1 NOVEMBER, 8.15PM

Autumn Paper Making, Bristol Zoo Gardens Let the colours and shapes of autumn inspire you. Learn to craft your own handmade paper with artist Bridget Ely. You’ll visit the Downs to learn about the plants and gather leaves and seeds to use in the paper making workshop. To book a place for £25 please email Mandy, mleivers@bristolzoo.org.uk or call 0117 903 0609 25 OCTOBER, 10AM – 4.30PM

Salt of the Earth, Curzon Cinema What better to do on a chill autumn evening than settle down to a great film in one of the south west’s best independent cinemas?

Throughout October and November, The Curzon is screening film festival favourites, including Salt of the Earth (12a).

Wim Wenders’ acclaimed documentary follows Brazilian photographer Sebastião Salgado on an incredible journey into the ‘ever changing steps of humanity.’

Visit: www.curzon.org.uk 25 OCTOBER, 2PM

Ups and Downs in The Avon Gorge Walk, Bristol Zoo Gardens Join Richard Bland to discover the wildlife and history of the area.

From Seawalls, you’ll meander along the top of the gorge, zip down the zig-zag path, wander along the majestic gorge, then finally wend your way back up through the goat-browsed Gully to Seawalls. There are some very steep slopes and steps on this three mile walk, so do wear proper footwear.

To book email Mandy Leivers: mleivers@bristolzoo.org.uk or tel: 0117 903 0609

Fright Night, Bristol Zoo Gardens Dare to watch horrifying Paranormal Activity or watch the first instalment of the disturbing Saw franchise and then join a blood-curdling after dark experience around the Zoo. You never know what’ll be around the next corner… Tickets: £12, visit: www.bristolzoo.org.uk 30 OCTOBER – 10 NOVEMBER, 7.30PM

The Madame Macadam Travelling Theatre, Bristol Old Vic Set in Donegal in 1943, this comic melodrama explores what happens when a travelling group of English actors run out of petrol in an Irish town. In search of some black market petrol, the troupe encounter a power-crazed Army Reserve Sergeant, love-struck teenagers, a doctored greyhound and a dodgy member of the Garda.

Tickets: from £10, available from the box office on tel: 0117 987 7877 or visit www.bristololdvic.org.uk

BOOK NOW FOR...

14 NOVEMBER, 7.30PM

Great Choral Classics, St Mary Redcliffe Church Bristol Phoenix Choir, with conductor Paul Walton, accompanist David Bednall and soprano soloist Madeleine Lloyd, will perform some of the great choral classics, including Parry’s I was glad, Handel’s Zadok the Priest, and Mendelssohn’s Hear my prayer. It is set to be an unmissable event. Tickets: £12.50 (students and unemployed £5, under 16s go free), from Opus 13, on tel: 0117 923 0164 or email: tickets@bristolphoenixchoir.org.uk

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WITCH HUNT

H

ysteria, jealousy, intolerance and corruption.

These are the four human vices brought under scrutiny in Arthur Miller’s seminal work, The Crucible, in which no one emerges unscathed.

Although written back in 1953, the themes at the heart of the play still ring true with audiences today, and the new production at Bristol Old Vic has theatre-goers across the city abuzz with anticipation.

The first UK performance of The Crucible took place at Bristol Old Vic in 1954, so it’s return this October is something of a homecoming. The theatre’s own Tom Morris is directing a stellar cast from around the world, including Neve McIntosh as Elizabeth Proctor. I was lucky enought to catch up with Neve during a break in rehearsals to find out more about the play, and what this talented team has in store for us...

Ahead of The Crucible opening at Bristol Old Vic, Jenny Hayes talks to actress Neve McIntosh about the play and this new production

playing the part of Elizabeth Proctor, which is a gem for any actress. I’d also really wanted to work with Tom Morris since I met him when I was at Bristol Old Vic on a tour with The Events a few years ago. At the time he struck me as a very clever man who would be amazing to work with.

Tom’s very astute. He gives us room to develop our characters, but also asks ‘Do you really think that?’, which really makes you stand back and assess whether you are thinking or assuming something about your character. It’s a great combined process.

A lot of our readers will already know you from your film and TV work, but you’ve also done a lot of theatre over the course of your career. Do the two bring different challenges and rewards?

TV is much more instant – when you arrive on set in the morning you are told what you’ll be filming that day, so that’s what you need to think about and learn, and then you can just forget about it afterwards. The theatre is a longer game, which is why I enjoy it so much. You can really get to know the play you are performing. Every night on stage is different too, because as a cast you play with the characters and story and tweak it, so each audience gets a completely new viewpoint or thought-provoking moment.

Tell me about your character, Elizabeth Proctor, and her role in the play?

Elizabeth Proctor is a good Christian woman. She and her husband, John, are a strong unit as a married couple even though they have their problems in the wake of John’s infidelity with Abigail. But she is just getting on with fixing her marriage when all hell breaks loose right on her doorstep. She’s inherently a good woman who believes in the goodness of people, so when the craziness of the witch hunt breaks out she is one of the first to stand up and say ‘we’ve got to do something about this’. Her initial struggle is to get her husband to cop on to it as well.

She’s also described as being incredibly honest. But of course, if you’re very honest that usually means you don’t spare anyone’s blushes, and that’s especially true when it comes to her husband.

So it’s her strength, but a weakness at the same time. When it comes to playing her, the challenge is to make her likeable as opposed to shrewish, so that people can take to her and not think ‘dump her, John, and go with Abigail instead!’

What made you want to be involved in this production of The Crucible?

For a start, it’s The Crucible, which is an incredible play. And I’m

Speaking of Abigail, is she ultimately to blame for the events that unfold?

I don’t think it’s that black and white. You can’t demonise Abigail

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Main image: Dean Lennox Kelly (John Proctor), Neve McIntosh (Elizabeth Proctor) and Annes Elwy (Mary Warren) © Mark Douet

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THEATRE | PREVIEW

This page, clockwise from top: Neve McIntosh rehearsing for her role as Elizabeth Proctor; hysteria sweeps through the young women of the town; director Tom Morris with Dean Lennox Kelly (John Proctor); Emma Naomi (Mercy Lewis) and Rona Morison (Abigail Williams) all © Mark Douet

– she’s a young girl in the flush of her youth, and there’s a strong, handsome farmer showing her some attention. Elizabeth understands that and she says as much. In fact, the one time they are on stage together she has a brilliant speech that questions why it is only women who are being victimized and blamed. It’s an example of the interesting undercurrent of sexual politics that runs throughout the play, which we are trying to pick out in this performance.

What do you make of the male/female power dynamic?

I think it’s really honest in many ways. Although it is the women who are the first to be betrayed by one another and the community, as the play unfolds you begin to see just how important the women are in the men’s lives. When the women start to disappear, there’s references made that the men can’t cope.

And although the women were supposed to be the more subservient sex at the time, those in the play speak out with confidence.

Male or female, the play shows how power corrupts. The children realise that all they have to do to gain power is act up – and ultimately the men end up looking like the most unwitting fools because these silly little girls have got them twisted round their little fingers. It shows us how power corrupts, and how with absolute power comes great responsibility. At the same time, the play also explores how sexual wiles and honesty are used – and misused – by both genders.

The Crucible is a very well-known and much performed play.

How are you managing to bring a new perspective to this production?

Well I hope that’s happening because we are a fresh bunch of people tackling it. The cast comes from all over the world, which

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from the start breaks down a lot of traditional boundaries and assumptions about the play and the characters in it. Everyone brings something unique to their part.

Tom has also allowed us to keep our own accents, which enhances the idea that the play is about the birth of a community of disparate people who have fled persecution to set up a new home together in this town. It gives the sense of a community coming together, as it would have done at that time in the birth of America.

Of course, they then go on to persecute each other, which exposes a fundamental human flaw – we pick on those weaker than ourselves. It seems that often in our search for perfection, in ourselves and our communities, we just prove ourselves to be more flawed.

There’s so much information in the play, and it’s so iconic and well-written we all feel we can come together and do something incredible with it. We really want to show the different shades of the work, and in doing so tell a damn good story to our audience.

Are you enjoying your time at Bristol Old Vic? Bristol Old Vic is an iconic theatre, and I’ve also always wanted to perform in the main house. I know so many people who came to the theatre school here and they loved it, and the city of Bristol beyond. So I can’t wait to out get and explore it myself over the next few weeks… n The Crucible, directed by Tom Morris, runs at Bristol Old Vic from Thursday 8 October – Saturday 7 November. Show times are 7.30pm, with 2.30pm matinees each Saturday and selected Tuesdays and Thursdays. Tickets: £7.50 – £34. For more information or to book call the box office on tel: 0117 987 7877 or visit: www.bristololdvic.org.uk OCTOBER 2015

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MAKE A DATE TO DISCOVER THE BEAUTY OF OPALS Nicholas Wylde, the south west’s leading jewellery designer, is hosting a number of special Opal events in October at his Clifton showroom

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esigned to be entertaining as well as educational, these special, free events will see a veritable abundance of stunning opals on display. You’ll probably never again see so many beautiful opals gathered together in one place and all available for purchase, along with talks on their wonders and history. Nicholas Wylde will be offering suggestions of cleaning and caring for your own precious stones, and would like to encourage you to bring along for free verbal valuations.

The dates are October 15th & 16th in Bristol, (also in Bath on October 13th & 14th). There will be two events organised each day – an afternoon one that runs from 3pm to 5pm and an early evening one from 7pm to 9pm.

These free events offer the chance to ask questions, see opal cleaning and polishing demonstrations and learn about the wonders of opals. During the day events, attendees can enjoy complimentary homemade cake and tea and for the evening events, canapés and a glass of bubbly will be served.

Nicholas Wylde is the south west’s leading jewellery designer, creating beautiful bespoke jewellery in his unique and visionary manner. He is one of the few jewellers in the world to have a registered, patented diamond (The Wylde Flower Diamond, containing more cut facets than any other brilliant cut diamond), and Nicholas continues to explore new frontiers in designer-led jewellery – all crafted with skill and love.

To attend one of these unique and special events, please book your place by calling the Bristol showroom on 0117 974 3582 or by emailing: bristol@nicholaswylde.com

Colourful Toys & Beautiful Clothes for BOYS and GIRLS between 0-8yrs

Nicholas Wylde, Goldsmith & Jeweller, 6 The Mall, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4DR n

BRILLIANT STONES: Opal is one of the world's most beautiful and precious gemstones, predominantly found in Australia. Above, from left: Black, Yowah Nut, and Fire Opal

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34 The Mall, Clifton Village, Bristol, BS8 4DS T :0117 973 3788

9 Canford Lane, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, BS9 3DB T :0117 950 5953

E: hello@picklesandpoppets.co.uk W: www.picklesandpoppets.co.uk Twitter: @picklesnpoppets

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ARTS | & EXHIBITIONS

CITY GALLERY

Bristol Photographers, Room 212, Thursday 1 – Sunday 18 October Three top Bristol photographers are showing their work at Room 212 this month – events photographer Jon Craig, wildlife photographer Stephen Portlock, and landscape photographer Mark Hayward. All three are taking advantage of the softer autumn light this month to capture images for the show, printed on fine artist papers and canvases to lend the photographs a painterly quality. Room 212, Gloucester Road, BS7 8NU. Tel: 0117 3302789 or visit: www.room212.co.uk

Bridge at Night by Jon Craig

West Bristol Arts Trail, Saturday 17 & Sunday 18 October This event is one of the highlights of the Bristol arts calendar, as over 100 local artists open their homes and studios to the public so you can wander round Clifton, Cliftonwood, Hotwells and Redland to see their work. The artists themselves will be on hand if you’d like to chat to them about their work, and learn about the techniques and thoughts behind each piece. There is no pressure to buy, but we can’t promise you won’t leave with a few early Christmas pressies because of the quality of work on show. It all kicks off with the launch event at the RWA on Friday 16 October, 5.30pm. For trail maps of further details visit: www.westbristolarts.com

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Autumn Betws y Coed by Katie Allen Moonfleet by Peter Wileman

Katie Allen, Cube Gallery, Sat 10 – Sat 24 October

Starboard Tack by Anna Duckworth

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Internationally acclaimed Welsh painter Katie Allen creates paintings that, when viewed as a whole, are of recognisable landscapes and natural forms. But on closer inspection, they become detailed abstract patterns composed of intricate designs and subtle colour harmonies. Cube Gallery, 12 Perry Road, BS1 5BG. Tel: 0117 377 1470 or visit: www.cube-gallery.co.uk

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Of Brush and Clay, Ken Stradling Collection, until Wednesday 9 December This exhibition celebrates the work of 20th century painter potters Sam Haile, William Newland and Margaret Hine, who rejected aesthetic reticence to create a new look in British studio ceramics, producing decorative ceramics of verve, colour and freshness. Ken Stradling Collection, The Design Study Centre, 48 Park Row, BS1 5LH. Tel: 0117 329 0566 or visit: stradlingcollection.org

An Eye to the West, Lime Tree Gallery, 10 Oct – 2 Nov

Boat Building by David Smith RSW

A solo exhibition from David Smith RSW, and important figure in the British art scene known for his distinctive landscapes, mainly of the Scottish Highlands and Islands. An outdoors man, his work reflects his passion for hill walking and mountaineering. Lime Tree Gallery, 84 Hotwell Road, BS8 4UB. Tel: 0117 929 2527 or visit: www.limetreegallery.com

Sophie Howard & Emma Caton, Clifton Fine Art, Friday 16 – Saturday 31 October Clifton Fine Art celebrates the first birthday of its gallery on Perry Road with a preview night for this exhibition. Sophie Howard has worked as a fine artist in Bristol for many years, and her new work focuses on the city, identity and isolation. Emma Caton’s work explores themes of friendship, frailty, love and loss in a variety of mediums. Clifton Fine Art, 8 Perry Road, BS1 5BQ. Tel: 0117 925 6952 or visit: www.cliftonfineart.com

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Side by Side, Jamaica Street Artists, Friday 30 October – Sunday 1 November An exhibition of collaborative work produced by artists from Jamaica Street Artists in Bristol and Bath Artists’ Studios. Using the word ‘green’ as their starting point the artists found new creative partnerships and ways of working through ideas and challenges. JSA, 39 Jamaica Street, BS2 8JP. Visit: www.jamaicastreetartists.co.uk

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Fruition, The Miners’ Arms, permanent exhibition Five artists – Marten Röstel, Andrew Varcoe, Sarah Pager, Sue Khosravi and Duncan McKellar – explore life, death, vanitas, the joy of life and transcending life in this thoughtprovoking permanent exhibition.

Curated by Charlie Caldecott. The Miners’ Arms, 136 Mina Road, BS2 9YQ. For further information email: charliecaldecott@gmail.com

Isolation (detail) by Sophie Howard

Crow Fiesta by Jenny Urquhart

▲ October at Coldharbour Gallery, Thursday 1 – Saturday 31 October Autumn has arrived at the gallery, as regular artists such as Jenny Urquhart return with new paintings featuring a seasonal change of colour palette; this is reflected right across the gallery as warmer colours and natural materials come to the fore. Christine Howes’ woodcuts also evoke this season of mists and mellow fruitfulness perfectly.

Coldharbour Gallery, 111 Coldharbour Road, BS6 7SD. Tel: 0117 944 6244 or visit: www.coldharbourgallery.co.uk

Murmuration, Thursday 3 – Wednesday 30 September

A Bristol Murmuration

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A huge sculptural mass of 1000 ceramic birds are due to congregate on the Durdham Downs mid October in a spectacular Bristol Murmuration art installation.

Members of the public are encouraged to bring their binoculars for some birdwatching. A bird-hide manned by volunteers will give information on the project, local walks and wildlife, and loan out binoculars. For details visit: www.bristolmurmuration.com

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ARTS | & EXHIBITIONS

Lifeseen by Dan Parry-Jones, Adam Gallery, Bath, Saturday 24 October – Friday 13 November Local artist Dan Parry-Jones enjoys a worldwide fan base thanks to his vivid and nostalgic mixed media landscapes. He is recognised for a unique process he has been developing since he started painting professionally in 2008, which combines painting, screen-printing, photography and collage, a multi-disciplinary approach that has evolved from a background in illustration and graphic design.

Although Lifeseen showcases his signature theme of coastal scenes with children playing, it also demonstrates a recent shift in subject matter and style to grittier, more panoramic, urban landscapes – both busy and desolate in feel – inspired by his travels and his home town of Bristol, with increasingly abstract backgrounds.

