Bristol Magazine January 2013

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THE

ISSUE 103

I

JANUARY 2013

BRISTOL THE MAGAZINE FOR THE CITY OF BRISTOL www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Silent TRIUMPH

Bristol’s Slapstick Festival NOISY ANTICS Wassailing for a fruity New Year

MUSIC MASTER Conductor William Goodchild reveals his top ten

CHAPTER & VERSE Gloucester Road’s bestseller

YOU’RE WELCOME Prego restaurant

CITY CAR TBM reviews Aston Martin’s little Cygnet

plus...

Hot Property - Exclusive new homes in Leigh Woods

MAGAZINE £3.00 where sold

SALE

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Knight Frank

SOLD Clifton Wood Guide Price on Application

SOLD Clifton Guide £1,195,000

SOLD Clifton Guide £1,500,000

A Frank Assessment SOLD Clifton Guide £1,150,000

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Knight Frank

Frenchay An elegant Grade II Listed townhouse with views over Frenchay Common. 3 reception rooms.

Kitchen, utility, cloakroom. Master bedroom suite (dressing room & ensuite shower room).

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Knight Frank

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Knight Frank

Sneyd Park A true Grand Design, and situated on one of Bristol's premier roads, this is a remarkable design classic situated in a private garden complete with hot tub & swimming pool. 32' x 30' open plan family room & kitchen, cinema / snug, study, utility. Four double bedrooms (4 en-suite). Garden, swimming pool, hot tub & gated parking.

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contents

2013 January 28 80 40

32 12

20

ZEITGEIST Hear Mayor George Ferguson give a public address at St Mary Redcliffe in our round-up of January’s essential events

14

20

FACE THE MUSIC Film and TV composer William Goodchild picks his top ten

22

36

COME A’WASSAILING James Russell enjoys the revival

EXILED TO THE WEST The shameful tale of how Bristol treated the Acadian families of the 18th century

38

ON GLOUCESTER RD We go behind the scenes at the Amnesty second-hand bookshop

BARTLEBY Keeping a weather eye on 2013

ARTS & EXHIBITIONS

40

BRISTOL PEOPLE

44

NOT EVEN SHAKEN TBM drives the latest Aston Martin

MR BRISTOW Our columnist’s advice on keeping a diary

26

FESTIVAL OF COMEDY We preview this month’s slapstick celebration of traditional and silent humour

28

WHAT’S ON Your cultural calendar for January

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January 2013

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FOOD & DRINK

THE WALK Andrew Swift explores the city’s green spaces

76

GARDENING Planning your summer borders

80 INTO THE WOODS A sneak preview of an exclusive new development at Leigh Woods

85 THE

56

PILATES PLEASE A new exercise studio offers gentle but effective all over fitness

News, views and achievements

Find out where Hugh F-W’s heading

24

67

Catch the shows of the new year

THE CITYIST Juice Recruitment’s Vicky Barnes shares her favourite Bristol places

19

32

PROPERTY The finest homes in and around the city

BRISTOL twitter#thebristolmag

58 60

REAL ITALIAN JOB A pizza the action at Prego

ON THE COVER

MOOD FOOD

King of Silent Comedy, Harold Lloyd, image courtesy of the Slapstick Festival 2013

Choose the right ingredients to beat the winter blues

64

FIT & FABULOUS Inspiration for the body beautiful

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

MAGAZINE

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EDITOR’Sletter

H

appy New Year Bristol! I’m sure we’ve all got hopes and dreams for the coming year, but indulge me if you will for a couple of wishes of my own. Wouldn’t it be great if in 2013, if the sun comes out and shines on all our superb Bristol festivals and that we get enough of a summer to actually cultivate something other than slugs in the garden and on our allotments? I’d also like it if we could have a year when cyclists, car drivers and pedestrians all manage to get along around the city’s roads and pavements, without crowding each other out, soaking people as they swoosh through puddles or losing their tempers. Let’s ease up on the road rage, people.

I also really hope that 2013 turns out to be a successful one for the independent traders and artists of Bristol. It’s such a creative city, with so many people running interesting and enterprising small businesses, that a bit of an economic upturn would be the boost they need and deserve.

Meanwhile, inside the gleaming towers of The Bristol Magazine’s headquarters we’re committed to continuing to bring you as much about the city’s diverse cultural scene as we can possibly squeeze into our pages, and it is our pledge to continue to provide Bristolians with the biggest, most read magazine in the whole city. Enjoy our January offering for starters.

GEORGETTE McCREADY All paper used to make this magazine is taken from good sustainable sources and we encourage our suppliers to join an accredited green scheme. Magazines are now fully recyclable. By recycling magazines, you can help to reduce waste and contribute to the six million tonnes of paper already recycled by the UK paper industry each year. Please recycle this magazine, but if you are not able to participate in a recycling scheme, then why not pass your magazine on to a friend or colleague.

CONTACT THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE: Editor Tel: Email:

Georgette McCready 01225 424592 georgette@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Deputy Editor Email:

Samantha Coleman sam@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Editorial Assistant Email:

Rosie Parry rosie@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Production Manager Email: Commercial Production Email:

Jeff Osborne production@thebristolmagazine.co.uk Lorna Harrington lorna@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Publisher Tel: Email:

Steve Miklos 0117 974 2800 stevem@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Contact the Advertising Sales team on tel: 0117 974 2800 Advertising Sales Email:

Kathy Williams kathy@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Advertising Sales Email:

Katie Larkman katie@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Advertising Sales Email:

Sue Parker sue@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

The Bristol Magazine, The Bath Magazine and West Country are published by MC Publishing Ltd and are completely independent of all other local publications.

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

January 2013

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ZEITGEIST

5

things to do in January

Book

PASSIONATE: Bristol’s Mayor George Ferguson

Listen Bristol’s new Mayor, George Ferguson, is to take the topic Upping Bristol’s Game for his address for the The Canynges Society’s inaugural lecture at St Mary Redcliffe Church on Wednesday 16 January. He said: “Bristol has failed to realise its full potential in my 47 years of living and working here.

“Our finest moment of modern times was when Bristol was beamed all over the world displaying some of our best characteristics during the 1996 Festival of the Sea. This was followed by the nerve-racking sailing of the Matthew to Newfoundland to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Cabot's great voyage of discovery in 1497. Five-hundredth anniversaries of world-changing events do not come along too often, but we do need to regenerate Bristol’s pioneering spirit in other ways if we are to be able to claim that we are, as we should be, England’s prime provincial city.”

The Canynges Society Lecture is the brainchild of Sara Hartnell, this year’s President of the society, a charity dedicated to raising money to fund the maintenance of St Mary Redcliffe Church. Sara and her husband, the late St John Hartnell, a former High Sheriff of Bristol, ran the Bristol Society which brought top lecturers to local audiences.

Sara hopes the lectures will become regular events on the Bristol calendar. The lecture, at 7pm, will be preceded by a reception at 6.15pm. Admission is by ticket, which cost £12.

Send an SAE and cheque to The Canynges Society, St Mary Redcliffe Parish Office,12 Colston Parade, Bristol BS1 6RA, email: canynges@stmaryredcliffe.co.uk or tel: 0117 9291487.

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Make one of your New Year’s resolutions not to miss some of the stimulating events in Bristol’s rich and diverse cultural calendar. If your tastes tend towards the classical, there’s the internationally renowned Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory season, which begins on 14 February and features Richard III and Two Gentlemen of Verona. Actor John Mackay returns from a stint with the Royal Shakespeare Company to play Richard III. For those who like their entertainment with belly laughs, the Slapstick Festival runs from 24 to 27 January.

Guests at this annual celebration of vintage and silent comedy this year include veterans Barry Cryer, June Whitfield, pictured, and all three Goodies, along with Marcus Brigstocke and Victoria Wood.

Films from the great proponents of the silent era, including Buster Keaton will be shown.

See our feature, Page 24.

Enjoy

Run

Folk musician Ian Anderson (not to be confused with the former Jethro Tull frontman of the same name) is playing his first gig in Bristol for more than 30 years. He and Ben Mandelson have formed a dup called The False Beards and will be playing an acoustic night at Clifton’s pub theatre The Alma Tavern on Sunday 20 January.

Their years of musical experience will bring audiences a mixed programme of tunes, from English folk to West African and from Greek to some folkadelia style sounds. Ian was part of the Bristol folk and blues scene in the late 60s and early 70s, so will no doubt attract some followers from that time. Tickets to see The False Beards are £7 from tel: 0117 317 9020. This will be the first of a series of acoustic music nights at the Alma Tavern.

Become part of Bristol’s active community by taking to your bike this year or entering one of the city’s great running races. The Government backed Cycle Solutions allows workers to get discounts on bikes and cycling equipment and encourages employers to get involved. Visit: www.cyclesolutions.org.uk.

Entries are now being taken for the Bristol 10k race, which is on Sunday 5 May and attracts 11,000 runners. The Bristol Half Marathon is on Sunday 15 September – register your interest now: www.runbristol.com.

Be challenged Tickets have gone on sale for the 2013 Bristol Brain Game, giving local businesses the chance to compete to become the city’s brainiest company. The giant city quiz is being held at The Bristol Hotel, Prince Street, on Thursday 14 March from 6.30pm, with all proceeds going to Marie Curie Cancer Care’s local work. Taking a glitzy New York theme, quizzers can choose from three packages, gold, silver or bronze. Tables are from £750, which includes a three-course dinner. To book visit: www.bristolbraingame.co.uk or email: julie.baldwin@mariecurie.org.uk.

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THE CITY

One city . . . one month

The buzz

My BRISTOL We ask Vicky Barnes branch manager at Juice Recruitment, Bristol

Shop

Imagine you’re Julie Christie in Dr Zhivago, looking glamorous in the Russian snow and sporting a flattering Cossack style hat. This faux fur hat is £24 from Accessorize, which has a branch at Cribbs Causeway.

Enjoy The University of Bristol is among thousands of institutions across the UK which have granted access to its art collection via a new website supported by the BBC and the Public Catalogue Foundation. We can now view paintings from the various collections online at: www.bbc.co.uk/yourpaintings. Bristol’s collection includes the Theatre Collection, with John Gielgud, Sarah Siddons and other big names of the theatre.

Watch

A Bristol family has raised more a quarter of a million pounds in memory of their teenage son who died of meningitis – and the parents of 16-year-old Ryan Bresnahan have vowed that they will go on fund-raising in the campaign to find a vaccine for this devastating disease.

Michelle and John Bresnahan, of Leigh Woods, have worked tirelessly for the A Life for a Cure campaign with Bristol-based charity Meningitis UK to find vaccines to stamp out the disease. The appeal has almost reached £260,000 – visit: www.ryanbresnahan.org to see the charity’s latest achievements and news.

Sign up St Peter’s Hospice is staging an unusual sponsored event on Sunday 3 February and is signing up participants now.

The challenge is to run up the 415 steps at the Bristol Rovers Memorial Stadium as fast as you can. The record stands at 3 minutes 15 seconds. Prizes will be awarded for the fastest teams. The Stadium Dash is £10 to enter, visit: www.stpetershospice.org. It might seem like a tough challenge but at least it will be over quite quickly.

Twitterati 14 The Bristol Magazine

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What brought you to Bristol?

I moved here in 2004 after spending most of my life by the sea in Weston super Mare. I worked in land banking and brand sales then joined a recruitment agency in Bristol who were looking for a new consultant, I’ve now been with Juice Recruitment for ten years.

What are you reading?

I’ve recently finished I Don’t Know How She Does It by Allison Pearson which although it was exhausting to read, when picturing yourself in her shoes was very funny and a little soppy. I recall reading a great book on the plane on my way back from America in July which had me sobbing my heart out – One Day by David Nicholls. So sad!

What is on your MP3 player?

It’s a real mixture depending on what I’m doing and my mood. If I’m just walking from the car to the office I generally have something upbeat, I love Maroon 5 and The Script and maybe a little Rihanna. If I’m off to the gym I like my club classics, and if I’m driving I love to sing along to the lovely Bruno Mars. I am also a massive fan of Michael Bublé.

Which café or restaurant takes your fancy?

I love San Carlos as they do the most amazing shellfish platter. I have also had some great evenings in Aqua on Welsh Back.

I had my first date with my fiancé James there so it holds special memories for me even four years on. We’re now planning our wedding for next Christmas. I also like Maximillions in Broad Street as it has a nice

The Lives She Left Behind by James Long Published by Quercus, hardback £16.99 Some books just sell like wildfire, fuelled by word of mouth recommendation, and so it was with Bristol author James Long’s book Ferney, which sold 100,000 copies. This British version of a kind of Time Traveler’s Wife time-slip love story now has a follow-up in The Lives She Left Behind. A little girl grows up with a set of memories her mother doesn’t understand, a teenage boy tells a story from the past he’s too young to know. Readers of Ferney will be

vintage feel upstairs and they do the best salads in town.

What hobbies or interests outside work?

I love going to the gym – it’s a great way to unwind and work off the Christmas weight.

I am setting off to trek the Great Wall of China in September (not all 5,500 miles) which I am sure will be a very memorable experience and hopefully raise lots money for Cancer Research along the way. I am hoping to do the Bristol Half Marathon which should help me prepare for my trek.

Film or play?

There’s nothing better than snuggling up in the back row of the cinema on a Sunday afternoon. We were spoilt with Twilight and James Bond so January will hopefully bring a good mixture. I am off to see The Nutcracker at the Bristol Hippodrome which should be good.

What’s next?

We had a busy year at Juice in 2012 so 2013 will see us expanding, taking on some more consultants. We cover a very broad spectrum in the commercial sector and our policy is that were about people not paper, so we like to advise our clients face to face about their career prospects. Visit: www.juicerecruitment.com. ■

delighted at the thought that the pair of lovers might be reunited again in a new time, but we think new readers will quickly pick up the concept and be drawn in by the sense of place, strongly drawn characters and the development of a love story that can’t be broken by death.

We’re following @festivalofideas – the Bristol Festival of Ideas which, in association with the Observer newspaper organises more than 200 events a year, bringing a diverse range of expert speakers and debates to the city.

January 2013

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The Bristol Magazine 15

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SOME BLUE SKY THINKING FOR 2013

A

s you read this the city’s pubs lie empty, while gyms and swimming pools are packed with people determined to Do Better This Year.

The urge to make New Year resolutions seems to be irresistible, despite the evidence of previous years, the lapsed gym memberships and unworn trainers that testify to our optimism and our weakness. It would be so much easier to stick with resolutions if they related to things we like doing. For instance, I’m sure I could keep with a programme that involved patronising a different Bristol café once a week, or being more adventurous when ordering a takeaway curry. A resolution to try a wine from a different region of France once a month would be not only easy to keep but also educational and fun. Why should resolutions involve putting oneself through unaccustomed physical torments, when they could make life more interesting instead?

Anyway, I have one for this year which will I hope prove enriching. I’m going to pay more attention to the weather. Last autumn I visited a lighthouse in Kent. From the top, once one had climbed a dizzying spiral staircase, the coast of France seemed almost irresponsibly close, but otherwise the ground seemed rather flat and irrelevant in comparison to the vast dome of sky stretching in every direction to the distant horizon.

Without the distraction of people, cars, birds or trees one could focus

why should resolutions involve putting ❝ onself through unaccustomed physical torments ❞

one’s attention on the behaviour of the sky and this, it seems, is what lighthouse keepers spent a good proportion of their time doing. They were also fantastic recorders of what they saw, taking observations of the weather every four hours, day and night, and noting the results in an immense journal. There must be thousands of these books, packed full of meteorological minutiae from the last two centuries, not only temperature, atmospheric pressure and wind (speed and direction), but also ‘the state of the weather’.

This was recorded using a series of letters, each of which denoted a particular kind of weather. B, for example, denotes Blue sky. That sounds straightforward enough, but to qualify as blue the sky has to be ‘almost or quite free from clouds, not only overhead, but also on the horizon’. This is according to the official definition laid down by Trinity House, keeper of the nation’s lighthouses, one of a series of carefully differentiated weather types. Unsurprisingly, most of these lie towards the less clement end of the scale. D is simply Drizzling rain. Well, we all know what that one’s like.

Then there is ‘rain – steady and continuous’. Perhaps most tellingly, three separate letters denote three varieties of weather that you or I might struggle to tell apart. First there is O, for Overcast, which describes uninterrupted cloud cover, but then come two letters that, we are told, should be used with caution: G, for Gloomy, and U, for Ugly (threatening).

You can imagine the novice lighthouse keeper peering into the murk, pen hovering over his journal as he tries to decide which of these three letters to use. It seems unlikely that anyone would ever have checked whether the weather really was Gloomy at 0800 on a particular Tuesday, but the admonition to exercise caution no doubt made observers study the sky more carefully than they might otherwise.

I spend a ridiculous proportion of my time staring at the screen of a computer, smartphone or tablet, so here’s my resolution for the year. There won’t be any noting in journals – that kind of resolution is doomed from the start – but armed with the alphabet of weather types I’m going to spend a few minutes every day studying the sky, learning the difference between Gloomy, Overcast and downright Ugly. ■ www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

January 2013

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FACEtheMUSIC

MUSIC MAESTRO Bristol composer William Goodchild talks about his life-long love of the orchestra and chooses his ten favourite pieces of music

M

usic for television and film can make or break a piece of film. The right soundtrack can forge an emotional response in an audience that they will carry with them long after the credits have rolled. And one man who understands this finely tuned craft more than almost anyone else is musician and composer William Goodchild.

His music has been heard on some international and awardwinning wildlife documentaries, including Wild Russia, Jungle Gremlins of Java, Peter Scott: A Passion for Nature and Coral Triangle. We will soon be able to hear more of his compositions on Channel 4’s new series Walking Through History presented

by Tony Robinson.

Bristol music lovers will be familiar with William’s role as conductor of the Bristol Metropolitan Orchestra, which

20 The Bristol Magazine

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January 2013

regularly recieves excellent reviews. The orchestra’s next concert is at St George’s, Bristol on 9 March, featuring young violinist Emil Huckle-Kleve and work by Tchaikovsky, Sibelius and Dvorak. Tickets are on sale now.

He is also known to hundreds of young Bristol musicians, having variously taught music at Badminton School and Clifton College, acting as a musical adviser to Redland High School and teaching an MA course in composition for film and television at Bristol University.

William’s passion for music began at a very early age, studying the violin and piano at the Royal College of Music from the age of six. He had his first taste of conducting when a conductor was delayed at a concert at St John’s Smith Square in Westminster and a 15-year-old William stepped up and took the baton. As he says: “That experience lit a flame and I never looked back.”

He was born in Northampton but grew up in London and

MAN WITH THE BATON: main picture, William Goodchild at the Abbey Road studios conducting the BBC Concert Orchestra, and inset, portrait of William Goodchild

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FACEtheMUSIC

MUSICAL INFLUENCES: left to right, Bill Evans, You Must Believe in Spring, John Williams’ Classic Williams – Romance of the Guitar, and Roni Size and Reprazent, Brown Paper Bag

moved to Bristol in the mid 80s, where he met and fell in love with designer Rachel. The couple have been married for 22 years and have two daughters, aged 18 and 12.

Although much of his waking life is consumed by music, William also enjoys playing cricket and plays sporadically for a University of the West of England team – The Venturers.

William’s top ten: ● Anton Webern – Langsamer Satz A stunning short piece for string quartet. Webern was 22 when he wrote it – it was neither published nor performed during his lifetime and indeed, much of his music was neglected. It captures the spirit of a late Romantic age tipping towards Expressionism.

It also comes close to the classic Hollywood sound we associate with films of the ‘30s and ‘40s. ● Ralph Vaughan Williams – Symphony No. 5 Ideas for this piece began as far back as 1906 when Vaughan Williams developed a passion for the Pilgrim’s Progress. He hoped to write an opera on the subject but a commission was unforthcoming. In 1938 he decided to adapt the material for a symphony and the resulting Symphony No. 5 was performed at the Proms in 1943. It is an extraordinary work – sublime, expressive and profound. One can only imagine how people felt when they heard this for the first time, performed in the Albert Hall during World War II. ● John Williams, guitarist – Classic Williams: Romance of the Guitar Not only is John Williams arguably the finest guitarist to emerge from this country, he is a consummate musician and has worked successfully across such a wide range of styles. I’ve had the good fortune to work with John in the studio a number of times for a variety of album projects. The tracks that include string orchestra for this album we recorded at Air Lyndhurst Studios.

Fond memories of a great day’s recording.

Desplat’s opening piece to this film makes the ❝ hair on the back of my neck rise. ❞ ● Ilya – They Died for Beauty When Bristol musicians and song-writers Joanna Swan (vocals), Nick Pullin (guitars) and Dan Brown (bass) created this album, it was immediately apparent this was a very special collaboration.

The album has never lost its fascination for me. If you listen to one track only, then let it be Bellissimo. The writing, arrangements, feel and, above all, singing, are captivating. ● Bill Evans – You Must Believe in Spring I first discovered jazz in my teens. I bought Miles Davis’s A Kind of Blue, and that was it – I was hooked. The pianist on that album was Bill Evans. I was drawn to the quality of his tone, his understatement and incredible feel as a player. I had to hear more… You Must Believe in Spring comes from the album of the same name. Here, Evans is partnered by long-standing sidemen www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

bassist Eddie Gomez and drummer Eliot Zigmund. It’s intensely personal and conversational playing – like three very good friends talking together. ● Kate Williams – Made Up I went to hear Kate play with her band recently at Bristol’s Bebop Club. Kate is a wonderful jazz composer as well as pianist. This album brings together many of London’s finest jazz musicians, some of whom have been personal friends for years. It’s brilliant, fresh writing and the playing is extraordinary. ● Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross – soundtrack to The Social Network Just about the freshest thing to emerge from Hollywood in recent times. I loved the film and rave about the score. ● Bernard Hermann – soundtrack to Vertigo Hermann is something of a personal musical hero. Although I love his scores to Taxi Driver and Cape Fear, it’s his collaborations with Hitchcock I find so intriguing. He understood that music for film is about the drama of sound, and this influenced his choice of instrumentation (he favoured unusual groupings) and the way he recorded instruments. His music is profoundly psychological, often psychotic. Interestingly, Hermann was passionate about 20th century British music. He also had ambitions, largely thwarted, to be a concert conductor.

