The Bristol Magazine January 2024

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Issue 230 I JANuARY 2024

THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

£4.25 where sold

Get a wiggle on!

THEBRISTOLMAG

• Light up dark nights with dazzling theatre • Find your feet with the right fitness plan • Explore the wilderness with Simon Reeve • Read your way to positivity • Ward off bad spirits with a Wassail • Dial up the dopamine in your interiors

PLUS SO MUCH MORE IN THE CITY’S BIGGEST GUIDE TO LIVING IN BRISTOL

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TheGermanKitchen

The kitchen you’ve been searching for.

German engineering | Quality | Craftsmanship Visit our showroom or request a brochure by scanning the QR code or see uk.kutchenhaus.com BRISTOL - Clifton Down Shopping Centre, BS8 2NN - 0117 213 0680 BATH - Saracen Street, BA1 5BR - 01225 634025

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28 Contents JANUARY 2024

THE CITYIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

10

Meet the voice of BBC Bristol’s breakfast radio Joe Sims

WRAP UP WARM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

14

Don’t let the January weather keep you from the great outdoors with these cosy looks from Finisterre

GEAR UP FOR GRUESOME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

16

Franz Kafka’s iconic horror novella Metamorphosis is reimagined for the stage at the Bristol Old Vic

20

EPIC ADVENTURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

We speak to presenter Simon Reeve about wandering the wilderness in his new TV show

WHAT’S ON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

24

Kick off 2024 in style

28

Credit: Matt Crockett

39

SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Will you be heading to the orchards this year?

Global sensation Wicked puts a spell on Bristol

40 MASTERCHEF: THE PROFESSIONALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ARTS & EXHIBITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

32

Bristol-born finalist Tommy Thorn reflects on his time competing on the show

A round-up of the great art on display in our local galleries

36

TWELFTH NIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

42

Andrew Swift explores traditions of old

38

ALL HAIL THE WASSAIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

GRAB YOUR PASSPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F&P Travel whisks us away to its hottest destinations for 2024

STAYING DRY? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Our pick of the best low- and no-alcohol drinks for January (plus a comforting recipe for anyone trying Veganuary)

44

MINDFUL READING Books guaranteed to spread a little joy this month

52

62

LOOK AFTER YOURSELF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Keep your health and wellbeing in check with some self care in the city

62

INTERIORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

All the latest trends you need to know about

72

PROPERTY PREDICTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Local experts gaze into their crystal balls, with insight on house prices, mortgage rates and areas to watch

ON THE COVER Credit: Edward Bulmer

4 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024 | No 230

‘Running Water’ by Andy Goodman @fivebargate_design_studio making-pictures.com/artists/andy-goodman

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THE

B R I S T OL MAGAZINE

Contact us:

from the

Discover how to Wassail properly with Thatchers on page 39

EDITOR

A

s much as I’m trying to steer clear of any tired ‘new year, new me’ clichés, there’s no avoiding it when it comes to introducing myself as The Bristol Magazine’s new editor. I’m here to gently coax you out of last year, so we can hotfoot it into 2024’s welcoming arms together.

January’s long, dark days may heave by at an agonisingly slow pace, but if we ‘winter’ well, then there are still loads of opportunities to find joy. Whether it’s at a Wassail (which you can find out more about on page 39) or toasting the bard with a dram on Burns Night – there will be fire, dancing, shouting and merriment to illuminate even the darkest, coldest evenings of the year.

Those among you wishing to keep a clear head amid such revelry, fear not, we have also chosen some of our favourite low- and noalcohol tipples for you to pour too, on page 38.

Further embracing the darkness, we’re bringing you spellbinding tales from Bristol’s stages. Page 16 explores Lemn Sissay and Frantic Assembly’s re-telling of Franz Kafka’s unsettling horror story Metamorphosis at the Bristol Old Vic, while the iconic production of Wicked will delight people at the Hippodrome (find out the secret to its enduring appeal on page 28).

For readers seeking a serious dose of oomph to kick-start a little internal DIY and get the ball rolling on your life admin, then we’ve got an alternative selection of wellbeing reads from the team at Heron Books to keep your mind happy (page 44); the experts at F&P Travel share their top 2024 destinations that’ll get you booking flights ASAP (page 42); and we’ve got all the places to find your new fitness obsession – or carve out some ‘me time’ with wellness treatments – from page 52. If you prefer your DIY to be more literal, there’s expert insight into this year’s interior trends on page 62.

If all this sounds far too excitable for this time of year, then you can settle into a captivating adventure with Simon Reeve, as he explores the wilderness and its nomadic communities on page 20.

So, as this month’s cover suggests, it’s time to get a wiggle on and jump headfirst into January. I’ll be right there with you.