“My process is very physical,” says Dan. “I begin with a mental vision of the painting, the various elements appearing like film stills in my mind. But as I work, I invariably find myself following a new, unplanned direction. It is this struggle between adhering to a plan and allowing the automated side of my brain to take over that results in my best work.” Adam Gallery, John Street, Bath, BA1 2JL. Tel: 01225 480 406 or visit: www.adamgallery.com

Fairground by Dan Parry-Jones

Time and Space, Arnolfini, until Sunday 15 November Richard Long’s current exhibition at Arnolfini, Time and Space, has enjoyed enormous critical acclaim and has welcomed around 15,000 visitors since it opened. It has particularly struck a chord with local people as it foregrounds Bristol, the artist’s home town, and the south west as the start point for many of his early walks and text works. Arnolfini, 16 Narrow Quay, BS1 4QA. Tel: 0117 917 2300 or visit: www.arnolfini.org.uk Richard Long at Arnolfini

Annual Open Exhibition, RWA, 4 Oct – 29 Dec The RWA’s biggest exhibition of the year, featuring a mix of sculpture, photography, architectural design, painting and printmaking from both professional and amateur artists, returns for its 163rd year. This year, over 2500 works were submitted by over 1000 artists from across the country, before being selected and curated by an expert panel of artists and curators. The exhibition also includes pieces by this year’s invited artist, Rose Hilton. RWA, Queen’s Road, BS8 1PX. Tel: 0117 973 5129 or visit: www.rwa.org.uk

The View From Here by Varosha

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Faces Spaces Places, Hours, 30 October – 8 November Local artist Varosha’s latest exhibition explores her love of portraiture, art galleries and the city of Bristol. The majority of her work is commissioned portraiture but this new show also includes landscapes and gallery paintings.

Varosha will be painting portraits each weekend in the gallery. Hours, 10 Colston Yard, BS1 5BD. Visit: www.varosha.co.uk 54 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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Marvig, Lewis

An Eye to the West: Oct 10 - Nov 2 David Smith RSW solo exhibition Clouds From The West, Scarista

Lime Tree Gallery, 84 Hotwell Road, Bristol BS8 4UB

Tel 0117 929 2527

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A Cartier brooch is for life, not just for Christmas Cartier Brooch, sold for £2,950

Tuesday 27th October is Clevedon Salerooms next Jewellery, Watch & Silver Free Valuation Day. Held at the salerooms between 10am – 4pm there is no need to make an appointment and no obligation. Our specialist valuers will be providing free verbal estimates on all jewellery, watches and silver, and owners are welcome to consign these items to the Pre-Christmas Quarterly Specialist Sale to be held on the 19th November. There is free ample parking on site and you are assured a warm welcome. Our Specialist Sales are hosted on four different websites with live on-line and telephone bidding to ensure we realise the highest possible price. For further information contact the Salerooms on 01934 830111.

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FREE VALUATION DAYS at the Salerooms 5, 6, 7 & 19, 20, 21 October 9.30am – 1pm and 2pm – 5pm

Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers The Auction Centre Kenn Road, Kenn Clevedon, BS21 6TT

Tel: 01934 830111 www.clevedon-salerooms.com

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BRISTOL AT WORK Our series of photographic portraits by Charlotte Stone shows Bristol people at work

Beautiful, bespoke pieces by Rooted Furniture

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his month, we take a trip down to Bower Ashton Woodyard at the foot of Ashton Court Estate to meet Ian Hayes, woodworker and owner of Rooted Furniture, and find out more about the stylish, sustainable pieces he creates for clients across the south west.

“I first came to Bristol to do a degree in Environmental Management and Sustainability at UWE, because I’d always wanted a practical, hands on job. But after university I ended up doing various monotonous office roles and spent a lot of time daydreaming about having a job that I’d really find fulfilling, like being a gardener or woodworker.

“At that time I was living in London with my girlfriend (who’s now my wife), and when she got a job in Oxford it offered me the chance to realise my dream. So I quit my position at Network Rail and moved to Oxford to start my training as a furniture maker at the highly regarded Rycotewood Furniture Centre. Over two years, I took City & Guilds levels 2 and 3 in furniture making and gained distinctions in each. At the same time I worked nights in a pub to pay the rent, and volunteered for Oxford Wood Recycling to get experience working with reclaimed wood.

“In my final few months of training I began looking for related opportunities in Bristol, as I love the city and have always wanted to settle here eventually. I came across a job at Touchwood Enterprises, who specialize in organic, solid wood outdoor play structures, who I worked with for two years as lead carpenter.

“While I was there, I continued making furniture on the side for friends and family, as that has always been what I enjoy doing most. Being solely responsible for the design and construction of my own pieces, and finishing them to a really high standard, has always been very satisfying.

So, two years ago I had another ‘now-or-never’ moment and took a workshop with the Forest of Avon Co-operative down at Bower Ashton Woodyard where I set up my own business, Rooted Furniture.

“My furniture is contemporary, chunky and solid with a focus on celebrating the natural beauty of wood. I’m also very happy to work with a client on design ideas to create a piece in the style that they are looking for. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is being able to realise pieces that are bespoke to each client’s individual needs.

“For me, wood is a great medium for artistic expression. Not only can I make a piece that is beautiful and can enhance the aesthetic of a place, but each one also has a function. Every single piece of wood is unique, and turning rough-sawn timber into a smooth, perfectly finished item of furniture that shows the inherent beauty of that wood gives me great satisfaction and pleasure.

“I mainly work with locally grown or sustainably sourced ash and oak.

Oak is my favourite as it smells incredible when cut and its grain can look spectacular once it has been oiled. I also like to work with reclaimed timbers, and have made several pieces from scaffold boards, old oak beams and mahogany salvaged from old school classrooms. Recently, I made a coffee table for my parents using reclaimed timbers from Llandudno Pier, where they spend a lot of time and have many happy memories. Being able to give new life to wood that already has a history adds another level of enjoyment to the making process for me.” n For more information, visit: www.rootedfurniture.co.uk www.charlottestonephoto.com

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HANDMADE | BRISTOL

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HANDMADE | BRISTOL

C RAFTY CUTS Hannah Stuart-Leach gets creative at three Bristol classes

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he nights may be drawing in but that’s no reason to hide away or nestle into a creative slump. There are a multitude of craft workshops this autumn to suit every interest and ability – wherever you are in the city. Whether you fancy getting a head start on Christmas presents or just getting out and meeting some new people, there’s no time like the present to pick up a new skill.

ROYAL SCHOOL OF NEEDLEWORK www.royal-needlework.org.uk Where better to master embroidery than at the Royal School of Needlework (RSN), which was founded in 1872 with the aim of keeping the art of hand embroidery alive. As well as its base in Hampton Court Palace in London, it also has satellite centres – abroad and around the UK, including in Bristol.

RSN Bristol classes run throughout the year, from Stumpwork Floral Design to Goldwork for Christmas (see website for details). Students can also enrol in an RSN Certificate or RSN Diploma in Technical Hand Embroidery, which this month run – with students able to work on individual projects – on the following dates: October 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18. The cost is £130 per day or £1040 for eight days.

The courses enable you to develop the highest standards in hand embroidery, with the option to study techniques including applique – embellishing with different fabrics, and Jacobean Crewelwork – using crewel wool on heavy linen to create designs based on the Tree of Life.

Kelley Aldridge, founder of one-stop sewing shop Love Stitch Ltd, runs the Bristol sessions. “I have to stitch, or at least, make things with my hands,” she says. “There is something so satisfying, traditional, creative, and real about picking up needle and thread and making something new.

There is no doubt that making something with your own hands, whether it is stitched, knitted, or baked, adds value to your day in countless ways.

“Many of my students have said that they love the sociable nature of the classes, the challenge of learning something new, the enjoyment of sharing ideas with like minds, and the me time away from the usual stuff of day-to-day life. And once you’ve cracked the basics of stitching, you’ve always got a portable, affordable and fun activity.”

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HANDMADE | BRISTOL

WORKSHOP 22 www.workshop22.co.uk The place to go if you’re looking to learn silversmithing. This joint venture between jewellers Sarah McCallum and Lucy Lyon has been going for four years, with a shop front selling jewellery – much of it made in the south west – and other local crafts.

From their workshop out the back they teach small group workshops in jewellery making. “It’s really sociable and a nice atmosphere,” Lucy says, “because there are never any more than six people working together at a time, ensuring every student gets all the attention and resources required.

“When people first enquire, they’re quite nervous, and not sure if they’ll be any good at it, but they’re always absolutely fine. In fact we tend to find people really love it and then carry on doing other courses. I’ve got a few students who have been with me for three years, some even selling their own work now… jewellery making can be quite addictive!”

There are two six-week beginners silver jewellery courses starting Thursday 8 October (£165); the first from 10am – 12.30pm and the second 6.30pm – 9pm. In both, students will be introduced to traditional silver jewellery making techniques, such 62 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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as piercing, filing, soldering, texturing and polishing. No previous experience is needed, so it’s a great way to establish a strong foundation and build up a skills base.

“Once you’ve been doing it for a while you tend to be drawn to certain techniques,” says Lucy. “For instance in the six-week course we introduce texturing using hammers and people adore that – it’s a great stress reliever, and really fun to do.”

Students leave at the end of the course with a pendant and a ring. “There’s nothing quite like the feeling that you’ve made something for yourself or as a present for someone. And it’s also interesting to see how a piece of metal can be transformed from something that just doesn’t look like anything to a ring that will fit on your finger. It’s really satisfying to be able to take something from one state to a completely different one.”

Workshop 22 also organises Make Your Own Wedding Ring days, where couples are given exclusive use of the studio to make each other’s wedding bands. Includes tuition, refreshments, beautiful packaging and photographs to capture it all. Prices start from £300.

Main image (previous page): Embroidered fox with advanced silk shading, by Margaret Pengelly at the RSN This page, clockwise: A beautiful hammered silver necklace, handcrafted silver rings, sawing the ring length from the silver, hammering the ring to the correct shape and size

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THEATRE | |PREVIEW HANDMADE BRISTOL This page, clockwise: Fusing glass, stained glass workshop, colourful and contemporary finished pieces

CREATIVE GLASS GUILD www.creativeglassguild.co.uk This art glass supply shop, which dates back to 1979, runs all sorts of courses, from stained glass to beautiful beads. “We moved to our current premises in St Philips three years ago,” says creative courses coordinator, Catherine Dunstan, “which has four studios as well as our large shop.”

Most of the staff are glass artists themselves, with some combining jobs in the shop with teaching courses. They also bring in guest teachers and pride themselves in finding the best teachers to help students explore the world of glass.

Workshops run most weekends. This month, options include a stained glass weekend, on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October (£189). It’s one of the most historic crafts you can try. “The stained glass process is one which hasn’t really evolved since it became a sophisticated art form in the 12th century. A lot of the tools used are still the same,” explains Catherine.

“It’s quite a mathematical process, too, as the glass and lead need to be cut accurately for the piece to fit together properly. On this course beginners will learn the process from start to finish, through cutting glass to a pattern, leading, soldering, cementing and polishing.”

For the team at Creative Glass Guild, there’s no better craft.

“Glass is such a magical, transformative material,” says Catherine. “It has the power to change environments through its play with light – what other materials can you say do that?”

Other workshops this month include a three-hour taster in lampwork bead-making (Saturday 3 October, £65), and a Glass Fusing and Slumping Weekend (17 &18 October, £235). n

ALSO IN OCTOBER Make a hand tied bouquet at… The Folk House Saturday 31 October, 10am – 1pm, £24.75 – £29.75 Learn how to make a hand-tied bouquet of stunning seasonal flowers, using the spiralled technique used by florists. www.bristolfolkhouse.co.uk Knit a Clanger at… The Paper Village Saturday 12 & 19 October, 7pm – 8.30pm, £28 This course, set over two sessions, includes wool and patterns for all your favourite characters from the cult 60s and 70s animation series – even the green broth churning Soup Dragon! www.thepapervillage.co.uk Try paper cutting at… Heart Space Studios Wednesday 16 October, 9.30am – 3.30pm, £55 + materials Discover the fundamental techniques and tricks for creating lively artwork with only a craft knife and paper, with paper artist Sarah Dennis. www.heartspacestudios.co.uk

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READ IT | AND EAT

THE US DELICIO GUIDE Researching this feature was a tough job, but someone had to do it...

The Bristol Magazine has been unashamedly treating itself to uncover the very best gastronomic gems which celebrate the diverse culinary culture on offer in our city. Read it, tweet it, but most of all eat it...

THE ROSE OF DENMARK 6 Dowry Place, Hotwells, BS8 4QL Tel: 0117 329 0352 Online: roseofdenmark.co.uk Let’s start our Delicious Guide right here: The Rose of Denmark is an old, authentic welcoming pub with friendly folk and a roaring log fire, which serves top-quality food and drink. The weekly changing menu for lunch, dinner and tapas features ingredients from local award-winning and sustainable suppliers of the finest and freshest quality produce. Visit at lunchtime for the infamous Rose of Ploughman’s or another tasty treat from the popular bar menu, which offers something for everyone. The tapas and award-winning Sunday roasts make this lovely city pub one to enjoy again and again. You’ll also find cellar rooms and a small courtyard garden here, which would make a perfect location for all types of functions.

MANNA 2B North View, Westbury Park, BS6 7QB Tel: 0117 970 6276 Online: mannabar.co.uk Manna is the younger sibling of Prego, just over the road, and takes its influences from Spain, Italy and North Africa. The food is as beautiful as it is delicious. Manna has an ever evolving wine list and hosts wine dinners with favourite wine producers. It also boasts a fabulous menu of modern and classic cocktails, and early evening and weekday offers are available on food and drink. You’ll find lots of events, samplers and special evenings throughout the year here too, which are always very popular. Manna has even recently increased seating capacity due to demand. In 2014 Manna followed in Prego’s footsteps by gaining entry into The Good Food Guide, a real achievement for chef/owners Olly Gallery and Julian Faiello. Well, Olly and Julian, you’re now in our Delicious Guide too... well deserved.

THE COWSHED 44–46 Whiteladies Road, BS8 2NH Tel: 0117 973 3550 Online: cowshedrestaurants.com The Cowshed’s ethos is simple – to serve good, honest food, in a relaxed and comfortable environment. The grandson of a farmer, Cowshed founder Adam Denton realised that the only way he’d be able to guarantee the quality and provenance of the meat he served in his restaurant would be to work exclusively with local farmers who shared his passion for quality. As a result, The Cowshed’s sister butchery company, Ruby & White, was founded in the summer of 2011; providing the kitchen with the unique opportunity to work directly with a range of West Country-based farms of their choice, meaning that they’re able to trace the provenance of all the meat they serve from field to fork, as well as being able to take an active role in the dry-ageing process and selection. Although renowned for their meat dishes, The Cowshed is not just a haven for the steak lover; daily deliveries of fresh seafood from the south west coast, along with fresh, seasonal vegetables from a range of trusted grocers allows for a constantly evolving and varied menu to suit all tastes.

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ARNOLFINI Café / Bar 16 Narrow Quay, BS1 4QA Tel: 0117 917 2305 Online: arnolfini.org.uk

THE BRISTOL RAM 32 Park Street, BS1 5JA Tel: 0117 925 1975 Online: thebristolram.co.uk The Bristol Ram is a relaxed, on trend, newly refurbished gastro pub located on busy Park Street. Here you’ll find a warm, inviting atmosphere, friendly attentive staff, excellent beers and a traditional pub menu created by newly appointed head chef, Antony Wiltshire. From his extensive background and experience in luxury hotels and food led public houses, Antony has incorporated well sourced, local and seasonal fresh produce to offer a little bit of everything for everybody – pub classics, home made comfort food, a monthly specials board, as well as a thoughtful lunchtime sandwich menu. Think of it as what you would like to eat at home if you only had the time. Food is served from 12pm–9pm Monday to Friday; 12pm–7pm at weekends.

Overlooking the harbour, Arnolfini Café Bar is not only one of the best places to enjoy a cold beer in Bristol after work on a sunny day, it also boasts a tempting menu of locally-sourced dishes using fresh seasonal ingredients. Food is served from 10am with a selection of breakfasts on offer, including some excellent vegan options. Find boards of local cheeses and cured meats as well as the recent addition of homemade and baked pizzas, available to eat in or take away. The Catch of the Day, with brown shrimp, anchovies, tuna and smoked salmon is divine and comes highly recommended. At lunch there’s sandwiches to choose from if you don’t have much time, and you’ll find a fine range of extract coffees and teas served throughout the day with a superb range of cakes too. At the bar you can find an ever-changing range of interesting local beers and a carefully selected range of wines, all specially hand-picked for Arnolfini. This is a great place to bring little ones too, as there’s a thoughtfully put-together children’s menu offering a range of fresh, nutritious dishes.

