The Bristol Magazine March 2017

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THE

Issue 153

I

march 2017

MAGAZINE

THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

£3.95 where sold

DECOR TO ADORE SS17’s verdant new mood sees rich colour, tactile textures and lush greenery hitting the local interiors scene

THE CITY’S B I G G E S T M O N T H LY GUIDE TO LIVING IN BRISTOL

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MOVE. Faster. Sell with Knight Frank.

Our understanding of the ever-changing market enables us to price your property accurately so you can rely on Knight Frank to get you moving.

Call +44 1173 171 999 to arrange your free market valuation.

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

Guide price: £1,150,000

KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

Abbots Leigh Beautiful home (2,577 sq ft) with a rural outlook. 3 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast/sitting room, 4 bedrooms (1 en suite), bathroom. Gardens, terraces, gym, games room, paddock, stabling and parking.

POA

nTheMarket.com

Guide price £1,395,000

Clifton

Portishead

A most impressive 2 bedroom balcony apartment (1,062 sq ft) with outstanding views and parking.

Superb home in a private wooded setting. 3 reception rooms, open plan breakfast/kitchen/family room, master bedroom suite, 5 further bedrooms, 2 en suite shower rooms, bathroom. Mature gardens and summer house.

Guide price £1,150,000

Guide price £1,500,000

Clifton

Sneyd Park

Elegant period townhouse (3,146 sq ft) at the heart of Clifton Village.

Kitchen/ breakfast room, dining room, drawing room, conservatory, 3 en suite bedrooms, fourth bedroom/studio apartment, reception room, workshop.

Detached 5 bed family home (3,074 sq ft) located at the end of a private no through road. 2 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast/sitting room, 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Gardens, integral double garage. EPC - C.

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MOVE. Faster. Sell with Knight Frank.

Our understanding of the ever-changing market enables us to price your property accurately so you can rely on Knight Frank to get you moving.

Call +44 1173 171 999 to arrange your free market valuation.

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

Guide price: £1,350,000

KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

Clifton An outstanding 6 bedroom (2,789 sq ft) Victorian townhouse with parking and gardens at the rear.

2 reception rooms, kitchen, utility, 6 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Enclosed rear garden and private parking.

EPC - F.

Guide price £525,000

nTheMarket.com

Guide price £899,950

Clifton

Shepton Mallet

Immaculate and generously proportioned apartment (1,540 st ft). Drawing room, dining room, inner hall, kitchen, utility, master with dressing room, guest bedroom, guest bathroom. First come parking.

Beautiful Grade II listed townhouse with rural setting, located close to Bristol, Bath and Wells. 4 reception rooms, large kitchen, 5-6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, potential annexe, garage, mature gardens and grounds.

Guide price £1,000,000

Guide price £875,000

Clevedon

Clevedon

Spectacular family home with distant views (4,920 sq ft). 3/4 reception rooms, 6/7 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, cellar. Double garage, parking, gardens, woodland views. In all about 1.62 acres. EPC - E.

An immaculate 5/6 bedroom house (3,372 sq ft) with impressive gardens, grounds and views. 3 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast with conservatory, 3 bathrooms. Timber studio/summer house with decking. EPC C.

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Contents March 2017 REGULARS ZEITGEIST

THE CULTURE

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There are immersive experiences galore at Bristol Film Festival

Five of the best things to do in the city this month

CITYIST

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16

THEATRE

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BARTLEBY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 ...Doesn’t know quite who to trust .....................................................................

22

WHAT’S ON & HAPPENINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Time to get the diaries out!

MUSIC

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ONE TO ONE

BRISTOL AT WORK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

We talk codes of conductorship with Bristol Metropolitan Orchestra maestro Tianyi Lu

We catch up with local radio presenter, voiceover artist and media freelancer Faye Dicker

ART

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56

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The latest from local schools and colleges

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44

What’s going on at the city galleries this month?

Bite-sized news from local firms and organisations

EDUCATION NEWS

36

Emma Payne picks out some Bristol Jazz and Blues Fest highlights

We don’t reckon you could go too far wrong with our Mother’s Day gift inspiration

BUSINESS UPDATES

32

We preview the Caryl Churchill show coming to Bristol Old Vic

We catch up with chef Jo Ingleby and report on local goings-on

SHOPPING

FILM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

ARCHIVE

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46

Jessica Hope discovers Glenside Hospital’s WWI history

58

FAMILY PLANNER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Keep the kids entertained in Bristol’s best possible ways

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Contents March 2017 FASHION SPRING STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Victoria Ellis advises on the seasonal trends to look out for over the next few months

PHOTOGRAPHY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Local fashion photographers talk technique, favourite Bristol locations and dream collaborations

FOOD & DRINK NEWS

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30

The latest from the city’s dining scene

WAPPING WHARF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Image by Paolo Ferla

What’s the buzz all about? If you haven’t yet explored the many delights of Cargo and beyond, now’s the time

BODY, MIND & SPIRIT SPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 With Bristol named European City of Sport 2017, we decided to meet up with some of our most exciting local sportspeople

BEAUTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 We go cap in hand to the experts at Harvey Nichols, who hand-pick us a prescription for our spring cleanse

50

WALK THE WALK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Our resident wanderer, Andrew Swift, finds solace in the chalk downlands of Wiltshire Image by Antony Potts

HABITAT INTERIORS

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Gert lush: SS17’s new mood is full of exotic, verdant greenery and images imported from the African plains

KITCHENS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 One interiors specialist, new in Clifton this year, offers up a few ideas for making time spent in the kitchen that bit easier

PROPERTY

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Check out the recently renovated Chantry House – a beautiful family home in Lower Failand

40

EXTERIORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Hugo Tugman offers words of wisdom on choosing the right finish

GARDENING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Our green-fingered expert, Elly West, is feeling inspired by the balance and spirituality of the Far East

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ON THE COVER

Osborne & Little’s gorgeous Rainforest wall covering – Bristol interiors experts Whittaker Wells tell us more about SS17’s trends on p76

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Gert lush: Osborne & Little’s painterly Bamboo wallpaper, courtesy of Whittaker Wells

THIS MONTH WE’VE BEEN...

Imagining...

...What sort of delights might be served up by Rosemarino, Romy’s Kitchen and Second Floor Restaurant Harvey Nichols during Bristol in the Sky later this year.

Organisers of the 100ft-high dining experience have announced their first partners, which also include Her Majesty’s Secret Service and Swoon Gelato. Hey, we reckon Bristol can muster up better views than this though...

• eventsinthesky.co.uk

from the

EDITOR “...Green is the prime color of the world, and that from which its loveliness arises...”

– Pedro Calderon de la Barca

W

e always look forward to seeing the new season’s interiors trends – equally as much as what’s on the catwalks and especially in Spring, a period positively pregnant with promise and new beginnings.

And personally we’ve been gaga for all things forest, pea, bottle or sea – the shades of green, we mean – for a while so we were glad to see these hues are having a moment in the home decor sphere, with Pantone making “nature’s neutral” their colour of the year. “The more submerged people are in modern life,” they say of their champion tone ‘Greenery’, “the greater their innate craving to immerse themselves in the physical beauty and inherent unity of the natural world.” It’s a statement that rings true, now especially, given our increasingly digitalised lives, and has filtered into the major interiors houses via lush, exotic designs, motifs borrowed from Mother Nature. The ‘boys that sew’, at Whittaker Wells, tell us all about what’s hot from their lovely new Whiteladies Road environs – think period ballroom, tactile 3D wall coverings, hand-crafted cabinets and velvet cushion-strewn feature staircase – on p76.

Anyway, the key is to have fun with it all. As is indeed the case with SS17’s sartorial styles, which feature strands of ’80s redux, sporty stripes, neon brights, slogan tees and more mad sleeve action – everything from flared to furry. See p24 for more, or p26 to meet some of Bristol’s own dedicated documenters of fashion.

Meanwhile, it’s International Women’s Day on 8 March, so we’re celebrating the work of Bristol Met Orchestra’s 26-year-old conductor on p42; as well as chatting with Linda Bassett, star of playwright Caryl Churchill’s Escaped Alone, which makes a quietly feminist statement itself with its uniquely gynocentric viewpoint on an apocalyptic world, on p32.

Elsewhere, enjoy WWI history from Glenside Museum, meet local sportspeople excited to be part of 2017’s European City of Sport (hashtag goals, Bristol) and find foodie notes from buzzing Wapping Wharf.

See you in April...

AMANDA NICHOLLS EDITOR Editor’s image by Paolo Ferla; ferlapaolo.com

@thebristolmag

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| MARCH 2017

@thebristolmag

Looking forward to... ...The RWA’s biennial open submission exhibition Drawn, which explores drawing as both an autonomous discipline and a creative tool. Whether you’re an artist, sculptor, designer, typographer, architect, film maker or illustrator, if drawing is a key part of your creative process, get your entry in by 15 March – prizes include a £1,500 Italian travel bursary, and a £400 framing prize.

• rwa.org.uk

Struggling to choose...

...Which of the string of fun-packed food and drink events that is Foozie on the Rocks to go to. Expect everything from gin-based ’80s game show antics to Nutella, Wacky Races and gelatothemed cocktail nights next month, plus a Club Tropicana boat party...

• foozie.co.uk

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ZEITGEIST

Top

5

things to do in MARCH

SING THE BLUES

RAI FILM FESTIVAL This month sees the Royal Anthropological Institute championing cultural diversity in partnership with 10 top UK universities.

Taking place from 29 March to 1 April, the event features a screening and Q&A with the director of The Eagle Huntress, an inspiring tale of 13-year-old Aishol-pan (pictured), the first female eagle huntress in 12 generations of her Kazakh family. Other highlights of the festival include a talk with filmmakers from Bristol’s BBC Natural History Unit and a viewing of Those Who Jump, a powerful depiction of life as a refugee attempting to leave Morocco – filmed entirely by one such individual. Full festival tickets cost £72 with day passes available.

• raifilm.org.uk

Fans of American roots music unite as Bristol Folk House hosts its annual Bluegrass and Americana Festival across 3 and 4 March. The packed two-day event features music from Buffalo Gals (pictured), The Hogranch, Scuttle Shake, Assembly Lane and a host of others. If you fancy warming up the vocal chords and tinkling the ivories, local musicians can contribute to relaxed open mic and jam sessions, while fiddle, guitar and banjo workshops are available on the Saturday. Tickets for the whole event cost £29, with the option to pay for single performances or workshops.

• folkhousemusic.com

CHAIN REACTION

The Mary Chain

HIGH DRAMA Welsh National Opera are bringing their Spring tour to Bristol Hippodrome this month for four performances from 28 March to 1 April. The first is the rarely staged Le Vin Herbé by Frank Martin, an original take on Wagner’s legendary Tristan und Isolde, beginning with a love potion mishap, and ending – as the best operas do – in tragedy.

Fans of the classics need not be disappointed, as the season also features productions of two of the most famous romantic operas: Puccini’s La Bohème and Madam Butterfly (pictured).

The former, reinvigorated in true WNO style, offers a new perspective on the ill-fated lives of four bohemian friends, while the latter is a crowd-pleasing, traditional take for die-hard opera fans. Tickets from £12.90.

• atgtickets.com

Image © Jeremy Abrahams

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The Shimmer Band

CECI N’EST PAS NOIRE In an age of increasing political tension, shows like Alesandra Seutin’s Ceci N’est Pas Noire have become all the more important, asking challenging questions about the way we perceive race, identity and sexuality. Alesandra expresses the complexities of identity through a mixture of urban, African and contemporary expressionist dance to reflect her own Afro-European heritage, proving that what you see isn’t always what you get. This is Not Black features the artist’s own personal memories and engages with the audience through a number of characters: herself, a reggae singer, a party girl and a Michelle Obama-esque politician. Tickets from £8 to £10.

• 3ca.org.uk

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MARCH 2017

As fans of Scottish alt-rockers The Jesus And Mary Chain will know, the band are set to release their long-awaited, much-mooted new album Damage and Joy on 24 March – their first since Munki back in 1998. So it follows that a trip to the O2, which the cult heroes play on on 29 March, is on the cards. The new album includes a re-energised new version of All Things Must Pass, as featured on TV show Heroes; and waves of distorted guitar colliding with Jim Reid’s insouciant vocals in the hypnotic Amputated – which reacts to feelings of “being edited out of the whole music business”. With support coming from Bristol homegrown talent The Shimmer Band, we reckon this particular Wednesday night will be off the chain...

• academymusicgroup.com

Image © Camillia Greenwell

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THE CITY THE BUZZ

My

BRISTOL

We chat to local chef Jo Ingleby

What’s in the pipeline for 2017?

Many exciting developments at Redcliffe Children’s Centre. Our aim is to be known nationally as a Centre for Early Years Food and engage children with food as early as possible. I am continually writing new recipes and menus so the food at Redcliffe is exciting and healthy.

Crazy for musicals?

Caroline Flack will be in Bristol in October, as part of her stage debut in the Watermill Theatre's acclaimed production of feel-good musical Crazy For You. Caroline, who won Strictly Come Dancing in 2014 and has presented I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here Now! and The X Factor, currently presents Love Island but actually trained in musical theatre. With a Gershwin brothers score, the show is a glam rom-com charting the troubled story of the son of a New York banking family, and Polly, daughter of the owner of a failing theatre in Nevada.

• crazyforyoutour.com Image by Jon Craig

Calling all filmmakers!

Encounters Short Film and Animation Festival has opened for entries. From 19-24 September, it will showcase the best international short filmmaking talent with a diverse programme of screenings and special events. The festival, recognised as a gateway to the likes of the Academy Awards and BAFTAs, has announced a new category for VR/AR and 360-degree filmmaking, as well as a new chair for 2017 – ACE Producers president Simon Perry. “I’m very happy to be taking over in this particular year,” he said.

“The festival already has a high reputation for innovative and strong curatorial vision, and can be counted upon to showcase new trends and cutting-edge filmmakers. The festival will also introduce an entirely new category for work in augmented and virtual reality – genres still relatively unexplored in short filmmaking and exhibition.” The deadline for applications with a reduced fee of £20 is 31 March; the regular deadline is 23 May (£25).

• encounters-festival.org.uk

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And you’re involved with the The Jamie Oliver Food Foundation’s Sugar Smart UK? Yes, I’m honoured to be part of such a positive campaign to improve the health of the city. My work over the past 10 years, as well as having my own kids, has shown me that parents are faced with a barrage of sweet 'treats' aimed at children who should be eating barely any sugar. A way to tackle this is to get children interested in savoury foods and steering clear of processed puddings and especially sweet drinks. Sugar Smart isn’t about completely giving up sugar; it is about making swaps and having balance.

What do you love about Bristol?

The city is large enough to have big ideas that make a difference, but small enough to make connections. For a special meal I love the Pony and Trap – Josh Eggleton is one of my local food heroes and he always creates a veggie option that tastes great rather than the bland offerings in other restaurants. For brunch or lunch I head to The Knowle, or Thali Café for the awesome dosas!

Favourite thing to cook right now?

Ramen is a staple in my house. Half of my family is vegetarian so we cook meals based on vegetables, beans and pulses with a side dish of meat for the ‘meatatarians’ as my daughter calls herself!

What’s pumping through your speakers?

I always listen to music when I'm cooking and writing; usually BBC 6 Music as their mix of indie, underground, dance, and a bit of everything else, is great!

Favourite book at the moment?

First Bites by Bee Wilson, which is about how we develop taste.

Most memorable career moment so far?

In 2014 I won a competition to write a mushroom recipe for Carluccio’s. The prize was to spend a day with Antonio Carluccio in his home kitchen which was a dream come true! He cooked for me all day and we talked about children cooking being essential to building healthy relationships with food, family, the land and community. I’d love to meet Antonio again and tell him everything that has happened since we last met.

Which other local creatives do you admire?

I love the work Kalpna Woolf is doing with 91ways and look forward to collaborating with her soon. I also admire Barney and Phil Haughton and their unrelenting passion for the soil and fresh produce. My best mate Genevieve Taylor always amazes me with her work too, one minute she's writing a recipe book, then food styling for Poldark. We have been talking about planning something for 2017, so watch this space!

• joingleby.weebly.com

READ ALL ABOUT IT...

Foyles’ Charlotte Pope recommends Alone In Berlin by Hans Fallada First published in 1947, Alone in Berlin (originally published in German as Every Man Dies Alone) had spent a long time being forgotten about until its rediscovery and translation into English in 2009, when it became a hit bestseller. Based on real events, Fallada's novel tells the story of ordinary, working-class German Otto Quangel – who lives a simple life working in a factory in Berlin. He's not one to think about politics: as long as he keeps his head down, the Nazis won't trouble people like him. But then his beloved only son is killed on the Eastern Front. Otto is suddenly incensed to fight back against the regime that he feels murdered his son: he and his wife Anna begin writing inflammatory anti-Nazi postcards, leaving them all over Berlin for people to find. It's an act of resistance that could get them killed. Fallada incorporates a wonderful cast of characters: the postwoman horrified by her fanatical Nazi son's crimes; the citizens who find the postcards, terrified of being discovered with them; the police officer pressured by the Gestapo to hunt down the writer of the pamphlets. Released in March as a film adaptation starring Brendan Gleeson and Emma Thompson, this is a war fiction classic.

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THE CITY The kindness of strangers

Some 20 million people in the UK say they would like to spend more time volunteering but despite our best intentions, other commitments can get in the way, and often we don’t quite know where to start. A Bristol-based website has been helping to solve this problem by highlighting who needs what, and where – putting those who want to help directly in touch with them. Helpfulpeeps.com is a new social networking site founded by Simon Hills and Saf Nazeer. All help on the site is given free of charge – with no transaction or exchange. Since launching last year, the online community has grown to over 10,000 registered members – doing everything from simply helping out with cat sitting or learning a new language, to moving a sofa or lending a hand at a charity event. The website has even led to a Guinness world record being broken for charity. Helpfulpeeps launched neighbourhood by neighbourhood and has now made its way across Bristol – you can join for free and founders promise it will stay that way.

BRISTAGRAM Some of our favourite recent snaps taken by folk around the city! Tag your Bristol pics using #thebristolmag

Beautiful long expo creation sure by @hod gett under the Suspensio s.dale n Bridge

• helpfulpeeps.com

n

stol fashio A chic Bri shoot from vans @dwayne

True crime Bristol filmmaker Adam J Morgan is to unveil his latest film this month. The Trial of Rebecca Worlock tells the true story of a local woman who was hanged in 1820, aged 37, after poisoning her husband following years of abuse. “I like to tell a story that has meaning, that is powerful and will make people think,” says Adam. “So when I was approached by Kevin Worlock, late last year, to make a film based on his great, great, great grandmother Rebecca Worlock, from Bitton, I agreed. I knew the story well – Rebecca had mixed arsenic into her husband Thomas’s beer, ending the awful abuse he had been inflicting on her on a regular basis. After a few days of agonising pain, Thomas died from the rat poison he had glugged down and Rebecca was brought to trial, found guilty, and hanged in Gloucester.” After writing a script based on the original court transcript, and casting actress Faith Elizabeth in the role of Rebecca, Adam began shooting in the old kitchens of The Royal Crescent in Bath in January. “Bristol actor Nick Orchard played the part of Thomas,” says Adam. “He really looked like he could hurt Rebecca. I think, for me, the day I had to film Rebecca in the hangman’s noose will remain in my memory forever.” Local author Penny Deverill, who has researched the story since 1981 and written a book about Rebecca Worlock, was then asked to film an opening segment to the film. “True stories have something very special about them,” adds Adam. “Almost as if the person we are portraying lives again, and has a voice to share their story.” After a private screening month, Adam plans to take the film to Image by TV channels.

Richard Norris Photography

• @shadowchasersUK

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@joncraig_ ca ptured @johndohart’s Valentine’s installation on Park Street is shot by We adored th hy ey_photograp sk lu cc m ich @r

Colourful artwork by @sophielongart

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Weapon of choice

S

o who are we supposed to trust these days? I ask this not because I fear that Truth has lost all meaning – although it may well have done – but for a much more humdrum reason. Recently I had to book a taxi, and in the process of looking up the phone number online, wandered into a maelstrom of conflicting opinion. I generally call the same firm because its name is the first one to pop into my head, and before now I’d never thought of this as a choice, rather a sort of reflex action.

How naïve! Today it is simply unheard-of to make a decision like this without conducting in-depth research into the merits (or demerits) of half a dozen rival companies. And to help the prospective consumer of such services, numerous websites present the opinions of other consumers who have been there before. I know, this is not exactly news, but up to now I’ve tended to ignore this sort of vox populi.

Why? Well, to take one example, we have a restaurant not far from us which is perfectly pleasant. The food is fairly cheap, and the quality reflects the price. Why wouldn’t it? Yet some of the online reports – ‘reviews’ is unfair to proper writers – give the impression that this establishment has been set up with the sole purpose of defrauding honest citizens, by selling dreadful food at ridiculous prices. Are they talking about the place I know, I wonder, reading a long and vituperative description of a dinner from Hell? But then, swiftly following this tirade, comes an equally dubious report of a meal surpassing all others – a dining experience in the company of angels…

For a while I signed up to a certain travel-related website famed for its ‘reviews’ by ordinary consumers, but became increasingly obsessed with trying to work out whether the writer of each positive or negative report shared my tastes/needs/standards or was, indeed, as ordinary and unbiased as the website claimed. In the end I went back to my old systems for choice-making: personal recommendation by a trustworthy human, or trial and error. The former approach works best for builders, plumbers and the like, but otherwise the latter remains my favourite, since it opens up so many opportunities for strange or unexpected happenings.

Sometimes, however, you need to get from A to B at a certain time, without fail, and so it was that the three out of five stars awarded by customers to my usual cab firm caught my attention. With a fair number of people having given a rating, I began to wonder whether there wasn’t something wrong with the company I’d been innocently using all this time. So I started reading the reviews...

– “So’n’So Taxis are absolutely fantastic. They are the best. Hearts of gold and the drivers always go the extra mile – not literally! FIVE STARS.” – “Don’t ever, ever book So’n’So Taxis – don’t even call them. They are rubbish. ONE STAR.” – “I can’t thank So’n’So Taxis enough. They picked up my poor old mum right on time, then she remembered she’d left her handbag behind so they took her back home to fetch it – no extra charge!

Diamond! FIVE STARS.” – “I booked So’n’So Taxis and they didn’t turn up. This happened seven times and eventually I had to walk all the way to Cribbs, in the rain, with a bad leg. ONE STAR.” So the reports rolled on. Were they all true? Were at least some of them partly rooted in fact, and if so, which ones? Or had they all been written by people who either worked for rival companies, or for So’n’So Taxis, or were related to/married to/mates with people who did? Was three stars really so bad? I decided it wasn’t, and phoned them as usual. Let’s hope they turn up on time.... ■ 20 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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SHOPPING | MOTHER’S DAY

MUM’S

the word NESPRESSO INISSIA COFFEE MACHINE, £89.99 We know one of the defining features of parenthood is sleepless nights - help Mum wake up in the morning. Mall at Cribbs; nespresso.com

DYSON SUPERSONIC HAIR DRYER, £299.99 Perfectly engineered to revolutionise the beauty routine. John Lewis; johnlewis.com

When it comes to Mother’s Day, you can’t go wrong with the classics: a lie in (we recommend waiting until at least 9am for best results), breakfast in bed and a clumsy poster-paint picture of the family.