Rosanna Spence

6 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024 | No 230

Publisher Email:

Steve Miklos steve@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Financial Director Email:

Jane Miklos jane@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Editor Tel: Email:

Rosanna Spence 0117 974 2800 rosanna@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Assistant Editor/Web Editor Jasmine Tyagi Email: jasmine@thebristolmagazine.co.uk Production Manager Email:

Jeff Osborne production@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Advertising Sales Email:

Liz Grey liz@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

For advertising enquiries please contact us on: 0117 974 2800

Email: sales@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

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

Every month The Bristol Magazine is hand delivered to more than 15,000 homes in selected areas. We also deliver direct to companies and businesses across the city.

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The Bristol Magazine Tel: 0117 974 2800 www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk © MC Publishing Ltd 2024

2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2ED Disclaimer: Whilst every reasonable care is taken with all material submitted to The Bristol Magazine, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to such material. Opinions expressed in articles are strictly those of the authors. This publication is copyright and may not be reproduced in any form either in part or whole without written permission from the publishers.

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ZEITGEIST

things to do in January

5

Dance and be merry

Dive right in In need of some invigoration? Learn all about cold water swimming at Portishead Open Air Pool with local experts Emma Pusill and Alec Richardson. Discover why it may be of use to you, how to do it safely, what happens to you when you do it, and how/why you might keep swimming outdoors all through the winter. Then begin your cold water experience in the safe environment of Portishead’s stunning, lifeguarded outdoor pool. After the session you can continue to enjoy the atmosphere of the pool, with its lively and enthusiastic cold water swimming community, either poolside or in the on-site cafe, which enjoys views across the Bristol Channel.

Ticket price includes your entry to the venue and the cost of your swim.

• Sunday 14 January, 9.30-11am; tickets £20 via eventbrite.co.uk

Burns Night 2024 is sure to be a fun, energetic, whisky-fuelled night. Spirited has teamed up with Remix Reeling to bring you a night of ceilidh dancing with a difference. Expect all of the energy, with none of the traditional music. Set to modern electronic tunes, Remix Reeling is ‘rave-ceilidh’: old school dances to banging beats and bass lines.

Tickets to the event on 25 January include entry to the ceilidh, as well as a special three-course Scottish tasting menu provided by Two Trees Catering.

You’ll also be able to sip on three paired whiskies, one with each course, and not forgetting a dram to toast the bard.

• spiritedbristol.com

Venture outside When the skies are moody and there’s a harsh chill in the air, sometimes the last thing you feel like doing is going outside. But with accessible walks like Clifton Down, Leigh Woods, Purdown and Ashton Court Estate within easy reach of the city centre, there’s no excuse not to don your walking boots, fill a flask and get outside. If you’re stuck for inspiration, Andrew Swift has penned plenty of books documenting local Somerset walks.

• akemanpress.com

Unwind

Cheer on the Bears Calling all fans of fierce rivalries. Bristol Bears face Bath Rugby on 27 January at Ashton Gate, in a clash of south west titans for Round 12 of the Gallagher Premiership. As far as the teams’ last five head-to-head matches go, Bristol Bears currently have the upper hand (or paw), but only just, with three wins over Bath. The Bears may well be basking in derby confidence for now, but does Bath have what it takes to turn the tables? Kick off is at 3pm.

• Find out more and buy tickets via bristolbearsrugby.com

Lie Down & Listen is a blissfully relaxing Tibetan bowl sound healing and lying down classical concert experience, returning to The Mount Without on 21 January (1/4/7pm). You’ll be welcomed with hot cacao and gently guided through a relaxing meditation, then experience the rebalancing and reenergising vibrations of Tibetan bowl sound therapy. Leading harpist Olivia Jageurs will then perform beautiful harp music as you lie down on soft mattresses and cushions cosied in blankets, gazing up at the infinity sculpture in the atmospheric candlelit space.

• liedownandlisten.com

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THE CITYist

My

BRISTOL Meet actor and presenter, Joe Sims

Bristol icons create a-MAZI-ing meals The MAZI Project, a food inequality charity helping young adults in the city access nutritious and sustainable meals, has enlisted some of Bristol’s most iconic people and organisations to collaborate with local chefs on its second Give-a-Box recipe series.

With every purchase, another box is donated by The MAZI Project to young victims of domestic abuse, asylum seekers, care leavers and youth recovering from homelessness in Bristol.

DJ Eats Everything, Bristol City Football Club, Yeo Valley, and actor and The MAZI Project ambassador Maisie Williams have each joined forces with an incredible chef to create their take on tasty vegetarian recipes, available once a month from January until April. Chefs on the line-up include Pony Chew Valley’s Josh Eggleton, Sonny Stores’ Pegs Quinn, Cor’s Vicky Colsell and Harvey Nick’s Gary Crossan.

The new Give-A-Box series includes four delicious monthly vegetarian recipe boxes, starting at £38, which come with everything you need to make three meals for two or four people.

Bike delivery is available to most central Bristol postcodes. Contact The MAZI Project with any questions about delivery. For those buying a box as a gift for someone else, The MAZI Project will send a voucher to you upon completion of your online order.

• themaziproject.com/give-a-box

It’s likely many people will already know Joe Sims. In fact, his iconic Bristol tones might just be the first thing you hear each morning. Sims (who’s previously called himself ‘the proudest Bristolian in the world’) has been waking up the city each day since last autumn, when he started presenting BBC Radio Bristol’s coveted breakfast slot.