For me, the soundtrack to Vertigo was a Hermann high point and a landmark in film scores. ● Alexandre Desplat – soundtrack to The Painted Veil The opening music of any film is vital for setting scene and mood, and drawing in audience. Desplat’s opening piece to this film makes the hair on the back of my neck rise! Like a fine culinary dish, he brings together many elements – ethnic, electronic, and orchestral – and cooks them to perfection. Subtle, charged, yet understated, this is a beautiful piece of composition and orchestration. ● Roni Size and Reprazent – Brown Paper Bag When I first heard Roni’s Mercury-winning album New Forms in 1997, it was a revelation. I had no idea that 12 years later I would be working with him. Arranging and conducting many tracks from this seminal album plus new material by Roni was a fantastic experience – especially playing to a Bristol audience at Colston Hall. Roni is an inspirational and collaborative musician who continues to cut his own path, make his own sound. He is a hard-working musician and someone for whom I have huge respect. ● Nick Drake – River Man An extraordinary singer/ song-writer whose output only really achieved recognition after his untimely death. For the album Five Leaves Left, Drake worked with orchestral arranger Robert Kirby. The songs and arrangements are intimate, beautiful, full of melancholy. Drake’s guitar playing is also impressive. River Man is my favourite track from the album. There’s a cover version of this by jazz pianist Brad Mehldau which carries much of the same feeling. ■ For more information visit: www.williamgoodchild.com

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PARTY IN THE ORCHARD The ancient rite of blessing apple trees to ensure a good harvest has been revived in the west country. James Russell says all you need is some cider, toast and people willing to make a noise

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s a month, January tends to be rather austere – a time of worthy resolutions, diets and belttightening. Thank heavens then for the recent revival of an ancient winter custom: wassailing the apple trees. The origins of wassail are lost in the mists of time, but the word itself comes from the Saxon ‘waes hael’ or ‘good health’. Originally the ceremony involved a party of revellers going from house to house singing and drinking from a communal cup, and in the early 20th century the folk song collector Cecil Sharp found this still being practiced in Curry Rivel, Somerset: ‘Wassail! and wassail! all over the town; The cup it is white and the ale it is brown; The cup it is made of the good old ashen tree, And so is the malt of the best barley.

For it’s your wassail! and it’s our wassail!

And it’s joy be to you, and a jolly wassail!’

The song continues for several verses, as the singers persuade the householder to invite them in for bread and cheese washed down with ‘a drop or two of cider’, in return for the singers’ blessing of house and occupants – an arrangement that suited all parties in more superstitious times.

At some point in the distant past the blessing of houses in this way was extended to the orchards, and during the 19th century farming families went out on 17 January to perform the ceremony. Why this particular date? Once upon a time this was the date of Twelfth Night, until the Gregorian Calendar was adopted in 1752 and Twelfth Night moved to its present slot.

When the calendar changed people were unsure when they should wassail their orchards and, to find out, a crowd gathered in Glastonbury on the new Christmas Day to see whether the famous thorn tree (allegedly planted by Joseph of Arimathea)

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would flower. It didn’t. Instead, the thorn flowered on the old Christmas Day, suggesting to people that they should ignore the new-fangled calendar. This they continue to do.

Traditionally wassail was a family affair. The whole family was summoned, including the sick, the old and the very young, and a procession made its way in the winter dark to the orchard.

The senior member of the family – a grandfather, usually – led the way. A pail of hot cider was brought, and a plentiful supply of toast, and anything that could be used to make a noise – pots and pans, kettles and anything else that could be carried. The family surrounded the oldest tree in the orchard and sang a variation on the Wassail Song. This one is from Carhampton: ‘Old Apple Tree we wassail thee, And hoping thou would bear; For the Lord doth know Where we shall be Till apples come another year; For to bear well and bloom well So merry let us be.

Let every man take off his hat And shout out to the old apple tree! Wassail!’

With that everyone made as much noise as possible, either by banging pots and pans or by firing blunderbusses and shotguns into the tree. Some people believe that the purpose of this was to ward off evil spirits that might have made their home in the winter orchard, but it is equally possible that the noise was meant to waken the god or goddess of the orchard from their slumber and encourage new growth.

Next, according to tradition, toast was dipped in cider and placed in the branches of the oldest tree, and cider was poured on the roots. The toast in the tree served both a symbolic and a practical purpose, since the cidery treat was an offering to the

PAGAN CELEBRATION: main picture, wassailing at Thatchers cider makers PICTURE: Neil Phillips, visit: www.neilphillips photography.co.uk

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GOOD SPIRITS: to hold your own wassail you’ll need to mull some cider

good spirits of the orchard, which were personified in the robin.

At the same time farmers sought to attract robins and blue tits for pest control – a wonderful example of the way in which reallife necessities become entwined with symbolic gestures.

Many superstitious beliefs were on the wane as the 20th century began, and wassailing with them. In 1920 a local writer noted: ‘With a tenacity that is surprising in the face of modern sentiment, or rather lack of sentiment, that old and once popular custom of wassailing the apple-trees on the night of January 17th still persists to some extent in the westernmost corner of Somerset.’

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It survived through the 20th century in the Minehead area, with the Butchers Arms at Carhampton being the world centre of wassailing for many years. Then, in the early 1990s, the charity Common Ground introduced Apple Day as a way of encouraging interest in orchards, and out of this grew a new fascination for wassail. At first celebrations were confined to a few Somerset cider farms, but more recently people all over England and Wales have taken up wassailing; there’s even a regular wassail in Lincolnshire, not a county famed for its cider-making.

These days wassail events are held at cider farms and other venues all around Bristol and Somerset; look online and you’ll find an astonishing range to choose from. The more popular events, such as the one at the Somerset Museum of Rural Life in Glastonbury, tend to sell out, so do check before you set off.

You can always hold your own wassail. All you need is an apple tree, some cider, toast and a couple of friends who are willing to make a racket in the garden (children can be quite useful for this). Make up a batch of mulled cider and take it outside along with some pots and pans. Dip toast in cider and place in tree, then have a go at the wassail song, bash your pots and drink some mulled cider. It’s surprisingly fun.

For more information on wassail and other cider-related traditions, consult the new edition of The Naked Guide to Cider.

Recipe for Wassail Punch: heat five quarts of dry cider, seven tablespoons of brown sugar, three sliced oranges, four cloves, a quarter teaspoon each of nutmeg and cinnamon, until almost boiling. Pour into a bowl, add two thinly sliced bananas and serve.

Serves 10-12. ■

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Mr Bristow TODAY’S DIARY: TOMORROW’S WEST END HIT

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hope you have all entered 2013 clutching a shiny new diary. That’s one of life’s perennial dilemmas, isn’t it, the new diary? So many difficult decisions: A4 or A5, page a day or week on view, padded or not padded, red, black or burgundy? Buy now or wait until February when they are suddenly half price? That’s of course if you are businesslike and have a proper desk diary, not one of these silly ones with kittens on the front given to you by Auntie Mabel…or worse still those free ones from the plumber or your insurance company that are all cheap and floppy.

I’ve gone for A5 week on view this year, and in my usual schoolboy way I have entered my name and personal details in my bestest handwriting, in the full knowledge that within the first week the pages will be filled with my worst illegible scrawl.

I do always state on the flyleaf that there is a reward for the finder, but I don’t fill in the bits about when the next MOT is due or my insurance policy numbers and the like because in my experience, finders (of which there are many as I am a habitual loser) pry into all your private bits. I once lost my diary in the New Forest and it was kindly returned by someone who had actually gone through it and made annotations. Such as ‘Are you really meeting Angela Rippon? The TV presenter?’

As for the info pages at the front, do I want to know when Armistice Day is in Australia or that one hectolitre equals 26.417 US gallons? I think

not. I have never met a diary editor, but if I ever do I will explain nicely that to know that one lunar month is 2,419,200 seconds will not help me plan my life in the year ahead one jot.

Although I use my diary on what is practically an hourly basis (short term memory is shot), I have never actually kept a diary. I should have of course, people say ‘ooh, you should write a book about all the things you’ve done’. Trouble is, I can’t remember when I did them. And doing all the things I’ve done has left very little time to sit and write them down. I don’t know how these politicians, pop stars and the like manage to do it.

Well, I do know. They have someone else do it for them. I once stayed at a Caribbean resort hotel, with the declared intention of doing some writing. On hearing this, the manager delivered a huge manuscript to my room. He thought, for some reason, it might help me with my task. It had been mistakenly left by a famous playwright and was his personal diary of a Broadway production of one of his plays. I skimmed through it for any juicy celeb gossip of course, but it was on the whole very tedious.

I once lost my diary . . . it was kindly ❝ returned by someone who had actually gone through it and made annotations ❞ The only interesting feature was that it had been dictated at length every night from New York to his secretary’s answering machine in London, and each day she had laboriously typed it out and faxed it back. Big sections were translated as ‘indistinct’, presumably when the writer had downed one too many post-rehearsal gin and tonics. This was before email became universal.

It turned out to be of no help whatsoever and I did eventually return it to its rightful owner. Perhaps I should have read it more carefully, because, very surprisingly in my opinion, some time later it became the basis for a hit West End play. ■

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Kemps are a family business, carrying an extensive range of new and second-hand jewellery, across a wide price range, and offering you • Professional Friendly Advice • • Beautiful Gift Ideas • • Gift Wrapping Service • • Registered Pawnbrokers • • Jewellery and watch repairs undertaken • • Gold purchased - old jewellery & coins •

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COMEDY GOLD Bristol’s salute to vintage and silent comedy returns with the Slapstick Festival 2013 running from 24 – 27 January – Rosie Parry takes a look at this year’s stellar line-up

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f the dreary winter weather is getting you down and the fun and frivolities of New Year seem like distant memories, never fear, because Bristol will do what Bristol does best – put on a fabulous festival to lift everyone’s spirits. So if you’re prone to the January blues then make sure you snap up a ticket for one of the great vintage and silent comedy events at the Slapstick Festival 2013, running from Thursday 24 until Sunday 27 January.

The 2013 festival will be the ninth in a series begun in 2005 and is the biggest event of its kind in Britain as well as one of the best-rated comedy film festivals in the world. Tickets are on sale now and host venues are Arnolfini, Bristol Old Vic, Colston Hall and Watershed – and Colston Hall is also selling a festival pass, with admission to all Slapstick shows.

And if this hasn’t tempted you enough already, just wait until you read who will be taking part in the comedy celebrations – no less than Marcus Brigstocke, Barry Cryer, all three Goodies, Ian Lavender, Paul McGann, Nick Park, Lucy Porter, Matthew Sweet and June Whitfield are among the stars.

Festival director Chris Daniels says: “As ever, the 2013 programme provides a chance to meet some of today’s top comedy performers and find out which past professionals they most admire or have found inspiring. We’re equally delighted by the breadth of styles and eras covered by the Slapstick 2013 programme. There’s a source of laughout-loud enjoyment here for absolutely everyone.”

celebrating 40 years of being ❝ given silly things to do at the Bristol Old Vic ❞ Highlights include: The Silent Comedy at Colston Hall on Friday 25 January which will be hosted by comedian, actor and singer songwriter Victoria Wood who will introduce a slapstick spectacular, films starring Harold Lloyd and Buster Keaton and accompanied live by the Bristol Ensemble and European Silent Screen Virtuosi. The evening will include the newly discovered and restored colour version of A Trip to the Moon by French film pioneer Georges Meliés. Tickets cost £20, £18 concessions and £8.50 for accompanied under 12s.

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On Saturday 26 January Slapstick 2013’s Funny Ladies salutes Colleen Moore in Orchids and Ermine (1927) who was so beloved by silent era cinema-goers and whose bobbed hairstyle became part of the decade’s look. Here she plays a New York flapper hoping to land a rich boyfriend but falling instead for a man who seems down on his luck.

Watch out also for cameos by a young Mickey Rooney and the infamous Hollywood gossip columnist Hedda Hooper.

The film begins at 11.30am at Arnolfini and tickets are £7.50, £6 for concessions.

On the morning of Sunday 26 January there will be a showcase of Bill Oddie’s Laurel & Hardy Classics with Goodies star and TV wildlife guru Bill Oddie as host. The venue is the Watershed and tickets are £8, £6.50 for concessions.

Also starring on Sunday is the team from Radio 4’s best loved panel show I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue as they mark the publication of their new book celebrating 40 years of being given silly things to do at the Bristol Old Vic, tickets £8-£12 and the show begins at 11.30am. At 2.15pm at the Old Vic, writer, comedian and Bristol University graduate Marcus Brigstocke takes to the stage to share his favourite visual comedy clips and talk about the moments and people who have influenced his work. Into the evening, comedy actor and national treasure June Whitfield makes her Slapstick debut to recall highlights from a career that has spanned six decades. ■ Visit: www.slapstick.org.uk.

CLASSIC MOMENTS: from top left, Victoria Wood, The Goodies, and Harold Lloyd

Box Offices: Arnolfini Tel: 0117 917 2300 Bristol Old Vic Tel: 0117 987 7877 Colston Hall Tel: 0117 922 3686 (contact also for Festival Pass) Watershed Tel: 0117 927 5100

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DAZZLING YOUNG ARTISTS CORDELIA WILLIAMS

CLAIRE JONES

“I cannot imagine a more perfect performance….superb!”

Antony Hopkins

“a sensitivity and panache that enchants the senses.”

BBC Music Magazine

28 FEBRUARY, BATH ABBEY, 7:30PM

23 MARCH, ST. SWITHINS CHURCH, WALCOT, BATH 7:30pm

IVES, Variations on America RAVEL, Valses nobles et sentimentales GERSHWIN, Rhapsody in Blue ˇ DVORÁK, Symphony No. 9, From the New World Jason Thornton, conductor tickets £28/21/15/ (£5 unreserved)

Including works by BRITTEN, DEBUSSY, ELGAR, GRIEG, DELIBES, PUCCINI, ˇ MASCAGNI and DVORÁK Jason Thornton, conductor £25/20/15 all unreserved

In February, Cordelia Williams, Piano winner of BBC Musician 2006, joins the Bath Philharmonia in the jazzy and daredevil Rhapsody in Blue. ˇ Add the raucous and witty Variations on America and Dvorák’s masterpiece, the lyrical New World Symphony, and it’s a concert not to be missed.

Former Royal Harpist Claire Jones performs with the orchestra in March, playing works from her first album, The Girl with the Golden Harp.

Released by Classic FM, it is still in the top 10 selling albums. The concert will include the pieces chosen by the Duchess of Cambridge for her wedding, and Claire will also talk about her instrument and what it was like having the Prince of Wales as her boss!

For Tickets: Bath Box Office Tel. 01225 463362 • www. bathboxoffice.org.uk For more information, call the Bath Philharmonia at 01225 444 153 or visit us at www.bathphil.co.uk

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

January 2013

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WHAT’Son THEATRE, DANCE, & COMEDY – listed by venue Oliver! at the Bristol Hippodrome © Alistair Muir

Slapstick Sunday, Sunday 27 January, times vary

Consider yourself entertained

As part of the 2013 Slapstick Festival – Bristol’s celebration of silent, visual and classic comedy – the Old Vic welcomes June Whitfield, Marcus Brigstocke, Lucy Porter and the team from I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue to the theatre.

Hansel and Gretel

T he Toba cc o F ac to ry Raleigh Road, Southville, Bristol.

Box office tel: 0117 902 0344 www.tobaccofactory.com

B ri stol Old Vic King Street, Bristol.

Box office tel: 0117 987 77877 www.bristololdvic.org.uk

Vic with this absorbing adaptation from the legendary scripts of Galton and Simpson, charting the tender, cruel and surprising relationship between scrapyard father and son.

Peter Pan, Until Saturday 19 January, 7pm; matinee: 2pm; exclusions apply, please contact the theatre for details When the leader of the Lost Boys, the fleetfooted Peter Pan, loses his shadow on a trip to London, kind-hearted Wendy helps him reattach it and is invited back to Neverland in return – where Tinkerbell, Princess Tiger Lily and Captain Hook await. Directed by Sally Cookson (who directed the Tobacco Factory’s Christmas hit Cinderella as well as the Old Vic’s own Treasure Island), Peter Pan explores the possibilities of growing up, set to live music with colour, magic and mischief.

Adventure Capitalism, Tuesday 15 January, 8pm, Studio A theatre on the back of a bike, runaway taxmen turned circus performers, Hitler’s nephew, a human exhibit in London Zoo, and a man intent on eating an entire bus – roll up for Mark Borkowski’s rollercoaster ride.

Steptoe & Son, Wednesday 23 January – Saturday 9 February, 7.30pm; matinee: Saturday, 2.30pm Kneehigh theatre company are back at the Old 28 The Bristol Magazine

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Hansel & Gretel, Until Saturday 19 January, contact the theatre for times The Tobacco Theatre and international awardwinning theatre company New International Encounter presents its delightful Brothers Grimm story, brought to life through enchanting storytelling and live music. In the middle of a cold, dark forest Hansel and Gretel are lost and hungry. But as they sit, shivering, they glimpse a tiny cottage through the trees made of gingerbread, boiled sweets and cake, but what’s inside? With humour and clowning this is a wonderful show for the whole family.

Magic Matters: Peter Clifford, Until Saturday 12 January, 8.15pm, The Brewery Theatre Join Peter Clifford to celebrate wonder and mystery in a great evening of laughs and sleight of hand.

Steptoe & Son © Steve Tanner

Ferment Fortnight, Wednesday 23 January – Saturday 2 February, times vary Ferment is the Bristol Old Vic’s in-house laboratory where new work and ideas are conceived, developed and distilled by some of the region’s most inspiring artists. Twice a year you can see their work-in-progress for free across two weeks of eye-popping, mindstretching and original performances.

Oliver Reed: Wild Thing, Tuesday 22 January – Saturday 2 February, 8.15pm, The Brewery Theatre From the boyhood excitement of learning he was a descendant of Peter the Great, through the success of Oliver! his boozy adventures with Keith Moon and disastrous chat show appearances – this was a life well lived. But though Ollie may appear an unstoppable force of nature, this is Malta in 1999, and time is fast running out for the Wild Thing. Rob Crouch brings the hell-raising actor Reed back to vivid life.

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WHAT’Son

Sean Hughes: Life Becomes Noises, Tuesday 29 & Wednesday 30 January, 8pm It has been over a year since his father died, and Sean is dealing with his death in a way that only Sean can. Here is a comedy performance like you’ve never seen before, resulting in the feel-good show of the year.

This funny and poignant tale is a beautiful insight into the lighter side of dying and getting older.

Mark Thomas: Bravo Figaro, Thursday 31 January – Saturday 2 February, 8pm After walking the wall in the West Bank, becoming Guiness World Record holder for political protests and chasing arms dealers around the country, Mark Thomas turns his attention to matters closer to home with a show about his father.

Russian State Ballet of Siberia, Tuesday 8 – Thursday 10 January; Tuesday/Wednesday, Swan Lake, 7.30pm; Thursday, The Nutcracker, 2.30pm & 7.30pm Swan Lake is an immortal love story filled with emotion and beauty, Tchaikovsky’s magical score creates a truly unforgettable experience. Formed in 1981, The Russian State Ballet of Siberia has quickly established itself as one of Russia’s leading ballet companies. The soloists and corps de ballet are superb and never fail to delight audiences with their breathtaking physical ability and dazzling costumes. The Nutcracker – the most famous of fantasy ballets for all the family begins as night falls on Christmas Eve. When midnight strikes you are swept away to a fairytale world where nothing is quite as it seems.

Russian State Ballet of Siberia in The Nutcracker

Mark Thomas: Bravo Figaro

John Shuttleworth: Out of our Sheds, Sunday 3 February, 8pm The Sony and Perrier-nominated and star of Radio 4’s The Shuttleworths, and TV’s It’s Nice Up North John Shuttleworth ventures beyond the garden gate to tread the mean streets of Britain. Which is better: city life or country living? Supermarket or village shop?

Or is it better to sit in your shed and count the cobwebs?

B r i s t o l H i p p o d ro m e St Augustine’s Parade, Bristol.

Box office tel: 0844 847 2325 www.bristolhippodrome.org.uk

Jethro, Friday 11 January, 7.30pm It’s laughter all the way as Cornwall’s ambassador of comedy will take you on a fun and wild journey. Contains adult material.

The Rocky Horror Show, Monday 14 – Saturday 19 January, 8pm; Friday & Saturday, 5.30pm and 8.30pm Starring Ben Forster (Jesus Christ Superstar), Rhydian (X Factor/We Will Rock You), Roxanne Pallett (Emmerdale) and Oliver Thornton (Priscilla Queen Of The Desert).

Follow squeaky clean sweethearts Brad and Janet on an adventure they’ll never forget, with the scandalous Frank ‘n’ Furter, rippling Rocky and vivacious Magenta. Get ready for a night of fun and frolics in this lively production of Richard O’Brien’s classic.

