The Bristol Magazine October 2016

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THE

Issue 148

THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

MAGAZINE

£3.95 where sold

I

october 2016

VELVET

OVERGROUND

We fall for fashion’s elegant new-season styles and luxe textures at beautiful Backwell House T H E C I T Y ’ S B I G G E S T M O N T H LY G U I D E T O L I V I N G I N B R I S T O L

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NEW SHOWROOM

Our new dedicated wardrobe, carpet and flooring showroom is now open in the old Maskreys building next door to our existing store at 56-64 Whiteladies Road.

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NEW SHOWROOM

FINE CARPET

We make bespoke sofas and upholstery and curtains in our own factory in Bristol and design and make painted or solid pine or oak cabinet furniture from standard ranges or made to measure and to your own or our designs We also re-upholster original 1950's chairs and have 25% off a large selection until the end of October

Curtains and Blinds Sofas and Fabrics Bespoke Cabinet Furniture and Wardrobes

Sofas, Curtains and Cabinet Furniture Made to order in 2-4 weeks

terms and conditions apply

We are just past Clifton Down Shopping Centre 56/64, Whiteladies Rd, BS8 2PY Mon-Sat 9.30 - 5.30/Sun 12 - 5

TEL: 01173 292746

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

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New applIcaNts up 74% 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 1172 950 425 to arrange your free market valuation.

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

pOa

New Instruction

KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

clifton A beautifully refurbished Grade II* listed Georgian home (6,718 sq ft) within the heart of Clifton Village.

5 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, 6 bedrooms, 4 bath/shower rooms, garden, coach house with garaging and studio/games room above.

Guide price £695,000

New Instruction

nTheMarket.com

Guide price £650,000

clifton

clifton

Beautiful period family home (1,544 sq ft) with parking and gardens.

3 receptions, kitchen, 4 bedrooms, guest bathroom, guest shower room, sunny rear gardens, off-street parking, visitor parking, private road. EPC E.

An impressive and elegantly proportioned first floor apartment (1,623 sq ft) in Clifton. Drawing room, sitting room, kitchen/breakfast room, 3 bedroom suites, parking and communal terrace. EPC D.

Guide price £1,250,000

Guide price £1,150,000

wedmore

sneyd park

An immaculate barn conversion (2,317 sq ft) on the edge of Wedmore.

3 reception rooms, kitchen/dining room, 4 bedrooms (2 ensuite), bathroom, double garage, car port, outbuildings and gardens. EPC C.

A unique house (3,487 sq ft) with stunning views. 2 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room. 5 bedrooms, 3 bath/shower rooms.

Sun terrace, terraced gardens, swimming pool, parking, garage. EPC F.

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VIewINgs uP 47% 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 1172 950 425 to arrange your free market valuation.

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

guide price £650,000

New Instruction

KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

Clifton A most impressive and attractive stone built mews house in the heart of ever popular Clifton village.

Drawing room, Kitchen/breakfast room, vaulted utility, 2 bedroom, study/bedroom 3, allocated off street parking, courtyard garden. EPC D.

guide price £499,950

New Instruction

nTheMarket.com

guide price £1,250,000

Clifton

Clifton

A generous 2 bedroom apartment (1,185 sq ft) with fantastic views.

Drawing room, kitchen/breakfast, master with en suite shower, guest bedroom, guest bathroom, extensive communal gardens, parking.

Grade II Listed property (2,723 sq ft) with suspension bridge views. 3 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, roof terrace, courtyard garden. Lower ground; offers flexible accommodation.

POA

New Instruction

guide price £925,000

Price Reduction

sneyd Park

east Harptree, Chew Valley

Immaculate 3 bed maisonette with views of The Downs. Parking, garden and garage. Please call for further details.

A charming edge of village country house (2,933 sq ft) with elevated rural views. 3 reception rooms, 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Stabling, outbuildings. Not listed. In all about 1.36 acres. EPC G.

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OFFeRs uP by 81% 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 1172 950 425 to arrange your free market valuation.

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

Guide price £1,600,000

Near Chepstow Stunning immaculate country house (4,499 sq ft). 4 receptions, kitchen. 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (2 ensuite). 2 bed cottage (1,470 sq ft). Garaging, gardens, paddocks, tennis court. In all about 22 acres. EPC F.

Guide price £795,000

Guide price £2,750,000

KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

nTheMarket.com

New Instruction

Near Wells

Langford

Beautiful Grade II Listed home set in mature grounds of approaching 6 acres. 5 reception rooms, 6 bedrooms, 5 bath/shower rooms, studio/office, indoor swimming complex, tennis court, paddock, woodland. EPC G.

Immaculate 5 double bedroom house (2,962 sq ft) in mature grounds.

3 reception rooms, breakfast/kitchen, 5 bedrooms (1 ensuite), bathroom.

Sweeping drive, double garage, outbuilding and gardens. EPC E.

Guide price £450,000

New Instruction

OIRO £695,000

Price Reduction

Near Wedmore

brockley

Informal Tender. Substantial steel framed barn (4,191 sq ft) with planning permission to convert an agricultural building into a residential dwelling including pasture. Rural setting. Approx 2.6 acres.

An impressive Grade II listed house (9,998 sq ft) set within beautiful mature gardens. The property is suitable for both residential and commercial development, having been previously used as a care home.

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THE | CONTENTS

OCTOBER 2016

25

72

36

© Disneynature/ Adam Chapman

48

106

Photo by chrisdawphotography.com

14 BARTLEBY

90 WALK THE WALK

52 STATE OF THE ART

...Isn’t so sure about the proposed changes in Victoria Park

What’s going on at our city galleries?

56 LITERATURE 16 ZEITGEIST Five of our top things to do this month

58 FOOD AND DRINK NEWS

18 THE CITYIST We take five with Seb Choudhury

25 AW16 FASHION SPECIAL Play lady of the manor and mix sumptuous new-season styles with rich autumnal textures

34 SHOPPING: MENSWEAR We haven’t forgotten about you fashionistos, mind

Updates from the industry

We look ahead this year’s Wildscreen Festival and chat to an industry leader

94 SHOPPING: HOME Our autumn wishlist could come in handy if you’re feathering the nest for the new season

96 PROPERTY

60 RECIPES River Cottage’s Gill Meller shares a seasonal dessert from his debut book

62 RESTAURANT REVIEW We welcome Down-From-Londoner Polpo with open arms

66 WHOLE LOTTA BRISTORY Julian Lea-Jones recalls the lost art of saving money for a rainy day...

36 FILM

We look through the keyhole of a Telegraph Homebuilding and Renovating Award-shortlisted property in Pensford

98 INTERIORS Designer Katherine Olgivie shares some easy seasonal updates for the home

106 GARDENING Autumn? Winter? Margaux is already thinking ahead to spring...

68 BRISTOL AT WORK We meet former royal butler Grant Harrold and find out about his Bristol business

42 WHAT’S ON Diaries at the ready...

70 BRISTOL UPDATES

46 MUSIC From Russian with talent: it’s Bristol singer-songwriter Ria Timkin

ON THE COVER

Louisa models Hobbs’ red velvet Mayella dress at Backwell House – shot by the fabulous Chris Daw. See p25 for more of our AW16 fashion special

Tidbits from our local businesses

72 MOTORING Dara Foley test drives the new Kia

48 ART Influential Bristol-based artist Daphne Wright has a major solo exhibition spanning Arnolfini and Tyntesfield

Even more great content online: thebristolmag.co.uk 10 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

Judy Darley previews Bristol Literature Festival – get pencilling in!

Andrew Swift proposes a stroll suitable for all ages in historic Uphill

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OCTOBER 2016

76 EDUCATION NEWS The latest from our local establishments

Follow us on Twitter @thebristolmag

Like us: Facebook.com/ thebristolmag

Follow us on Instagram @thebristolmag

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Autumn scenes in Clifton – photo by Neil James Brain @NeilJamesB

THIS MONTH WE’VE BEEN...

Hunkering down

...And prepping for winter hibernation, which means stocking up on essentials like this innovative alternative to the hot water bottle.

Plug in and quickly charge the ‘heatpod’ (£39.99) and it stays warm for hours.

Available at John Lewis and Lakeland.

• dreamlanduk.co.uk

Excited for...

from the

EDITOR

...The start of all the Spiegeltent fun next month – they’ve begun announcing this year’s line-up which includes soul star Charles Bradley (pictured) and The Puppini Sisters.

• christmasspiegeltent.co.uk

“...I don't feel like spring. I feel like a warm, red autumn...”

W

e have to say, as much as we love the balmier months, we’ve been hankering after the colours and textures of the new season for a little while now – desperate to update our wardrobes and swap breezy blouses and dinky sandals for smart boots and buttoned-up jackets. When we got away from it all at beautiful Backwell House recently, we took with us a trunk full of gorgeously autumnal garments to try for size – flick to p25, or p34 if you’re a fashionisto, to see which styles you might fancy sporting yourself over the coming weeks.

The autumnal landscape always seems to give us a renewed appreciation for the natural world too – appropriate then, that Wildscreen Festival seeks to celebrate the city’s greatest natural history storytellers this month, right here in ‘Green Hollywood’, the global capital of wildlife documenting. Emma Payne chats to Silverback Films director Alastair Fothergill on p36, about his Panda Award-nominated series The Hunt; seeing predators in a less villainous light; and working with the legend that is Sir David Attenborough.

There’s more arresting imagery on p48 from influential Bristol-based artist Daphne Wright, who currently has a major solo exhibition spanning both Arnolfini and Tyntesfield, and who uses sculpture to talk about the condition of being human; while on p56 Judy Darley looks ahead to the city’s literature festival. Elsewhere, we ponder what Venetianinspired eatery Polpo brings to the Bristol table; gather foodie inspo from River Cottage’s Gill Meller; and pick interior designer Katherine Ogilvie’s brains for useful tips and easy updates for the home.

That ought to keep you busy for a while...

Editor’s image by Paolo Ferla; ferlapaolo.com

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...And making sure our skin doesn’t suffer as temperatures begin to drop. Ooharr’s new antioxidant-rich face mask (£1.20 per 15ml) cleanses with its essential oils, without stripping moisture. It’s an instant pick-me-up, and we dig the retro packaging. Available from Bristol’s AA Skincare.

• aaskincare.co.uk

Keeping spirits high

...With a little new-season self-gifting. We love this ’70s-inspired Per Una bell sleeve dress (£55) from the Marks and Spencer autumn/winter collection.

• marksandspencer.com

AMANDA NICHOLLS EDITOR

@thebristolmag

Maintaining...

OCTOBER 2016

@thebristolmag

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Making inroads...

I

f you’re one of the thousands of people who enjoy walking, playing, picnicking or even fire-juggling in Victoria Park, you might be interested to know that the city council is planning to build a road right through it. Okay, so it’s not a road for cars, but it is a road nevertheless – namely, a wide strip of tarmac with lines painted on it and lights so people can see where they’re going at night. A road for bikes.

This proposed cycle highway is part of a citywide programme of investment, much of which is going into a series of ‘quietways’, along which people will be able to travel from various outlying areas into the centre of the city. The (commendable) aim is to make cycling into town easier, which in turn will ease traffic congestion and help people avoid falling into the slough of obesity. I’m all for helping people ride bikes safely – i.e, without having to run the risk of being splatted by a scaffolding truck – but I’m not quite convinced by the way the city council is going about it.

I’m sure people have different experiences depending on where they live, but in the part of town I know best – which happens to be the centre and south – things seem to have got somewhat worse rather than better.

The main problem seems to be this: in countries like the Netherlands and Denmark, where far-sighted governments began investing in cycling infrastructure 50 years ago, provision for bikes is very good, with a network of dedicated cycle lanes covering towns and cities. These lanes are engineered like roads, and separated from them, which is great.

In Bristol, meanwhile, the city council only woke up to the value of cycling during the last decade or so, when the EU (remember them?) started throwing money at cities that were prepared to back bikes. In the weird world of funding-based development, the most important thing is getting the money, which means approaching the funding body with the kind of plan they like. With cycling, what funders apparently want to see is highly engineered, European-style bike lanes. There’s one along Baldwin Street, and another along the bank of the New Cut near to Temple Meads.

These are wonders to behold, but the longest stretch is only a few hundred metres, and then you (the cyclist) are chucked back into the traffic, often on a roundabout... To go from quiet bike lane to trafficfilled road is – to my mind – more dangerous than being among the traffic all the time. Do the engineers who design and build these things think about their use and impact, or are they simply concerned only with the project itself – and how it will look in the next funding application? Or is there, conversely, some fantastic long-term plan that we don’t know about?

So to Victoria Park, an oasis of traffic-free green space in the heart of the city. I have written often about the wonders of this park, which probably does more to keep people healthy than every bike route in the city. It is a place of relaxation for adults and children of all ages, from the elderly and infirm to youthful footie players and tiny tots. In the summer it is so busy there is barely room to set down a picnic blanket. Every inch of grass is precious and in my opinion, it should be protected at all costs.

By all means, make cycling easier for the people of south Bristol. Work out the safest routes for them to travel, signpost said routes – divert traffic if necessary. But, if it isn’t already too late, please think again about building a road across a busy park. Highway engineers had the same idea in the 1960s, driving their proposed inner city ring road right across the park. That plan never came to fruition, and nowadays we think it was the worst idea ever. For good reason... ■ 14 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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ZEITGEIST

Top

5

things to do in OCTOBER

IN DEEP

Bring Fido along to Blaise Castle – he’ll even get his own bandana!

TIME FOR WALKIES! Set aside some quality time for you and your pooch this month, and take them on the biggest, best walk they’ve ever had, while raising money for the RSPCA. Dogs of all shapes and sizes are invited to join RSPCA rescue dogs, donning a special bandana, for a sponsored 3k or 5k walk around Blaise Castle Estate on 16 October at 11am. Poochless humans, you’re welcome too – maybe you’ll even find yourself a lifelong canine companion! Spaces are £10 for one dog and £5 for each additional dog; humans go free!

Online ticket purchase closes 14 days before the event, but you can sign up on the day too.

• rspca.org.uk/dogwalk

Be wowed by ace footage from above and below the water’s surface

The Australian-born Ocean Film Festival World Tour has returned to the UK for its third British edition, and is stopping off at the Victoria Rooms on 8 October. The festival will showcase the best in oceanthemed short films from all over the globe, celebrating the mysteries of the big blue and documenting the pure magnificence and wonder of the sea. Expect surfing in breathtaking beautiful Iceland and Alaskan adventure in films like The Accord and Kayaking the Aleutians, as part of over two hours of sublime cinematography taken above and below the water’s surface.

• oceanfilmfestival.co.uk

MAKE YOUR MARK Bristol-based company Let’s Make Art is celebrating the international Big Draw Festival on 22 October.

They’ve teamed up with with Anorak Magazine, Cass Art and travelling bookshop How Brave is the Wren, along with renowned Bristol artists, for a day of doodling and drawing – with art workshops, games, competitions, food, smoothies and storytelling for children and their families. Go and draw with professional artists and project your own artistic ideas onto the walls for everyone to colour in. £8 per child over two years, grown-ups free.

• picatic.com/doodleday

CULTURE CLUB Get your theatrical fix this month with the English National Ballet’s brand new version of Giselle over at The Bristol Hippodrome from 18-22 October – widely regarded as one of the greatest romantic ballets of all time. Celebrated choreographer Akram Khan’s first full-length ballet will feature a set and costumes from Academy-Award winning designer Tim Yip, known for his work on the hit film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, and composer Vincenzo Lamagna’s adaptation of the original score, performed live by English National Ballet Philharmonic. Tickets start from £13.90.

• ballet.org.uk

PUMPING ON YOUR STEREO? Former Supergrass drummer Danny Goffey is bringing his band Vangoffey to Bristol this month, having garnered acclaim for their playful debut album Take Your Jacket Off & Get Into It, which was released on Distiller Records last month. Championed by the likes of NME, Q, Uncut, BBC 6 Music and Radio X, the charismatic multi-instrumentalist currently resides in Somerset with his wife Pearl Lowe (singer of ‘90s post-punk band Powder and mother of fashion model Daisy Lowe), along with their children, who starred in Vangoffey’s videos for Trials of a Modern Man and Race of Life. Full of pop spirit and mischievous wit, the new album is a charming ode to modern life from Danny and co – who comprise Drew McConnell from Babyshambles, Louis Eliot from Rialto, and the son of Florence & the Machine producer and Pulp bassist Steve Mackey, Marley Mackey. See the band at The Exchange on 10 October.

• exchangebristol.com; vangoffey.com

Photo by Jason Bell

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THE CITY THE BUZZ

My BRISTOL

We take five with Inside Out West’s new presenter Seb Choudhury

New kid on the block A luxurious new hotel will be throwing open its doors this month, on the site of two old bank buildings. Bristol Harbour Hotel will show off an elegant façade and smartly restored interiors, thanks to renowned architect William Bruce Gingell, whose design is inspired by the Sansovino’s 16th-century Library of St Mark in Venice.

The hotel has 42 bedrooms and a restaurant – ‘Jetty’ – with award-winning menus from chef patron Alex Aitken. The events space features a skylight and opulently detailed ceiling, and holds up to 300 guests; while the vaults will see a spa opening in spring 2017. Rooms are priced from £145 per room per night – bed and breakfast – based on two people sharing.

• bristol-harbour-hotel.co.uk

So, tell us a bit about your background My first taste of journalism was answering the phones at BBC Radio Gloucestershire. I loved that job – talking to so many different people every day. From there I got the bug to make radio programmes, and soon became a reporter at the station. It was a job that led me to work at several different radio stations around the country before getting a job at BBC Points West. Despite going off to work at Network news in London for a few years, my heart was always in the Westcountry.

Favourite story covered recently?

As a cricket fan, I loved making the film for the centenary of WG Grace. He was an incredible man – not only a great cricketer, and an ambassador for the sport, but also a working GP in Bristol. We had a lot of fun making the film and interviewed some brilliant people, and I hope that one day Grace will get a statue in the city, which he probably deserves more than anyone.

What do you find to be the most challenging part of broadcasting?

Trying to keep the nerves in check. Despite so many years of doing this, I still get nervous when that red light comes on.

Big screen success An award-winning short film by a 25-yearold Bristol-based filmmaker has been selected for three major film festivals. Lisa Marley’s Red Sky on the Black Isle, about the plight of birds of prey in the Highlands, has been screened at the Hebrides International Film Festival and will show at Aberdeen Film Festival and Festival de Ménigoute in France. “Centuries ago, red kites were persecuted almost to the point of extinction in this country,” says Lisa, who has a masters in documentary and features from UWE. “Their reintroduction to the Black Isle was incredibly important to the local community, so I couldn’t believe such a tragic loss hadn’t been more widely reported. The story is so compelling that it really appealed to me as both a wildlife lover and a filmmaker. One of the film’s first screenings was at Cineme in Bristol, which was really special as the city is my adopted home. I hope those in Scotland and France enjoy it too.”

• facebook.com/redskyontheblackisle

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What’s the best bit of the job?

It sounds like a cliché, but I love talking to people. Broadcasting carries a big responsibility, and when people tell you faceto-face what they like and don’t like, it’s an incredible insight. Obviously I’ve spent a lot of time in the studio over the years, and my new role on Inside Out West has given me the opportunity to get out and about around the

West and meet some really interesting people.

What’s been your career highlight so far?

A couple of years ago I donated my kidney to my mother, who was dying. Inside Out West followed my journey, from the first test to the operation. After the programme aired, lots of people contacted me to say how much it had helped them to become potential organ donors.

I was very proud to make a difference.

What do you love most about Bristol?

The people in this city are amazing. Having grown up in Gloucestershire, I used to visit Bristol when I was younger and wished I lived here. My parents used to drive to Stapleton Road to shop for food and spices. A visit to Bristol always meant good food that night. I still drive my mother here to get her ingredients – she’s an awesome cook. As a place to broadcast, it’s always surprising. This is a city that has it all.

What local eateries are you loving right now?

While doing a story for Inside Out West recently, I visited Glen’s Kitchen in St Paul’s near the Malcom X centre. Glen is known as the singing chef, and he really can sing. His food is equally as good.

Surprise us...

I juggle devil sticks. During my university years I busked in London, with my not-so-awesome skills.

• Follow Seb on Twitter, @sebchoudhury

READ ALL ABOUT IT...

Charlotte Pope, at Foyles, recommends Happy by Derren Brown The television illusionist is well known for his wacky feats and mind tricks – from staging the apocalypse to using hypnosis to convince members of the public to commit an armed robbery, he has shown a great understanding of the mysterious ways of the human mind. Now, he has turned his hand to writing a book on the nature of happiness. Everybody wants to be happy – the self-help industry is booming, and every day people embark on the search for the ‘quick fix’ to finding contentment. But just what is it and how do we achieve it? From the works of the Stoics and Epicureans, Derren reveals how ancient wisdom can be incredibly relevant and useful to today's society. He also describes how many ‘self-help’ schools of thought (affirmations, positive thinking, self-belief) can actually have the opposite effect on the brain and cause anxiety. Happy aims to teach us how to embrace and appreciate the good things in life, and to see that even when you're having a rough day, more or less, everything is fine.