Sims was no stranger to the airwaves though, having voiced many characters, including a run on BBC Radio 4’s The Archers. He also starred in three series of ITV’s gripping drama Broadchurch, as well as Dr Who. Much closer to home, Sims worked on the six-part BBC sitcom Ruby Speaking, which writer Jayde Adams wanted to reflect working class Bristol.

He also co-founded BristolAF productions alongside writerdirector Paul Holbrook and writer Amy Trevaskus – who all share an ‘insatiable desire’ to tell Bristol-centric stories...

Wanting to tell Bristol-centric stories is an honest response to the city that we love.

Holbrook, Trevaskus and myself are passionate advocates of all things Bristol and want to tell the city’s stories through the lens of our working class backgrounds. There is such a rich vein of comedy in our city borne from our own personal experiences, people we’ve met, things we’ve seen, and urban legend (like the Bristol Zoo car park attendant [who was said to have collected £1 for every car parked over a 25-year period, despite not actually being employed by the organisation]). We’re keen to tap into that and offer something new, authentic and fresh while offering opportunities to Bristolians on both sides of the camera.

To let them know that a career in television is absolutely possible because we knew growing up how hard it is to get a foothold. Talent is everywhere but sadly opportunity is not. I’m keen to rectify that.

I’m born and bred Bristolian.

I think what makes this city so special are the people that live here. The city is full of incredible people who are working really hard to – as my friend, Bristol-based artist known as #DFTE, says – ‘be the reason people believe in the goodness of people’.

I love presenting my morning show on BBC Radio Bristol.

What luck to be playing tunes and speaking to interesting people and getting paid for it. I love Bristol and its inhabitants and I’m very keen for people to know this is their radio show.

A ‘Proper Bristol Breakfast’ couldn’t happen without the city that listens and I want us, altogether, to turn the show into something that the city wants and needs. Shining a light on all the incredible things that you’re all doing and having a bloody good laugh while doing it. I want to put a spring in Bristol’s step and a smile on their faces every single morning.

At the moment, I’ve got my nose in a book.

I’m currently reading Bob Mortimer’s autobiography And Away. Though I’ve also been glued to the new series of interviews from Louis Theroux, which is on the BBC. He’s been talking to Pete Doherty, Joan Collins and Anthony Joshua [and there are also interviews with singer Raye, actor Ashley Walters, and whistleblower and activist Chelsea Manning]. Music-wise – I’ve had Bristol band Idles and Australian group The Chats in my ears.

I’m shooting a new film this year.

It’s called Blockhead, it’s being filmed in London and the script is incredible. It feels Fight Clubesque and I play the Ed Norton-type character.

10 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024 | No 230

If I could have dinner with anyone, from any era, it’d be the comedian Bill Hicks.

He always delivered such insightful social commentary alongside belly laughs. That sounds like my ideal night.

My philosophy in life?

If you can be anything, be kind. Also, it’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.

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THE CITYIST

We The Curious to return this year We The Curious is set to reopen to the public in early 2024.

The science centre had been closed due to fire damage since April 2022 – and when visitors return they can expect all the hands-on experiences many know and loved, plus some new surprises, across We The Curious’ two floors.

This will include more than 200 interactive exhibits and new shows in the 3D The Planetarium at We The Curious Planetarium.

(Photo: Lee Pullen) More information including the official opening date, ticket options, what’s new and what to expect will be released in the coming weeks.

• Keep up with the latest announcements at wethecurious.org

Research facility opens at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children A new ground-breaking research facility is now open at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children (BRHC).

Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity’s South West Children’s Research Appeal was launched in May 2023, bringing funding for the new facility to more than £700,000.

The research team at BRHC will now be able to take on 30% more research projects, and increase patient numbers by around 1,200 every year. With the support of a focus group made up of young patients, the facility has been created with children in mind and will aim to feel like a home-from-home for patients. It has been decorated with artwork created by Chris Dickason, the Bristol-based illustrator behind the Bristol Aquarium window art, and will feature soothing and calming colours.

“This research facility will leave an important legacy for the future,” says Professor A.V.Ramanan, consultant rheumatologist at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust and professor of paediatric rheumatology. “It will enable us to participate in trials that can be life transforming and potentially curative, like gene therapy studies, which will impact children across the country and even across the world. This clinical research facility makes Bristol a cutting-edge treatment site for rare paediatric disease, which has meant either children having to travel, or often missing out on novel therapies for rare conditions. Thanks to the charity and its supporters, this will no longer be the case.”

The Coral Reef’s research team

Scheme launched to support children’s access to local culture Culture West, a two-year, £3 million scheme designed to help local children get better access to cultural and creative activities, has been launched by regional mayor Dan Norris.