Oliver!, Tuesday 22 January – Sunday 24 February, please contact the theatre for times The score of Oliver! is full of Lionel Bart’s irresistible songs including Food Glorious Food, Consider Yourself, You’ve Got to Picka-Pocket or Two, I’d Do Anything, Oom Pah Pah and As Long As He Needs Me. Oliver! recently completed a two year run at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London where it opened to rave reviews and the biggest advance sales of all time for a West End show. Men Behaving Badly and Waterloo Road actor Neil Morrissey stars as Fagin.

Neil Morrissy stars as Fagin in Oliver!

C ol s to n H al l Colston Street, Bristol.

Box office tel: 0117 922 3686 www.colstonhall.org/whatson

Silent Comedy Gala, Friday 25 January, 7.30pm Laugh out loud at the Slapstick Festival’s silent comedy gala as three silent film masterpieces are showcased, including the UK premiere of a restored copy George Melies’ A Trip to the Moon. The evening will be hosted by special guest Victoria Wood, who will introduce films from Harold Lloyd and Buster Keaton.

Aladdin, Until Sunday 6 January, 7pm; matinees: 2pm; exclusions apply, please contact the theatre for details Sharing the role of the magical Genie of the Lamp are Loose Women star Carol McGiffin and Bristol favourite and Big Brother winner Josie Gibson who will be spreading the magic of pantomime to Aladdin and to Hippodrome audiences of all ages. Josie will be playing the Genie this month. Rub the magic lamp, enter the cave of wonders and be transported into a fun, fairytale world. The show will be topped off with plenty of laughter thanks to Hippodrome favourite Andy Ford.

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

The Rocky Horror Show © Alistair Muir Previous cast

Silent Comedy Gala Victoria Wood

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WHAT’Son MUS IC – listed by date Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment

Phantom Limb

St George’s New Season

St George’s January to June season is full of big names and big sounds. Here are just a few of many highlights: • St George’s Fundraising Concert, Thursday 24 January, 7.30pm Violinist Jack Liebeck has assembled a stellar line-up of musicians to celebrate the venue in an inspirational evening of charitable music making whose centrepiece will be Schubert’s masterly Octet in F and poems to music from Alfred Brendel. Tickets £11 – £30.

• Phantom Limb, Thursday 28 February, 8pm Last seen supporting Rodriguez (and Dr John and Madness before that), Phantom Limb are where Bristol’s musical DNA meets Memphis-style soul and country, with Stew Jackson’s songs brought to life by the mesmerising vocals of Yolanda Quartey. Tickets £10 – £13.

• Bristol Baroque Festival of Music, Friday 8 – Friday 29 March, times vary St George’s, in association with BBC Radio 3, are launching the first ever Bristol Baroque Festival of Music to celebrate the abundance of great music and artistry that flourished during the Baroque era. The musical genius of JS Bach is a particular focus. Radio 3 will broadcast Live in Concert from St George’s from 25 to 29 March. Ticket prices vary.

Box Office tel: 0845 40 24 001. www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

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Mitsuko Uchida, Friday 11 January, 7.30pm

Beethoven Fest, Sunday 27 January, 2pm – 6pm

St George’s Bristol, Great George Street, Bristol. Box office on tel: 0845 40 24 001 or visit: www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk An audience with Dame Mitsuko Uchida is one of the most intense pleasures St George’s can offer, the intimate space allows a vivid close-up of her artistry at work. Her choice of programme for the concert is typically profound, juxtaposing examples of baroque, modern and romantic keyboard repertoire whose echoes and contrasts create an additional layer of meaning.

Colston Hall, Bristol. Box office tel: 0117 922 3686 or visit: www.colstonhall.org Experience Beethoven’s most famous symphonies (4, 5 and 6) played back-to-back, with interludes for his chamber music from Bristol Ensemble. The concert includes a piano recital from Allan Schiller, free events in the foyer and a chance to sample fine German cuisine and enjoy German culture.

Bristol Acoustic Music Festival, Friday 18 – Sunday 20 January

St George’s Bristol, Great George Street, Bristol. Box office on tel: 0845 40 24 001 or visit: www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk The OAE play Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, a Baroque orchestral concert. There will be companion arias performed by Grammywinning baritone Matthew Rose and Telemann’s mock lament for a deceased Canary, O Woe! O Woe! My Canary is Dead, this is a sumptuous and colourful programme to savour.

St George’s Bristol, Great George Street, Bristol. Box office on tel: 0845 40 24 001 or visit: www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk It’s the 10th anniversary of Bristol’s iconic acoustic music festival and this year Jelli artists Bashema & Danielle Celeste are joined, among others, by The Weary Band, Muff Said, Heg Doughty & The Wolf Chorus, The Shrinks, Howlin Lord, Shaun McCrindle, Magnus Puto and many more. Visit the website for the full line-up and running times.

Bristol Classical Players Saturday 26 January, 7.30pm St George’s Bristol, Great George Street, Bristol. Box office on tel: 0845 40 24 001 or visit: www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk The Bristol Classical Players’ Best of British season resumes with a mixture of the famous and unjustly neglected: Bridge’s early masterpiece alongside Elgar’s towering late Cello Concerto. They are joined by BBC New Generation artist Leonard Elschenbroich, whose debut with the LPO last year caused great excitement. The concert concludes with Vaughan Williams’ own favourite symphonies.

Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Friday 1 February, 7.30pm

Bristol International Jazz & Blues Festival, Friday 1 – Sunday 3 March Colston Hall, Bristol. Box office tel: 0117 922 3686 or visit: www.bristoljazzandbluesfest.com Tickets for the first ever Bristol International Jazz & Blues Festival are now on sale.

Featuring some of the world’s most renowned jazz musicians, this new festival will be one of the UK’s leading jazz events. Headlining the festival are US guitarist John Scofield’s Organic Trio, Cuban trumpeter Arturo Sandoval and French duo Richard Galliano and Bireli Lagrene. Alongside these are a host of artists including Pee Wee Ellis and Clare Teal covering straight-ahead, contemporary, funk, Latin and trad jazz as well as blues.

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WHAT’Son OTHER EVENTS – listed by date Tango-y-tu Course , Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 January, 3pm – 5pm; Saturday 12 & Saturday 19, 4pm – 6pm Westmoreland Hall, Westmoreland Road, Redland, Bristol. £50 pre-paid for four sessions or £15 per session. Tel: 07767733948 or visit: www.tango-y-tu.com/bristol This is an intenstive course for beginners where you can learn to tango in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. It’s a great way to keep fit, make new friends and fall in love with tango – there’s no need to bring a partner.

Tyntesfield’s converted sawmill, using objects from around the estate and Tyntesfield’s collection. The class is open to all abilities and will be using dry media. Learn something new, whether it’s mastering a new technique or some art history knowledge. There will be support given by class teacher Karen Zold.

The Berkeley Square Poetry Revue Show, Wednesday 30 January, 8.30pm – 9.45pm The Square Club, Berkeley Square, Clifton.

Tickets £4, for further information tel: 07979987102 This revue show features poets Lucy English, plus the Bard of Windmill Hill, and Mary Crowder and singers Richard Crane and Mireille Mathlener – plus a comedy surprise.

All profits from the ticket sales will go to the artists and to The Global Circle of Peace.

Architecture Talk: Cindy Walters, Wednesday 20 January, 6pm

Tango West Course, From Monday 7 January, 7pm The Redland Club, Burlington Road, Bristol.

Six week course £48, or try the first class for £8, tel: 07981 756965 or email: michele@tangowest.co.uk Tango West presents a new Argentine tango course for absolute beginners from 7pm – 8pm followed by practice until 8.30pm.

Tyntesfield Art Class, Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 January, 10am – 1pm Tyntesfield, North Somerset. £15 per person, tel: 01275 461900 or visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield Enjoy a still life art class in the lantern room of

Burns Night Supper and Scottish whisky tasting

Burns Night Supper and Scottish Whisky Tasting, Friday 25 January, 7pm Hotel Du Vin, The Sugar House, Narrow Lewins Mead, Bristol. Tickets £60, visit: www.hotelduvin.com/hotels/bristol Join the hotel for a tutored Scottish whisky tasting led by Johnny Walker. This will be followed by a traditional three-course sit-down supper with wine to match each dish, all accompanied by a Scottish piper and traditional address to the haggis.

Arnolfini, 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol. Book online, visit: www.arnolfini.org.uk As part of The Architecture Centre Series one half of Walters & Cohen, and recipient of AJ Woman Architect of the Year 2012, Cindy will discuss recent education projects, including Cotham and the award-winning extension at Colston’s Girls’ School.

Firewalk in Aid of Jessie May, Sunday 17 February, 4pm – 7.30pm The Tobacco Factory, Raleigh Road, Southville, Bristol. £15 registration, visit: www.jessiemay.org.uk/firewalk-2013 Do a firewalk and raise £200 for Jessie May.

Some gems from amongst our recent Specialist Jewellery Sale…

£3,400

£19,600

£4,900

Clevedon Salerooms held a highly successful autumn jewellery & watch valuation day where many attendees chose to consign jewellery and watches to our November Specialist Sale. The results and the demand for fine jewellery and watches was such that we will be holding a further Free Jewellery & Watch Valuation Day at the Salerooms where we will be accepting items for the next Specialist Sale on the 28th February. No appointment is necessary. For more information please contact the Salerooms on 01934 830111

Watch & Jewellery Valuation Day Monday 21st January 10am – 1pm 2pm – 5.00pm

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£7,600

£4,600

Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers The Auction Centre Kenn Road, Kenn Clevedon, BS21 6TT Tel: 01934 830111 www.clevedon-salerooms.com

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ARTSgardens &EXHIBITIONS CITY TRUE IDENTITY

Ruth Molloy, The Hare and the Bayleaf Tree

Andy Price, Osaka Time

View Art Gallery 159-161 Hotwell Road, Bristol.

Tel: 05603 116753. www.viewartgallery.co.uk

Until 20 January

▲ LOCAL ART

REIGNING CATS AND DOGS

Coldharbour Framery & Gallery 111 Coldharbour Road, Westbury Park, Bristol.

Tel: 0117 944 6244 www.coldharbourgallery.co.uk

AFTER THE PARTY: THE LEGACY OF CELEBRATION

2 – 31 January Affordable art by 25 local artists from Bristol and the south west will be on show this month featuring new arrival Ruth Molloy with her atmospheric paintings of birds, trees and hares lending a magical quality to wintery scenes.

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR Bristol’s City Museum and Art Gallery Queen’s Road, Bristol. Tel: 0117 922 3571

Until 17 February The world-renowned touring exhibition from the Natural History Museum provides us with thoughtprovoking images and an insight into the beauty and variety of nature and shining a spotlight on the rarely seen wonders of the natural world around us. The Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition is an international showcase for the very best nature photography, owned by the Natural History Museum and BBC Worldwide. Each year, tens of thousands of entries are received and judged by an international jury of photography experts.

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True Identity is a show curated to evoke intense response and seeks to raise questions about our own identity. The exhibition showcases work from seven unique artists, both up-and-coming and internationally-acclaimed.

Through various mediums and approaches, the investigative responses of each artist’s work explore ancestral roots, ties, shifts and ideals and beliefs within different cultures and the self.

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The Architecture Centre Narrow Quay, Bristol.

Tel: 0117 922 1540 www.architecturecentre.co.uk Ben Hughes, Family Viewing

RWA Queens Road, Clifton, Bristol.

Tel: 0117 973 5129 www.rwa.org.uk

11 January – 15 March Reigning Cats and Dogs features historical and contemporary images, sometimes imbued with satirical and sentimental intent. Curator Peter Ford has brought together an international collection of paintings, printmaking, photography, sculpture, artists’ books and illustrations, postcards and ephemera united under this theme.

8 January – 7 April This exhibition charts the creation of some of the world’s most extraordinary structures created for the purpose of celebration, including a preview of Britain’s 2012 legacy projects. Thanks particularly to the Olympics, the UK sees a new set of buildings and public spaces, but how will they fare now the party is over?

The legacy of celebration is explored through images, photographs, drawings and models that present events from the past alongside legacy projects including the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the Eiffel Tower and the O2 Dome.

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RSWs in Bristol

“Tasting Table” by Simon Laurie RSW RGI

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

Jan 19 - Feb 20 Tel 0117 929 2527

www.limetreegallery.com

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ARTS&EXHIBITIONS KA-BOOM

Paintworks The Airstream, Main Courtyard, Paintworks, Bath Road, Bristol.

Tel: 0117 9714320 www.paintworkssevents.co.uk

▲

SHOWCASE

Paul Oz, Ka-Boom

View Art Gallery 159-161 Hotwell Road, Bristol. Tel: 05603 116753 www.viewartgallery.co.uk

24 January – 10 March

31 January – 2 February

This exhibition explores how the comic book universe can dramatically influence the visual arts. The show brings together dynamic artwork in a wide range of medium and crossing generations of storytelling. Artists include: Kristian Fletcher, Damian Daly, Darren West, Paul Oz, and Robert Bradford. A show of colour and intrigue.

Featuring the work of creative artists at St Brendan’s College, this exhibition is a chance to witness the exciting and dynamic work being produced at one of the Centre of Excellence sixth form art departments in the country. On display will be examples of fine art, printmaking, graphic design, textiles, photography and design technology.

NO BORDERS RSWs IN BRISTOL Bristol’s City Museum and Art Gallery Queen’s Road, Bristol.

Tel: 0117 922 3571

Sky Blue Framing and Gallery 27 North View, Westbury Park, Bristol.

Tel: 0117 9733995 www.skybluefineart.com

Until 2 June Enjoy cutting-edge contemporary art from some of the world’s leading artists. A Ton of Tea by renowned Chinese artist, Ai Weiwei is on display for the first time; the sitespecific wall drawing, Untitled (There is No Border Here) by Shilpa Gupta; and Holiday for Tomorrow

by Haegue Yang are just three of the new aquisitions in the No Borders exhibition. They are made possible thanks to Art Fund International and the city council’s museum service has been given £1 million to develop its collections of international contemporary art.

Reflecting upon the globalised conditions of the art world today, the collection brings together work of artists from the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

PHIZZ-WHIZZING FANTABULOUS: MATILDA

January At the gallery will be the world exclusive launch of the first ever Roald Dahl Matilda as a signed limited edition by Quentin Blake. Get your orders in as this edition will sell out quickly. Michael Ogden has also launched four new Bristol landscapes of which limited edition prints are available now. On show will also be work from gallery artists, Jane Reeves’ fused glass and contemporary jewellery.

Quentin Blake, Matilda

Christopher Wood,Spindrift

Lime Tree Gallery 84 Hotwell Road, Bristol.

Tel: 0117 929 2527 www.limetreegallery.com

19 January – 20 February

Imran Qu’reshi, This Leprous Brightness (LB5 detail)

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The Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour has a pedigree dating from its foundation in 1876 and is a dynamic group of artists exhibiting and actively promoting the contemporary art of painting in water-based medium. Lime Tree Gallery presents a selection of work by the foremost current RSWs, covering a wide range of subject matter and styles, including oil paintings. Exhibiting artists include Charles Anderson, Emma Davis, George Gilbert, Claire Harrigan, Simon Laurie, Charles MacQueen, Sian MacQueen, Mhairi McGregor, Jacqueline Orr, David Smith, Gregor Smith, Christine Woodside, Christopher Wood and Bill Wright.

VERSION CONTROL

Arnolfini 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol. Tel: 0117 917 2300 www.arnolfini.org.uk

2 February – 14 April Version Control is a large-scale survey exhibition about the notion of appropriation and performance in the expanded field of contemporary artistic practice.

Artists include: Amalia Pica, Melvin Moti, Gerry Bibby, Felix Gmelin, Andy Holden, and Giles Bailey.

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Are you looking for new lighting for any area at the home?

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Come and see the experts to help you through the options available.

We have one of the largest displays in our freshly refitted showroom Lighting design service available.

Our showroom displays fittings from the UK, European and Worldwide sources.

Eternity 10lt Pendant (illus) rrp £347.40

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For all areas of the home and garden.

Decorative low energy on display.

Tel: 0117 963 5943 • Fax: 0117 963 4735

Sale Price £476 Unit 2, Sheene Way, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 4TA • Free Car Parking Available Email: enquiries@lightingwarehousebristol.co.uk • Web: www.lightingwarehousebristol.co.uk • Opening hours: Mon - Sat 9:00am - 5:30pm

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January 2013

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THE HUDDLED MASSES Richard Holledge examines a dark chapter in Bristol’s history – in which a group of exiles from America arrived in the city, starving and homeless, only to be treated with scant care for their lives

I

n late June, 1756, the Virginia Packet was towed along the River Avon and tied up alongside a Bristol quay. In the sloop’s hold was a cargo of about 300 prisoners, mostly women and children, who had been incarcerated below decks during a 40-day crossing from Williamsburg, Virginia. They were starving and filthy. Their hair and ragged clothes crawled with lice. Cooped up in such fetid conditions, they had been stricken with scurvy, dysentery and afflicted with chronic chest complaints.

As the townspeople flocked to stare at this unexpected sideshow they must have wondered why their visitors appeared as pitiable as they did – almost in as bad shape as the slaves that they saw on their way to servitude in America or the mansions of Bristol grandees.

How could they know that this human cargo, who spoke in an unfamiliar French dialect, had spent virtually all of the previous eight months locked away in prison ships cynically designed to carry as many prisoners as possible?

They were known as Acadians, descended from French settlers in Nova Scotia who had lived peaceably for 150 years until they were subjected to British rule and, in October 1755, forcibly removed. In his book, Crucible of War, American historian Fred Anderson, described the expulsion as ‘chillingly reminiscent of modern ethnic cleansing . . . executed with a coldness and calculation . . .’

But why such cruelty? It was at the start of the Seven Years War; the British were fighting France for control of North America and despite their insistence that they were neutral, the Acadians were, quite simply, in the way. Of a population of some 18,000, as many as 14,000 were exiled. Some estimate that 8,000 died.

Most were delivered to the British North American colonies, but about 1,200 were prevented from landing in Virginia by a recalcitrant governor and after four months awaiting their fate on the prison ships they were transported to the English ports of

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Bristol, Liverpool, Falmouth and Southampton.

The hapless arrivals were kept on board for three more wretched nights until the Mayor of Bristol, Henry Dampier, wrested an agreement from the government that it would foot the bill for these unwanted visitors. When they were allowed on land they were marched through the city ‘without any hindrance, some few constables attending to keep the Mob in order, which was very numerous’ and quartered in warehouses in Guinea Street, (near today’s Bristol General Hospital).

It was obvious that scores of them were seriously ill. A house next to the nearby Ketch Tavern was taken over as a temporary hospital but the official in charge, Louis Gugnier of the Sick and Hurt Board, which was responsible for prisoners of war, deemed them to be suffering only from colds and minor sicknesses and a doctor recommended that a diet of broth and gruel, good nursing

When they begged for clothing ❝ they were told: ‘No cloaths are to be provided but ten shillings allowed for funerals

❞

and wholesome air ‘will soon recover them completely.’

They were granted an allowance – as befitted their status as ‘neutrals’ – of sixpence a day for adults, threepence for children as well as meat, bread, cheese, butter, peas and beer but they had to pay for extras such as clothes. In return, Gugnier insisted they be indoors by eight in the evening and ‘were not to be found drunken’ and assuming his work was done, galloped off to London.

Within three days between 60 to 70 of the prisoners were stricken with small pox. What chance was there for them as they fought for life in the filthy warehouses? One doctor, who was

UNWELCOME VISITORS: main picture, A View of Bristol Harbour, 1785, by Nicholas Pocock This can be seen in the People Gallery at M Shed Picture courtesy of British Museums, Galleries and Archives

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MEMORIAL: a statue of Longfellow’s Evangeline stands in Grand Pré park in Novia Scotia, on the site of the Acadians’ settlement homes, before they were driven out by the British

later caught siphoning off the allowances of the deceased, claimed that nothing could be done ‘by way of physic while so many lay wallowing in the same place, infecting each other with their mutual stench and effluvia.’

When they begged for clothing they were told: ‘No cloaths are to be provided but ten shillings allowed for funerals.’

The smallpox spread with terrifying speed. Between 30 June and 28 September there were 142 burials – sometimes there were nine deaths a day – but only a passing reference to this tragedy appears in the histories of Bristol. The vicar of St John, Bedminster was kept so busy coping with the litany of death that he had time only to record the names of two victims; Anastasie Boudreau, aged nine, who died on 30 June and Marie Scannat,

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identified as a French neutral, on 3 July.

Half of the prisoners perished. Virtually every family lost someone. Records gathered by Acadian scholars show that by the end of the war in 1763 there were only 184 Acadians alive but such was their spirit and their cussed determination to rise above their plight that some remarried and 29 children were born in those dismal warehouses.

And they proved themselves a resourceful group. In their own country they had been proudly self-sufficient and in Bristol, as the populace became more tolerant of them, the women earned extra money by making coarse sheeting which was very serviceable and the Bristol Journal reported that ‘during their abode here by their industry and civil deportment they have gained the esteem of us all.’

They wanted to return to their homeland but under the terms of the Treaty of Paris they were rebuffed by the victorious British and were sent to St Malo in the north of France. Far from a warm welcome they were as much resented and exploited as the dispossessed are today.

In 1785, a French businessman offered to settle the povertystricken survivors in the Spanish-owned colony of Louisiana.

Unconvinced, but despairing of staying in France, 1,500 sailed to New Orleans. Most of the survivors had lived more than half their lives in exile.

They were settled along the banks and bayous of the Mississippi and in time the name Acadian became corrupted. Today they are known as Cajuns. ■ The Scattered, a novel based on the Acadian expulsion by Richard Holledge is on sale with Amazon and on Kindle.