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THE CITY

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

@shotaw aydotcom captured Ho performin race Andy g with M assi Attack on the Down ve s

Doing it for the kids At-Bristol is to host this year’s Byte Night South West 2016 as part of the UK’s largest sponsored sleep-out on 7 October, after helping the charity raise over £60,000 at the event last year. With its striking planetarium and open spaces of Millennium Square, it’s a great space for sleepers to gather and enjoy a night under the stars to raise awareness and support some of the most disadvantaged young people in society. “Last year we attracted over 100 sleepers from South West businesses, raising a brilliant £60,000 in the process,” said Mark Williams, Byte Night board co-chair. “We strongly feel we can exceed last year’s number of sleepers and the amount of money raised. At-Bristol remains the perfect venue for Byte Night South West due to its central location and iconic status in the city and I’m really looking forward to sleeping out there.” Each year, businesses from across the country spend the night sleeping out to raise sponsorship for Action for Children on Byte Night. It has already raised over £1.1million in 2016, with more than 1,300 people sleeping out across the UK. Teams from South West companies including KPMG, BT, Lloyds, Civica and EY are already signed up to sleep out, but individuals are also able to join in with the event.

• bytenight.org.uk

t tub action

Lakeside ho

t!

@valleyfes

The amaz ing @institch you sewn ss G ’s reat Britain!

Nice shot!

UWE linguistics lecturer Dr Jeanette Sakel has scooped the top prize in the ‘Close to Nature’ category of this year’s British Wildlife Photography Awards, with a photo of tadpoles weaving an intricate pattern of light and dark in a wildlife pond on the Frenchay campus. “Most of the other photographers who entered the competition are professionals with many years of experience, so I am really delighted with the award,” said Jeanette. “The day I took the photo I had decided to do something different for my lunch break. I had brought in my camera to see if I could capture the year’s first dragonflies at the pond. I noticed movement just below the water’s surface: myriad tadpoles, swirling at great speed around the water, forming intricate patterns. I lay down, the hood of my macro lens almost touching the water, and experimented with manual camera settings to capture the movement below the surface. Underexposing the image to achieve a fast shutter-speed, I captured the winning photo.” Jeanette's photo will now form part of a touring exhibition across the UK. Her image also features in the corresponding book British Wildlife xx Photography Awards: Collection 7 published by AA Publishing.

• bwpawards.org; uwe.ac.uk

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merband @theshim ybris – @o2academ den @rbow by o ot ph

We love the raspber ry @espense gin from n officiall spirit, who y launch ed last mon th

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THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 21

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Engagement Rings Wedding Rings Wedding Gifts

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0117 950 5090 22 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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At Artemis we are proud to offer our instant jewellery commission process - if you can’t find the perfect piece in one of our existing collections, you can sit and create something unique and special with one of our talented designers Artemis is also known as an Aladdin’s cave of gorgeous gifts and Christmas decorations which complement our jewellery perfectly Free gift wrapping service with any purchase Tel: 0117 924 1003 www.artemisbristol.co.uk 214 Gloucester Road, Bishopston Bristol BS7 8NU

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THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 23

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GARDEN STATE: Louisa looks sharp in the chicly tailored, militarystyle Marietta coat, £289, from Hobbs, and patent Rixley boot, £40, from River Island Adele wears perennial favourite the longline camel coat, £85, with black cut-out top, £22, and Petch boot, £50, all from River Island

FALL GIRLS From classic camel to cool khaki, luxe lace to soft, extravagant velvet, we fell in love with the new season’s palettes and textures while exploring the elegant 19th-century surrounds of beautiful Backwell House

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FASHION | AW16 SPECIAL

GREENHOUSE EFFECT: Botanical is big, and Adele pulls off this gorgeously autumnal floral shift with ’70s bell sleeve – £39.50 from Marks & Spencer – with aplomb

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VELVET OVERGROUND: Lady-in-red Louisa goes Gothic-glam and cuts a striking figure in Hobbs’ luxurious Mayella dress, £349, and Rabbit metallic heel, £50, from River Island

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FASHION | AW16 SPECIAL

VENUS IN FURS: Louisa sports the soft, snug and sumptuous Bethany faux fur coat, £179, from Hobbs – just as easily dressed down as it is glammed up

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FASHION | AW16 SPECIAL GOLD STANDARD: Adele taps into not one but two seasonal trends via the metallic Benita top in champagne velvet, £129, from Hobbs; worn with Carmen leggings, £22, from River Island (shoes model’s own)

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FASHION | AW16 SPECIAL

LACED UP: Louisa makes an impression at the Cider Barrel Bar, in Marks and Spencer’s mesh lace shift, £45 Adele wears Lady bordeaux lace and tulle dress by Three Floor, £225, from Harvey Nichols

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METAL GURU: Louisa is resplendent in the Reza Rocabella dress with metallic floral detail, £195, from Coast

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FASHION | AW16 SPECIAL

CAPED CRUSADER: Louisa is bang on-trend in the beaut berry-hued Tatiana cape, £249, from Hobbs

Location: Backwell House; backwellhouse.co.uk Art directors: Amanda Nicholls Louise Harrold Photography: Chris Daw; chrisdawphotography.com Models: Adele Roche, Louisa Rossiter; bigmustard.co.uk Hair: Tom Kenehan; seanhanna.com Make-up: Shari Knowles; shariknowlesmakeup.com Fashion assistant: Emma Payne Hair assistant: Izzie Low; seanhanna.com Stockists: mallcribbs.com harveynichols.com hobbs.co.uk coast-stores.com marksandspencer.com riverisland.com 32

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FASHION | MENSWEAR

Autumn

HARVEST

MONCLER JEANBART QUILTED JACKET, £670 It’s all about the puff pieces at the moment, boys – and we love this glossy take

PAUL SMITH HOLDALL, £385 Ideal for that autumn/winter break you’ve been planning

The catwalks were awash with exciting menswear trends for autumn/winter 2016 – so for all you keen fashionistos, here’s our pick of some of the popular designer takes you might see circulating this season WOOYOUNGMI JUMPER, £435 With the arts and crafts trend hot now, this green embroidered beaut hits the spot

MULDER BOOT, £220 Go smart-casual in beautiful brown suede from Paul Smith

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

DOCKERS CHINOS, £90 Pair with your favourite Converse and complement the autumn leaves

NEIL BARRETT SWEATSHIRT, £375 Statement, kitsch jumpers are in and, you can’t deny, this one qualifies

VALENTINO SWEATSHIRT, £710 A more understated monochrome creation nodding to the season’s army surplus trend

ADILETTE SLIDERS, £25 So...socks and sandals are finally cool, as long as they’re part of a suitably sport-luxe combo

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STUTTERHEIM STOCKHOLM COAT, £180 We saw scores of the custard-coloured mac at on the festival circuit this year and it sure is a strong look

MAISON MARGIELA COAT, £2,445 This gorgeous grey herringbone wool blend will see you chicly into the new season

BOSS WHEELO SWEATSHIRT, £90 Hit the scene in teal – hue of the moment

PAUL SMITH BYARD SHIRT, £170 This floral print button-up shirt feels pretty autumnal to us

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WILD THINGS

As the world’s leading celebration of natural history storytelling returns to the city, Emma Payne chats with an industry trailblazer, and sees what’s in store during the festival

The Hunt, by Bristol’s Silverback Films, sought to show beautiful predators like this in a less villainous light – © Olly Scholey

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ristol – global capital of wildlife documentary making – will welcome back the city’s famed Wildscreen Festival from 10-14 October this year, along with hundreds of industry delegates from over 40 countries. The programme of both public and industry events – which includes the Panda Awards, otherwise known as the ‘Green Oscars’ – aims to celebrate the natural world and the community of filmmakers, photographers, broadcasters, technologists and conservationists whose job, and passion, it is to ensure as many people as possible experience the natural world, feel part of it and want to help protect it, by telling the most pertinent conservation stories of our time. We caught up with one esteemed member of this talented community, Alastair Fothergill, director of Bristol’s Silverback Films and natural history storytelling veteran, to find out more about his Panda-nominated series The Hunt and what goes into making such beautiful television and cinematography.

❝

...The relationship between predators and prey is, in a sense, the most dynamic and exciting in nature...

❞ EP: So Alastair, tell us a little about the filming of the series...

AF: I think what we wanted to do with The Hunt was really to change people’s views. Predators traditionally have been very much ‘tooth and claw’ and the villains of the piece, and that’s absolutely not the case.

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They usually fail. They’re the hardest working animals in nature, and what we were interested in was not the kill but the strategy. The relationship between predators and prey is, in a sense, the most dynamic and exciting in nature, and we developed ‘edge of your seat’ filming techniques, where you literally stalked with a leopard and ran with the hunting dogs. I was very pleased when I spoke to many people afterwards who were a bit anxious about watching a series which was just predation, but said they were actually rooting for the predators and really wanted them to succeed.

It has been nominated for a number of awards including editing, script and music – congratulations! Do you feel events like Wildscreen have made documentaries more of an art form?

Yes, and I think Wildscreen Festival is the supreme wildlife filmmaking festival in the world. It’s the longest established, the biggest, the most respected and it reflects the fact that Bristol is known widely as the ‘green Hollywood’. It’s an amazing meeting place; wildlife filmmakers tend to be spread all around the world, often working alone out on the savannah or on icebergs, and it’s an opportunity for a lot of old friends to get together and see films from all around the globe. There’s no doubt that it increases creativity just through friendly competition, and we’re very honoured here at Silverback Films to have six nominations for The Hunt; a record for us.

You’ve had an amazing career working on some fantastic projects.

What was it that drew you to wildlife filmmaking?

As a little boy I was very passionate about wildlife – I had snakes under the bed, and from a very early age I spent all my holidays bird watching. I always knew that I wanted to work with animals. While at university, the BBC were running a competition called the Mick Burke Award, in memory of the cameraman who died on the south-

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FILM he has inspired everybody working in the wildlife filmmaking industry. The other thing, which is amazing, is the programmes we’ve made with him are now used to teach in universities. Respect for David goes way beyond the filmmaking industry: the public love him, and the scientific community admire him and owe him a great deal. So yes, he is very precious to our industry.

Disneynature’s Monkey Kingdom is also up for a gong – © Disney/Jeff Wilson

west face of Everest with Chris Bonington. I had the opportunity to make a film as part of that competition, and I thought ‘hang on, this is a wonderful way to be close to animals’. I was very lucky that after I graduated I was offered a job on The Really Wild Show – I spent 29 years there before setting up Silverback.

What advice would you give to anybody hoping for a similar career?

You have to be passionate about natural history. It’s good to have a zoology or biology degree, and it’s also good to have what we call ‘muddy boots’ experience – actual real field experience – so you know how to behave and work in the field. Also, wildlife filmmaking is storytelling. It’s not science, it’s communication, so we look for people who want to tell stories, whether it’s in pictures or writing. Wildlife filmmakers have to be persistent but patient, and I think if you want to get a job you have to be the same.

If ‘behind the scenes’ footage has taught us anything, it’s that documentary filming involves a lot of waiting and persevering.

What has been your most rewarding moment?

One of the most amazing moments for me was on Planet Earth when we were filming polar bears from a helicopter for the very first time, and I filmed one swimming through broken ice. The pattern of the white ice against the dark blue water and this beautiful polar bear was wonderful – it was just a very special experience.

That sounds amazing. Watching footage of animals in the wild can be incredibly emotive, from helpless gazelles to a struggling cub that’s not going to quite make it – are you ever tempted to intervene?

It’s emotionally very difficult, because often one has spent six, seven, eight weeks working with animals and you get to know them very individually. You don’t want to anthropomorphise them, but I think it’s almost impossible not to do that. It’s the nature of human beings, but you genuinely can’t intervene, because what would you do? Say you save a cheetah cub from a hyena, you don’t have the ability to bring a cheetah cub up, and anyway, that hyena has to feed its own cubs.

It’s tempting, but the first rule of wildlife filmmaking is to never interfere.

With iPhones and the likes of iPlayer and Netflix, the way we watch television has changed massively since Sir David’s documentaries were first introduced. Why do you think it’s important to broadcast the world of wildlife and what’s the appeal?

Every age group and nationality loves the natural world. As the world becomes increasingly urbanised, for many people, the only way they can understand and enjoy the natural world is through filmmaking.

A lot of television is disposable – you might watch a soap opera or a fantastic drama once, but not revisit it – whereas natural history films have a longevity and value which is pretty unique in TV. Planet Earth was massively successful in America, but most people saw it on DVD. It doesn’t matter how people watch it – iPlayer, Netflix or DVD – what’s important is the quality of the filmmaking and the storytelling.

So if anything, new technology is helping to widen the reach of documentaries...

I genuinely do think it is. Really good wildlife films are not cheap to make, because a lot of the ‘low-hanging fruit’ has been filmed before and people’s expectations of wildlife films is quite extraordinary.

When they made Life on Earth back in the ‘70s they were unbelievably pleased to film a lion kill. Big cat kills are now two an episode, whereas the sort of behaviours we have in The Hunt were very hard to film; we filmed blue whales feeding underwater properly for the very first time, and much of our footage had never been captured in that way before.

The natural world is infinitely varied, and it’s only limited by our own creativity.

When did you set Silverback up and what are you working on now?

I set it up in 2012 with Keith Scholey. We’re currently working on a new series for BBC1 for 2020, and a big landmark natural history series for Netflix for 2019. It’s a long way off, but they take a long time to create. We’re also making three movies for Disney under their label Disneynature, which we’ve been working on for some time. One of those, Monkey Kingdom, is a finalist at Wildscreen.

So we’re busy!

You’ve often worked alongside David Attenborough, who is synonymous with nature documentaries – has he influenced your career, and how do you think he has shaped the industry?

He has, enormously. In my year off between school and university, Life on Earth – his first big landmark series – was transmitting, and I had to watch every episode.

I was completely transfixed by it, and immensely influenced by him. David is an extraordinary man, and

St George’s Bristol will host a talk by US photojournalist Tim Laman - photo © Tim Laman

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FILM

Africa’s Fishing Leopards, another Bristol-made nominee from Icon Films based on College Green

What is it like to direct for Disney?

It’s very interesting. Making a movie is very different to making a documentary. People go to the cinema to be entertained, so you need stories and strong characters, and we write scripts for Disney like you would write any Hollywood script. Of course, the only trouble is the animals don’t read the scripts! Working with Disney is a wonderfully creative process and we’re fortunate enough to work with the Story Trust, which is a team of talented directors and writers that work on Disney animations like Wreck it Ralph and Zootopia. It’s a very creative and cooperative relationship.

What do you think it is about this city that fosters so much creative filmmaking talent?

I think honestly the key reason is that the BBC Natural History Unit was established here way back in the ‘50s, and so there has been a long tradition of wildlife filmmaking here. A lot of the freelance cameramen and independent companies have grown around the Natural History Unit – Icon Films, ourselves – and a lot of the post-production houses specialise in the things we need as well.

During the festival, what would you recommend readers see or do?

One thing I would really recommend is the awards ceremony on the Thursday night, which used to be a private event but is now open to the public due to the scale of the Colston Hall. You’ll see clips and highlights of all the very best films, and if your children like natural history it would be a really nice family night out.

What do you love most about Bristol, and miss most when you’re away?

My wife and my two boys. It’s the hardest thing about wildlife filmmaking – you do go away for a long time. There’s a lot I love about Bristol, particularly the fact that it’s big enough and dynamic enough to be an exciting place to live, but it’s small enough that you have a very good quality of life. I also think the great thing about Bristol is the extraordinary proximity to some of the best countryside in the whole of the country. In an hour you could be in the Black Mountains, in the Cotswolds, or on Somerset Levels – it’s unique and I think that’s very, very special. ■

Industry treasure David Attenborough heading towards the bottom of the ocean while filming his Great Barrier Reef series © Atlantic Productions

As a kid, Alastair kept snakes under his bed, and he got his first job on The Really Wild Show – image © BBC

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conservation messages and open up new income streams for those who are able to capture and share inspirational moments from biodiversity’s frontlines. From now on, photography is part of the festival’s DNA.”

• Pedal-powered pop-ups Until 16 October, Wildscreen will be touring a free bicycle-powered wildlife cinema across Bristol, showing a mix of Panda Awardnominated films, with a focus on family friendly titles in the afternoon and early evening, then harder hitting environmental documentaries later on. The screenings will take place in parks, community centres and indoor/outdoor events and spaces such as St George’s Park, St Andrews Park, Arnos Vale Cemetery, the At-Bristol big screen, Make Sunday Special and Ashton Community Centre.

• The thrill of the (celeb) hunt There’ll be plenty of well-known faces from the wildlife world in town for the festival – the likes of Doug Allen, Gordon Buchanan, Steve Backshall, Liz Bonnin. There are even rumours Sir David Attenborough may be attending. Other well known guests will be David Puttnam, Jonathan Dimbleby and Stephen Price, the Oscar-winning composer of the musical score for Gravity. See who you can spot!

Catch the hauntingly beautiful German-made film Magical Moors at the Watershed © nautilisfilm

Festival highlights • Beasts on the big screen All the films nominated for Panda Awards, including the Bristol-made masterpieces such as The Hunt, will be shown at Watershed as part of the public screening programme, which runs from 10 to 16 October and includes 10 premieres – three of them world firsts and one – The Ivory Game – the European premiere of a Netflix Original produced by Leonardo di Caprio which debuted at the mighty Toronto Film Festival last month.

• Alfresco art Wildscreen is stepping up its commitment to unite natural history’s best visual storytellers with a new strand putting photography in the spotlight. From 7-28 October, the public will be able to enjoy a free alfresco exhibition of images by some of the world’s finest wildlife photographers. And it looks set to be the most environmentally-friendly show ever mounted of its kind – printed on Tyvek, a 100% recycled and recyclable material, using 100% sustainable inks and low electricity Canon technology, mounted (by Bristol-based Signs & That) on stands made from recycled wood, and fitted with solar panels to power the LED bulbs which will light the show up at night.

❝

...There have been huge changes in how people find, view and use imagery to tell stories, especially via online channels....

❞ • Putting on the glitz As Alastair mentioned, the biggest event of the festival looks set to be the Green Hollywood-themed Panda Awards Ceremony at Colston Hall on 13 October and this year, it’s open to the public. The hall will be having a ‘wild wonderland’ makeover using lights, digital projection, special effects and surround sound.

• Bristol pride Of the 43 films still in the running for Panda Awards – which have been painstakingly narrowed down from 1,000 entries – more than a third are the work of Bristol companies. Get involved and support the talented local filmmakers this city houses!