Norris’ West of England Combined Authority and the Arts Council UK brought together 150 regional creative and cultural organisations to take part in the initiative. New cash and support will enable schools to organise trips to the west of England’s theatres, galleries and museums. Plus, musicians, painters and poets will head to the classroom for a series of artists’ residencies with local school pupils. Culture West will also set up of two new arts and music festivals and create new opportunities for young people to enter the creative sector. Delivery partners include Aardman Animations, West of England Music and Arts, St Pauls Carnival, Trinity Community Arts, Boomsatsuma, Noods Radio, the West of England Cultural Compact, Creative Youth Network, Super Culture, Creative Powertown, Black South West Network, Diverse Artists Network, Citizens in Power and the University of the West of England. It is estimated that Culture West’s activities will provide work for more than 400 local creative freelancers.

Permaculture courses teach practical sustainability Shift Bristol is offering dynamic and engaging courses, specialising in practical skills, systematic design and collaborative approaches relating to permaculture and sustainable living.

Applicants who are fresh out of education can enrol, as well as those looking for a career change and people looking to enrich their retirement. The courses available offer a “meaningful, yet joyful” approach to learning, with opportunities for participants to discover their passions in the world of sustainability.

Weekend, evening and full-time courses are available at a range of prices. Shift Bristol hopes this means more people are able to find time to invest in their learning and development, regardless of personal circumstances.

• For more information, visit shiftbristol.org.uk

12 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024 | No 230

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THE

BRISTO L

M AGAZINE

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THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK | JANUARY 2024 | THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 13

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FASHION

Give the year a warm welcome Keep cosy in the great outdoors with some help from Finisterre – products range from cable knit jumpers and hiker boots to tote bags and fisherman beanies, so you’ll be primed to brave the elements...

Shop at 70 Park Street, Bristol, or online at finisterre.com

14 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024 | No 230

Men's Hegen 1/4 Zipp Wool Fleece, £1750

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FASHION

Women's Rainbird Waterproofe eJacket, Papaya, £135e

Beaded Floral Bucket Bag, £78n

Fisherman Beanie in extrafine merino wool, £35c

Men's Cabet Jumper, wool cablee knit jumper in olive green, £165e

Orion In sulatede Blanket, £75e

Women's Hegen 1/4 Zip Wool Fleece, £175n0

Women's Yarrel Canvas Trouser in organice cotton, £95e

Palladium + Finisterree Pallatroopere Hiker WP+, £170e

Women's Nebulas Insulatedp Jacket, £210p

Orion Insulated Slinge Tote Bag, £50e

THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK | JANUARY 2024 | THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 15

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The power of perception

Think you know one of the greatest horror stories ever written? Think again. Frantic Assembly’s Scott Graham and poet Lemn Sissay OBE have joined forces to dissect and reimagine Franz Kafka’s Metamorphosis, which lands at Bristol Old Vic this month.

Lyn Gardner speaks to Graham and Sissay about retelling this 100-year-old gruesome tale, which still feels so timely in 2024 Photo: Tristram Kenton

16 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024 | No 230

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THEATRE

L to R: Scott Graham and Lemn Sissay OBE

“It’s a story written with such restraint, and it contains so much fear and cruelty.

I couldn’t get it out of my head”

But after discussing it at length with Ayres, whose personal reaction suggested a powerful story much less about transformation and more about the power of perception, Graham found it stayed with him like an itch that had to be scratched. Frantic Assembly’s Metamorphosis set out on a six-month tour across the UK last autumn, and hits the stage at Bristol Old Vic on 10 January, running until 20 January. So, why the change of heart for Graham?

“It’s a story written with such restraint, and it contains so much fear and cruelty,” he says. “I couldn’t get it out of my head. It was written more than a 100 years ago, but it feels so timely. So now.”

Graham had found the source, or the key, that would allow him to unlock the story and make us see it afresh. It’s what keeps classic works of art alive for new generations.

Reimagining the tale Teaming up with the BAFTA-nominated poet, broadcaster and author, Lemn Sissay OBE, who has written the script, Graham and his team are reimagining Kafka’s story on stage as a tale of a family under pressure which is crushed by external economic forces, and who end up crushing each other.

“Gregor is the breadwinner,” says Graham, “and the family are like parasites upon him. But when he transforms, he is less valuable to them and becomes a burden and we see what happens.”

Lemn Sissay describes it as: “a story about a family with a big secret locked in one of its rooms. The change that happens to Gregor exposes the flaws and fissures and insecurities that already exist in the family.

There are so many different tensions already in play long before Gregor wakes up as a bug.”

Sissay, who says that collaborating with Frantic Assembly is like creating a piece of “intricate origami,” argues that everything in his script can be found in Kafka’s story. “It’s all there, I haven’t invented. I wouldn’t dream of trying to rewrite such a brilliant text.”

Sissay has been a poet by profession for 30 years. So, when Frantic Assembly asked him to write a play, and specifically this adaptation of Kafka’s novella Metamorphosis, he said “the first thing I did was run away!”

“Adapting a novella as well known as Metamorphosis is a challenge for any writer,” he admits. “You’re in for a ride. It’s scary, it’s exciting, it’s like climbing a mountain, man. And what you get to see when you come to see Frantic Assembly is the view from the mountain top. In rehearsals, we went through line after line. Every single movement.