PREGO 7 North View, Westbury Park, BS6 7PT Tel: 0117 973 0496 Online: pregobar.co.uk In the five years that Prego has been open, it has become one of Bristol’s most popular places to eat, which speaks volumes for the quality of food and service on offer. Here you’ll find tasty Italian cuisine at its very best, with handmade pizza and pasta, as well as an extensive specials board highlighting local fish and meat. Even the wines have been carefully selected to reflect Prego’s passion for Italian produce and have been picked to match the menu. Opened in 2010 by Olly Gallery and Julian Faiello, Prego is a favorite of critics and families alike. The restaurant gained an entry into The Good Food Guide in 2013 and is always popular with locals and visitors to the city. Prego is open for lunch and dinner, and is launching its much loved Sunday lunch again – keep an eye on the website and social media for more information. If you’re looking for a restaurant to take the whole family then this is the place – there are children’s meals available (with a scoop of ice cream included to sweeten the deal) and gluten free pasta is also available on request.

BERWICK LODGE Berwick Drive, Henbury, BS10 7TD Tel: 0117 958 1590 Online: berwicklodge.co.uk On the outskirts of the city, just a 15 minute drive away, you’ll discover a little bit of heaven at Berwick Lodge, in particular, at its Hattusa Restaurant, which perfectly blends fine dining with a sense of luxury and relaxation. Boasting a superb 2 AA rosette, Hattusa is a place where culinary inspiration comes to life to create a unique dining experience delivered through high quality service. Roux scholar, Paul O’Neill and his team of chefs are true to their art and it’s obvious that they love what they do.

Each dish is beautifully presented and flavours come alive with each mouthful. You’ll find an exciting à la carte menu, tasting menus, afternoon teas, lunch and a more informal bar menu too – all promoting the best of modern British cuisine and supporting local producers where possible. And the delicious food wouldn’t be complete without the complement of a glass of fine wine, which Hattusa does very well. Its collection of wines from across the globe are hand-picked by passionate sommelier, Jean-Sebastien, who can match wines specifically to your palate and the dishes on your table. Enjoy fine food amidst architectural style and exquisite surroundings in a warming ambiance – perfect for a romantic dining experience.

You’ll be enchanted from the moment you step foot in the door...

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THE AVIATOR Bar / Kitchen 2B Chandos Road, BS6 6PE Tel: 0117 329 2500 Online: aviatorbar.co.uk Well known as a craft beer bar, The Aviator offers a wide range of drinks from both the local area and around the world. There are 13 beers on tap at any time, which change frequently to give a wide range of choice every time you visit. And fitting of any fine establishment that sells craft beer, there’s an impressively tasty menu too, featuring just the type of satisfying no-fuss food to enjoy with a pint – from ribs, wings and burgers to pies and sharing platters, all sourced from within the West Country where possible. But it’s not the kind of greasy fast food that you’d expect – oh no, only the best tasting meat of the highest quality will be found here – and offered in generous portions too. From time to time The Aviator runs beer and food tastings, where you can experience a range of dishes accompanied by complementary beers. Keep an eye out on social media to hear about the latest goings-on. Just a few minutes’ walk from Whiteladies Road, it’s a perfect place to meet with friends for a relaxed evening of happy eating and drinking. And as the name of the bar suggests, there’s a huge array of plane memorabilia adorning the walls and furniture – joining together in perfect union Bristol’s love of beer and aviation.

BRISTOL CIDER SHOP 7 Christmas Steps, BS1 5BS Tel: 0117 382 1679 Online: bristolcidershop.co.uk Bristol Cider Shop is the city’s very own cider emporium, stocking over 100 varieties of local award-winning cider and perry. It sells everything from draught cider to Champagne-style cider and Somerset Cider Brandy. The tiny shop on Christmas Steps is a haven for cider lovers and holds regular cider tastings, as well as cider and food matching events, meet the producer evenings and even cider dinners. The shop lives up to its famous address at Christmas, with a whole host of festive tipples on offer.

This cider house rules!

HART’S BAKERY Arch 35, Bristol & Exeter House, Lower Station Aproach, BS1 6QS Tel: 07968 220260 Online: www.hartsbakery.co.uk Hart’s Bakery has become a firm favourite with workers and commuters in the area and is somewhat of a hidden gem, tucked under the arches of the approach to Temple Meads.

Specialising in slow proved sourdough and pastries, Hart’s opens at 7am when the aroma of fresh ground coffee and croissants hot out of the oven wafts up to the station. With everything on show it’s a great place to grab a drink and watch the bakers at work. The display changes throughout the day from the early morning pastries and lunch time savouries to afternoon cakes. There is a hot lunch special every day from noon – it might be a delicious soup, a hearty bread bake or a Friday treat of slow-cooked pork shoulder in a bun – but be quick, this is one of Bristol’s most popular lunchtime haunts. If watching from the side-lines isn’t enough for you, they also run monthly Bread & Breakfast workshops where you can learn the secrets of sourdough and croissants for yourself.

PIAZZA DI ROMA 178 Whiteladies Road, BS8 2XU Tel: 0117 973 4183 Online: piazzadiroma.co.uk Established in 2005, Piazza di Roma is a delightful, family-run independent Italian trattoria situated right at the top of Whiteladies Road, just off the Downs. The decor and lighting are elegant and inviting and when you arrive you are always greeted with a smile and a warm welcome. The delicious aromas coming from the kitchen, and all of the freshly made authentic Italian cuisine, are down to the head chef who has been cooking in very successful Italian restaurants for over 35 years, and what he doesn’t know about cooking isn’t worth knowing. He is full of Sicillian passion and has a real flair with flavours. He takes great pride in his work, sourcing the best quality and freshest ingredients there are, from Bristol and Italy. It’s apparent that he wants everyone who comes to enjoy their evening out in his restaurant, to feel happiness and satisfaction. From pasta and pizzas to risotto and antipasti, it’s safe to say that if it’s ‘Tutto Delizioso’ it is served here.

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SOURCE FOOD HALL & CAFE 1–3 Exchange Avenue, St Nicholas Market, BS1 1JW Tel: 0117 927 2998 Online: source-food.co.uk Situated in the heart of Bristol’s historic St Nicholas Market, Source Food Hall & Café offers a unique food experience where you can buy the freshest produce from the shop and eat delicious foods from an ever changing seasonal menu in the café. The shop is a wonderland of foodie delights and offers the best in fish, meat and poultry, game, cheese, fruit and veg, complemented by a range of sauces, cakes and savouries which are all made in house. Along with a great range of provisions from artisan producers, Source has everything necessary to get meal times off to a great start – and expertly skilled staff are on hand to help with everything from filleting to cooking tips. And, if you want to take your culinary skills to a higher level, it runs a variety of practical and interesting hands-on courses. Source also welcomes orders and reservations to ensure you get the best produce for your meal table. So pay a visit and let your senses guide you to something special and delicious.

ZARA’S CHOCOLATES 228 North Street, Southville, BS3 1JD Tel: 0117 953 3892 Online: zaraschocolates.co.uk Zara’s Chocolates is a Bristol-based chocolatier, created from a love of all things chocolate. Started in 2011, the company is now based from a shop on North Street which it shares with local florist Ivory Flowers. In the shop you can watch Zara and the team hand-making all the delicious chocolates for sale, and even try a few too. Recently awarded Bristol’s Best Local Confectioner 2015 and 2014, the team loves to create new and exciting chocolates for customers to enjoy, and don’t like to use any unnecessary ingredients. So none of the chocolates contain gluten, and many are free from dairy as well.

Don’t miss the popular tasting events held throughout the year, and even have a go at making chocolate yourself at one of the workshops.

WILKS RESTAURANT

CLIFTON VILLAGE FISH BAR

1B Chandos Road, BS6 6PG Tel: 0117 9737 999 Online: wilksrestaurant.co.uk

4 Princess Victoria Street, Clifton Village, BS8 4BP Tel: 0117 9741894 Online: cliftonvillagefishbar.co.uk

Wilks restaurant is an independently owned, vibrant restaurant on Chandos Road, offering creative, accomplished cooking in a relaxed and informal setting.

You won’t be disappointed by the food here, or the attentive, knowledgeable service. The cooking at Wilks is light and modern with an emphasis on clean flavours and seasonal ingredients, with a big focus on exceptional quality ingredients as close to source as possible. Opened in September 2012, James Wilkins and Christine Vayssade bring together many years’ experience working solely in Michelin starred establishments in London, France, Japan and Istanbul. They returned to the UK to realise their dream of owning their own restaurant and within a year of opening in Bristol they gained one Michelin star. Their philosophy is centred on offering choice and value to their customers while championing all that is local – right down to the artists who show their work in the restaurant. Inspired by their experiences and travels, their cooking style unites creative interpretations of classical flavour combinations with traditional and modern cooking techniques, while desserts are highly creative and playful. Highly rated by all who visit.

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Probably Bristol’s most famous fish and chip shop right in the heart of the village. The award-winning Clifton Fish Bar has been recognised by the National Federation of Fish Friers as being among the best in the country for its high quality produce and customer service, which takes fish and chips to another level.

Customers are in for a real treat with the wide range of fresh fish including sea bass, hake and mackerel, alongside the more traditional and hugely popular favourites of cod, haddock and plaice. It prepares its own tartare sauce and has developed a delicious batter recipe (with a little help from a genius local chef). Known for perfect chips it only fries quality British potatoes and uses premium fully traceable palm oil in the friers. Catch them on the first Monday evening of the month for a gluten free night, which is extremely popular (also available every Monday evening at their Stoke Bishop shop on Druid hill). At TBM, we like a lot of vinegar on our chips.

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WINING&DINING NEWS AND REVIEWS FROM THE CITY’S FOODIE SCENE

YOU’D BETTER BEE-LIEVE IT

There’s a buzz about Bristol honey

Source’s bee hives on top of the Corn Exchange © Neil James

Earlier this year Source Food Hall & Cafe in St Nick’s Market installed three urban bee hives on top of the Corn Exchange in collaboration with Bristol Urban Bee. Since then over 50,000 bees have been busy transforming nectar within a three mile radius into delicious honey – which is now available to buy. In celebration of Bristol’s year as European Green Capital, Source has produced a product that is made entirely within Bristol, from the design of the label to the honey itself. It is even keeping the currency within the city’s local economy by selling the honey exclusively in Bristol Pounds. BS1 Honey, as it is called, will in fact be the first product to be sold exclusively in Bristol's local currency. This month, Source is also hosting an Oyster Festival from 21 – 24 October where there’ll be talks and tastings.

COCKTAIL O’CLOCK

AN AUTUMN EXTRAVAGANZA

RELOCATION FOR TOP RESTAURANT

Love Food Festival returns to Paintworks on Sunday 25 October, 10.30am – 4pm (free entry), celebrating all that the change of season brings. Grab yourself a glass of mulled cider or cup of chai, and enjoy the opportunity to wander through the producer stalls, chat to the makers and stock up on top produce. You’ll find cheeses from Bath Soft Cheese, charcuterie from Somerset Charcuterie, seasonal products from Field and Kitchen, delicious Spanish deli items, and Ginger Beards Preserves, to name just a few. Indulge in some delicious autumnal comfort food as the little ones are entertained with craft activities and apple pressing. www.lovefoodfestival.com

Casamia (voted Bristol’s best restaurant for the last three years at the Bristol Good Food Awards) is relocating from its Westbury-on-Trym location to The General – the former General Hospital which has been restored and converted by award winning developer City & Country into a range of new city centre homes.

Reopening in January 2016, Casamia will be the first business to occupy a number of commercial spaces located on Lower Guinea Street overlooking the harbour, and it is hoped that this partnership will be a major contributing factor to the creation of a new, vibrant food scene for the area.

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Monday 19 – Sunday 25 October is an important week in Bristol’s calendar – it’s Bristol Cocktail Week, and promising to be bigger and more ambitious than ever before. The week will see a bartender competition, a drink-along to 80s film Cocktail in a private cinema, an hilarious guide through the history of the whisky cocktail, Bristol Bar Wars and will culminate in Saturday night’s Masquerade Ball at St George’s. Visit: www.bristolcocktailweek.bar for a full line-up of events. Bottoms up Bristol!

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A quality local independent Italian that's family run and well established.

WWW.PIAZZADIROMA.CO.UK 178 WHITELADIES ROAD, CLIFTON, BRISTOL, BS8 2XU OPEN 6PM TO 11PM TUESDAY TO SUNDAY (AND BANK HOLIDAY MONDAYS)

T: 0117 973 4183

FROM A ROMANTIC MEAL TO A PARTY BOOKING, YOU WILL BE WELL LOOKED AFTER

THE MENU

SPECIAL OFFERS PICTURES & REVIEWS

ON OUR FACEBOOK &WEBSITE

15% off your food bill (eat in or takeaway) You must have the voucher with you, voucher cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, voucher must be presented before ordering drinks or food, only one voucher per group or table, management reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time, applies to main menu only not specials board, please let us know that you are using the voucher at the time of booking to avoid disappointment.

Christmas at The Bristol Ram Celebrate Christmas at The Ram, with delicious Christmas dinner classics and creative seasonal dishes available throughout December. Come and enjoy our cosy log fire, friendly atmosphere and warm welcome.

• Available for exclusive hire for up to 150 guests Mon - Thurs • • Private hire of basement bar available for up to 50 guests 7 days a week • • Buffet menu from £10 per person • • Sit down Christmas party menu, for tables of up to 30- £15.95 for 2 courses, 3 courses for £19.95 • Contact us to book now!

The Bristol Ram Pub, 32 Park Street, Bristol, BS1 5JA, 0117 925 1975,

info@thebristolram.co.uk, www.thebristolram.co.uk Twitter: @therambristol Instagram: therambristol Facebook: The BristolRam

THEBRISTOLMAGAZINE THEBESTOFBRISTOL PERFECTLYCOVERED BRISTOLSBIGGESTMAGAZINE PERFECTLYDELIVERED TOADVERTISETEL: 0117 9742800 WWW.THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

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SCIENCE | ASTRONOMY

WRITTEN IN THE STARS Jenny Hayes returns to At-Bristol Science Centre to learn how Andromeda changed our world

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SCIENCE | ASTRONOMY

Main image: Andromeda Galaxy © Adam Evans This page: A portion of the Carina Nebula © NASA; the famous astronomer Edwin Hubble

L

ast month this feature was dedicated to the myth of Andromeda, and we learned of the fate of her boastful mother who was doomed to forever spend half her life upside down in the night sky. But Andromeda didn’t only change Cassiopeia’s perception of the world, she also changed our own, for within her constellation lies an object that transformed our understanding of the universe.

To find it, it is easiest to locate the distinctive W of Cassiopeia in the northeast sky and then follow the arrow created by the deeper ‘V’ of the constellation to find the faint smudge of light that lies between the mother and her daughter in the heavens.

This indistinct object is the Andromeda Galaxy which has been observed by humans since records began, yet we had no idea of its significance to astronomy until the 1920s.

From the days of ancient Greece up until that point, it had been referred to as The Great Nebula and presumed to be a cloud of dust and stars within our own galaxy, the Milky Way. Messier himself observed it, and classified it as M31 in his seminal 1771 catalogue of astronomical objects. Its status remained uncontested until 1920, when astronomers Harlow Shapely and Heber Curtis entered into The Great Debate about the nature of the Milky Way and the dimensions of the universe, with Curtis arguing The Great Nebula was not a nebula at all, but another galaxy in its own right. It was a claim that rocked the astronomical world and beyond, for if it were true then it would shatter the long accepted understanding that the Milky Way was the only galaxy in the universe.

It was Edwin Hubble who finally settled the debate. In 1925, he identified Cepheid variable stars in astronomical photos of M31, and used them to prove that the object was indeed beyond the reaches of our own galaxy. Cepheid stars are important distance indicators in astronomy because their chemical composition causes them to fluctuate in both temperature and diameter. As these changes occur, the stars pulsate radially, causing regular and observable changes in their brightness.

Because there is a direct relationship between a Cepheid variable’s luminosity and its pulsation period, they can be used to reliably ascertain the distance of both galactic and extragalactic objects.

These stars enabled Hubble to determine the actual distance of The Great Nebula from Earth, and in doing so show conclusively that it was not a cluster of gas and stars within the Milky Way, but a separate galaxy in its own right. So it was renamed the Andromeda Galaxy, and subsequent studies have ascertained that it lies about 2.5 million light years away from Earth. Despite this great distance, it is still one of the closest galaxies to us in the universe, and its magnitude makes it visible to the naked eye on dark nights. With binoculars it will appear as a more distinct oval in the sky, and with a telescope you should be able to make out its bright nucleus and spiral arms stretching out into space.

Although the Andromeda Galaxy is bigger than the Milky Way, comprising around 1 trillion stars to our 400 billion, both are classed as large and are high in mass. And, as the laws of science dictate, this means that they are attracting one another, in this instance at a rate of about 110km/s. While this isn’t a cause of concern for us here on Earth at the moment, it is estimated that in approximately 3.75 billion years they will collide to form one super galaxy.