• For more information, visit wildscreen.org

• Photography in focus Organisers are also hosting a day exploring the art, techniques and business aspects of nature photography with a truly stellar line-up of guest speakers. The day will conclude with an event at St George’s, starring one of the world’s most celebrated documenters of rainforests, the renowned US photojournalist Tim Laman – a rare chance to hear the field biologist, filmmaker and National Geographic favourite talk about the intimate and unique pictures of rainforest wildlife, including orangutans and birdsof-paradise, that he has captured during 30 years of exploring the rainforest canopy. “For most of its 30 year life, the Wildscreen Festival has focused on encouraging and applauding the best in wildlife film and TV,” says Lucie Muir, Wildscreen CEO. “But there have been huge changes in recent times to how people find, view and use imagery to tell stories about the natural world, especially via online channels. We want to reflect this by expanding the Wildscreen Festival’s remit to take in the ever-more varied forms of visual storytelling – both to add power to

We love this incredible still from Silverback Films’ The Hunt: Hide and Seek © Ollie Scholey

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LOCAL | EVENTS

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

Lisa Hannigan brings her bewitching sound to Thekla

Rock group Feeder come to the 02 Academy

Photographers are invited to a workshop at UOB Botanical Gardens

FROM OCTOBER 1 1 – 30 OCTOBER, TIMES VARY

Bristol Family Arts Festival, various venues This festival celebrates innovation in an exciting programme of family activities throughout October. The programme includes over 60 events across the city, from visual arts, music and film to theatre, dance, animation and much more. Prices vary, with many free activites available; arnolfini.org.uk 1 OCTOBER, 8PM

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, Colston Hall Raucous, joyous and bursting with energy, these seven brothers from the south side of Chicago know how to throw a party. Their sizzling jazz creates a festival atmosphere that will have you dancing in the aisles. Tickets cost £17.74; colstonhall.org

6 OCTOBER, 2PM

10 OCTOBER, 7PM

13 – 15 OCTOBER, 7.30PM

Garden Delights, Bristol Zoo Gardens

Feeder, 02 Academy

Kiss Me Kate, Bristol Hippodrome

Garden lovers are being offered the opportunity to visit Bristol Zoo for a guided tour of the botanical gardens, led by head of horticulture Eddie Mole. Enjoy horticultural highlights, from ancient, ornamental trees to vibrant flowers from all over the world. Tickets cost £22; bristolzoo.org.uk 7 OCTOBER, 8PM

The Passion of Joan of Arc, Wells Cathedral Carl Theodor Dreyer’s 1928 film The Passion of Joan of Arc is revitalised with new music from Adrian Utley and Will Gregory in this joint film screening and live orchestral concert. The performance will be led by awardwinning conductor Charles Hazlewood. Tickets from £10 to £40; hauserwirthsomerset.com

FROM OCTOBER 8

Following a hugely successful headline slot at Isle of Wight festival, and anticipating the release of All Bright Electric, British rock heroes Feeder return to the UK and Ireland with a 14date tour. Since their 1996 debut album Swim, Feeder have sold over five million records, and their anthemic rock music continues to grow in popularity both in the UK and abroad. Tickets cost £22.50; ticketweb.co.uk 11 – 15 OCTOBER, 7.30PM

Brief Encounter, Kelvin Studio Theatre Kelvin Players Theatre Company perform Emma Rice’s adaptation of the classic 1945 film. Laura, a married woman with children, has her uneventful life turned upside down following a chance meeting with a stranger at a railway station. Tickets from £10 to £12; kelvinplayers.co.uk

5 – 22 OCTOBER, 7.30PM

FROM OCTOBER 15 15 OCTOBER, 7.30PM

Dreams of Flight, St. George’s Bristol Bristol’s accomplished chamber choir, Exultate Singers, performs a host of choral pieces as part of St George’s Art of Flight festival.

Expect music by Eric Whitacre, Bob Chilcott, Owain Park, Ravel and Stanford as well as Italian and English madrigals. Tickets from £10 to £25; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk 15 – 16 OCTOBER, 11AM–5PM

Don Giovanni, Tobacco Factory Theatre Swaggering, seductive Don Giovanni is driven entirely by his pursuit of sexual conquests, resulting in a story peppered with the murder, revenge and comedy moments that characterise Mozart’s most memorable operas.

Tickets cost £32 to £38, with early booking discounts; tobaccofactorytheatres.com

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Welsh National Opera and Opera North bring Cole Porter’s musical interpretation of The Taming of the Shrew to the Hippodrome, with showstopping hits, spectacular costumes and dazzling choreography. Tickets from £10 to £43.50; atgtickets.com

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11 – 16 OCTOBER, ALL DAY

Autumn Classical Greats, Trinity-Henleaze URC

Of The Ground, Christmas Steps Gallery

The evper-popular Henleaze Concert Society season opens with a magnificent concert of the beloved classical works, including Beethoven’s glorious Seventh Symphony, Mozart’s Overture to The Marriage of Figaro and Horn Concerto No.4. Tickets cost £16; henleazeconcertsociety.org.uk

Of the Ground brings together a collection of prints and drawings in response to the topography of Dartmoor. Pathways are steeped in antiquity, and artist Charlotte Price interprets the plant life growing at their edges as metaphors for times past.

Admission is free; christmasstepsgallery.co.uk

OCTOBER 2016

West Bristol Arts Trail, various venues Over 100 local artists across Bristol open their homes and studios to the public, allowing visitors to see and purchase an amazing variety of work.

Professionals, amateurs and community groups will exhibit pieces as diverse as jewellery, paintings, prints, ceramics and stained glass. Entrance is free; westbristolarts.com

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LOCAL | EVENTS

17 OCTOBER, 7PM

Lisa Hannigan, Thekla Drawing on the tension between her Irish roots and her busy life in London, Lisa’s latest album At Swim meditates on homesickness, loneliness and love. Head to Thekla to hear a beautiful setlist combining both new and old as her intimate UK tour comes to Bristol. Tickets for the show cost £22; gigsandtours.com 19 OCTOBER, 7.15PM

Castaway’s Choice, Redmaid’s High School Join international opera star Dame Josephine Barstow on a desert island, as she talks about her distinguished career and music choices in conversation with Andrew Borkowski and friends of Welsh National Opera. Tickets from £5 to £7; wno.org.uk 19 OCTOBER, 7.45PM

Museum, investigate sculpture at the Victoria Art Gallery or find out what the Romans did for us at the Roman Baths. Ticket prices vary; bathmuseumsweek.org.uk

Incredible cellist Sara Lavell performs in aid of Penny Brohn

22 OCTOBER, 10AM-4PM

Photography Workshop, University of Bristol Botanical Garden An unmissable opportunity for anyone interested in plant and garden photography to spend a day working with a professional photographer. Places cost £45; bristol.ac.uk/botanic-garden 22 – 23 OCTOBER, ALL DAY

Simple Things Music Festival, various venues Prepare for the descent of over 50 eclectic acts across 10 established and DIY gig venues throughout Bristol, with a finale concert featuring legendary horror composer John Carpenter. Tickets cost £35; simplethingsfestival.co.uk

WNO’s Kiss Me Kate comes to the Hippodrome

Minimalists I, St George’s Bristol Ensemble and the Choir of Royal Holloway perform the first in a series of concerts exploring music by the Minimalists, which will focus on the most famous and accessible works by Steve Reich.

Tickets from £12 to £23; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk 21 OCTOBER, 6.30PM

The Undertones, 02 Academy Punk-rock legends The Undertones are coming to Bristol as part of their 40th anniversary UK tour.

Originating as five young rock ‘n’ roll fans in Derry, the band’s hits include Teenage Kicks and Here Comes The Summer. Tickets cost £20; academymusicgroup.com

FROM OCTOBER 22 22 – 30 OCTOBER, ALL DAY

Bath Museums Week, various venues Explore what people used to wear 300 years ago at the Fashion

25 OCTOBER – 5 NOVEMBER, 2.30PM & 7.30PM

The Weir, Tobacco Factory Theatre A play brimming with heartfelt humour and confessions of our deepest fears in the dead of night, The Weir is an acclaimed contemporary classic set in remote, rural Ireland. Tickets from £13 to £16; tobaccofactorytheatres.com Kelvin Players Theatre Company reimagine Brief Encounter

28 OCTOBER, 7.20PM

Spirit of the Cello, Penny Brohn Garden Room Internationally-acclaimed cellist Sara Lovell will perform in aid of Penny Brohn UK, the charity which helped her recover from breast cancer. Accompanied by pianist Nicholas Oliver, Sara’s concert will include music by Brahms, Schumann, Faure and Chopin.

Tickets cost £20, including canapés and glass of fizz, and all proceeds go to Penny Brohn; pennybrohn.org.uk

EDITOR’S PICK...

25 OCTOBER – 26 NOVEMBER, 2.30PM & 7.30PM

Billy Elliot, Bristol Hippodrome After incarnations as a worldwide blockbuster and trumphant West End musical, Billy Elliot will begin its first ever UK tour this autumn, including a five-week run at Bristol Hippodrome. The tale follows a young boy discovering his unconventional passion for dance, amidst the mining strikes and anguish of a small northern village in the 1980s. Coupled with astounding choreography and Elton John’s captivating soundtrack, the show transcends its original context, resulting in a relatable story of triumph in the face of adversity.

• atgtickets.com/shows/billy-elliot

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Ria was thrilled to play Glastonbury this year, and is now taking some time to experiment in the studio and expand her sound

FROM RUSSIA WITH TALENT We catch up with Moscow-born, Bristol-based indie-pop singer-songwriter Ria Timkin

W

hile Bristol has proved itself a veritable breeding ground for young artistic talent, it also attracts plenty from further afield, thanks to its welcoming, diverse vibe and thriving creative scene. Solo singer and multiinstrumentalist Ria is originally from Moscow, and began travelling and performing around the world from an early age – her accent and quirky lyrics, along with Martin the Guitar, and her trusty loop station, these days earning her slots at the likes of Glastonbury Festival, Bristol Harbour Festival, Bristol Balloon Fiesta and the Acoustic Festival of Britain.

So Ria, what brought you to Bristol?

I moved here in 2014 to do my masters degree in commercial law at the University of Bristol. I didn't know much about the city at the time, though I had heard it was quite a vibrant place, particularly in terms of art and culture. It sounded the perfect choice for continuing my studies while pursuing a music career simultaneously, and it has turned out to be one of the best decisions I've made. Bristol is absolutely perfect for young artists.

Fill us in on your musical journey...

I was a very musical kid with a lot of energy, so my mum took me to a music school to help me channel my hyperactivity in the right direction.

I sang in a choir and really enjoyed playing the piano. I owe a lot to the wonderful teachers I had. After graduating, I joined some music clubs and studios, and together we went on a few German tours, performed in Greece, and took part in a lot of music competitions in Russia. So music 46 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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has always played an important part in my life but at 14, I suddenly came to realise that it was all I wanted to do. I wrote my first song at around the same age, and because most of my favourite artists were either American or British, I decided to stick to English lyrics instead of Russian. But it wasn’t until I moved to Bristol I could really say I had a music career. I had an open mic each weekday and after a month or so I booked my very first gig at Be in Bristol – it felt like I had conquered the world. I had only eight people in the audience but I couldn’t have been happier. I would often play at the Jelli Records open mic in Clifton and in 2015 started a collaboration with the company – they have been really supportive and booked a number of incredible shows and festivals. This summer, I released my debut EP Visitor, was invited to BBC Radio Bristol a couple of times and BBC Introducing played my single Dance With Me. Playing Glastonbury was a huge breakthrough. I couldn’t believe my luck; playing there is literally every musician's goal.

What do you love most about this city and its music scene?

I think Bristol is incredible because it's just full of artists, musicians, poets... Whatever you do, you can always find your community and fit in really well. Bristol is quite unique in the sense that it's big enough to help you fulfill your ambitions, yet small enough to help you stay grounded.

Tell us more about Visitor...

People usually describe me as a one-person band because I play all the instruments myself, mixing my guitar, percussion, backing vocals and beat boxing on my loop station. The Visitor EP is a collection of four

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tracks that speak about my experiences during my first year in Bristol.

Coming here was a bold move that I had been anticipating for a long time. That’s why a lot of my lyrics are about going out there and living up to your full potential, embracing your mistakes and misfortunes and learning from them. There are definitely a lot of emotions in this EP. Who are your influences, musically?

I try not to stick to a particular genre and always look for raw honesty in lyrics along with a distinctive sound. Most of my recent favourites are young artists who are relatively new to the music scene but have already managed to make some noise: The 1975, Jack Garratt, Rae Morris, Lianne La Havas, George Ezra, Hozier. At Glastonbury I heard Tom Odell for the first time, and was smitten, and a few days ago I came across a Swedish artist called Tove Lo. Her songs Cool Girl and Moments are so catchy and almost uncomfortably upfront! I am also a huge fan of Ed Sheeran and can quote most of the songs by Imagine Dragons.

What are you reading at the moment?

For the whole of September all I could read was academic articles on regulatory penalties in banking law for my university thesis... As it's done now, I have returned to War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy. I read it at school but it’s only now that I’ve come to recognise it as the true masterpiece that it is. I need to thank BBC for that, because if I didn’t watch their beautiful historical period drama, I probably wouldn't have given the book a second chance.

Which other Bristol performers do you admire?

Mike Dennis. He creates an absolutely crazy sound with his violin, percussion, beatboxing, rapping and looping. I saw him at The Fleece and left with one thought: I need that magical loop machine thing! It really transformed my own sound and opened many doors, so I am really grateful to him for introducing me to the looping world. A few months ago at The Square Sessions I came across the Sam Evans Band and their incredible mix of soul, funk, reggae and blues. I've also crossed paths with Firewoodisland and am completely enchanted by their sound.

What's next?

2016 has been a really good year, music-wise. I played live shows every week for almost five months but now I plan on taking a short break and developing my sound a bit further: new instruments, new effects!

My music preferences have expanded considerably recently, so I can’t wait to lock myself in the studio and experiment. ■ • riatimkin.wordpress.com; jelli-records.com; @RiaTimkin Performing at Brisfest Soundscape photo by Chloe Dunscombe

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Kitchen Table (2014) © Daphne Wright – courtesy of Frith Street Gallery

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ART

BEING HUMAN Poignancy and unsettling beauty abound in a new exhibition dedicated to the influential Bristol-based artist Daphne Wright. Words by Emma Payne

D

aphne Wright’s unwavering fascination with humanity has resulted in a body of powerful artwork which is at once arresting and thought-provoking, and includes short films, sculptures, installations and prints. Carefully manipulating her materials, she strikes the balance between the beautiful and sinister, the other-worldly and the recognisable, and the fruits of her career – spanning 25 years – are now to be showcased as part of a collaboration between Arnolfini and Tyntesfield National Trust estate.

The Arnolfini exhibition, titled ‘Emotional Archaeology’, presents some of Daphne’s most iconic pieces. From the eerily contemplative Kitchen Table (2014) and unrestrained Stallion (2009), to the enigmatic film If You Broke Me (2014), her work focuses on the inevitable factors which drive humanity: life, death, ageing, and our relationships with animals. “It’s about the universal,” explains Daphne. “The curator of the exhibition, Josephine Lanyon, used the term ‘emotional archaeology’ when we began the project. I like the associations with archaeologists who take a section of land and strip it back layer after layer to excavate lost fragments.”

❝ It’s about the universal...I like the associations with archaeologists who take a section of land and strip it back...

❞ The muted, neutral colour palettes and subtle, earthen texture of Daphne’s chosen media are mirrored in the title of the exhibition.

Working with resin, clay, wool, wire, found objects and film, Daphne describes her choices of medium as “the result of a relentless curiosity into the way in which materials can create an involvement with often unspoken human preoccupations.”

“By removing colour there is a shift in its context. It’s a kind of subtle slippage,” she explains. “I work with all kinds of materials – sometimes they are fragile and vulnerable.”

Born in Ireland, Daphne is now based in both Dublin and Bristol, working from the home studio which has birthed her art for over two Domestic Shrubbery (1994) – plaster, sand and sound

decades. Throughout this time she has enjoyed a range of commissions, from those including Ham House, Trust New Art and Hanbury House, as well as exhibitions across the UK and a permanent base at Frith Street Gallery, London.

The hustle and bustle of city life often finds its way into her work, which fuses the suburban and domestic with influences as diverse as poetry, literature, film, and country and western music. Family life, including Daphne’s two sons, also form an integral part of her creative process – Kitchen Table began life as casts of each child, lending the calm boredom surrounding the lifeless sculptures a sense of comic authenticity.

In partnership with Arnolfini, the Victorian Gothic splendour of Tyntesfield will be home to the second half of her exhibition. Situated in the family chapel, Prayer Project (2009) will feature a series of moving image installations depicting the intensely private nature of worship across different faiths.

“We felt that the chapel was exactly the right place to show Prayer Project,” said Tyntesfield curator, Susan Hayward. “It was built as the ultimate expression of its founder William Gibbs’ religious beliefs.

Books in the Tyntesfield library show the family’s spiritual journey, reflecting deeply on faith and different religious beliefs.”

Juxtaposed with the serenity of Prayer Project in the chapel, the main house will present a selection of portraits and casts of bulls and stillborn calves. Challenging our understanding of concepts including farming, breeding, patriarchy and family, Bulls (2002) provides an alternative link to the estate’s long associations with dairy farming.

The exhibition will be accompanied by a series of events at Arnolfini, including private tours, a select screening of films to complement Daphne’s work (13 November) and a conversation between the artist and the equally influential Phyllida Barlow (3 December) – the latter also known for her ambitious installations.

Across the two sites, Emotional Archaeology promises an enthralling insight into the inner workings of our culture, be it the seemingly innocuous ornaments on the mantlepiece or the greater moral dilemmas we face every day. After gazing at the frozen figures and becoming immersed within films and striking photographs, one question reverberates: what does it mean to be human? ■ • Daphne Wright: Emotional Archaeology runs until 20 November at Tyntesfield and at Arnolfini until 31 December; nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield; arnolfini.org.uk Stallion (2009) – marble dust and resin

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The Colourful World of Sapphire Sapphires of every size and colour on show in our free in-store events coming this November at Nicholas Wylde Bristol Showroom – 8th & 9th November Bath Showroom – 10th & 11th November Following the success and popularity of last years’ Opal Events, we’re delighted to announce that booking is now open for our new in-store events celebrating the timeless beauty of one of the most precious gems of all – sapphire.

These special free events, designed to

Nicholas Wylde is the South West’s leading jewellery designer, creating

be educational as well as entertaining,

beautiful bespoke jewellery in his unique and visionary manner.

will see an abundance of stunning

One of the few jewellers in the world to have a registered, patented

every

diamond (The Wylde Flower Diamond ®, containing more cut facets than

imaginable colour, including star

any other brilliant cut diamond), Nicholas continues to explore new

sapphires and their glorious natural

frontiers in designer-led jewellery – all crafted with skill and love.

sapphires

on

display

of

designs.

You’ll be able to hear talks on their history, folklore and about some of the

For more information and to reserve your place contact: David Currie: david.currie@nicholaswylde.com or call the Bristol or Bath branches

most famous sapphires in history.

You’ll never see so many gorgeous sapphires collected together in one place. It’s also a great opportunity for you to select and buy your own precious gem for that perfect jewellery item – just in time for Christmas!

These events are designed to be small, intimate gatherings to ensure everyone is well looked after.

The dates are 8th and 9th November in the Bristol store and 10th and 11th November in the Bath store. There will be two events organised each day – an afternoon one that runs from 3pm to 5pm and an early evening one from 7pm to 9pm As well as a wonderful display of sumptuous sapphires, you can bring along your own gem to get care and cleaning tips, as you enjoy afternoon tea, cake and nibbles in the day and canapés and a glass of bubbly in the evening!

All November sapphire events are completely free and if you wish to reserve a place please contact us and specify which store (Bath or Bristol)

THE CAROUSEL COLLECTION Brand new for Christmas 2016 Our events will also be an opportunity to see Nicholas’ new collection ‘Carousel’, which he has designed especially to incorporate the vast range of coloured sapphires. The collection consists of Pendant, Ring and Earrings which can be designed in any colour combination you choose

and time of day (afternoon or early evening) that would suit.

BRISTOL SHOWROOM

6 THE MALL CLIFTON BRISTOL | BS8 4DR | TEL: 0117 974 3582

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BATH SHOWROOM

12 NORTHUMBERLAND PLACE BATH | BA1 5AR | TEL: 01225 462826

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EXHIBITIONS

STATE OF THE ART Edward Waite, Fizz Gallery, 1 – 8 October Head to Fizz Gallery for their most high profile exhibition to date, showcasing the work of cityscape and urban mixed media artist Edward Waite, who has a huge following in the South West – having had sell-out exhibitions in Plymouth and Exeter. On moving to Lincoln to study fine art at university, Edward was instantly struck by “the noise of the city”, absorbing himself within the lights and structures of his new surroundings. Since, he has painted dark, gothic interpretations of city buildings, fascinated by the urgency with which the urban landscape appeared to alter and expand.

Edward visited Clevedon and Bristol over the summer to gather sketch references of local scenes which he has now developed into paintings.

There will be a live painting demonstration at the gallery on 1 October, and Edward has also produced a pair of framed sketches for sale/auction to raise money and awareness for BUST – the charity raising money for specialist breast cancer care equipment.

• edwardwaite.com; fizzgallery.co.uk

Feathers and Fur, Grain Barge, until 11 October Bristol writer Emily Koch – who runs Bristol writing workshops as part of WriteClub – has teamed up with 10 local illustrators to capture some of the city’s feathered and furry inhabitants. Ten of her haikus – short, three-line poems – have been brought to life for a colourful touring exhibition, which Bristol artist Dave Bain has helped curate. The illustrated poems feature everything from squirrels to robins, foxes to pet cats, butterflies to toads, created by artists including Amy Timms, Lindsay McDonagh, Laurie Stansfield, Rosanna Tasker, Dave Bain, Harriet Lee Merrion, Dawn Cooper, Sarah Dennis, Bett Norris and Anna Higgie. “Us humans share Bristol with many other living beings, and I wanted to celebrate them,” says Emily. “Haikus are the perfect kind of poem to catch a fleeting moment in the world we live in.”