But if you’ve flown the nest, we’re sure some of these presents will go down just as well...

FRANKINCENSE & ROSE FACE KIT, £21.50 You’ll be safe with a pampering gift set, filled with essential oils and natural ingredients.

AA Skincare; aaskincare.co.uk

MICHAEL KORS WATCH, £229 So she can keep time in style...

John Lewis; johnlewis.com

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN PURSE, £445 Because mums deserve to be spoilt. Harvey Nichols; harveynichols.com

MOTHER’S DAY BRACELET, £99 A bit of bling never goes amiss. Cabot Circus; pandora.net

MOTHER’S DAY H-BOX, £12.50 A scrumptious selection of chocs...

Cabot Circus; hotelchocolat.com ESTÉE LAUDER MODERN MUSE EAU DE PARFUM, £15.50 – £89.50 Contemporary florals for the modern woman.

John Lewis; johnlewis.com

STONEGLOW REED DIFFUSER, £30 Bergamot, mandarin and grapefruit mingle with floral scents for Spring.

John Lewis; johnlewis.com

TRAVEL POUCH, £35 To go with a surprise weekend away, perhaps?

Cabot Circus; thewhitecompany.com

ABSTRACT FLOWER TASSEL SCARF, £30 Something to brighten up any wardrobe for the new season. John Lewis; johnlewis.com

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FASHION

Bold stripe sweat, £20, Next

Utility skirt, £29.99, H&M

Frilly dress, £25.99, Zara

Bralet, £15.99, Zara

Utility trousers, £30, Monki

Floral trousers, £40, River Island

Plush sweatshirt £25.99, Zara Floral flats, £38, Next

Flounce dress, £25, Monki

Printed poplin top, £25.99, Zara Tie around top, £26, River Island

‘80s trophy jacket, £80, River Island

RISE AND SHINE This season – this year, come to that – calls for a bold approach, says Victoria Ellis

I

t’s cold and still, more often than not, grey outside, and we’re all about hot baths and cosy knits right now but, that said, before we know it, the joys of Spring will be upon us. Already the evenings are getting lighter and the early mornings are brightened by the chirruping sounds of the birds busying themselves as we contemplate extraction from our own cosy duvet nests.

It is, of course, the season of regeneration and new beginnings – in fashion as much as any other sphere – and to coincide, colour champions Pantone release a colour report based on the runway shows.

This Spring, the trending colours offer up ‘a mixture of vitality, relaxation and the great outdoors’. We’re aware that we wear can affect our mood, and, happily, this season’s colours are infused with positivity.

The SS17 catwalks pulled no punches – awash with plenty of colour and pattern, from florals and frills to puffs and pinks. Of course, some trends are easier to wear than others and the overriding theme this season is to mix it all up and wear everything. Jumping in with both feet is not for the faint-hearted but the high street has its toned down versions. To name a few, we’ve seen that Zara, Mango, Topshop, River Island, Monki, Next and Marks and Spencer all have fabulous spring/summer collections with something to suit everyone. The key for the novice fashionista wanting to dip their toes is to stick to tonal colours and just enjoy experimenting.

Here’s our take on the key trends coming our way and some key pieces from the high street...

Utility Practicality and fashion aren’t always good bedfellows but this season’s easy come, easy go take on the trend is clean, simple and extremely wearable too.

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Statement sleeves With puffed, frilled, ballooned, flared, cold shoulder, off the shoulder, layered and furry sleeves to choose from, this trend is surprisingly easy to wear. Tuck into high-waisted bottoms to keep proportions in check.

Bolder stripes This season, think more Beetlejuice than Breton...

’80s redux We’re talking square shoulders, cinched-in waists, metallics and vinyl.

Dig out that Whitney LP – it’s party time.

Slogan tees Make a statement without saying a word. It’s time to let your tee do the talking.

Bra tops Underwear as outerwear is big, and these are still enjoying their moment in the spotlight. Whether you just allow them to peek out from under an unbuttoned shirt or cardi or go the whole hog and wear over a t-shirt or shirt, own it.

Florals Yes, florals for Spring is clichéd but this time around, the focus is on bolder ’70s-style patterns which gives an edge. Channel your Granny’s curtains à la Chloe and you’ll be bang on trend.

Neon brights Especially pink. Step out of your comfort zone in super striking colours for an instant hit of happy. ■

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Stunning Engagement rings, Wedding bands & tailor-made rings

Engagement Rings • Wedding Rings • Wedding Gifts Beautiful Gift Ideas for the bridesmaids, mother of the bride and for the groom A 10% discount on any pair of rings purchased & off any further gifts for your wedding when you mention The Bristol Magazine We also offer Bespoke Jewellery • Silver Jewellery • Watches • Jewellery & Watch Repairs • Gold purchased (old jewellery & coins)

History, Tradition & Quality - the only Kemps Jewellers since 1881 9 Calton Court, Westbury on Trym, Bristol, BS9 3DF

www.kempsjewellers.com

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HOT SHOTS As beady eyes are cast over the catwalks, local fashion photographers talk technique, favourite Bristol locations and dream collaborations

We love this image by Amanda Thomas – shot on the rocks in Portishead Marina

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PHOTOGRAPHY

O

n the cusp of a new season – especially one that sees us start to consider shedding our multiple wintry layers and swapping the thick, snug knits for something a little less heavy duty – our eyes tend to be glued to the fashion scenes in glossy magazines; the statuesque souls showcasing the latest trends.

But this time we’ve been equally as intrigued by what goes on behind the lens – specifically, keen to find out more about some of Bristol’s own sartorial shutterbugs...

Sean Malyon TBM: Tell us a bit about your style...

SM: People tell me I have an editorial style but I don’t like to analyse my photography. I just look at the light, the location, the model and try to put it all together in the way I think works best.

When did you first become interested in photography?

I used to be a magazine journalist and a massive part of the job was coming up with ways to illustrate articles with photography. After a while I became frustrated that others were taking the pictures but I was coming up with the ideas. So I set about developing photography skills – I’m largely self taught.

Favourite project to date?

Probably a fashion shoot in Norway. It was in March so there was plenty of snow about and the landscapes were stunning. It was also pretty amazing shooting in the centre of Paris. I used to travel a lot more – all over the US, Europe and the Middle East. That came to a halt in 2008 with the recession but it’s slowly coming back.

Favourite era of fashion?

Got to be the 1960s. The bold, graphic images shot by David Bailey in that decade still look fantastic. I’ve just Googled ‘1960s fashion photography’ and all the images that came up look so contemporary – you could wear any of the clothes today and look amazing.

Best tip?

Talk to the models. Have a chat and a joke with them. Get them involved with the shoot – they often have great ideas that you can bring into a shoot.

Where’s your favourite place to work in Bristol?

I’ve got a few but many of them are disappearing with all the development that’s going on. Most of them are very urban and grubby.

Which Bristol people have you loved shooting with?

I have used Mustard models for many years now and they’re great.

My go-to make-up artist is Elle Hitchins (ellehitchens.co.uk).

Who is your inspiration?

David LaChapelle, Julia Fullerton-Batten, Platon, Perou – none of them strictly fashion photographers. My favourite photographer is Sebastian Salgado – his series ‘Workers’ is one of the great photographic achievements.

Dream collaboration?

I’m a bit of a closet petrolhead so I’d like to combine fashion photography with cars. But not in a terrible, clichéd way. Belstaff did a great shoot with David Beckham – thinks ’60s rockers, gritty, black and white. Something along those lines would be good.

Which bit of kit could you not live without?

I use Nikon cameras and have done for years. They are well built and ultra reliable. Only once has a camera failed on me and that was my fault. I shoot nearly everything with a 35mm prime lens. I can shoot tight in portraits with it as well as wide location portraits. That focal length just seems to fit my eye..

• seanmalyon.co.uk

Hacker TBM: When did you become interested in photography?

H: I was always interested in art but I didn’t have the patience to achieve what I wanted to do, so photography felt like a much more instant piece of artwork. But sometimes I do wonder why I’m still sat there retouching eight hours later!

Favourite shoot that you’ve done...

I always like the latest project I work on. I put a lot of energy and time into each one with art direction and ideas. I always try to develop the brief with the client, pushing both them and myself into trying something new and different.

Favourite era of fashion?

For me it’s all about the here and now. I think you can go in so many directions nowadays and there are so many amazing photographers out there. Almost every idea has been done but it’s what you put in it that makes it different from any other photographer’s.

Best tip?

Try not to conform to what you see every day. Try to stand out amongst the crowd and do your own thing.

Where’s your favourite place to shoot in Bristol?

All over really. It’s surprising how the simplest place, with really good light, can make for a superb photograph.

Which Bristol creatives do you rate?

Make-up artist Isabel While always makes the shoot really enjoyable and is a right laugh. It helps the subjects relax before they’ve even got in front of the camera. You could call her my fluffer. Her make-up and hair styling are amazing – she’s always wanting to try something new.

In terms of sourcing models, Charlene at 25 Model Management on Wilder Street has always helped me out and is a pleasure to work with.

Which photographers do you love?

Nick Knight – he uses a lot of retouch and colour and light to create his images. Shooting for high-end fashion labels always helps to create unforgettable images.

What would your dream job be?

To have a retainer for one of the top fashion labels would be a dream.

Then you’re almost at the highest point of photography and you don’t need to worry where you next job is coming from.

What’s your starting point on location?

Working out the surroundings, what direction the wind is coming from and, most importantly, where is the light coming from.

Which item could you not live without?

The Canon flagship 1D range – which I’ve always used. The autofocus is amazing – it’s a complete work horse.

Have you travelled much with your photography?

Yeah, I managed to travel quite a bit, even in my assisting days. In recent years I’ve managed to get across to New York, Iceland and Greenland but I’d probably say my favourite place I’ve been was New Zealand. Lovely people out there and great light.

• hackerphotography.co.uk

Kimberley Rowlands and Paul Claridge TBM: Describe your style...

KR: Ours is very much studio-based photography – we work from our studio Eyebox in St Werburghs, specialising in fashion and portraiture, working alongside local businesses and holding photography events and workshops to help like-minded photographers build their portfolios in a fun, creative way. But our styles are very different as individual photographers. Paul loves his low-key lighting, creating an edgy, emotional feel to his work, while I love colour and texture in my images and like to push my photography limits on each shoot.

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PHOTOGRAPHY

How did you get into this line of work?

Paul first became involved in photography while working as a lighting assistant on commercial shoots with his brother Iain in the 1990s – he then branched off to spend time on his own projects and opened Eyebox Studio in 2013. I started my career on the other side of the camera first and modelled for lots of photography workshops while my children were young, before picking up my own camera and starting to teach myself from 2009.

Favourite project to date?

Working with Lou Ferrigno – the original Incredible Hulk! He was filming his new movie in Bristol and needed some promo shots for his posters. We both remember watching him on the TV while growing up and it was a surreal day at the studio to have the six-foot-three ‘Hulk’ stood in our studio. Lou is a great guy and we had so much fun on set – it was a day we will remember forever.

What do you love about fashion photography over other forms?

We love working with people and clothing to create the perfect image.

Fashion sits on a massive spectrum – each person sees fashion as something personal to them. I love the colours, textures, shapes, and feel to the images we create. We have made a lot of our own outfits for fashion shoots to add something extra to our style. The Children’s Scrapstore is just across from us and has been an amazing resource for us in all our shoots. Fashion just allows you to be fun and creative more then other forms of photography do.

Favourite era of fashion?

Paul enjoys the 1970s fashion due to its vibrant colour blocking, use of tailored pattern cutting and the era he was brought up in. I’m more of an ’80s girl – crimped hair, bright colours, OTT makeup, platform shoes and chunky jewellery.

Who has been your biggest influence?

Paul has always admired Helmut Newton and his provocative black and white style of photography. I stumbled across Karl Taylor a few years ago and really enjoyed his tutorial style of teaching. His fashion is always bright and textured and in the style I enjoy creating.

Dream job?

We would love to be present at the major fashion shows as photographers, capturing the models as they glide elegantly down the catwalk. Milan fashion week would be fantastic. We can all dream!

What’s the first thing you do when you arrive in the studio?

Open the large roller shutter door and allow the beautiful natural light to fill the room. With the kettle on and studio lights warming up, we can then sit back and run through the layout of the day’s shoot.

Normally we have our mood boards in front of us and a good time to recap the brief before the client arrives.

What kit do you rate?

Paul shoots with the Canon 5D mark III – his preferred lens in the studio is the 24-70mm. I shoot with the Canon 60D 18-135mm in the studio but we both love to swap lenses for each shoot we do. The 50mm lens is a great portrait lens as well. I love being creative with my Lensbaby range which are fully manual and offer a tilt and shift – they are not the easiest lenses to work with but I love the in-camera motion blur results you get from them.

• eyeboxstudio.co.uk

Amanda Thomas TBM: What do you try to achieve with your images?

AT: My style has been described as beautiful, gentle, powerful and serene, as there is a visual sense of softness, serenity and strength. I shoot a lot of empowered women and it’s important to me to bring all of these elements together, because it makes for a beautiful image.

When did you first become interested in photography?

When I was a teenager. My dad was a musician, which meant he often 28 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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visited photographers’ studios. On one occasion I went with him to collect the contact sheets. The photographer had just wrapped a shoot, the lights were still on and the atmosphere was electric. It was amazing.

From that moment I was hooked. I assisted a number of photographers before I went to photography school, and two years after I graduated I started out on my own.

Tell us about some of your latest shoots...

I recently shot a couple of campaigns for a footwear client and we produced a great shoot with flowers, a model and lots of greenery. It was time consuming and ambitious but so worth it. Another one was with Natural Spa Factory, who make fabulous skin care products. It was a beautifully styled shoot – a playful mixture of fashion and beauty – that produced strong images. I’m working on a fashion book right now, which will be published in October – I can’t talk about it too much but it’s been an exciting project and I can’t wait to tell people about it.

Favourite era of fashion?

I love the Dior Haute Couture era as it made a real impact for change in womenswear, and I’m also loving what’s around now – contemporary footwear and lingerie design is really special. Designers are being brave with great details and it’s exciting to see.

Where’s your favourite place to shoot in Bristol?

I quite like to take my shoots outside when possible, so anywhere that has an interesting look. The Bristol Museum and Art Gallery is a beautiful building and has fantastic spaces for which I have a soft spot.

I tend to use Good Spaces, a location agency in Bristol, to help source unique locations for bigger shoots – they are really helpful.

Favourite local creatives?

Bristol has a wealth of creative talent. I have worked with many talented make-up artists – one of my favourites is Inma Azorin. She is doing so well right now and is booked for feature films. Another favourite makeup artist is Alex Fia – I have also photographed her a few times now too. Ones to watch are Shari Knowles, Elle Hitchens and Lisa Caldognetto. Gingersnap model agency has been around the longest of the Bristol model agencies and I have a good working relationship with them.

What inspires you?

I draw a lot of inspiration from paintings – a stroll around an art gallery really fires my imagination. I do love the work of Norman Parkinson, Annie Leibovitz and Tim Walker as they run with their imagination and are exciting visionaries.

Describe your dream collaboration...

Shooting a campaign for Prada, incorporating clothing, handbags and footwear. Their brand is really polished and curatorial yet always ahead.

I would use a mixture of models and actors and musicians to blend. I would also love to shoot for the clothing brand Toast – their pieces and visuals are quite ephemeral and grounded.

How does an Amanda Thomas shoot begin?

I usually do a ‘walk and talk’ when I arrive on set – a quick recce of the space while we run through the brief and shot list for the day. I like to work with a schedule so everyone on the shoot knows exactly what is happening and when.

What kit do you use?

I shoot with Profoto lights that have a remote control, which is so handy and makes my job so much easier. I couldn’t live without my Canon camera and 85mm lens – it’s perfect for fashion and portraits.

Have you travelled much with your photography?

Yes, I have been to America, Italy and Germany, and made several trips on the Eurostar to Brussels. It sounds exciting and most of the time it’s an adventure, although it is super-sized commuting so it’s essential to plan with precision. I do love the light in California, it’s just so warm and rich – my favourite kind of light.

• amandathomasphotographer.co.uk ■

~1487944408~Fashion best1.qxp_Layout 7 24/02/2017 13:55 Page 4

A shoot by Sean for a t-shirt company by the Create Centre in the Cumberland Basin – an area which has now gone with the building of the Metro Bus

Kimberley and Paul work from their St Werburghs studio, specialising in fashion and portraiture

Hacker teamed up with Frome’s Donna May Vintage for this ethereal shoot

Paris is always a great place to shoot, says Sean, but you tend to attract a crowd

Amanda Thomas worked on this shoot on Clevedon Pier with fashion designer Arianna Cadwallader

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FILM

PICK OF THE FLICKS Bristol Film Festival kicks off this month, with a fun-filled programme promising to immerse audiences

Timothy Spall stars as the beloved British artist

Mr Turner, RWA 10 March, 7pm After 2016’s opening night screening of Frida, Bristol Film Festival returns to the Royal West of England Academy for its next Academy Screening: Mike Leigh’s acclaimed biopic about JMW Turner – a man who challenges the contemporary art world while facing his own personal challenges.

Ascend the RWA staircase for welcome drinks and live period music courtesy of the Brunel Quartet, before entering the main gallery for an introduction from RWA director Alison Bevan, and enjoying Timothy Spall’s awardwinning performance as the beloved artist, among the RWA’s exhibitions.

Master And Commander, ss Great Britain, 9 March, 6.15pm The programme launches with a screening of an Oscar-winning maritime epic, on board Bristol’s famous vessel. Head for the atmospheric dry dock for welcome drinks, including a performance by Bristol’s finest sea shanty singers The Longest Johns (as seen on BBC’s The Choir). Then make your way to the

first class dining saloon for a cinematic experience to stir young and old alike.

introduction to provide social context, and ales from Wickwar Brewing.

From Russia With Love, Avery’s, 10 March, 7pm

Bristol’s History on Film, RWA, 11 March

A vintage screening to leave you shaken and stirred. During Sean Connery’s second outing as 007, which sees him traverse Europe on the Orient Express as he assists a defecting Soviet agent, you can expect to be served an interesting range of European wines to accompany his perilous journey. There’ll be a glass of cava upon arrival at Averys’ historic cellars, along with a selection of cheeses courtesy of the award-winning Arch House Deli before the screening, then the film itself will be accompanied by a tasting of four wines led by one of Averys’ resident experts.

American Psycho, Redcliffe Caves, 11 March, 6pm Head to the festival’s Underground Cinema, delving deep into caves transformed for this year’s programme into an eerie Cold War-style bunker, to watch Christian Bale star as wealthy, vain New York banker Patrick Bateman, who enjoys a hedonistic lifestyle alongside his vacuous co-workers, but becomes increasingly obsessed with drugs, pornography and violence, before a minor humiliation in the workplace pushes him over the edge. Includes a bespoke industry

Head to Avery’s if you fancy a drink-along screening

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Ours is a city with a rich and fascinating history, and in the last century, moving image has been crucial to recording critical moments in its story. From major moments in Bristol’s history, to footage of the places we know and love today, this talk, made possible thanks to rare archival footage from Bristol Record Office, promises an insightful look at the use of film to document the rich life and culture of cities in the last century.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Bristol Cathedral, 11 March Enjoy the 1923 version of the story in one of Bristol’s most atmospheric landmarks, with an improvised organ accompaniment score from award-winning organist David Bednall, as part of the Candlelight Screening series. Sure to be a memorable evening, it will blend classic silent cinema with live music to bring the movie to life like never before. The event also includes a drinks reception, a specially produced short film about the history of Bristol Cathedral’s bells, and a demonstration of bell-ringing courtesy of the Cathedral’s skilled team. ■ • bristolfilmfestival.com

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The 50-minute show centres on four women, moving between chit-chat and apocalyptic horrors, over tea in a back garden (photography by Johan Persson)

GREAT ESCAPE Theo Bosanquet talks to one star of the thought-provoking Caryl Churchill play arriving at Bristol Old Vic this month

W

hen actress Linda Bassett first read the script of Escaped Alone, she had a clear vision of all the characters except one. “I could picture the others, but I just couldn’t picture Mrs Jarrett – which was interesting, considering that was the one I was taking on.”

Part of the reason for this, she says, is because Mrs J – as she’s referred to in the script – is open to so many interpretations. “She’s the woman down the road, but then she talks about these catastrophes that give her a whole different dimension.”

These “catastrophes” are relayed in a series of monologues delivered between four women talking over tea in a back garden.

And that the play’s author, Caryl Churchill, has blended naturalism and surrealism in this way should come as no surprise, seeing as she’s been exploring the boundaries of theatrical form for over 50 years.

It was Caryl, in fact, who gave Linda her first big break in theatre, casting her in her 1983 play Fen – a Joint Stock production that came to the Royal Court. So how does Linda think her writing has changed over that time?

“She always writes about the time she’s living in, and she’s usually a few steps ahead of other people,” she answers. “She has a political and poetic sense of current events. She introduced the overlapping dialogue back in the ’80s, whereas now she almost does the opposite.

There’s a different cadence to it now, the lines are shorter.”

Escaped Alone, which conjures up apocalyptic horrors one minute and friendly chit-chat the next, speaks particularly to a time when people are still “in shock” about world events. “A friend came to see

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it and said it was a relief to sit in an audience having similar responses,” remembers Linda. “I think it made her feel less lonely with all the things her brain is trying to deal with.”

Despite being only 50 minutes long, the play is brimful of ideas and meaning. At times, the dialogue can feel half-finished, with whole conversations alluded to in a single line. The key to enjoying it, says Linda, is simply not to think about it too much.

...Dystopian ideas suddenly feel quite contemporary... The uncertainty of what’s next is part of the reason the play chimes with people “If you try and follow it all literally, you get into difficulties,” she explains. “If you sit back and just let it in, you’ll get it. You just have to let it come at you. Its meaning may only hit you the next day.”

It’s rare to see a play that features exclusively older women, and Linda is revelling in the opportunity to work with three other seasoned actresses (namely, June Watson, Kika Markham and

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THEATRE Deborah Findlay). She describes it as like being part of a musical quartet, with each player both “good at their own part, and very admiring of the others”.

And the music isn’t just metaphorical. One scene sees the women launch into a beautiful acapella rendition of The Crystals’ classic Da Doo Ron Ron. They tried out several other options in rehearsal before landing on it, and the reason harks back to Fen. “We used to sing it in the minibus as we toured around the country, and Caryl remembered it very clearly,” says Linda.

Life has changed a lot for Linda since those early touring days.

Thanks to films such as East is East, The Hours and Calendar Girls, and TV series including Dinnerladies, Lark Rise to Candleford and Call the Midwife, she has long been a household name. But it’s on stage that she feels most at home, and she’s delighted to have the chance to tour again. “I have mates in all the places we’re going, and some special associations too. I got to know Bristol well when we did Lark Rise, and Salford has a particular place in my heart because of East is East.”

After the national tour they’re taking the play to New York. It’s an interesting time to be going there, to say the least, in light of the recent election of President Trump – so how does Linda think the play will go down? “I don’t know whether Trump supporters will come and see it,” she says. “I wouldn’t have thought so. New York was heavily against him. Caryl is very loved over there. They love her poetic side particularly, which the British sometimes find a bit tricky.”