Hubble’s law As well as proving the existence of a galaxy beyond our own, Edwin Hubble (1889–1953) demonstrated the continuous expansion of the universe. Hubble’s law states that the distance between galaxies, or clusters of galaxies, is continuously increasing and that this can be observed by the changes of light wavelengths between them. As two objects move apart the wavelengths between them lengthen, and in doing so shift toward the red part of the spectrum. These ‘red shifts’ demonstrate how other galaxies are moving away from our own and so show, he concluded, that the universe is expanding.

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Colliding galaxies are common in galaxy evolution, and are not quite as dramatic as they sound. Far from crashing together and smashing each other to smithereens, the sparse distribution of matter in each galaxy means there is rarely any impact, so the event is more like a merger than a collision, with the two galaxies experiencing gravitational interaction as they pass through and then fall back into one another until they eventually stabilise and combine.

When this happens with the Andromeda Galaxy and the Milky Way, the repercussions felt here on Earth will be highly dependent on our position within the new super galaxy. If we are cast out to the peripheries there’ll be far fewer stars in the night sky, but if we find ourselves in the middle there will be millions more. While the latter sounds beautiful in theory, in reality it would have a major impact on life on our planet because as each of these stars supernova they will omit vast quantities of radiation that will make life on Earth incredibly hard to sustain. So we just have to hope that, when the day comes, we find ourselves in a lovely little spot in the suburbs. n With thanks as always to Lee Pullen for sharing his time and expertise. If you’d like to find out more about what you can see in the skies over the next few months, then book in for the Autumn Stargazing show (2D or 3D) at the Planetarium – and prepare yourself for a breath-taking journey through the cosmos.

Tel: 0117 915 1000 or visit: www.at-bristol.org.uk

Look out for...

Between twilight on 16 October and dawn on 17 October, five planets will be visible in the night sky. Early on in the evening, look for Saturn just below the crescent moon, then head to bed when it follows the Sun below the horizon so that you can rise again a couple of hours before sunrise to see Venus, Jupiter and Mars in conjunction in the sky. Then head to the kitchen and brew yourself a cuppa ready to enjoy as morning begins to break, when you can draw a line from Venus and through Jupiter to spot Mercury near the horizon.

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FAMILY | WHAT’S ON

FAMILY TIME All you need to plan entertaining days out that will amuse little ones and big ones alike

Arthur’s Dream Boat, Tobacco Factory Theatres, Tuesday 27 October – Sunday 1 November, 11am & 2pm

Top pick

Award-winning theatre company Long Nose Puppets presents its latest production, Arthur’s Dream Boat, based on the book by Polly Dunbar, whose previous work has been featured on Cbeebies. The story follows Arthur’s amazing dream about a beautiful pink and green boat with a stripy mast. He can’t wait to tell everyone about it but no one is interested – not even his dog. In fact, they don’t even notice that this very same boat is growing on his head, getting larger and larger by the minute. Soon, Arthur is bouncing along the waves in his very own dream boat. This magical puppet production comes to life with the help of an original musical score composed

by Tom Gray, co-composer of Cbeebies’ Tilly and Friends. Suitable for ages 2-8. Tickets £7.

To book visit: www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com or call the box office on tel: 0117 902 0344

DON’T MISS Family Discovery Day, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, Thursday 22 October Discover the museum’s collections through creative activities, experiments and unexpected goings-on. A variety of arts, crafts, storytelling, dressing up and trails bring the collection alive for all members of the family. Visit: www.bristolmuseums.org.uk

Halloween Festival at Bristol Zoo, Thursday 22 October – Sunday 1 November There’s lots of Halloween happenings at the Zoo this half term, including ghostly crafts, freaky face painting, creepy animal encounters and spooky storytelling. If you’re brave enough, follow the trail around the zoo to win a prize at the end. There will also be daily animal talks and feeds and tasty Halloween themed treats in the restaurant. Fancy dress encouraged! For further information visit: www.bristolzoo.org.uk

Halloween activities at Berkeley Castle, from Sunday 25 October Young visitors can try their hand at pumpkin carving and Halloween-themed arts and crafts, and The Fool Monty Jester delights audiences with his mastery of medieval skills. From 26 – 28 October, Wilma the Witch is trying to prepare a feast for the Witches and Wizards Ball – but as a trainee will she manage to get her spells right in time or will things go horribly wrong? Expect explosive, and hilarious, results. For further information and admission prices, visit: www.berkeley-castle.com

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Tinkering Lounge, At-Bristol, Monday 26 – Thursday 29 October

Halloween at Windmill Hill City Farm, Friday 30 October, 10am – 3pm

Especially for half term, explore how to make things wobble, shake and move in the tinkering lounge. Experiment with making and adapting a vibrating robot and lots more. For more information, visit: www.at-bristol.org.uk

Head down to the farm for a day of spooky, fun-filled family events. There’ll be plenty of activities for the kiddies, as well as delicious food and drink available from the café. Visit: www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk

Autumnal antics on The Downs, Thursday 29 October, 10am – 3.30pm

Mexican Day of the Dead, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, Saturday 31 October, 10am – 5pm

Join a tree tribe on a quest to discover facts and myths about trees on the Downs, and then in the afternoon make a puppet to take home.

Cost: £10 per child. Children will need to bring their own packed lunch. At Bristol Zoo Gardens and on the Downs. Book with the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project at Bristol Zoo, tel: 0117 9030609

Celebrate this traditional Mexican festival with face painting, puppetry and real Mexican artefacts. Create Day of the Dead crafts, add your memories of loved ones to a colourful shrine and enjoy the vibrant sounds of a Mariachi band. Visit: www.bristolmuseums.org.uk

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FAMILY | WHAT’S ON

IN OTHER NEWS...

Andy Day...

FAMILY ARTS FESTIVAL Various locations, Friday 9 October – Sunday 1 November The Bristol Family Arts Festival is back again this month, bringing the arts alive for families with lots of free events across the city, including theatre, art, music, dance, literature, film, storytelling and more. The theme for this year’s Bristol Family Arts Festival is My Green City, to mark the city's year as European Green Capital.

Highlights include: Halloween Storytelling Boat Trip Dress up as your favourite ghost or ghoul and join storyteller Michael Loader for a spooky storytelling river tour.

Venue: Arnolfini The Big Draw: Them Bones!

Explore skeletons through stories, songs, drawing and making.

Venue: Bristol Museum and Art Gallery The Spooky Ship Step aboard Brunel’s ss Great Britain after dark and settle in for a familyfriendly, fright-fest. You never know what might be in the next cabin.

Venue: Brunel’s ss Great Britain Shoe boxes and Shipping Containers Inspired by micro architecture projects this drop-in workshop will encourage the designers and interior architects of the future to model their own ‘snug’ homes.

Venue: Architecture Centre

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Wild Words & Tiny Tales A magical mix of story, song and music especially for young children. Wild Words heroes create a never-heardbefore story from curious objects and your children’s imaginations.

Venue: St George’s Bristol

The star of CBeebies Andy’s Dinosaur Adventures has launched his first album of children’s songs, in collaboration with Rob and Dan from Bunkersonix, the team behind many of the CBeebies and CBBC theme tunes. Titled Who Invited This Lot?, the album was created to fill the gap from ages 6 to 10 where children have to jump from nursery rhymes straight into adult pop. It can also be enjoyed by younger children and adults as well – who will appreciate influences such as Spike Milligan and the Mighty Boosh mixed in with storytelling classics like Jackanory. Who Invited This Lot? is priced £7.99, and is available on iTunes or on Andy’s website, visit: www.andyday.tv

Build a Power House Stretch our creative muscles and invent your very own Power House: will you harness water, lightning, hamsters in a wheel? The only limit is your imagination.

Venue: Underfall Boat Yard Kid Carpet and the Noisy Neighbours Bristol-based theatre maker of nonsense music and rock’n’roll theatre Ed Patrick (aka Kid Carpet) returns with a funny and moving new show using music, puppetry and projection to explore the strange goings on that can happen when you’re moving house.

Venue: Bristol Old Vic

Petits Zouzous...

Since 2008, Les Petits Zouzous has been providing little ones and primary school children the opportunity to learn French in a fun, encouraging environment. It has now released a new book and accompanying CD, titled Chansons pour apprendre, designed for adults and children to discover French together using songs. Each song is beautifully illustrated by artist Ruth Broadway and comes with instructions, lyrics, illustrated vocabulary and translation. It’s all made in Bristol by Petits Zouzous founder Audrey Johnson, Ruth Broadway and Murray Benjamin from the local and well loved Fromage en Feu. Chansons pour apprendre is available to buy on the website for £15, visit: www.petitszouzous.com

OCTOBER 2015

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EDUCATIONNEWS UPDATES AND HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE CITY’S SCHOOLS

TAILORED TUTORING

New tuition centre in town

Bristol’s first franchise of the international Kip McGrath education centres opened last month, offering after-school tuition for students aged six – 16, who are looking for additional support in English and maths. The new centre is owned by Seonaid Birkett who has a background in languages, business and education, and has successfully managed Bristol Language Centre for 11 years, where the Kip McGrath centre will be based. With classes of up to five and a programme that is tailored to meet each students’ individual needs, the centre will offer targeted tutoring that can also be accessed online. Seonaid says: “Kip McGrath is a really fantastic programme with an excellent reputation all over the world. I am really excited about supporting the Bristol community in a new way and have already had a lot of interest.” Visit: www.kipmcgrath.co.uk/Bristol-Central

Seonaid Birkett, with students

INSPIRING A NEW GENERATION

PEER SUPPORT GOING STRONG

WELCOMING THE RUGBY TO BRISTOL

A PIONEERING PARTNERSHIP

Last month, Redland High School for Girls’ alumna, Jenny Body OBE, the first female president of the Royal Aeronautical Society, gave a speech and presented prizes to the girls of the school at their annual prize giving ceremony.

Miss Ferro, headmistress at the school, said that she was honoured to welcome Jenny to the school and hopes that her incredible achievements in aeronautics will inspire more girls to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Open morning: 17 October.

Eighteen years ago, Sarah Maltin, school counsellor at QEH, introduced a peer support scheme that has been helping new pupils settle in quickly at the start of the academic year ever since. The scheme is a listening and support service provided by boys from Year 13, all of whom have undergone training. The team are involved in the Year 7 induction programme, as well as continuing to provide support throughout the year. This system of peer support is used through the whole school, with a separate team of mentors for older pupils.

Students at St Brendan’s Sixth Form College celebrated the start of Rugby World Cup 2015 with a vocal performance of the official cup anthem, World in Union, at St George’s Bristol, as they officially welcomed the Georgian Rugby Team to the city. Bristol has been selected as one of the team bases for this year’s event and is to be home to the Georgian Rugby Team throughout their time in the competition. The welcoming ceremony marked the arrival of the squad to England, ahead of their first game against Tonga.

Students from St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School have secured valuable work experience as a result of a school partnership with Represent, which aims to improve diversity, equality and inclusion in the creative sector through workshops and clinics where students are given tips on CV writing, job applications and interviews. The pioneering education project was launched in February as a result of contact with the school. Following the success of the pilot scheme it is currently being rolled out to all secondary schools in Bristol.

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Mum, voiceover artist and BBC Radio Bristol presenter, Faye Dicker, meets the Bristol businesses that make family life easier...

A

s a mum to a very creative 3 year old, I’m quite regularly asked ‘mummy, can I make something please?’. It usually doesn’t matter what, so long as it involves pipe cleaners, a cardboard box and some stickers. The trouble is, with the best will in the world, it can be tricky to conjure up a new creative masterpiece at the drop of a hat, and on a daily basis. Not that she’s particular about what she makes, but I still do my best to be inspirational.

So when I stumbled across the Children’s Scrap Store this summer, I knew I’d found a hidden gem. Nestled in St Werburghs, it was started by Friends of the Earth and supported by the council about 37 years ago. It’s a rough time line, as no one is quite sure when the first person started the first work, on the first day. What we do know for sure is their ethos is all about children – their aim is simple, to reach out to as many children as possible, through resources and play. Lets face it, a child’s imagination is their key to the world. And it’s projects like Children’s Scrap Store that help turn that key.

In fact, it’s impossible not to fall in love with the place, as you walk through the warehouse and feast your eyes on a treasure trove of scrap. It’s a real Aladdins Cave. When I walked through there was a giant polystyrene number ‘2’, every type and texture of card you could imagine and no end of

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fabric. The world feels very much your oyster.

Being an environmental charity, it’s about taking waste from the waste stream and reusing it – giving it back to the community. It’s a lovely business model. The warehouse area itself is only open to members, which is anyone who works with children.

Every other Saturday they run a Super Saturday Session, which is free and designed to help parents play and have art sessions with their children. The Chef Executive, Jeffrey Hill, explained to me there was a Government report about 8 years ago, which found that parents who weren’t confident in art were less likely to take part in art based projects with their children. The Super Saturday Sessions are all about rectifying that – they have fully trained staff on hand with things available for parents and children to make on the day, all at no cost.

I visited the Scrap Store over the summer with Jemima and Suki, and we took part in a play session in one of their play pods. The moment we arrived, I knew the girls would love it. It’s every child’s dream – endless resources at their fingertips to play with. My two sat together on an old coach seat, bouncing up and down to their hearts delight.

But it doesn’t stop there. Scrap Store also provide 270 primary schools across the UK with PlayPods – a scheme that takes scrap into the playground at lunch time so children can play with the scrap.

It’s been proven that children are more attentive in their lessons, playgrounds are less disruptive and play is transformed.

You can see why. If hand picked scrap was delivered to my house every morning, there’s no telling what it would be turned into. You can almost hear the children’s squeals of delight as they rummage through their boxes.

While the warehouse is usually only open to the members, they’re having an open day on Saturday 17 October for the general public. Something tells me I’m going to have a very happy 3 year old, going home with a whole heap of new treasures that day. n For more information, visit: www.childrensscrapstore.co.uk www.freelancemum.co.uk

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THE

BRISTOL

MAGAZINE

We deliver to over 20,000 addresses every month.

But if you live outside our distribution area or would like us to send a copy to friends or family then we are able to offer a mailing service for only £15.00 (6 issues) or £25.00 Euro zone; £30.00 (12 issues) or £50.00 Euro zone World Zone 1 £95.00 World Zone 2 £120.00

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Alison Lawson October.qxp_Layout 1 18/09/2015 09:44 Page 1

ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

“Life was a constant struggle with no apparent end.”

Everyone knows that being a mother is a demanding role.

Add dyslexia to it and things can start to get quite daunting very quickly.

Yet, while our children’s education, improvement and long term sustainability is important to us, we are not always as vigilant in accepting help for ourselves.

Taking in what their teachers are saying at parent’s evenings is much easier now. My husband says I am more forthcoming with questions on the children’s educational progress and am able to understand and take in the different levels they’ve got to. Taking in what they mean, rather than just a number and a letter.

Mandy & Craig’s brave story shows how a wise investment significantly helped Mandy – Mother of 3, to carry out her role a lot more effectively.

I have always enjoyed cooking, but now I will try complicated new recipes with good results rather than a disaster which would have happened before.

I might even have missed out the vital ingredient!!!

Life was a constant struggle with no apparent end. I would get overwhelmed with too many things to do, so did nothing!

Watch Mandy & Craig’s story

I was struggling with helping my children, they were overtaking me. Then I spoke to some friends that had done a treatment program and decided that it was the thing I needed to do. They encouraged us and could see clearer than ourselves to start with, that this course would help. It took my husband, Craig a little while to take in what the course offered and how it would help.

So we were a few months before we did it. When we did it, it was definitely worthwhile.

The Commitment The Alison Lawson Treatment Program was not difficult. The therapists were very understanding and easy to work with, and helped you through every step of the program. I felt that I had to put everything into the program to get the best out of the treatment. Which I did.

Now the children are back at school, don’t you deserve a little time to improve yourself?

Be wise and contact the Alison Lawson Centre about completing a program before the December holidays. After all it won’t be long before your children are asking you for help on homework and you have to face those upcoming Parent Consultation evenings again…

Reach them on 01935 403260 or treatment@dyslexia-treatment.co.uk • Just 10 Power Sessions Configured in anything from 1-5 days a week – you chose.

Surprises…

I used to experience ‘cloudy headaches’, but this lifted during the treatment.

I thought this was normal until I had the treatment. It was amazing to experience differences and improvements so soon during the treatment. My spellings and handwriting visibly improved within the 2 weeks of treatment.

The biggest change that my husband saw was the increase in my confidence, since having done the course. I will now attempt to do something completely new, that before I would have told myself I couldn’t do. Now I will try it and do it very well.

My driving has improved a lot. I don't feel like everything is coming so close to me anymore, also I find it easier getting into spaces and reversing. I park in a multi-storey carpark now, whereas before I was too scared to even attempt it. Which means I can now go shopping in my nearest city.