There are a million ways to move with any one sentence. Frantic Assembly is all about movement, connection, getting the absolute upmost out of every single line and emotion in the script. For a writer that is a privilege. And for an audience? Wow.” Since the play’s conception in 2019, everyone involved in the production has navigated an uncertain landscape. Metamorphosis has undergone a transformation of its own, through Covid, out into the open air and is now emerging from its chrysalis in a post-pandemic world. For Sissay, all of this work across four years “is leading to that moment when you’re sat on the edge of your seat”.

Translating the transformation Academics have long argued over whether Gregor’s metamorphosis is actual or metaphorical, but Graham suggests that it can be both, THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK | JANUARY 2024 | THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 17

Top photo by Adi Detemo, bottom two photos by Tristram Kenton

I

n 2019, when actor, writer and director Fraser Ayres suggested to Scott Graham, the artistic director of Frantic Assembly – one of the most iconic and collaborative British theatre companies of the last 30 years – that he might like to stage a version of Franz Kafka’s Metamorphosis, his initial response was a resounding ‘no’.

“Why would I want to go anywhere near it?” he says. “It comes with so much baggage and so much expectation.” He's right. Everyone thinks they know Kafka’s 1915 novella, Metamorphosis, which tells of Gregor Samsa, a weary travelling salesman and sole breadwinner in his debtridden family, who wakes up one morning to find that he has been turned into a giant beetle. Confined to his room, Gregor becomes completely reliant on the family that once relied on him.

It’s been described as the best horror story ever written, and its influence can be found in popular culture from video games to the Rolling Stones’ 1975 album, Metamorphosis, which comes with a cover in which the bands’ human features have been replaced by bug heads.

There have been movies, operas and theatre productions inspired by the story, including Steven Berkoff’s famed 1969 physical theatre show.

“If you make theatre and attempt this story there is a worry that you are always going to be in the shadow of Berkoff,” says Graham.

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THEATRE

particularly in the liminal space of the stage where the audience has a different relationship to the material than as a solo reader. He reckons that if you look very closely at the story the clues are all there, and that what happens to Gregor might be seen as a mental health crisis. Long before Sissay began writing the script, the company – loved and admired for its physically dynamic and emotionally truthful shows, including a recent brilliant version of Othello – was already exploring elements of the text, particularly the fear and sense of the other or ‘monstering’ which is inherent within it.

“This is a story of a family under stress from without and within. It looks like a normal family and operates like a normal family, but there are hidden weaknesses”

“I don’t think what happens to Gregor is a supernatural event,” observes Graham. “I think it’s a result of stress. The Samsa family is drowning in debt, a debt that has resulted because of the father’s bankruptcy. Like Gregor, the father has had a moment of transformation, when he has gone from breadwinner to burden.

“Gregor is desperate to get the family out of debt and the confined life they lead. He is aspiring to something else, particularly for his sister Grete who plays the violin and who he hopes can take it further. One of the elements of the story is about aspiration, and what people from different backgrounds can aspire to, that feels really timely because of

the articulation of the idea that people from backgrounds like Grete’s can’t play the violin or shouldn’t aspire to a career in the arts.”

Shining a light on Grete This is a story which comes with such a memorable and killer opening line that those who read it never forget it. “It is complete genius,” agrees Graham, but he also wonders whether it might be a red herring that immediately makes everyone think that the title of the novella refers to Gregor, and only Gregor.

Sissay agrees: “I think the metamorphosis that takes place is as much about Grete as it is about Gregor. She is the person in the story who experiences great change of many different kinds. She is in the process of becoming a woman. It’s all there in the text, and once you see it you can’t unsee it. It is so clear.”

The pubescent Grete is the member of the family closest to Gregor, and when he becomes a bug while her parents recoil it is she who takes on the task of entering his room and bringing him food.

“Feeding somebody is an extraordinary act of intimacy,” says Graham, who points to the fact that there are already tensions and ambiguities and confusions in Gregor and Grete’s relationship as there are within the whole family. Those tensions will finally detonate in unexpected ways and with far reaching consequences.

“This is a story of a family under stress from without and within,” Graham adds. “It looks like a normal family and operates like a normal family, but there are hidden weaknesses. When the cracks begin to appear, the structure cannot hold. It’s a tragedy.” n Metamorphosis is at Bristol Old Vic from 10-20 January. Sissay will also join Nancy Medina, the venue’s artistic director, for an hour-long stage talk that will take place at 5pm on Monday 15 January. bristololdvic.org.uk; franticassembly.co.uk Photo: Tristram Kenton

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NATURE & EXPLORATION

Walks on the

wild side

Television presenter and author Simon Reeve, who has visited over 130 countries, has filmed a new BBC series, Wilderness with Simon Reeve, which took him to four areas of the world where nature was largely still in charge. Simon Horsford gets the low-down...