• emilykoch.co.uk

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Children’s Book Illustration Exhibition 2016, Gallery Twenty Two, until 15 October Signed original artwork and prints by more than 40 of the UK’s best contemporary children’s book illustrators, with prices ranging from £75£2,500. Highlights include rare Maisy Mouse artwork from Lucy Cousins; awardwinning illustrator Laura Carlin’s artwork from The Promise, illustrations from Axel Scheffler, creator of The Gruffalo; and Bristol talent Sylvia Bennion who has worked at Aardman Animations since 1998. Several illustrators will host events and workshops. xx • childrensbookillustration.com

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EXHIBITIONS

Instructions for use of Jiří Kolář, Spike Island, 1 October – 11 December Czech artist Roman Štětina’s work investigates the ways in which broadcast media – including film, television and radio – are created. His videos, installations and sculptures foreground the props, studios and technologies that are otherwise hidden behind the sounds and images received by an audience. At Spike Island, Roman presents a new feature-length film made in collaboration with Miroslav Buriánek – a long-standing director of radio drama for Czech Radio – which traces the process of recording a series of poems by the Czech poet, artist and translator Jiří Kolář (1914-2002).

• spikeisland.org.uk

Place, Time & Architecture, Architecture Centre until 13 November The Architecture Centre celebrates its 20th anniversary with a retrospective exhibition considering the past, present and future state of architecture and place-making in the city. Place, Time and Architecture traces the changes over the past two decades along a timeline that focuses on how significant buildings, places and people have shaped the city. Look ahead to consider what the future might be for one of the city’s most contested spaces – Castle Park – and find out about the different elements that contribute to making a successful place.

• architecturecentre.co.uk Photo by Jon Craig

Also not to be missed... ● Essential Elements, Clifton Contemporary Art, 14 October – 4 November Natural elements clearly inspire the October show at Clifton Contemporary Art – which comprises paintings by Tony Scrivener and Masako Tobita – but the works featured reveal inner landscapes and forms that lie beyond simple representation. Masako Tobita’s enigmatic paintings evoke layers of feeling and are, as she says, ‘emotional responses to a place’, while Tony Scrivener’s powerful and deftly structured compositions capture the essence of a landscape or still life, defining space and subject with boldly drawn lines and rich, earthy colours. Both these exciting artists harness the essentials to show us highly individual worlds.

• cliftoncontemporaryart.co.uk ● Lomahaftewa: Looking for Beauty in the Future, Rainmaker Gallery, 18 October – 30 November As Rainmaker Gallery celebrate 25 years of operation, they look back to the work of their very first visiting Native American artist, the late Dan Viets Lomahaftewa (1951-2005). His Hopi name Lomahaftewa translates as 'Looking for Beauty in the Future' – a meaning which has particular resonance in these times of change and uncertainty. Lomahaftewa's art relates directly to his Hopi culture and references ancient petroglyphs and pictographs left by indigenous ancestors. The work in this exhibition includes paintings, monotypes, etchings and collagraphs, and is the last remaining inventory offered for sale by the artist's family.

• rainmakerart.co.uk

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Outstories will be chaired by critic, publisher and DJ Cheryl Morgan – photo © Lou Abercrombie

Head to the Making History workshop – photo © RWA Bristol

Enjoy subterranean storytelling in Redcliffe Caves – photo © Paul Bullivant

Arnos Vale’s verdant cemetery – photo © Judy Darley

Novel Nights founder Grace Palmer – photo © J Bewley

Be inspired by the RWA collections

Pete Sutton will be telling tales in Arnos Vale – photo © Lou Abercrombie

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Spike Island celebrates women’s writing – photo © Paul Bullivant

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ARTS

LITERARY STIRRINGS As we settle in for autumn, bookish happenings are cropping up all over the city, thanks to the return of Bristol Festival of Literature from 21-29 October – get stuck in! Words by Judy Darley

L

aunched by Jari Moate in 2011, the volunteer-run celebration of the written word is back with its fifth instalment of book-centric happenings this month. While it showcases writers from the locale and beyond, with events in every corner of the city, you don't need to write yourself to enjoy it. With workshops covering topics ranging from creativity to ageing in the LGB community, as well as plenty of opportunities to sit back and listen to tales in unusual venues, this is a festival for anyone who likes to have their imagination sparked and their boundaries challenged. Try these events for starters...

Tales from the Crypts 20 October, 7pm-9pm, £8 If you’ve ever wanted to visit Arnos Vale after dark, this is your chance. North Bristol Writers will be taking over Brislington’s Victorian garden cemetery for an evening of chilling tales by candlelight. If the weather is good, this will take the form of a walking tour, so wear stout shoes and bring a torch. If not, one of the former chapels will form the backdrop to the eerie tales. The group, which includes Pete Sutton, Ian Millsted, Kevlin Henney, Roz Clarke, Jo Hall, Clare Dornan, Justin Newland, Maria Herring and Suzanne McConaghy, are best known for their weirder fiction, so be warned and prepare to explore the gothic and the macabre for a preHalloween evening of spooky storytelling. How could you resist?

Ancient Egyptian storytelling 22 October, 3pm-4pm, free An opportunity to experience the Assyria Gallery at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery in a new way, with yarns inspired by the myths and mysteries of ancient Egypt. Local authors Justin Newland, Amanda Huskisson, Jean Burnett and Piotr Świetlik will be holding court, overlooked by the 3,000-year-old Assyrian relief, and within earshot of the mummified cats next door in the Egyptology exhibit. What to expect? Unsettling stories swathed in atmosphere and historic culture, including Jean Burnett’s reimagining of the cat goddess Bastet, and speculative writer Justin Newland’s extract from his magnum opus, The Genes of Isis. This event really isn’t suitable for children, unless you want to guarantee sleepless nights...

BWLF Salon, 24 Oct, 6.30pm-8.30pm, free Head to Spike Island Reading Room for a Bristol Women’s Literature Festival evening celebrating women’s writing. “Taking our cue from Gertrude Stein's salon of the 1920s, we invite you to bring your own work, or the work of a woman writer you love, to share,” says host and performer Sian Norris. This event is for all word-lovers – writers or not – and is open to both men and women. Sian suggests bringing an extract from a novel or a poem that has stopped you in your tracks and made you rethink something you thought you knew, or connected with you in an emotional way, and celebrate female creativity past and present.

A Hint of Crime, 28 October, 3pm-5pm, free Join Bristol Fiction Writers’ Group for the launch of their latest anthology, A Hint of Crime. Hosted by Foyles Bookshop, the event will feature stories from authors AA Abbott, Judy Darley, Tim Kindberg, Suzanna Stanbury and others, all with a dark or dishonest undertone. Following on from their well-received debut anthology, A Dark Imagined Bristol, A Hint of Crime takes the action global from Bristol to Borneo, and beyond. The writers will also be available to answer questions about short story writing, publishing, and how they

came up with their disturbing stories, several of which have their roots in real-life happenings. Signed copies will be on sale at the event.

Outstories Bristol 24 October, 7pm-9pm, free What happens to LGBT people when they get old? Has society changed enough to make space for them? At Helen Wodehouse Lecture Theatre on Berkeley Square, this event addresses the issue of aging in the LGBT community. Expect readings from Alan Clark, author of Rory's Boys, a comedy novel set in a retirement home for gay men, and Dr Jane Traies, whose historical study The Lives of Older Lesbians was published this year. Joining for discussion is Dr Paul Willis of Bristol University, and Berkeley Wilde of The Diversity Trust, who recently completed a study of the health needs of LGBT people in Bristol and surrounding areas. The night will be chaired by critic, publisher and Ujima Radio DJ Cheryl Morgan.

Writers In The Caves 25 October, 8pm-9.30pm, £5 Bring a torch, a folding chair and all the courage you can muster for a night of storytelling in Redcliffe Caves. Going Underground: Subterranean Tales features Bristol Writers’ Group and friends reading short stories and novel extracts by candlelight in the atmospheric setting of these man-made red stone catacombs. Expect humour, a dash of violence and some truly haunting tales. “Allow yourself to be taken to unexplored depths as you hear about worlds created with words,” says organiser Gavin Watkins. Last year this was a sell-out event, so get your tickets early.

Making History workshop 27 October, 2pm-4.30pm, £20 Aimed at all experience levels, this workshop is suited to anyone wanting to develop a project already underway or simply with a curiosity about historical writing. Led by authors Lucienne Boyce and Michael Manson, you’ll be guided through writing in response to items in the Royal West of England Academy’s permanent collection, as well as having a chance to think about how you might move your project forward, find ways to widen your scope of research, and consider possible routes to publication. Taking place in the beautiful RWA galleries, the workshop has a capacity of just 12 people, so you can be sure to get as much direction from the tutors as you need. The workshop includes entry to the current exhibitions (usual value £6.95), so you can make the most of it in sourcing inspiration. To book, email mike.manson@pastandpresentpress.co.uk

Meet The Literary Agent 27 October, 7pm-9pm, £12 Monthly literary event Novel Nights welcomes literary agent Carrie Kania of Conville & Walsh to the splendid setting of the Strawberry Thief Belgian beer bar. Carrie will offer insights into how to get your submissions to shine, and what agents look for in those all-important covering letters, synopses and opening chapters. “Carrie's a top agent representing fiction, non-fiction and photography, and co-founder of independent bookstore and cocktail bar, The Society Club in Soho,” says Novel Nights’ founder Grace Palmer. “Her clients include Terry O’Neill, Daniel Rachel, Paul McVeigh and Simon Van Booy. This is a real coup for Novel Nights, and a golden opportunity for aspiring novelists. Find tickets at novelnights.co.uk.”

• unputdownable.org; @BristolLitFest THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

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FOOD & Drink

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

WHOPPING NEWS!

Sausage rolls at The Jolly Hog

If you go down to Wapping Wharf today – you know, that lovely new development behind M Shed and between Bedminster and the Docks – you’re in for a tough decision.

Because – we don’t know if you’ve noticed – but a whole array of superb restaurants and foodie joints have moved in to make up a high-calibre foodie quarter, and are settling in quite nicely, thanks very much. Be sure to check out the likes of Wild Beer for at least 20 craft beers and food from Hook Restaurants; Bertha’s – the one with the cute yellow door – for some awesome sourdough pizza; The Jolly Hog for some porky delights; and Woky Ko, the new modern Asian eatery from former MasterChef finalist Larkin Cen. Josh Eggleton and the Eat Drink Bristol Fashion team’s new venture, Chicken Shed, also joined in the fun recently, offering ‘guilt-free dirty chicken using free-range British birds’.

• wappingwharf.co.uk

ICE, ICE, BABY GET ON BOARD: BRISTOL COCKTAIL WEEK Bristol Cocktail Week anchors down in the city from 17-23 October, unloading a bold cargo of spirit-based fun. The week of mouthwatering mixology features 11 events across 20 Bristol bars – this year plotted on a map of the city, designed by Gareth Aldridge, pictured below and downloadable from the event’s website. Featuring ‘fuel stop’ restaurants curated by the team and guiding visitors around five specially created themed cocktail zones – The Land Before Time, BS1: A Space Odyssey, The Severn Seas, The Mild West, and The Mile High Club – it will show visitors where to buy exclusively mixed concoctions for the duration of the week, and glean pearls of wisdom from some of the industry’s and city’s best mixologists. The delectable list of events includes a cocktail bus tour of Bristol’s ‘spirit-ual’ history; the chance to blend your own bottle of whisky; a rum cocktail and mini-golf event (obviously); an achingly cool American craft gin cocktail and jazz night; and a vodka cocktail and cheese pairing night. “The week is about showcasing exactly what the bartenders in Bristol can do while giving cocktail fans exceptional value for money,” said Bristol-based gin-maker extraordinaire Danny Walker. Sounds good to us!

• bristolcocktailweek.bar

The Spirit of Utah at Amoeba

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South West start-up business Polar Pops has won gold and silver awards at the Taste Of The West Awards, after a superb summer of growth. Since being launched in May 2015 by friends Susie D’Andrea and Emily Fletcher, the ice lolly company has expanded from a small commercial kitchen to fill a SALSA-accredited industrial unit at Filwood Green Business Park and is producing thousands of ‘pops’ each week. Polar Pops use real fruit and vegetables and are 100% natural, handmade with no added sugar or nasties, and suitable for lactose, dairy, gluten and nutfree diets. “Added sugar in children’s food is leading to childhood obesity and tooth decay, so we have consciously developed a product that helps children gain an appetite for no added sugar products as they get older,” said Susie. “Winning the Taste Of The West awards has recognised this and was an amazing achievement.” Emily added; “Consumers are increasingly looking for healthier options that are natural as well as delivering on taste. Parents place great value on natural food in order to provide their children with a well-balanced diet – Polar Pops addresses this concern and is a guilt-free treat.

We have had a fantastic summer to date and are building a very loyal following – our goal is to spread the no added sugar, real fruit and veg love as far afield as possible.”

• polarpops.co.uk

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Bar - Champagne Lounge - Restaurant

Your Food, Our Passion

The Mint Room, 12 - 16 Clifton Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1AF Tel: 0117 329 1300 www.themintroom.co.uk

info@themintroom.co.uk

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FOOD | RECIPES

AUTUMN GATHERING As River Cottage chef, teacher, food writer and stylist Gill Meller visits Bristol to share the inspiration behind his cooking, we take a beautifully seasonal-looking leaf out of his debut cookery book...

H

aving worked closely with wholesome celeb chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall for around a decade as part of the lovely River Cottage team – often popping up on the TV shows and authoring The River Cottage Handbook: Pigs and Pork last year – it was about time Gill Meller launched his own book, and we absolutely love the debut tome, Gather, whose title alone gives us all the autumnal feels.

A celebration of seasonal British food, with each chapter featuring ingredients from different environments – from moorland to garden, farm to harbour and seashore to orchard – the collection of 120 original recipes focuses on simple cooking inspired by changing landscapes.

Gill is officially launching Gather at River Cottage Canteen on 4 October at 7pm, with a special evening event that will see him explain the inspiration behind the book, and guests enjoying a delicious threecourse dinner (£25 per person) based on recipes designed by Gill.

Blackberry & apple meringue with walnuts & elder (serves 8-12) “Sometimes it’s hard to let go of the summer: warm mornings, holidays, swimming in the sea, Pimm’s, long lunches – and Pavlova. This Pavlova, though, is inspired by the autumn hedgerow, bursting with ripe elderberries, tart blackberries and sugary, fried windfall apples. Wet walnuts, found in markets and farm shops during the autumn period, are fresh, sweet and milky...”

Ingredients: • A dash of sunflower or walnut oil • 2 small to medium dessert apples, quartered, cored, then each quarter cut into 2 or 3 wedges • 1-2 teaspoons golden caster sugar (optional) • 300ml (10½fl oz) double cream • ½ vanilla pod, seeds scraped • 2 handfuls of blackberries • 1 or 2 sprays ripe elderberries, berries picked • 35g (1¼oz) shelled wet walnuts, or walnuts, or hazelnuts, roughly broken for the meringue • 4 egg whites • 200g (7oz) golden caster sugar

Method ❶ Heat the oven to 120°C/235°F/gas mark one. First, make the meringue. Place the egg whites in a large, clean bowl. Whisk with a hand-held electric whisk until they form and hold soft peaks. (You can do this in a food mixer with a whisk attachment, if you prefer.)

Keeping the whisk running, add one large spoonful of sugar at a time, until all the sugar is incorporated. Continue to whisk for a further 6-8 minutes, until the meringue is thick, pale, smooth and glossy. ❷ Lightly grease a sheet of baking parchment and lay it on a large (at least 30 x 30cm/12 x 12in) flat baking tray. Spoon the meringue onto the parchment, trying to make a large round with slightly peaked edges – it doesn’t have to be perfect. Bake the meringue in the oven for 25-30 minutes, then turn down the heat to

90°C/185°F/gas mark ½. and bake for a further two hours, until the meringue has formed a crisp shell. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.

(If you’re not using the meringue straight away, store it in an airtight container.) ❸ Heat the oil in a non-stick pan over a medium heat, then add the apple. If the apples are a little tart, add the caster sugar and stir. ❹ Cook the apples for 4-5 minutes, turning them over occasionally, until they have taken on a little colour and are beginning to soften. Remove the pan from the heat and allow to cool. ❺ In a clean bowl, whisk the double cream with the vanilla seeds until thick and pillowy. Spoon the cream over the meringue base, spreading it roughly out towards the edges. ❻ Arrange the cooked apple pieces over the cream. Scatter the blackberries over the top. Finally, sprinkle over the broken-up wet walnuts (or walnuts or hazelnuts) and the elderberries, and serve. ■ • Gather by Gill Meller (published by Quadrille, £25) is out now. For more information, visit gillmeller.com or rivercottage.net, or follow Gill on Twitter, @GillMeller THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

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RESTAURANT | REVIEW

POLPO As another DFL (that means down-from-London, mind) makes its way to the West Country and puts its stamp on Whiteladies Road, Charlotte Gallagher delivers her verdict

W

e have to confess, these days – with the city a mine of exotic, unusual fare from around the globe – the once go-to classic Italian restaurant is less and less our first choice for dinner à deux. And we’re really not sure why, because we could easily eat our own body weight in cheese-laden pizza or wholesome, traditional pasta dishes any day of the week – perhaps it just feels a little unimaginative, a bit obvious, now that we’re so spoilt for interesting new foodie concepts to test out in our scarce, precious free time. But recently the ante has been upped – and unimaginative or obvious this place is not.

Having joined the growing band of London-born establishments that have seen Bristol for the superhappening place that it is, the acclaimed Polpo stuck its victory flag into the ground at 50 Whiteladies Road this summer. It’s an Italian modelled on the Venetian bàcaro – a ‘humble restaurant serving simple food and young Italian wines in a setting that reflects the gloriously faded elegance of Venice, and the charms of its backstreet wine bars,’ as they put it, and it does.

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serviettes, and a wall of those young wines we mentioned, behind the bar. I’m compelled towards the Campari (it’s compulsory, right?) as we claim a couple of stools to perch on, especially with my guest S going straight for the Aperol spritz, but am won over by the special – Citrus Sour with gin, amarena cherry syrup, lemon juice, orange bitters and egg white. It’s bubbly and baby pink, with a fat, saccharine cherry speared by a cocktail stick, and it’s a beaut.

At the dinner table – now armed with a pokey negroni and a Devereaux comprising Four Roses bourbon, elderflower, lemon juice, mint and prosecco, plus skewers of piping-hot fried and stuffed olives coated in a tasty crumb – fritto misto jostles for our attention alongside octopus carpaccio and braised scallops on the fish section of the menu. From here we pick out the chilli and garlic prawns, pairing them with another small plate of chickpea, spinach and ricotta ‘meatballs’ to

Above: The pizzette are a must-try Below: A charmful interior with battered ivory tiles and lowhanging lamps

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RESTAURANT | REVIEW

share. S is impressed with this creative veggie version of the Italian favourite – which we could compare to falafel in some ways, though it’s less dry and dense, to our minds. As we watch merrily oversubscribed staff eagerly arranging an alfresco table for the short queue of eager diners forming outside, we make a mental note to try more of the meatball section next time we visit – the lamb and pistachio or spicy pork and fennel variety maybe. Sound good, hey?

We decide to add one of Polpo’s pizzette – yep, a miniature pizza, as the name suggests – to the order too, as our waitress thinks that’ll make for just the right amount of dishes between us, and we are, of course, confident we can handle them all as well. The spinach, parmesan and soft egg type that we try is wafer-thin and made minus tomato sauce – which S is initially sceptical about, but it’s equally if not more delicious than it would be with the red stuff.

I can’t get enough of the gutsy fried gnocchi salad with flavoursome rainbow chard pesto and young pecorino, which arrives slightly after. Like the dishes before it, it clearly illustrates to us why Polpo has retained a Bib Gourmand for the past six years – as we simultaneously eye up the refreshing-looking zucchini, parmesan and basil salad on a nearby table. Having had her fill, S eschews the

remaining soft gnocchi dumplings in a ladylike manner while I continue putting them away like nobody’s business – which is all very well (you know what’s coming...) until dessert arrives.

It’s a finale featuring flourless orange and hazelnut cake with glistening candied strips of orange peel piled on top – moist and moreish beside a citrussy-sweet dollop of dreamy mascarpone. It also, along with our fresh strawberry and basil panna cotta, foils my attempt to finish every morsel of this meal, but despite our defeat, we still leave hankering after the ricotta doughnuts with cinnamon sugar, the Aperol sorbet and the chocolate salami. Yes, all at once. The heart (stomach) wants what the heart (stomach) wants...

The city has welcomed a couple of excellent-looking Italian diners that have piqued our interest lately, and this one has certainly given us a renewed sense of excitement about the crowd-pleasing continental fare. ‘Polpo’, we discovered, actually means ‘octopus’ in Italian, and like its namesake, we reckon this eatery’s really got legs, here in Bristol... ■ • Polpo, 50 Whiteladies Road, BS8 2NH; 0117 9733100; polpo.co.uk

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Saving for a rainy day...