Writing was another big problem. I would never write a cheque in front of anyone because I was too embarrassed and thought that I would spell it wrong.

When I used to read, the lines looked like they were jumping into each other. So I used audio books instead. I don’t use them at all now, and I don’t have to put my finger under the line when I read, to keep track any more.

• Tackles the Root Cause Not just the side effects. With the root cause fixed, anxiety & frustration decrease. While understanding increases. Makes sense doesn’t it?

• Far Reaching Effects Vision, Reading, Comprehension, Spelling, Maths, Concentration, Confidence, Handwriting, Tiredness, Headaches, Motion Sickness and much more.

• Fast Results Often seen within days or weeks of completing treatment.

• One off Life Time Investment “You mean I don’t have to come back?” No, that’s right!

Quick & effective dyslexia treatment

• Non invasive • 10 fun sessions • Life changing results

I feel a lot more confident to help my children with homework. Before I didn’t understand what they should have been doing.

WWW.THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

- UK OCTOBER 2015

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BRISTOLUPDATES NEWS AND HIGHLIGHTS FROM ACROSS THE CITY

BRISTOL ARENA

Have your say...

The Bristol Arena is set to be a landmark development, creating a world class 12,000 capacity entertainment venue in the heart of the city. As part of the pre-planning consultation, proposals for the arena and development of the surrounding area have just been released, and Bristol City Council are keen to get your views on them.

The plans can be accessed at www.bristoltemplequarter.com and they are also on display at the Citizen Service Point at 100 Temple Street, 9am – 5pm, and in the foyer of Central Library. The plans will remain available at these locations until Tuesday 13 October, when the consultation process closes.The online plans will link through to a survey where you can share your opinion, or you can pick up a feedback form at Central Library. If you’d like to meet the Arena Project Team and ask them questions about the project, they will be at The Galleries, Broadmead on Thursday 1 October, from 9am – 6pm.

NEW MANAGER AT THE HIPPODROME

NHBC AWARD FOR CREST NICHOLSON

A ROYAL VISITOR AT JESSIE MAY

MUSIC PRIZES AT ST GEORGE’S

Neil Chandler has been appointed General Manager of Bristol Hippodrome. Neil is no stranger to the entertainment business having spent ten years working for top cruise liners, travelling the world and managing some of most high tech theatres in the business. Neil was founder member and chairman of the Kent Theatre and Marketing Managers Association and sat on focus groups for the national Family Arts Festival. He has a passion for theatre and is delighted to be taking the helm at such one of the city’s premier entertainment venues.

Site manager Dominic Hampton, from Crest Nicholson, has been crowned regional winner for the South West in the NHBC Pride in the Job Awards 2015. These awards are known as ‘the Oscars of the House Building Industry’, and for 35 years have been rewarding the best site managers delivering the high quality homes the country so desperately needs.

Dominic was selected from around 15,000 UK site managers, and was one of twelve recognised at a ceremony held at Sandy Park in Exeter for his site in Portishead, Bristol. www.crestnicholson.com

Jessie May, a charity which provides hospice at home services to terminally ill children in Bristol, Bath, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire received a very special visit this week from HRH Sophie the Countess of Wessex. The Countess attended a reception at the Kingswood-based charity’s headquarters where she met with nurses, volunteers, supporters and families cared for by the charity. Her visit marked what would have been the 21st birthday of Jessica May Purrington. www.jessiemay.org.uk

St George's is delighted to announce the first recipients of two new awards that celebrate the vast pool of talent and dedication of musicians in Bristol. Launched in January, The Tom Eveson Bursary and The St George’s Prize for Music exist to support the development of young musicians within the city, whose opportunities are limited due to financial hardship. The first recipients of these awards are Nathan James and the Bristol Ensemble Preludes Team, and you can see Nathan perform at St George’s on 31 January 2016. www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

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INHERITANCE TAX Shelley Faulkner, Solicitor with AMD Solicitors explains five things you might not know about inheritance tax…

1) Your estate is valued at the moment before you die Imagine a photograph being taken of everything you own, and the values being taken at that precise moment. Your property, savings, investments, business assets and absolutely everything else is taken at the value on that day. Debts you are owed are assets of the estate, and anything you owe is a liability. Even interest on accounts and investments which has accrued but not yet been paid, forms part of your assets at that moment and therefore part of your estate.

2) HMRC want proof of the value of absolutely everything From vans to villas, bonds to boats, paddocks to paintings, the open market value of every asset you own (or have an interest in) will need to be assessed (particularly if inheritance tax will be due) and HMRC will need to be happy with that valuation. HMRC have a department, the ‘Valuation Office’, devoted to assessing and considering the valuations put forward for tax purposes. Putting forward an undervalue could result in penalties and criminal proceedings, so is really not an option to consider.

3) Inheritance tax can be due in your lifetime Giving assets away in your lifetime, particularly where those assets are put into trust, can result in an immediate charge to inheritance tax. The lifetime rate is usually 20%. If you die within 7 years there may be a further 20% due bringing the total up to the 40% usually charged on death.

Contrary to popular belief, the tax due on lifetime gifts which become chargeable on death, does not usually reduce the longer you live post the gift.

The lifetime gifts use up the first part of the ‘nil rate’ (tax free) band so that, unless you give away more than this amount (currently £325,000), the tax due on the gifts (should you die within 7 years of the gift) will not be reduced by ‘taper relief’.

4) Assets you don’t own can add to the bill For example, if you are entitled to the income from a trust fund, the value of that fund may be added to the value of your assets to determine the inheritance tax due. This is the case whoever the fund then passes to.

5) Even property you have given away can form part of your estate Say you have given a house to your son some years before your death, but carried on staying in the property without paying rent, for example. This is called a ‘gift with reservation’ and the tax implications can come as a nasty surprise. The house is still treated as part of your estate for inheritance tax purposes. That means that the value of the house is added to the value of your other assets to determine the tax due on your estate. In addition, since the house now belongs to your son, capital gains tax may be payable by him on any increase in value from the date of the gift to the time it is sold. Capital gains are usually wiped out on death, but here the house does not belong to the person who has died, and the gain therefore remains.

For advice on all private client issues contact Florence Pearce, Shelley Faulkner or another member of the team in 0117 9621205, email probate@amdsolicitors.com, or call into one of our four Bristol Offices.

© AMD Solicitors

ocl A C C O U N TA N C Y

141 Englishcombe Lane, Bath BA2 2EL Tel: 01225 445507

www.oclaccountancy.com

Your company and the new dividend taxation rules A major change to the taxation of dividend income, from 5th April 2016, was announced in the recent budget and this will affect all owner managed businesses: • The notional tax credit is being abolished • A new £5,000 dividend allowance will be introduced i.e. the first £5,000 of dividend income will be “tax free” regardless of other income • Over £5,000, new tax rates apply to all dividends e.g. 7.5% for basic rate taxpayers and 32.5% for higher rate taxpayers Under the existing system, dividend income is effectively free of tax for basic rate taxpayers. That has changed but the new system: • Provides new opportunities for tax planning • Means that drawing income from your own company by a combination of salary and dividend still returns the lowest effective tax rate when compared to alternatives such as salary / bonus or self employment.

The amount of additional tax payable will of course depend on a number of circumstances, but tax planning remains essential.

For tax saving tips contact us – call Marie Maggs, Mike Wilcox or Hannah Bratten on 01225 445507 for a no-obligation meeting.

We look forward to meeting you - and see our website for more, including FREE download guides.

What our clients say:

“Thank you for your excellent customer service, OCL has been one of the best things we have done as a business” “For us, in our 30 years experience OCL Accountancy is the best fit we have found”"

Boost your profits - Reduce your tax Maximise your wealth

AMD Solicitors are pleased to present a series of workshops on inheritance and the changing family this autumn: Tuesday 20 October at 3pm at The Little Black Box Theatre, 2 Chandos Road, Redland BS6 6PE Thursday 5 November at 3pm at Leonard Hall, Trinity-Henleaze United Reformed Church, Waterford Road, Henleaze BS9 4BT Numbers are limited. To book your place please call 0117 9621205 or email info@amdsolicitors.com 100 Henleaze Road, Henleaze BS9 4JZ 139A Whiteladies Road, Clifton BS8 2PL

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15 The Mall, Clifton BS8 4DS 2 Station Road, Shirehampton BS119TT

OCTOBER 2015

Call Marie Maggs, Mike Wilcox or Hannah Bratten on 01225 445507 to arrange a no-obligation meeting

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A DV E RTO R I A L F E AT U R E

“Consciously Uncoupling - 10 tips to help you do so Successfully”

By Richard Sharp, Sharp Family Law - Bristol and Bath Family and Divorce Solicitors.

Producing Resolution not Prolonging Conflict

M

ost marriages don’t break up in a single identifiable moment. Nor is sexual infidelity the leading cause of divorce. More often it’s a combination of the separation of lives, a lack of commitment, preparation or equality, incessant arguments or persistent abuse, or unrealistic expectations not met that lead to their demise.

But whatever their reason for doing so, about 42% of marriages in England and Wales end in divorce and: 34% before their 20th wedding anniversary. It happens to people we’ve heard about or know, our work colleagues, friends, family members and even ourselves.

Whilst horror stories abound, many wish and succeed at breaking up and “consciously uncoupling”, as termed by Gwyneth Paltow and Chris Martin.

3. Think about what additional professional support will be need.

Every divorce involves three intertwined components: financial, emotional and legal. A good family lawyer should be an expert in one, possibly two and should be able to help you find the right financial expert, counsellor, divorce coach or divorce support group.

4. Think about where you want to be when you are divorced.

Do you want to stay in your home? Will you need to go back to work? Will you need training to get a new job? Spend some time contemplating your future and what it could look like. Find out what is really important to you.

5. Be honest.

Increasingly we work with couples who want the coveted Good Divorce and are committed to Good Co-parenting after parting. To help improve their chances of achieving both, we encourage them to: 1. Make sure that all the options have been considered before embarking on a divorce.

• • •

•

Would it help to meet with a marriage counselor or relationship specialist?

Might a family mediator be able to facilitate a meeting with a spouse?

How about using an approach like collaborative practice that concentrates on resolving disputes respectfully without going to court?

Is court involvement needed from the outset or as a last resort?

2. Choose a legal representative carefully.

Ask relatives, friends, and colleagues, to recommend a solicitor. Ensure that they fit your style and personality. Your Solicitor should listen carefully to your goals and educate you on your options for divorce including the consequences and costs of each. It may or may not have been your decision to separate, divorce or end a relationship, but the decision you make on the divorce process you choose can impact you and your family for the rest of your life.

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9. Take care of yourself.

Divorce is a very stressful experience. Work out at the gym, connect with family and friends, take the class or enjoy the hobby, to release that stress 10. Be patient.

Whether it’s caused by waiting for your spouse to respond, or a delay due to a court calendar, divorce can have its own timetable. Pushing or pulling frequently escalates financial and emotional costs The decisions made during divorce can be lifelong. Make sure that you are well prepared.

For further information and advice on separation and divorce contact one of the specialist family law solicitors at Sharp family law on 01225 448955

Don’t try to hide money, over-estimate the value of your house or underestimate the value of pensions, etc. It will only delay the progress of the divorce and make it more expensive.

6. Get to know your financial situation.

You will need to know what financial resources you have, any debts, monthly income and outgoings and any financial commitments. Make sure you have the papers about them. Try and treat the financial aspects as a business decision.

7. Keep the children out of it.

Children of all ages find the break-up of their parents’ marriage painful and confusing. Don’t compound that by putting them in the middle, arguing in front of them, using them as a sounding board, bad-mouthing about the other parent to them, or making them in any way part of the divorce. They should not feel that they have to take sides 8. Look at the Big Picture.

The devil is in the detail. Arguments over kettles and toasters devour costs and cause unnecessary emotional damage. It’s easy to get caught up in the trivial that make little real difference in later life. Remember what is most important to you.

Richard Sharp

sharp F A M I LY L A W Sharp Family Law: Helping clients to reach solutions Broad Quay House, Prince St, Bristol, BS1 4DJ email: info@sharpfamilylaw.com m: 07766 107527 t: 01225 448955 website: www.sharpfamilylaw.com OCTOBER 2015

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HEALTH | & BEAUTY

BEAUTY NEWS ■ As the holiday period draws to an end, the change in season can spark a change in mindset and we may tend to think negatively and even dread what’s ahead. Fortunately, there is a solution. Danielle Collins of Halcyon Hypnotherapy explains: “Hypnotherapy is a natural, therapeutic method of helping people think and behave in happier and healthier ways. I help my clients to realise the detrimental impact of their negative thoughts and show them how they can change.

Together we work to re-train the mind to become positive, resilient and able to cope with anything.” For more information, call Danielle on tel: 07786 544 967 or visit: www.halcyon-hypnotherapy.co.uk

FIT & FAB Health and beauty hints and tips for October

Nailed it!

All you need for pretty paws...

■ Throughout October, Harvey Nicols Bristol is celebrating all things scent with a series of fragrance focused events. On Wednesday 7 October, from 6.30pm – 9.30pm, you can discover the key trends for AW15 and the fragrances that complement them at Scent and Styling. Then on Tuesday 27 October, 6.30pm – 9.30pm, you can head over to enjoy fragrance focused workshops, masterclasses, talks, beauty tutorials, makeovers and treatments at The Art of Scent. Tickets: £15 for Scent and Styling, £10 for The Art of Scent, both include a free glass of Prosecco and are redeemable against purchases on the evening. To book, tel: 0117 916 8888 ■ Ever wondered what hair style would suit you best and why? Seanhanna Bristol has the answer with its brand new 7-step consultation process. The consultation focuses on 7 key features that determine the hair style best suited to you and your face shape.

Consultations are free and open to everyone, and you won’t feel obligated or pressured into trying something new. The idea is to make sure you have the right information to make the best decision about how you wear your hair. To celebrate the launch of the 7-step consultation, the team at Seanhanna have teamed up with local retailers to host an in salon event on Thursday 23 Oct from 5pm – 9pm. The event will bring colour, fashion and hair together for an evening filled with bubbles and canapes from Piccolino’s, plus a chance to meet the leading clothes stylists from Reiss and much more. For more information tel: 0117 934 9393 or email: bristol@seanhanna.com

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• A good manicure starts with perfectly filed nails. Start from the outer edge and file in towards the middle in even strokes to create a smooth square, oval or point. These mini nail files, £1.95 from Dotcomfitshop, are handy and pretty – pop them in your bag for a mani-on-the-go! Available at: www.dotcomgiftshop.com • Then gently soften and tidy rough cuticles with this two-in-one Cuticle Eraser & Balm, £7.95 from Sally Hansen. Available at larger Boots stores, or visit: www.boots.com • Keeping hands and nails hydrated is very important, especially as the cold weather kicks in. Slather them in this light, delicious smelling hand cream, £17 from REN. Available at M&S and John Lewis stores • Finally, no manicure is complete without some seriously kick-ass nail colour. Make a statement with Le Rouge Mat or Violine Surrealiste, £19 from YSL. Available at: www.yslbeauty.co.uk

Trying to conceive?

As demand for fertility treatment rises, Bristol IVF Centre opens its doors on Friday 16 October. For those patients working or living in Bristol, it is now possible to have a consultation with one of South West’s leading fertility consultants in central Bristol, at the new Bristol IVF Centre. At the consultation patients will have the opportunity to discuss their IVF needs with one of two consultant gynaecologists who will have specialised in fertility treatment for over 20 years. Each fertility treatment plan will be tailored to the individual patient’s needs to achieve the best possible chance of achieving pregnancy. They will be offered mild stimulation IVF as well as the more technically advanced treatment plans available today. The fertility team are experts in their field with a proven track record of success.

Bristol IVF Centre, 58 Queen Square, BS1 4LF. Visit: www.bristolivfcentre.com

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CARLO hair &beauty M

MOROCCANOIL 速

Stockists

Main stockists of REDKEN

Tel: 0117 968 2663 www.carlohairandbeauty.co.uk 6 Rockleaze Rd, Sneyd Park, Bristol BS9 1NF

WWW.THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

OCTOBER 2015

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CITY | BEAUTY

Beauty

MARC JACOBS DECADENCE EAU DE PARFUM 100ML, £96

NOTES

Marc Jacobs Decadence instantly captivates with succulent Italian plum, rich Bulgarian rose and sensual liquid amber, to give you a signature of pure indulgence

TOM FORD VELVET ORCHID EAU DE PARFUM 50ML, £75 Tom Ford Velvet Orchid is an oriental floral that evolves the carnal grandeur and seductive power of the iconic Tom Ford Black Orchid into a highly feminine fragrance lavished with notes of cool citrus, dramatic petals, honey and rum

HEAVEN SCENT Fragrance is more than just a beauty product.