One line in the play loosely equates the American eagle with fascism. Considering it was written pre-Trump, it seems eerily prophetic. When Escaped Alone premiered at the Royal Court last January the line didn’t elicit much of a reaction – now, Linda has to wait for the knowing laughter to subside. “Dystopian ideas suddenly feel quite contemporary. And I think the uncertainty of what’s coming next is part of the reason the play chimes with people.”

Interestingly, the title is a reference to the book of Job, as quoted in Herman Melville’s Moby Dick. Linda, who was “brought up on Bible stories,” explains that it refers to a servant who escapes disaster to report back to Job on the horrors God has inflicted on his family.

This helped her uncover something important about Mrs J – that she, in a sense, is also a messenger.

“Many of the horrors she describes are not visions of the future, they’re visions of the past,” she says. “They are reminders of what happens whenever greed takes what it wants and lets people die.

These are not natural disasters – they’re all created by humans...”

We ignore her warnings at our peril. ■ • The Escaped Alone UK tour finishes at Bristol Old Vic from 22-26 March; bristololdvic.org.uk Linda (pictured) was given her first big break in theatre by Caryl, who she says has always had a political and poetic sense of current events

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LOCAL | EVENTS

WHAT’S ON There’s plenty to do in the city this month...

Make your own origami decorations at The Forge. Image © Holly Booth Photography

Sheridan Smith stars as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl.

Image © Johan Persson

Comedy duo The Establishment come to The Wardrobe Theatre

quintessentially English comedy act – think quick wit, tea and cricket – on their first UK tour.

Tickets cost £7; thewardrobetheatre.com

FROM 1 FEBRUARY 2 – 4 MARCH, 7.30PM

We Are Ian, Tobacco Factory Theatres Award-winning company In Bed With My Brother takes us back to 1989 Manchester for raves, parties, politics and seriously good music. Tickets cost £8; tobaccofactorytheatres.com 2 MARCH, 6PM

UWE Bristol Talks: Colour

By Numbers, Arnolfini Carinna Parraman, professor of design and colour print at UWE, discusses ‘original’ prints, mass customisation and new 2.5D technology. Tickets from £4 to £6, entrance is free for UWE staff and students; arnolfini.org.uk 4 MARCH, 8PM

Bristol Burns: Trinity Ball, Trinity Centre Celebrate alternative culture at this fundraising ball for LGBT+ charity Prism, including a screening of Paris is Burning, a catwalk, dance competition, burlesque show and a host of other entertainments. Tickets from £15 to £22.50; 3ca.org.uk 7 MARCH, 8PM

The Establishment, The Wardrobe Theatre Fringe Festival favourites The Establishment take their

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FROM 8 FEBRUARY 9 MARCH, 6.30PM

In Conversation: Lubaina Himid and Lisa Milroy, Spike Island Lisa Milroy, head of graduate painting at the Slade School of Fine Art, speaks to Lubaina Himid, whose politically critical work is linked to the Black Arts Movement of the 1980s. Tickets from £3 to £5; spikeisland.org.uk 11 MARCH, 10.30AM – 1.30PM

Modern Origami Workshop, The Forge Learn to make beautiful Japanese origami decorations using quality paper from British designers and traditional geometric shapes and patterns.

Tickets cost £50; theforgebristol.com 11 MARCH, 7.30PM

Rhapsodic Russia, TrinityHenleaze URC Bristol Ensemble explores the music of Russia including Shostakovich’s Concerto for Piano, Trumpet and Strings and Tchaikovsky’s graceful and classically-styled Serenade for Strings. Tickets from £5 to £16;

MARCH 2017

henleazeconcertsociety.org.uk 12 MARCH, 7PM

St Matthew Passion, St George’s City of Bristol Choir and The Lochrian Ensemble perform Bach’s mighty St Matthew Passion, which recounts the events of Christ’s final days – betrayal, trial and crucifixion – in music brimming with power and drama. Tickets from £5 to £25; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk 13 MARCH, 8PM

Brennan Reece, Smoke and Mirrors Bar Cheeky upcoming comedian and Best Newcomer at the 2016 Edinburgh Comedy Awards nominee Brennan Reece chats growing up in the North, family and masculinity in his comedy ‘Everglow’ show. Tickets cost £5; smokeandmirrorsbar.co.uk

FROM 15 FEBRUARY 17 – 19 MARCH, TIMES VARY

Blah’s Big Weekend, Bristol Old Vic This three-day festival brings the best slam poetry, spoken word, comedy and writing to Bristol, featuring London company Tongue Fu and others across a series of six events. Ticket prices up to £10; bristololdvic.org.uk 18 MARCH, 7.30PM

The Sweet Melodies of

Spring, St. Alban’s Church St. Alban’s Players present a classical concert of song and spoken word, featuring young professionals from The Royal Academy of Music and The Royal Scottish Conservatoire along with local soloists. Tickets cost £15, in aid of St Alban’s Church; stalbansplayers.co.uk 18 MARCH, 7.45PM

Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Clifton Cathedral Bristol Phoenix Choir and Orchestra perform Mendelssohn’s Elijah, together with the Bristol Cathedral Consort and soloists Jessica Cale, Jenna Cooper, Mike Gormley and Edmund Danon.

Tickets cost £15; bristolphoenixchoir.org.uk 21 MARCH, 3PM

Oh What A Nite! The Redgrave Theatre Celebrate the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons with The Jerseys, featuring the tight harmonies, perfect falsetto and polished choreography of the original group. Tickets cost £17.50 to £19.50; redgravetheatre.com 21 – 25 MARCH, 2.30PM & 7.30PM

Funny Girl, Bristol Hippodrome Sheridan Smith reprises her role as Broadway star and comedienne Fanny Brice, with hits including Don’t Rain On

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LOCAL | EVENTS My Parade and People. Tickets from £18 to £50.50; atgtickets.com

Choir. Tickets from £5 to £22; bristolbach.org.uk 1 APRIL, 7.30PM

FROM 22 FEBRUARY 25 MARCH, 7.30PM

Mendelssohn and Mozart, Colston Hall Bristol Choral Society and Bristol Ensemble perform Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto and Hear My Prayer, followed

by Mozart’s imposing Mass in C minor. Tickets from £5.38 to £27.95; colstonhall.org 25 – 26 MARCH, 10AM – 5PM

Bristol Holistic Festival, M Shed

Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610, St George’s Exultate Singers perform Monteverdi's sumptuous Venetian masterpiece, in collaboration with the virtuosic early music ensemble His Majestys Sagbutts and Cornetts.

Tickets from £5 to £24; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk 6 – 8 APRIL, 10AM – 5PM

Craft Show, Bath and West Showground 100 leading craft suppliers, businesses, groups and guilds come together to present 75 workshops, demonstrations and ‘make and takes’ in one of the biggest hobby and needlecraft exhibitions in the South West.

Tickets from £7 to £8, under 16s go free; craft4crafters.co.uk

Bristol’s first ever holistic festival will feature stalls filled with relaxing music, essential oils and fairtrade goods, as well as a full programme of talks covering everything from mindfulness to shamanic drumming. Tickets from £6 to £25; bristolholisticfestival.com

8 APRIL, 7.30PM

30 MARCH, 8.30PM

An Evening of Russian Music, St George’s

Kate Simko and The London Electronic Orchestra, The Lantern Classically trained pianist Kate Simko joins the LEO for an evening of danceable, contemporary classical grooves – think luscious strings, synths and ethereal vocals. Tickets cost £16.12; colstonhall.org

Celebrate the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons at Redgrave Theatre

The antique, vintage and collectables fair comes to Ashton Court Mansion

Bristol Symphony Orchestra welcomes international concert violinist Natalia Lomeiko to perform Shostakovich’s intensely dramatic Violin Concerto No. 1, composed during the post-war years in Soviet Russia. Tickets from £5 to £17; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk 9 APRIL, 10AM – 3.30PM

NEXT MONTH...

1 APRIL, 7.30PM

St Luke Passion, Bristol Cathedral Bristol Bach Choir perform Sir James MacMillan's St. Luke Passion and works from Barber and Tallis alongside the Bristol Ensemble and members of The Red Maids' School Chamber

Antique, Vintage and Collectables Fair, Ashton Court Mansion Fine jewellery, furniture, vintage clothes and more are spread across 40 stalls at Ashton Court.

Take a stroll around the estate and return for cream teas and refreshments at the café.

Entrance costs £2; contact annie@blueyonder.co.uk

Bristol Phoenix Choir perform Mendelssohn’s Elijah

EDITOR’S PICK...

7 – 11 MARCH, 2.30PM & 7.30PM

Sunny Afternoon, Bristol Hippodrome

Image © Kevin Cummins

Mods of Bristol unite: the story of one of Britain’s most iconic rock bands is coming to Bristol. Olivier award-winning musical Sunny Afternoon celebrates the energetic ’60s sound of The Kinks, featuring top hits Waterloo Sunset, Lola and You Really Got Me. Formed as the brainchild of brothers Ray (played by Ryan O'Donnell, pictured) and David Davies in North London, The Kinks went on to become one of the most influential bands of the era, inspiring others with their uniquely ‘English’ sound and observational lyrics. From the group’s rise to stardom, to the subsequent highs and lows of fame and fortune and their eventual split in 1996, it’s a story with something for everyone – don your suit, jump on your Vespa and start reminiscing. Tickets from £15.50.

• atgtickets.com

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MUSIC

JAZZ IT UP

With Bristol Jazz and Blues Festival starting on 16 March, we round up some of our favourites from the line-up and offer a bit of suggested listening to get you in the mood...

Colston Hall, 18 March, 5.30pm Saucy tango meets gypsy rhythms and 1930s brass to create the intoxicating sound of Moscow Drug Club, led by classically trained ‘chanteuse’ Katya Gorrie. Usually found in shady watering holes, MDC bring a combination of original music and covers including Tom Waits, Bertolt Brecht and the late, great Leornard Cohen to Colston Hall.

Moscow Drug Club

Moscow Drug Club

Listen to...

O2 Academy, 17 March, 8pm New York-based multi-instrumentalist and producer Will Holland brings the best of his chilled jazz-funk-bossa-nova persona Quantic, with long-time collaborator Alice Russell – a contemporary British soul singer whose influences include Aretha Franklin and Eva Cassidy. Think dub, electronica, hip-hop and jazz – you’ll still be a way off labelling Quantic’s eclectic vibe.

Quantic ft. Alice Russell

Pee Wee Ellis

Listen to...

Colston Hall, 19 March, 1pm Life-affirming, uplifting and utterly feelgood – doesn’t everybody love the ultimate fusion of passionate faith and song that is gospel music? Up to 300 singers from longestablished London Community Gospel Choir create a memorable mix of traditional and contemporary sounds guaranteed to fill you with joy. Amen!

Praise!

Pee Wee Ellis with Roger Biwandu Trio

Quantic

Colston Hall, 19 March, 3.15pm Get up offa that thang – and get your ears around funk trailblazer, composer and epic saxophonist Pee Wee Ellis. With roots in James Brown’s pioneering horn outfit, Pee Wee is an acclaimed performer and keen supporter of the festival. Even better, he and jazz drummer extraordinaire Roger Biwandu are hosting workshops for all.

Mud Morganfield and Kirk Fletcher

Colston Hall, 18 March, 4.30pm This double bill is every blues aficionado’s dream, featuring the son of legendary ‘King of Blues’ Muddy Waters, and widely respected, award-winning soloist Kirk Fletcher. Expect achingly soulful vocals, wailing, rootsy guitar and buckets of charisma from these two iconic musicians.

London Community Gospel Choir

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• bristoljazzandbluesfest.com

Mud Morganfield

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MUSIC

CODES OF CONDUCT Anneka Sutcliffe, leader of the Bristol Metropolitan Orchestra interviews Tianyi Lu, newly appointed maestro

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hen Tianyi came to audition with the Bristol Metropolitan Orchestra, we realised instantly how lucky we were, that this extraordinary young woman wanted to bring her musical skill and vivacious energy to Bristol. We needed someone who could retain our high standards and strong reputation as one of the top amateur orchestras in the city, but we also needed a warm personality who could encourage, inspire and unite us after a time of change. Just that half-hour audition not only advanced us musically but elevated our spirits and stunned everyone in the room. The deciding vote was unanimous.

The idea of females being welcomed to the conductor’s podium is highly topical and still somewhat controversial. A 2014 Bachtrack survey found that in a list of 150 top conductors in the world, only five were women, while last year saw the first ever female conductor to perform at the Proms – the first in 118 years – and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra hit the press with the appointment of Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla – the only female conductor of a professional orchestra in the UK.

...My teacher suggested I conduct my own piece I had written for orchestra... It felt like flying – I was like a fish thrown into water for the first time...

Recently, we have seen streets full of millions of women protesting in the name of equality all over the world and many onlookers have been baffled at their apparent plight in the 21st century. The fact is that despite progress being made in so many areas of public life, full gender equality is still a long way from being attained.

Outdated prejudices are still rife. In 2013, Russian conductor Vasily Petrenko was reported to have said orchestras ‘react better when they have a man in front of them’ and ‘a cute girl on a podium means that musicians think about other things.’ This memorable statement has potentially blighted women wishing to pursue a career in conducting.

Perhaps he chose his words badly: orchestras may well react differently when they have a woman in front of them. What if a woman could bring qualities to the role that interpret the music in a way never expressed before? Is that not exactly what classical music needs as we see its funding cut and audience numbers dwindling? A fresh approach that connects people to deep emotions in the great composers’ minds?

This is exactly what Tianyi has been hailed for: her “charm, power and intensity allow her to highlight new elements in the works she performs,” says composer and conductor Ben Lunn. “For a composer to have such a champion is just such a thrill...”

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composer’s intention. Advanced communication skills are key: one must be transparent in emotion of every musical phrase and have the ability to form and nurture a trusting relationship with the orchestra.

The conductor is an actor and a dancer, taking centre-stage without making a sound, exposing themselves completely. While Tianyi was reluctant for this article to focus on her femininity – she talks deeply of many qualities required in conducting that are remarkable for any person to successfully uphold, man or woman – it’s important to spotlight the issue. Maybe one day we won’t even think of a woman in her role as a ‘female conductor’ – just as an inspiringly brilliant personality, musician and leader...

AS: Tianyi, when did you first know you wanted to conduct?

TL: I was in my second year at the University of Auckland, studying composition. Before then it never even occurred to me that conducting was an option. My teacher suggested that I conduct my own piece I had written for orchestra. I was so shocked! There were no female role models, I had no idea what to do. I just waved my arms around. But it felt like flying, I was like a fish thrown into water for the first time.

And from then on...?

No, even after that day I still gave no thought whatsoever to a career in conducting. It just wasn’t a path that seemed available. I jumped at an opportunity to attend a beginner’s class and the tutor, Eckhardt Stier, picked me out and said “You are not a beginner!” And he offered me free private lessons. When he said that I could do this as a career, my heart blossomed – it was like falling in love. I loved working with the incredible colour of the orchestra and seeing musicians achieve their potential.

What is conducting all about, for you?

The most important thing I learnt was from John Hopkins. He taught me about humility; it’s not about me, I’m a servant of the music and the musicians. As soon as you make it about yourself, that’s when you become nervous. I’m there to help the musicians to perform the best they possibly can. He had a calm energy but intensely blue eyes which he would fix on mine, and he would say; “conducting is all about the eyes!” John helped me realise that I wasn’t going to be a typical, white male, tyrannical conductor. I wanted to do it in a humble, positive, nurturing way. He had taught me that I could reinvent the role and make it my own.

I’m reminded of a beautiful moment in rehearsal where you said; “When we make a mistake, instead of being grumpy with ourselves, say ‘how fascinating!’” Your forward-focused positive attitude is so infectious – how did you find this drive?

For me, the enjoyment in life itself is working really hard to be good at something and constantly challenging yourself to be better – never stopping, never settling for what you can do now. It’s the most satisfying and rewarding thing. I feel lucky I’m working in a role that challenges me in so many ways. Physically, dealing with your arms and how they move, how your whole body moves. Mentally, dealing with music of incredible complexity. Psychologically and emotionally, dealing with musicians and being respectful of all their own things

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Orchestra percussionist Harriet Riley – image by Roy Campbell-Moore

which is why the world is so beautiful – not a single leaf is the same as another leaf yet they could both be perfect. Humans are not perfect. The nature of the human condition is not perfect. I’m the sort of conductor that focuses on bringing the message of the human condition to people. I want to give a true story and I believe truth is not perfect. When I’m conducting, I try to convey a message of humanity through the composer and what they were trying to achieve. If I can get that then it’s a success.

How do you do that!?

Allowing the music to move you, asking the right questions – I’m still learning! Music making is an act of compassion. Any art is allowing people to get outside themselves and realise they’re not alone. The act of live music making requires performers, an audience, composer – there are complicated relationships at work. You’re a small part of something very big. I study these pieces and they are so incredible.

I’m very small in the face of it all, very humbled.

Image by Antony Potts

...I wasn’t going to be a typical, white male, tyrannical conductor. I wanted to do it in a humble, positive, nurturing way... going on in their lives. You have to be a leader. Personally you’re dealing with your own insecurities, limitations, fears about your own future or ability in the moment. You’re naked on the podium even when you don’t feel brave. You have to be mentally prepared and the nature of music itself is unpredictable and difficult to plan ahead for.

How do you deal with the feeling of exposure?

It’s about how well you know the music and forgiving yourself for not being perfect – at this stage, this is what you know. You will know way more in 10 years’ time, even in a month’s time. The challenge of any career or endeavour: being able to be at peace with where you are and yet still have the desire to grow. It’s a difficult balance to achieve. You can be very content and not want to improve, or very ambitious and therefore unhappy with what you do – a struggle a lot of artists go through. A lot of performers feel low after a performance because it wasn’t perfect. But I’m always happy.

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Why did you apply to conduct an orchestra in Bristol?

I know how competitive I can be. I’m a workaholic – in Melbourne I wouldn’t allow myself time to do anything other than music.

Cooking was the only thing I’d allow myself to do – it was my relaxation. I knew if I lived in London I’d go nuts. I need to be somewhere I can calm down and have space to breathe.

How’s it feel to be part of this changing time for female conductors?

It’s exciting we’re seeing more female conductors – the stats have been appalling. People are more aware and open to it and, in some cases, actively seeking females now. I’m all for being an ambassador but at the end of the day, you have to be good at what you do so I try not to think about it. You can also victimise yourself. In terms of my own mind, I can think; ‘It’s because I’m a woman that I didn’t get in’ and instead I should focus on how I can improve. If anything, I think of it as an advantage – maybe we can channel compassion but I think it’s hard to say if we can bring something more or different. We’re all on a spectrum – there are masculine women and feminine men. I try to avoid those terms. If we’re talking about the traditional ideas of what masculinity can be, it’s not the sort of leadership that empowers people. For me, as Ben Zander says, a conductor’s power lies in making other people powerful. ■ • See Tianyi in action on 11 March at St George’s with the Bristol Metropolitan Orchestra, conducting Brahms’ 1st Symphony, Beethoven’s Corolian Overture and Sibelius’ Violin Concerto, or visit tianyi-lu.com; bristolmetropolitanorchestra.com

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EXHIBITIONS

STATE OF THE ART We Are Native Women, Rainmaker Gallery, 23 March – 31 May

Viable 1 by Shan Goshorn: a digital composite of Native woman Jasha, against a backdrop of repeated words by Luther Standing Bear

This exhibition highlights the strength and diversity of Native American women through the recent work of 12 contemporary indigenous North American artists from Alaska to New Mexico. The show includes a range of media, from painting, printmaking and photography to basket weaving, in works depicting women of all ages – strong, powerful, nurturing, caring, vulnerable, desirable, provocative, dangerous, real and supernatural.

2017 marks the 400th anniversary of the death of Pocahontas in Gravesend, Kent.

Famous for her involvement with the English settlers in Jamestown, she is probably the only Native American woman who most British people could name. The popular treatment of Pocahontas – most memorably perhaps by Disney – has propelled her to become the poster girl for Native American culture. The way in which the figure of Pocahontas (in fact and myth) has come to dominate our understanding, and has eclipsed the numerous Native American women whose real lives are as worthy of our attention, is the motivation for this exhibition which aims to move beyond Pocahontas, to release her from the symbolic duty of standing for all Native American women.

• rainmakerart.co.uk

Glass Microbiology, The Box (At-Bristol), until 4 September

Spring Quartet, Clifton Contemporary Art gallery, 21 March – 29 April

Gallery space The Box celebrates the synergy between art and science, and features exhibitions and artists that occupy the exciting space where art and science meet. Currently showing are the strangely beautiful jewel-like sculptures of Glass Microbiology – put together by internationally acclaimed Bristol-based artist Luke Jerram, who brings the invisible world of viruses to life.

Clifton Contemporary Art is focusing on four key artists whose techniques, materials and works are dramatically different. From the highly textured oil on canvas portraits of Carl Melegari and Lynn Golden’s mesmerising acrylic and metallic leaf floral compositions, to Sarah Brown’s lucid, atmospheric pastel landscapes and Christine Feiler’s elegant, timeless ceramic pieces, this is an exhibition that celebrates diversity. See also a selection of new work by artists including Tom Hughes, Parastoo Ganjei, Hannah Woodman and Stephanie Axtell.

• cliftoncontemporaryart.co.uk

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• at-bristol.org.uk

ELA by Carl Melegari

Image by Luke Jerram

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EXHIBITIONS

Lubaina Himid: Navigation Charts, Spike Island, until 26 March Lubaina Himid was a pioneer of the Black Arts Movement in Britain in the 1980s, which offered a forum for black artists exploring the social and political issues surrounding black history and identity. This exhibition – a collaboration with Modern Art Oxford and Nottingham Contemporary – focuses on migration, labour and creativity. Anchored by Naming the Money (2004), an installation of 100 life-size, painted figures that has been shown only once before in its entirety, the presentation brings into dialogue major works from the past 20 years.

• spikeisland.org.uk

Warrior Treasures: Saxon Gold from the Staffordshire Hoard, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, until 23 April Set within a mysterious forest is a dazzling collection of gold, silver and semiprecious gems from Anglo-Saxon weaponry, ready to be discovered. Damaged and fragmentary, these superbly crafted fittings were discarded, but who buried them?

And did they intend to come back for them? The collection is part of the Staffordshire Hoard, considered one of the most significant Anglo-Saxon finds. It almost certainly represents the spoils of war, fought in an ancient kingdom during the seventh century AD. Don’t miss the chance to come up close to these treasures and find out how a sword was more than a weapon – it revealed a warrior’s status, wealth, family and even religious beliefs. The Staffordshire Hoard is owned by Birmingham City Council and Stoke-on-Trent City Council and cared for on their behalf by Birmingham Museums Trust and The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery.

• bristolmuseums.org.uk

Also not to be missed... ● Life of Clay: Experimental Practice at Grymsdyke Farm, The Architecture Centre, until 12 March What happens when technologies collide? In a converted farmhouse in rural Buckinghamshire, architects, artists and designers are using robotic arms, sausage makers and potter’s wheels to experiment with clay processes and the potential of site-responsive architecture. This exhibition brings together the clay works of Grymsdyke Farm, from finely glazed ceramics to intricate 3D printed screens. Working in collaboration with research institutions, students and makers, Eleanor Morgan and Guan Lee explore the trial and error processes involved in creating new forms from an old material and the lively possibilities of clay. Life of Clay, curated by Eleanor Morgan and Guan Lee, is the outcome of a RIBA Research Trust Award, and was originally shown at RIBA London.