I

“

love being out of my comfort zone,” says Simon Reeve. “It doesn’t happen so often now, as a lot of weird stuff has happened over the years and I’ve banked those experiences and learnt and built on them but definitely when filming this year, we all pushed ourselves a lot farther than we normally would.”

We are talking ahead of his new series Wilderness With Simon Reeve, which starts on BBC Two later this month, and Reeve is detailing some of the exertions of the trip. In the first episode, deep in the Congo rainforest, this entailed a gruesome experience for one of the crew as a jigger flea is cut out of his foot (they bury their eggs under the skin) by the team’s medic, an ex-Marine. “There is a lot of risk involved and it was just luck it wasn’t me,” reflects Reeve.

Reeve has filmed numerous globetrotting series around the world from Meet The Stans (in four Central Asian states, back in 2003) and travelling along the Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer to programmes about Australia and North and South America, to name but a few.

But this time, the intent was different. “What I normally try and find

are places that are populated with every form of life and where people immediately think ‘that’s got a buzz about it, or an issue about it’. Now we set out to find wild and remote parts of the planet, but it turns out that with eight billion people there are human beings in the wild parts as well.” He uses the phrase “where nature has the upper hand” to give more of an approximation of what they were defining “as nowhere is completely untouched – there’s plastic particles at the bottom of the ocean and at the top of Everest.”

This entailed looking for areas where nature was largely still in charge and that meant “proper expeditions, which took more time to organise and cost more money.” The result is four fascinating films, which take in the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo before moving on to the Coral Triangle in the Western Pacific, the Kalahari desert and Patagonia. “They are four contrasting eco-systems – we didn’t want them to fit together in a neat jigsaw but wanted them to stand alone as different programmes.”

Simon Reeve in the Congo rainforest (Image: BBC/The Garden/Jonathan Young)

“I hope what comes across is that humans have always lived in the wildest parts of the planet (and have) helped to shape and create them”

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NATURE & EXPLORATION

Reeve diving with whale sharks in the waters of the Coral Triangle (Image: BBC/The Garden/Kelvin Morris)

The need for ‘wild nature’

Nature, people and wildlife feature heavily in the various regions, some of which Reeve believes are some of the most important places he’s ever been to – quite a claim for a traveller who has notched up around 130 countries.

The Congo rainforest, for instance, is vital “because it is part of the ecosystem of the planet that helps to control the climate and the eco-system of not just the tropics but of the Earth [as a whole] and on that basis it’s critically important. More than that though, I think the Congo is so unknown and unacknowledged. It doesn’t really factor into our thinking.

I would guesstimate I’ve heard maybe a thousand references to the Amazon for every one to the Congo. That feels like a collective madness because it’s such a critical climactic and environmental feature of the world and so important for us as a species.”

He feels the same about the Coral Triangle, a vast area which covers Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, the Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste. “In my view it is the most important patch of ocean on the planet.” Not only is it home to 75% of the world’s coral – nearly 600 different kinds – but 37% of the world’s coral reef fish and six of the seven species of marine turtle.

“I really believe we need to have wild nature on our planet [and] in our lives as humans,” muses Reeve, “without it, our planetary eco-system would not function as it does and if you took it away unpredictability and disaster would result.”

It is Reeve’s ability to connect with people that also makes his films so enriching, but in this series of films that knack has an additional potency and reasoning. “Too often people have identified wilderness areas as being absent of human beings, or needing to be absent of them.” He suggests that there is a long history in conservation of believing that humans don’t fit into their particular image of how a wilderness should be. “I hope what comes across [in the films] is that humans have always lived in the wildest parts of the planet and haven’t just lived there, but helped to shape and create them in the first place.

“We are creatures of remote wild places as well as bustling cities and it only helps in the protection of these places if we acknowledge that. It also helps in the protection of those people as well, who are also under threat from logging and ranching.”

Staying with nomadic communities

As for his own encounters in the series, Reeve says there was almost an embarrassment of riches on journey after journey, “my brain is flooding

with memories of the wonderfulness and humour and warmth of the people [we met].”

In the Congo, Reeve stays with the Baka, the nomadic, hunter-gatherers.

“They were very special, their culture is so very different and their mentality too in quite fundamental ways. Their life is focused around the community, rather than the individual. They believe in ‘we’ rather than ‘me’ and that [has been] their guiding principle of success for tens of thousands of years. They have a ludicrously small footprint compared to us and live, exist and work in harmony with nature around them.” The Baka’s philosophy is essentially about sharing and protecting.

He is well aware of the relative poverty and difficulties of their existence but suggests “Of course, we can’t all live like that, but we can still look at them as one of the most successful human civilisations and identify how they have made that work.”

Elsewhere in the series Reeve hangs out with the Bajau, sometimes referred to as ‘sea gypsies’, who live nomadically on their boats in the Coral Triangle; while in Patagonia, he meets a gaucho who spends much of the year living in a rustic hut on the edge of the South Patagonian ice field in the Andes Mountains; and in the Kalahari, he is in contact with the indigenous San people, the original inhabitants of southern Africa.