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PICTURE: Peter Michell

A RUNAWAY BESTSELLER The Amnesty bookshop in Gloucester Road is a charity shop like no other. Peter Cullimore, a volunteer, reports on the success story which has made it one of the best second-hand bookshops in the whole country

H

ordes of us regularly cram into the Books for Amnesty shop on Gloucester Road – an Aladdin’s cave of literary treasures, right at the heart of Bristol’s famous independent shopping street, on a regular basis. A visit is de rigueur while out buying fabulous meat, fish, bread, fruit and veg available from neighbouring retailers.

There are plenty of other charity shops on Gloucester Road, but Books for Amnesty really stands out. With its distinctive black and white striped awning and higgledy-piggledy array of 20p bargains outside, the bookshop is reminiscent of that wonderful Channel 4 comedy Black Books. It looks a bit shambolic and you imagine finding a clueless Bill Bailey on the till or a drunken Dylan Moran in charge, sweeping customers out the door with a broom.

As we all know appearances can be very deceptive. Books for Amnesty is quirky, yes, but also friendly, welcoming and phenomenally successful. Now celebrating its 15th anniversary, the shop has raised well over a million pounds for Amnesty International since it first opened in 1997, with sales averaging nearly £100,000 a year. The Bristol shop makes far more money than any of Amnesty’s six others across the country – in London, Brighton, Cambridge, Malvern, Newcastle and York. In an average week it sells 1,500 second-hand books – including many for children – plus CDs, vinyl, sheet music and an assortment of other products.

Not bad for a bookshop run entirely by volunteers. There are about 100 of us in total, mostly working one morning or afternoon a week. We all take turns sorting, pricing and shelving the books and serving customers. Charity bookshops tend to sell mainly fiction but ours also has thousands of non-fiction books in scores of categories – an A to Z of everything from Academic Medicine to Zen Buddhism via History, Parenting and Sport.

It’s the sheer variety that pulls in so many bookworms. I find Ben Curnow and a group of fellow students from the Bristol University Vet School rummaging through the Pets section for course textbooks. Ben says: “We can’t afford to buy them new and here it’s so much cheaper. Some books we need on our Veterinary Science course cost anything up to £70, whereas at Amnesty we might pick them up for just a couple of pounds.”

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James Monks, a retired clergyman, has been visiting the shop at least once a week ever since it first opened and has bought hundreds of books over the years. He says: “I look for ones on theology and the meaning of life. It’s always worth a visit - you never know what you might find.”

Some of my fellow volunteers juggle shifts at Books for Amnesty with a full-time job, while others are retired or work part-time. Gerard Boyce, who retired last summer as Head of English at Colston’s School after teaching there for 30 years, has been a customer, donor and volunteer from the shop’s earliest days. He says: “I can never walk past without going in. It just draws you in. Amnesty is such a friendly bookshop and as someone who has taught English literature all my life it’s the most natural thing in the world for me to help out here.”

many people would say the Amnesty shop is ❝ still doing well simply because it has one of the best selections of second-hand books in the whole UK

❞

Any charity shop is only as good as the donations it receives, and at Books for Amnesty these come by the armful, bagful, boxful, carful and even houseful. Long-serving volunteer Andrew Campbell, the shop’s expert on the rare and valuable, was recently offered a collection of 3,000 books by an elderly woman in Wells. “She was going into a nursing home,” he says, “and as an Amnesty supporter wanted us to have her entire library. We had to hire extra storage space in Cheltenham Road to accommodate them.”

It may seem incredible but Books for Amnesty has no paid manager, no chairman or committee and, apparently, no-one in overall charge. To cap it all, only one of the volunteers has any previous experience in the book trade. A recipe for anarchy and chaos? Anywhere else perhaps yes, but here somehow it all works brilliantly. Half a dozen dedicated and competent professionals in other fields – including two ex-bankers, a retired clinical psychologist, a teacher and a former job centre manager

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ECLECTIC MIX: main picture, the Books for Amnesty shop in Gloucester Road Above, a potential customer admires the window display Left, the Channel 4 series Black Books starring Bill Bailey, Tamsin Greig and Dylan Moran

– have emerged unofficially to run the shop as a very benign and likeable ‘junta’, all sharing a love of books.

One of them is Tracey Richards, who oversees all the shop’s finances. She combines volunteering at Amnesty three days a week with a further three days working as a check-out operator in Asda at Cribbs Causeway. This superwoman even finds time to run a girl guides group as well.

So why is Books for Amnesty so profitable, even in these hard times? Tracey says: “We have such a great position, right in the middle of one of the most popular shopping areas in Bristol. We thought takings might start to drop in the downturn, but instead they have gone up.”

Many people would say the Amnesty shop is still doing well simply because it has one of the best selections of second-hand books in the whole UK. I confess that I recently downloaded (for free) George Eliot’s Daniel Deronda on to my wife’s Kindle because I was unable find a copy in the bookshop. Despite this sort of heresy by readers like

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me, according to Tracey the competition from ebooks and Amazon has not yet dented sales. Indeed Books for Amnesty has now branched out into online selling of rare, collectable and special interest books via AbeBooks, eBay and Amazon.

Perhaps the best way to sum up the shop’s unique blend of quirkiness, charm and good service is this anecdote from another volunteer, Paul Michell: “A man came in recently and asked if we had all six volumes of the 14th century Chinese classic novel Water Margin. He had been to every other bookshop in Bristol and none of them had it. At that exact moment another man walked in with a cardboard box full of books to donate. In it were all six volumes of Water Margin. It could only happen here!”

There is one episode of Black Books in which Bill Bailey accidentally swallows The Little Book of Calm and changes at once from neurotic to saintly behaviour towards everybody. At Books for Amnesty Bill would be welcome as a volunteer – but only if he is nice to our customers too. ■

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BRISTOLpeople

Target smashed Turning empty attics to good use

TEAM WORK: BDO’s Jos Burkill, John Talbot, Graham Randall, Jessica Payne and Solene Hie hand over the cheque to Amy Cason from Penny Brohn, (dressed in red)

Bristol-based accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP, has surpassed its target for 2012 of raising £10,000 for Penny Brohn Cancer Care, which is based in Pill. The money raised is sufficient to fund 300 people with cancer to use the charity’s new weekly treatment support clinic, which helps people preparing for, undergoing or recovering from chemotherapy treatments.

BDO Bristol, which offers all its staff six paid working days per annum for community volunteering projects and charities, raised a total of £10,250 through a variety of fund-raising activities.

These included eight colleagues cycling 900 miles from John o’ Groats to Land’s End, a spinathon on static bikes at Cabot Circus, participation in the Bristol Dragon Boat race and the Chew Valley Bed Race.

Good deeds The Bristol Junior Lawyers Division has raised £4,929.06 for its charity of the year, the Alzheimer’s Society. The funds will be used to support the charity in helping those affected by dementia.

Bristol JLD raised the money through a variety of events including a ball, pub quizzes and prize raffles. The committee’s vice-chair Ali Batchelor (Withy King LLP) and charity liaison Laura Cavill (RAC Legal Services) ran the Bath and Bristol half marathons respectively.

The Bristol Junior Lawyers Division’s charity of the year for 2013 is Children’s Hospice South West. Visit: www.bristoljld.co.uk.

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A new service which links people who have space to store things with those who need storage has been launched in the Bristol and Bath area.

Storenextdoor.com is a matchmaking website that will eventually roll out nationwide. It has come up with the concept of introducing what it calls Badgers – householders with spare space in their property – with Squirrels, that is people who need short or long-term storage.

The business model is based on the economic principal of collaborative consumption which is taking off worldwide.

Other models include the highly successful American airbnb.com in which people with spare rooms are paired up with those looking for a room for the night.

Those seeking a little extra income can make around £40 – £60 a month on a spare room or garage, while people with belongings which can range from boxes of books to caravans or boats, know they have somewhere secure to keep their belongings. It has already

INGENIOUS: the founders of Storenextdoor.com, Dom Moorhouse, Rosie Bennett and Dan Hilton proved popular with families needing more space at home.

A bespoke contract with full insurance, developed by Aviva, is drawn up for each pairing of Badger and Squirrel, who are then able to make mutually convenient arrangements for collections or visits to the stored items.

■ Working on a similar basis of people sharing resources, a new community enterprise project, Happytat, has opened in Stokes Croft, where unwanted furniture

Eclectic mix is a winner Proving that pop-up shops and galleries can lead to something more permanent, the quirky vintage furniture and home accessories store Dig Haüshizzle has opened its first long-term shop in Colston Street.

The business formerly had a pop-up shop at the Philadelphia Street Gallery.

Stock ranges from Victorian ebonised furniture to industrial filing cabinets, dining tables and taxidermy. There is also the website: www.dig-haushizzle.co.uk which acts as an online showroom for its eclectic range. The store opened just before Christmas with a party for customers, collectors, family and friends.

is being given a new lease of life.

If you have wardrobes, tables, lamps or white goods that you don’t want, call Happytat on tel: 07831 676745.

The new shop and workshop provides an income for charity as well as work for local people.

It supports the Crisis Centre for the homeless, LoveBristol enterprise project and Bristol Life Fund, which works with people with drug and alcohol addiction. Happytat was officially opened by the Lord Mayor, Peter Main.

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

CHINA – A COUNTRY OF BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Mark Pooley, of Bristol firm of Chartered Accountants, Hollingdale Pooley, recently went on the Bristol Trade Mission to China organised by the Institute of Directors/Bristol City Council. He quickly realised that China offers small and medium sized businesses in Bristol and the South West of England an opportunity to expand. Below he reports back on the trip.

“I did not realise quite how large China was until we first reached Chinese airspace; the flight information indicated that we were still 2,250 miles and four and a half flying hours away from Guangzhou, our destination!

It is not just the geographical size that surprises a visitor from the West.

The cities dwarf European cities. We visited: Guangzhou, formerly Canton, a city of 16 million people that is the largest city in the Pearl River delta Megalopolis of at least 40 million people; Hangzhou, a city of 8 million (the same population as London) on the southern part of the Yangtze River delta that most people have never heard of; and Shanghai one of the largest cities in the world with a population of 23 million. There are over 160 cities in China with a population greater than 1 million.

In the West we know that the images of a Maoist China are 35 years out of date, and that China is expanding and developing rapidly and is due to overtake the USA as the largest economy in the world in around 2020.

However, a lot of people in the West believe that the economy is based on cheap manufacturing. This picture is becoming increasingly out of date.

We visited Hangzhou, the capital city of Zhejiang province in Eastern China. The city has identified 10 strategic industries that it wants to concentrate developing. These include: E-commerce; biomedicine; green technologies; software, culture and creativity; and advanced equipment manufacturing.

These are the value added industries that Western economies believe that they excel in and will use to compete with China. Wake up! The Chinese have already pitched their tent and are already making great progress in these areas. The head of the Commerce Department of Zhejiang province stated that he envisages the phrase “Made in China” to become “Created in China”.

Should we feel threatened by the development of China? No, we should embrace the opportunity that a developing and developed China can offer.

The Chinese recognise that Britain is a country full of creative people and innovative ideas. There are collaborative ventures to be entered into that can benefit both Britain and China. The Chinese are now actively protecting Intellectual Property Rights, an area of concern to Western businesses.

A burgeoning Chinese middle class has a demand for quality British goods; look at the success of Mulberry and Burberry. Trade officials at the 42 The Bristol Magazine

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January 2013

Zhejiang Commerce Department stated that they wanted more British consumer goods to be shown at the local trade fairs.

I really enjoyed the trade mission and have come back convinced of the opportunities that China can offer. China can seem daunting; however the people are very hospitable and polite, and interested in engaging with you.”

If you wish to find out more about how you can engage with China, please contact Mark Pooley at our office on mark@hollingdalepooley.co.uk or on 0117 9733377.

Hollingdale Pooley Bramford House, 23 Westfield Park, Clifton, Bristol BS6 6LT

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THE CURIOUS LITTLE SWAN The Aston Martin Cygnet is something unique - crafted by hand with all the trappings of the most prestigious British supercar, yet the running costs of a thrifty compact.

Dara Foley discovers luxury without compromise Main photo: The eye catching Cygnet pictured at the Harbourside Test car courtesy of HR Owen Aston Martin, Cheltenham

W

ith handbags worth thousands and wristwatches that will set you back more than your annual salary, the shop windows at Harrods feature some of the most beautiful and covetable luxury goods ever made. So little wonder that in late 2010, Aston Martin chose to unveil its curious little city car with a window display at the world's swankiest store. It was a marketing masterstroke, the buzz along the Brompton Road quickly swept across London, and before long every aficionado across the world had heard of Aston’s funny little Cygnet. Such was the interest, that a flurry of orders were placed by international playboys, fashion editors, supermodels and your everyday glamourazzi … with more of a swagger, than quack and a waddle…the little swan had arrived.

Aston Martin is most famous for well-bred supercars, owned by connoisseurs, stars, millionaires and of course 007. Various Astons have been licensed to thrill in nearly 50 years of James Bond movies, but we are living in a changing world with many challenges for motor manufacturers. Aston Martin’s decision to become the first luxury carmaker to offer a prestige, compact city car not only extends its range but also caters for conscious motorists with shifting perceptions. And by being ‘first in’ with the Cygnet, Aston Martin is stealing the march. At the launch, Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez said: “It is time to think differently, the Cygnet needs to satisfy the demands of emissions and space. It is a car without compromise, just like every other Aston Martin.” It was also a clever move to team up with Toyota and design the Cygnet around a Toyota iQ base, thus giving them a developmental head start.

The Cygnet is all Aston, looking nothing like the iQ, it drives nothing like the iQ and indeed, with the plush hand stitched leather interior – it smells and feels absolutely nothing like the iQ. ‘Know-alls’ will always remind you of its Japanese DNA, but there’s nothing odd in taking an ordinary production car and turning it into a thing of wonderment – it’s been going on for decades. Carlo Abarth modified Fiats into insane racers in the 50’s, and in the early 60’s, the humble Mini was subject to serious ‘pimping’ mainly by celebrities who wanted to own something unique and hip – if not a little daft. Famously, Peter Sellers celebrated his success as Inspecteur Clouseau by appointing Hooper Motor Services to turn an ordinary Mini into a deluxe limousine to give to his wife Britt Ekland. Highly acclaimed for its work with Bentley and Rolls Royce, Hoopers craftsmanship was second to none, and it created a luxury Mini complete with Wilton carpets, plush leather upholstery, a walnut dash and a hand-painted body – most bizarrely to resemble wicker ... one of Sellers’ more cryptic witticisms. The cost of such refining came in at £2,600, four times the cost of the basic model at £640. Before long a bespoke Mini was the in-thing for the rich and famous. Ringo had one turned into a hot hatchback, while George’s Mini was daubed in psychedelic colours, John passed his driving test in his. The list of stars who pimped their wheels is almost as endless as the specialist paintjobs.

Today the £31,000 price tag of the Cygnet is borne from the

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Aston Martin branding and availability, given that fewer than 1,500 are produced each year – compared to the millionth Fiat 500 which rolled off a production line in Poland last month – the Cygnet is a very rare, and perhaps a collectable item, highly desirable to those who want to drive something prestigious. This is a very fine swan indeed.

At the Aston Martin motorworks in Gayden, Warwickshire the (genetic) engineers have refined and distilled the Cygnet, so that all noticeable traces of the iQ have been removed, in fact, I’m reliably informed that the word Toyota does not appear anywhere. The body has been completely restyled, there are new front wings, new lights, and there’s no mistaking the distinctive Aston Martin grille and the two sporty V8 Vantage-style vents in the bonnet. Most of all there’s the same hand-buffed, glass-like paintwork that is the trademark of all Astons.

The engine and mecahnics are the supposedly the same as the iQ, but I’m sure Aston Martin’s magicians have waved their wand somewhere. In the city, as you would expect, the Cygnet drives superbly, the steering seems richer, the cornering precise, and straight roads seem smoother – there’s no buffeting from side winds, and even Bristol’s well established potholes seem less jarring than in my wifes’ Fiat. Possibly the biggest smile comes from the tiny four metre turning circle – another first for Aston Martin.

Inside, every surface is either covered in handbag-quality leather or thick carpeting, giving the car a supreme sense of comfort and luxury. All this padding has the added advantage of noise reduction, it’s serene, and the outside world is a distant place. Like the iQ, there are four seats, great legroom at the front, but the back two are probably best folded down, and will then accommodate two cases of Bolly, and a week’s Waitrosia with ease.

Most of all the Cygnet, with immaculate pedigree and bearing the famous winged emblem certainly gets noticed. Outside Harvey Nichols on a Saturday afternoon and it’s astonishing how many people stop in their tracks to wonder at a car they have possibly never seen, many whipping out their camera phones to capture the moment. Have I been ‘papped’?

So while the world may think you’re a jet-set millionaire to be able afford the designer price tag, and get the chef’s table at Casamia (without booking), the balance is that there are virtually no running costs. The Cygnet will give 56.5 mpg with an attractively low CO2 rating of 116g/km. It qualifies for C band road taxation, and is equally cheap to insure and service.

Purists may say the Cygnet is not a proper Aston Martin, but that’s exactly the point Dr Bez is making; it’s a perception blowing entry into a conscious and changing world. Why should compact cars be basic, naff or commonplace to be politically correct? For those that have earned and appreciate it, luxury, pleasure and practicality can be melded without guilt.

All very well, but the one thing everyone wants to know is will 007 be seen driving a Cygnet in Bond 24? Good question.

For more information on the Cygnet contact: H.R. Owen Aston Martin, Rutherford Way, Cheltenham.

GL51 9TU. Tel: 0333 240 3659. www.hrowen.co.uk/aston-martin ■ January 2013

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BRISTOLeducation

Head to forge US links

Bristol swimming scheme makes a big splash LIFE SKILL: The Hall family enjoying the water

■ Iain Kilpatrick, pictured, the headmaster of Sidcot School in Winscombe is this year to forge links with a school in America which teaches President Obama’s daughters. Iain, who took up his role at the 17th century Quaker school in Somerset in August, is to visit Sidwell Friends School in Maryland, Washington.

He said: “I plan to visit because, as Quaker schools, our values are the same. There is so much synergy between the schools; it will be great to exchange ideas.”

As well as Barack and Michelle Obama’s daughters, Malia and Sasha, pupils have included the children of Bill Clinton, former Vice-President Al Gore and President Roosevelt as well as the present Vice-President Joe Biden’s grandchildren. For a school built on modest Quaker values, Sidwell Friends School has probably the most powerful parent body on the planet.

“Sidwell and Sidcot schools believe that diverse perspectives and meaningful enquiry fuel academic excellence and promote personal growth,“ said Iain,“We share the Quaker belief in nurturing the inner light in every child and offer a broad, balanced curriculum that challenges students to step out of their comfort zone and see uncertainty as a source of excitement and promise.”

He aims to open up the independent day and boarding school to a wider range of pupils, in line with its inclusive Quaker ethos. Students do not have to be Quakers to attend Sidcot – he believes the school’s philosophy has meaning and relevance to anyone who wants an enlightened, values-based education for their child.

The scholarship programme continues for entry in September in the junior and senior schools to broaden access for outstandingly gifted day pupils.

Scholarship applications need to be submitted by 25 January 2013. For more information on applying for a scholarship, visit: www.sidcot.org.uk or tel: 01934 843 102.

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One of the greatest gifts a parent can give their child is to make sure they learn to swim.

And thanks to lessons from Water Babies in Bristol, thousands of youngsters have learned this valuable life skill over the last ten years.

The Bristol business has won the 2012 Best Franchise Award, sponsored by Lloyds TSB and organised by independent franchise consultancy, Smith & Henderson. Water Babies was awarded Best Mid-Size

Franchisor and was shortlisted for Best Franchise System.

Bryony Johnstone who runs Water Babies lessons in Bristol, Bath and Weston super Mare, said: “As a franchisee it’s fantastic to have such a strong and supportive network available and I’m incredibly proud to be part of the Water Babies team.”

Paul Thompson, co-founder of Water Babies, adds: “The founding principle of Water Babies is its belief in people;

and if people are given the opportunity to excel, they’ll achieve amazing things.

Through that, a company will be truly successful. Winning this award is the perfect way to end an incredible 2012.”

Water Babies has won three awards at the What’s On 4 Junior Awards along with best baby and toddler class at the 2012 Family Go Live Awards.

The company has also been shortlisted for the Tommy’s Baby-Friendly Awards.

BAFTA for gamer Charlie A student from Taunton School with a passion for gaming has won a coveted BAFTA (British Academy Film and TV award).

Charlie Hutton-Pattemore attended the ceremony in London and mingled with a number of stars, including Harry Potter and Hollyoaks actress Anna Shaffer, who presented the BAFTA to him.

The BAFTA Young Game Designers initiative aims to inspire the game-makers of the future, by giving people aged 11-16 the chance to design and create their own

video game and develop it with industry professionals.

With his winning game, Vacuum Panic (aka Suck it), Charlie will now work with experts at the University of Abertay Dundee. He will also visit the award-winning SCE London Studio.

Vacuum Panic requires players to vacuum a series of rooms before their mum gets home, while avoiding various hazards.

The jury described it as “a stylish design to make the mundane into a fun, rewarding experience.”

WINNER: Charlie Hutton-Pattemore with actress Anna Shaffer

A record-breaking year for historic college As its 150th anniversary year came to a close Clifton College produced a summary of its achievements in 2012. It began with the Classic Car Wheeze which culminated in the Governor’s Cup rugby and hockey day with England Coach Stuart Lancaster and Sports Editor for ITV News and Old Cliftonian Steve Scott.