• architecturecentre.co.uk

● Joyce Petschek: Breaking the Pattern, 18 March – 29 October, The American Museum in Britain Fans of Joyce Petschek might fancy a jaunt to Bath to see her exquisite textile art curated in a major solo exhibition for the first time in Britain. For much of her life Joyce has been passionate about Bargello, a traditional needlework technique consisting of upright flat stitches in varying lengths. The name originates from a series of 17th-century chairs found in the Bargello Palace in Florence that have a ‘flame stitch’ pattern. After many years creating designs for the commercial market, Joyce closed her business and began to work on larger, personal pieces that allowed her to explore the creative potential of her own vision. By moving away from the constraints of traditional Bargello work, she has reinvented the genre. In addition to wall textiles, a number of three-dimensional pieces will be on display, including an antique Italian wing chair, an over-sized wall mirror, a high-canopied hall porter’s chair, bespoke travel bags, and a 19th-century Kashmiri nomad’s stool. • americanmuseum.org

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The road to recovery: Patients on Ward 5A of Beaufort War Hospital

ALL CHANGE ON THE HOME FRONT Jessica Hope visits Glenside Hospital Museum to discover how the Bristol Lunatic Asylum underwent significant change during the First World War

W

hile war raged overseas in Europe, by 1915 hospitals in Britain were quickly becoming overcrowded with the sheer number of wounded soldiers being transferred from across the English Channel. In a desperate attempt to create more facilities and beds for soldiers, the War Office took over Bristol Lunatic Asylum and developed it into a war hospital in order to deal with the increasing demand for orthopaedic treatments.

After agreeing to change the asylum’s name for the duration of the war, the newly titled Beaufort War Hospital (named after the Duke of Beaufort) expanded the building’s facilities on an enormous scale.

The number of beds increased from 520 to 1,640 – including beds that were even added to the corridors as the hospital came under pressure to treat the growing numbers of patients. The day rooms and night wards of the asylum were transformed into medical and surgical wards, while corrugated iron and patent plaster were used to make temporary operating theatres.

The wounded arrived in Bristol by train, with many soldiers making the journey in the middle of night so that members of the public did not witness the extent of the injuries they had suffered while fighting abroad. As the soldiers arrived in their hundreds, they were greeted by volunteers and members of the Red Cross.

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Meads was, after such a long journey from the trenches: “We arrived at Bristol Station about 2am on Whit Monday; a sore, tired lot, after many weary hours on train and boat. We thought we were going to London, but many of us seemed so fed up that we didn’t care much where we were going. We certainly didn’t expect any fuss to be made of us at that hour of the morning, so you can imagine our glad surprise to see a bright array of Red Cross sisters and smart looking Ambulance Corps. The cheery, animated scene, with the red and white of the sisters and the dark blue and silver of the ambulance men, looked picturesque, spectacular – like a theatre scene.

“Before you could wink twice, we were putting ourselves outside of tea and cake to our heart’s content. While some served the good things, others gave us postcards – wrote them for us and arranged to post them for us – and one dear, thoughtful, motherly lady gave us luxury of luxuries – a nice pocket handkerchief each. And then there were the cigarettes. The splendid handling of the large number of stretcher cases was a sight good to see.” (Published in the Western Daily Press, 28 May 1915.)

As the wounded arrived at the Beaufort, they were cleaned, their often dirty, lice-ridden clothing was removed, and they were given clean, brightly coloured blue flannel uniforms with red ties (known at the time as convalescent blues) to wear before being assigned to a particular ward. While the photos available from this time are in black and white, you can imagine how bright and colourful the

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scenes around the hospital must have been with these uniforms.

It wasn’t just British soldiers who were treated at the Beaufort.

Large numbers of Canadian and Australian troops were admitted and 10 beds were allocated for German prisoners of war from labour camps on the outer area of Bristol who had fallen sick in 1917.

Thirty beds were also created for local soldiers requiring mental health treatment.

In order to keep morale up, the hospital organised plenty of entertainment to ensure patients were occupied during their stay. The Beaufort planned visits to Bristol Zoo, trips to the countryside, and football and cricket matches, plus the patients enjoyed theatre performances every Thursday afternoon from the stars from The Hippodrome. They would pile into the theatre, with some even being wheeled in, in their beds, to enjoy the show. The staff and soldiers also put on their own concerts, and Sergeant Major Kench (who was the head male nurse of the asylum before the outbreak of war) was a frequent performer and a popular entertainer among the troops.

While a number of the male workers at the asylum joined up to the armed services, the female staff became auxiliary nurses. By 1916, the hospital’s number of nursing staff had been cut significantly as so many women were drafted overseas, so members of the Voluntary Aid Detachment were brought to the Beaufort to help with the wounded.

The operating theatre

The wounded arriving at Bristol Temple Meads Station

...The red and white of the sisters and the dark blue and silver of the ambulance men looked picturesque, spectacular – like a theatre scene...

From 1915 to 1918 29,434 patients were admitted to the hospital, with 164 deaths being recorded (30 were civilian casualties from the Spanish flu epidemic in 1918) – a toll that seems remarkably low for such a high figure of severely injured men coming through the door.

One key factor for the smaller number of fatalities could be owed to the introduction of the Thomas splint to the hospital by orthopaedic surgeon Sir Robert Jones. Records show that by using the splint to support patients with fractures, this reduced the death rate for these kinds of injuries from 80% to just 8% – an extraordinary drop for such a simple piece of equipment, and Glenside Hospital Museum currently has one of these splints on display to the public.

And what of the patients who were originally in the hospital before the war broke out? As the wounded began to be transferred to the hospital in 1915, the occupants of the asylum were moved from Bristol to other asylums in the South West of England, including those in Wells and Taunton, while 45 male patients were kept onsite to work around the hospital and the grounds.

After the war ended in November 1918, the soldiers that were still recovering were moved on to other hospitals closer to home, whereas the asylum patients that had been taken to other institutions returned to the Bristol asylum throughout the months following the armistice.

The asylum eventually began to return to how it was before the outbreak of the war, employing most of the original staff and admitting its first new patient on 18 December 1919.

Glenside Hospital Museum is open from 10am to 12.30pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and group appointments are available to view the collection at other times of the week. Visit: The Chapel in UWE Glenside Campus, Blackberry Hill, Stapleton, Bristol, BS16 1DD. ■

Staff and patients in the hospital grounds

• Images courtesy of Glenside Hospital Museum; glensidemuseum.org.uk THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

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FOOD & LEISURE

Image © Paul Lippiatt – bristolpicture.co.uk

PRECIOUS

CARGO

The Bristol Magazine takes a stroll over to the trendy new development at Wapping Wharf to visit a few of the businesses already settled in, and discover some of what’s still to come

D

uring the latter part of last year, there developed a rather big buzz around one particular part of the city – an area, seemingly, largely ignored and somewhat derelict until it got itself a brand new, multi-million pound development to go with its enviable waterside location. Opening up a handy new walkway cutting through from Cumberland Road to the docks, Wapping Wharf’s tree-lined, hybrid residential-retail quarter is home to an array of lovely independent businesses and stylish apartments – with even more arriving this Spring.

Cargo’s cool little crop of converted shipping containers

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currently features everything from a stylish ‘flower emporium’ and a trendy barbershop to a selection of bistros, and Cargo 2 will continue to showcase some of the exciting culinary work happening in the city as well as plenty of other creative retailers – from a design-led jeweller to a tailored massage company. So, if you live there or have plans to, let it be known that we’re positively green with envy – and for those still planning their first visit, here’s a little heads-up on just some of the spots you’re going to want to stop in at. We recommend a crisp waterside walk with la familia before a little shopping, and a crawl around the small but perfectly formed food and drink joints.

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FOOD & LEISURE

Image © Jon Craig – joncraigphotos.com

Box-E Award-winning, down-to-earth chef Elliott Lidstone presents British cooking at its best, with an ever-changing menu revolving around local produce. Expect the likes of spelt risotto, hake with wild mushrooms or gin-cured salmon – as well as their special panna cotta, which was paired with pinkest rhubarb spears and gold dust on our last visit. We positively fell in love with the curried butternut squash, Devon crab and yoghurt soup, but if indulging in such delights isn’t enough of a treat for you, you can perch amongst the bustle of the kitchen and watch the master at work too.

Bristol Cider Shop Christmas Steps favourite Bristol Cider Shop upped sticks in favour of a bigger venue at Wapping Wharf, and now has a brand ‘tasting room’ where punters can sample the products, try new pairings and learn more about how cider is made. If you’re craving proper job, hand-picked bottles of the West Country’s favourite tipple, look no further – and if you fancy something a bit different, they’ve also got a fine selection of perry, cider brandy and ice cider – a must-try!

Woky Ko MasterChef fans will recognise the brains behind this operation as finalist Larkin Cen, who has put together a fresh Asian menu of bao, noodles and all sorts of other little nibbles, perfect for consumption in a snug shipping container. A darn sight more wholesome than your typical takeaway (though they do food to takeaway) yet still offering goodies like spring rolls, crispy duck noodle salad and aubergine green curry, this oriental gem is a great option for a quick lunch.

Bertha’s With a special menu dedicated to different variations on the negroni in one hand, and one full of finest sourdough pizza in the other, you know you’re in for a good night at this charming eatery based in The Old Gaol Stables – the one with the canary yellow doors. Fermented for days, the dough is to die for and toppings include creamed nettles, kiln-roast salmon, braised fennel and beets. They also make their own bread, salad and gelato too.

Little Victories The younger sibling of Small Street Espresso in the Old City, this is one of our favourite places to catch up on emails when we’re out and about – watching the Wapping world go by and nibbling on a sweet treat or sourdough sandwich. Catch us there in the early evening and we’re likely guzzling coffee-based cocktails, a craft beer or glass of organic wine alongside small cheese and charcuterie plates.

Story Soon enough, in keeping with the eco-friendly, sustainable vibe at Cargo, new-butchers-on-the-block Story will arrive, with organic, free-range, locally sourced meat that’s bound to win over welfareconscious carnivores. With a strong focus on authenticity and traceability, Story will be working closely with small family farms, resulting in an impeccable ‘nose to tail’ menu to enjoy in store, as well as cuts to cook at home. We hear there’ll even be a meat-related musical soundtrack!

Tare Cargo 2 is set to welcome another compact fine-dining experience as Bristol foodie veterans (Riverstation, Lido and Wilsons have all had the pleasure of their company) Jes Rowly and Matt Hampshire prepare to present their promising new 18-cover restaurant. With the offering set to include four and seven-course set menus – available as individual plates for lunch – tasty food, best produce and a wellbalanced drinks selection will be the name of the game in Tare’s cosy space.

Salt and Malt No waterside development would be complete without a suitable place to pick up a plate of fish and chips, and Josh Eggleton’s glutenfree fare and wonderfully fresh seafood is sure to hit the spot. This will be a far cry from your local chippy though, with options including salmon en croute, braised squid and a bountiful breakfast selection. The Chew Valley branch was recently awarded the title of ‘Best Fish and Chips in Bristol’ by the Bristol Good Food Awards, so if you need us this summer, we’ll probably be kicking back on the sun terrace with some sustainably sourced scampi.

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FOOD & LEISURE

Gambas

Spuntino

Specialising in prawns (hence the name, sí?), as well as other seafood and authentic Andalusian tapas, Gambas is the planned sister venue to one of Bristol’s best tapas joints, Bravas on Cotham Hill, which means we’d put our money on it being pretty darn good. After being bombarded with requests from their regulars to open another site and expand their seafood offering, the team, who love the buzz of Wapping Wharf, have promised an open kitchen grilling sustainable seafood sourced direct from Cornwall, counter dining, a vibrant atmosphere, signature G&Ts and great Spanish wines.

I wanna be a part of it, New York, New York…you know the rest, but if you really do want a part of it without the time-consuming transatlantic travelling, Spuntino will be the place to go when it opens in May this year. Bristolians looking for a taste of Italian-American cuisine can pop along to the diner and enjoy buttermilk-fried chicken, lobster mac ‘n’ cheese, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and a raft of other city-inspired comfort foods and classic cocktails. In other words, it’s an occasion for our stretchiest trousers...

Lemonade

And there’s more...

Ready yourselves for a burger-fries-lemonade extravaganza: because Rebel Roll founder and chef Alex Hayes is preparing to pool his experience into a Cargo 2 container filled with filthy food (in the best possible sense, of course). Shelve the diet just for a moment and enjoy Alex’s unique take on classic refreshments including homemade lemonade in a range of new flavours, and a series of trademark experimental burgers – his ‘St Werburger’ was voted best burger in Bristol by Wriggle, so we can only imagine what treats he’ll rustle up for this venture. We’re hoping a ground-breaking, visual creation à la Beyonce’s latest album will be in the mix...

Pure Yoga

CUPP

If you’re lucky enough to have bagged one of Wapping Wharf’s lovely apartments, after you’ve eaten your way round the place you might like to get yourself some suitably unique decorations from the pocket-sized interiors emporium due to arrive. Specialising in hand-curated, European contemporary interiors and gifts, Fig. 1 stock a range of exciting brands including Nkuku, a fair-trade UK home interiors company with a Scandinavian feel; quirky, colourful melamine homeware by Danish designer Rice; and a range of Bristol-based makers and artists.

These guys are no strangers to our great city nor the cargo box concept, with a quirky shipping container at Cabot Circus and a more conventional little shop on St Stephen’s Street. East Asian-inspired noodles sit alongside an impressive menu of ‘bubble teas’ – an unusual combination of fresh tea leaves, milk and ‘pearls’ of tapioca, with flavours including bubble coffee, matcha, mango milk and juicy winter melon.

Pizzarova Pizza is a universal language, perfect for any occasion and available in infinite variations. We know it, and Pizzarova knows it, having refined the art of their distinctive sourdough pizzas at weddings, events, their Gloucester Road restaurant, and the perfect pizza hub at Wapping Wharf. Play it safe with a classic margherita, choose your own toppings (goat’s cheese, courgette, chorizo, feta, the list goes on) or go gluten-free, and keep your eye out for the coveted pink card giveaways they sometimes do – free pizza for life, people!

Chicken Singapore vermicelli at Woky Ko (pic © Paolo Ferla; ferlapaolo.com)

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There’s been a lot of talk about the food offering at Wapping Wharf, and while it’s set to expand considerably, that’s not all that’s planned.

Cargo 2 is bringing a place to work off some of the calories and improve your wellbeing – all within your lunch break. Pure Yoga will offer early morning and evening Hatha Flow yoga classes alongside their ‘express’ lunchtime sessions, with owner Amelia Hodge envisaging “a hub of healthy activity including meditation groups, yoga classes for all levels, mindfulness workshops and teacher training”. Sign us up!

Fig. 1

Mabboo Mabboo has got more bamboo products than you could shake, well, a stick of bamboo at – selling everything from super soft t-shirts to trendy sunglasses, calculators and toothbrushes. Why bamboo? It’s ecofriendly, biodegradable, sustainable and versatile – founder Ed reckons Mabboo will be the perfect fit alongside the independent, ethical, and local retailers already in situ at Wapping Wharf, and we’re pretty excited to see the unique bamboo-themed interior he’s got in store. ■

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FOOD & Drink

TASTY TITBITS FROM THE CITY’S RESTAURANTS, CHEFS AND PRODUCERS

GREAT MINDS Self-taught Bristol chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias, owner of Casamia, Pi Shop and Paco Tapas, is to join fellow culinary whizz Tom Kerridge at The Shed – the new private dining space at the two Michelin-starred Hand and Flowers in Marlow – as part of the restaurant’s West Country Week. It will see “culinary greats” join Tom to create a series of one-off theatrical dining experiences. and guests will be able to interact with the chefs as they are making a dinner brimming with tasty, seasonal West Country produce and wine pairings – as well as getting all their secret cooking tips. Peter will be cooking with Tom on 27 March – tickets cost £350 per person.

• sanchez-brothers.co.uk

GAINING GROUND Cafe Grounded has opened its latest branch in Henleaze. Ideally located next to the Orpheus Cinema, it has swiftly become a go-to destination for a midweek evening meal (and cheeky glass of wine) before catching a film. The menu changes seasonally, showcasing an array of the region’s best local produce from Grounded’s trusted network of local suppliers, while the welcoming interior, with its comforting deep red and mustard yellow walls, is adorned with paintings by local artists, and complemented by soft sofas and leather wingback chairs that add to the intimate living-room feel. A current highlight on the evening specials board is venison sausages, locally sourced from Dyrham Park, served with braised red cabbage and parsnip mash. Open until 10.30pm every day, the venue transitions seamlessly from a bustling cafe in the day to a cosy eatery in the evening, with quiz nights and live music planned for the months to come.

• cafegrounded.co.uk

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WASTE NOT! Yurt Lush has launched a new Wednesday to Saturday evening service with a concept that combines a sustainable, traceable British menu with the affordability and simplicity associated with traditional French bistros. At £15 for two courses and £18 for three, the menu combats food waste, using out-of-vogue ingredients and cuts of meat that would usually be resigned to the butchers bone bin, to create informal, hearty and tasty dishes. “The idea of the Yurt Bistro is to create a really simple menu that relies on locality and seasonality, with a big emphasis on tackling food waste in the restaurant industry,” said chef Josh Eggleton. “Great food is all about great ingredients, but that doesn’t mean you have to be using prime cuts and very rare and expensive ingredients to create an incredible dish.”

• @YurtLush

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BRISTOL UPDATES BITE-SIZED BUSINESS NEWS FROM ACROSS THE CITY

DITCH THE CASH

RECHARGE THE BATTERIES

TECH SAVVY

DoubleTree by Hilton, Cadbury House, has teamed up with one of the world’s foremost manufacturers of electric cars so that guests can charge their vehicles during their visit, and will be one of the first venues in the South West to provide this service. “More and more of our customers are driving electric cars including the popular Tesla models,” said Mehmet Kandemir, general manager at Cadbury House. “As a result we need to be able to accommodate their need to charge up during their stay and the installation of the Tesla charging ports is in reaction to this growing demand. We’ve always been one step ahead of the curve in terms of our offering and this again demonstrates our willingness and ability to react to consumer demands by providing the latest in cutting edge technology.” New registrations of plug-in cars increased from 3,500 in 2013 to around 85,000 by January 2017 and it’s this surge in sales that has seen more and more demand for plug-in ports. Cadbury House now has four charging points, and space for future provision.

• cadburyhotelbristol.co.uk

With the upcoming apprenticeships levy, large businesses will require more and more tech and digital apprentices to help them fill their digital skills gaps, so the demand this year is set to grow significantly. To meet it, QA – the biggest tech and digital training and apprenticeships company in the UK – has launched a large new facility in Bristol, which will see thousands of local people trained in the newest technologies and technology-related courses to help up-skill the local workforce and strengthen Bristol as a tech centre. QA train professionals from 80% of FTSE 250 organisations and the public sector, and last year Matt Hancock, minister for digital (culture, media and sport), supported their campaign celebrating placing 10,000 apprentices.

They also have a large, successful apprenticeships division for tech and digital roles and the new Bristol centre will see a new apprenticeships floor dedicated to training young people, and placing them within local businesses both large and small.

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Bus passengers using Bristol’s Park & Ride services can now pay for their travel by using their contactless debit and credit cards. Local bus operator First Bristol is accepting contactless payment as part of a state-of-the-art technology trial with a full-scale rollout in Bristol expected by 2018. Contactless payment will be accepted on the Long Ashton, Portway and Brislington Park & Rides, though customers will still be able to pay by cash or the company’s mTicket smartphone app too. “This exciting new technology increases the ways passengers can pay for their journey and brings an important added convenience to bus passengers who no longer need to worry about carrying enough change to pay for journeys,” said First Bristol managing director James Freeman. “The trial reflects First Bristol’s commitment to investing heavily in new vehicles and new technology and making bus travel more convenient and attractive.”

Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees added: “I want to see a public transport network which is more accessible and easier for everyone to use. One of the ways to help us achieve that is contactless payments. It’s vital we modernise and improve all aspects of the city’s transport services so I’m pleased to see First trialling the technology on our Park and Ride routes and I look forward to seeing a wider rollout in the near future.”

The bus company wants to make sure the system works flawlessly and that all technical issues are ironed out before rolling out the contactless payment concept to its Bristol fleet. During the trial, all contactless debt and credit cards displaying the Visa, Mastercard or Maestro logo with the contactless symbol will be accepted; and the company is working towards enabling other contactless payment methods such as Apple Pay or the Android phone equivalent in the future. First Bristol is also hoping to reduce boarding times, make its buses more punctual and speed up journey times.

• bristolparkandride.com • apprenticeships.qa.com

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Duties of a Personal Representative of an estate

W

hen you lose someone close to you, you may be surprised by the volume of paperwork that needs to be completed to deal with that person’s estate. The person responsible for dealing with the estate is the next of kin under the intestacy rules or an executor under the terms of a Will.

Personal representative duties If you find yourself having to administer an estate, you will need to consider your personal representative duties which are set out in statute.

Among them are dealing with the estate assets efficiently and keeping a detailed account of the assets and liabilities of the estate to show how the estate funds are being dealt with.

Most estates in England and Wales require a Grant of Representation which is the general term given to the court order providing the authority for the personal representative to deal with the person’s assets.

How to apply for a Grant of Representation

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You can apply for the Grant personally or you can instruct a solicitor to act on your behalf. Before deciding whether or not to act you should consider: • The amount of time you have available per week.

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Most estates take between 6-9 months to administer and that includes writing letters and making phone calls on a regular basis to obtain information.

• How comfortable you feel with completing forms and understanding the process.

You will need to declare all the assets and liabilities of the estate to HM Revenue and Customs on the relevant tax form, self-assessments may be required to finalise the deceased’s income tax and claim forms will need to be completed to close down all of the bank accounts.

The Probate Team at AMD Solicitors has extensive experience of all aspects of probate and intestacy whilst providing a personal and supportive service to all those involved.

For advice on administration of estates and all other private client issues please contact Sarah Burgess or another member of our probate team on 0117 962 1205, email probate@amdsolicitors.com or call into one of our four Bristol offices.

100 Henleaze Road, Henleaze BS9 4JZ 15 The Mall, Clifton BS8 4DS 139 Whiteladies Road, Clifton BS8 2PL 2 Station Road, Shirehampton BS11 9TT © AMD Solicitors

A local award winning law firm

or Tel: 0117 974 2800

THE

B RIST O L MAGAZINE

Telephone us on (0117) 9621205 or visit our website www.amdsolicitors.com THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

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Faye does most of her voiceover work at home, coinciding with two-year-old Suki’s nap schedule.

Image © Nicola Jane Photography

BRISTOL AT WORK We shine a spotlight on the local folk that help make up the fabric of city life

B

eing a working mum is no mean feat – late nights, early mornings and a hectic schedule – but local freelancer Faye Dicker has got it down to a tee. Balancing voiceover work, radio presenting, media masterclasses and her ‘Freelance Mum’ networking site with looking after two young girls, Faye encapsulates the busy lives of 21st-century parents up and down the country. Sure, we can do more than one thing at once (does eating and watching television count?) but this is taking things to the next level...