Local historian Julian Lea-Jones on the lost art of spending in moderation

O

nce upon a time, if you asked someone what they understood by the word ‘thrift’ you would probably have got the reply: “being money conscious, economising, carefulness”. Sadly, nowadays, even with the dire warnings of austerity measures, the word appears to be used more in relation to an attractive small flower; the armeria maritima (commonly known as thrift, sea thrift or sea pink).

In 1936, this flower was also adopted as a highly appropriate design for the new bronze three penny bit, which replaced the smaller silver coin. The stylised flower was the work of the artist Frances Madge Kitchener and appeared on coins in the following year, but it was not until the outbreak of World War II and rationing, that the full significance of her design was appreciated.

Being thrifty then wasn’t an option – you had to be. How many of us remember the compartmentalised money boxes to help organise the weekly budget, with separate slots for rent, electricity, coal and gas? As well as children’s piggy banks, most Bristol families had money boxes freely issued to their young savers by the Bristol & West Building Society. Other building societies, saving banks and post offices also supplied these small boxes, in a wide variety of quirky shapes. Unlike the normal pottery piggy bank, to encourage saving these had anti-knife coin slots and were kept locked by the owners. When it was full, you took it along to the organisation that would unlock the box with their key and transfer the money to your savings account. I remember being given my first ‘grown up’ money box and a post office savings book by my aunt, to encourage me to get into the savings habit by putting aside a few pence every week from my pocket money or ‘bob a job’ for the holidays. It was a proud moment when I first took along the full box and handed it to our local postmaster in Regent Street in Clifton, who opened it, carefully counted out the contents and equally solemnly entered the amount in the savings book before handing it and the empty money box back to me with a few words of praise. Perhaps you still have a one of these small boxes at home, evoking memories of that first major treat you saved up for, even your first bicycle?

Down the centuries, almost anything hollow has been utilised as a money box and the selection of items for the avid collector is vast. How often do we read about a hoard of ancient coins being discovered in a pot beneath a farmer’s field? As well as the prayer book-sized money boxes shown below, I once came across an old one designed to look like a novel, presumably intended to be hidden among other books in a book case.

However, a dead giveaway – for the literate burglar back then – was the book’s title, From Saving Comes Having (an old Scottish proverb), and the word ‘thrift’ and the flower of the same name, marked at the foot of the spine.

In any case, despite the apparent general lack of thriftiness these days, we can take heart from a recent council initiative – which has seen thrift flowers planted along all the central reservation of Whiteladies Road. So they do know the meaning of thrift after all! n

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Who pays for Ellie’s ballet classes now?

By Madison Fowler, Sharp Family Law – Bristol and Bath Solicitors. Protecting what matters most

Child Support: The basics When a child lives with one parent, the other is legally required to contribute to their child’s living costs. The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) is a government body that calculates and enforces minimum child maintenance payments. You can use their online calculator to estimate how much you will need to pay.

You can of course contribute more than the statutory minimum, if you want to. For example, Chris was dedicated to providing his children with a guaranteed sum which was higher than the CMS calculation, so he asked to include this as a clause in his financial settlement.

School fees and childcare Who looks after and educates your children can be a very emotional and personal decision, not to mention a big financial commitment. Denise and Peter chose to enter into a formal agreement to guarantee this, in which they agreed to ring-fence money from their house sale to ensure their son could stay at the school they had carefully chosen.

Daniel and Sarah planned to share care of their children equally, including the costs of sending them to a local nursery. They were able to have this written into their financial settlement.

Hobbies, holidays… and the extras

Approaching these issues in a constructive way, outside of the court arena, enables couples to be more creative with their options.

By looking at the big picture, it is possible to come to an arrangement for financial support that truly reflects the needs and priorities of your family.

Who will cover Ellie’s ballet classes, Ben’s speech therapy, or Oliver’s school trip? Will it be equal? Or will Mum pay because Dad pays for the school bus?

Madison Fowler

❝

Providing for your children is not just an emotional issue, but a financial one

❝

W

hen separating and divorcing, providing for your children is not just an emotional issue, but a financial one. From school fees to swimming classes, your children are undoubtedly a precious and often expensive investment. Who will pay for what needs careful consideration and creative solutions can be found.

Discussing these contributions with your exspouse at the outset can stave off future misunderstandings and disputes. This also makes it possible to record in your settlement contributions to your child’s extracurricular activities that are important to you or your exspouse. For example, Neil agreed to pay an extra £20 per month on top of child maintenance to cover ultra-fast broadband costs, so that his daughter could use it for schoolwork.

THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

Clare Webb

Sharp Family Law: Broad Quay House, Prince St, Bristol, BS1 4DJ email: info@sharpfamilylaw.com m: 07766 107527 t: 0117 905 8805 website: www.sharpfamilylaw.com

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Grant wanted to work for the royal family from a very young age, and was welcomed into the fold when he became butler to HRH The Prince of Wales – photo by Anna Phillips

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BRISTOL AT WORK: Grant Harrold We shine a spotlight on the folk that help make up the fabric of city life...

A

ccording to Grant Harrold’s parents, he resolved from a young age to, one day, either work for the royal family or marry into it.

But since Airdrie, the small Scottish town near Glasgow where he was born, was a good few hours from Balmoral – meaning little chance of bumping into a romantic interest around the royal holiday home – it was the first route that Grant opted for.

“It was seeing The Remains of The Day that caused me to consider a career as a butler,” recalls Grant. “When I left Airdrie at 17, I moved to Dalwhinnie in the Highlands, where my mother started working on the local estate, Ben Alder Estate. One summer, when the family brought their butlers with them, I was given the opportunity to work in the housekeeping department and within a few weeks I was offered a permanent position as the under-butler. I started the day after the Princess of Wales died and decided I wanted to become a butler for HRH The Prince of Wales.”

Little did Grant realise, he would complete this ambition within just seven years. “It was a life-changing position,” he says. “I remember when I found out, after six months of interviews, that I was going to meet them at Clarence House. I was nervous beyond belief, and excited.

When I arrived there, in March 2004, I remember being taken to a room to wait – and in that room was a picture of the Prince as a young man, which did not help with the nerves as I realised I was about to meet one of the most famous people in the world, someone who I have admired and respected my whole life. We spoke for around half an hour and once we were finished, he asked me if I really would like to work for him, to which I replied that I would be honoured, and within a few days, I got an email – while working at Woburn Abbey for the fantastic Bedford family – offering me a position with The Royal Household.”

Nowadays, Grant has his own business, Nicholas Veitch Ltd, based in Almondsbury, with fellow tutor HRH Princess Katarina – cousin to HRH Prince William, Duke of Cambridge – running all sorts of etiquette classes for clients from all over the UK, who attend classes in various locations including Blenheim Palace and The Ritz. “At Thornbury Castle, for example, we offer talks including the dos and don'ts when meeting royals, followed by a full afternoon tea; wedding etiquette talks; and black tie three-course dinner parties where we keep guests informed throughout the night on how to behave at such events, including the correct way to dine at the table,” explains Grant. “They’re popular with businesses that want an unusual team-building day or Christmas party, and with those who want to buy an unusual gift for a friend.”

It’s a job that takes him all over the place – this year has already seen him on ITV's This Morning; teaching Jerry Springer and Lisa Faulkner royal etiquette on Channel 5’s The Breakfast Show; and working on a high profile campaign in Australia with holiday rentals company Stayz.

At the moment, Grant is also launching a new YouTube series called the Royal Butler’s Etiquette Guide, which starts with dining, shoe cleaning and simply opening a bottle of champagne. “One minute I’m teaching royals or VIPs the correct way to entertain, then the next I’m off to film for Good Morning Britain in Cheshire, catching a plane to the other side of the world or organising a royal event for HRH Princess Katarina,” he says. “I couldn't have asked for a more fun and rewarding position.

Of course, I do miss working directly for the Prince of Wales but I love running my own company, offering these unique talks, classes and workshops and working with the most impressive venues as well as a wonderful team of people. There isn't one day I don't consider how lucky I am.”

It hasn’t always been such plain sailing, though... “When I started working at Woburn Abbey, I was very nervous as I knew the family well from the TV series Country House. The nerves were a problem – I remember serving the family and their guests one lunchtime and I had the shakes. The cups and saucers were rattling very loudly – it was awful – and the more I tried to be quiet, the louder they seemed to get. I will never forget how glad I was when I put the last one down. It is such a silly thing but something I remember to this day. I am pleased to say those nervous days have long gone but they were a valuable part of the learning process.”

We’re glad to hear Grant – who can often be found picking up a bargain at St Nicholas Market or wandering Clifton and popping into the South African butcher’s for biltong and boerewors with his dachshunds in his spare time – thinks we Bristolians have pretty good manners on the whole. Though there’s still room for improvement…

“I love the Bristol Hippodrome; it’s a joy to be in such a beautiful building,” he says. “However the etiquette side of me came out last time I visited – people were using mobile phones and other devices, and rustling sweets and crisp packets during the performance. I also noticed people didn't know which part of the arm rests to use. This prompted me to write a blog on etiquette of the theatre! But I hasten to add it’s not just Bristol – we live in a very different age to our grandparents and of course, things change, but I feel it's important not to lose our traditions, manners and respect for others and we must always bear this in mind during our day-to-day tasks where ever we are. Take driving, for example. Why do we forget our manners and how to be civil to each other as soon as we get into our tin boxes? There is etiquette when it comes to roundabouts and junctions so we ought to show a bit more respect to each other and remember that the person we’re being rude to could easily be our future boss or perhaps even father-in-law!

“One of my favourite old rules of etiquette is that if you suddenly died and therefore could not attend a dinner or lunch, then you should send your executor! I love the thought that you couldn't be so rude as to leave your space empty due to all the work your host went to make their event a success. (Note: executor not executioner – this caused some confusion when I brought it up on Twitter recently!) But if the hostess has done the table plan, laid the table and bought the food, and you decide to shuffle off this earthly coil, is it not polite to send one’s executor?”

So, we wonder, what’s the most important, the golden rule in his butlering handbook? “For me, it’s trust and loyalty,” says Grant. “It’s vital to your employer and their household because you do not wish to have anyone discussing private matters with the rest of the world. Trust and loyalty is a two-way thing – if you give and receive it, then you create a unique bond that should never be broken. When I train my butlers, we cover this on day one before we go any further, as I want them to understand this first and foremost. If they have any issues with this then I advise them to consider another role. Households do understand that when you are proud to be working for someone, you can express this and discuss your fun, off-duty experiences; however there will be things that only you and the employer are privy to, and these must go with you to the grave.” n • nicholasveitch.co.uk

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BRISTOL UPDATES BITE-SIZED BUSINESS NEWS FROM ACROSS THE CITY

SEE THE FUTURE Bristol firm GWS Robotics is to be one of the first in the South West to take on a humanoid robot trained to ‘understand’ emotions. Pepper – a £20,000 robot which can talk, laugh, dance and even ‘feel’ – has worked in hospitals, companies, schools and homes in Japan but has only recently become available in the UK. Now the robot – which can also capture customer details and build up leads as well as cross-sell, interact through words and gestures and even use facial recognition to pick up on sadness – is set to reach shops and hotels in the region. “We believe the next big thing for business is a walking, talking robot,” says creative director David Graves, who will be customising the robot for individual companies. “Pepper can carry out basic interviews, provide information, attract passers-by and respond to common questions, and is the first humanoid robot capable of recognising human emotions. It’s a great way to reach out to potential customers and keep them engaged.”

• gwsmedia.com

Pepper can respond to common questions and recognise emotions, as well as provide information and cross-sell

BRISTOL MEANS BUSINESS

CLASS ACT

THE BIG 5-0!

A £4.2million project to transform the historic Grade-II Clevedon Hall into one of the South West’s most desirable luxury wedding venues has reached completion after six years. The Victorian mansion, which overlooks Clevedon Bay, has undergone ongoing restoration and refurbishment work since 2010 and the revamp, carried out by Bristol architects Childs+Sulzmann in conjunction with English Heritage and Bath-based Jane Clayton Interiors, saw many of its historic features restored and bespoke furnishing installed in keeping with the building’s heritage. Clevedon Hall can accommodate anything from intimate ceremonies of 20 people to dinner and dancing for 200, in comfort and style.

A new outdoor accoya wood gazebo, overlooking a lake, has also been created to seat up to 150 guests, all of whom can enjoy high-calibre cuisine courtesy of Michelin-trained executive chef Alan Jones.

St Peter’s Hospice celebrated the opening of its 50th high street charity shop with the launch of a site in Hartcliffe recently.

The charity opened its first shop on Wells Road, Knowle, in 1981 and has gone on to become an award-winning chain and the largest charity retailer in the South West – which also has 65 textile banks across Bristol where over 750,000 bags are donated every year, raising over £2.2 million annually. “We are proud to be the most successful charity retail chain in Bristol and a major retail employer in the city,” said St Peter’s Hospice head of retail, Paul Chivers. “Our award-winning model has been replicated by other charities across the UK and the opening of our 50th shop just goes to show how important our shops have become to the people of Bristol and surrounding district.” Funds raised in the St Peter’s shops go towards caring for people with life-limiting illnesses as well as supporting family members with counselling, advice and therapy.

• clevedonhall.co.uk

• stpetershospice.org

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A new report showing the impact of the conference industry on Bristol has revealed that business events brought an estimated £202million to the city in 2015. The report was commissioned by Destination Bristol and showed the highest impact figures since 2011, citing an increase in venues and an upturn in the performance of the hotel sector as reasons behind the success. “This is a great result for Bristol and firmly underlines our position as one of the UK’s leading destinations for conference business,” commented Kathryn Davis at Destination Bristol. “Our status as European Green Capital 2015 undoubtedly added to this surge and has provided a legacy that we can build on.

With incredible new facilities soon to open at Ashton Gate Stadium we also have the ability to deliver events on a larger scale than ever before in state-ofthe-art surroundings, complementing the city’s diverse mix of residential and unique venues. Exciting new venues such as Aerospace Bristol opening in 2017 means there is much more ahead.”

• visitbristol.co.uk/conferences

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The new Niro by Kia – images courtesy of KIA and TBM

MOTORING | TEST DRIVE

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MOTORING | TEST DRIVE

THE NIRO IS WAITING...

Kia’s first hybrid vehicle and compact SUV, the new Niro, challenges not one market but two.

Could this be the manufacturer’s most impressive car to date? Words by Dara Foley

T

he new Niro adds to Kia’s impressive line-up of models. It is its first hybrid vehicle, but what is more impressive is that Kia hasn’t settled for merely dropping in a hybrid powertrain into an existing model. The Niro has been completely designed from scratch to create what the company describes as an HUV (hybrid utility vehicle). It’s a compact SUV: smaller than a Sportage, but bigger than a Cee’d, and in a global market where multi segments create increased choice for car buyers, the Niro is an all-new offering that will not only compete in the new, popular compact crossover category, but is also a much smarter looking vehicle to challenge at the heart of the more established hybrid brands.

Peter Schrayer (the designer of the Audi TT) who joined Kia in 2005 to oversee design, styling and development of cars to appeal to a European market, introduced the trademark Kia ‘tiger nose’ grille along with many other styling elements, and although the Niro is unmistakably a Kia – familiar in every way, it nonetheless holds its own personality and really is a very attractive car indeed.

As a hybrid, the Niro has just one engine option – a 1.6-litre petrol engine paired with a mighty 32kw electric motor to deliver 139bhp.

Official figures quote a fuel economy of 74.3mpg and CO2 emissions of just 88g/km. The top speed is a decent 101mph and 0-60 can be reached in just over 11 seconds – it may not be a racer but the sixspeed automatic gearbox is certainly ‘chauffeur smooth’ and really very capable.

On the motorway the Niro is sure-footed, velevty and refined – there is some tyre noise, but good acoustic dampening in the panels helps to mute wind noise and most of the outside world. Inner-city handling is superb – light steering, great stability, and very little roll through corners, which all harks back to why Kia designed a unique and dedicated chassis specifically to take the hybrid drivetrain.

Around town the Niro is also super quiet, using only the electric motor in crawling traffic and at low speeds, but when appropriate the petrol engine takes over – the engine will then either commence cell charging or combine with the electric motor for added liveliness. The process is fully automatic, but you can watch an animated infographic on the display which helps to visualise the status of the various power options being used, and the charging of the cells. There’s also a tree animation which displays your eco driving performance by adding green pixel leaves to the tree graphic – a little offbeat maybe, but something for the passengers to admire as you help to save the planet with your economical driving style.

Although the engine options are fixed, there are four trim options –

for the basic £21,295 price tag you get a lot of very fine toys fitted as standard, such as 16-inch alloy wheels and dual zone air conditioning, DAB radio, Bluetooth with voice recognition, and Lane Keep Assist as well as many more.

However Kia anticipates that the second edition model, priced at £22,795, will prove the most popular with UK drivers as it comes with all the impressive added extras, but adds a seven-inch touchscreen satellite navigation system, partial leather seats, reversing camera system, rear parking sensors and privacy glass.

The third option, at £24,695, offers even more specifications such as 18-inch alloys, bigger touchscreens, heated leather seats and steering wheel, wireless mobile phone charger, and front and rear parking sensors. Meanwhile the fourth option (called the First Edition) is priced at £26,995 and adds electrically adjustable memory driver seats, smart entry, push button start stop and more. The higher specifications do impact slightly on the economy figures – a plug-in hybrid version is expected to be introduced in 2017 and is likely to be even more economical.

Inside, the Niro has a familiar look. Kia may not do walnut dash and the like, but what they do make, with a mixed use of textured and smooth plastic-based materials, they do very well. The dash is modern, the instrument cluster is very clear, with the LCD and central display all multifunctional and easily controlled. The gear shift is smooth and substantial, all knobs and buttons feel substantial, and the contrasting glossy panels give an unexpectedly pleasant muted sound when tapped. Although there has to be a scale to economy, clearly every effort has been put into this new car and the Niro is remarkably well built.

It is also a roomier car than many of its hybrid or compact SUV competitors; passengers have good leg room, width and head height and the generous 400-litre boot will easily take all the family luggage.

When compared to other hybrids and compact crossovers, the Niro has a very stylish design and offers lots of added kit – all included in the price – and as well as being very frugal on fuel, it is also qualifies for free road tax, and there is that famous Kia seven-year warranty.

The nice thing is, that if you are considering buying a car in either of these segments, you now have a very strong contender that will offer what you want... and something more. ■ Test car courtesy of Wessex Kia Bristol, Feeder Road, St Phillips, Bristol BS2 0SB; 0117 332 2535; dealers.kia.co.uk/wessexkiabristol

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Free Jewellery Valuation Day

Cartier Brooch

Diamond ring

Cocktail Ring

Rolex Ref: 8171

£4,150

£30,000

£3,550

£69,000

Clevedon Salerooms will be holding a FREE no-obligation Specialist Jewellery, Watch, Silver & Gold Valuation Day at Stoke Lodge, Shirehampton Road on Wednesday 26th October between 10am – 4pm. Clevedon Salerooms Valuers, gemmologist John Kelly and watch specialist Marc Burridge will be providing free no-obligation verbal estimates with the November Quarterly Specialist Sale in mind. Tea and coffee will be served throughout the day. For more information contact Toby Pinn on 0117 3256789

Free Jewellery, Watch, Silver & Gold Valuation Day Stoke Lodge, Shirehampton Road, BS9 1BN --------------------------------------------------

10am – 4pm No appointment necessary – Ample Free Parking

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OCTOBER 2016

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

Tel: 01934 830111 www.clevedon-salerooms.com

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EXCLUSIVE KIA

DEALERSHIP BRISTOLIANS who are fans of the Kia car brand are now able to visit our exclusive Kia dealership in the city.

Wessex Garages on Feeder Road is now a dedicated Kia dealership supplying new and used Kia vehicles.

Mark Hayward, General Manager of the dealership, explained: “We are thrilled to announce that from now onwards our Feeder Road showroom will be an exclusive Kia dealership. We have redesigned our second showroom at the dealership and this will now be our specialist Kia Approved Used Car showroom. The other showroom at the site will purely be for brand new models”.

One of Kia’s best-selling models worldwide is the Optima, which is a fantastic four door saloon car. The fourth-generation Optima is spacious, bold and dynamic. It boasts a modern, new exterior, a bold interior design with more space for all passengers and an array of new technologies.

Embodying all the striking exterior design features and interior refinement of the 2016 Optima, the latest addition to the Optima family is the the All-New Optima Sportswagon which brings the added practicality and appeal of an Estate body style and is available to test drive at our showroom now.

If you’re interested in either of these vehicles call Wessex Garages on Feeder Road on 01179165656, visit www.wessexgarages.com, follow the company on Twitter at www.twitter.com/wessexgarages or log onto www.facebook.com/wessexgarages.