Battling mental health

Reeve’s current success – he also does theatre speaking tours talking about his exploits and his life (he visited the Bath Forum last year) – is a long way from his well-documented struggles with depression and mental health issues as a teenager, about which he has been searingly honest, talking in his book Step By Step, of his “chaotic youth” and “fragile head health.” He also stated that at one point “things were so bad that by the age of 17 I stood on a bridge and looked into the final abyss.”

But he came through it and admits standing on stage and talking about his life is an “bizarre leap….and quite a transformation”.

The one qualification is when he admits that his Dad never got to see his TV programmes.

“He died in 2001, a few months before 9/11, which is what catapulted me on to TV, initially as a pundit because I’d written a book on Al-Qaeda [The New Jackals: Osama Bin Laden and the Future of Terrorism]. [So] he didn’t know his lad had sorted himself out enough to do be able to do that.”

The travel documentaries were the spark for the speaking tours (initially suggsted by a theatre promoter), and are seen by Reeve as another THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK | JANUARY 2024 | THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 21

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NATURE & EXPLORATION Reeve with a remote Baka community in the Congo (Image: BBC/The Garden/Simon Reeve) “challenge”, but were also the result of his experience “building confidence”. The shows are fun too as he mixes tales of his adventures with honest reflections on his struggles, while also being a passionate advocate for the beauty and future of our planet.

The transformative nature of travel

In the past Reeve has suggested “travel is part of our make-up; we need it in our lives, and we lose it at our peril.” But rather than the sun-bed and flop kind of holiday, he believes that travel can be transformative, if you so choose. “If you are not controlled by your fears, if you are not kept in check by your nerves, if you don’t believe in the worst-case scenarios, you can create a slightly newer you. Everyone can benefit from having experiences and their senses tweaked. I would always urge people to push themselves. So try to avoid those siren voices, which we all have – ‘this lounger is so comfortable’ – and get up and get out there. Eat some local food, go to a local bar and get some memories. Go for a walk, whether it’s the middle of the city, or the Outback.”

As for himself, he adds: “I’ve gone beyond the stage where travel is a therapy and now it’s a bit of an addiction, and when I couldn’t during lockdown I thought, ‘Oh I’ll be fine,’ but then, selfishly, I started to feel I needed the experiences of being in these places and that’s what I missed.

“But I’ve been such a lucky bloke and had those so many times and this all helped resolve some of the issues I had in the past. But now I’ve created some new ones [problems] and I need the rush and thrill of meeting people and being in these situations. When you’ve walked into a flipping Mafia nightclub in Kazakhstan, that sets a new a bar for your local pub,” he laughs.

Despite his wanderlust, Reeve, who is married and has a 12-year-old son, admits he is at his most content “around a lunch table with family and friends at home in Devon,” and hasn’t a clue where he is off to next.

Reeve also still tries to follow the advice of the young sadhu, described in Journeys to Impossible Places: “You people are in a labyrinth. Just be”,

Gauchos, Juan and Taibo with Reeve in Patagonia (Image: BBC/The Garden/Piers Leigh)

he advised. “I’m in a fairly good place at the moment and try not to be upset by minor life problems and to recognise that I am one of the luckiest human beings who has ever lived,” he reflects. “To be alive now, on our island with fresh water coming out of our taps and still [have] a health service and dentistry.

“These are major things that we take for granted and then you travel and realise they are not.” n Wilderness with Simon Reeve starts on BBC Two on 21 January; Simon Reeve: To The Ends of the Earth is at Bristol Beacon on 7 May.

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BRISTOL EVENTS | JANUARY

What’s On

Our guide to some of the best things to see, do and experience in and around Bristol this month

Image: Jack Lovett

Quiz night at the Tobacco Factory n Every Wednesday, 8pm to 10pm Join ‘Hostess with the Mostess’ @bucksquizz for saxophone-based shenanigans, laughs, and a cash money prize! Maximum six to a team. £1 to enter.

Tel: 0117 902 0060 tobaccofactory.com The Roaring Girl n 10 – 13 January, 7pm (2pm Saturday matinee) The Weston Studio, Bristol Old Vic Presented by Bristol Old Vic Young Company. Meet the governess of the city’s underworld, Moll Cutpurse. Often seen sporting men’s breeches, she exists outside the rules of Jacobean society and has a reputation for doing so. Sebastian and his father, Sir Alexander, however, need these rules to survive and thrive.Sebastian wishes to marry Mary, a woman of lower social ranking, but his father forbids the match. In desperate need, Sebastian turns to Moll to hatch a plan, and, inevitably, chaos ensues.

The question is, who controls the chaos? Is it them over there, lurking in the shadows?

Tel: 0117 987 7877 bristololdvic.org.uk Winter Garden Tour n 14 January, 11 am University of Bristol Botanic Gardens An unusual chance to enjoy the Botanic

Garden on a winter weekend, and to tour the garden and glasshouses. Please note the garden is only open during the tour (not before or after). Booking essential via the university online shop.