Scent is an extension of style, an expression of individuality which can be mood enhancing and increase self-esteem. There is also nothing more emotive or evocative of a memory than a scent. Louise Masson, general manager of Harvey Nichols Bristol, chooses some of her favourite fragrances.

All fragrances are available in store at Harvey Nichols Bristol, or Collect In Store via harveynichols.com

BALENCIAGA B EAU DE PARFUM 75ML, £79 B gives way to a new olfactive trend – a green woody fragrance. Fresh and alluring, the fragrance opens with green notes of edamame and lily-of-thevalley. As it evolves, the iris note reveals a powdery essence before drying down with darker woody notes of cashmeran woods

The smooth heart notes of amber and vanilla mingle with the warm scents of patchouli, a slightly resinous benzoin and an oud wood accord to form an elegant, lingering trail that is sensual and exquisitely oriental

CHLOÉ CHLOÉ SIGNATURE EAU DE TOILETTE 50ML, £58

Chloé Chloé Signature Eau de Toilette is a new and fresh interpretation of the iconic signature. It reveals a new facet, lighter and softer than ever. A unique floral composition that plunges into an infusion of white roses

THIS COMPANY THE BEAUTIFUL MIND – PRECISION & GRACE 100ML, £95 Base notes of sandalwood, myrrh and amber combine with heart notes of violet, plum and freesia to give refinement to top notes of bergamot and lemon

ACQUA DI PARMA ACQUA NOBILE MAGNOLIA EAU DE TOILETTE 75ML, £68 Acqua di Parma's Nobile Magnolia celebrates the radiant beauty of the magnolia flower. The bright top notes include bergamot, mandarin, citrus and lemon with the added freshness of neroli oil

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VIKTOR & ROLF FLOWERBOMB ROSE EXPLOSION EAU DE PARFUM 100ML, £130

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EVODY OMBRE FUMÉE EAU DE PARFUM 50ML, £85 Evody's Ombre Fumée is an ode to vetiver. Invigorating citrus notes from orange and lemon open up this fragrance. This freshness is followed by the softer touch of cypress, then follows the soft and powdery note of iris betrothed to hot black pepper

CREED ROYAL PRINCESS OUD EAU DE PARFUM 75ML, £210 A captivating scent inspired by the family’s couturier legacy, and early 19th century volumes of the fashion sketches made by Henry Creed II, Royal Princess Oud is a fresh and addictive accord

JO MALONE LONDON MIMOSA & CARDAMOM COLOGNE 100ML, £85 Transporting you to a new bohemia, Jo Malone London Mimosa & Cardamom Cologne has golden mimosa at the heart, with smooth tonka bean in the base creating a warm and mesmerising scent

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BELOW THE BELT I

ssues below the belt can cause many men to worry; often fearing they have something serious like cancer or being too embarrassed to seek help. It is very common for men to avoid visiting their GP as a result, however men’s health experts at Nuffield Health say it is vital to seek support and advice as soon as possible to allay fears and find resolutions.

Urinary problems, such as frequently needing to go to the toilet, pain when doing so, or not being able to control when you go are especially common. Around 12 per cent of men suffer from an overactive bladder, increasing to as much as 30 per cent for those over the age of 65, yet it is a condition that largely goes untreated.

As well as toilet concerns, issues affecting male genitalia such as the inability to get or maintain an erection, as well as changes to the shape and appearance of the penis, or Mr Hashim Hashim making the decision to have a vasectomy can be equally as stressful and affect men of all ages.

Mr Antony Koupparis and Mr Hashim Hashim are two leading Consultant Urological Surgeons based at Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital, The Chesterfield. On Tuesday 3 November they will host a free Meet the Experts - Men's Health event at the hospital from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.

Mr Hashim, a nationally and internationally renowned specialist in lower urinary tract symptoms, including incontinence and benign prostate diseases, said: "Many of the patients I see have experienced problems for years before seeking help and there’s just no need for them to have suffered in silence. More often than not your GP will be able to help and if not they can refer you onto a specialist such as myself and Mr Koupparis.

“It’s common for people to think these problems are a sign of prostate cancer; however they could be a sign of a benign enlargement of the prostate.

This may sound worrying but all it means is the prostate has become enlarged and is causing a blockage to the bladder as it tries to empty. Both bladder and prostate problems can usually be treated with medication.”

Not only can bladder worries be ignored but also problems relating to the penis. Some men, particularly those between the ages of 40 and 70, can suffer WWW.THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

with erectile dysfunction. It affects a significant number of men and can be treated very easily.

Mr Koupparis, who specialises in general urology and robotic surgery, added: “These issues can be linked to heart disease which causes the blood supply to get blocked or interrupted. These symptoms often precede problems with the heart, which gives us time to intervene at a much earlier point in the patient's pathway.

“We treat many patients with erectile dysfunction, low testosterone levels, cancers and urinary problems, as well as men choosing to opt for vasectomies or wanting to find out about vasectomy reversals. It’s important to know that nothing is out of the norm for us and the sooner we can meet with you in a private and relaxed atmosphere, to discuss and investigate your concerns, the sooner we can offer a solution and diagnosis. You don’t have to ‘manage’ the problem on your own.”

Meet the Experts The free Men's Health event will take place at

Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital, The Chesterfield, on Tuesday 3 November from 6:30pm-8:30pm.

It is open to all men and offers the chance to meet with Mr Hashim and Mr Koupparis. One-to-one sessions must be pre-booked.

For more information, visit www.nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/bristol or call 0117 405 8774.

Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital The Chesterfield, 3 Clifton Hill, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1BN Tel: 0117 405 8774 • www.nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/bristol OCTOBER 2015

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Specialist Care Macmillan Cancer Support’s assessment of Spire Specialist Care Centre is Excellent

The main Spire Hospital site in Redland

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OCTOBER 2015

he highest possible rating in the Macmillan Quality Environment Mark Assessment has been awarded to Spire Specialist Care Centre in Bristol. The facility has been open for just over a year, and provides radiotherapy treatment for cancer patients. The feedback from patients has been overwhelming and is testament to the professionalism and care of the team at the Centre.

A former prostate patient sent a thank you letter, in which they wrote: “The team at the Centre have turned what could have been an arduous and frightening experience into something quite different. You gave my wife and I reassurance and treated us with compassion and humanity without ever losing that very special and ever present sense of humour with which you balance the difficult job in hand. We wanted to thank you and tell you that we think you are amazing people and a real shining example of the very best of your profession.”

Organisations are permitted to apply for the accreditation once they have been open for one year and the staff at Spire Specialist Care Centre took their first opportunity to do this. An external team of Macmillan assessors visited the Centre and spoke to key stakeholders such as staff, volunteers and carers about the environment and services provided.

Included in the review team were experts in the field plus a volunteer who had been affected by cancer. Standards were reviewed against a framework produced by Macmillan. Within the Macmillan Quality Environment Mark are five core principles: • Accessibility • Privacy and dignity • Comfort and well-being • Choice and control • Support Assessment levels range between 1 being very poor to 5 being excellent, and Spire achieved a top rating of 5. The assessors’ report stated that: “The centre should be extremely proud of this achievement and attaining the highest possible score against the standard.”

The Spire Specialist Care Centre opened in April 2014 and many people are still unaware that the facility exists. It is located on a large site at Aztec West near the Aztec Hotel, which is away from the main hospital in Redland. The new Centre can be easily reached off junction 16 on the M5 and has the added advantage of ample free parking.

The Centre has state of the art equipment providing the most technically advanced treatments for a large number of different areas of cancer such as breast, prostate and bowel. Patients are supported in calm surroundings by a multidisciplinary team of consultants, specialist radiographers, physicists, a dietician, a speech and language therapist, a clinical psychologist and site specific clinical nurse specialists.

Opening hours are Monday to Friday between 7am – 9pm but the Centre does open at weekends as necessary. The aim is to fit in around the patient’s other commitments.

For more information tel: 01454 456 500 or visit: www.spirespecialistcarecentre.com

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WHAT A TRANSFORMATION Jenny Hayes returns to Beau Monde Dental to continue her Six Month Smile adult braces treatment

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’ve been treated to not one, but two visits to Beau Monde Dental this month, and the changes I’ve seen in my teeth have been nothing short of extraordinary. In fact, right before I started writing this piece, I had to check them in the mirror once again just to make sure I hadn’t imagined the startling transformation that has taken place.

As you may remember from my first review, the reason I decided to have my Six Month Smile adult brace system fitted was because of my rather unsightly row of crooked lower teeth. One stuck up a clear 3mm above the others right at the front of my mouth, around which the surrounding teeth had huddled together like a crowd in awe of this dental megalith. They were unsightly, to say the very least.

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The reason I decided to undertake my treatment at Beau Monde Dental was that, as a patient at the practice for over three years, I knew I couldn’t be in better hands than those of my dentist, Dr Catherine Spalding. She and fellow practice owner and dentist, Dr Nicola White, have created a lovely, welcoming atmosphere where patient comfort is of primary importance, and every member of their team reflects that attitude.

Two months into my treatment, I know I’ve made the right decision on both counts. Over the course of the last four weeks I’ve had the brackets and wires adjusted on my braces twice, and in the process watched my once straggly teeth move into almost perfect alignment. It feels miraculous, but I know it is all the result of Catherine’s precise and careful work.

Taking care of my brace has also become easier as I’ve become more practised at it. Where once flossing took the best part of 20 minutes (it was hard negotiating those wires!), it now takes two – and because it is an essential part of the upkeep of brace I make sure I do it every evening, which is setting me up for good dental hygiene habits even when my Six Month Smile treatment is finished.

Which will happen early in the new year. In the meantime, my teeth should fully align over the next few weeks, and then the braces will stay on for a few more months while they get settled in their new positions. So catch up with me again in our February issue to find out whether I’ve achieved that perfect smile I’ve been dreaming of… n Beau Monde Dental Care offers a full range of services, from routine dentistry for all the family to more specialised cosmetic procedures like Six Month Smiles and teeth whitening. Six Month Smiles can take between 4–9 months depending on the treatment required. The cost for both upper and lower arches is £2300, and Beau Monde offers a variety of payment plans to suit you. Beau Monde Dental Care, 35 North View, BS6 7PY. Tel: 0117 330 3495 or visit: www.beaumondedental.co.uk

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DETOX – WHO NEEDS IT?

By Jelena Deruka, a Naturopathic Nutritional Therapist who graduated from CNM (College of Naturopathic Medicine).

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o our bodies really need help with the natural process of ‘detoxification’? The health food and beauty markets are flooded with various detoxifying and cleansing products. Are they a necessity or a marketing trick? Surely our bodies have an innate ability to detoxify, and our main cleansing organs, the liver, kidneys and intestines, are working on it as we speak? Indeed they are, but those frequent headaches, skin outbreaks or a lack of energy could be just a few of the many signs that your body may need a little help with detoxifying.

moisturiser? Replace processed foods with as many wholefoods and fresh vegetables as possible. Drinking adequate amounts of pure water (six to eight glasses a day) is also a crucial step in eliminating toxins.

There are a number of simple steps we can take to help cleansing take place in our bodies, outside and inside: gentle skin brushing; starting the day with lemon juice in warm water; and eating more leafy, green vegetables. Some gentle exercise, a sauna session once a week, or taking Epsom salt baths can support the process. Even spending more time in the fresh air can help.

Over the past hundred years we have seen a sharp increase in the amount of industrial pesticides and herbicides, additives, processed foods and heavy metals being taken in by our bodies through our food, cosmetics and the air we breathe. Our main detoxifying organs can become overloaded as a result, and our insides could well benefit from an occasional deep cleanse! A guided, individualised detoxification programme is one of the tools that has traditionally been used by Naturopaths for clients who exhibit signs of poor detoxification. If detoxification is incorrectly done it could potentially cause more harm than good, as the toxins get released into the bloodstream faster than the liver can eliminate them.

So what are toxins and how do we minimise our toxic load? Toxins are potentially harmful compounds that are capable of inducing disease in the human body. In our industrialised environment these toxic compounds can be found in air, water, processed foods, medications and so on, as well as in cigarettes, alcohol and drugs, for example. In addition, many people‘s diets are lacking the vital nutrients needed to assist in efficient detoxification.

Don’t despair, however; there are a number of small changes that we can make which, over time, will lead to major improvements in health and wellbeing.

The sensible place to start is by not introducing more toxins into our bodies in the first place! Switch to an organic diet where possible or at the very least, stay away from the “Dirty Dozen” vegetables and fruits listed as having a higher pesticide load, (see PAN UK), and consider switching to organic versions of these. Switching to natural skincare is also very important, as there are many additives in cosmetics and skincare which are known health hazards. Why not reduce your consumption of cosmetics, and try natural oils, such as coconut oil, as a WWW.THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

Jelena Deruka

Before you start on any detox programme, it’s important to ensure that your bowel movement is regular (at least once a day), so that toxins are not being reabsorbed into the blood stream and putting yet more strain on the liver. A detox programme, handled correctly, can be a useful staging post on your journey to better health, but looking at your diet and lifestyle in greater detail and introducing basic changes is the only sustainable way to support your health goals.

Attend a FREE CNM Open Evening in Bristol to find out about training with CNM Bristol for a career in Naturopathic Nutrition or Naturopathic Acupuncture.

Thursday 8th October 2015 7pm-9pm Please reserve your free place on line.

www.naturopathy-uk.com 01342 410 505 OCTOBER 2015

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THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 95

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GARDENING OUT | AND ABOUT

GOBLIN SPOTTING This month, Andrew Swift, takes us on a walk through Yatton and Goblin Combe

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his month, another in the series of walks from local railway stations sees us heading to Yatton for an eleven-mile walk through one of the most secluded parts of north Somerset. It takes in a variety of landscapes – a sunless combe, an overgrown hillfort, sinister woods, green lanes, holloways and ancient villages – before ending with a walk along an old railway line. There are no steep climbs, and, while the going will be muddy, there is only one stile and only one field where you are likely to encounter livestock.

On arriving at Yatton station from Bristol, turn left up to the main road and turn right to walk through the village. The pavements are narrow and the road busy, but there is a succession of attractive buildings – some centuries old – and the church, with its truncated spire, is worth a short detour. ● After 1400m, carry on past a mini-roundabout with a turning to Claverham, and a little further on, when the main road bears right, carry straight on along Henley Lane (ST436652), following a sign for Cadbury Hill. After 125m, turn right by a metal gate, cross a car park and go through a kissing gate (KG) into Cadbury Hill Nature Reserve. Follow a path straight ahead through a meadow, go through another KG and follow a woodland path uphill with a fence on your right. ● After passing an information board beside an old stock pond, carry on uphill in the same direction. When the path forks, go right to carry on uphill. Go through a KG and follow a rocky path through the ramparts of an Iron Age hillfort. Carry on, following rough paths across the fort, before bearing left to follow a broad grassy track, and follow this as it curves down through the ramparts to join a rocky track beside an old wall. ● After going through a KG, bear right down a lane, and after 125m bear left at a T junction (ST445565) to follow a narrow 96 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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path between hedges. After 350m bear right along a grassy track between high hedges – marked as Blind Lane on old maps.

When you come to a lane, bear left and carry on in the same direction. At the main road turn left along the pavement. When you reach Warner Close, cross the main road and follow a footpath sign up the rough lane opposite (ST453654). Go through a gate with a private driveway sign, and, when the drive swings right, go through a small wooden gate on the left to follow a bridleway sign between overgrown hedges. ● At the end, fork left down to a gate and turn right along a lane. At the road, turn right and then left along Plunder Street (ST459654). Carry on past the old school – now Goblin Combe Centre – and after 75m go past a gate with a Congresbury Estate sign into Goblin Combe. ● As you climb, the walls of the combe narrow, cliffs and scree slopes tower overhead, the way grows ever muddier and the silence is broken only by the brief roar of planes flying into Bristol Airport. Sunless and gloomy at the best of times, in late autumn it is easy to understand how tales of goblins came to be attached to this lonely, hidden valley. ● After around 1100m, you come to a broken-down wall stretching across the combe, with an information board beside it. Carry straight on, and at a fork – with a broad path leading up to the right – bear left to continue up the combe. After the path swings left to join a broad crosspath (ST479648), you will see an information board on your left. Look over to the right to see a muddy path disappearing off in the same direction you have just come, and head along it. After 750 metres, it curves up to a T junction (ST485645), where a right turn takes you along a green and rocky lane with views across to the Mendips. ● Carry straight on for 1000m, and at a T junction (with the

Main image: Take in the autumn colours at the bucolic rhyne at Congresbury

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OUT | AND ABOUT

This page: Wander through the beautiful woodland of Goblin Combe

way to the left guarded by a gate) turn right. Follow the lane as it swings left, and after another 100m follow a footpath sign through a KG on the right (ST479637) to head across a field (where there may be cows). ● At the end of the field, go through a KG and bear right along a lane. After 800m, the lane enters dark beech woods. When these end, turn left to follow a footpath sign (ST469647) along a drive to Woolmers kennels. Signs instructing you not to stray into the woods, overgrown Christmas tree plantations and the distant barking of dogs lend a sinister air to this part of the walk, but after about 1100m you pass the kennels, the track narrows and you start to descend. Soon you are heading down a deep, delightful (and muddy) holloway, with shafts of sunlight slanting through tall trees. ● The holloway ends with a view southward to Crook Peak. Carry on along a path with a field on your left, and continue down a lane.