“I think the trick is – particularly as a freelancer – to see it, as much as anything, as a lifestyle,” says Faye. “There’s no such thing as a Monday to Friday nine to five, it’s more a blended work/life balance.

I have two clear child-free days a week, when I try to shoehorn in as much as possible, but inevitably, work falls on days when I have the girls. Then it’s a case of working wonky hours or calling on friends and family. I’m lucky in that voiceover work is typically short sessions, and usually from my studio at home. I’ve become a dab hand at doing some serious multi tasking while my two-year-old naps!”

Faye came across voiceover work following her role at BBC Radio Bristol, and now works for companies including NPower, Very and most recently Great Western Railway, lending her dulcet tones to a variety of advertising and marketing campaigns.

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“As a radio presenter, I quickly realised it would always pay to have another string to my bow. A friend of mine, who I went to college with, had started out in voiceover and I couldn’t help but wonder if I could turn my hand to it. My background was in acting – I’d done quite a lot as a child, so it was a case of bringing scripts to life with a wider range of talking. I took a gamble, or rather my parents did – and lent me the money to buy the equipment and set up a studio. I’ll never forget it – it was a broom cupboard with a light, power point and just enough room for me to get my knees under the desk and shut the door behind me! It was one of the best investments I ever made and the most lucrative cupboard in the house!”

Now, possessing so many strings to said bow she could be mistaken for a one-woman orchestra, Faye has been passing her expertise on through a series of masterclasses for businesses and individuals – also pretty nerve-wracking, we would imagine? “I think the main thing is to be yourself, or better still, be the best version of you. Be authentic.

If you take some deep breaths before you start talking, it always helps calm the nerves and if you think you’re nervous, try and pitch your voice a little deeper than usual. You instantly sound more confident.”

Managing the nerves is one thing, but we wonder how voiceover artists and presenters manage to maintain professional decorum at all times – surely there have been times when the giggles took over?

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“To this day, I still think the memory that makes me smile the most was doing the paper review with Richard Wyatt on BBC Radio Bristol, when we were looking at a piece on gardening. Richard was reading about ‘double digging’ and asked me if I knew what a double dig was, only he didn’t say dig – there was a slip of the tongue and a glint in his eye and he said a completely different word, which certainly wasn’t dig! It’s the only time I’ve ever corpsed so much on air, I had to walk out of the studio. I’ve still got it saved at home.”

After the births of her two daughters, Jemima and Suki, Faye realised that there was a need to create a support network with other self-employed working parents, leading to Freelance Mum. The platform allows talented business people to showcase their skills, share inspiring stories and offer essential encouragement to new parents, and has given Faye a brand new outlet for her skills.

“Freelance Mum feels very much my calling,” she says. “I’ve been a freelancer most of my life, but throwing motherhood into the mix made it a completely different game. Both being a freelancer and a mother can be potentially quite isolating and it’s a constant juggling act. You forever feel as though you’re fire fighting, unable to look at the bigger picture. I launched Freelance Mum initially as a website with podcasts, interviewing fellow mums in business. The idea was to build an online community, to support freelance mums – I thought I was going to change the world!

“I might not have done exactly that, but I have made a difference, and I quickly realised there was a need for an offline community as well. In July 2014, when Suki was just 11 weeks old, I took the plunge and started networking events designed for freelance mums (and dads) to do business in a family-friendly environment. It was one of those slightly bonkers decisions and just worked and has continued to flourish ever since.

“As a ‘freelance mum’ you’re forever cramming things in and networking goes out the window – yet it’s one of the most important things. Not just for generating business, but for staying connected and meeting like-minded people. Having events like ours allows business and children to be integrated and, put simply, it makes life easier.”

And the ‘blended work/life balance’ seems to be working like a charm for Faye, who cherishes the everyday pleasures of raising two young children in Bristol. “I can honestly say I love doing the school run,” she says. “We live in Whitchurch Village and last year I bought a cargo bike to take the girls to school in – it’s amazing! It’s a huge trike from Denmark with a box on the front, and the girls sit completely strapped in. Think of an ice cream seller’s bike and you’re halfway there. It makes me smile every day, as I cycle my socks off and take them to school in it, though the hills are flipping hard work!”

We’re hardly surprised, considering we’re usually panting halfway up Park Street, sans trike and two children. Between peddling and freelancing, Faye must have to relax some time, so we ask after her favourite place in Bristol to kick back with the family…

“I think the docks take some beating – sorry, I’m old school and still call the ‘harbour’ the docks! It’s such a brilliant place to walk, at any age, but with children it’s a whole adventure – you can take bikes or scooters, look at the boats and have an ice cream. We’re also big fans of the Suspension Bridge. One day last year, we got all dressed up – I wore my wedding dress – and made hot chocolate in the camper van, before driving across the bridge. It was completely lush – one of my favourite memories in last year’s memory jar.”

We’re sure 2017’s memory jar will be full before spring has sprung as the new year is bringing a whole host of exciting new plans for Faye, including her special ‘Freelance Mum: Brave, Bold and Bonkers’ event in celebration of International Women’s Day on 8 March.

“We’ve got three guest speakers, including an adventuress, an artist and CBeebies presenter Katy Ashworth – telling her bonkers story of life as a freelance single mum. It’s the showcase event in the diary, so a lot of legwork has gone into it, but I’m pleased as punch to be holding it in the old HTV Television Studio on the Bath Road – which ironically is where I started out as a child at HTV Drama Workshop.

Funny how life goes full circle. Then, in between work, there will be plenty of camping trips and visits to our favourite haunt in Westward Ho – more than enough to keep me busy, as usual!” ■

Do you want to become a better leader?

Part-time MSc Strategy, Change and Leadership

Scholarships now available*

Designed for busy managers to fit around a demanding management role, this part-time programme will help you to: • enhance your impact as a leader • understand organisational complexity and issues affecting success • improve your ability to manage change and uncertainty • make better choices about growth and strategic direction

Email Cheralyn Dark at efim-scl@bristol.ac.uk or Tel: 0117 954 6694 for details www.bristol.ac.uk/efm/courses/postgraduate/programmes/strat-change-leadership.html Come along to our Open Evening on Wednesday 22 March 2017 between 6-7.30pm.

To register, please email Cheralyn at efim-scl@bristol.ac.uk

*Selection criteria will apply.

Contact Cheralyn for details.

• fayedicker.com; freelancemum.co.uk THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

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SPORT

GAME ON! With Bristol having been named European City of Sport for 2017, we thought we’d do a little (but very physically challenging) celebratory dance and shine a light on just a few of our most exciting sportsfolk

Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Dino Zamparelli; Ben Mosses (pic © Bristol Sport); Georgia Evans (pic © Bristol Sport); the Flyers’ Greg Streete (pic © Bristol Sport); badminton ace Kirby Ngan (pic © Bristol Sport); cricketer Jack Taylor

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e, along with 15 other European cities, were awarded said title by the bods at The European Capitals and Cities of Sport Federation, in recognition of Bristol’s passion for sport on every single level; how the city works together to provide a quality sports provision and great facilities; the success of our local sports clubs and events; and our general levels of physical activity.

The year will mark a celebration of the part sport plays in every aspect of life across Bristol’s diverse communities, with local teams and organisations plus representatives from our own professional sports clubs all having come together to focus on improving participation across the city, delivering events and developing elite sport for local athletes like these talented guys and gals...

Sevens. “I was brought up around sport, particularly rugby,” says Chantelle. “My own passion for the game began at the age of seven when I started playing at Winscombe RFC and since then I have taken part in a variety of sports alongside my rugby, including hockey, netball and swimming.” Chantelle, who plays home games with the first team at Cleve Rugby Club, takes inspiration from former American sevens captain Jillion Potter: “I really admire her strength to bounce back after a broken neck and her battle with cancer, to play at the Olympics,” she says.

2017 goals: “To win the women's premiership and hopefully secure the Singha Sevens title in the summer.

Additionally I will strive to stay involved with the senior England sevens team on the world series.”

Greg Streete – Basketball

Zak Vyner – Football

Born Bristolian Greg came up through the academy and is now captain of pro-basketball team the Flyers, who play in the British Basketball League and host home games at the SGS Wise Arena. It’s a place that holds special memories for Greg, including making the play-off finals with the Flyers in their first year as a professional club. “Coming through the academy system was really positive and gave me a lot of direction in life, allowing me to continue my education and decide my career while playing basketball,” he says. “Sport has given me so much focus, and amazing, eye-opening experiences like playing in the U18 European Championships in Romania while representing England Basketball – I learnt a lot about the sport, and myself, on that trip.” This year the Flyers are helping promote Bristol Sport Foundation’s delivery of its Celebration Of Sport week, starting on 21 May. “It will be a chance for the whole sporting community to come together at Ashton Gate, with a number of sporting activities planned,” explains Greg. “I feel Bristol is moving in the right direction through organisations like Bristol Sport bringing business and sport together but there's always more that can be done. Local businesses investing into local teams is such a mutually beneficial relationship.”

Nineteen-year-old Bristol City defender Zak made his debut for the first team in the team’s two-nil win over MK Dons in February 2016, and was also nominated for LFE Apprentice of the year. Zak, who’s Bristol born and bred, was scouted by City when he was just eight and by the age of 12, had signed with the club – dreaming of becoming the next Thierry Henry. “When I signed for City I was a striker and I loved watching him play,” says Zak. “He was such a great player and he scored so many goals.” Zak has proved an excellent ambassador for Bristol City Academy with his commitment to various community programmes off the pitch as well as his attitude and ability on it. “My main focus for 2017 is to perform well enough to get into the first team regularly,” he says. “Playing West Ham United in the EFL cup this season while on loan at Accrington Stanley was a real highlight for me.”

Daily inspiration: “The Bristol fans – and my family, especially my two little boys Corey and Tracy, who I always like to take to Air Hop and St George’s Park.

Without those ingredients I wouldn't have had the career I have had.”

Chantelle Miell – Rugby Bristol Rugby Ladies’ 20-year-old fly-half is something of a try-scoring machine, and recently made her debut in the World Sevens Series in Sydney for England – an incredible experience, up there with playing in Tobago for Swift

Pre-game ritual: “I have to always put my right sock and boot on before my left, and my left boot has to have three knots in the lace and my right has to have two.”

Kirby Ngan – Badminton Another homegrown talent, Langford-born women’s singles player Kirby is proud to be part of Bristol Jets, who have just finished a good first season in the AJ Bell National Badminton League. Kirby also won the U19 National Badminton Championships last year, which saw her selected to represent England Seniors at the European Women’s Team Championships in Russia. The 18-year-old plays home games with the Jets at SGS Wise Arena in Filton. “It gives me a real confidence boost knowing Bristol is being recognised for its sporting achievements,” says Kirby, who is currently sponsored by leading badminton brand Yonex. “Being European City of Sport

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will definitely help get more people involved in sport – especially badminton, which is a fairly low-profile sport. It enables us to provide more programmes to get people into sport regardless of their age or abilities. Getting more volunteers – especially athletes themselves to promote their own sports to younger up-and-coming athletes – will also help a lot. Bristol Jets do community work to get more younger people inspired, so I think if all the different sports clubs did this too it would be great.” So what is it that inspires Kirby herself? “Ratchanok Intanon – a world-class badminton athlete from Thailand who been ranked top five in the world for a number of years, becoming World Junior Champion (U19) at the age of 14 and World Senior Champion at the age of 18 – breaking world records for being the youngest to win these world championships.”

2017 goals: “This is my first year of being a senior badminton player. Going from a junior to senior is a massive jump therefore 2017 is about my development, adapting to the high level of play and a new training environment.”

Ben Mosses – Rugby Bristol Rugby centre Ben is fighting fit after a period of injury and loving being back at Ashton Gate. “It’s an amazing venue and with an infrastructure putting us on the best platform and providing a great service to fans who can come and watch top flight rugby,” he says. “It’s really exciting for us to be playing in such a special stadium.” While it’s the likes of England’s Owen Farrell inspiring Ben now, it was watching Jonny Wilkinson while he was growing up that left no doubt in Ben’s mind as to what his own path would be, especially with rugby in the family. “My old man used to play in Paris, where he met my mum, and I lived there for four years so I was born into it. The only thing I was ever going to become was a rugby player – and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Career highlight so far: “Definitely the championship play-off final last year – having a full house at Ashton Gate and regaining premiership status for a club that had been out of it for seven years.”

Georgia Evans – Football Bristol City Women first team regular Georgia was also born into a sporty family, and followed in the footsteps of her brother, who played football at a high standard. “My experience of being at Bristol for the last six years has been amazing,” she says. “It has really brought me on – not only as a player, but as a person. The academy system is fantastic and has got me to where I am now. A great club with great ambitions. And the city deserves nothing less than the City of Sport title. The hard work that everyone puts in, in Bristol as a whole, is excellent and will only improve. The Forever scheme is a massive help with bringing the community together and getting people involved in sport, too – going into schools, coaching young people and making them aware of the work we do at Bristol Sport.” The 21–year-old’s finest moment so far is probably, she says, playing in the quarter finals of the Champions League, beating Barcelona at Ashton Gate before going on to play Frankfurt, and recently helping to secure her team’s promotion to WSL1 – which starts on 24 April with their first home game versus Reading at Ashton Gate.

Best sporting experience: “One of my very first camps to Finland with Wales, where I picked up my first International Welsh Cap – that’s up there with the best experiences.”

Dino Zamparelli – Racing Bristol Sport racing driver Dino was seven years old when he first witnessed Michael Schumacher’s complete and utter determination to win an F1 race on TV, and it was then that he decided that was the life for him. This year sees him returning to the Porsche Carrera Cup of GB and setting his sights on the title – having finished second last year – and working with Bristol Sport on community engagement around entry-level motor sport, with the idea simply to inspire local youth to get up and achieve something. “There has 62 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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been so much that I've learnt from motor sport, that I transfer into every day life now, so I want to be able to give that back and inspire local schools, kids and charities,” says Dino, who’s got plenty to be working on this year. “A lot of what I do is governed by how much sponsorship I have so I'm working especially hard on the commercial aspect,” he says. “We've got some really good businesses and individuals onboard.”

Favourite track: “I've been to some stunning places and circuits such as Abu Dhabi and Russia but I'd have to say my favourite place and circuit to race at was Budapest. The whole place was amazing, and the event – the F1 weekend where I raced in GP3 – was just so cool. The Hungarians were really nice and I finished second in the race!”

Jack Taylor – Cricket This is Bristol’s biggest year for cricket to date, with its Brightside Ground hosting two England international matches and eight ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup matches, including the semi-finals on 18 July – before the final at Lords. “Two sell-out crowds are expected for the England vs Ireland match in May and the England vs West Indies match in September,” says right-hand batsman and off-spin bowler Jack Taylor, who grew up in awe of player Shane Warne’s control, game awareness and bowl leg spin. “We also have a fantastic fixture list in the NatWest T20 Blast and I would encourage people who haven’t yet experienced a T20 match to give it a go. Our local derby against Somerset is always the highlight of the summer; and the club also has a volunteer programme called the Cricketeers, for those interested in getting involved on a match day (see gloscricket.co.uk).”

Cricket has always been in the family, with both Jack’s father and grandfather playing minor counties for Oxfordshire. “Bristol feels like my second home,” says Jack, whose fondest memory with the club is of winning the Royal London One-Day Cup against Surrey at Lord’s in 2015, and being named man of the match. “It's also pretty cool to play alongside my brother Matt – so our parents see it as a second home too!” Jack’s travelled a lot with the sport – to places such as Mumbai and Bangalore; Durban in South Africa; Melbourne and Adelaide. “I hope to go back to India one day,” says Jack, who likes his bats with a light pick-up and a low middle. “It is such a fascinating place and the passion they have for cricket is something I have never seen before.”

Often found: “Playing golf at Kendleshire Golf Club, having a latte at Tradewind Espresso on Whiteladies road and eating the smashed avocado at Mockingbird café. Before a match, I’ll go to Boston Tea Party on Gloucester Road with some of the boys for a late brunch – scrambled eggs, avocado and bacon with a coffee to fuel up for our big T20 matches.”

Bethan Popel – Golf Having gone from amateur playing to turning professional in January of this year, Bethan, who plays with Long Ashton Golf Club, is looking forward to an exciting rookie year with plenty of travelling to boot. With her golfing grandad to thank for getting her into the sport, Bethan started playing golf aged just eight and hasn’t looked back since, travelling to play in Europe recently, where she was thrilled to represent her country. She can’t wait to do the same this year and, as a sports fan in general, is also proud to be a Bristol City season ticket holder – enjoying trips down to Ashton Gate to watch their games when she’s not on the golf course.

Sporting inspiration: “Probably Tiger Woods as he's my era of the game. How he used to play in his prime was simply incredible and will never be done again.” ■

• For more on Bristol’s year as European City of Sport, and to find out about sporting activities near you, visit bristol.gov.uk and search ‘city of sport’.

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Leadership Skills for Tomorrow’s World University of Bristol offers scholarships for part-time Masters in Strategy, Change and Leadership for senior professionals

The University of Bristol is offering scholarships on its Masters in Strategy, Change and Leadership. This part-time programme is for aspiring senior managers and is designed to fit around the demands of a busy job.

Today’s leaders are facing the most challenging operating circumstances for a generation. The necessary skills and competencies have shifted from the motivation of employees in a buoyant economy to change management and strategic leadership in this landscape of budget cuts, increased hours, more sophisticated technology and leaner workforces. Few organisations have escaped these changes whether they are in the private, public or not-for-profit sectors.

The University of Bristol has recognised this and designed a bespoke Masters degree in Strategy, Change and Leadership aimed at providing senior managers with the tools and techniques they require in order to navigate their organisations through such demanding times.

Programme Director Helen Ballard says “I am delighted we have the funding available to offer scholarships on our parttime Masters programme. Excellent leadership is critical in this challenging climate, and high performing organisations are recognising the need to further develop their managers.

This practical Masters degree will offer a return on investment from day one.”

To find out more about the programme and the scholarship places available, come along to an open evening at the University on Wednesday 22nd March from 6pm – 8pm.

Tel: 0117 954 6694 or email: efim-scl@bristol.ac.uk to register.

For further information about the course please visit:

www.bristol.ac.uk/efm/courses/postgraduate/programmes/strat-change-leadership.html

By Dr Caroline Pascoe, Headmistress of Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls

SPRECHEN SIE DEUTSCH? W

ith national uptake of French and German consistently falling at GCSE and A level, it has never been more important to inspire a love of languages among children.

Thanks to our innovative modern foreign languages (MFL) department at Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls, we are bucking this alarming trend.

We passionately believe that speaking another language is vital. As well as raising social awareness and promoting sensitivity towards other cultures, being able to communicate with people is a door-opener.

In times like these, any child who has knowledge of a language sets themselves apart and gives themselves a huge advantage in the workplace.

Bringing languages to life through debating, dance, exchange trips and even speed dating, leads to many of our girls securing offers to study French, German and Spanish at the country’s top universities.

One of our rising language stars, Rosie in Year 11, has just been appointed a UK-German Youth Ambassador after devising a scheme to strengthen links between children in Wales and Germany.

Her project involves setting up an emailing system to enable Year 9 pupils at HMSG and a school in Berlin to practise conversing with each other.

The 15-year-old will now travel to Berlin on an all-expenses paid trip to meet fellow ambassadors and discuss how their individual plans will be implemented and sustained.

But it isn’t just our own pupils whom we hope to inspire.

HMSG is proud to be part of The Smart Choice: German Digital Network, the aim of which is to strengthen the teaching and learning of the language nationally.

Run by the Goethe Institut, the project enables us to organise exciting outreach activities for local children and share resources with other schools via our website.

*The Schools have an established bus route covering the Thornbury area.

For more information, visit habs-monmouth.org, call 01600 710433 for Monmouth School or 01600 711104 for HMSG. THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

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EDUCATION NEWS UPDATES FROM THE CITY’S SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

WINNING CITY

ART AT THE HEART Arnolfini and art organisation Foreground are working with Bristol City Council on a series of innovative commissions in primary schools across the city. Part of the council’s public art programme, it is the most extensive programme of contemporary art for school environments in the UK. The new art works, developed by the artists with the individual school communities, are not only an opportunity to involve artists in the design of primary schools, but to explore how commissioning art for schools affects the social and learning ecologies of young children and their evolving attitudes to culture. The first three commissions are works inspired by and made especially for Oasis Academy Marksbury Road, Easton CE Academy and Bishop Road School by Melanie Counsell, Olivia Plender and Heather and Ivan Morison. The commissions will be accompanied by learning events and also include the first commissions for schools made by internationally renowned artists Roger Hiorns, Richard Woods and Daphne Wright.

• foregroundprojects.org.uk

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HANDS ON Rabbits, snakes and geckos were just some of the visitors welcomed during the recent opening of City of Bristol College’s new animal care centre – opened by Nando Brown and Jo-Rosie Haffenden from Channel 4’s Rescue Dog to Super Dog. In the industry-standard facilities, the college is offering animal care and management courses, along with other land-based programmes such as horticulture and floristry. “Teaching the next generation the core elements of animal care is vital,” said Jo-Rosie. “It’s not just about learning the theory; hands-on experience and practice is fundamental to successfully work in the animal care industry. This facility offers students the opportunity to gain the vital skills that they’ll need to effectively work with animals.” • cityofbristol.ac.uk

Bristol has won the UNESCO Learning City Award 2017 – one of 16 cites selected by an international panel of judges, from over 50 applicants worldwide. Bristol Learning City brings together over 70 local partners committed to creating and promoting learning opportunities for everyone, of all ages and from all communities, in every part of the city. In the last year a great deal has been achieved: a strong governance structure has been established; 130 learning ambassadors have been appointed to engage local communities; a new WORKS initiative to bridge the gap between education and employment; and University of Bristol unveiled a pioneering scheme known as Bristol Scholars, to help disadvantaged students access higher education. “We are proud of our progress as a Learning City and it’s rewarding to see the hard work of the partnership recognised by UNESCO,” said Mayor Marvin Rees.

“Central to our ambition is to level the playing field and improve social mobility in Bristol. We need to get to a place where opportunities are not defined by background. Our Learning City partnership has already proven to be hugely beneficial thanks to the commitment of those involved. It has helped us promote Bristol on a national and international stage, and allowed us to work with partner cities from around the globe. I have high hopes for what we can continue to achieve together.” The partnership has helped give the city a united voice on education and skills – and a change in the council’s constitution means important decisions such as how and where to build more school places and get young people into work are now made collectively.

• bristollearningcity.com

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EVENTS | FOR KIDS

FAMILY PLANNER What’s on in Bristol for little ones to enjoy this month?

Booty, Baddies and Beasties, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Thursday 23 March, 7.30pm-10.30pm Prepare for a spine-tingling, bone-chilling adventure as you discover the epic tale of Beowulf, one of the oldest surviving Old English poems – told through immersive film, terrifying theatre and spooky sounds. Watch the museum come to life with music and animations, crawl into Grendel’s swampy lair and play a series of games to prepare you for the battles ahead. During ceasefire, kids can listen to the experts who’ll be teaching more about AngloSaxon life, while the adults grab a drink at the bar.