Wessex Garages has outlets in Bristol, Cardiff, Gloucester and Newport. It specialises in new and used car sales across South Wales and the South West.

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EDUCATION NEWS UPDATES FROM THE CITY’S SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

DESIGN FOR LIFE

Claire on her Clipper boat

BACK TO SCHOOL!

CELEBRATING DIVERSITY

The Red Maids’ Junior School marked its 30th birthday with a visit from yachtswoman Claire Chapman – one of the earliest pupils to join the school when it opened in 1986 – who talked about life at Red Maids’ and beyond. During the past 12 months, Claire – who attributes her courage and sense of adventure to the experiences she enjoyed at school – has been circumnavigating the globe as part of the GB and Northern Ireland team competing in the Clipper Yacht Race.

The school also announced that two additional classrooms are to be built at the Grange Court Road site before Redmaids’ and Redland High School unite next September, as well as a state of the art assembly hall with auditorium • redmaidshigh.co.uk

Easton CE Academy hosted a free food festival to celebrate the vibrant, diverse surrounding community last month.

Easton Food Festival, a collaboration with local charity 91 Ways, saw global food stalls, as well as dancing, sports, crafts and music. “Easton is a fantastic community and we want our school to be a place that brings people together and celebrates our diversity,” said assistant headteacher Laura Connors. “Sharing food is a wonderful way to develop friendships.”

91 Ways founder Kalpna Woolf added: “We were delighted to work with Easton Academy and enable families to spend time together in a neutral environment, enjoying food and entertainment.” Money raised will be used to create a new running track for the school. • easton-ce.academy

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London-based interior design school KLC School of Design has launched a national young designers competition as part of the ‘Design Changes Lives’ charity initiative, aimed at 11-18 year olds and promoted through senior schools across the country to encourage creativity and design skills from a young age and champion interior design as a viable career option after sixth form. The competition challenges entrants across two age categories, 11-14 years and 1518 years, to design a room for a chosen celebrity. The winning designer in each category will receive a student membership to the Design Museum in London, the world’s leading museum dedicated to contemporary design, and £100 in art vouchers. The winners will also be featured on the KLC website with their design created as a 3D virtual room, be invited to spend a day on an interiors shoot with S Magazine and be the subject of a feature with Heart Home Magazine. The closing date for submissions is 7 January 2017. “It is fabulous to give young people the opportunity to see how interior design can be a viable career option,” says Jenny Gibbs, KLC founder and principal.

“We hope to unlock creativity and encourage the designers of the future.”

Victoria Gray, lifestyle editor at S Magazine, added: “I’m very excited to be part of the judging process for the Young Designers Competition. Having studied at KLC, I’m aware of the high level of creativity and talent the school produces. I’m sure this will be no exception in the competition. I'll be looking for a passionate, confident designer who is able to interpret their client’s brief into a beautiful yet liveable scheme.”

• klc.co.uk

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By Dr Andrew Daniel, Headmaster of Monmouth School

LEAGUES AHEAD M

onmouth has just been listed at number 14 in The Times’ independent boys’ school A level league tables.

Reading this was a very proud moment for me. Thanks to the incredible hard work and dedication of sixth formers and staff, almost one in three pupils gained all A* or A grades this year.

The School enjoyed its best set of A level results in four years, with 50.2% A* - A grades and three quarters of all grades A*- B. Three boys, Freddie Parker, Dan Smith and Head Boy, Sam White, all achieved four A*s.

Sam, who remarkably scored 100% in his physics paper, will take up his place to study maths at Oxford.

The 1st XIII rower is one of eight boys in the cohort to be progressing to Oxford or Cambridge universities.

Freddie’s four A*s will enable him to study medicine at King’s College London. Coming from a line of farmers, he is set to become the first medic in the family and plans to specialise in forensic psychology or surgery.

Such strong results have allowed the vast majority of our leavers to accept places at their first choice colleges, including the elite Russell Group Universities.

We are particularly pleased that the boys achieved such excellent results alongside being involved in a wide variety other activities: many of our most committed sportsmen and musicians, for example, achieved outstanding grades.

This is the hallmark of Monmouth School - the boys certainly work extremely hard in their academic studies, and achieve outstanding results, but they also make highly valued contributions to a wide range of other activities in School.

At GCSE level, 43% of all grades were A* this year. Eleven boys gained at least eight A*s, and two pupils, Oli Jones and Richard Lambert, were awarded 11 A*s.

An impressive 68.6% of all grades were A* to A, 20 boys gained all A*s and As, and three candidates achieved a clean sweep of A*s.

*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. 78 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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Why an eye sight check should be on your Back-to-School list

Y

our child doesn’t have to wait until back-to-school time to have their eyes examined, but if you haven’t booked them in for one yet, now’s the time to make an appointment.

Eye exams can detect unsuspected problems that affect a child’s ability to read, study, see the board, concentrate, remember, excel in sports, and reach their full potential at school.

Barton, who is 9 years old, is going back to school with a difference.

His confidence has been boosted and he’s began to read aloud and even to sing! His handwriting has changed and his memory’s improved and he can express himself more clearly. Just ten days of vision therapy, for a condition that had gone undiagnosed and caused learning problems since reception, has made this possible for Barton.

A specialist eye examination, ten 1 hour visits to a vision therapy specialist, the right glasses, Barton’s determination and willing spirit to complete homework, and eye exercises to train and strengthen his eyes.

Barton’s performance has improved so much that he’s finding tables & spelling easier too. His behaviour has also improved and he’s became calmer, with stressful situations seeing more subdued reactions and he’s stopped fidgeting.

School-aged children should have year vision checks to examine each eye and check for good binocular to ensure they have the visual skills needed for learning.

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Your child may not tell you they are having eyesight issues or even realise it. They may simply think everyone sees the same way they do. However children can give you indirect clues. They may continually blink, rub their eyes or have stinging or running eyes when they read. Having problems recalling what they’ve read or avoiding reading may also point to vision problems that will clearly affect school performance. Signs also include short attention span, frequent headaches and seeing double.

At times, it may be easy to pick up on hints that your child is having problems with vision. However sometimes there are no clues and symptoms, which is why a very essential part of a back-to-school checklist should be a comprehensive eye check. Because 80% of our learning is visual.

Contact James Shedden 01935 403260 email: james@dyslexia-treatment.co.uk or visit www.alc-uk.com

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HABERDASHERS’ MONMOUTH SCHOOLS A life-changing education is closer than you think Reasons to choose the Monmouth Schools: With a 400-year track record of delivering educational excellence, the Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools are geared to realise the full potential of girls and boys aged 3 to 18. The Schools passionately believe that: • Girls and boys learn differently, and yet their development is enhanced by interaction.

• Each child’s talents and strengths should be nurtured alongside achieving the best academic results possible.

• All of our pupils should go on to lead happy, fulfilled lives, gaining access to their first choice universities.

• Developing confidence and a love of learning is the key to academic success, with specialist subject teachers and small class sizes.

• We strive to deliver the best. This was recognised by recent ESTYN inspections, which praised the Schools for their sector-leading practice, declaring them excellent in each category.

• Accessibility should be as broad as possible - we offer competitive fees and generous bursaries and scholarships.

• Sport enhances life outside academia - over 60 pupils have national sporting honours.

• Creativity and outstanding educational opportunities inspire young people to express themselves through music, drama and art.

For more information on the October 7th & 8th Open Days, please go to www.habs-monmouth.org, call 01600 710 433 for Monmouth School, 01600 711104 for HMSG, or 01600 713970 for Agincourt School & Nursery.

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Special offer:

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MUMMY MAKEOVER For many women, whilst giving birth is undoubtedly a wonderful experience, they may find that their body has changed as a result. Whilst diet and exercise alone can often help to rectify this, many women find that it can be a struggle to get back to how they were pre-pregnancy. Happily, at Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital, The Chesterfield, help is at hand.

Here we learn more about surgical options which may be of interest to new mothers.

M

any women experience significant physical changes following pregnancy and breastfeeding, many of which can be persistent and difficult to correct with diet and exercise alone. Changes to the volume and shape of the breasts, stretch marks and sagging of the abdominal skin, as well as fat accumulation on the hips, thighs, and love handles are all common results of pregnancy and nursing.

Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgeon, Mrs Elena Prousskaia at Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital, The Chesterfield, is very familiar with these changes, having seen them in many of her patients. She therefore offers a solution in 86 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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the form of ‘mummy makeover’ surgery for women who are dissatisfied with these changes, giving them the opportunity to restore their pre-pregnancy appearance. A mummy makeover refers to a combination of plastic surgery procedures that are chosen by you and your surgeon in order to address the changes to your post-pregnancy body. The most commonly performed procedures during a mummy makeover include breast augmentation, breast lift with or without implants, breast reduction, full or mini tummy tuck, and liposuction, and fat transfer. However, there are many additional treatments such as thigh lift or cosmetic injections that can be performed during a mummy makeover, depending upon your specific concerns.

Surgery Preparation During an initial consultation, Mrs Prousskaia will discuss your post-pregnancy body goals and procedure options. When discussing the areas of your body that you would like to improve, it is important for you to be as specific as possible so that she can advise you on the most suitable procedures for your needs. The number and variety of treatments you choose as well as your general health will determine whether your mummy makeover will be completed as one combined procedure, or as a series of surgeries performed over a greater period of time. If combined into one stage, the mummy makeover typically lasts from three to six hours, but the actual length of the

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surgery depends upon the number and type of procedures being performed. Prior to surgery, your surgeon will draw incision lines on your breasts, abdomen, and outer thighs. You will be placed under anaesthesia. Your anaesthetist will administer general anaesthesia which causes you to sleep during the procedure.

sensation to the skin. The amount of fat that accumulates under the skin varies depending upon inherited traits, body type and lifestyle factors such as exercise and diet.

We will now take a look at some of the most common mummy makeover procedures.

Recovery

Breast Enhancement Following pregnancy, breast appearance can be dissatisfying for many women as the physical demands of childbirth and nursing can change breast shape and volume dramatically. Some women find that their breasts sag and lose significant volume after pregnancy and breast-feeding. Depending upon the amount of remaining breast tissue, breast augmentation, a breast lift, or a breast lift with implants is necessary in order to return breasts to their prepregnancy state. Alternatively, some women find that their breasts are excessively large and disproportionate to their body size post-pregnancy. In these cases, a breast reduction is required in order to alleviate discomfort and achieve more balanced and shapely breasts.

Tummy Tucks Pregnancy can affect the abdominal area dramatically. Abdominal muscles often pull apart and can be separated permanently, requiring surgical closure and tightening to restore the abdomen to its pre-pregnancy state. Additionally, abdominal skin undergoes significant stretching during pregnancy, often resulting in stretch marks and loose, sagging skin. These conditions may persist despite proper diet and exercise, and can make the abdomen appear disproportionate with the rest of the body.

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, can restore the appearance of a firmer, flatter abdomen. A full tummy tuck removes excess fat, loose skin, and stretch marks, as well as tightens the muscles in the abdominal wall. Alternatively, a mini tummy tuck concentrates on removing excess fat, loose skin, and stretch marks below the navel.

Liposuction Often the weight gain that accompanies pregnancy can be difficult to lose afterward.

Post-pregnancy, it is common for women to have excess fat accumulation on the hips, thighs, and love handles, but almost any part of the body can be affected. Most body fat is located on top of muscle tissue, just beneath the skin. Blood vessels supply the area with blood, and nerve endings provide

Liposuction works by removing the excess fat surgically, resulting in improved contours in the desired areas.

The mummy makeover is often performed in theatre with a 1-2 night stay depending on which procedures are undertaken. You will need to wear special garments, which help to

reduce swelling by preventing fluid build-up, while providing comfort and support during your recovery. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are normal, and you may be prescribed medication to manage your pain as you heal. Bandages will likely be removed within the first week following surgery, normally all the sutures are dissolvable sutures and do not need to be removed. You may be instructed to wear the compression garments and to avoid excessive exertion or heavy lifting for a month or more, but is important to discuss your recovery plan with your surgeon as your healing process will depend upon your specific procedures.

About Mrs Prousskaia After completing eight years of training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Mrs Prousskaia successfully undertook three years of one of the UK’s most prestigious Fellowships in Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction and Breast Oncoplastic Surgery at Guys and St Thomas Hospitals in London, Manchester University Hospital, Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford and The Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead.

This was followed by a further nine months of travelling fellowships abroad, in a number of world renowned centres, including: The University Hospital in Ghent (Belgium), Sant Pau Hospital in Barcelona (Spain), Ganga Hospital in Coimbatore (India), The European Institute of Oncology in Milan (Italy) and The University Hospital in Tokyo (Japan), where she learnt about the latest, international advances in Plastic Surgery.

She holds many international awards and certificates, specialising in Microsurgery, Breast, Lymphoedema and all aspects of Cosmetic Surgery.

Talking about her work as a surgeon, Mrs Prousskaia says: “The one thing that matters most to me when I am with a patient is empathy. It is only when you are able to identify and understand your patients’ problems that you can begin to help resolve them satisfactorily. A good surgical outcome is not the only thing that matters. Everything that you do and say to a patient has to come from your heart. I consider myself very lucky to be able to share my passion for what I do and hopefully bring a bit more happiness into my patients’ lives”.

If you would like to learn more about the mummy makeover, or cosmetic surgery in general, Mrs Prousskaia is holding a free information evening at Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital, The Chesterfield on Wednesday, 26th October at 6.15pm. Free parking is available and light refreshments will be provided. Spaces are limited and booking is essential. Please call 0117 405 8978 to book your place or visit nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/ bristol/events to learn more.

Mrs Prousskaia also offers complimentary ten minute mini advice sessions on an on-going basis. Whilst these do not replace a full consultation, they are a great way of getting some initial expert advice. To book your session please call 0117 405 8978 or visit nuffieldhealth.com/consultants /elena-prousskaia-peregudova to learn more.

Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital The Chesterfield, 3 Clifton Hill, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1BN Tel: 0117 405 8978 • www.nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/bristol

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THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 87

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ACUPUNCTURE CHANGED MY LIFE Maira Silva explains how Acupuncture gave her back a pain-free life, and why she is now training to become an Acupuncturist at CNM (College of Naturopathic Medicine).

I

absolutely love Science. I graduated in Biochemistry from King’s College London and went on to do a Master’s Degree and a PhD. I believe that true Biomedical Science is driven by an honest desire to advance our understanding of the complex machinery that is the human body. Increasingly, however, I felt that the Pharmaceutical industry saw diseased individuals as more profitable than healthy ones, and I decided to follow a professional path that is genuinely interested in promoting good health.

My first personal interaction with natural therapies happened when I developed a condition called Diabetic Peripheral Polyneuropathy. In a nutshell, I felt an extremely painful sensation on my skin, rather like an intense burning, that did not allow anything to touch my skin. The pain was intense and 24/7. My nerves were so damaged that no orthodox medication was able to attenuate the pain. Although sceptical, my doctor kindly recommended some Acupuncture sessions. And that was the key. Acupuncture literally changed my life!

I could not walk due to muscle wastage since I had practically lived inside one room for about a year. I had to be carried to the Acupuncture room but even on the very first session the effects were evident: the pain was considerably more bearable, my energy levels were restored, and I was even able to walk out of the consultation room on my own.

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Ultimately, Acupuncture saved me not only physically by giving me strength, but more importantly, by showing me light at the end of the tunnel, which motivated me to keep on fighting.

Later, when deciding to study Acupuncture myself, I was attracted to CNM because it does not teach different modalities of natural therapies as individual, compartmentalized disciplines but rather as cross-interacting ones.

They intermingle throughout the entire course and this strengthens the effectiveness and efficacy of each discipline. So by the end of the Acupuncture course, graduates are not just extremely competent Acupuncturists but also have a good general understanding of other natural therapies like Herbal Medicine, Homeopathy, Nutrition and Naturopathy so we can provide our clients with a rounded, integrated, wholesome therapeutic strategy. The other aspect I find particularly important is the strong focus CNM places on a huge amount of clinical practice.

I am about to start my first year of Acupuncture at CNM, having studied Biomedicine and Naturopathy Study with them for one year. I find the lecturers inspirational and they radiate so much passion for their respective fields, it is absolutely intoxicating!

Everyone at CNM is extremely supportive and makes me feel like I’m not just a number. I’m really excited about the future.

Natural therapies have already changed my life quite dramatically. I am a Type 1 Diabetic and this year a combination of dietary changes, a supplement and exercise regimen has led to my energy levels soaring, some weight loss, and reduced medication. I’m focusing on living well in the years ahead of me, rather than surviving in ill-health.

I love the Maira Silva Naturopathic approach that’s founded on prevention being better than cure, and using the wisdom of Nature to promote health.

Our bodies have been perfected since the dawn of life, and have selfhealing powers that Science is only just beginning to understand. MS. ************** CNM’s part time Acupuncture Course is taught at London, Dublin, and Bristol. Don’t forget that you can experience Acupuncture for yourself, or have a Nutritional consultation at CNM Student Clinics, where advanced studentpractitioners build their experience under professional supervision. Visit www.naturopathy-uk.com/resources/studentclinics/

Attend a FREE Open Morning Geoff Don

to find out about part time training with CNM Bristol for a career in Naturopathic Nutrition or Naturopathic Acupuncture.

Saturday 22nd October at 11am Please book online at

www.naturopathy-uk.com 01342 410 505

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Janne M. Rodsten

COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY IN BRISTOL

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COSMEDICS SKIN CLINIC Telephone: 020 7386 0464 • Email: info@cosmedics.co.uk • Website: www.cosmedics.co.uk THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

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WALK | THE WALK

ALL UPHILL FROM HERE...

Andrew Swift proposes a gentle autumn stroll, ideal for all ages and full of plenty of interesting historical features

W

orking out how places got their names is rarely straightforward. Take Uphill for example – situated on the coastal plain, south of Weston Super Mare and dominated by a steep hill, the reason it is so called may seem self evident. It is believed, however, to have started out as Hubba’s Pill, before being abbreviated over time. Hubba was a Viking chieftain who landed here in the ninth century, and Pill is a local name for a tidal creek. From this you will have gathered that it is a pretty ancient place – much more so than the upstart resort of Weston, whose suburbs have spread to engulf it.

Uphill was already old when the Vikings arrived, though.

The Romans established a port here to ship lead mined on Mendip out across their empire, and the ruined 12th-century church on the hill overlooking the village stands on the site of a Roman temple.

Today, Uphill has the air of somewhere that history has passed by. Its once busy harbour is now a marina for pleasure craft, its pill has dwindled to a muddy creek, and much of the land bordering the coast is a golf course. It

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remains a fascinating place, however. Quarrying over the centuries has eaten into the hill above the village, so that the ruined church now stands on the edge of a high cliff. There are two large nature reserves, rich in wildlife, and the views – both from the hill and the coastal marshes – are spectacular.

For an autumnal walk that packs a lot into a small space, it is hard to beat.

Directions

● To get to the starting point, head south from Weston Super Mare along the A370, and, at the far end of the sea front, carry straight on at a roundabout, following a sign for Uphill (ST318592). After 300m, just past the junction with Old Church Road, park on the right-hand side of the road. ● Cross the green to the north of the church, go through a wooden kissing gate (KG) and turn left alongside a wall, passing a play area. Carry on through a gate and, at the end of the path, turn right along the road. ● After 300m, turn right into Uphill Way, cross over to Folly Lane and head into Uphill Hill Nature Reserve.

Follow a track to the right of the park homes estate, carry on through a gate and continue straight on alongside a fence. ● After 150m, follow the track as it bears right and continues to climb. Poking over the crest of the hill ahead, you will see battlements belonging to a beacon built on the site of a windmill. Head towards it, and, when you get there, climb a spiral staircase for a panoramic view with landmarks identified on information boards. ● From the beacon, head towards the church, abandoned when the new church was built in 1844. Now largely roofless, it has some intriguing carvings and a curious three-headed gargoyle. From the edge of the cliff there is a superb view over the harbour to Brean Down, while

Image above: Looking north from the churchyard Below: Uphill Hill circa 1910 Opposite page: Uphill Harbour circa 1920

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WALK | THE WALK

●

●

●

●

●

northwards the derelict Birnbeck Pier can be seen jutting out into the bay.

Go through the gate on the north side of the churchyard, head down a steep path and turn left along the road at the bottom. After passing the old coastguard cottages beside the stream on the right, turn left by the marina to follow a sign for Uphill Hill and Walborough Nature Reserves.

Having passed an old lime kiln, follow a path past the base of the cliff. After skirting the lower slopes of Uphill Hill Nature Reserve, you come to Walborough Nature Reserve. 350m further on, just before a metal gate leading out of the reserve, bear right past an information board along a grassy track (ST318576). Go through a pair of wooden KGs connected by a boardwalk and carry on, following a waymark for the West Mendip Way. After a few metres, when the grassy track forks, bear left to follow a narrow rutted track down to a boardwalk and stile.