At the road (ST446642) bear left and then right down Wrington Lane. At the end bear left along Kent Road. After 500m, when you come to the main road, bear left along it. After crossing a bridge, cross the road ahead at the lights and carry on along Broad Street. ● After 100m, you come to a T junction at the heart of the old village of Congresbury. Turn right and carry on along a path to the church, with the sixteenth-century Court House on your left. Over to your right is something even older – a fifteenth-century refectory and priest’s house, with an orchard beyond. ● After passing the church, turn left, cross a stile and follow a path bearing diagonally right. Cross a footbridge (ST434637) and carry on alongside a rhyne or drainage ditch. After 250m, when you come to a broad gravel track, turn right along it. This follows the course of the railway line from Witham to Yatton, closed in 1963, and leads through the site of Congresbury station, marked by a crumbling, weed-choked platform. ●After crossing the main road at the lights, climb a zig-zag and turn left alongside the River Yeo. After 250m turn right across it (ST428639), and follow the path as it rejoins the railway path and ends, a mile and a half further on, at Yatton station. n

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FURTHER INFORMATION...

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Distance: 11 miles

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Time: 5 – 6 hours

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Level of challenge: Generally straightforward but muddy in places

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Map: OS Explorer 154

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GARDENING GARDENING

BETTER SHAPE UP This month our garden expert, Margaux Speirs, turns her hand to topiary

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his year, I went to Tanzania for my summer holidays. One of the things which surprised me about the gardens there was the amount of topiary.

Even outside the poorest of shacks, hedges were clipped into neat cubes, spheres and quirky shapes.

The technique transformed dusty, shabby patches of land into smart, ornamental, cherished places, all done without any electrical gadgetry.

I think there is a tendency in England to think topiary is only suitable for stately homes or very committed or experienced gardeners, but there is a place for it in even the smallest town garden. In fact, as topiary in a small garden needs to be proportionately small, mature topiary effects can be achieved quite quickly and inexpensively. Don’t feel daunted: making a simple piece of topiary, such as a lollipop bay tree in a pot, is a good place to start to give shape and order to a garden. It’s like cooking with a recipe book: just follow a few prescribed steps and there it is. (Or you can buy it ready formed, but that’s more expensive.)

At this time of year, when deciduous trees are losing their leaves and perennial plants are disappearing back underground, the structure of a garden is very apparent. Geometric topiary shapes and clipped evergreen hedges make a garden interesting throughout the year, even in the bleakest months.

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sempervirens), bay (Laurus nobilis) and yew (Taxus baccata) but variegated holly, for example Ilex x altaclaerensis (Golden King), Lonicera nitida and Pittosporum, particularly the pale leaved Silver Queen which naturally grows into a pyramid, can be clipped to regular shapes. In fact almost any evergreen hedge plant can be used; the smaller the leaves, the more velvety the finished look. Avoid using a plant destined to be big for a place which needs a small piece as you will constantly be doing battle with it. Box comes in a dwarf form (B. s. Sufricticosa), for example, which only grows to about 12in high and is very suited to edging paths or small areas. Some people like fantastic or humorous clipped shapes but my preference is for more sedate and stylish balls, cones, pyramids and corkscrews. Combining a couple of different forms and foliage colours, e.g. box spheres and bay cones, set symmetrically around a lawn, holds the eye within that space and has a very satisfying effect.

Box is the landscaper’s preferred plant for topiary: it is slow growing but responds well to close trimming and thrives in shade as well as full sun. You clip it annually in late spring (and for less shaggy shapes again before the end of august). Be aware, though, that it can be infected with a blight that is very hard to remedy. It tends to take hold in damp areas with little air circulation.

Yew is the king of hedges and very suited to topiary on a larger scale. Its rich, dark green foliage sends out paler growth

Main image: An excellent example of topiary in a formal garden, Roman Garden © 1000 Words

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after cutting (in late summer) which looks fantastic when the sun shines on it. There is a lovely local example of contemporary yew topiary on the traffic island with the tall slate sculpture as you drive out of Bristol city centre towards the M32. There, intermittent low yew hedges divide the flower bed into segments, providing a deep coloured back drop to the spikey architectural Phormiums and smaller perennial planting. They have the additional function of being a windbreak to shelter the more tender plants.

Any time from now until early spring is a good time to start work on making a clipped evergreen hedge or a piece of topiary.

Yew hedge plants should be about 45cm high and set 55cm apart in well prepared soil. Cut off straggly side shoots after planting but leave the leaders uncut until the plant has reached the size you want it to achieve. From the second summer begin annual trimming of the sides. As it grows 30cm to 40cm a year you should have a nice looking velvety hedge or topiary shape by about year 4, but it will just keep getting better and better. A yew arch is a lovely effect in a large garden, to divide formal and less formal areas, but as it has to be more than 2m high you will be working on creating it for many years. To break up the monotony of a long, plain fence consider using yew columns or staggered yew buttresses at intervals, clipped into sharp profiles so they look as if they are supporting the fence.

Grow clematis or roses on trellises between each column and you will have transformed your fence into a garden design masterpiece!

During half term this month you might like to work with your children to create a topiary animal using a box plant and a topiary frame. There are simple kits are available from the online garden accessories store Primrose for about £15. You position the shrub under the frame and snip off any shoots which grow outside the frame. If you choose a small animal, such as a hen or rabbit, it will be recognisable as such by the end of next summer. n Margaux Speirs is a pre-registered member of the Society of Garden Designers and runs her business, Margaux Speirs Garden Design, from her home in Bristol. For further information, tel: 07903 779910 visit: www.margauxspeirsgardendesign.co.uk

PLANT OF THE MONTH: Heptacodium miconioides is an unusual, large shrub that is show-stopping when it is in flower throughout September and October, and as a bonus its reddish calyces hang on until leaf fall and its leaves turn a lovely soft red. It has attractive, glossy, dark green leaves with deeply marked veins and fantastic, lightly scented clusters of white flowers, popular with insects and butterflies. Once established, the bark is also eye-catching. It is reliable and easy to grow, suited to full sun or light, dappled shade.

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OCTOBER 2015

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INTERIORS | INSPIRATION

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Garden rooms are a great and flexible way to achieve a bit more space, whether as a home office, a summerhouse or a guest bedroom. If you’re inspired by this one, then get in touch with MOSSdesign who offer a range of options to suit your needs. Tel: 0117 379 0505 or visit: www.mosspods.com

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Curious table lamp, £229 from Bo Concept, The Galleries, BS1 3XD. Tel: 0117 927 2429 or visit: www.boconcept.co.uk

INSIDE

OUT

Working from home may seem an attractive idea in theory, but all too often the realiity of paperwork strewn over the kitchen table and ink sploges on the couch is far from desirable. So this month, we’re looking outside the home and into the garden to find that perfect haven for you to get your head down

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3 Cupertino desk, £819 – £899 and speakers, £289 from Bo Concept, www.boconcept.co.uk

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Wooden date block, £15 from John Lewis at The Mall, Cribbs Causeway

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INTERIORS| INSPIRATION

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Hornbeam wallpaper, £95 per roll from Farrow & Ball, www.farrow-ball.com

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Floor lamps, from £105, table lamps, from £78.50 and pendants, from £72.50 all from the Dynamo range at Lighting Warehouse, Bedminster Retail Park, BS3 4TA. Tel: 0117 963 5943

7 Northland Brown angle office chair, £199 from Park Furnishers, Willway Street, Bedminster, BS3 4AZ. Tel: 0117 966 9253 or visit: www.parkfurnishers.com

Sullivan armchair in Grace Red, £419 from John Lewis at The Mall Cribbs Causeway, or visit: www.johnlewis.com

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String storage or wastepaper basket, from a selection at Bo Concept Bristol.

Tel: 0117 927 2429 or visit: www.boconcept.co.uk

OCTOBER 2015

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HOMES | ON SHOW

RIDING HIGH Marianne Swinkels can’t help horsing around at this beautiful property in Easton in Gordano, on the outskirts of Bristol

Y

ou’d be forgiven for thinking I’d lost the plot, metaphorically speaking, when I share this particular place with you. But in truth it’s the opposite: I have found the plot. You might also think I should get off my high horse as I attempt to extol its virtues. Sorry again. We are talking about a superb equestrian property here. You might even believe I’m taking the mickey as I reveal that you can live in a large detached family home in circa five acres of land just a handful of miles from Clifton; and all for the same, now not so uncommon, price you’d have to fork out for many a posh postcode home which can boast access to a communal garden, tea-for-two sized balcony or coveted courtyard. I am not.

Put it this way, if you’re in the market for a home around the million mark, it might pay to think outside the proverbial box as it were – and a little further beyond the urban property hotspots. Billed as one of the UK’s happiest, greenest, creative and right-on-trend cities, Bristol has proved to be the must-go106 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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OCTOBER 2015

to destination for many moving-out Londoners and wannabe moving-in re-locators. Such popularity has its knock-on effects: property price hikes, a premium on space, demand outstripping supply and general gentrification.

So must the city, desirable though it is, be the default option for home-buyers? Especially if you’ve a yen for a nice slice of real estate with ample grounds to gallop around in? Or could you zoom out a little on the Google earth map and widen the field as it were to the green and leafy environs which flank Bristol – England’s sixth most populous city?

Back to that five acre plot with its glorious peace and quiet, all within easy peasy city reach – and a price tag offering far, far more space for your money. Ask yourself this: if you can’t fund a central abode, could you hack a semi-rural location over a suburban position? Would you bridle at being a 10 minute drive from the Suspension Bridge, coming and going from life on a groovy paddock rather than a townhouse pad?

Perhaps trot along to Easton-in-Gordano village, west of the

This page: The front of the house with beautiful outdoor pond and seating area

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HOMES | ON SHOW

PROPERTY PROFILE Where: The Groves, Cross Lanes, Easton-inGordano, Bristol BS20 OJJ What: Detached 4 bed family home in 5 acres paddocks/grounds with equestrian facilities including floodlit riding arena, stabling, yards, outbuildings.

Guide price: £950,000 Agent: Knight Frank (Clifton Office) www.knightfrank.co.uk Contact: T: 0117 317 1999 or e: bristol@knightfrank.com

This page, clockwise from top: the contemporary dining room, a view over the paddocks, the spacious living room, exposed beams in the master bedroom

city, adjacent to Pill on the south bank of the River Avon and easy access to the M5/4 motorway network and Portishead. You must search a little for the detached family home evocatively named The Groves, given its surprisingly discreet location as you access the property from a cul-de-sac driveway, leaving a housing estate on one side to enter an oasis right on the fringes with barely another house in sight.

Here then, is horse heaven – a wide open vista of fields stretching across to the distant skyline of Abbots Leigh and Failand woods. Home to the family of a professional rider, it is the floodlit riding arena, a 40m x 20m all-weather surfaced manége the size of which would be the envy of many an inner city school playground monitor. Beyond lie the half a dozen stables, tack room, solarium, full height stone and tile hay barn and outbuildings which amply serve the needs of 12 horses.

People too are not neglected on this equestrian spot. Extended and renovated over 11 years, the owners have created a tasteful, contemporary, four double bedroom home with the emphasis on

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making the most of those countryside views, the wrap-around gardens, paddocks and patios beyond. It is The Groves’ sloping and slated mansard roof which gives the property its distinctive architectural style. And beamed throughout the top floor, with its high-ceilinged rooms, generous expanse of windows, veluxes and balconies all designed to take advantage of the great outdoors, there is a splendid barn conversion feel to this light and airy home.

It is the generous master, with views over the paddocks, that really ticks the box. And the triple aspect hardwood floored sitting room which leads out to the large gazebo/year round summer house and carp stocked pond where you can watch the horses graze by the apple trees, or gaze at the night skies.

Now I barely know one end of a horse from the other – and neither might you – but it could well be worth jumping over a few hurdles to get here. And you’ll still have a bit of spare change as you join the ranks of the £1 million club. I’d certainly give a penny for your thoughts… n OCTOBER 2015 | THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 107

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CITY | INTERIORS

COUNTRYSIDE INSPIRED

Interior

Farrow and Ball have launched three new designs inspired by the beauty of the Dorset countryside. For the first time they have included a large scale border – Feather Grass as shown here, is a superb wallpaper that will create a calming look in any room. Farrow and Ball, 16 Princess Victoria Street, Clifton, Bristol. BS8 4BP. Tel: 0117 973 3900.

NOTES

FRITS HENNINGSEN’S SIGNATURE CHAIR

As the last piece of furniture Frits Henningsen designed and produced, the Signature Chair crowned his life’s work and consummated his legacy as one of Denmark’s greatest furniture designers. This is an undisputed classic, elegant, simple and one of the finest pieces of authentic Scandinavian furniture ever produced.

Available in a select range of fabrics and finishes.

Priced from £2,255. Visit Shannon in Bath for details. 68 Walcot Street, Bath.

Tel: 01225 424222 www.shannon-uk.com

NEW ARRIVALS This month we take a look at some of the stylish new products and trends appearing in stores across the city

BRISTOLS BIGGEST COLLECTION OF HAND KNOTTED AND ORIENTAL RUGS Available at their showroom within Gardiners. Classic Carpets have an impressive and beautiful selection of hand knotted and oriental rugs. The range is extensive with rugs from a wide variety of sources, and in many colours and patterns. A perfect complement to warm up rooms with realwood or laminate flooring. Classic Carpets at Gardiner Haskins Homecentre, Straight Street, Bristol BS2 OJP. Tel: 0117 930 4045

MANDARIN STONE

Urban Honed Limestone is a striking tile that works well as a stand alone material or looks great when combined with more textured materials to create interest and contrast. Shown here with a black riven slate floor it is a brilliant effect.

Mandarin Stone, 15 Regent Street, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4HW. Tel: 0117 973 1552

PINCKNEY GREEN WOODBURNERS The Charnwood C6 stove from Pinckney Green offers excellent warmth and efficiency and would complement either a contemporary or traditional interior.

This stove is also DEFRA-exempted allowing wood to be burnt in smoke controlled areas. £954 (inc VAT).

Pinckney Green. Tel: 0117 937 2555 www.pinckneygreen.co.uk

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BRISTOL PROPERTY | IN FOCUS

O

ldlands is a substantial house which was built originally in the 1950s and then significantly altered and extended in the late 1980s. Situated minutes from Clifton, there are beautiful distant views as far as Dundry. The accommodation is accessed from a spacious hallway leading in one direction to the drawing room and dining room which are linked by folding doors to create one large space. Both rooms overlook the gardens. To the other side of the hall there is a sitting room and doors leading onto the terrace and gardens.

There is also a separate study and cloakroom. The spacious kitchen has plenty of room for informal dining and the good sized utility room can even act as a second kitchen.

Upstairs there are six bedrooms in total. Three have en suite bath/shower rooms and the family bathroom has a separate shower. Outside there is plenty of parking with an attached double garage and paved driveway. The gardens are enclosed and wrap around the house giving plenty of privacy. Oldlands is a home built in an area when space was not at a premium and offers the perfect space for the family to spread itself out and put down roots. Viewing and full details are from agents Knight Frank.

Knight Frank, Regent House, 27A Regent Street, Clifton, Bristol. Tel: 0117 317 1999

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OLDLANDS LEIGH WOODS, BRISTOL • 6 bedrooms, 3 en suite • Large dining kitchen and utility room • 3 receptions plus study • Double garage • Wendy house and rabbit hut

Guide Price £1,395,000 OCTOBER 2015

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THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 111

Bristol & Clifton’s premier Commercial Property Agents Keep up-to-date with our latest news and market comments at our website: www.burstoncook.co.uk

(0117) 934 9977 INVESTMENT – BRISTOL LET TO CO-OP

FOR SALE Vacant day nursery property (D1 Use) in very visible main road location (Passage Road). * Off Street Parking * Rare Opportunity

* Rent £38,000 PAX * High Street Location * £465,000

£395,000 +

JUBILEE HOUSE BS1

WHITELADIES OFFICES

Detached office building close to Queen Square and the waterfront. c. 1,800 sq ft

Office suite with on site parking – c. 750 sq ft of good modern airy space.

New lease - £13.50 per sq ft

New lease only £13.50 per sq ft.