Academically the school posted record A-Level results with 80% of exams gaining A* to B grades and saw 16 pupils achieve their first choice place at Oxford and Cambridge Universities.

In sport, many teams from the Prep and Upper Schools reached national finals and the U14 girls’ hockey team were crowned national champions.

In September the Prep School opened the new

building on The Avenue, home to two new additional day houses and a dance studio.

Butcombe Nursery and Pre-Prep saw record numbers across all the year groups.

Notable Upper School productions of Romeo and Juliet and The Phantom of the Opera raised the bar to new heights and two pupils reached the latter stages of the 2012 BBC Young Musician Competition, with Oliver Gittings winning the Rotary Club’s Bristol Young Musician Award.

The Prep Schools’ Preamble walk raised £11,000 for charities and male staff embraced the Movember spirit by growing moustaches to raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health – with well over £3,000 raised so far.

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DO YOU HAVE A SPARE ROOM? FRIENDLY HOSTS WANTED FOR OUR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS We are looking for welcoming, hospitable hosts to accommodate our international students.

• Long and short stays available • Great experience • Great rates of pay For more information, please contact: Elaine Sawyer Accommodation Officer 27 Oakfield Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2AT Tel: 0117 909 0911 Fax: 0117 907 7181 Email: elaine@ihbristol.com Web: www.ihbristol.com

Study Travel Exams Holidays

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MSc in Strategy, Change and Leadership

Designed to be completed alongside a busy, full- me job Several scholarships available efim-scl@bristol.ac.uk 0117 3310571 www.bristol.ac.uk/efm

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FAMILYfun The Lost Present

Volcano Lab

Floodlit Swan Feeds

JOLLY JAPES FOR JANUARY The city has plenty of events and activities on offer for all the family to enjoy this month; from ancient storytelling to experimenting with rocks and lava, use our guide to help plan quality time with your children

Engaging theatre Tobacco Factory, Raleigh Road, Bristol.

Box office tel: 0117 902 0344 www.tobaccofactorytheatre.com

The Lost Present, Until Sunday 13 January, 11am & 2pm (no show Monday and Tuesday), Brewery Theatre It’s Christmas time and presents have gone astray. Vic and Ed need to do some detective work, and fast, to find a home for the lost presents before it’s too late. Can they do it or will there be children without presents? The Lost Present is a fun-packed 50 minutes of physical comedy, musical mayhem by Kids Carpet, and silly songs, with lots to make the little ones in your life laugh out loud. Ages 3+

Swan supper Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Gloucestershire.

Tel: 01453 891900 www.wwt.org.uk

Floodlit Swan Feeds, Every Saturday & Sunday until the end of February, 6.15pm Enjoy the magical winter spectacle of thousands of wild birds and Bewick’s swans wintering on Swan Lake in floodlight. Listen to the warden’s commentary from the heated comfort of the 52 The Bristol Magazine

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observatory and discover how to identify each Bewick’s swan individually. There’s the option of booking a warm and hearty supper afterwards.

Volcanic eruptions At-Bristol, Harbourside, Bristol.

Tel: 0845 345 1235 www.at-bristol.org.uk

Volcano Lab, Monday 7 January – Sunday 10 March Investigate igneous rocks, experiment with viscous lava and create explosive eruptions in At-Bristol’s volcano lab. During the weekend of 9/10 February, Volcano Lab will be supported by volcano scientists from the University of Bristol.

Ancient adventure St George’s, Great George Street, Bristol.

Tel: 0845 40 24 001 www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

Wild Words: Tales of the Totem, Saturday 2 February, 11.15am Ancient stories told in a contemporary way by Michael Loader and Stuart Packer, accompanied by toe-tapping and spine-tingling music from Martin Solomon. From the dawn of time and from the plains to the forest, the desert to the ice, listen to the tales of our ancestors and their reverence for nature and brotherhood with all living things.

Ship mates ss Great Britain, Great Western Dockyard, Bristol. Tel: 0117 926 0680 www.ssgreatbritain.org

Sounds of the 1800s, daily, 10am – 5.30pm Be transported back almost 160 years as the first class dining saloon comes to life on board. You can meander through the stages of dinner, hear voices and eavesdrop on conversations.

Travellers’ Trails for Children, daily, 10am – 5.30pm Explore the ship through the eyes of passengers and crews with these fun trails. With the Charlie Challenge Trail and stickers, crew member Charlie enlists the help of young visitors on his quest to reunite passengers with their lost luggage. And the Really Rough Guide follows the trail laid by mischievous passenger Olcher Fedden in his guide to the ship.

Wild wassailing Feed Bristol, Frenchay Park Road, Bristol. www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk

Feed Bristol Wassail, Saturday 26 January, 11am – 4pm Join in a traditional wassail with celebrations, music, bird box making and apple tree pruning workshops for all the family.

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of Bath

The Golden Cot Happy New Year, Happy New Mum! Special offers even in the very latest colours and designs for 2013 It’s out with the old and in with the new for 2013 with this season’s prams and buggies reflecting those bright days of spring and summer!

Savings 10% up to 15% Offers start 27th December, Ends 19th January Mums and Dads can choose from the newest fabrics and colours, getting help from our helpful nursery advisers who are always happy to demonstrate products for you.

Gesslein F10 – Superb Suspension, Complete with Footmuff, Canopy.

Suitable from Birth – 3 years. £600.

And baby can lie flat and be comfortable too as our buyers search European markets for prams, nursery equipment and furniture of the highest quality.

Gesslein, Emmaljunga, I candy, Babystyle prams and Troll furniture some exclusive to us

Gesslein F4 – Complete with footmuff, Canopy.

Small folding chassis for city use. £699

Troll furniture exclusive to us.

Set of furniture includes bed/ cot, wardrobe and changer, all made of solid wood. Was £845 now £750 Individual items available

Babystyle Oyster Humbug – Modern and very compact. £464

Emmaljunga Mondial – Traditional baby carriage.

Perfection for baby £754

2 Abbeygate Street, Bath, (by M&S) Tel: (01225) 464914 Nursery: (01225) 829012

• GO TO OUR HELPFUL WEBSITE FOR MORE INFO • WWW.SNOOKSONLINE.CO.UK

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FOOD&DRINK

Hugh sets his sights on Whiteladies Road

F

ans of Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall will be pleased to hear that River Cottage will open the next River Cottage Canteen in Whiteladies Road, Bristol, in February and has pledged to use local suppliers.

The River Cottage Canteen has signed a 15 year lease on St John’s Court, a Grade 2 listed 19th century church hall. The new Canteen interior was designed by Bristol Company, Simple Simon Design. Mock-up images show how the most has been made of the historic proportions of the building. The fixed seating is

by Russell Strange Upholstery, Bristol, signage is

by Blood Sweat and Tears, Bristol and its lighting suppliers were Lighting Services, Bristol.

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, campaigner, broadcaster and food writer, is a pioneer in food provenance and sustainable living.

“We are delighted with the way the work has progressed and the visual look of the new Bristol Canteen,” said Simon Jones of Simple Simon Design. “Great efforts have been made to

LOCAL COMMITMENT: Simple Simon Designs for the interior of the new restaurant

ensure the fixtures and fittings are made from recycled materials or UK sourced wherever possible. We’ve kept to a simple design that reveals as much as possible of the original structure, but still provides a little drama. We

are very proud to be have been invited to work with River Cottage and to create what we believe will be a very welcome addition to the Bristol food scene.”

Rob Greacen, managing director of River Cottage Canteen and Deli, said: “We have wanted to open in Bristol for many years because it has a vibrant food community and fantastic local suppliers. St John’s Court is a special building and caught our eye immediately.

The location is great, close to the Downs, but still part of the city. There are already some great restaurants in the neighbourhood and we hope that Bristolians will take to our creative and fast changing menu.”

River Cottage Canteen expects to provide up to 40 jobs. The Canteen will be managed by Bristolian Sarah Kieck and head chef will be Mark Stavrakakis, who has worked for Rockfish Grill and Seafood Restaurant in Whiteladies Road, and Goldbrick House, also in Bristol.

Dockside style Deli delivers best of region by hamper Clifton’s Arch House Deli has launched a range of hampers based on food from local producers in Bristol and Bath.

Debbie Atherton, joint owner of the award-winning deli, said: “Our vision for our products is to source local, sustainable, traceable and organic where ever possible. Only if we can’t find the right product within Bristol and Bath do we widen the search to

the south west and then further afield. The region punches well above its weight when it comes to quality food and we are proud to have been able to create a range of hampers showcasing the very best from Bath and Bristol.

The hampers contain products from local producers including Heavenly Hedgerows; The Bath Food Company; Bramley & Gage liqueurs and gin; Bristol Beer

Factory; The Fine Cheese Company’s crackers and fruit pastes; Bath Harvest’s rapeseed oils; Lovely Drinks’ pressés; and The Upton Cheyney Chilli Company’s chilli sauces.

The hampers are available made to order in the shop or from: www.shop.archhousedeli.com.

Hampers range in price from £25 to £100, with free delivery on all orders over £50.

Celebrity chef to cook up Latino treat

■ A new pub-restaurant built from 28 recycled shipping containers has opened at Portishead Marina, complete with dock-side views across the water. Hall & Woodhouse’s latest £2.4m investment has created space for diners to enjoy food and drink from sun-up to sundown and into the evenings. It has also created 55 jobs for the area. David Hoare, retail director at Hall & Woodhouse said: “The building has to be seen to fully understand the way it fits within the surrounding maritime landscape. We’ve used a total of 28 recycled shipping containers and there are even three private dining areas – guests can now invite friends for dinner in a private shipping container.”

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Fans of the talented west country celebrity chef Martin Blunos will be pleased to hear that he is making an appearance as guest chef at Harveys Cellars on Thursday 24 January to mark the restaurant’s first birthday in its current incarnation.

Martin will create a bespoke tapas-style menu using the famous Harveys sherries both in his cooking and paired to dishes.

With a wide range of Harveys variants to suit all different

moods and occasions there is a sumptuous sherry for every type of dish. And with the one-time Michelin starred chef famous for his clever culinary twists, this should prove a memorable evening at the historic city centre venue.

Tickets for the Martin Blunos experience at Harveys will be £85 to include expertly paired sherries. To book a table call Claire Judd, general manager, on tel: 0117 929 4812.

Meat-free festival will go with a swing French electro swing exponents Caravan Palace are to headline at this year’s VegfestUK Bristol.

They will play the Amphitheatre by the harbour in Bristol on 24 May. Other acts which have been signed include Kitten and the Hip, and The Boxettes, plus a number of local performers to ensure the party goes with a

swing. More announcements are due shortly for the Saturday and Sunday nights. Tickets are on sale for the Caravan Palace gig, visit: www.bristol.vegfest.co.uk, priced £15 and are only available in advance.

Admission to the daytime events on Saturday and Sunday is £2 for adults, £1 kids and OAPs before 5pm, pay on the

gate – prices after 5pm for headline acts to be confirmed.

VegfestUK Bristol is the world’s biggest veggie event and the 2012 event attracted 25,000 visitors over three days.

All the food at the event is 100% plant based and no animal products are used.

For more information visit: www.bristol.vegfest.co.uk.

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WINNER

MICHELIN GUIDE 2013

Wishing all our customers a Happy New Year!

Detox menu available

The Mint Room, Longmead Gospel Hall, Lower Bristol Road, Bath BA2 3EB • 01225 446656

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Prego 7 North View, Westbury Park, Bristol BS6 7PT. Tel: 0117 973 0496

REVIEW

THE REAL ITALIAN JOB T

here’s a scene in one of the Narnia series of books, The Silver Chair, in which the evil witch has our heroes trapped in her underground hideaway and is trying to put a spell on them so they will forget the outside world. She tells them that their memories of the warmth and brightness of the real sun are just an illusion and that reality is a merely a lamp hanging from the ceiling. But they can’t wipe the memory of that real sun and they fight to recall that this underworld is just a pale shadow, an imitation.

Bear this in mind the next time you buy a pizza, as nine times out of ten that bog standard pizza will be as much a pale an imitation of the real Italian deal as a 40 watt light bulb is to the sun. If you want to taste an authentic, crisp and light-as-air Italian pizza – made with soft fior di latte cheese and a San Marzano tomato sauce – that won’t leave you bored after the first two slices, try visiting the little corner of the Mediterranean in Westbury Park that is Prego.

This bright, welcoming independent bistro is a family favourite of ours. You can go there for lunch on Saturdays and find tables of three generations, with children happily tucking into small portions of pasta or pizza, with the promise of Marshfield ice cream at the end (the children’s meal deal of £5.95 includes pudding) while grandparents are equally happy with the specials on the blackboard, which generally include a fresh fish dish, one with meat, and all with unusual but thoughtfully complementary ingredients. There’s also an interesting choice of toppings for pizza and of sauces for fresh pasta.

If you go after work as a couple, you’ll find the place pleasantly buzzing, with gentle music and tea lights aglow. We last dined at Prego on a bitingly cold winter’s evening, the taxi driver cheerfully telling us that the reason we were cold was that it was minus five, and, he added cheerfully, that we were lucky to be visiting one of Bristol’s best restaurants.

It’s very easy to get into a warm, sunny, holiday mood at Prego and a lightly fried plate of squid with a very garlicky aioli for John did the trick. I had a delightful, bright crunchy Amalfi salad with black olives, thinly sliced fennel, cucumber, radicchio, radishes and very thinly sliced juicy orange. It not only looked pretty but I felt it was giving me plenty of my five-a-day.

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and fat ribbons of pappardelle pasta, which was John’s satisfying main course. He still had room to enjoy a taste of the Prego pizza that I was enthusing about – topped with lots of fresh rocket, along with chestnut mushrooms, goats cheese and red onion. A bottle of chilli oil is put on the table if you want to spice things up a bit.

The prices at Prego are reasonable, especially when you consider that this is an independent restaurant with almost everything, including the ravioli and the puddings, made on the premises. Pizzas are from £9.95 to £10.95, while that delicious ragu was £13.95. Throughout January there’s an early mid-week deal of pizzas for £6.95, if ordered between 5.30pm and 6.30pm, while on Mondays there’s a two-for-one deal on pizzas.

A bottle of soft, fruity red wine, a Rosso Veronese Pergolino, is £13.50, which is also a good price for a house wine.

for hearty, winter comfort ❝ food you’d be hard pushed to beat a warming ragu of slow cooked ox cheek

❞

Anyone with gluten issues will be pleased to hear there’s gluten free pasta on the menu, along with one cheese-free pizza for the dairy intolerants. Vegetarians are also well catered for.

We’ve always found the Prego service friendly, relaxed and efficient. When I found that I had been beaten by the aptly named chocolate Nemesis pudding, they very kindly wrapped the remainder up for me to take home, with instructions to leave it in the fridge until five minutes before I was to eat it. It was the most delicious of desserts, made with no flour, but mostly chocolate and topped with brandy soaked cherries and creme fraiche.

There’s usually a choice of three puds on the blackboard – do make room if you can. With dishes such as a classic tiramisu or a tart made with blood orange, pomegranate and pistachio, it would be a shame to deny yourself.

Prego, like its sister over the road, the tapas bar Manna, deserves its place in the affections of the diners of Henleaze, Clifton Downs and Westbury-on-Trym – and we wish them a felice anno nuovo. ■ GMc

A LITTLE PIECE OF ITALY: main picture, Prego spills out on to the terrace in warm weather Above, pizza perfection and a fresh, zingy Amalfi salad starter

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225 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, Bristol, BS7 8NR info@zazuskitchen.co.uk 0117 944 5500

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EAT YOURSELF HAPPY Keep your spirits up by eating well in winter. Hannah Stuart-Leach meets two women who are teaching Bristol how to make good home-made food without breaking the bank

O

n cold, dark nights, we’re more prone to make bad food choices and exercise less. A slap-up salad doesn’t seem so appealing as the temperature plunges and rain lashes at the windows. The lack of sunshine also means our vitamin D levels are lower, adding to the feeling of being run down. So in these chilly months, healthy, affordable comfort food is vital say Bev Campbell and Sue Baic of wellbeing duo Food Inside Out, who are champions of delicious, healthy eating.

I find out first-hand as I walk into the toasty glow of a winter feast at Bev’s house – she’s prepared a slow cooker full of Lebanese lentil stew with piping-hot homemade bread. Bev, a food technology teacher and Sue, a dietician, are on a mission that Jamie Oliver would be proud of – promoting healthy, affordable eating in the south west.

Starting with HMP Bristol, the pair made their niche offering hands-on lessons and practical advice to prove that living on a low income doesn’t have to lead to unhealthy food. Inspired by the findings of the Gesch studies, which found a nutritious diet rich in vitamins and omega 3 fatty acids reduced prisoners’ antisocial behaviour, they’re also seeking to demonstrate how what we eat effects how we act and feel.

Bev and Sue are thrilled by the reception to their Cook Well, Eat Well course so far, which has since been extended to include other low-income groups such as university students and referrals to the Matthew Tree Project, a local food store and outreach programme.

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they get free grub and a break from prison food. They come in a bit switched off. Then Sue teaches them about nutrition in a lively way, and they really get into it because it relates to them.”

“She does a diet MOT, so she looks at what they’re eating and why they’re eating it and then they come and do the practical with me. It’s really heart-warming, watching them become enthusiastic about cooking. You watch them blossom. And quite often they’ll say things like, ‘I only came on for the free food but actually I’ve learned a lot in the process.’”

Bev makes anything from omelettes to fruit smoothies in her classes but bread is her favourite recipe. The kneading of the dough is very therapeutic, almost meditative, she explains. Also, carbohydrates are good for us when we’re feeling down as they release endorphins. Her tip for a quick blues-busting snack is mackerel pate – oily fish is a great boost due to its omega 3 content – spread on slices of wholegrain loaf.

As we tuck into lunch, she explains the importance of making sure whatever you’re eating, you’ve cooked yourself: “Cook from scratch and you’ve got control of what’s going in there – that’s one of our main principles really.”

The simple combination of fresh soup for our lunch – containing my entire five-a-day quota – and the warm, sumptuous bread has me convinced. The soup costs just 84 pence a portion, Bev adds. “I think food underpins everything. If you get the food part right, then a lot of other things fall into place.”

Sue’s passion, though, is emphasising the importance of the adage ‘The family who eats together, stays together’. Eating should be an event and a happy experience, she says.

“It was one of my parenting principles and it’s proved to be

ENERGY BOOST: it’s cheaper and more nutritious to buy fresh fruit and vegetables in season and loose from market stalls or greengrocers

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MOODfood Bevʼs Bread

NURTURING: busy in the kitchen at one of the Food Inside Out cookery workshops

really good. As the children get older, they’re in and out quite a lot, but my husband and I have always tried to keep it a positive thing, which sounds really cheesy, but we tried not to bring our issues round the dinner table so food is associated with pleasure.”

Scholarly evidence suggests she’s spot on. A study in 2011 by the University of Denver, for instance, found communal eating, whether with family or friends, strengthens bonds and helps alleviate depression and increase happiness. “There’s a completely different side to food that’s not just about cooking but about nurturing relationships,” says Bev. I get up to leave after my nourishing meal and a good chat, but there’s something my host won’t let me go without – smiling, she hands me a package containing the ingredients to make her special bread. ■ For more information visit: www.foodinsideout.org.uk

Ingredients: (serves 4) 250g white strong bread flour and wholemeal 1 packet easy blend dried yeast 1 teaspoon salt 300ml warm water (this amount will vary) 1 egg for glazing (optional) ½ teaspoon poppy seeds or sesame seeds (optional) Oven temperature 200 or gas 7 Method: Sieve the flours into a mixing bowl making sure you add the fibre at the bottom. Add salt and dried yeast.

Gradually add warm water, mixing with a table knife until the dough is neither too wet nor too dry. You should be able to use your hands without it being too sticky.

Knead the dough for 5 mins and leave to rise for at least an hour, covering the bowl with clingfilm.

Shape the dough (eg. roll it into sausages and plait it).

Whisk the egg with a fork and paint it onto the loaf.

Sprinkle with sesame seeds or poppy seeds. Grease and flour a metal baking tray and place on tray.

Cook for about 40 mins or until loaf sounds hollow underneath when tapped.

■ “It’s easy to believe the best way to stay healthy in the winter is to reach for a packet of vitamins, so it might surprise you to learn there’s little evidence that taking big doses of supplements such as vitamin C can actually ward off colds,” says Sue. “To give yourself the best chance against germs, ensure you get a good range of immuneboosting nutrients including vitamins, minerals such as selenium, zinc and iron in your diet.”

Always keep in the cupboards: canned oily fish such as tuna and sardines, porridge oats, lentils and pulses, frozen vegetables, wholegrain pasta and cous cous.

Winter Warmer Menu - Lunch and Early Bird £10 inc. Wine

Resident Guitarist plays Every Tuesday Evening, Wednesdays BYO Wine, Nil Corkage Sunday Lunch – 28 Day Dry-Aged West Country Roast Sirloin of Beef from £12 Party Bookings, Gi vouchers Available, St Valen&ne’s Dinner

12-16 Cli on Road, Cli on, Bristol, BS8 1AF. T: 0117 973 7248 • e: eat@themuset.com

w: www.themuset.com

Twi'er @TheMuset • Facebook: The Muset

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

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THE WINE COLUMN Angela Mount, wine and food critic, chooses wines that are lower in alcohol but big in flavour

N

ew year is the time that most of us address health issues and vow to exercise, and eat less but better. The same can apply to wine; a glass of a delicious, high quality, rewarding wine is far better than a bottle of something cheap, dilute and characterless. Alcohol levels in wine have been rising in recent years, particularly with the popularity of New World wines, where hotter climates, riper, sweeter grapes, lead to naturally higher alcohol levels. There are lots of pretty powerful wines with alcohol levels of 14.5 – 15%. I’ve been searching out wines which have just as much fruit and character, but with 12% alcohol or under and fewer calories. I would far rather enjoy one glass of any of these than resort to the confected and generally fruitless lower alcohol wines on supermarket shelves.