Tickets from £12 to £15; bristolmuseums.org.uk

Top pick...

Toddlers take over At-Bristol © Lee Pullen Image © Rich Kenworthy

DON’T MISS...

Fascinating Fish! Bristol Aquarium, Every weekend in March, 10am-5pm Bristol Aquarium is inviting visitors to stop and find out more about life under the sea with a series of talks, activities, workshops and events this month. The all-female aquatic team will also be encouraging more girls to get involved in science as part of British Science Week. Tickets from £8.29 to £14.50; bristolaquarium.co.uk

I Am Making Art: Costume Concepts, Spike Island, Saturday 4 March, 2pm-6pm Inspired by Lubaina Himid’s exhibition ‘Navigation Charts’, artist Alexander Stevenson encourages budding creatives to pick up a selection of materials and make their own costume. All ages are welcome to get

involved and try out new techniques in Spike Island’s café. Admission is free, but booking is advised; spikeisland.org.uk

MiniBeats: Vibrant Voices! Sunday 5 March, 10.15am, 12pm & 2pm Join the St George’s MiniBeats team with extra special guests from Ivy Arts Youth Theatre for a good old-fashioned singsong to usher in the Spring. The 10.15am performance is suitable for ages three to five, the 12pm for ages five to eight and the 2pm is a relaxed performance suited to children with special needs. Tickets cost £6; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

Take It On: Behind the Mask, Tobacco Factory Theatres, Monday 6 March, 4.15pm-5.45pm Aspring young actors and performers can learn a new theatre skill each month with Tobacco Factory Theatres, and this month sees Liz Felton of The Story Cellar holding a session on masks and storytelling using just your body – perfect for developing comedy, slapstick and improvisation skills. This workshop is suitable for ages eight to 11.

Tickets cost £6; tobaccofactorytheatres.com

MOTHER’S DAY Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea, ss Great Britain, Sunday 26 March, 2.30pm & 4pm We’re not sure what it is about afternoon tea that pleases mums so much, but pair scones, miniature smoked salmon sandwiches and a classic Bellini with the luxury of ss Great Britain’s first class dining saloon, and we reckon you’ve got the perfect mother’s day

Learn about fascinating fish at Bristol Aquarium

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treat for all the family. Tickets from £15 to £25; ssgreatbritain.org

Naomi’s Wild and Scary Tour, Redgrave Theatre, Sunday 31 March, 7pm Bristol-born CBBC and Milkshake! presenter Naomi Wilkinson takes little ones on a great adventure filled with fun, surprises and tales of her favourite wildlife encounters from across the globe. She’s joined by ‘Animal Mark’ and his scary creature collection – take a look, if you dare! Suitable for all ages.

Tickets cost £19.50; redgravetheatre.com

TINY TOTS Toddler Takeover: Super Senses, AtBristol, Friday 31 March, 10am-4pm At-Bristol always offers a winning family day out, but those with tiny people in tow can maximise the fun with a full day of adventure and exploration, specifically tailored for under-fives. Tots can listen to funny noises in the Soundlab, escape to another world during Magical Forest storytime and even fly into space in a special planetarium show. Tickets from £6.95 to £8.95; at-bristol.org.uk

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BEAUTY

Spring

LA MER EYE CONCENTRATE, £140 Conditioning cream formulated with hematite to diminish dark circles, surface discolorations and unevenness, for a luminous look

CLEANSE LA CULTURE FOAMING FACIAL CLEANSER, £14 Containing lactic acid to help smooth the skin and prebiotics to nourish its protective ecosystem, it has 98% natural ingredients

If, like ours, your skin has yet to realise it can’t get away with its default ‘winter grey’ tone once the dehydrating central heating is switched off and the sun starts to shine a little more often, it’s probably time for a bit of a blitz.

Happily, the beauty team at Harvey Nichols are at hand with a rejuvenating prescription...

All available from Harvey Nichols Bristol or harveynichols.com via the collect in-store

MARIO BADESCU DRYING LOTION, £16 A best-seller of a spot treatment, with calamine and salicylic acid to clear unsightly whiteheads overnight

PROBIOTIC INSTANT RESURFACING PADS, £39 Clinical-strength stuff, for fewer fine lines, pores and blemishes. Contains Kakadu plum, the richest form of vitamin C available

STARSKIN CLOSE-UP FIRMING MASK, £9 Bio-cellulose sheet masks considered the gold standard for treating skin. Formulated with naturally fermented, vitamin-rich coconut juice, they promise to deliver gravity-defying glacier extract

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TOM FORD ILLUMINATING PROTECTIVE PRIMER, £54 The first step to flawless makeup application, increasing cellular vitality, protecting skin against free radicals, and contouring features

OMOROVICZA QUEEN OF HUNGARY MIST, £49 Omorovicza revived a 14th-century ‘recipe’ concocted for Queen Elizabeth of Hungary, with pineapple and rosemary extracts rich in fruit acids, and elements found in Hungarian healing waters

RODIAL SNAKE SERUM O2, £130 A cocktail of skin-firming complexes to restore radiance to lacklustre skin – test it out and prepare to fall in love...

ZELENS POWER C HIGH POTENCY VITAMIN C TREATMENT DROPS, £125 Containing 20% vitamin C, this silky treatment supports natural collagen production and is fortified with a botanical blend of antioxidant extracts and oils rich in vitamin C to help protect from environmental aggressors

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Can Acupuncture help PMS?

By Acupuncturist Amanda Hair who lectures at CNM (College of Naturopathic Medicine).

A

lthough there are no formal blood tests to label Pre-menstrual Syndrome (PMS) the 100 or so officially recognised symptoms tend to begin the fortnight before the start of a period during what’s called the luteal phase.

These symptoms affect women on both a physical and psychological level, causing mood swings, breast pain, tiredness and bloating, to name a few of the 100 listed symptoms.

Hormonal imbalance is the most likely cause of PMS in that the ovarian steroids oestrogen and progesterone cause changes in brain neurotransmitters - our chemical messengers. Since our diet and our levels of stress also affect our hormones and our mood, addressing this area first is sensible.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which includes the practice of Acupuncture, is holistic in its approach. That means that theories and treatment strategies will vary according to the individual collection of symptoms that the person has. A proper diagnosis is important in deciding the most appropriate way of addressing the symptoms.

TCM philosophy is that particular symptoms correlate to different organs and body substances being out of balance. One of the most common Chinese Medicine theories of PMS is called Qi Stagnation and/or Blood Stagnation.

This happens when our Qi (pronounced Chee), best described as our energy, is either stagnant and/or deficient and therefore cannot move the menstrual blood. This

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causes specific symptoms of spotting, abdominal pain, a bearing down sensation, bloating, breast pain and emotional irritability and/or tearfulness.

Naturopathic Acupuncturists who are trained at CNM’s industry-accredited Diploma programme need to establish your individual diagnosis. They will ask questions about your sleep, your digestion, your bowel movements, your diet, your energy levels and so on. Your answers will contribute to the diagnosis, along with the practitioner’s inspection of the colour and shape of your tongue.

A CNM Acupuncturist will also feel the pulse on both sides of your wrists as this gives valuable information as to what is happening inside the body. To Acupuncturists, ‘stagnant’ energy appears on the position of the ‘Liver pulse’ and feels ‘wiry’. This is best described as feeling rather like a taut guitar string.

Naturopathic Acupuncture diagnosis not only uses ancient Chinese Medicine techniques to identify illness, it also includes herbal medicine, homeopathic and nutritional diagnosis as these give valuable clues to deficiencies and dis-ease within the body.

Herbal medicines and homeopathic remedies can be specifically recommended as each has its own specific powerful effect on the body.

Acupuncture given just before the beginning of the menstrual cycle can make a significant difference to the reduction in severity of PMS symptoms. Specific Acupuncture points are selected according to the diagnosis and sterile needles the thickness of a human hair are inserted painlessly into these Acupuncture points. The needles are left in for up to 30 minutes whilst you lie still and relax.

As food is an important part of the healing toolkit, a naturopathic practitioner can also advise on dietary changes to reduce inflammation and boost nutrients to support healthy hormones.

Food cravings are often higher in women with PMS, possibly due to decreased levels of serotonin, a hormone that helps stabilise our mood. Reducing certain types of fat intake,

eliminating caffeine, and moving towards a predominately vegetarian diet could be beneficial. Taking essential Omega-3 fatty acids is important for the brain and these can be found in cold water fish, flax and walnuts.

As well as offering advice on dietary changes to suit your symptoms specifically, a naturopathic practitioner can also help you identify any toxins in your diet, personal products and lifestyle which may be playing havoc with your hormones. And finally, as Acupuncture can promote relaxation it is helpful in managing stress levels.

Amanda Hair

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

Wednesday 22nd March at 7pm.

Please book online at

www.naturopathy-uk.com 01342 410 505

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Are you too busy to see your doctor?

For many people, when busy balancing home, work and family commitments, taking the time to look after their health can often get side-lined. Fortunately, the Private GP Service at Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital, The Chesterfield offers a convenient service that enables you and your family to receive the help and advice you need, at a time to suit you.

R

un by two dedicated and experienced GPs with a wealth of experience between them, the Private GP Service is available Monday to Friday from 8am until 8pm, with same day appointments regularly available. They also offer some Saturday appointments, with the aim being to give patients as much choice as possible to fit around their busy lives. The service is open to everyone, including visitors from overseas, and there is no need to register, so booking an appointment is quick and easy.

Hospital Director Sheryl Krause said: “We know from talking to patients at the hospital that many struggle to access their regular GP and they like having this option of a flexible service which they can fit around their busy lives.

“The NHS provides a fantastic service but we know that there can sometimes be long waiting times and appointments have to be kept fairly short due to pressures on resources. Our service provides an alternative

for those who don’t want to wait to see their regular GP or who want an appointment outside of normal practice hours.

“Our appointments are also longer than average GP appointments – around 30 minutes – meaning they are perfect for patients looking for a more extensive consultation or who have a number of issues they wish to discuss at once.

“We also don’t have any restrictions on who we see and there is no need to register; this makes it a great option for those who are visiting Bristol for business or pleasure and need rapid access to healthcare. Many people also come and see us for pre-employment and insurance medicals – we are always happy to help wherever we can.”

An advantage of the service being based within the hospital is that any investigations needed, such as blood tests or x-rays, can also be carried out at the time of the GP consultation, or shortly after. It also means referrals to other specialists within the hospital can be done more quickly.

Services included within the GP service include diagnostic imaging, electrocardiograms, general lifestyle advice (including weight management, and cholesterol levels), flu vaccinations, travel vaccinations, contraceptive services, referrals to hospital consultants, an onsite pharmacy, onsite pathology, and much more.

To find out more about the Private GP service or to make an appointment, please call 0117 911 6239 or visit nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/bristol/privategp-service for more information.

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Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital The Chesterfield, 3 Clifton Hill, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1BN

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WALK | THE WALK

AT HAWTHORN TIME...

Andrew Swift heads for the hills above Alton Barnes and finds solace in the chalk downlands of Wiltshire

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his month’s walk is a tribute to one of this country’s keenest walkers – the poet and nature writer Edward Thomas, who was killed in the Battle of Arras 100 years ago on 9 April 1917.

Although he was born in London and lived much of his life in Hampshire, he knew and loved Wiltshire from an early age. The county’s chalk downlands, where prehistoric earthworks and burial mounds are the most potent signs of human engagement with the land, were for him a constant source of solace and inspiration.

Although much of Salisbury Plain – where once he wandered freely – is now under military control, the Marlborough and Pewsey Downs, in the north of the county, are still much as he would have known them. And it is to the hills above Alton Barnes, celebrated in one of his best-loved poems, simply entitled Lob, that we head this month.

The poem celebrates a fellow wanderer that Thomas had met many years earlier: At hawthorn-time in Wiltshire travelling In search of something chance would never bring, An old man’s face, by life and weather cut And coloured – rough, brown, sweet as any nut – A land face, sea-blue-eyed – hung in my mind When I had left him many a mile behind...

To turn back then and seek him, where was the use?

There were three Manningfords – Abbots, Bohun, and Bruce: And whether Alton, not Manningford, it was My memory could not decide, because There was both Alton Barnes and Alton Priors All had their churches, graveyards, farms, and byres, Lurking to one side up the paths and lanes, Seldom seen well except by aeroplanes Literary connections aside, this is a fantastic walk, including some of the finest downland walking in Wiltshire, the Alton Barnes White Horse, prehistoric burial mounds, one of the most impressive sections of the post-Roman defensive rampart known as the Wansdyke, a pair of unspoilt villages, a section of the Kennet & Avon Canal, and a pub which doubles as a Mecca for crop circle enthusiasts.

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Directions ● The starting point is the Barge Inn at Honeystreet (SU100616), eight miles east of Devizes, and reached by a side road south of Alton Barnes. ● Heading east along the canal towpath from here, you have a distant view of the Alton Barnes White Horse. At the bridge, cross and head north along the road for 500 metres, before turning right to visit Alton Barnes Grade I-listed Saxon church. ● From there, go through a kissing gate to the left of the church gate and follow a paved path across a field.

When you come to a crosspath, turn right along it.

Carry on through two turnstiles and over two footbridges to Alton Priors church. This dates from the 12th century, but a 1700-year-old yew in the churchyard, and a sarsen stone beneath a trapdoor in the church, suggest this was a sacred site long before the church was built. ● Cross a stile on the north side of the churchyard, bear right to go through another turnstile and carry on along a lane. After passing a 17th-century thatched carthouse, bear left by a sarsen with a carved white horse, and turn right by a telephone box up a bridleway. This soon dwindles to a holloway, before emerging by a road (SU112629), where, if you look to the right, you will see the conical outline of Picked Hill in the distance. Turn left down the road – it may seem tempting to opt for the broad greensward on the left, but this involves scrambling down a slippery bank further on. ● After 250 metres, when the road curves left, turn right up a footpath. After passing a bench, go through a gate and carry on uphill, passing massive earthworks on the right. Soon you are on Walker’s Hill – mentioned in Thomas’s poem – on the edge of the escarpment. The OS map shows a succession of earthworks here – a crossdyke, an enclosure and a long barrow called Adam’s Grave. The brooding presence of monuments such as these is one of the things that most fascinated Thomas – along with many others – about these mysterious downlands.

This page: Looking west along the Wansdyke Opposite page: Alton Priors carthouse; Alton Priors church and yew

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WALK | THE WALK ● After 500 metres, follow the path as it curves left along the escarpment (SU111635). After another 350 metres, you round a corner and the White Horse, hidden until now, suddenly appears before you. Cut in 1812, it was last restored in 2010, when 150 tons of fresh chalk was brought in by helicopter. Carry on round the top of it, go through a gate and carry on, with a fence up to your right. After 350 metres, when the fence turns sharp right, bear right along a path running parallel to it. ● After heading north for 600 metres, go through a gate and carry on downhill, keeping the fence on your left. When you reach a farm track, turn left along it (SU102646). To your right is the Wansdyke, which can be seen heading westward along the contours, while over to the north is the unmistakable profile of Silbury Hill. ● However tempting it may be to follow the Wansdyke, to head back you need to follow the track to the left of it, leading gently down from the escarpment. After a while it curves south and the hills close in. If you time it right, the way the late afternoon sun sculpts the curves and hollows of the chalk downland into something akin to a murmuration of starlings, or breaking waves, can seem magical. At such times, it is not difficult to see why ancient peoples were so drawn to these high hills. ● After passing a track leading to a large barn on the left, you come to a fork, where you bear left. This track leads to another barn (SU090632). From here, there is a footpath marked on the map as crossing the field to the left, but as there is no sign of it, it is easier to carry on along the track to the right of the barn. ● When you come to a road, cross and head along a turning to Stanton St Bernard. After 350 metres, when the road curves left by the church, carry straight on, before turning right into the yard of a riding centre, where a muddy bridleway on the left leads to the canal. After crossing a bridge, go through a gate on the right and under the bridge to head east along the towpath back to Honeystreet. ■

At a glance...

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Length and time: 7 miles; 3-4 hours

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Level of difficulty: Generally easy with few stiles, but with some climbing.

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Starting point: The Barge Inn; the-barge-inn.com

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Map: OS Explorer 157

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INTERIORS

HOUSE STYLE Settled in their beautiful and historic new Whiteladies Road environment, Ryan Whittaker and Pete Eastwood of Whittaker Wells talk creative history; the lush greenery, Africana influences and nostalgia vibes coming to prominence; and Bristol’s perfect storm

Opposite page: The “English love affair with gardens and woodlands both native and oriental’ is the inspiration behind Osborne & Little’s Enchanted Gardens 2017 collection, which includes this gorgeous bamboo wall covering Below right: More from the boundarysetting Timorous Beasties – we love the freshness of the Topical Tropical covering

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ur shop window serves two purposes. Firstly, to excite passers-by and encourage them to come in and take a look, but more importantly for us, to act as a test lab and probe how Bristol reacts to the various design ideas we have found in the interiors industry.

When we started our business in 2014, tucked away in St. Werburghs, we were stoutly informed by all the suppliers that Bristol doesn’t do colour and bold pattern – not in its interiors anyway. It was a surprising thing to hear, used as we are to thinking of our city as a hotbed of culture and creativity.

Those same suppliers are now beginning to applaud Bristol for embracing the latest, cutting-edge styles and fast becoming one of the most forward-thinking and daring cities in the UK. All this in three years.

We feel very lucky to have discovered 157 Whiteladies Road – a beautiful building full of original details dating back to its 1840 beginnings. In the 1920s it became a finishing school and the stained glass feature windows are from that period, based on art and literature motifs. It’s pretty cool to have a ballroom to make our curtains and blinds in, too. For 60 years it was the home of Bromhead Photography and it’s nice to think that this visual and creative history is continuing.

The building itself acts as a backdrop for our own interiors ideas and inside we are able to further test new ways of combining different elements. When our visitors step inside, we are often told that it’s a factory of ideas, full of wonder and surprises. That’s nice to hear.

We try hard to avoid the faux set-pieces of the national style magazines, but to layer things in a way that could be easy and

exciting to live with, so as to create a real interior – not just a showcase – like those in the houses we go into.

This Spring we are installing a paint mixing machine in the showroom, to welcome Mylands to Bristol. Established in 1884, Mylands is the oldest family-owned paint and polish manufacturer in the country, producing the most exquisite, quality paints – with marble dust and earth pigments mixed into their emulsion to give superb coverage and super low sheen. They have predicted their Evergreen hues will emerge this year to fill the space currently occupied by dark blues and greys. Let’s face it, it’s time for a change.

...Mylands’ Evergreen hues will emerge this year to fill the space currently occupied by dark blues and greys...

And they aren’t just saying it by accident. Pantone, of course, release their colour of the year which all the design houses use as an inspiration for their new collections, and this year it is Greenery (Pantone 15-0343).

This verdant backdrop is obvious in the new wallpaper collection launches, with floral, jewel-like extravagance to the fore. We thought a peak had already been reached last year, but actually the theme is just getting bigger and better.

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We are utterly in love with the vibrant Rainforest wall covering by Osborne & Little

Old Hollywood glamour meets the natural world to create velvety, heady late-summer vibes in House of Hackney’s Babylon paper

Go for Kaleido Splatt by Timorous Beasties if you like their freshness and boldness

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INTERIORS

Following on from the hugely successful collaboration with Italian decorative arts company Fornasetti, Cole and Son have just launched their latest collection of wallpapers in conjunction with Ardmore, the collectable ceramic art company. African influences jump out at you with leopard spots, elephants and tribal markings being used as design elements. It seamlessly follows on from the recent tropical trends.

Osborne & Little have started 2017 with a real bang – so much so that when they showed us the new books we got a little bit over-excited.

The colours are stunning – bright and intense, with thick textured weaves and velvets. The prints feature strong Eastern influences. It’s their strongest collection in a long time and already we are seeing it fill the order books for curtains and blinds.

...African influences jump out, with leopard spots, elephants and tribal markings used as design elements and seamlessly follows on from recent tropical trends...

us how these suppliers are pushing themselves to deliver exceptional collections right now. It’s a perfect storm for Bristol – a city that won’t dip its toe in to a new look, wanting to dive in head first.

Artisan-crafted investment furniture is also big this year, and since opening on Whiteladies we have felt much more visible to the Bristolbased craftsmen and women – people who share our vision of quality and distinctiveness. From the hand-printed wallpapers of Bristol’s Addicted to Patterns, to our bespoke furniture – think calf hair cabinets made in the heart of the city – we’ve found collaborators who want to create gorgeous, unique new pieces and designs, with fun and beauty in abundance.

Moving up here was a gamble for sure, but we have been lucky to have made the move at a time when the city is ready to embrace the latest designs. Thank heavens for Bristol! We don’t think we’ll hear that we are slow on the uptake anymore... ■ • whittakerwells.com

Meanwhile: Grandma chic! Who ever thought we’d list that as a trend? House of Hackney are continuing to push the cool nostalgia vibe with their clashing patterns and fringes, so reminiscent of childhood memories and visits to Nan and Pops’ place. Beloved by the Shoreditch hipster, this look is starting to influence other designers. Though it’s not for everyone, our personal favourite, Timorous Beasties, stands alone in terms of setting new boundaries. They have a freshness and boldness – they feel like artists as opposed to designers. We thought they’d be a niche look for us, but Bristol, you are once again proving us wrong and embracing them – they are now a top seller. The more traditional looks are still here, of course, but they are noticeably more beautifully made – the detail of the new Sanderson embroideries is really something else.

So, what’s running through all this is the thread of quality. Quality of design and commitment to producing amazing products. It’s obvious to

Pair Timorous Beasties Random Ruskin paper with a bang on-trend piece of uniquely crafted investment furniture

The Ardmore Collection’s Savuti – named after and recreating one of Africa’s most loved national parks, where baboons sun themselves in coral trees

Africana influences – as seen in Leopard Walk from Cole & Son’s Ardmore Collection

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The store has launched its 2017 products which include copper and concrete door finishes

HAUS PROUD One interiors specialist, new in Clifton this year, offers up a few ideas for making life in the kitchen a little easier

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ell us to change the record all you like; but we can’t help loving how Bristol’s self-styled interiors quarter is shaping up even further for 2017. Already something of a one-stop shop when it comes to the feathering of Bristol nests, Whiteladies Road welcomed another new interiors business into the fold last month, this time situated inside Clifton Down Shopping Centre.

The new Kütchenhaus space is home to a range of affordable, highquality, German-built kitchens following the latest design trends and all in the latest styles and colours – and, in addition, it offers a free design service which sees the team set to work individually with those in the market for a kitchen, to produce something that fits optimally into both their home and lifestyle.

...The very handy hide-away sink with pop-up tap is worth investigating...

Kütchenhaus was established here in the UK in 2004, starting out with three stores, and since then it has expanded to comprise of 10 different branches, all supplied by Nobilia, the world’s largest kitchen manufacturer. “We are literally the shop front for our factory,” says Rob Cash, director of Kütchehaus Bristol; “a way of selling directly to the end customer, and cutting out all the middlemen. All our kitchens 80 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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are made to order and are supplied ready to install, and we have our own fleet of vehicles that come direct from Germany to our warehouse and then straight out to you.