Carry on as the track runs alongside a muddy inlet off the Rive Axe, and continue along a levee through marshes inundated by spring tides. Despite their name, spring tides occur throughout the year, just after a new or full moon. If your walk happens to coincide with one, you may find it necessary to retrace your steps at this point and take the higher path.

As well as superb views across to the ruined church atop its cliff, there is likely to be plenty of birdlife to see along this stretch of the walk. After passing the marina, turn left along a road leading to the beach.

Turn right along the beach, and after 350m look for a footpath sign in the dunes on your right. Climb a flight of sandy steps, follow a track across a golf course and continue along a muddy lane for a few metres before turning into a Woodland Trust wood on the right.

Carry on in the same direction, follow a track as it curves right round the edge of the wood, and, when you come to a five-bar gate, bear left to go through a KG onto the road. A right turn here leads back to the starting point. n

At a glance...

■

Distance and time: Four miles, two hours

■

Level: Straightforward, although muddy and rough in places; cattle may be encountered on Uphill Hill. Part of the route described may be inaccessible during especially high tides.

Tide times for Uphill can be found at thebeachguide.co.uk

■

Map: OS Explorer 153

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SHOPPING | INTERIORS

OKSA COAT HOOK, £59 Inspired by Scandinavian forests, this multipurpose hook in walnut captures the natural form of a branch. Scandi Living; scandiliving.com STORAGE CUBE, £149 Hand crafted in 100% reclaimed teak. Raft, raftfurniture.co.uk

RYDALE SOFA, £1,199 We’re itching to sink into this ochre velvet snuggle station...

M&S, The Mall at Cribbs; marksandspencer.com

SCENTED CANDLE, £115 Design by Milanese painter Piero Fornasetti, inspired by a Roman amphitheatre, scent by master perfumer Olivier Polge. Harvey Nichols; harveynichols.com

TRIPOD LAMP, £45 Perfectly autumnal with its gorgeous deep plum shade. Next, The Mall at Cribbs; next.co.uk

CLOCK, £39 Marble is having a moment – get on board, quick! Tick, tock... Oliver Bonas; oliverbonas.com

Autumn WISHLIST ...Featuring a select few of the stylish items we feel like we can’t live without as we start to feather our nests for the new season

WALL ART, £95 Told you botanicals were all over the place!

(See p98) Oliver Bonas; oliverbonas.com

DECORATION, £20 We love this ice-cool glass snowball. Scandi Living; scandiliving.com

CUSHION, £25 Super ‘70s still means super cool as far as we’re concerned... Art Rookie; artrookie.co.uk

NOAH CHAIR, £449 Cool, compact and with a hint of retro styling.

The Lounge Co; theloungeco.com

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RUG, £59 This vintage print carpet is pretty magic, no? Wonder if it flies too...

M&S, The Mall at Cribbs; marksandspencer.com

WOODEN STAG HEAD, £55 We’d be happy to cosy up alone on the sofa knowing this guy was keeping guard. Next, The Mall at Cribbs; next.co.uk

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PROPERTY | PICK

Through the keyhole...

We enjoy a wander round an innovative property fusing period features with the best of modern-day living, in the sought-after village of Pensford

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ecently shortlisted for a 2016 Daily Telegraph Homebuilding and Renovating Award, Miners Cottage II – also known as Perry Cottage – is a deceptively spacious 18th-century property with multiple strings to its bow. Sitting pretty within a conservation area, with a south-westerly facing deck terrace and garden and awesome viaduct views, it has a unique open-plan interior that’s full of appeal.

Completely restored and individually designed with a contemporary extension containing an industrial-style kitchen/diner with exposed brick walls, bi-fold doors and contemporary lighting – and looking out across the Chew Valley – it also lays claim to a stylish living room, downstairs bathroom, two double bedrooms and an upstairs shower room with rain showerhead and stylish underground tiling. Original flagstone floors, period elm floorboards and rustic oak beams abound, but the architects have also been mindful of their ecological responsibilities – ensuring mod cons like under-floor heating are paired with upgraded insulation, double glazing and lime plaster with a hemp binder to improve energy performance.

Bricks from the Victorian lean-to extension that 'belonged' to the cottage were also reused in the kitchen/diner, while the doors were salvaged from the original house, the old workshop sink was reclaimed for the master bathroom, and the flagstones were discovered almost completely intact under a later concrete topping.

These efforts were made to give the cottage extra integrity while reducing construction waste and minimising the project’s carbon footprint – and, no doubt, contributed to 96 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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the Telegraph shortlisting.

The living room is a light space that’s a joy to spend time in, with a large double-glazed window overlooking the High Street, an inglenook fireplace with stone surround and wood-burning stove, period press cupboards, window seat and working shutters, while the private deck area offers extra integrated storage, behind a Siberian larch-clad façade housing recycling, and water and electrical supply. Features of the master bathroom include a vintage slipper bath and Belfast sink with unique copper taps and tongue and groove wainscot.

We were charmed, too, by the distressed-look elm staircase, which we can easily imagine kids stomping up after hanging their boots up in the hall; and the master bedroom, with its working shutters, beams, fireplace and sawn timber wall.

Outside, plentiful greenery can be found in the garden, as well as raised vegetable planters, a wildflower area and hornbeam hedge – a pleasant place to potter and entertain before dinner in that super-cool kitchen, hey? n

PROPERTY PROFILE Guide price: £300,000 Agent: Roderick Thomas, 69 Princess Victoria Street, Clifton, BS8 4DD

Contact: 0117 9734464; roderickthomas.co.uk

Main image: We fell for this kitchen the minute we saw it – you’ve got to love the exposed brick, beams and immediate access to the terrace Opposite page, clockwise from top: The country feel continues in the bedrooms; take your breakfast to the deck on sunny mornings; sitting pretty in popular Pensford; imagine the kids stomping up this distressed elm staircase; original flagstone flooring in the front room; greenery abounds outside

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PROPERTY | PICK

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FALL INTO PLACE Interior designer Katherine Ogilvie suggests some super simple ways to freshen up your home this autumn

Little Greene brings out a limited edition range of eight shades of pink last month

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INTERIORS

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he nights are drawing in, and as we are – naturally – spending more time indoors, what better time to create a space you are happy, no, delighted to spend time in?

So, before you get too comfortable with box sets and blankets, consider some simple interior updates for fall that will bring plenty of cheer and, if you’re loathe to leave the summer behind, take the edge off the new season.

A splash of colour Of course, one way to refresh your favourite space is via a straightforward lick of paint. The thought of painting a room can be as daunting, for some, as the thought of building an extension; but it is still one of the fastest and easiest updates. It doesn’t have to mean a whole overhaul either – just painting one wall or the backs of open shelves can make a huge difference. Although once you start it is sometimes hard to stop... Little Greene, stocked at Brewers and Bracey Interiors, launched a limited edition range of eight shades of pink mid-September – why not be brave and create a statement wall?

You could also opt for a chic dark grey or black - placing artwork or accessories against a dark background can make them really stand out. Or, be a step ahead of the trends and go for Dulux’s colour of the year for 2017 – a muted grey/blue called ‘Denin Drift’. It’ll be available from next year, along with 45 other new colours, but you can colour match them now.

Bear the palm We saw the palm leaf all summer as a motif on bright cushions and the like, but now this look is going glam. The new palm tree table and floor lights that are out, and everywhere, will add allure to any room, particularly if you have a dark wall to set them against. Botanical is big at the moment, and palm leaf wallpaper is everywhere; Cole and Son’s Jungle wallpaper is one of the most popular but you can find many styles in all price brackets (I quite like Julien MacDonald’s Honolulu print for Graham and Brown at B&Q). Try using one of these on an old piece of furniture, as an inexpensive way to update and upcycle.

Texture, texture, texture You hear it all the time, a room needs texture – and nothing can add texture and cosy up a room quicker than textiles. The artisanal trend is definitely one of the standout trends of this year and its influence is still being seen in the form of Moroccan wedding blankets throws and pouffes. Add warmth to your home with a sheepskin throw. Aside from being versatile – use them on dining room chairs, your sofa, beside your bed – they go with everything and are in no danger of going out of style. One of the standout alternatives to textiles I’ve seen this season has to be the knotted rope chandelier. If that isn’t viable in your home then a rope wall hanging will be a much simpler, but still eye-catching, piece.

Get on (black)board

Neon: get the glow!

The homespun look is still popular, and another, cheap fun feature is a blackboard painted wall where you can create your own works of art. Grow tired of the cacti you drew on it? Wipe if off and start again and you’ve got a whole new look for the cost of some soap and water.

All about the art

I know, I know, you’re thinking flashy Budweiser signs of the 1980s – but things have come a long way since then. There are even shops now where you can commission your own personalised, affordable piece of neon artwork. Buy a simple drinks trolley, for example, and style it up with a piece of neon art – perfect for when all those guests start arriving at Christmas... (Christmas?! I didn’t just say that...) ■

Speaking of art, it is one of the simplest ways to add impact and personality to a room. Whether you invest a bit more in a piece you love or find budget-friendly works on Ebay, Etsy or in any number of the independent shops out there – which you can then create a gallery wall with – the best thing to do is just dive in. I like to visit the Soma Gallery or Hidden (both in Clifton Village) to get inspired.

• Bristol based Katherine Ogilvie is the owner of BS9 Interior Design.

Her aim is to inspire everyone to create a home they love - whether their budget is large or small. If you would like any affordable interior design help, contact her via bs9interiordesign.com or follow her on Instagram (@katherine.ogilvie) for daily inspiration

Autumnal inspiration on Instagram from @cowboykate_

We love Cole & Son’s Jungle wallpaper utilising the popular palm print

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INTERIORS | PROMOTION

FROM HERE TO INFINITI Wren Kitchens has launched the Infiniti Collection – a new and impressive range of British-made kitchen units, worktops and finishes that offer an endless combination of bespoke possibilities, whatever the budget

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unique, bespoke kitchen made just for your home was a dream that only a select few could ever realise because of the high price tag. But not anymore because the largest British kitchen manufacturer and retailer in the UK, Wren Kitchens, is going to make that dream come true for thousands of homeowners with the launch of its Infinity Collection this autumn.

With 50 colours, 20 frontal styles, 1,650 unit sizes, 700 feature units, worktops, profiles, finishes and amazing details, Infinity and Infinity Plus offer the possibility of millions of combinations. An infinity of choice that lets you create a bespoke kitchen for a fraction of the price.

All of Wren’s kitchens are manufactured by Wren in the UK at its state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, ensuring that quality, design, sustainable manufacturing and British values are at the heart of everything it does. And, because Wren owns its entire supply chain – manufacturing in the UK, selling in its own showrooms and delivering in its own fleet – costs can be kept low for customers.

The launch of the Infinity Collection this autumn is a real game changer for the industry – and for homeowners. Wren spent a further £50million in manufacturing facilities alone to develop the Infinity range, creating a third factory taking its manufacturing footprint to

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over 1.5 million square feet, and 25,000 hours in research and development.

Mark Pullan, Wren’s managing director, explains: “The company has experienced unprecedented sales growth in 2016 and over the next few years we will be looking to almost triple the number of retail showrooms in the UK from 55 to 150. The word is spreading about our great quality, excellent service, and above all, our beautiful kitchens. We are so excited to introduce the Infinity Collection and give our customers the most comprehensive collection in the UK to choose from.”

The Infinity Collection offers homeowners a bespoke, luxury kitchen at a price that everyone can afford. Wren’s popular ranges, including favourites like the Shaker and Handleless styles, have been expanded to include hundreds of new cabinet sizes, 50 colours and finishes. Adding to these is a range of over 700 feature units and custom-made worktops from stunning stealth islands to pull-out larder units, pet beds and dressers. One stunning new design, the sleek modern Infinity Milano, is normally only found in high-end design studios – but Wren makes it available at an entry price of just over £1,600 for eight cabinets. ■ • A bespoke kitchen for everyone, whatever the budget. To see the full collection, visit wrenkitchens.com or your local showroom

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INTERIORS | PROMOTION

Sleek and modern, the Milano by Wren Kitchen

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Terrace Range, Copper, Polished & Antique Chrome

Lighting the way is should be

Tel: 0117 963 5943 Email: info@thelightingstudiobristol.co.uk www.thelightingstudiobristol.co.uk Visit us in store at: Unit 2, Bedminster Retail Park, Sheene Way, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 4TA

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GARDENING

GOING TO POT...

While we’re hunkering down for autumn, our green-fingered expert Margaux Speirs is preparing for spring...

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o-one likes to be reminded at the beginning of October that the year is nearly ended and that Christmas is just around the corner – but on the other hand, for the gardener it’s nice to look forward to the arrival of spring by planting up pots of bulbs which will flower and cheer you in a few months’ time. Also, if you like making gifts for your friends’ and family’s Christmas presents, I think a lovely container already planted with your choice of spring bulbs is a very personal gift showing thoughtfulness and generosity as well as giving you enjoyment in the creation of it.

So, as October is an excellent time to buy and plant spring bulbs, this month I will share some tips for successful planting.

For the pot, choose something frost-proof and bear in mind that the bigger the pot, the more it will impress when it is in flower. For example, a pot of 60cm diameter is big enough for around 50 tulips and that many will have a serious wow factor. Basically you are aiming to set whatever bulbs you choose at three times their depth and one bulb width apart (leaving about half an inch between the soil level and the rim for watering). A shallow, dainty pot lends itself to small, fragile looking bulbs such as crocuses.

For the compost, and assuming the bulbs are only going to spend one season in the container, a multi-purpose compost is fine but it’s best to mix in one part grit for every three parts compost, as bulbs tend to rot if they are left in wet soil and grit helps to give the pot good drainage.

Decide if you are restricting the pot to a single type of bulb (albeit you may choose a selection of colours within it) or whether you are going to have a melange. There are pros and cons to each of these choices: it’s more fun and creative to design a mixture and this gives a longer season of flowering but bear in mind that the leaves of the bulbs which have finished flowering do not look great as they start to die back, and you need to leave them on for the health of the bulbs if 106 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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you intend to plant them in the garden to bloom in future years.

Start with three inches of soil in the bottom of the pot then place each bulb so that its pointed end faces upwards; generally, bulbs should be planted at three times the depth of the bulb so if you are planting a mixture, the largest bulbs go on the bottom layer and the smallest on the top. Try to avoid placing them in such a way that they push each other when they are growing in layers.

The RHS advice is to “feed the bulbs every seven to 10 days with a high-potassium fertiliser such as a liquid tomato feed” and to “begin feeding as soon as shoots appear, and stop feeding once the foliage starts to die down at the end of the season”. However, I am a lazy gardener and tend to let nature take its course – one of the natural wonders of the world, as far as I see it, is that nature has packed each little bulb with everything it needs to grow, flower and reproduce itself, so I just stand back and admire the show! Having said that, I wouldn’t let the pots dry out. Frozen soil prevents the roots taking in moisture, so if you think the pot might freeze you can line it inside with bubble wrap which acts as an insulator.

Bristol winters are usually fairly mild so, again I wouldn’t bother, but if you are spending masses on a big, impressive potful, you might want to take precautions against it freezing and while you are at it, add a bulb formation granular fertiliser into the potting mix at the time of planting.

When buying bulbs, look for a company which values its reputation as a bulb seller rather than making a speedy choice at the supermarket. That way you can be more sure that the bulbs have been grown and stored in the right conditions to ensure they reach you in good health. There is a Chelsea awardwinning grower in Somerset – Avon Bulbs – and their website and catalogue will give you plenty of ideas and growing advice as well as some ideas for themed planting in pots. For instance, they suggest a glorious collection of 50 little blue bulbs

Image above: Bring me sunshine...

That’s what a huge potted mix of daffodils and tulips would be sure to do once they’d come into flower

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flowering in sequence from February to June, comprising 10 anemone blanda blue (March, four inches tall), muscari azureum (March, five inches tall), scilla bifolia (February/March, six inches), scilla siberica (March to April, six inches) and camasia esculenta (May to June, 12 inches). This collection costs £13.50 and would fit in a pot 15 inches across and as shallow as five inches. Now, who do you know who would like that for Christmas, and who would then take delight in it for several months, long after the novelty tie or assorted marmalades would have been forgotten?!

RHS Plants also has a good website for mail order advice and sales. This year they have a particularly lovely collection of cool whites which would suit a smaller, deeper pot comprising sweet scented narcissus ‘Silver Chimes’, white hyacinth ‘Carnegie’ and creamy yellow tulips ‘Sweetheart’ which would start flowering in late winter and continue through to April (£14 for 45 bulbs).

If you don’t get around to your pot planning and planting until late October or November, then it’s a bit late for most spring bulbs, but don’t worry as it’s still a good time to plant tulips and, to my mind, tulips make for the most wonderful sight in a pot with a collection of just two or three different shades. If you include an early flowering variety (such as kaufmanniana, which come out in February or March) with a mid-season and a later flowering variety, you can have non-stop tulips in a single pot right up until May. The other way to plan them is to aim to have several colours in a single pot which all flower simultaneously (and if you are feeling extravagant, you could plant another pot of later varieties so you switch pots as one fades and the other comes into its own). The only trouble with tulips is there are relatively few, and certainly not many of the more exotic looking ones, which consistently do well in the ground year after year, so most people end up treating them as annuals. At between £20 and £30 for 50 bulbs, however, they are still much cheaper than buying cut flowers and a ‘grow your own’ outdoor bouquet of tulips will last for weeks. n Margaux Speirs is a qualified garden designer and runs her business from her home in Bristol; margauxspeirsgardendesign.co.uk

PLANT OF THE MONTH: At this time of year, it is often foliage rather than flowers which gives the most pleasure and the scarlet and orange autumn leaves of rhus typhina are a real head turner. This large shrub or small tree is not fussy about soil but does need full sun to get the best autumn colour.

The female plants bear rather exotic-looking dense crimson fruiting heads which explain its nick-name, ‘stag’s horn’. It reproduces by sending out underground suckers so it is best positioned somewhere that this growth can be controlled with winter pruning.

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BRISTOL PROPERTY | IN FOCUS

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his beautifully restored Grade II listed townhouse is set in the heart of Clifton with views from a pretty covered balcony over Christchurch Green.

During the refurbishment a great deal of thought has been given to ensuring that the house has 21st century technology and fittings which complement the traditional Georgian period features. The house ranges over five floors of exceptionally versatile living space which includes: Kitchen/breakfast room, dining room, sitting room/library, drawing room with full width balcony, study and second sitting room. Master bedroom with dressing room and en suite bathroom, five further bedrooms, bathroom, two shower rooms, cloakroom, second kitchen and cellars. To the front there is a courtyard with stores and at the rear, at the bottom of the enclosed lawned garden, a coach house with garaging and studio with kitchenette and separate shower room. This provides ideal space for a gym, office, games room or au pair accommodation. This can be accessed from Harley Mews. Number 8 is a chicly presented, flexibly arranged, turn-key home and may be viewed by arrangement with agents Knight Frank.

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

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8 HARLEY PLACE CLIFTON • Elegant Clifton home with views to front and rear • Master suite plus 5 further bedrooms • Separate coach house with garage and self contained studio accommodation • Versatile living space • Lawned rear garden

Price on Application

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BRISTOL PROPERTY | IN FOCUS

HULLER & CHEESE

An exciting development of one, two and three bedroom luxurious apartments overlooking the waterside

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he Harbourside is becoming an increasingly sought-after residential area. Vibrant and teeming with exceptional restaurants, chic bars artisanal markets, tapas hotspots, ice cream parlours and much more, this part of the city is full of things to keep you occupied.

Huller & Cheese, an exciting new addition to the scene offers luxurious apartments in a building that is full of history. The developments overlook the water and offer a striking blend of period beauty and modern elegance.

Huller House is a Grade II-listed building from the mid-19th century. It was originally built as a waterside warehouse but in 1945 was used by stilton producers A. Matthews and Skailes (now Cropwell Bishop Creamery).

It has 10 two bedroom warehouse apartments that retain the gorgeous architecture and historical detail of the original structure including features such as cast iron columns, but with the added luxury of designer kitchens, bespoke interiors and high-tech specification. These contemporary additions only serve to enhance the existing grandeur of the apartments.

The Cheese Factory, despite its name, was originally a barley mill and granary. It became associated with delicious dairy products when used to store cheese in the ‘60s. Thirty-four stylish apartments have been created in The Cheese Factory and again, modern additions are worked around the glorious original details to carefully enhance the innate period atmosphere. Expect flexible open-plan apartments with character aplenty and a full range of top-quality fittings and fixtures.

If you’re looking for something even more special, this is available in the form of six fantastic penthouse apartments sitting atop the buildings. These outstanding properties are breathtaking, with

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panoramic views, an unashamedly modern design and spacious terraces amongst the features on offer here.