Ruggeri Prosecco Brut Argeo, 11% £12.50 There are lots of cheap, bland Proseccos on the market, but this one is a delight, with gentle bubbles, a delicate fragrance and a soft, creamy style.

Dry, but with a lovely edge of candied lemon and peachy fruit. A light, indulgent treat with seafood and fish.

WINE TASTING AT AVERYS Book a place on our new year wine tastings January 30th – Value Wines - £20 per head Try a selection of affordable wines that won’t break the bank, chosen for their exceptional value for money.

February 27th – Americas - £25 per head A chance to try some stunning wines from both North and South America. Explore the great value found in the south and the exceptional quality found in the north.

March 27th – Italy - £25 per head Italy is always a very popular evening be sure to book soon! There will be exceptional wines from many areas showing off the best that Italy has to offer.

All tastings are at 7pm on a Wednesday nights Bread, Cheese and Pâté will be served.

To book a place on any of the tastings please contact us on 0117 921 4146 Or, drop into the Averys Cellars 9 Culver Street, Bristol, BS1

La Cadence Ugni Blanc 2011, 11% £5.95 If you’re looking for a simple, fresh, fruity dry white, with an easy-drinking style, at only 11% alcohol, then this is it.

With citrus and pears on the nose, it’s a good all purpose white. Lots of baked apple, yellow plum, and lemony flavours abound, and it has a soft, gentle finish. Great with chicken, pork chops with apple, grilled fish, and fruity salads.

Bardolino Le Nogare, Bertani 2011, 12% £9.95 This red cherry, herb and cardamom scented red from North East Italy offers freshness, elegance and character. From its limpid cherry red colour to its fresh, vibrant style, it’s a class act from a great producer. Light in style, with low tannins, full of plum and cherry fruit, it’s got a twist of thyme leaves, a hint of spice, and a savoury edge. A perfect, lighter style of red for pasta dishes, herb roasted chicken or even roast beef.

Domaine de Vissoux, Beaujolais Cuvee Traditionelle, 12% £11.30 A silky, scented, feminine, delicate, and sublimely elegant wine. If you have rejected Beaujolais because of the nasty, thin, fruitless styles that we often see, trust me and try this one. It’s made with natural yeasts, and the quality shines through. Ripe red fruit aromas waft from the glass, and it is a low tannin, stylish and entrancing red. Pair with gammon, roast chicken, ham salads, and lightly spiced Asian dishes.

Via Nova Merlot 2011, 12% £6.40 This is full of soft, plummy fruit, clove and cinnamon spice, with a smooth, velvety style. It’s a food friendly red, with all the smooth, plummy ripeness typical of Merlot, but without that heavy whack of alcohol. Deliciously juicy, with a hint of mocha, and a super smooth texture. This is the wine for winter stews, sausages, or pies.

JANUARY’S CHOICE Wines to go with stir fries and spicy Asian dishes Reichstrat von Buhl Riesling Trocken 2011, 11.3% £11.50 My perfect wine for most spicy dishes. Don’t ignore German Riesling, it produces some of the very best white wines in the world. This is a beautiful example of a dry Riesling, with aromas of honeysuckle and fresh lime, which lead to an explosion of tangy passion fruit and fresh lime streaked fruit flavours. Incredible intensity and purity of fruit.

Great Western Wine is at Wells Road, Bath BA2 3AP, tel: 01225 322810. Visit: www.greatwesternwine.co.uk. www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

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FIT&FABULOUS

Lose weight for the LAST time

I

f you’ve made a resolution to lose weight in 2013, it’s time to start thinking about adopting a good exercise regime and a healthy diet. The latter is sometimes the hardest to get to grips with just after Christmas, but to help you on your way, a new generation slimming club has arrived in Bristol. Kick Start Fat Loss is teaming up with local butchers, grocers, fishmongers and organic produce suppliers to make sure their members are getting great, healthy, locally produced food which is also going to give the local economy a much needed boost. Kick Start Fat Loss is leading the revolution against processed foods and diet foods and aims to get everyone cooking from scratch using locally sourced produce.

KSFL Club launches on 7 January at Ashley Down Primary School and offers members a clean eating programme based on the latest tried and tested formulas with no diet food in sight, a great cutting edge half hour workout for busy women, and a real sense of community spirit and support which is so important to its success. The coach is Charlotte Hussey, an experienced fitness instructor who runs her own business, Made To Motivate, that offers community based fitness classes, nutrition advice and personal training. Charlotte says: “It’s time for a change, a new generation of classes suitable for all levels that encourage a great community feel.

“We all know to have success losing weight you have to combine healthy eating with exercise; one without the other is a waste of time so we get all our members clean eating from the start with no diet food in sight.”

Kick Start Fat Loss is the brainchild of the UK’s leading health and fitness presenter and guru Rachel Holmes. It started out as an online product back in 2007 and now it’s launching nationwide with 20 branches opening up and down the country.

For further information, contact Charlotte Hussey on tel: 07855 406733.

New year, new you • On Friday 25 January, another one of The Beauty Events is being held with a focus on Positivity for a Healthy Mind & Body. The event is at e-Aware, Colston Yard, Bristol from 7-10pm where you can enjoy Champagne, canapes, special guest speakers, complimentary massage treatments and more. Tickets are £20 from tel: 07794 070 812 or email: thebeautyevent@gmail.com.

SKIN DEEP The latest health and beauty news and product reviews from Samantha Coleman

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• During the month of January Bristol City Yoga is inviting Bristolians to take on a challenge – get into a good habit with unlimited yoga during January for only £50, and if you attend four classes a week during January, you will win a golden ticket for free classes during the first week of February, plus a handy BCY mug. For further information visit: www.bristolcityyoga.co.uk or tel: 0117 924 4414.

• If the over-indulgence at Christmas has taken its toll and the January blues have set in, showing through dull, tired skin, help is at hand at Candice White Beauty salon in Clifton which offers the CACI Non-Surgical Face-lift treatment for dramatic and effective results. CACI softens lines, wrinkles and reduces sun damage while hydrating, tightening and toning the skin. The principle of the treatment is muscle re-education, lifting and toning the face contours, reminding the muscles of how they used to be. And while you’re at the salon, why not treat yourself to some pampering – other services available at Candice White include manicures, pedicures, waxing, tanning and massages. The salon is open five days a week with three late evenings.

To book, tel: 0117 973 0727

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▲ Winter Wonders ❶

New York apothecary brand Malin & Goetz has introduced glycolic acid pads to its collection of advanced skincare products. The pads buff away bad complexions in just one wipe, leaving skin more even, allowing for the effective absorption of moisturisers, while also delivering a healthier finish to the skin. Find them on sale at Space NK in Clifton, £38.

❷

If you’re suffering from chapped and dry lips because of the cold weather, try the Popcorn lip scrub from Lush (£5.25). Take a small amount of the scrub and apply to lips in a circular motion – the castor sugar will gently buff away any dry flaky skin while the organic jojoba oil will soothe any redness and soreness. It tastes just like popcorn too.

❸

If you buy one thing this month let it be the new Jo Malone London Vitamin E Eye Creme (£35 from Harvey Nichols). This luxurious moisturiser helps to reduce the look of fine lines and dark circles while hydrating and conditioning at the same time. It’s a little pot of magic that you won’t want to be without.

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CENTRE4HEALTH CLINIC At Whiteladies Health Centre with Susanna Priest

Lymphatic Management, uses a light medical massage to reduce oedema and stimulate the lymphatic system, this is called Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). For MLD Therapy patients often have, swollen limbs or ankles, lymphedema, Lipoedema, Pre and Post-Operative Shoulder, Hip and Knee replacements, Cosmetic Surgery and the need to detox. Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy combines MLD and specialist bandaging to reduce swelling and improve mobility and appearance. A Compression Hosiery fitting service if offered using attractive modern hosiery (no Norah Batty tights!) Before setting up our service in Bristol I was working in a major NHS London Hospital in the Lymphatic Departments.

ElectroMagnetic Stimulation (EMS), a gentle, effective therapy helping conditions like arthritis, back pain, joint pain, sports injuries, MS and fractures.

'M'Technique™, a hypnotic massage for stress and insomnia, which I practiced at NHS Cheltenham Hospital.

Bristol: Tuesday and Friday Whiteladies Health Centre, Whatley Road, Clifton, BS8 2PU Nailsworth: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday Suite 2, 2 Market Street, Nailsworth, Stroud, Glos GL5 5AB. Free car parking.

www.centre4health.co.uk FOR DETAILS AND TESTIMONIALS

Tel: 07867 934677 / 01453 836230 susanna@centre4health.co.uk

Candice White Beauty Salon

Inside Candice White Beauty Salon on the corner of Royal York Crescent, you’ll find the warmest welcome and a menu of some of the latest beauty treatments on the market – the perfect place for your New Year reinvention. o [ComfortZone] Facials, Eye and Lip care o Eye grooming treatments o Electrolysis

o Body Treatments

o Holistic Therapies

o Airbrush Tanning o Waxing

o Make-Up

o Jessica hand and feet treatments

o Also providing the world famous CACI Treatments, better known as ‘‘The Non Surgical Face Lift’’ The salon is open five days a week with three late evenings, helping to cater for the busiest lifestyle as well as welcoming drop-in clients.

For more information visit www.cwbeauty.co.uk or call 0117 9730727

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A WAY OF LIFE K

aren Pearce is a walking advertisement for the benefits of practising Pilates regularly. The former professional ballet dancer may have retired from dancing in the late 1990s, but she has maintained the upright posture, elegance of movement and flexibility, thanks, she says, to making Pilates exercises a part of her daily routine.

And after running the successful Pilates Studio in Taunton for ten years, Karen has recently extended her business to open a new studio in the former HTV studios in Bristol. I went to visit her at the pristine, light and airy studios, which are all kitted out with the very latest Pilates equipment.

This is quite different from a gym. Instead of MTV blasting out and muscly men sweating over the machines, there is a tranquil atmosphere with gentle music and not a whiff of competitive spirit in the air. Karen and her trained team, Kate Lewis and Gabrielle Boyd, take introductory sessions of around 45 minutes for £12, so clients can see how they get on before committing themselves to more.

The great thing about Pilates is that it’s suitable for every fitness level, from those trying to recuperate after surgery or suffering from debilitating conditions such as Parkinson’s, right through to ultra-fit athletes and sports people who want to build on their core strength.

If you’ve been watching Strictly Come Dancing you’ll have heard the judges talking about the contestants’ core strength. This is the area around the midriff, ribs, lower back and bottom, which is crucial to helping the rest of the body perform daily functions – not to mention helping it achieve more in sporting performance. Karen introduces me to a series of Pilates benches, where she patiently talks me through each exercise, explaining which muscles I should be using and watching to make sure that I am using those muscles, and not cheating by letting a stronger part of my body do all the work.

You can’t drift off and daydream while doing Pilates. Each stretching and flexing exercise is done with precision and you need to concentrate on isolating the muscles you want to strengthen. The goal is to build up balance, flexibility and core muscles but with no bulking up, as you might find in weight lifting.

This is a very nurturing environment and Karen’s years of experience have made her a patient teacher and an effective communicator. She also has a sense of humour, so if you find yourself having a giggle at your undignified position or efforts at mind and body co-ordination, she’ll put you at your ease. She also gave me some exercises to do at home to strength my core.

After the session I felt my body had enjoyed a thoroughly satisfying good stretch, and the next day I could definitely feel where those lazy tummy muscles had been reluctantly stirred into life.

The Pilates Studio, conveniently has a car park right outside for clients.

It’s also open until 8pm on Mondays and Thursdays, and on Saturday mornings. You can either pay as you go, for £22 for an hour’s supervised session, or book ten sessions for £180. There is also a cardiovascular machine in the studio for those who wish to build up their heart and lung performance.

Pilates is so yet effective that physiotherapists regularly refer their patients to try it. Sarah Sessa is a physiotherapist at the Bath Road Studios who works alongside Karen with patients who have general mobility or balance problems, or who have had an injury or surgery. ■ The Pilates Studio, Bath Road Studios, 470 Bath Road, Arnos Vale, Bristol BS4 3HG, tel: 0117 971 1499. Visit: www.thepilatesstudio.co.uk GMc www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

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TRUST IS MORE THAN JUST SKIN DEEP GETTING THE BEST COSMETIC TREATMENT

L

isa Sacks is a highly respected consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital: “Deciding to have cosmetic surgery is a big decision and choosing a good hospital with the right surgeon is vital to ensuring that you are happy with the entire procedure and its outcomes.

Here at Nuffield Health, we are committed to providing high quality and intimate patient care to ensure that our patients are as comfortable as possible when making any Lisa Sacks decisions regarding surgery. It’s this commitment which has led our recent patient survey to reveal 100% trust and satisfaction in our care. With this in mind, here are some of my essential tips on how you can make sure you’ve chosen the right hospital, surgeon and ultimately surgery for you.”

Consult your GP – Your GP knows the local area and who is a wellestablished surgeon. You can also talk to them about any health issues you have, and whether they might affect or be affected by surgery.

Research, research, research – Today we have an abundance of readily available information at our fingertips, so research your consultants online, go onto forums and consider past patient feedback.

Surgery specific – Plastic surgeons can specialise in a variety of different practices but make sure they have good experience in the specific procedure you want. Ask to see pictures of their past surgeries and speak to some of their previous patients. You want a surgeon who is honest and will give you a clear and realistic overview of the entire procedure.

Invest in consultations – Book consultations with at least three different surgeons, check that they are BAAPS or BARPAS certified and choose the one you think is the most competent. Most importantly, choose a surgeon you like and feel the most comfortable with, you want to trust that they will be taking the best possible care of your post-operation recovery.

Cheap is expensive – Don’t be fooled by lower costs for initial surgery, all payment packages should include free follow ups. Small operations are sometimes needed post-surgery, and these can amount to a very high cost if they are not covered by the original payment package.

Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital, Upper Byron Place Bristol, Avon BS8 1JU Tel: 0117 987 2727 • www.nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/bristol www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

FITNESS AT HOME The experts at Nuffield Health Fitness and Wellbeing Centre in Bristol have a cheat’s guide to getting fitter in the comfort of your own home

T

he good news is that there are many easy exercises that can be woven into your normal routine. Do you ever catch yourself waiting for the potatoes to boil or sit watching the same annoying ads between your favourite TV show? Here are 10 top tips to exercising at home – no special equipment required.

1 Light weight lifting. You don’t need to go out and buy expensive weights for this. Start out with something light, such as a can of beans, and work yourself up to heavier items. You can use milk cartons, water bottles or even detergent bottles. Try five sets of ten repetitions and gradually increase and you’ll see toned arms in no time.

2 Squats. These are very effective exercises for your legs and buttocks. Hold in your stomach muscles as you bend your legs, until you’re almost in a sitting position, maintain for a few seconds then return to a standing position and repeat. You can try these by sitting and standing up again from a regular chair, if you’re finding them to be too difficult. As long as you’re able to do a few repetitions, you will be providing some benefit to your body.

3 Leg lifts. Sit tall with good posture. Keep your stomach muscles in to protect your back, and extend one leg so thighs are parallel. Lift it up, hold for 10 seconds and then release. This will work your legs and core muscles as well as passing time during the TV ads.

4 Standing lunges. Stand tall and take a big step forward with your right leg.

Sink halfway into a lunge (right knee at a 45-degree angle) and hold for five seconds. Sink further (your knee at a 90-degree angle); hold for five seconds.

As you rise up, pause halfway and hold for five more seconds, then return to a standing position and repeat, alternating legs. By doing these lunges slowly, you increase intensity.

5 Wall sit. Holding this position strengthens your core, and upper leg muscles, which in turn helps prevent pain in your lower back, knees, and hips. Stand with your back against the wall, feet shoulder-width apart, and squat down until your knees are at about 60 degrees; hold for 30 seconds.

6 Leg cycling. This exercise is done by lying flat on your back, moving your legs in a cycling motion. Guaranteed you will feel the thigh burn after doing 20-45 leg cycling exercises. When you feel the thigh burn that means your thighs will eventually get thinner with this leg exercise. This exercise is also great for flattening your abs also.

7 Star jumps. These will bring memories flooding back from your youth and they are also very useful for maintaining a great shape. This exercise makes your arms toned and legs toned, and most importantly it a great cardiovascular exercise as well.

8 Jog on the spot. Jogging is a great exercise for your heart. You can jog in place at home while watching TV or listening to music. The only equipment you will require is a good pair of shoes, to eliminate any stress to your legs.

9 Step exercises. Using your staircase at home, you can do repetitions which will tone your leg muscles. You can make your workouts as complicated or simple as you like, just remember that you should change any exercises that cause pain or discomfort.

10 Tone and brush. Use the time spent brushing your teeth to tone your legs and give your muscles a good stretch, by slowly going up and down on your tip toes. Repeat at least 20 times – or until you’ve got a shiny white smile. ■ Nuffield Health Bristol: The Fitness and Wellbeing Centre is located on Clifton Triangle. St. Mary’s Hospital, Upper Byron Place.

Nuffield Health is currently investing £20m in redeveloping its Chesterfield Hospital on Clifton Hill, opening September 2013.

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FOOD AS MEDICINE Looking for a new career in Nutrition?

Or want to know how to feed your family?

Doug Swift explains what’s on offer at the College of Naturopathic Medicine in Bristol, where he is Director of Studies.

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career as a Nutritional Therapist can be a great choice for people who have an interest in natural health, and/or a passion for food.

The more they begin to understand the incredible power of Nutrition, the more they want to learn about it.

CNM’s diploma course in Nutrition is based on a combination of up to date scientific research and natural medicine practices, stressing the use of whole and organic foods as an effective answer to many chronic and acute conditions. Students learn about the physiological and biochemical processes of nourishment, as well as about the energetic side of foods and how to pinpoint whether nutritional deficiencies or toxicity may be causing a problem, and how to address these to return the body to balance.

All CNM courses are based on Naturopathic principles, including that prevention is better than cure; that the body has an innate ability to heal itself if given the right help; that the root cause of a condition has to be found in order to cure it; and that practitioners never use treatments which can harm.

To become a fully qualified Nutritional Therapist from CNM in Bristol, students need to take a 2 or 3 year part time diploma course based on attendance over a set number of weekends each year. For those who don’t come from a medical background, the first year consists of a foundation in Biomedicine so that they acquire good knowledge of Anatomy & Physiology and all the body’s processes, before beginning two years of study in Nutrition.

CNM students come from every walk of life and are motivated by a desire to improve their own health, to help others, and to earn a good income from a career that becomes their way of life and provides tremendous job satisfaction.

CNM qualifications are highly respected in the world of natural health.

Apart from the academic content of the course, students spend at least 200 hours in clinic under the supervision of a qualified therapist, so the practical element is huge and gives students both the skills and the confidence to set up in practice once they qualify. 80% of our graduates go on to practice as nutritional therapists. They may work from home, in a spa, gym or health centre. Some set up health related internet businesses or work for health food or vitamin companies.

The growth in interest about natural health has been phenomenal. Since CNM set up in 1997 we now have 10 colleges across the UK and in Ireland. At our central London college, students can train for careers in Nutrition, Herbal Medicine, Acupuncture, Homeopathy and Naturopathy, or benefit from a range of short courses and postgraduate courses.

If a new career is not on the cards for you but you’d like to know more about helping yourself and your family with Nutrition, we’ll be

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running a 12 week evening class here in Bristol called ‘Nutrition for Everyday Living’, starting in February. It will de-mystify all those confusing food choices and give you tips from eating to improve your mood to anti-ageing.

We also plan to launch our Acupuncture Diploma course later this year.

If you’d like to talk to me about any of our CNM courses, give us a call, or come along to our next Open Evening where I look forward to meeting you. If you’re in need of a post-Christmas detox, don’t miss our detox talk on 16th January.

Doug Swift

Overdone things at Christmas?

On 16th January 5:30-6:30pm join us for a Free Health Talk on ‘Detox’ by CNM lecturer Sarah Chandler who will be running CNM’s Nutrition for Everyday Living course starting in February.

To find out more about studying Nutrition with CNM come along to our next free-to-attend Open Evenings on 9th January or 6th February, 6.30pm to 8.30pm For more details about these events in Bristol or to book your place, call 01342 410505 or visit

www.naturopathy-uk.com

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OUT&ABOUT

OUT OF THE STRONG . . .

For the first walk of 2013 Andrew Swift finds sweetness and peace in Bristol’s green spaces, now transformed into nature reserves out of the city’s industrial past

L

et’s take a green odyssey this month through Bristol’s eastern suburbs, where old industrial sites, quarries, collieries and abandoned railways have been transformed into parks and nature reserves.

We also take in two sprawling Victorian cemeteries, so that, while staying well within the city limits, most of the walk is through green spaces and along green corridors rather than suburban streets.

We start at Lawrence Hill station on the Severn Beach line.

Leaving the station, cross the road and turn left. Take the third right along Cobden Street, carry straight on at the crossroads and bear left into Tichborne Road at the end. Turn first right along Mildred Street and left at the main road.

After 150 metres, cross and go up steps into Netham Park, which occupies a site once covered by a vast chemical works. Go to the right of the playground and follow the path straight on.

After passing a netball pitch on the left, cross a drive and carry on across the grass to the right of a row of houses.