“We are always moving with the new trends and have just launched our new products for 2017 – including the introduction of our copper and concrete door finishes. We are also expanding our matt finished

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doors after seeing a higher demand in recent years, and expanding our Line N handleless ranges which contributed to nearly 50% of last year’s sales.”

Go go gadget It’s often the little things that really make a difference to everyday living – so we asked Rob for the top 21stcentury toys he’d pick out for the uber-modern Bristolian kitchen: • Kick-open bin that open with the touch of your foot, meaning you don’t need to get any mess on the door while juggling piles of peelings and simultaneously trying to access the bin... Rather than getting muck all over your doors and units, with a touch-free unit, disposing of waste is much easier.

• For those who struggle with worktop space, the very handy hide-away sink with pop-up tap and glass lid is worth investigating – allowing for plenty more surface space. I love the Quooker boiling water tap we have on display too.

• 2017 sees us launch two induction hobs which feature a built-in hood that sucks steam, as well as any unwanted aromas, downwards. This is perfect for an open-plan kitchen, giving a clear field of view and ideal for entertaining. ■ • kutchenhaus.co.uk

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PROPERTY

THROUGH THE KEYHOLE...

Check out the recently spruced Chantry House – located in lovely Lower Failand and offering the finest in country views

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n recent years, stone-clad Chantry House has undergone a complete transformation, under the watchful eye of its current owners, which has seen it both extended and fully renovated into the substantial, beautiful family house it is today.

Plenty of attention and thought has been put into making the most of its rather special position – nestled as it is in a sought-after rural village only five miles from Clifton Village. The views over the open pasture land have taken centre stage thanks to the property’s many floor-to-ceiling windows, and the accommodation has generally been laid out as chicly open plan.

While Chantry House has been enlarged and now makes for a wonderful place to entertain, it has retained its comfortable homely feel. On entering via the generous entrance hall, you’ll no doubt be taken with the sizeable kitchen/dining/lounge space – a triple-aspect room enjoying day-round sunshine when it deigns to appear, as well as access to front and rear patios when you wish to follow said sun. The kitchen part is fitted with quality appliances complemented by a woodblock worktop and a stylish central island complete with breakfast bar – at which we can easily imagine perching with our Cornflakes before padding over to the lovely sitting and dining area. The lounge is another favourite room of ours, with its big bay window and feature stone wall, kept from the original house.

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Completing the ground floor is a useful study with views of the back garden beyond, and a walk-in utility room.

Upstairs, the master bedroom suite has wisely been positioned so as to make the most of those upliftingly verdant vistas, and enjoys a full-length window as well as a charming south-facing balcony and top-notch en-suite bathroom. The extra four double bedrooms all have an independent feel to them and are served by two more bathrooms.

The house sits in a large plot – located opposite a church – which has allowed for decent-sized gardens to both the front and back, which include a calming water feature. Double electric cast iron gates provide access to the long, tree-lined driveway as well as an ample parking area. Ticks plenty of boxes for us, but is it the one for you? ■

PROPERTY PROFILE Guide price: £1,250,000 Agent: Hamptons International Contact: 80 Queens Road, Clifton, BS8 1QU; 01173 691 316; hamptons.co.uk

Main image: The charming stoneclad exterior Opposite page, clockwise from top: Electric cast iron gates open onto the tree-lined driveway; reception spaces are light-filled; the beautiful, stylish kitchen; pleasant vistas from the balcony; we can picture ourselves chilling out in this chic space

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PROPERTY

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HOME IMPROVEMENT

TO BLEND IN... OR NOT? Hugo Tugman, from leading home design experts Architect Your Home, offers some words of wisdom on choosing the right exterior finish for your property

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t’s the great architectural debate – be bold and make a statement, or be sympathetic to the surroundings and try to emulate other properties in the area. The best solution will depend upon the type of house, its surroundings and, of course, its owners – however, here are some guiding principles to start with...

It’s easier to go forwards than backwards Drawing style inspiration from a particular time or decade of architecture can be an effective way to stand out from the crowd. In the past we have changed a boxy 1960s house into a very minimalist contemporary style; given a dowdy post-war extension an Arts-andCrafts style makeover and transformed a bland 1950s house into a pair of perky town houses.

Beware of keeping up with the Joneses If you envy your neighbours’ Victorian brick façade, think twice before removing the 1960s pebble dash covering yours. Many people think that revealing brick that has previously been covered up will look fantastic, but stripping existing render or pebble-dash off older brickwork may well leave the brickwork looking not very nice at all.

Doing this can even break the surface of the brick, leaving a very porous surface, which might cause damp problems and will quickly look dirty. Your architect should be able to flag up any potential pitfalls with your exterior plans and suggest a suitable alternative.

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Kerb appeal matters With any update to your home, it’s important to consider the potential implications on the value of it. While standing out from the other houses on the street can certainly improve kerb appeal, you also need to consider that bold exterior statements may not be to everyone’s liking. People often ask us about the added value to their home from doing various different works, but market value is dependent upon much more subjective and emotional factors than many people give credit for. First impressions count for a great deal and if potential buyers are put off before they even walk in, then the value will inevitably suffer, so making your house attractive externally can be a big plus.

Consistency is key Whether you go for something traditional or a little more unusual, very often the key to an attractive exterior is unifying the use of materials. Frequently we come across houses that may have looked great at one time, but have been added to or altered in a way that may have worked well inside, but has created a complete mess on the outside. Covering ill-matching brickwork and pebble-dash with a unifying rendered finish can be very cost effective and can really tie an elevation together. ■ • architect-yourhome.com

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Elly’s Wellies

Garden Designs

Turning your ideas into beautiful spaces Elly’s Wellies Garden Designs will help you maximise the potential of your outdoor space and tailor it to your individual needs. Whether you are looking for a complete garden redesign, or just need advice on what to plant in a border, Elly’s Wellies will be happy to help.

For a free initial consultation, contact Eleanor West

www.ellyswellies.co.uk ellyswellies@gmail.com 07788 640934

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GARDENING

FEELING ZEN...

Elly West’s latest garden designs have been inspired by the balance and spirituality of the Far East

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hen I ask my clients what they want to use their garden for, in just about every case, relaxation is high on the list. Somewhere to sit and be quiet, contemplate, find some peace and feel at one with the surroundings. In our modern, western world, other uses also take priority – an entertaining area, somewhere to grow vegetables, or for the kids to play, but we all seem to want a quiet space too.

In my garden at home, I’ve created an area of gravel where the children aren’t allowed. To them it’s the ‘looking at’ garden, not the ‘playing in’ garden. It’s not colourful, there aren’t many plants, but I like it. There’s a bamboo water feature, some rocks, and an ornamental stone temple – and I even get out a rake and create patterns and shapes in the gravel when the mood takes me. It’s a small spot of tranquillity. And to me, this is Zen. It’s also the perfect solution to a shady, damp spot where the patchy grass was full of moss and nothing really grew very happily.

Age-old origins The idea of Zen began in China, but influenced Japanese temple gardens from the sixth century onwards. I won’t pretend to be an expert, and although I have looked at some books on the subject, I’ve only scratched the surface of this deep philosophy, full of symbolism and tight rules about numbers, viewpoints and direction. Japanese gardens are typically about balance and perfection, using man-made and natural elements. There is not just one style of Zen garden, and it’s as much about the viewer, and whether we are in a Zen state of mind when we look on the rocks, gravel, moss, water, trees and other features of the garden.

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just as we should with any kind of garden we’re creating.

One good thing about this style of garden is that it’s easy and inexpensive to make. Gravel is a cheap surface material, and you don’t need any specialist skills to lay it. A deep layer of your chosen stone atop some weed-suppressing membrane, and you’re away. If you’re lucky enough to have a nearby power supply, then the sound of running water from a water feature is a great addition, or there are small solar-powered models you can buy, to enjoy on sunny days. Have fun arranging a few rocks, and choose plants that are typically low maintenance.

In my Zen garden I have ferns, box balls and an Acer palmatum, all of which pretty much look after themselves. The box just needs trimming into shape a couple of times a year, which I find quite a meditative activity in itself. Cloud-pruned trees, or Niwaki as they’re known in Japanese, are typical of the style, where they are used to describe the landscape and the sky. Ready-made, they can be very expensive to buy, owing to the years of maintenance needed before they hit the sales floor, but they’re not too tricky to recreate yourself. Try Japanese holly (Ilex crenata), Japanese privet (Ligustrum japonicum), box, yew or pine. If you get the bug, there’s a great book full of ideas and images by Jake Hobson – Niwaki: Pruning, Training and Shaping Trees the Japanese Way. Start with a strong, bushy plant with interesting branches, then decide which ones you want to keep. Remove unwanted branches and twigs, so the remaining framework is easy to see.

Be careful not to cut the growing tips of any branches if you want them to get longer or taller. Once they are at the desired length, trim the ends to encourage them to branch out and get bushier – so encouraging the cloud shapes to fill out.

On the rocks Rocks are important in a Japanese garden, traditionally used to represent the mountains and surrounding landscape, in a

Image above: If you happen to have a nearby power supply, the sound of running water is a great addition – otherwise, you could buy a smallsolar-powered water feature model Image opposite: Japanese maple trees – known for their beautiful foliage – are perfect for wherever space is limited

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stylised and miniature form. A vertical rock can represent a mountain – a flat rock; the earth or an island. They generally look better arranged in odd numbers, so think about the composition you’re creating with your rocks, stepping stones or pebbles. Raking gravel is a restful activity, although you will need to buy or make a special rake with triangular tines. Or you could just use a bamboo cane to make individual lines. The lines in the gravel represent the ripples in water, so experiment with swirls and circles until you find an effect you like. The beauty of it is that it’s very easy to start again if you go ‘wrong’.

So, if you’ve got an area in the garden that you’re not sure what to do with, why not try and create your own magical Zen zone? Ignore any snobbery about inaccurately importing a foreign style and don’t worry about getting it wrong. Do what suits you. This style of gravel garden is low maintenance, peaceful, restful on the eye, it suits sun or shade, and could really unleash your inner creativity. What’s not to like? n • ellyswellies.co.uk

Plant of the month: Japanese maple Varieties of Acer palmatum are small, elegant trees that are perfect for a Japanese garden, or wherever space is limited. They’re grown for their graceful habit and beautiful foliage, which changes through the seasons – from spring when the tactile, fresh leaves unfurl in shades of green, yellow, red and burgundy (my favourite time), right through to autumn when they’re renowned for their glowing colours. In the wild, they can be found growing on the edges of woodland areas – out of strong winds and with some light shade and shelter. Slightly acid soil tends to suit them best, but they will also grow well on alkaline soil, just as long as the roots aren’t waterlogged.

Happy either in a container or in the ground, they’re easy to care for and require little or no pruning. Find your tree a sheltered spot in sun or partial shade, where it’s protected from late frosts and cold winds, and it could live for well over 100 years...

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GOT IT COVERED Enjoy the best views of your beautiful flowers from your own sheltered garden room.

We talked to indoor-outdoor experts Garden Affairs about creating a space to play, rest or even work . . .

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ndoors-outdoors. Whether it’s a reviving and warming cuppa enjoyed in the gazebo as a break from weeding, or a refreshing G&T sipped from the comfort of the veranda at a day’s end, there is something about covered outdoor spaces that’s a little bit special.

They offer shelter from the rain and wind, or welcome shade on sunny days and are a nice place to sit alone in contemplation, or to gather friends and family all under one informal roof. But if a covered terrace is too difficult to attach to your house, you can still conjure up a bit of that magic elsewhere in your garden, ensuring you can enjoy the outdoors many more days of the year.

It’s possible to create good-looking sheltered outdoor areas in the same high-quality, long-lasting timber that you’d get in a garden office or summerhouse, with much more flexibility and ease of installation than an extension to your home. Garden Affairs, a company which specialises in summerhouses, gazebos, garden lodges and what they call ‘posh sheds’, have a range of outdoor rooms suitable for all kinds of gardens. And because they’re under 2.5 metres in height they comply with planning regulations.

Depending on how you’ll use the space, you might create an attractive extended roof or linked overhang to a garden building just big enough for a couple of chairs. Think of a covered patio for a summerhouse, perfect for soaking up the sun and making a garden cabin even more appealing.

Or your garden retreat might be a bolthole to sit and sketch in, or to crack on writing your book. Being away from the house means you can leave distractions like loading the dishwasher or sorting the laundry, and

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Above: A Corsica design gazebo by Garden Affairs Left: A traditional gazebo is just large enough to house a small table and a pair of chairs

concentrate on the task in hand. If there’s a work report to write or lines to learn, a garden room is a discrete space to sit, pace or even lie – just make sure you’re not found dozing when you’ve told everyone you’ve gone there to work!

You might prefer your outdoor room to be devoted to

Opposite page, clockwise from top left: A poolside changing room and sheltered seating area; the Prima Capri design allows for a separate, lockable store room beside the seating area; two examples of where Garden Affairs’ designs allow their owners added privacy in their gardens, as well as giving them somewhere sheltered to sit

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CITY | GARDENS

entertaining. You could have a little lock-up cabin next to a more generous al fresco covered area. This could be used as an outdoor dining space, using the enclosed room to securely store chairs, tables and other equipment needed for outdoor entertaining. Keep cushions, lanterns and perhaps a set of boules out here – always on hand for when they’re required.

Another option is to create a stand-alone gazebo or covered loggia that isn’t linked to a garden building at all. With or without some screening timber walls, it’s the kind of outdoor living room we all love in a holiday villa, and now can enjoy at home. How about an outdoor log burner with chimney to create an après-ski feel? A relaxing hot tub? Or brackets to string up hammocks for lazy reading afternoons?

If you’re lucky enough to have an outdoor swimming pool, a garden room makes for a handy pool house and changing room for towels, robes and dry clothes.

Weatherproof garden living isn’t constrained by decorative style.

From crisp contemporary to cheerfully traditional, you can choose the perfect look for your outdoor space, and accessorise with the right furnishings. Underfoot you can choose from timber decking, stone or composite slabs, brickwork or even a fashionable industrial finish such as galvanised metal or rubber tiles.

Timber inside and out can be left visible in a soft and welcoming style, freshened up with beach-hut pastels or given maximum impact with bright contrasts. With a good-quality exterior wood finish, your

covered area will look the part with minimum maintenance for years to come.

There’s also the option to design in a green roof, planted with sedum, which adds insulation, keeping the structure cool in summer and warm in winter.

If you’re going to stay outside after the sun goes down, you’ll need to factor in lighting. Lanterns and candles in jars are atmospheric and romantic but building in electrics for dining, reading or task lighting means you can make full use of your covered area in the twilight.

Lighting on the pathway to the house (especially any steps) will keep everyone safe from stumbling along in the dark too. With electricity you can also extend the use of the space on chilly days, installing an electric convection heater.

The Garden Affairs staff help customers consider all aspects of their new outdoor space, whether they are opting to assemble it themselves or get the experts to do all the hard work. Keep it simple, or if you fancy yourself as full-blown outdoor caterer, you could incorporate power outlets, plumbing and a sink, gas bottle storage, a fridge, wine racks...you name it. Chill the drinks, flick on the fairy lights and relax.

Rain may never stop play again. n Garden Affairs has a showroom at Trowbridge Garden Centre, Frome Road, Trowbridge, BA14 0DT. Visit: gardenaffairs.co.uk or tel: 01225 774566.

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KF PIF full Page FMarch 17.qxp_PIF Full Page 22/02/2017 14:26 Page 1

BRISTOL PROPERTY | IN FOCUS

M

anilla Road is situated in a quiet residential location but within an easy walking distance to Clifton Village. Cambridge House is a fine example of a Victorian townhouse with good sized rooms and flexible space. The accommodation is over three floors with plenty of space to entertain and to house a growing family. The drawing room at the front of the property has plenty of retained features including sash windows, cornicing and feature fireplace. The large separate dining room to the rear of the ground floor overlooks the pretty garden and links to the kitchen complete with plenty of quality integrated appliances. Completing the ground floor is a WC and cloakroom. On the first floor are three generously proportioned bedrooms served by a family bathroom with roll top bath and luxury oversize shower. There are a further three bedrooms on the top floor also with family bathroom and oversize shower.

Once the family have filled the space above ground, there is a large cellar occupying much of the footprint of the house which provides a wealth of useful storage. Outside, there is an easily maintained front garden and parking for one vehicle and an attractive level garden with patio at the rear. This super family home is available to view by appointment with agents Knight Frank.

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

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CAMBRIDGE HOUSE MANILLA ROAD, CLIFTON • Versatile and spacious Victorian family home • Generous reception space • Six good sized bedrooms • Two bathrooms plus cloakroom • Gardens • Cellar

Guide price £1,350,000

Barcan & Kirby fp.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2017 14:27 Page 1

Bristol & Clifton’s premier Commercial Property Agents Keep up-to-date with our latest news, deals, testimonials and market

(0117) 934 9977

comment at our website: www.burstoncook.co.uk

PRIME CLIFTON OFFICE

FANTASTIC STUDIO OFFICES

• Open plan suite

• College Green vicinity • 2,200 sq ft + 4 car spaces • Open plan and ideal for trendy office space • New lease – rent on application

• C 1,000 sq ft • 3 car spaces • New lease

BERKELEY SQ CLIFTON

PROMINENT RETAIL UNIT

• Stunning period property

• Large prominent shop

• 3,266 sq ft + 7 car spaces

• Busy neighbourhood area of bs6

• D1 use

• 1,841 sq ft (inc store)

• To let – terms on application

• Rent on application

PRIME CLIFTON SHOP

THE DISTILLERY

• Queens Road – Close to the University

• An amazing high specification office building

• 586 sq ft • Excellent trading site

• studio style open plan space

• New lease

• 6,380 sq ft

CLIFTON VILLAGE

QUEEN SQUARE – BS1

• D1 Medical use

• Open plan office suite + 1 car space

• Fully fitted out to a high standard

• 1,568 sq ft

• New lease - £14,500 pax

• New refurbishment

• Also suit shop use

• New lease

BOOTH RD – BEDMINSTER

YATE – MODERN HQ OFFICE

• Workshop / industrial unit • B2 use (general industrial) - may also suit other commercial or employment uses • Gross internal area 3,061 sq ft (284.49 sq m)

Julian Cook FRICS

Jayne Rixon

Burston Cook March V2.indd 1

MRICS

Charlie Kershaw MRICS

Finola Ingham MRICS

Tom Coyte BA Hons

• Self contained modern office • Excellent Parking • 2,891 Sq Ft New lease – freehold sale considered

• Sales / Lettings • Acquisitions • Valuations • Landlord & tenant • Auction Sales

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

20/02/2017 16:32

A chance to rent office space in one of Bristol’s best kept secret courtyards…

St Bartholomews Court offers businesses a chance to occupy their own self contained office, located at the bottom of Christmas Steps.

The site is steeped in character and has a rich history being located on the former site of St Bartholemews Hospital which was founded in circa 1230-1240 and was later converted for use by Bristol Grammar School and also the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. More recently the site has been developed to provide high quality residential and office accommodation and Burston Cook are offering to the market, three self contained offices suites located at ground floor level.

Accessed via an attractive ‘Norman archway’, the offices range in size from 509 – 967 sq ft and provide character office space that is predominantly open plan, with WC facilities, kitchenette and bike storage.

Finola Ingham, Associate Director of Burston Cook comments “This is a unique opportunity to rent your own self-contained office, rich with history, character and many charming features. Although the offices are located in the heart of the city centre, you could be mistaken for thinking that you are in a rural retreat, given the tranquil working environment the offices are set in”.

Viewing arrangements strictly through Finola Ingham at Burston Cook.

Located just inside the entrance gates is a beheaded statue – rumoured to be of the Madonna and child.Her feet are rubbed smooth by generations of people hoping to gain good luck!

(0117) 934 9977 www.burstoncook.co.uk Burston Cook March V2.indd 2

20/02/2017 16:32

www.maggsandallen.co.uk

0117 973 4940

Commercial Agency

22 Richmond Hill, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 1BA

BREXIT - WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR BRISTOL?

So we are leaving the European Union... Whilst there is talk that the London property market may have slowed, we are noticing an increase in demand for commercial investments in the Bristol region, up to circa £1,000,000.

This may be due to the additional stamp duty surcharge when purchasing residential buy to let property, or possibly the phasing out of the ability to deduct finance interest on self-assessment for residential property. Either way, this has led to an increase in demand for smaller commercial and mixed use investments where these additional costs do not apply.

W ON NE CTI U TR S IN

E IC D PR CE DU E R

CLIFTON

£1,300,000

Substantial three storey commercial property, situated in a prime location on one of Bristol’s best known High Streets.

Large ground floor restaurant/bar with an independent first and second floor nightclub (with potential for residential subject to consents).

CHRISTMAS STEPS

£350,000

Freehold Grade II listed mixed-used property situated on the historic Christmas Steps in Bristol City Centre. Arranged as a ground floor shop with living accommodation above and behind and benefits from a delightful courtyard garden to the rear.

HENLEAZE

W ON NE CTI U TR S IN

£375,000

Freehold commercial property arranged as a ground floor shop with auxiliary accommodation above. The property is in need of renovation but offers potential for redevelopment, subject to consents.

£21,255 p.a.

BEDMINSTER £35,000 p.a. / £499,950

A former church currently arranged to provide showroom, office and warehouse accommodation of approximately 3,350sqft (Gross Internal Area) with a further first floor of 1,774sqft and further mezzanine storage.

Lettings & Management

Maggs & Allen Commercial March.indd 1

Auctioneers

HANHAM

£450,000

Opportunity to purchase an extended former children’s nursery of just under 2,100sqft (Net Internal Area) benefiting from a rear car park and courtyard garden. The property also offers potential for redevelopment, subject to obtaining the necessary planning consents.

Commercial Agency

QUEEN SQUARE

£22,000 p.a.

Fully fitted café situated on the corner of Queen Square in Bristol City Centre.

Arranged over two storeys (approximately 1,060sqft). An assignment of the existing lease is offered with an ingoing premium of £65,000 to include a full inventory.

R DE UN FER OF

W ON NE CTI RU T S IN

A modern restaurant/café of approximately 1417sqft with additional outdoor seating, situated in a waterfront location within walking distance of ‘Millenium Square’ and Bristol City Centre. An assignment of the existing lease is available with a passing rent of £21,255pa with an ingoing premium of £75,000.

Estate Agents

Over the last 6 months we have seen an general increase in rent reviews being actioned and an overall increase in rents, specifically for A1/Retail and D1/Non-Residential Institutions, i.e nurseries, dentists and alike. One explanation for this increase could be the lack of availability. However, voids in our specialist market (up to £50,000pa) are down and demand is still strong. If you require a rent review or have a vacant shop to let, please contact us on the number above.

W ON NE CTI U TR S IN

W ON NE CTI U TR S IN

WATERFRONT

RISE IN RENT REVIEWS

MONTPELIER

SI RE MIL A Q UI R RE D

£450,000

A unique five storey mixed-use property situated in a prominent position on Cheltenham Road within Bristols creative quarter. The property is currently arranged as an art gallery with studio and workshop space on the ground floor with three floors.

Chartered Surveyors

Land & New Homes

20/02/2017 16:38

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CITY | BUSINESS

FOUR TIPS FOR INVESTING IN BUY-TO-LET SASHA JACQUES,

Partner and conveyancing specialist at Bristol solicitors Barcan+Kirby, shares her four top tips to consider before you put up the cash for a buy-to-let:.