There’s a selection of one, two and three bedroom apartments and prices are from £265,000.

Simply put, this range of apartments offers something to delight everyone. The penthouse show apartment will be available to view, by appointment, from 29 September.

For further information contact Savills Tel: 0117 910 0343 or visit the development website: hullerandcheesebristol.com n

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*POST BREXIT* BURSTON COOK ARE HERE TO HELP AND ADVISE YOU ON ALL YOUR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY MATTERS......

YOUR BRISTOL TEAM

EGI DEALS COMPETITION ‘AWARDED MOST ACTIVE DEAL MAKER IN BRISTOL 2014 - 2015 - 2016’

SHOPS

OFFICES

INDUSTRIAL

CAFES/RESTAURANTS

MARKETING & DISPOSALS

RICS VALUATIONS

ACQUIRING FOR OCCUPIERS

LEASE ADVICE & RENT REVIEWS

INVESTMENTS (BUYING & SELLING)

DEVELOPMENT ADVICE

0117 9349977 Burston Cook September.indd 4

22/09/2016 13:45

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

STUDIO STYLE OFFICE FOR SALE

HARBOURS EDGE – BS8 • Ground floor office unit

• Ideal purchase for

pension fund or would suit owner occupier / investor

• 818 sq ft + 2 cars • Modern open plan

• 395 sq ft

• New lease – Rent O/A

• £95,000

WHITELADIES ROAD, CLIFTON

SHOP FOR SALE WHITELADIES ROAD

• Prime corner shop unit with A2 consent

• Rare opportunity • £250,000

• C 1,250 sq ft + basement

• Letting also considered - £18,500 pax

• NEW LEASE

COLDHARBOUR RD, REDLAND

FOR SALE – NORTH ROAD, BS6

• Shop / A2 office

• Popular location on North Road • A2 offices plus retail unit • Freehold for sale • Residential development potential (STP)

• Established busy location • 1st floor (if needed) • New lease

ST BARTHOLOMEWS – BS1

BEDMINSTER, BRISTOL • Retail and light workshop space with potential for office and other commercial uses • Flexible sizes up to 5,210 sq ft • Terms on application

• A selection of 3 ground floor open plan office units to rent • 500 sq ft to 1,000 sq ft • New leases • Rent only – £12.95 per sq ft YATE – MODERN HQ OFFICE

CLIFTON OFFICES TO LET • Attractive light and airy period offices to let

• Self contained modern office.

• Period offices to let

• Excellent parking.

• From c 600 sq ft to 3,183 sq ft

Julian Cook FRICS

• New flexible leases

• 2,891 sq ft

• Rent on application

• New lease – Freehold sale also considered

Jayne Rixon

Burston Cook October.indd 1

(0117) 934 9977

MRICS

Charlie Kershaw MRICS

Finola Ingham MRICS

Tom Coyte BA Hons

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

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

22/09/2016 13:44

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CITY | BUSINESS

THINKING PROPERTY ROBIN ENGLEY, ASSOCIATE AT KNIGHT FRANK ESTATE AGENTS BRISTOL

A POSITIVE AUTUMN

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s we close off a surprisingly busy summer period and the nights begin to draw in, Knight Frank Bristol release more new instructions to the market this month that range from an exciting barn conversion with planning permission, a pretty stone built mews house in Clifton Village and indeed an outstanding and complete Clifton townhouse with secondary accommodation coming on at a guide of £2.15 million.

A post referendum market still remains positive with a strong number of sales, a very strong applicant base (up 17% from 2015) and an increase in the number of offers made and accepted. The market has remained, and will remain, short on stock and that theme is here to stay. The primary drivers of the market are largely unaffected with access to schools and improving transport links remaining as key attractions to buyers. We now at least have political certainty following the appointment of a new Prime Minister, while the Bank of England’s decision to cut interest rates to a new record low of 0.25% in August will be welcome news to borrowers.

With a higher rate of stamp duty added for second home buyers and investors, it would have been understandable to have some areas of the market drop in demand. However recent offers and sales on large apartments, harbourside and the new homes market have still continued to have a very positive run of sales which points towards Bristol continuing to be attractive for investors.

A reduction in journey times between Bristol and London as a result of improvements being made to the rail line is likely to further augment the city’s appeal both locally and among buyers from outside the region who still need to travel into the capital on a relatively regular basis. Once complete, the upgrades will bring travel times more in line with other popular commuter locations such as Oxford and the wider Cotswolds. With working lives changing in many sectors, it appears to be becoming more common that our ‘London buyers’ will still commute several days a week to London while referring to the South West as home.

The current economic environment remains favourable for buyers, especially those with access to high levels of equity whilst competitive long-term mortgage deals have helped drive demand further. As expected at this time of year Knight Frank have seen an increase in the number of market appraisals in the diary and will continue to list new instructions throughout September and October with buyers still hoping to be settled before Christmas.

With changing market conditions James, Freddie and I would welcome the opportunity to visit you and discuss the best route to market and what price is achievable . n Robin Engley, Knight Frank, Regent House, 27a Regent Street, Clifton Bristol. BS8 4HR Tel: 0117 317 1999

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Secure your dream home at Crest Nicholson’s Electricity House

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ave you ever wanted to live in a stunning penthouse in a dynamic, buzzing city? Why not check out the exclusive penthouses, now available at Crest Nicholson’s prestigious Electricity House in the heart of Bristol.

Whether you are a young couple looking for a luxurious new home or a family searching for a larger apartment, Electricity House has a fantastic selection of beautiful one, two and three-bedroom penthouse apartments to suit all needs. These in-demand penthouses are exquisitely designed to the highest quality, incorporating art deco features with all the benefits of a modern build.

The brand new two level penthouse apartments have an open-plan living space with many of them also benefiting from access to an outside terrace, perfect for entertaining and enjoying the stunning views on offer. Most of the apartments also benefit from high-tech under-floor heating throughout to keep you warm and cosy during the colder months. The master bedrooms have been designed to maximise space, with fitted wardrobes and plenty of storage.

Built in the 1930s by acclaimed architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, Electricity House is an iconic building and has been an integral part of the history of Bristol. In 2014, it was restored to its former glory by award-winning housebuilder Crest Nicholson. A fantastic mix of apartments is now available, offering homebuyers a chance to own a piece of history. Electricity House is one of only a handful of developments in the city to offer a concierge service and secure undercroft parking is available for many of the residents.

Located in the heart of Bristol city centre, Electricity House is just a stones’ throw away from Bristol Temple Meads station, which has great transport links right across the UK. The development is less than a 10-minute walk from the Cabot Circus shopping centre and in close proximity to a great selection of buzzing restaurants and bars, with the popular Hotel du Vin just across the road. Just a quarter of a mile from the M32, there are also excellent road links for both business and more rural countryside pursuits.

One-bedroom duplex apartments are available to purchase from £299,950. Or are available at £239, 960 through Help to Buy. For more information, visit the on-site Sales and Marketing Suite which is open daily between 10am and 5pm. Or online at: www.crestnicholson.com/electricityhouse

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PORTLAND SQUARE This month’s feature looks at an exciting new transformation of a historic Georgian building to offer luxury one and two apartments right in the heart of the city

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Portland Square is a stunning development from Bristol and Bath based quality developer; Firmstone Developments, of 20 luxury one and two bedroom apartments.

Portland Square is a short walk away from Cabot Circus offering shops such as House of Fraser and Harvey Nichols as well as restaurants and other entertainment options. Stokes Croft is nearby with more of an independent mix of pubs, cafes, shops and restaurants. Transport links are excellent by road and rail (via Bristol Templemeads station) both into and out of Bristol.

Situated on this historic Georgian Square, number 8 is both elegant and beautiful with it’s Grade 1 listed bath stone façade and red brick exterior to the side and rear. Built in the 1800’s, these majestic Georgian terraces were designed around a central garden – even the garden’s gates and railings are Grade II listed. This is a peaceful place to live within the heart of the bustling city.

Firmstone Developments have used their experience and expertise to sympathetically blend the old with the new. With high ceilings and large windows, these homes are bright and airy. Many offer either a south or westerly aspect, there are apartments with views of the central gardens of Portland Square and apartments with a dual aspect. Generously proportioned and ranging in size from 538sqft to

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1012sqft, each with a well designed layout.

With a high quality specification, each home will feature a kitchen from Neptune’s Limehouse range with handbuilt and painted units made of solid timber, ceramic worktops and integrated Neff appliances. Select apartments will have kitchen island units with vintage style pendant lights. Bathrooms and en-suites feature sanitaryware and wall and floor tiling by Porcelanosa and brassware from Hansgrohe. Kitchens and bathrooms will have feature LED lighting.

Each home will be finished ready to move into with engineered oak flooring in the living spaces, neutral carpets and fitted wardrobes to the bedrooms. Décor will be in a neutral off white with a soft grey tone. Heating is underfloor with a zoned control to each room. Lounge areas are hard wired for 4 speaker audio. Prices are from £199,950 For further information contact Ocean Estate Agents to register your interest or to make make a reservation. Tel: 0117 9469832 landandnewhomes@oceanhome.co.uk n

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Andrews - Bristol - September.qxp_Layout 3 22/09/2016 09:36 Page 1

Clifton Clarendon Road, Redland, BS6 7EU ÂŁ350,000

Bishopston Wellington Hill, Horfield BS7 8SP ÂŁ575,000

Bishopston

A beautifully presented, top floor apartment in the heart of Redland, with two double bedrooms. This apartment benefits from a fabulous view over Bristol, off street parking and is located within close proximity to Durdham Downs 0.8 mile, Whiteladies Road 0.7 mile and the city centre 1.2 mile. Energy Efficiency Rating: C

Church Cottage is truly one of a kind. With stunning views to the side and rear and wrap around gardens, the property is really something a bit special. The property offers: living room with French doors to the garden, dining room, kitchen, utility room, cloakroom and under stairs storage. On the first floor are three double bedrooms and modern family bathroom with separate shower cubicle. There is a detached garage (currently art studio) with gated driveway parking. Energy Efficiency Rating: F

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Clifton Salisbury Road, Bristol BS6 7AT ÂŁ525,000

Bishopston Grace Apartments, College Road, BS7 9LU ÂŁ310,000

Bishopston

This is a modern 4 bedroom terrace townhouse with an attractive conservatory and lovely 48'1 x 12'4 rear garden situated in a desirable tree lined side road in central Redland within 0.4 mile walk of Redland Green School. The house has been considerably improved by the current owner and boasts an extended ground floor with a wonderful conservatory with doors opening onto the rear garden. Energy Efficiency Rating: D

A stunning 2 bed 1st floor apartment is situated within Grace Apartments and forms part of the County Cricket Ground development. The open plan living area is very impressive with wall to ceiling glass window and French doors opening to a Juliette balcony with views over the cricket pitch and Bristol's skyline. Additional features include the communal viewing terrace accessed from the fourth floor. Energy Efficiency Rating: B

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Westbury-on-Trym

Westbury-on-Trym

Westbury-on-Trym

A detached five bedroom family home with lounge/ diner measuring 8.5m, dining room opening to playroom with patio doors to a landscaped garden, central kitchen and downstairs shower room. The master bedroom has an en-suite. The property benefits from a southerly facing rear garden. Superbly located between Henleaze and Westbury-on-Trym village shops and amenities. EPC TBC.

A substantial, detached dwelling positioned on approximately 1/3 of an acre with a westerly outlook to rear within mature, secure and private gardens. The property itself has a welcoming central hall with bespoke, oak crescent staircase, lounge/diner with triple aspect and double bedroom/ guest suite with modern wet room suitable for annexe purposes. EPC F.

An immaculately presented three bedroom 1930’s family home boasting a 30m rear garden. The ground floor offers extended modern kitchen/breakfast room, two receptions and contemporary family bathroom.

The property also offers a summer house which is insulated and has light and power. Within close proximity to Bristol Free School.

EPC C.

£745,000

Price Guide £575,000

Price Guide £500,000

Henleaze

Henleaze

Westbury Park

Filled with character throughout and significantly extended is this 1920’s family home positioned adjacent to Henleaze shops and amenities and Henleaze Infant and Junior School. Three receptions and kitchen providing access to a 20m, southerly facing family garden. The two upper floors offer four bedrooms, main bathroom and an en-suite WC. No onward chain. EPC E.

Positioned adjacent to Durdham Down is this characterful two double bedroom garden apartment. The accommodation comprises two receptions, kitchen, utility area and WC. The property benefits from a private garden and garage. Positioned within close proximity to Henleaze high street shops and amenities.

No onward chain.

EPC E.

An exciting opportunity to purchase a recently converted apartment presented to an extremely high finish throughout within a beautiful, period building in the desirable Westbury Park. The upper maisonette offers three bedrooms and the garden apartment offers two bedrooms. Further benefits include off street parking, solar panels and bike store.

No onward chain. EPC TBC.

Price Guide £675,000

£425,000

CJ Hole October.indd 1

£345,000 - £395,000

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Richard Harding October.qxp_Layout 6 21/09/2016 09:56 Page 1

Richard Harding Chartered Surveyors • Estate Agents • Auctioneers • Valuers

STOKE BISHOP guide £1,350,000

An attractive & impressive 5 bedroom, 4 reception Edwardian period (circa 1905) detached family house set on a generous plot in just under 0.4 of an acre. Comfortable & balanced accommodation set over two floors, affording a welcoming & civilised atmosphere. ‘In’ and ‘out’ sweeping paviored driveway (with parking for at least 5/6 cars) & a detached single garage with storage 'hay loft' above. Generous gardens surround this delightful home including a rear garden of circa 120ft x 70ft, mainly laid to lawn with many mature trees. Sizeable and very private gardens. EPC: D

REDLAND guide £1,000,000

An elegant & well-proportioned, 4 double bedroom, Victorian period town house in a much sought after location with self-contained lower ground floor apartment, well stocked & landscaped 70ft rear garden plus single garage.

Coveted location - a popular road in a friendly neighbourhood literally on the doorstep of the wide variety of shops, restaurants and bars that Chandos Road has to offer. Lovely atmosphere with many period features including fireplaces, ornate moulded plasterwork, sash windows, etc. EPC: E

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

CLIFTON guide £1,375,000

A handsome and bay fronted, 5 double bedroom, 3 reception room, 2 bath/shower room, Victorian period semi-detached family house with good sized kitchen/dining room, well-stocked front and rear gardens plus tandem offstreet parking for two cars. Within walking distance of so much this exceptional family home has so much to offer and savour with an abundance of period features including period fireplaces, tessellated tiled flooring to the reception hall, high ceilings, sash windows and ornate moulded plasterwork. EPC: E

REDLAND guide £1,175,000

A classic and exceptional, 6 double bedroom, 3 reception room, late Victorian period semi-detached family house with beautiful front and rear gardens plus driveway parking for 2 or 3 cars (depending on size), in a much coveted tree-lined road near Redland Green School and Redland Green Park. A handsomely proportioned family house of great character retaining fine period features with light filled rooms and a lovely atmosphere. The property has been lovingly maintained and improved by the present owners with an extended kitchen/breakfast room and restored Victorian style garden room.

Professional, Reliable, Successful

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

Redland £665,000

Cranbrook Road – Four bedroom house

Clifton Office 0117 946 6007

A superb and very large end of terrace house, perfectly located within the Redland Green School catchment area. This property offers exciting potential and benefits from private off street parking EPC - E

Westbury-on-Trym £500,000

Westbury-on-Trym Office 0117 962 1973

Passage Road – Four bedroom house A truly handsome and historic 3 bedroom family home caressed by exquisitely presented gardens with a plethora of plants and trees that are relished by the local wild life including Kingfishers and Woodpeckers. The property was built in1870, by the original owners of Berwick Lodge & Estate. EPC - TBC

oceanhome.co.uk

Ocean October.indd 1

23/09/2016 11:39

Kingsdown £599,950

St Matthews Road – Four bedroom house A beautifully renovated family home finished to an exceptional standard. Located on a popular residential road close to all the amenities of Whiteladies Road and Gloucester Road as well as being within easy reach of the City Centre. This lovely property would suit someone looking for a family home. EPC - D

Westbury-on-Trym £395,000

Back Stoke Lane – Two bedroom house A beautifully appointed Georgian style cottage in a quiet backwater of Westbury-on-Trym village. A sizeable rear garden measuring approximately 70 foot in length. The open-plan kitchen dining room measures in excess of 19 ft with doors leading to the garden. The first floor has 2 bedrooms and a bathroom. EPC - TBC

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NEW INSTRUCTION

Bishopston | Bristol

Guide Price OIEO £450,000

A superb modern detached home, situated in a sought after location just moments away from the Gloucester Road, and within close proximity to several sought after schools. EPC Rating: B

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NEW INSTRUCTION

Bromley Heath | Bristol

Guide Price OIEO ÂŁ725,000

A stunning early 19th century converted barn on the site of former Bromley Farm in superb gardens and grounds. Sitting room, dining room, family kitchen, snug and breakfast room. 4 double bedrooms, 3 bath/shower rooms (2 en-suite). Gated gravel drive, double garage and superb landscaped gardens.

EPC Rating: D

Abbots Leigh - Guide Price £865,000

Clifton - £450,000

Individual detached five double bedroom family house set in an idyllic semi rural location with elevated countryside views in desirable Abbots Leigh. The house was built in 1983 and was discreetly tucked into the hillside. The design allows the principle living space and bedroom to have access onto a good sized terrace which enjoys the best views over the surrounding valley. EPC - D

A beautifully presented ground and lower ground floor two bedroom, two bathroom maisonette with private rear garden and allocated parking space set in a highly desirable central Clifton location.The maisonette is approached via brick paved frontage providing one designated off street parking space and access to the front door. EPC - D

Westbury Park - £450,000

Clifton - £380,000

A beautiful two double bedroom, two reception garden/hall floor flat with private rear garden and allocated parking space. This period apartment boasts well proportioned accommodation retaining period features throughout. With high ceilings, a feature fireplace and original sash windows, this property has an abundance of character. EPC - E

A particularly bright and airy 2 double bedroom lower ground floor apartment with private entrance and small front and rear courtyards. This large period 2 bedroom apartment (circa 1346 sq ft), boasts well proportioned accommodation set within an impressive detached property retaining period features from high ceilings to original sash windows. EPC - D

Clifton - £260,000

Cotham - £389,950

A well presented one bed flat in an attractive Georgian property located close to the heart of Clifton.The flat is on the Hall floor and benefits from period features including high ceilings and large sash windows with working wooden shutters.There is well proportioned accommodation including open plan fully fitted kitchen, bathroom and double bedroom.

This superb top floor flat has it all - character, space, views, parking and a garage! This exceptional flat forms part of this beautiful period house located in central Cotham within easy walking distance of Gloucester Road and Clifton. Redland train station is also within easy reach of the flat. EPC - D

Leese & Nagle October.indd 1

16/09/2016 15:28

Westbury-on-Trym - Guide Price £599,950

Westbury-on-Trym - Guide Price £615,000

We are delighted to offer this superb 1930’s 4 bedroom semi-detached home in this highly sought after road just around the corner from all the shops and amenities of Westbury on Trym village. The house is a classic style being nearly 1500 sq. feet having been extended both out to the rear and also into the loft creating a very spacious and practical family home. EPC - D

This is an attractive 4 bedroom semi-detached house situated on a highly desirable side road with a circa. 70 foot long level rear garden. Built in the early 1950’s to a traditional style, the house retains a number of original features including parquet flooring and still has plenty of further scope including potential to significantly extend on the ground floor. EPC - E

Westbury-on-Trym - Guide Price £925,000

Shirehampton Road - Guide Price £474,950

A charming Victorian family home offering civilised accommodation combined with attractive gardens offering privacy, off street parking and a convenient location within a few minutes’ walk of Westbury village. EPC - E

We are delighted to offer this fantastic double fronted 1930s 3 bedroom detached home to the market for the first time in over 50 years. Having been loved and cherished the property offers huge potential situated on an imposing and substantial plot. These properties rarely come to the market and could be a perfect family home. EPC - G

Westbury-on-Trym - Guide Price £595,000

Stoke Bishop - £795,000

A modern 1980’s built 4 bedroom detached family house located very conveniently on the popular fairway of Falcondale Road being on a corner position with Henbury Road. The property is literally just a few minutes’ walk from Westbury on Trym village with all its extensive shops, restaurants, public houses and general amenities. EPC - D

A classic 1930’s 4 bedroom semi-detached house, of over 2000 sq. ft, retaining much of its original charm and situated in a very convenient part of Stoke Bishop; only a short walk to the vast expanse of Durdham Downs and close to the well reputed Elmlea Primary and Infants School. Local shops are available in both in Stoke Bishop & Westbury-on Trym villages. EPC - F

Leese & Nagle October.indd 2

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