Carry straight on along a road. Turn left at the end up Netham Road, before crossing and turning right into Grindall Road. At the end, turn right along the main road for 60 metres, before crossing into Avon View cemetery and heading up to a chapel surrounded by large tombs. One of the grandest is an obelisk on the right commemorating Handel Cossham, a selfmade colliery owner who was also MP for Kingswood and a noted benefactor.

Turn left at the chapel, go through the gates and turn right along the road. After 150 metres, turn right into Strawberry Lane, and take the footpath bearing left to Troopers Hill. Carry on past allotments and up steps, bearing right as a path joins from the left. When you reach an access road, cross and carry on down between hedges, before turning left through a kissing gate (KG). Follow a path through scrubby woodland and through another KG. When you reach the open area, turn right along a path leading to Troopers Hill chimney, built around 1800 to 72 The Bristol Magazine

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carry away poisonous fumes from copper works at the bottom of the hill. Sitting almost on the lip of a large quarry, high above the Avon valley, it commands one of the finest views in the city.

Head back along the path, and, after passing an information board, carry on across the grass beside a green fence. Follow this as it swings left. At the road go through a KG and turn right. At the main road turn left.

After 500 metres, you come to a junction and an ornate drinking fountain. Cross at the lights just past the junction. A few metres further on, turn right through a gateway and head to the right of the library into St George Park, with a view ahead to an ornamental lake created by damming the Wain Brook and a view westward along a tree-lined avenue once known as Church Walk.

Cross the avenue and head downhill. At the lake, go down steps and turn left along its southern shore. Carry on, turning right by a raised area (once topped by a bandstand) and walk up to the road. The houses over to your left, beyond the tennis courts, stand on the site of Whitehall Colliery, closed in 1893.

At the road, cross and head straight up Congleton Road. At the main road, cross with care, turn right and first left into Thurston’s Barton. Passing School Walk, carry straight on along a footpath for 200 metres, past the backs of houses.

When you reach a road, cross and turn left. At Gordon Road, cross and turn right. After 100 metres, when the road forks, bear left into a cul de sac. Carry on at the end, and, as the path swings right, turn left onto the old Midland Railway line – now a cycle path – and turn right. After crossing a bridge, continue for 50 metres before turning left into Clay Bottom. Carry on to the road, turn left and then right along Wainbrook Drive. Turn right past the backs of houses and, after 75 metres, cut across the grass to the entrance to Royate Hill Nature Reserve. A flight of steps leads up to the trackbed of another old Midland Railway line, where you turn left across a viaduct and along an embankment.

Follow the path down steps to mosaics and a board describing

WATERY OASIS: an ornamental lake formed in St George Park

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OUT&ABOUT

CITY SKYLINE: the panoramic view from Troopers Hill

local residents’ battle to save this natural wilderness. As you leave the nature reserve, the second cemetery, Greenbank, is on the left.

A gate a few metres along is open on weekdays only; at weekends you need to turn right, right again along Bridge Street, and right under the viaduct to the Rose Green Road entrance. Greenbank cemetery, opened in 1871, contains memorials to victims of the Bristol Blitz, which can be found on the east side, south of the Rose Green Road entrance.

Leaving the cemetery by the main gates (past the derelict chapel on the south side), cross Greenbank Road and walk up Turley Road to the Elizabeth Shaw chocolate factory, opened in 1901, closed in 2006 and still standing empty. Turn right along Co-operation Road and left along Carlyle Road. Turn right at the end, before heading down a ramp to the railway cycle path and turn right along it. After 700 metres, turn left off the path at Russelltown Avenue, head south to the end of the avenue and

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turn left along Church Road to return to Lawrence Hill station.

Level of challenge: Straightforward, although kissing gates on the approach to Troopers Hill are somewhat constricted. ■

FURTHER INFORMATION Length of walk: six miles Approx time: three hours ■ A good street map is recommended ■ Avon View cemetery is open 9am – 4.30pm weekdays, 11am – 4.30pm at weekends. Greenbank cemetery is open daily, gates close at 4.30pm. Dogs not permitted.

■ ■

January 2013

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The Bristol Magazine 73

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CITYgardening

BASKING IN THE GLORY Our award-winning gardening writer Jane Moore is celebrating her garden at the Bath Priory being crowned hotel garden of the year

T

his New Year marks the start of a special year for the diminutive gardens department of the Bath Priory Hotel aka Anna, my longstanding parttime assistant, and I. For 2013 is Our Year at the Top; the year we can bask in the glory of the highest accolade that we can gain as hotel gardeners. This year we two are the proud holders of the Relais & Chateaux Garden Trophy. And what a lovely chunk of engraved glass it is too.

Now I realise this may not sound like a big deal to you, but it is to us. Unlike awards and accolades for chefs which abound, there are very few prizes around for gardeners. I guess that most of the time, while a chef is typically quite expectant of praise for his culinary creations, short-lived though they may be; the humble gardener is quietly getting on with his garden in the background, seeking only the satisfaction of a good show of tulips and a nicely burgeoning herbaceous border to know that he’s done well. It’s a huge pat on the back for Anna and me and we have the satisfaction of knowing that we can hold our heads high with the big teams, big budgets and enormous reputations of the likes of Gravetye Manor, Raymond Blanc’s Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons and Whatley Manor, not to mention all the glorious hotels abroad.

We gardeners are more likely to regard praise from our peers, fellow gardeners who drop in on the National Garden Scheme days and the like, as the proof of our horticultural prowess. I was so excited and pleased when a Swedish gardening tour organiser told me that the hotel had been recommended by Helen Dillon, the Irish gardener and writer.

“Where did you hear about us,” I asked.

“Oh, I asked Helen Dillon for recommendations when we took a tour to her garden in Ireland,” he said. “She spoke very highly of your garden and had a lovely stay here.”

And that was it, although I glowed about it for weeks afterwards: a high profile gardener who I rated commending my work. I was only sorry we’d not met and walked around the 76 The Bristol Magazine

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garden together.

But this trophy acknowledges the importance of the garden to the hotel’s atmosphere and ambience. The Priory would not be the same if all we had was a car park, would it? It’s so easy to take a garden for granted and yet the setting of a hotel or even a domestic house is so vital to our perception of the place.

There’s nothing like a garden for ❝ creating a sense of peace and relaxation – I still think it’s one of the loveliest gardens I’ve ever worked in

❞

There’s nothing like a garden for creating a sense of peace and relaxation and, even after nearly ten years at the Priory, I still think it’s one of the loveliest gardens I’ve ever worked in. I know, I’m terribly biased but I can’t get too big headed. The layout of the garden has been a long process that encompasses the talents of garden designers, builders, my predecessor James and countless gardeners before us stretching back in time to when the house was new and the gardens first laid out.

Gardens can be instantly created – just look at Chelsea Flower Show – but mostly they evolve and the Priory’s history is palpable for us. When we mow our main lawn, we can feel the depression where the grand old specimen tree once stood – I think it was a beech, looking at the grainy black and white photo from the 1930s. This slight hollow in the lawn, all but invisible, lies close to the walnut which was obviously planted to replace the ancient tree and is now reaching a good size and gaining a touch of majesty itself. It’s a bit like looking at the stars: you realise you’re just a small part of a very big picture. I wonder if later generations of gardeners will contemplate the liquidambar I have planted and thank me for my foresight in the same way as I do my forerunners. I do hope so.

EVER CHANGING: the formal Italian garden at the Bath Priory

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CITYgardening Gardening jobs for January

HISTORIC: the view across the croquet lawn towards the Bath Priory Hotel in summer

And that’s the thing about gardening, although Anna and I are hugely pleased to have our praises sung and our work celebrated, it’s not what we do it for. I always say that if I wanted to be rich or get my name in lights, I opted for the wrong profession. Come the spring, once the grass starts growing and the seeds need sowing, we’ll be out there, same as ever, getting on with the unsung, joyful stuff that makes being a gardener so worthwhile.■ Follow Jane on Twitter @janethegardener or read her blog, www.janethegardener.wordpress.com

Awards or not, the garden still needs attention even in the bleakest of months. It’s now that we’re likely to get the worst of the weather: frosts, gales, snow and, of course, heavy rain. Lovely. ● Check stakes, ties, fleeces, bubble wrap and so on to make SATISFYING: cut off old leaves on sure it’s secure and hellebores to show off their delicate flowers your tender plants are well protected. ● Keep feeding the birds, it’s a tough month for them, and you’ll be grateful once they’re picking at the aphids on your fruit bushes later on. ● One of my favourite January jobs is cutting off old leaves of the hellebores to show off the emerging flowers. It’s chilly on the fingers but the hellebores look beautiful once it’s done. ● A toasty indoor job is settling down with the seed catalogues and a cup of tea to plan the annual border and the vegetable crop rotations for the coming season. I also make a list of any annuals such as cosmos and so forth that we dot around the beds to fill in any gaps later in the season.

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

A new website connects people who have stuff to store with people who have space to spare

W

as one of your new year’s resolutions to save more and spend less? Or perhaps it was to earn some extra money to cope with the household bills? Either way, a new website that has recently launched in Bristol and Bath may provide an innovative solution.

Storenextdoor.com connects people that have ‘stuff to store’ to people who live near them with ‘space to spare’. The space could be an empty loft or garage, a spare room or even a secure outbuilding. The service is fully insured by Aviva, and both parties have to fill out a user profile and sign legal documents to keep everything fair and square.

The people who list spaces are known as Badgers and there are currently 27 of them in the Bristol and Bath area. Weekly prices for spaces range from £6-7 for a small room or vault to £20-25 for a whole garage or loft, and that includes the insurance cover, so considerably cheaper than going down the commercial storage route especially for a long-term contract. Anyone with extra space can become a Badger – as well as homeowners the opportunity is open to small businesses and charitable organisations – and the website currently allows up to five listings per sign up.

The Squirrels (the people that rent the spaces) have to write an inventory of all the items they wish to store, and can ask to view listed storage spaces before using them. Once a contract is arranged, the Squirrel sets up a direct debit and the website takes its cut from this fee. The rest is paid to the badgers.

A common first reaction is one of ‘can I trust the other party?’ and immediately issues spring to mind about security and safety. All the evidence, however, is pointing to the complete opposite revelation. When people-do-business-with-people (think of ebay) and their online reputations are put on the line – especially at a local level – then the results are surprisingly positive. Incidents of abuse of such services are very rare indeed and the collaborative nature of these websites means that users are generally very open about their interactions and very pleased to offer testimonials.

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Some people who have discovered the benefit of using Storenextdoor.com include: The Badger……. Laura, a teacher says: "With a growing family and money not going as far as it used to, I’m always looking at ways for additional revenue streams. When I read about storenextdoor.com in the paper I realised that I could rent out our empty boarded loft and literally make money while I was asleep. The website is really user friendly – it was really easy to make the listing. And we might actually be able to go on holiday this year."

The Squirrel……. Susan, hotelier and collector: "I have been using commercial storage since moving house and have spent a lot of money over the years so I was delighted to discover Storenextdoor.

It offers me a much cheaper option and as I can store with someone in my neighbourhood I will be able to access my stuff when I need to without having to use the car.

The Badger….. Clare, a photographer: “I have a couple secure spare rooms in my house. I did consider getting a lodger or renting it out as a B&B but I don’t have the time to manage it. This seemed like an ideal solution to earn a bit of extra with minimum effort. It’s a great idea.”

The Squirrel……. Jake, student: "I’m going abroad for a gap year next summer so this is ideal for me as I need somewhere to put all my uni stuff while I’m away – and my parents have moved house since I left home so I can’t stash it in the loft at home like I used to” The Storenextdoor founders state that New Year's resolutions are to offer a service that is 'good value, local, safe and neighbourly' which sounds like a great way to start 2013! So if you have spare space or need self-storage head to www.storenextdoor.com to list or search for free. And if you sign up and list you could be in chance to win £100 in Amazon vouchers. Once you have listed your space you will automatically be entered into the PRIZE DRAW (see website for terms & conditions).

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CITYhomes

INTO THE WOODS A cluster of homes in a semi-rural setting in historic botanical gardens are nearing completion. Georgette McCready paid a visit to Overton Court at Leigh Woods.

Interiors photography by Charlotte Stone

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inter sunlight is streaming through the big french windows and beyond the garden we can see squirrels happily scampering through the mature fir trees. There is no traffic noise and yet we’re just a few minutes’ drive from the centre of bustling Clifton Village with its cafés, boutiques and independent shops.

I’m visiting an unusual small development out at Leigh Woods, where developers Devonshire Homes are nearing completion on a handful of unique contemporary townhouses.

The site is home to Bristol’s historic Old Botanical Gardens and part of the project has included restoration and preservation of the gardens for the enjoyment of future generations.

The big old house – Bracken Hill House – was built in 1886

by Melville Wills, son of tobacco magnate HO Wills and father to Douglas, who gave the estate to Bristol University in 1959.

The university used the house for student accommodation and now it lies, like Sleeping Beauty, waiting for its latest owner to restore it to its Victorian splendour either as two substantial homes or as apartments.

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CREATING A COMMUNITY: the Bracken Hill site includes the restoration of old coach houses – main picture – which have use of the historic lily pond garden The new homes, Overton Court, back on to the wooded Botanical Gardens

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CITYhomes

But it is the five acres of grounds which interest me, as this is where Devonshire Homes has been busy building and restoring to create 12 homes in all. It is restoring the old coach house, to form three homes, saving the lodge house and building four semidetached and two detached new homes, plus two new walled garden homes. The Tiverton-based developer is not connected to Bracken Hill House itself.

Two of the coach house homes are already sold and the owners will enjoy the privilege of the use of the lily pond gardens, created in the 19th century as part of the Bracken Hill pleasure gardens.

The new houses, known as Overton Court, are in a gated community, their gardens backing on to the Old Botanical Gardens woodland with its mature trees and unusual plant collection.

The gardens are tended by head gardener Robert Webber and contain specimen trees and shrubs, including the very rare Bristol whitebeam. Robert will continue to work to ensure that this historic plot is maintained.

Not only is this little spot of tranquil land protected from development, but it is also available much of the year for the exclusive use of the residents of Overton Court.

Twice a year members of the Leigh Woods Society like to come and enjoy an open day in the gardens, but most of the time it is the playground for numerous wild birds.

There will be an open day at the Overton Court show home on Saturday 26 January, being hosted by Savills estate agents but we were lucky enough to enjoy a sneak preview.

The developers have paid attention to what today’s housebuyers are looking for – big, sociable spaces for eating and entertaining in, state-of-the-art bathrooms with wide, walk-in showers, rooms for different uses, from family cinema to home

office, plus that perennial requirement, storage, storage, storage.

The attention to detail is apparent throughout, from the front steps up to the door which have been sand-blasted so they’re slip proof, right through to the discreet iPad docking station on the sitting room wall, through which you can pipe your favourite tracks through ceiling speakers into various parts of the house, including the master bathroom.

In the show home, which is one of the pairs of semi-detached houses, the rooms are spread over three floors, all reached via a central staircase and light stairwell with wide landings. The set dressing has been done by Redditch based interior designers Claude Hooper so it’s easy to envisage where furniture could go.

All the rooms are a generous size. The L-shaped ground floor living space includes dining area, big sitting room and a kitchen area large enough to accommodate a couple of chefs plus a few guests lounging at the breakfast bar, or chopping and stirring to help the head chef of the day. Envious foodie friends are bound to want to open the ingenious cupboards and drawers, check out the inbuilt coffee machine and the wine fridge, which can be set to two separate temperatures. And how many houses boast a huge American sized fridge in the kitchen and another fridge downstairs in the utility room?

Non-slip decking leads out through the french windows to the gardens and down on lower ground floor level there’s a sun trap stone terrace that’s ideal for use as an alfresco dining room, with a wall water feature that can be switched on or off. This sun terrace leads into the family room or cinema, according to the household’s needs. It’s certainly big enough to take a snooker table, if that’s your game.

Also at this level are big built-in cupboards for coats, boots and other paraphernalia, a cloakroom and a utility room with

FILLED WITH LIGHT: main picture, the main sitting room in the show home looks out over landscaped gardens towards the Botanical Gardens beyond Inset, attention to detail throughout this sunny, contemporary home

The attention to detail is apparent ❝ throughout, from the front steps up to the front door, which have been sandblasted so they’re slip proof, right through to the discreet iPod docking station on the sitting room wall

❞

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FAMILY HOME: main picture, there is plenty of room for two children and all their toys in the top floor bedroom Top, left to right, one of the spacious bedrooms, the master bedroom is an impressive 18ft 3ins by 23ft 6ins, and the second sitting room has patio doors which open on to a suntrap terrace Inset, the view from the kitchen towards the open plan dining and sitting areas

space by the radiator for a dog basket, should your family include a furry friend. A door from the hall leads into the double garage, which has a remote controlled electronic door, so there’s never any need to get caught in the rain. And, as you might expect, the properties have been designed to be energy efficient and solar panels are deployed to provide piping hot water.

More thought has also gone into the master bedroom suite on the first floor. This is a big space, with room for even the largest of king size beds, lots of built-in cupboards and a master en suite bath and shower room with his and hers basins and a wall mirror which opens to reveal a clever recessed bathroom cupboard.

While the house would suit a professional couple who value their space, entertain regularly and like to work from home, it would also make an ideal family house, providing up to five bedrooms and with three bathrooms, and a loo on every floor.

Clifton, as we’ve said, is just over the suspension bridge and there is all of nearby Leigh Woods to explore, for dog walking, running, or cycling.

The kids have the freedom to enjoy the green space of the Old Botanical Gardens, while mum and dad have peace of mind that they’re close at hand. And keen gardeners will be pleased to think that this is well dug soil over generations, with the addition of an extra dressing of what looked like excellent top soil being added during my visit to the site.

Overton Court houses are on the market through Savills, Clifton Village, from £1.375m. Tel: 01179 335 803 to arrange a viewing. ■

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

MAGGS AND ALLEN HAVE FUN AT HENLEAZE CHRISTMAS FAYRE

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n 05th Dec 2012 Maggs and Allen hosted another stall at their local Henleaze Christmas Fayre with the proceeds again going to Cancer Research UK. The staff and their families, friends and even some clients baked a plethora of cakes and biscuits, everything from the humble mince pie to beautifully iced muffins were given away at the stall in return for a donation to the charity. The staff kept chipper in the cold crisp weather and kept the guests minds working by presenting a game with the entry fee adding to the charity fund, with the winner receiving a hamper.

Their bubbly enthusiasm definitely paid off, as they smashed last year’s total by raising £414.99 with 100% going to Cancer Research UK. Maggs and Allen would like to thank those that helped bake the delicious offerings, and to all the wonderful people that donated to our worthy cause a very special thank you. We hope with your continued support to raise even more throughout 2013. www.maggsandallen.co.uk 0117 949 9000 60 Northumbria Drive, Henleaze, Bristol, BS9 4HW

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BRISTOLproperty

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his imposing Grade II listed house stands in roughly 20 acres. Believed to date back to the 18th century the property occupies an elevated position with south westerly views extending beyond the Mendip Hills and with glimpses of the Bristol Channel.

Renovation work has been carried out within the last twelve months, creating a 21st century home rich in architectural history. Three of the four well proportioned principal reception rooms have spectacular views and all have attractive fireplaces. There is a large, sunny kitchen/breakfast room giving access to the gardens as well as an additional kitchen which is ideal for catering large events. At the centre of the property is the former racquet court which has the potential to form a superb indoor swimming pool (previous planning consent has lapsed) or other feature, purely dependant on a combination of the imagination of the buyer and permission of the planners. On the two upper floors there are a total of eight bedrooms, including the master suite and five further bathrooms or shower rooms. There is good potential to accommodate an au pair or nanny. The property comes with integral garaging, cellars, gardens and grounds and planning permission for ten stables, tack room and manege.

Full floor plans and particulars for this spectacular estate are with agents Knight Frank.

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BELMONT HOUSE WRAXALL, NORTH SOMERSET • Eight bedrooms • Five bath/shower rooms • Family kitchen and secondary kitchen • Potential for indoor pool • Planning permission for stabling

Guide Price: £2,750,000 January 2013

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The Bristol Magazine 85

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Bristol & Clifton’s premier Commercial Property Agents

NEW SHOPS TO RENT ONLY £175,000

(0117) 934 9977 GROSVENOR HOUSE CLIFTON

Unique opportunity to purchase a new high quality office unit in Berkeley Square.

Modern open plan office suite with parking in prime Clifton location. 3,312 sq ft.

New contemporary style.

New lease terms.

Final phase of just two units…

OFFICE HEADQUARTERS BS1

QUEEN CHARLOTTE STREET BS1

To let (may sell)

To let (might sell)

The Waterfront – A prime modern office of 11,766 sq ft with floors from 3,000 sq ft.

23,000 s ft office building in prime city location close to Queen Square.

Terms on application.

16 car spaces.

OFFICE FOR SALE

HIGH QUALITY MODERN OFFICES – Clifton Village

Harbours Edge BS8 –

A superb open plan suite with extensive views in prime Clifton location – 1,758 sq ft & parking

Modern 1,800 sq ft office with 2 car spaces.

Offers c £275,000.

TO BUY OR RENT CITY CENTRE OFFICES Open plan modern suite of 1,005 sq ft.

Rare opportunity to also purchase for £160,000 or to rent at £10,000 pa, exclusive.

NEW LEASE.