D

espite a rocky year, the buy-to-let market is still growing fast.

Low interest rates, high rents and rising house prices make owning a second property an attractive proposition, but it’s important to get the finances right so that it doesn’t end up costing more than it brings in.

• Speak to a mortgage broker It’s a common assumption that going through a middleman means higher costs than if you deal with the bank directly. In reality though, many mortgage brokers have arrangements with the big lenders that aren’t available as off-the-shelf products, so it’s worth speaking to several to see what they can offer.

• Fix your interest rate now Mortgage rates can’t get much lower and general wisdom suggests they’re only going to go one way - up. Plus, relative to income, the cost of renting is already high, leaving you less scope to push up rent costs if your mortgage outgoings increase.

If you can lock in a good rate now, you’ll potentially save yourself thousands over the course of the next two to five years.

• Location, location Houses in less desirable areas are often more exposed to fluctuations in the property market - so consider how well a property will hold its value. You don’t want to be left with a house worth less than you paid for it, particularly one on an interest-only mortgage, as many buy-tolets are.

Think about your ideal tenant. Are you aiming to attract young professionals, or would you prefer to target young families? Being particular about the type of tenant you would choose will focus your search on properties and locations that best suit their needs.

Factors as diverse as school catchments, transport links and local history can affect the desirability of an area. It follows then that you should do your research, using property sites like Zoopla to check historical and current prices, and look at other letting agents to get an indication of an area’s popularity.

• Due diligence If you were investing in a fund, you wouldn’t skimp on getting the proper assurances first. Use the same diligence when you invest in a property - make sure you get a survey done and instruct an experienced conveyancer to carry out the necessary checks.

You should apply the same logic when it comes to actually letting your property, especially if you’re not planning to use a letting agent.

Tenant checks, inventories and credit references all exist to protect landlords against financial loss due to rent arrears, broken and missing furnishings or damage to the property itself.

If possible go for a local solicitor who knows the area - they will probably have dealt with properties similar to yours in the past and know which common issues to look out for, such as boundary confusion or short leaseholds.

This is key to protecting the capital locked into your property, so that at the end of your interest-only mortgage you aren’t faced with paying out more than you get back. n Sasha Jacques is a Partner and head of conveyancing at Barcan+Kirby.

You can contact her at s.jacques@barcankirby.co.uk or on 0117 325 2929. www.barcankirby.co.uk

Land & Development

B R O K E R S

RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT SITES WANTED WITH OR WITHOUT PLANNING PERMISSION FROM SINGLE PLOTS TO MULTIPLE UNIT SCHEMES STRATEGIC LAND UNUSED PUBLIC HOUSES, HOTELS AND COMMERCIAL UNITS

contact: CAMERON GRAY mobile: 07876 197522

cameron@landdevelopmentbrokers.co.uk www.landdevelopmentbrokers.co.uk

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THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 97

Andrews - Bristol - March.qxp_Layout 3 20/02/2017 16:39 Page 1

Westbury-on-Trym Two bedroom period cottage in the heart of Westbury-On-Trym. With kitchen, lounge, second reception room and enclosed rear garden, this beautifully presented home is only 390 yards from Westbury-On-Trym Albert Place, Westbury-on-Trym, Church of England Academy and 0.6 miles from Elmlea Junior School. Energy Efficiency Rating: C BS9 4AF ÂŁ347,500

Harbourside Rownham Mead, BS8 4YD ÂŁ450,000

A charming 3 bedroom house in Rownham Mead rarely available and tucked away with the Harbourside on your doorstep. Entrance to the property is via an enclosed porch which leads to a well-proportioned light and airy lounge and further onto a modern fitted kitchen diner. The first floor offers three bedrooms and a great bathroom with separate shower. Further benefits include a pretty rear garden and a garage.

Energy Efficiency Rating: D

Westbury-on-Trym sales 0117 405 7685 Harbourside sales 0117 911 4749

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Keynsham 6 The Old School House, Keynsham BS31 1EQ £364,950

Bishopston 3 Tennyson Road, Horfield, Bristol, BS7 8SB OIEO £400,000

Set on the top two floors of an exclusive conversion development, with views towards Keynsham Park this exquisite duplex apartment is much more than a flat. Built as part of the Temple Primary School conversion, the property has an entrance on the first floor from a communal hall with secure entry intercom, on the entry floor you'll find an open plan kitchen diner and lounge area. Energy Efficiency Rating: B

A well-appointed period home which has been lovingly improved by the current owners to provide a stylish and well-proportioned period property. Of particular note is the enclosed circa 63’ rear garden, along with the charming open plan family kitchen and dining room to the rear & elegant sitting room to the front.

Energy Efficiency Rating: E

Keynsham sales 0117 405 8903 Bishopston sales 0117 405 7662

Clifton ÂŁ325,000

Clifton Office 0117 946 6007

Two bedroom flat

An elegant hall floor flat with high ceilings, sash windows and original features, set within a listed semi-detached building. Tucked away from traffic yet conveniently located for Clifton Village, and benefiting from an allocated off street parking space. EPC - C

This is a wonderful and deceptively spacious family home and offers a huge amount of potential, both internally and externally. This beautiful home also has the benefit of a west facing rear garden, off street parking and far reaching views at the rear. EPC - tbc

er nd fer f O

Ocean March.indd 1

Three bed house

U

oceanhome.co.uk

Westbury-on-Trym Office 0117 962 1973

Henleaze ÂŁ675,000

22/02/2017 15:04

Clifton Wood £389,950 Two bedroom flat

A light and deceptively spacious two bedroom ground floor flat situated between Bristol’s Harbourside and Clifton Village.

The apartment has a private sun terrace, single garage and communal car park. EPC - D

Henleaze £625,000 Three bed bungalow

A wonderful opportunity to purchase this sizeable bungalow on an extremely spacious plot directly opposite Henleaze infants & junior schools. The property is in need of some minor updating and offers 3 bedrooms, 2 reception rooms and no onward chain. EPC - tbc

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BRISTOL PROPERTY | IN FOCUS

32 Upper Belgrave Road, Clifton, Bristol Price: £1,395,000

T

his mid terrace Victorian townhouse, built around 1842, has been painstakingly renovated by the current owner with an enormous amount of creativity and flair. Its elevated position provides sweeping panoramic skyline views across the city and over the Downs to the front.

There is around 2900 sq ft of well proportioned, beautifully presented, flexible accommodation over four floors which includes: • • • • •

Full depth open plan kitchen/breakfast/dining room Grand drawing room Master bedroom suite with private cinema Three further bedrooms with bath/shower rooms Versatile lower ground floor which could accommodate au pair, dependent relative or teenager • Front garden, 2 terraces, rooftop garden with cedar-clad hot tub • Large garage Number 32 is an exceptional blend of period features and quality contemporary additions and viewing is highly recommended though agents Richard Harding. ■ Richard Harding. 124 Whiteladies Road, Bristol. Tel: 0117 946 6690

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Henleaze 108 Henleaze Road, Henleaze

t: 0117 962 9221 Email: henleaze@cjhole.co.uk

DOWNS PARK EAST, WESTBURY PARK Guide Price ÂŁ850,000 A charming five double bedroom period family home with a superb and traditional style kitchen/diner with bi-fold doors leading to a westerly facing garden and two individual reception rooms. Over the first and second floors are five bedrooms, family bathroom, shower room and additional en-suite to master. In close proximity to Durdham Down, the shops and amenities of Henleaze and Westbury Park, Waitrose and Westbury Park Infant and Junior School. Awaiting EPC.

Westbury-on-Trym 25 Canford Lane, Westbury-on-Trym

t: 0117 950 0118 Email: westbury@cjhole.co.uk

CROSS ELMS LANE, STOKE BISHOP Guide Price ÂŁ625,000 A substantial, link detached, practical family home with welcoming central hallway, downstairs cloakroom/shower room, two interconnecting reception rooms also connecting to kitchen and leading to a secluded private family garden. Central stairwell and landing leading to four family sized bedrooms and bathroom. Spacious utility room, garage and extensive brick paved driveway. Adjacent to Stoke Lodge, within the heart of Stoke Bishop. Marketed with a complete chain. Awaiting EPC.

Other offices also located across Bristol and Somerset

CJ Hole March.indd 1

20/02/2017 16:44

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

www.cjhole.com This is market time. Choosing an agent is a difficult decision, especially with so many options. Most decent agents are working in the same arena, but what sets us apart is level of experience and service. Our team at CJ Hole Clifton has successfully negotiated thousands of transactions across Bristol. We have a wealth of local knowledge and we genuinely love to help - take a look at our reviews citing happy clients? It’s not just about securing a sale or a let on a property, it’s also

about rolling your sleeves up and doing the hard work to ensure the transaction proceeds seamlessly to conclusion. If you are looking for a local agent with a proven track record and a love of Bristol, we’re your team. Call us on 0117 923 8238 Howard Davis M.N.A.E.A Managing Director - CJ Hole Clifton

REDLAND Guide Price £799,950 An extensive 3/4 bedroom Redland home occupying rooms on three levels of this Victorian building. Situated in an excellent location close to Redland Park, Whiteladies Road, Gloucester Road and within the Redland Green School catchment. The property offers a good size South West facing rear garden and a rear entrance onto Redland Court Road giving potential for a garage/home office to be built with the necessary planning/building regulations. EPC D

COTHAM £1,200,000 An attractive Victorian semi-detached house ideally situated within easy reach of the city centre. The well-presented interior has a great deal of original character throughout and offers: Living room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, family bathroom, four bedrooms (master with en suite), converted attic offering fifth bedroom (en suite) and home office. There is a self-contained flat on the lower ground floor offering: Living room, kitchen/breakfast room two bedrooms and shower room. A driveway, front and rear gardens. EPC TBC

Download our dedicated iPhone App today

CJ Hole Clifton March.indd 1

Other offices also located at: Bishopston, Clifton, Hanham, Henleaze & Southville

20/02/2017 16:43

CLIFTON Guide Price £550,000 A well-presented hall floor flat in a most desirable road in Clifton. All the rooms lead off the grand hall, with bay fronted living room, kitchen/breakfast room, two bedrooms and shower room. The flat has sole use of the drive to the front of the building offering parking and an attractive front garden with high level boundary hedge which provides a great deal of privacy. An easy to maintain garden with patio area and flower borders. EPC D

BRISTOL £190,000 - £550,000 LAST FEW REMAINING An exclusive development opposite Castle Park in the heart of the city, with studios, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments recently converted and ready to move into. The modern interiors have a fresh, contemporary feel and extremely high quality finish and are just a few minutes’ walk from Harvey Nichols and Cabot Circus. It is just a mile from Temple Meads station and minutes from the major commuter routes. EPC B

Download our dedicated iPhone App today

CJ Hole Clifton March.indd 2

Other offices also located at: Bishopston, Clifton, Hanham, Henleaze & Southville

20/02/2017 16:44

Property in focus 2.qxp_Layout 7 24/02/2017 12:29 Page 1

hello from

air bristol

‘Bristol's Leading Airbnb Management Company’ Airbristol is taking the Airbnb rental market by storm, our statistics over the last 6 months speak for themselves:

Average 83% monthly occupancy rates • Over 1000 nights booked 20% increase for landlords compared to long term lets • 95% 4 and 5 star ratings E: hello@airbristol.com | T: 01179113473

www.airbristol.com BRISTOL PROPERTY | IN FOCUS

2 The Polygon, Clifton, Bristol Price: £1,275,000

A

picturesque Georgian Grade II listed townhouse in this most enchanting terrace tucked away in a quiet & sought after Clifton location, with a very pretty private communal garden to the front. The flexible accommodation is currently arranged as a reception room, kitchen, and bathroom on the lower ground floor, with access to the rear garden and the private garage in North Green Street.

The kitchen & dining room are situated on the ground floor, which has access to the front garden through the main front door of the house. The most charming reception room which spans the width of the house and with floor to ceiling sash windows and a balcony is situated on the first floor together with a study room.

The second floor has a large bedroom, again spanning the width of the house and a smaller second bedroom, with two further bedrooms and a bathroom on the top floor. There is also the added benefit of an extension to the lower ground, ground and first floor, which house utility rooms & a bathroom consecutively. There is an abundance of period features throughout, together with the most stunning and far reaching views which only get better the higher you climb.

This wonderful family home is ideally situated between Clifton village with its plethora of independent shops, cafes and restaurants, and the vibrant harbourside with pleasure boats and ferries to the city and Temple Meads train station. This property is coming to the market for the first time in 38 years and viewing is highly recommended. ■

Property Concept 21 Princess Victoria Street, Bristol. Tel: 0117 970 6119 106 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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MANAGEMENT • SALES • LETTING • CONSULTANCY

TFF, 5 Alma Road £340,000

TFF 45 Royal York Crescent £450,000

This fantastic two bedroom top floor flat forms part of an attractive and substantial semi-detached property on a sought after road in Clifton. This period flat conversion sits in an ideal location between Clifton Village and Whiteladies Road and within a few minutes walk of ‘The Downs’ and Clifton Down train station. The flat comprises a light & spacious sitting room with attractive period fireplace; an unusually large hallway which is currently being used as a study/office; a modern kitchen; renovated bathroom, with a roll-top bath and drench head shower and two bedrooms.

This property would make a delightful home or potential rental investment. Early viewing is strongly recommended by appointment only. EPC rating D, and Council Tax Band B.

This unique loft style top floor apartment has internal stairs giving access to a very light and airy open plan living/kitchen/dining room spanning the entire depth of the property. The second bedroom is situated to the front of the property, with the master bedroom and en-suite to the rear. There is a large mezzanine area, located above the sitting room accessed via a spiral staircase, and a separate utility room. Viewing of this property which boasts amazing views towards Dundry and beyond comes highly recommended. Council Tax Band E.

Flat 2, 14/15 Royal York Crescent £415,000

Flat 2, 10 Hensmans Hill £515,000

A stylish basement flat in good decorative order which is accessed at street level. Royal York Crescent, one of the longest Crescents in Europe, is one of the most sought after locations within the heart of Clifton Village. The property boasts a large rear courtyard, shared front courtyard, along with beautiful communal gardens opposite the property. The accommodation comprises two bedrooms, modern kitchen, bathroom and open plan sitting/dining room. Sold with no onward chain this is an ideal private home or investment property. There is also scope for any new purchaser or investor to bespoke to their own taste. Council Tax Band D.

This very stylish, loft style apartment forms the first floor of an architecturally interesting Grade II listed building in the heart of Clifton Village. Formally a ceramic's factory, the property has retained many interesting period features, and the current owners have reflected the semi industrial feel with the installation of a sleek, matt charcoal grey full height kitchen with a cleverly concealed, integral ladder to access the upper cupboards, industrial reclaimed lighting and sympathetic hard wood flooring. The accommodation incorporates a spacious entrance hall, an amazing kitchen/sitting room, a master bedroom, en-suite shower room with a mezzanine study space accessed via a clever staircase, a second double bedroom, separate bathroom and utility room. With the added benefit of an allocated off street parking space, viewing is highly recommended. Council Tax Band 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

TION

Clifton

Cotham

Clifton

Occupying part of the hall floor of this fabulous, newly renovated building is this stunning one bedroom apartment. Lovingly refurbished, period charm resonates throughout the apartment. EPC: C

Set within the leafy suburb of Cotham lies this fabulously spacious Grade II Listed, one bedroom garden apartment.

An elegant and balconied 2 bedroom apartment overlooking the gardens of Victoria Square.

Westbury Park

Clifton Wood

Lower Failand

An exquisite 1930s, three bedroom end-of-terrace house with garage. Exuding character and charm, this property is also within the catchment area of a number of outstanding local schools. EPC: TBC

A versatile 6 bedroom period dwelling steeped in historical importance. EPC: E

A recently renovated and extended 5 bedroom family house with tranquil views of open farmland, nestled in one of North Somerset’s most sought after addresses. EPC: E

Guide Price £250,000

Guide Price £675,000

SOLD

Guide Price £269,950

Guide Price £850,000

SOLD

Guide Price £395,000

Guide Price £1,250,000

SOLD

Stoke Bishop

Clifton

Stoke Bishop

The Stables is a thoughtfully converted 5 bedroom former Victorian carriage house perched on the edge of Durdham Downs. EPC: E

This exquisite 4 bedroom maisonette apartment offers elegant period charm finished with a stylish and contemporary flourish. EPC: E

This splendid first floor apartment benefits from intricate period detail intertwined with a contemporary yet sympathetic finish. EPC: E

Guide Price £995,000

Guide Price £850,000

Guide Price £365,000

Hamptons Bristol

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

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Cotham | Bristol

Guide Price: ÂŁ625,000

A stunning converted coach house in Cotham within one mile of Whiteladies Road, Gloucester Road and also the centre of Bristol. This three bedroom property has been restored and remodelled by the current owners whilst retaining some of the desirable features dating back to the original form.

EPC: Exempt

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Triley Court | Pantygelli | Abergavenny

Guide Price: OIEO £180,000 to £500,000

A sympathetic and quality conversion of this listed, historic country house, by award winning developers, Brownfield Green Ltd. This exciting project will comprise 4 grand houses with period features and high ceilings, two modern townhouses, an exciting news single storey ‘Eco’ house and three beautifully refurbished cottages. All set in 9 acres of communal grounds within the spectacular Brecon Beacons National Park at the foot of the Sugar Loaf Mountain.

A rural location with breath taking views, yet only 1.5 miles from the historic town of Abergavenny and within easy reach of major road and rail networks.

EPC: Pending.

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Richard Harding Chartered Surveyors • Estate Agents • Auctioneers • Valuers

Set in the heart of Bristol's historic harbourside - a four storey grade II listed Georgian-period town house with a 58ft south facing garden. Enjoying views over the docks from an elevated-prominent position, on a tree lined, cobbled street, above the harbour. Very convenient location close to Bristol’s centre, Temple Meads train station, the Docks /Harbourside/Waterfront and Cabot Circus shopping.

Redcliffe Parade Residents Parking Scheme.

REDCLIFFE PARADE EAST, HARBOURSIDE guide £735,000 OAKWOOD ROAD, HENLEAZE

A very smart & handsome 1930’s period semi-detached house with a quite special thro’ kitchen/dining & living area (measuring 30ft x 18ft) opening onto a lawned rear garden, separate sitting room, 4 bedrooms, (2 with en suite) and ample off street parking. Renovated to a very high standard, blending period features with contemporary style - bright, lateral accommodation generously set out over 2 levels with potential for a loft conversion if required. EPC: E

guide price: £745,000

Set in a private, hidden oasis - a newly converted (10 year guarantee) grade II listed coach house with a stunning contemporary interior, & a lovely south westerly facing garden. A very special, individual and stylish 3 double bedroom house is a rare find so close to the heart of the city and offers an intriguing blend of a character façade and contemporary living. Set discreetly ‘off the beaten track’ with a wonderful sense of privacy, yet in the heart of the city and central to so much it has to offer.

POPPY LANE, COTHAM

guide price: £625,000

An exceptional, 2 bedroom hall floor garden apartment of superlative quality throughout, having PRIVATE GARDEN (33ft x 21ft), set within an iconic grade II* listed Georgian terrace overlooking the established garden park exclusively belonging to residents of Worcester Terrace. Clifton's architecture is varied and striking with 400 acres of open space found on the Downs just under a mile away. Having been renovated throughout by the present owners and now presented to an exceptionally high finish.

WORCESTER TERRACE, CLIFTON

guide price: £499,950

SUNNINGDALE, CLIFTON

guide price: £710,000

A bright, welcoming & surprisingly spacious 4 double bedroom (1 en suite) 3 storey town house situated on a beautiful location in Kingsdown, convenient for exploring all the city has to offer. Offers 75ft south easterly facing level sunny garden and a garage. Located on Kingsdown Parade, a charming and highly regarded street high up in Kingsdown, convenient for the city centre, Bristol university and excellent schools including Cotham & Bristol Grammar. EPC: C

KINGSDOWN PARADE, KINGDOWN

guide price: £645,000

An elegant & well-proportioned 4 bedroom (1 with en suite) period townhouse situated in a great location close to Whiteladies Road, offering an enviable kitchen/dining room with sliding doors leading onto a south west rear courtyard garden. Situated in a highly convenient location parallel to Whiteladies Road and therefore within a short stroll of the shops, restaurants and Everyman cinema.

A beautiful townhouse in a wonderful location with many of its original features and character retained. EPC: D

Professional, Reliable, Successful

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

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Richard Harding Chartered Surveyors • Estate Agents • Auctioneers • Valuers

SOLD STC

SOLD STC

SOLD STC

REDLAND, Clyde Park

CLIFTON, Upper Belgrave Road

REDLAND, Burlington Road

guide: £1,750,000

guide: £1,395,000

guide: £1,100,000

Getting ready for the Spring

SOLD STC

SOLD STC

This page displays some of the many interesting and high quality homes already sold by us so far this year with premium prices invariably achieved.

We have experienced strong post New Year demand for homes across all price ranges.

BISHOPSTON, Logan Road guide: £1,050,000

SOLD STC

If you are reading this and thinking that you really must get on and move house in 2017, then please contact us now so we can arrange a free market appraisal, without obligation, and discuss the right timing for you and how to best orchestrate the move, both to suit your circumstances and optimise the price of your property.

REDLAND, Ravenswood Road guide: £995,000

SOLD STC

And if you are concerned that the current shortage of property will make it difficult to find your next home we have the experience and know how to solve the problem.

Please call us on 0117 946 6690 and speak to one of the partners.

(Please note that the prices quoted are the advertised guide prices at the time of sale).

REDLAND, Edgecumbe Road guide: £1,095,000

SOLD STC

SOLD STC

BRANDON HILL, Great George Street guide: £1,000,000

SOLD STC

ST ANDREWS, Chesterfield Road

WESTBURY PARK, Westbury Park

HENLEAZE, Westbury Road

guide: £825,0000

guide: £1,500,000

guide: £985,000

Professional, Reliable, Successful

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

Clifton - Guide Price £450,000

Durdham Park - Guide Price £400,000

A beautiful 3 double bedroom, top floor apartment set within a converted semi-detached period property boasts well-proportioned accommodation (circa 1107 sq. feet) and a communal rear garden. EPC - D

A hall floor two double bedroom, apartment set within a converted semi-detached period property boasts well-proportioned accommodation (circa 1007 sq. feet) and a communal front garden. Retaining period features throughout. EPC - D

Clifton - £325,000

Westbury-on-Trym - Guide Price £675,000

Attractively presented two bedroom first floor flat situated within a few minutes’ walk of Clifton Village and Clifton Downs. Ideally suited to owner occupiers or investment buyers.

EPC - D

We are delighted to offer this very attractive 4 bedroom semi-detached family with lovely balanced proportions set in a plot with a good size rear garden. EPC - D

Westbury-on-Trym - Guide Price £625,000

Westbury-on-Trym - Guide Price £565,000

This is a handsome 1930’s semi-detached family house that has been extended to the side and rear in recent years to provide a comfortable and particularly spacious 4 bedroom property.

EPC - D

This lovely 3 bedroom semi-detached house is brought to the market for the first time in nearly 50 years.The property offers great potential and has a stunning rear garden perfect for families or keen gardeners alike. EPC - E

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