30 QUEEN SQUARE, BS1

30 WHITELADIES ROAD, BS8

TO LET-

Prime Clifton offices c 1,450 sq ft –

2 good quality office suites of 411 sq ft and 1,194 sq ft –

New flexible lease – Rent on application

Prestigious location – New lease available WHITELADIES ROAD – SHOP

FOR SALE Prime waterfront café premises in Portishead Marina –

LARGE SHOP ALSO SUIT OFFICE USE – From 750 sq ft to 2,500 sq ft –

Fully fitted to walk in and trade –

Prominent location – New lease – No premium

Only £375,000

INVESTMENT FOR SALE

PRIME OFFICE SUITE A light and airy refurbished contemporary office suite of c 1,200 sq ft + 2 / 3 car spaces –

Bristol City Centre bar / restaurant – Fully let on FRI lease – Rent £28,119 pax / Price £325,000 New lease – Rent O/A

Julian Cook FRICS

Jayne Rixon

Burston Cook October.indd 1

MRICS

Charlie Kershaw MRICS

Finola Ingham MRICS

Tom Coyte BA Hons

Clifton / BS1 boundary – New lease – Rent O/A

• • • • •

Sales / Lettings Acquisitions Valuations Landlord & tenant Auction Sales

• • • • •

Rent reviews Property Management Investment Sales / Purchase Development & Planning Dilapidations Advice

23/09/2015 11:27

Bristol & Clifton’s premier Commercial Property Agents Keep up-to-date with our latest news and market comments at our website: www.burstoncook.co.uk

FOR SALE – SAINSBURY’S INVESTMENT

(0117) 934 9977

FULLY LET MIXED USE INVESTMENT

Brand new Sainsbury’s investment in Hill Road, Clevedon – Let for 15 years at £56,000 PAX -

Located fronting onto King Street at the Heart of Bristol City Centre – Rent £112,375 per annum, exclusive –

Price - £925,000.

Price £1,250,000

FOR SALE - PORTISHEAD 33 / 35 & 37A WEST HILL

THE MEETING HOUSE, LEWINS MEAD, BS1 *TO LET OR FOR SALE*

Offices c 1,750 sq ft + 1 bed flat and car park with development potential –

Superb open plan studio office space in an iconic City Centre building with secure parking –

Freehold - £395,000

6,301 sq ft – Price / Rent on application FOR SALE

12D & 12E COTHAM ROAD, BRISTOL, BS6

City center development opportunity…

FREEHOLD FOR SALE – DAY NURSERY

Planning consent for:2 x three bed flats 2 x two bed flats 1 x one bed flats 1 x three bed coach house

Substantial property totaling a gross internal area of c 4,000 sq ft with existing Day Nursery use –

£795,000 freehold

Julian Cook FRICS

Burston Cook October.indd 2

Jayne Rixon MRICS

Charlie Kershaw MRICS

Finola Ingham MRICS

Tom Coyte BA Hons

Freehold guide - £1,200,000

• • • • •

Sales / Lettings Acquisitions Valuations Landlord & tenant Auction Sales

• • • • •

Rent reviews Property Management Investment Sales / Purchase Development & Planning Dilapidations Advice

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Clifton Guide Price £499,950

Alma Vale Road – Two bedroom house

Clifton Office 0117 946 6007

Stunning contemporary home with a double height 34’ open plan living space and original architectural features, including wooden beams. Walking up the glass and oak staircase, you arrive on a galleried landing, providing access to the two bedrooms, both with en-suites. There is allocated parking and no onward chain. EPC - C

Westbury-on-Trym £475,000

Westbury-on-Trym Office 0117 962 1973

John Repton Gardens – Five bedroom house A detached David Wilson five bedroom family home, located in a prime position in John Repton Gardens. An executive build called ‘The Highworth’ which includes five well balanced bedrooms, two of which have en-suites, and the master bedroom measuring in excess of 16 ft. EPC - C

oceanhome.co.uk

Ocean October.indd 1

18/09/2015 12:51

Redland £500,000

Cranbrook Road – Four bedroom house A substantial property over three floors which has made a lovely family home for the current owners for over thirty years, situated in prime location for Redland Green Secondary School. End of terrace with mature gardens and a separate garage at the rear.

EPC - E

Westbury-on-Trym £634,950

Fallodon Way – Four bedroom house Having undergone substantive expansion and renovation in recent history, this original four bedroom home now encompasses three reception rooms, all measuring 18’ft or more. The folding doors in turn give access to decking in the south facing garden; taking full advantage of a summer evenings sun. EPC - D

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Stoke Bishop

Stoke Bishop

Henleaze

An immaculately presented 1930’s three bedroom semi-detached family home with an 80ft south westerly facing rear garden, two individual reception rooms, conservatory, kitchen/breakfast room, off street parking, secure car port and single garage.

EPC E.

Superbly presented four double bedroom semi-detached family home with open plan kitchen/diner with access to a practical family garden, private driveway and garage. The property has a high attention to details and a quality finish throughout.

EPC D.

A beautifully presented four bedroom semidetached family home with three individual reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, 23m westerly facing garden with Lake views, off street parking, single garage and additional courtyard garden.

EPC D.

£550,000

Guide £585,000

Guide £475,000

Henleaze

Henleaze

Westbury Park

Well-presented, characterful, six bedroom family home with a 30m south facing family garden. The property offers a central hall, providing access to three receptions and a kitchen/diner with Aga Further benefits include a private driveway.

EPC E.

Five bedroom period semi-detached family home with a southerly facing garden, off street parking entrance vestibule with original style tiled flooring, three receptions, kitchen and many original features such as coving, ceiling rose and picture rails..

EPC E.

A beautifully presented 1930’s four bedroom family home with a welcoming hallway with stripped wooden flooring, two receptions, contemporary kitchen/diner, south facing family garden, modern family bathroom and single garage.

EPC D.

Guide £875,000

CJ Hole October.indd 1

Guide £775,000

Guide £595,000

18/09/2015 12:49

Clifton t: 0117 923 8238 (sales) t: 0117 946 6588 (lettings) clifton@cjhole.co.uk

www.cjhole.com

City Living - Southey House - Wine Street Exclusive, sophisticated and contemporary Studios, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments and penthouses in the heart of the historic old city

Stylish cosmopolitan living with far reaching views Viewings strictly by appointment only from October

To register early interest for this limited opportunity call 0117 923 8238 or email clifton@cjhole.co.uk

CJ Hole Clifton October.indd 1

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Richard Harding October.qxp_Layout 6 18/09/2015 12:49 Page 1

Richard Harding Chartered Surveyors • Estate Agents • Auctioneers • Valuers

An exquisite newly renovated 4 bedroom (all with en suite) grade II listed townhouse situated in the heart of Clifton Village, yet enjoying the rare benefit of gated off street parking for 2 cars and a sunny level garden. Prime Clifton location with all that Clifton Village has to offer on the doorstep. Flexible and creative accommodation including a wonderful open plan kitchen/living/dining space with an exceptional standard of fittings and finish throughout.

CLIFTON guide £1,250,000

A fabulous 4 bedroom (2 with en suite) newly developed property blending a period listed building with striking contemporary architecture joining seamlessly to create a stylish and individual home. Further offering 2 allocated off street parking spaces and small level garden. A wonderful Clifton home with parking, low maintenance outside space and all the convenience this incredible location has to offer.

A stunning conversion of this grade II listed period hall offering 4 bedrooms (2 with en suite), 2 off street parking spaces and a spectacular 35ft x 21ft kitchen/dining/living space with bi-folding doors leading out onto a low maintenance L shaped courtyard garden. Perfect for city professionals or people downsizing for a lifestyle choice. A quirky & highly individual 2 storey period home in the heart of Clifton Village.

CLIFTON guide £995,000

ST ANDREWS guide £589,950

A bright and characterful 3/4 bedroom semi-detached Victorian family home situated in a peaceful backwater of Clifton, offering a modern and well presented interior and a beautiful sunny town garden. Large sash windows, exposed stripped floorboards and other period features add to this property’s character. Nestled in a quiet and rarely explored part of Clifton between Clifton Village and Hotwells/Harbourside. A lovely period home in a superb location

A grand, bright and particularly spacious 2 double bedroom hall floor garden apartment with the rare benefit of a single garage and set in a handsome late Victorian period semi-detached building; impressive and well-proportioned accommodation with high ceilings and large principal rooms including a 21ft x 15ft drawing room, 15ft x 10ft kitchen, a quite special 20ft x 17ft master bedroom and an extremely pleasant & surprisingly private front garden.

EPC: D

CLIFTON guide £535,000

Professional, Reliable, Successful

CLIFTON £1,150,000

A bright and enticing 3/4 bedroom (1 with en-suite), 3 reception room linked semi-detached period home in a fabulous location close to Gloucester Road and St Andrews Park. Further benefiting from off street parking and a 45ft x 24ft private rear garden; balanced and comfortable accommodation arranged over 2 floors including a fabulous bay fronted sitting room with log burning stove and 2 further reception rooms. EPC: E

CLIFTON guide £450,000

0117 946 6690 www.richardharding.co.uk 124 Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2RP

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MANAGEMENT • SALES • LETTING • CONSULTANCY

Clifton £1,450,000

Flax Bourton £395,000

An absolutely stunning, elegant yet comfortable Grade II listed Georgian house tucked away in a sought after location on the lower slopes of Clifton. No 1 The Polygon has an abundance of beautiful period features and far reaching views to the south of the City. The flexible accommodation is currently arranged as a cloakroom, reception room and traditional style kitchen to the lower ground floor with access to the mature well established garden. On the ground floor there is a pair of reception rooms with inter-connecting doors and a half-landing room. The first floor also benefits from two reception rooms with floor to ceiling windows that lead to a balcony overlooking the communal gardens. The second floor has a large bedroom and bathroom, with a further two bedrooms and bathroom on the third floor. The house has a larger than average garden, garage and a private parking area at the rear of the property approached via North Green Street.

A charming detached house believed to date back some 200 years and originally forming part of the Wraxall Estate. The house retains original features to include mullion windows, oak doors and beams. Set in a central location within a short walk of the village, together with its local school and amenities, it is also an easy car journey to Bristol City Centre. The house benefits from a brick built single detached garage and mature enclosed cottagestyle garden with a mix of borders and lawn. The accommodation on offer spans two floors with three good size bedrooms, spacious living space, utility room and practical storage. This property is being sold with no onward chain and viewing is recommended.

EPC Rating: F

Clifton £385,000

Clifton £325,000

Situated on the second floor of this impressive building, No 47 North Contemporis offers plenty of light via the floor to ceiling windows from the sitting room and master bedroom.

The apartment is accessed via a communal entrance hall where you can either take the lift or walk the stairs. The accommodation comprises; sitting room with tastefully positioned contemporary kitchen with integral appliances, master bedroom with en suite bathroom and dressing area, second bedroom, shower room, storage cupboards in the main hallway and video entry system. The property also boasts a secure underground parking space and secure bike store. EPC Rating: C

Nestled between Clifton Village and the harbourside is this pretty little mews cottage which offers two bedrooms, kitchen/sitting/dining, back-to-back shower rooms and cloakroom.

No 1 & 2 The Cottages sit above a row of garages, one of which belongs to the property.

The shared front door at street level gives access to both properties. Clifton village is close at hand and is a great place to experience the many cafes, boutiques and restaurants or you can take a walk in the other direction and enjoy the waterside activities and even take the water ferry across to the SS Great Britain or water taxi to Temple Meads Station. EPC Rating: E

21 Princess Victoria Street

Tel 0117 970 6119

enquiries@propertyconcept.co.uk

Clifton, Bristol BS8 4BX

Fax 0117 970 6109

www.propertyconcept.co.uk

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Wedmore, Guide PriceÂŁ1,250,000

A substantial period village house set in stunning grounds of over 5 acres. Leisure complex, with indoor pool, snooker room & sauna. Tennis court arboretum gardens and open paddocks. Total grounds 5.2 acres. EPC Rating: F/G

Failand, Guide Price ÂŁ1,200,000

A beautifully appointed, detached residence with spectacular views, established family gardens with a total plot of 2.6 acres. The property is located just four miles from the cosmopolitan area of Clifton Village and offers excellent access to the motorway network. EPC Rating: E

Hamptons Bristol

Sales. 0117 322 6362 | bristol@hamptons-int.com

Hamptons Sales October.indd 1

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Clapton in Gordano, Guide Price ÂŁ1,295,000

A beautifully appointed, architect designed, detached family house positioned in a tranquil sylvan setting amongst its own extensive woodland. The property is further enhanced by an indoor pool complex with jacuzzi and games room above. EPC Rating: F

Wedmore, Guide Price ÂŁ1,500,000

A truly unique 1.6 acre lifestyle property within the prestigious village of Wedmore. A hidden gem offering privacy without isolation, magnificent views of open countryside, and yet within 400 yards of the village centre with its eclectic mix of shops, cafes, restaurants, delis & pubs. EPC Rating: C

Hamptons Bristol

Sales. 0117 322 6362 | bristol@hamptons-int.com

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WESTBURY-ON-TRYM | BRISTOL

GUIDE PRICE ÂŁ1,295,000

An immaculate detached family house which has been sensitively yet extensively refurbished, sitting in generous gardens with gated off-street parking, complete with a heated swimming pool and no onward chain. Stunning full depth family kitchen. Drawing room, sitting room, study. Utility & cloakroom.

Extensive master bedroom suite. Guest bedroom suite. Four further bedrooms. Two further bath/shower rooms. Detached garage. EPC Rating: B

Fine & Country Bristol 147 Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2QT Tel: 0117 973 3081 Email: bristol@fineandcountry.com bristol.fineandcountry.co.uk

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CLIFTON | BRISTOL

GUIDE PRICE: ÂŁ425,000

A centrally located two bedroom garden flat with its own entrance, in a sought after Clifton location complete with a private rear garden and allocated off-street parking space. Superb reception room with cast iron multi-fuel burning stove. Modern fitted kitchen. Generous master bedroom.

Second double bedroom. Well appointed family bathroom. Delightful private rear garden. Allocated off-street parking space. EPC Rating: D

fineandcountry.com

Cotham - ÂŁ1,100,000 A rare opportunity has presented itself with the arrival to the market of this impressive period home with front and back gardens, parking and a driveway in Cotham. A particularly elegant and stylish period 6 bedroom home filled with character commanding an elevated position in this quiet side road and boasting the most incredible views across the surrounding area. The property enables purchasers the ability to move in and put their feet up, being presented in superb condition throughout. The vendors have recently spent a significant amount of money on the lower ground floor area and this is clearly evident when viewing. The bright and airy accommodation is arranged over 3 full floors and briefly comprises: entrance vestibule, entrance hall with feature staircase ascending to the first floor, study, dining room and sitting room are on this level each having their own individual character and elegance. The modern kitchen completes the hall floor level with a superb range of units with granite work surfaces over. A clever design feature is the openings which have been created between the kitchen and the dining room which affords a much more sociable and practical living environment. A rather special and beautiful home which offers a plethora of wonderful practical and period features must be viewed to appreciate all it offers! EPC - D

Leese & Nagle October.indd 1

18/09/2015 12:45

Stoke Bishop - Guide Price £700,000

Stoke Bishop - Guide Price £550,000

1950’s Stride built detached house, in a good sized level plot with southerly aspect rear garden and additional woodland. In need of modernising and has scope to significantly increase the house’s overall size by utilising or restructuring the loft space and extending on the ground floor (subject to obtain necessary consents). EPC - E

Building plot with full planning permission for a 4 bedroom detached house situated on the desirable Druid Stoke Avenue. The level one fifth of an acre plot offers the buyer the opportunity to build to the design of the current permission or tweak to their own design (subject to planning approval). The planning ref: 15/00335/F

Stoke Bishop - Guide Price £585,000

Westbury-on-Trym - Guide Price £750,000

1930’s 3 bedroom detached house situated just a few minutes’ walk of the local shops in Druid Hill. The house has potential to create a 4th bedroom over the existing ground floor extension to the side (subject to any necessary consents) and possibly a rear single storey extension to provide a larger kitchen/family area. EPC - E

A beautifully positioned 1930’s 4 bedroom executive family home set within a neighbourly cul-de-sac with fabulous first floor views. Offers huge extension potential, subject to planning.

Delightful established gardens and garage. EPC - E

Westbury-on-Trym - £445,000

Westbury-on-Trym - Guide Price £485,000

A beautifully presented and extended 3 bedroom semi detached house with level rear garden situated 365m from Elmlea infant school and well within the Bristol Free School admission area.

Offered with no onward chain. EPC - D

This is an absolutely stunning 1930’s 3 bedroom semi-detached family home that any prospective buyer could literally just move in and immediately enjoy. There is huge extension potential, subject to consents and a fabulous 90’ long rear garden that backs onto allotments behind, so is a rare find in today’s market place. EPC - E

Leese & Nagle October.indd 2

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