SECURE COMPOUND/ YARD JUST OFF MULLER ROAD BS7 0.49 ACRES – TO RENT

Please telephone Julian Cook FRICS Jayne Rixon MRICS or Andrew Oliver MRICS or David Ball BA MSc (Hons) (0117) 934 9977 Burston Cook January THIS ONE.indd 4

(0117) 934 9977 17/12/2012 15:36

Bristol & Clifton’s premier Commercial Property Agents

NEW SHOPS TO RENT A3/RESTAURANT OPPORTUNITY

(0117) 934 9977 INVESTMENT FOR SALE Business units for sale from £93,000 – Let until January 2018 with rental income of 9% return.

CITY CENTRE, CLOSE TO QUEEN SQUARE, WELSH BACK & KING STREET. 3,000 SQ FT UNIT TO RENT (MIGHT SELL).

GREAT INVESTMENT

7 GROVE ROAD (BLACKBOY HILL)

20 PARK ROW, BS1 Prominent shop/office close to the University.

New refurbishment.

A lock-up shop with A2 potential situated just off Blackboy Hill – established retail area.

A super lock up unit for only £9,500 pax.

NEW FLEXIBLE LEASE LOW RENT

Business Unit – YATE

FEEDER ROAD, ST PHILIPS

A modern ‘lock up and go’ business industrial unit of 2,142 sq ft.

Low cost offices of 2,767 sq ft with 15 car spaces – Only £5 per sq ft

New lease at only £12,750 per annum, exclusive.

70 PARK ROW, CLIFTON A prominent shop, situated opposite the University and close to the top of Park Street – c711 sq ft.

Rent £14,900 pax.

No premium.

Clifton Village -

Shop unit in busy location at the heart of Clifton Village.

New lease.

coming soon

Please telephone Julian Cook FRICS Jayne Rixon MRICS or Andrew Oliver MRICS or David Ball BA MSc (Hons) (0117) 934 9977 Burston Cook January THIS ONE.indd 6

(0117) 934 9977 17/12/2012 15:36

Ocean fp January:Layout 1

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Westbury on Trym

15:37

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£500,000 Westbury on Trym

Nestled on a quiet road within a half mile walk of the heart of the village, this home offers the elusive mix of spacious accommodation and excellent location. This property offers four double bedrooms, expansive open plan kitchen / family room, enclosed rear garden. All within half a mile of Westbury on Trym Village.

£450,000 (SSTC) Westbury on Trym

This detached four bedroom family home on Northover Road is within easy reach of Westbury on Trym village. Boasting an imposing façade and mature front and rear gardens.

Accommodation comprises of two reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, four double bedrooms, family bathroom and ground floor w.c. All with off street parking, garage and no onward chain.

£450,000 (SSTC)

A four bedroom detached family home, with Westbury on Trym village and the Blaise Castle estate easily within reach. The property boasts four bedrooms, two reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room and spacious loft, outside are front and rear gardens, a garage and off street parking. All available with no onward chain.

Westbury-on-trym 0117 962 1973

westburysales@oceanhome.co.uk

Royal Victoria Park

£440,000 Westbury on Trym

This modern interpretation of a three storey Georgian townhouse offers excellent amounts of space both within the property and gardens too. There are four bedrooms, two of which boast ensuite shower rooms, expansive reception space on the first floor with south facing veranda, a large kitchen dining room and integrated garage.

Westbury on Trym

£340,000 Henbury

This extended three double bedroom semi-detached house, just a five minute walk from Westbury-on-Trym village, also has a garage and off street parking. The house is nestled within a quiet cul-de-sac with footpath access to the Westbury Wildlife Park and within 200m of Westbury-on-Trym Primary School.

Offering three double bedrooms, a large reception room extending the entire length of the house and kitchen breakfast room.

wills and probate

OIXO £400,000 Henbury

A beautifully appointed semi detached family home occupying a prime position on Stoke Lane close to the many local amenities.

This lovely offers three double bedrooms with two bathrooms, extended living room and separate dining room. The property has an integral garage and off street parking, landscaped garden.

£350,000 (SOLD)

With sections dating back to the 17th Century this grade II listed former farmhouse boasts interest in every room. With three bedrooms, two bathrooms and ensuite shower room, three reception rooms, a garage and workshop. The kitchen with Rayburn stove and larder cupboard is said to have beams salvaged from the Armada.

£299,950 Westbury on Trym £109,950 (All Reserved)

Located in a quiet Cul de Sac this 4 bedroom family home benefits from an elevated position and views across Bristol.

With kitchen dining room leading to a landscaped tiered garden and cosy living room. The first floor has 4 well balanced bedrooms and a family bathroom. Situated close to Blaise Castle Estate, local public transport and motorway networks.

Also benefiting from off street parking.

European legal services

A mixture of 24, one and two bedroom apartments located on the northern edge of Westbury on Trym. With prices from £109,950 and £119,950 for one or two bedroom flats respectively. These apartments are available with no onward chain and would suit both investors and owner occupiers alike.

property lawyers

Ocean fp January:Layout 1

Redcliffe Backs

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£159,950 Westbury Park

From £164,950 City Centre

£179,950

A two bedroom first floor apartment with an allocated parking Ocean have a selection of newly built one and two bedroom A generous two double bedroom first floor apartment close to space situated close to Queens Square and the Welshback apartments on North View in Westbury Park with secure the city centre, BRI hospital and Bristol University with a 20’ with no onward chain. allocated parking available. living room and separate kitchen.

Clifton 0117 946 6007

cliftonsales@oceanhome.co.uk

Cotham

£199,950 Redland

£287,500 Clifton

A two double bedroom hall floor flat close to Fremantle Square A three bedroom top floor maisonette with an off-street parking space and front garden. kitchen/diner and off-street parking space.

Redland

£399,950 Henleaze

with

£390,000

lounge, A stunning two bedroom garden apartment situated opposite the downs with an off-street parking space.

£469,950 Failand

£649,950

A three bedroom end of terrace family home in the Redland A four bedroom semi detached home with three reception A five bedroom executive detached home just 3 miles over the Green catchment area with two separate receptions rooms. rooms situated on a corner plot with off-street parking and a suspension bridge with generous double garage and spacious garage. living accommodation.

estate agents

letting agents

surveyors

mortgage brokers

Alexander May January:Layout 1

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Westbury on Trym branch: 01179 500 118 25 Canford Lane, Westbury on Trym, Bristol, BS9 3DQ LD

LD

SO

SO

Passage Road, Westbury on Trym SOLD in 2012

£450,000

Fantastic opportunity to create a fantastic family home. Currently in need of full refurbishment, a three bedroom detached house, set in a good sized plot has planning permission to create a large five bedroom home, with three reception rooms, large kitchen/family room, three bathrooms. Garage and off street Parking for several vehicles. Very well situated for easy access to the motorway and access to Bristol city centre.

LD

£650,000

Large detached family home in an excellent location in close proximity to Elmlea junior school.

Entrance hall, two generous connecting reception rooms, kitchen, ground floor shower room, five bedrooms and a family bathroom. The property is double glazed and warmed by a gas central heating system. Outside can be found large front and rear gardens, as well as an integral garage and a driveway providing off street parking for several vehicles.

LD

SO

Coombe Lane, Westbury On Trym SOLD in 2012

Backwell Down Lodge

SOLD in 2012

Guide Price: £725,000

A very rare opportunity to purchase a one-off family home located in the highly regarded Backwell School Catchment area. This home, which is believed to date back to the late 1800’s has extremely spacious accommodation throughout and is perfect for the growing or already established family looking for that bit of seclusion in countryside surroundings. On the opposite side of the plot a detached annexe is found with a garage.

LD

SO

SO

Great Brockeridge, Westbury on Trym SOLD in 2012

Long Ashton branch: 01275 393 956 50 Weston Road, Long Ashton, Bristol, BS41 9HH

Long Ashton Road

SOLD in 2012

Guide Price: £749,950

If you have been looking for a truly unique property benefiting from extremely spacious family living, then your search could well be over! Seldom does a property come to the market offering such flexibility and potential as this superbly presented detached family home, built in c1939 and situated in a most desirable location enjoying magnificent southerly views towards Dundry and surrounding countryside.

LD

SO

£500,000

LOOKING TO HAVE A HIGH SPEC HOUSE BUILT for you in STOKE BISHOP? Full planning consent for a 4 BEDROOM DETACHED HOUSE in Coombe Lane, Stoke Bishop area of Bristol.

The accommodation briefly comprises; OPEN PLAN SITTING/DINING ROOM, KITCHEN, 4 BEDROOMS, 2 EN-SUITES, FAMILY BATHROOM, GARDENS and PARKING. (photo shows artists impression of living area - for guidance purposes only).

Keedwell Farm

SOLD in 2012

Guide Price: £749,950

A unique opportunity to purchase a four bedroom family home that sits in an enviable plot with surrounding views of open countryside and a dominating view over Bristol. The property has been extended over time and we are led to believe that the original build dates back to 1800’s The character is accentuated by the various rooms that have exposed stonework and wood. This has been a much loved family home and offers an array of flexibility in its accommodation.

www.alexandermay.co.uk

Henleaze

Henleaze

Westbury Park

Enclosed by a stone balustrade boundary wall which leads to a central vestibule and hallway. Ground floor offers three reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, and downstairs family bathroom/WC. Two upper floors have five bedrooms, dressing room and en-suite bathroom. Private secure garden, double garage and driveway both with electric doors.

Beautifully maintained property offering two receptions, kitchen/diner with atrium glazed roof, cloakroom, utility room and garden.

First floor offers three double bedrooms, one en-suite and a further shower room. Second floor offers two double bedrooms and bathroom. Many additional Velux windows on upper floor, offering open outlook and natural light throughout.

Immaculately presented throughout, this three storey home offers a welcoming hallway, two receptions and a spacious kitchen/diner with access to garden. First floor offers three bedrooms and bathroom.

Second floor loft conversion offers double bedroom with an en-suite shower room.

Property is positioned within the local Henleaze Infant and Junior School.

Price: £729,950

Price Guide £600,000

Price Guide: £450,000

Montpelier

St. Andrews

Filton Park

A superb opportunity to purchase in this highly sought after area in Montpelier.

Of modern construction, 117B Lower Cheltenham Place offers spacious accommodation cleverly arranged over three floors. Benefiting from four bedrooms, a garage, off street parking and a large rear garden, a truly rare find for the area, an internal viewing comes highly recommended.

Located in an elevated position on this prominent road in St. Andrews, this is a fine example of a turn of the century property with an array of original features throughout.

This three bedroom property is arranged over three levels. A truly unique property in this highly sought after location, within walking distance to St. Andrews Park and Gloucester road.

Recognised as a quality construction with great attention to detail to the front facade including stone overhang storm porch and Oriel bay, this property internally is extremely well presented throughout including new wiring, heating and modern decor. Further benefits include; modern boiler, double glazing, driveway, garage and 130ft private South Westerly facing garden.

£329,950

£365,000

£300,000

CJ Hole Jan.indd 1

17/12/2012 16:52

www.maggsandallen.co.uk

0117 949 9000 60 Northumbria Drive, Henleaze, Bristol, BS9 4HW

SOLD

SOLD

BISHOPSTON

SOLD

SOLD

CLIFTON WOOD

SOLD

Westbury-ON-TRYM

SOLD

SOLD

HENLEAZE

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

CLIFTON

BRISTOL

REDLAND

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

STOKE BISHOP

SOLD

REDLAND

HENLEAZE

BISHOPSTON

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

WESTBURY PARK

SOLD

Redland

BISHOPSTON

WESTBURY PARK

SOLD

Westbury-ON-TRYM

SOLD

A few of the properties sold by our Estate Agency over recent months...

Redland

SOLD

BISHOPSTON

HENLEAZE

If you are trying to sell or are considering moving we would be delighted to assist you.

SOLD

WESTBURY PARK

SOLD

SOLD

To discuss your requirements in confidence please contact

0117 949 9000 BISHOPSTON

SOLD

HENLEAZE

SOLD

REDLAND

SOLD

SOLD

Estate Agents

Maggs & Allen Jan.indd 1

SOLD

DOWNEND

COOMBE DINGLE

SOLD

SOLD

HENLEAZE

agency@maggsandallen.co.uk

REDLAND

Westbury-ON-TRYM

SOLD

REDLAND

SOLD

HENLEAZE

Lettings & Auctioneers New Homes Management

SOLD

HENLEAZE

SOLD

Westbury-ON-TRYM

Chartered Surveyors

BISHOPSTON

WESTBURY PARK

SOLD

STOKE BISHOP

Commercial/ Investment

Westbury-ON-TRYM

Energy Assessors

17/12/2012 15:42

www.maggsandallen.co.uk

0117 949 9000 60 Northumbria Drive, Henleaze, Bristol, BS9 4HW

“

Maggs & Allen have been fantastic throughout the whole process of selling and buying my property.

SOLD

From the accurate valuation, to clever marketing, they sold my house very quickly and helped me to find my new home. The staff are friendly, approachable and professional. They kept me informed and worked very hard on my behalf.

I would be very happy to recommend them to anybody thinking of moving house.

”

Mr and Mrs S: Hill View, Henleaze

SOLD

“

SOLD

“

Thank you Maggs & Allen for not only finding us a property but also selling ours within a couple of days. All the staff were super helpful especially James, Chris, Jo and Nicola who kept the chain well intact.

James was very confident and decisive when setting out the pricing and marketing strategy. Not only that, but this confidence was well placed, as James backed this up by delivering the target price in less than a week!

Just a small selection of recent letters, cards, emails and testimonials we have received from buyers and sellers.

I will and have been recommending Maggs & Allen who are definitely the best agents in the local area. You have a smooth operation and fantastic staff.

Happy Christmas.

The service provided from initial valuation to completion has been exemplary.

”

Mr and Mrs M: Lyndhurst Road, Westbury on Trym

If you are thinking of selling or would like advice, please contact us:

We will certainly be contacting Maggs and Allen first when we sell again in the future.

Mr and Mrs A: Eastfield Road, Westbury on Trym

0117 949 9000

”

agency@maggsandallen.co.uk

SOLD

“

The whole process was made so much easier by your team’s approach and detailed notes, meaning there was always help and advice when required.

The professionalism and friendliness of the team is your strength and it was a pleasure dealing with you.

”

Thank you.

Mr and Mrs R: Howard Road, Westbury Park

Estate Agents

Maggs & Allen Jan.indd 2

Lettings & Auctioneers New Homes Management

Chartered Surveyors

Commercial/ Investment

Energy Assessors

17/12/2012 15:43

Property Concept Jan:Layout 5

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MANAGEMENT • SALES • LETTING • CONSULTANCY

Clifton £469,950 An extremely stylish first floor contemporary apartment in the very sought after purpose built development of North Contemporis which sits in the very heart of Clifton Village with its independent shops, cafes and restaurants. The apartment has a generous footprint and incorporates a large entrance hall, a stunning open plan sitting room/kitchen with floor to ceiling windows and access to a covered terrace ideal for al fresco living. The kitchen is extensive and has a full range of integrated appliances and a breakfast bar. There is a master bedroom suite, with dressing area, fitted wardrobes and en suite bathroom, and a second spacious double bedroom again with an en suite bathroom. Both bedrooms and the sitting room have access to a second large terrace. The hallway has good storage cupboards and a cloakroom. The property is being sold with no onward chain and benefits from an undercroft parking space. The development also has lift access to all floors and a secure bike store.

Clifton £399,950

Clifton £369,950

This large and elegant first floor apartment forms part of 4 Codrington Place which is a Grade II listed building nestled in a quiet central location. The property is within walking distance of Clifton village and its mix of cafes, boutiques and restaurants in one direction and Queens Road, Bristol University and Bristol Royal Infirmary in the other. Accessed via partially stained glass doors from side elevation, the accommodation comprises: large light and airy hallway, fully fitted kitchen with original stairs leading to a small mezzanine area, good size master bedroom with ensuite shower-room and large second bedroom. The sitting room boasts a westerly facing triple aspect bay window and an original marble fireplace. Both bedrooms have original working shutters and there is loft space available above the master bathroom and ensuite. The property also boasts use of the communal front garden.

A pretty Victorian mid-terraced house in a lovely location a stone's throw from the peace and expanse of the Downs in one direction, and the hustle and bustle of Whiteladies Road in the other. In addition to the convenience of having the eclectic mix of shops, cafes and restaurants on your doorstep, you also have the benefit of the very well respected St. John's primary school. The front door opens into a double sitting room with a working fireplace at one end and a study area at the other. On the first floor is a master bedroom to the front, a second bedroom to the rear, and the addition of a separate w.c. The third bedroom, and bathroom are situated on the lower ground floor together with a large family kitchen which in turn leads to a charming garden with flexibily of using as an off road parking space.

21 Princess Victoria Street

Tel 0117 970 6119

enquiries@propertyconcept.co.uk

Clifton, Bristol BS8 4BX

Fax 0117 970 6109

www.propertyconcept.co.uk

Redland £600,000

A spacious and comfortable 6 bedroom Victorian semi-detached family home in a tucked away Redland location offering flexible accommodation. On the hall floor accommodation mainly comprises entrance porch, hall, sitting room, dining room and a cosy kitchen/breakfast room.

The family bathroom with Jacuzzi and steam room/shower is on a mezzanine. On the first floor there are 4 bedrooms and bathroom with clawfoot bath. A further mezzanine at the top benefits from a bedroom and W.C. The lower ground floor is currently laid out as a separate flat which could be used to provide extra income or could easily be reintegrated into the main house. The lower floor currently consists of sitting room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and storage area. There are numerous retained period features and the property benefits from a secure walled city garden with side access, laid to patio and lawned area with a southerly aspect. To the front there are off street parking for 2 cars.

Westbury-on-Trym £395,000

A classic 1930’s family home offering stylish extended accommodation and located in this popular road in Westbury-on-Trym. Stoke Grove is a quiet, tree-lined road which is very conveniently located just off Stoke Lane within easy walking distance of the local shops. The house also falls within the catchment area for the sought after Elmlea School. The roomy extended accommodation briefly comprises: Entrance Hall, Sitting Room, Dining Room, Extended Kitchen/Dining Room with dishwasher, oven, induction hob, microwave, fridge and granite worktops, Utility Room, Downstairs Shower Room/Cloakroom, 4 Bedrooms and good size Bathroom. Outside there are gardens to both front and rear, the latter being a very good size indeed.Viewing strongly advised to appreciate this lovely home.

Leese & Nagle January.indd 1

Westbury Park £499,950

Unique end of terrace Victorian home offering scope for refurbishment and extensive accommodation over two floors with several off road parking spaces, the rare benefit of a garage and surprisingly large gardens. The accommodation is accessed through a spacious entrance hallway with wide staircase to the first floor. The ground floor comprises a large sitting room to front with detailed mouldings, fireplace and bay window and then another sitting room to the rear with coving. Behind this sitting room is a third reception room/ study that has a French door opening onto the rear garden. There is also a good size kitchen/ breakfast room, also with a French door opening onto the rear garden. On the first floor there are three double bedrooms and a bathroom.The most surprising aspect of this property are the gardens to the rear which instead of just a standard size it runs behind several of the neighbouring houses.

Stoke Bishop £490,000

A substantial extended detached family home located in this popular Stoke Bishop Road providing easy access to both Cedar Park and Elmlea Primary Schools.The well presented and very roomy accommodation briefly comprises: Entrance Hall, Cloakroom, Enormous Sitting/ Dining Room with windows on 3 sides overlooking the garden, Family Room and a good size Kitchen/Breakfast Room. Upstairs the spacious theme continues with 4 bedrooms, master with en suite bathroom and a generous family bathroom. Outside - the house is approached by remote controlled electronic gates which open onto a good size driveway. The gardens are arranged primarily to the right hand side with a smaller area of garden to the rear of the house. The garden is designed to provide easy maintenance, consisting of a good size swimming pool which is heated, surrounded by good size paved patio areas. The garden is completely private and enjoys sunshine for most of the afternoon.

17/12/2012 11:57

The Apartment Company JAN:Layout 3

Clifton

18/12/12

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Offers in Excess of ÂŁ245,000

Two double bedrooms | Living Room | Kitchen | Bathroom | Communal Garden (on same level) | Prime location close to Clifton and The Triangle | Period Features | No onward chains This two double bedroom apartment is in an exceptionally convenient location close to Bristol University and Clifton Village with good links to the city centre. The accommodation is on the ground floor and retains many period features such as working shutters to the sash windows and ornate plasterwork to the ceilings.

Leigh Woods

Offers in Excess of ÂŁ265,000

Two Bedrooms | Living/Dining Room | Kitchen | En suite Bathroom | Shower Room | Hall | Utility Room | Built-in storage | Balcony | Garage | Visitor parking | Communal Gardens Set in over 2 acres of beautiful communal gardens this balcony apartment is presented with contemporary elements complementing original details including beautiful woodblock flooring. A lovely light apartment with well-designed accommodation, ample internal built-in storage, on-site parking and a single garage with storage above.

The Apartment Company JAN:Layout 3

Sneyd Park

18/12/12

12:43

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Offers in Excess of ÂŁ375,000

Two Bedrooms | Sitting/Dining Room | Comprehensively fitted Kitchen | Family Bathroom | Dressing Room | Shower Room | Utility Cupboard | Lift and stair access | Two allocated parking spaces | Visitor parking A beautiful apartment on the first floor of this unique development of a former Victorian property. The elegant front elevation has been retained and the property is a successful combination of contemporary elements with traditional features including sash windows and cornices to the ceilings. Detailed to a high standard with oak doors, recessed down-lighting, wood flooring and AEG appliances in the kitchen.

Ripples Bristol fp 2:Ripples-WinterSale-FP.qxd

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88 Whiteladies Road Clifton Bristol BS8 2QN Tel 0117 973 1144

Chelsea House London Road Bath BA1 6DB Tel 01225 447971