Tel: 0117 428 2041 botanic-garden.bristol.ac.uk Just Like That!

The Tommy Cooper Show n 19 and 20 January, 8pm Alma Tavern and Theatre Tommy Cooper was a true comic genius.

His impeccable timing, misfiring magic, trademark fez and quick-fire gags made him an international star. This allencapsulating show features John Hewer, who delivers the most remarkable performance, perfectly immitating every mannerism – subtle and awkward as the great Tommy Cooper. Complemented with live musical accompaniment, this critically acclaimed tribute is full of magic and mirth and is the perfect celebration of Britain’s favourite comedian.

Tel: 0117 973 5171 almatavernandtheatre.co.uk Introduction to Traditional Hedge Laying n 20 and 27 January, 9.30am – 4pm Grow Wilder, 181 Frenchay Park Road Bristol, BS16 1EL Join Grow Wilder for an introduction to

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the traditional craft of hedge laying. Lead by local hedge layer Mike Reed, this oneday course will cover: reasons we lay hedges, the different styles of laid hedge, how to lay a hedge using hand tools (billhook, axe, saw, etc), how to build a laid hedge and stake it and ongoing maintenance.

This course will be predominantly a practical outdoors course and you should dress appropriately for bad weather.

Tel: 0117 917 7270 avonwildlifetrust.org.uk Talk: The Science of Dreams with Dr Jonathan Iliff n 23 January, 7pm, Hen and Chicken Humans have studied and interpreted dreams for many centuries. Have you ever woken up after a crazy dream, convinced it means something? Or spent hours wondering why your mind comes up with such ludicrous fantasies?

In this engaging talk from NHS psychiatrist and neuroscientist Dr Jonathan Iliff, you will learn what science has to say on the matter! Jonathan will explain the current theories on how and why we dream, what goes on in our brain during sleep and how you can enhance your dreams.

Tel: 0117 966 3143 henandchicken.com

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Bristol Film Festival: Whisky Galore! – Burns Night screening n 25 January, 6.45pm Averys Wine Merchants Celebrate Burns Night in style with Bristol Film Festival, at a special 75th anniversary screening of Whisky Galore! Vintage screenings pair classic films with thematically linked wine tastings; on this occasion, a Scotch whisky tasting experience to complement both the film and the annual celebration of Scotland’s favourite son. Your evening starts with a sparkling wine reception on arrival. Over the course of the film, you will sample four single malt whiskies from the key regions of Scotland, with tasting notes from Averys’ resident experts. bristolfilmfestival.com The Anatomy of the Orchestra: Drone Refractions, n 25 January, 7.30pm Beacon Hall, Bristol Beacon Charles Hazlewood and Paraorchestra turn the orchestra insideout, charting an immersive drone odyssey via some of Minimalism’s forebears and its greatest composers. This unique performance re-casts the orchestra as a living, breathing installation: thirty-four musicians are arrayed throughout the space as they play. The audience is invited to walk or sit among them, to get close to the performers and sink into a deep sonic realm as enveloping drones mix with heady lighting design to conjure a hazy, transcendental atmosphere.

Tel: 0117 203 4040 bristolbeacon.org

COMING SOON Bristol Choral Society: Come and Sing Opera Choruses n 3 February, 1.30pm Tyndale Baptist Church A chance to join with Bristol Choral Society and experience some wonderful opera choruses with its dynamic musical director Hilary Campbell, accompanied by distinguished assistant MD Steven Kings. Enjoy an afternoon singing a range of well known and loved choruses, including many favourites and maybe some that might be new to you.

Includes Verdi: Anvil Chorus, Brindisi: Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves. Bernstein: Make Our Garden Grow.

Puccini: Humming Chorus. Purcell: No Stars Again Shall Hurt You. A great way to lift a February afternoon! bristolchoral.co.uk Bristol Classical Players n 3 February, 7.30pm St George's Bristol For their first concert of 2024, Bristol Classical Players, conducted by Tom Gauterin and with Rupert Egerton-Smith on piano, present a programme of Beethoven Piano Concerto No.5, Emperor and Brahms Symphony No.1.

Tel: 0117 929 4929 bristolclassicalplayers.com

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FAMILY EVENTS | JANUARY

Family Diary

OUR PICK OF THE BEST THINGS TO SEE AND DO WITH THE LITTLE ONES Oliver Twist n Until 21 January Tobacco Factory Theatres (TFT) A glorious re-imagining of Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist. Written by Olivier Awardwinning Bristol playwright Adam Peck and directed by TFT’s new artistic director Heidi Vaughan, in her first production for the company. This classic story comes alive in a riotous fashion as Oliver escapes the workhouse to join the outrageous escapades of Fagin and co. A brighter, bigger-hearted production you will not find, as TFT brings a festive adaptation of this famous tale to Bristol with a belly full of cheer. You will leave the theatre shouting for more! Don’t miss this thrilling take on a 200-year-old tale that has never been told quite like this before. tobaccofactorytheatres.com

Dress for mess! All materials and art aprons are provided. Price: £70 for 7 sessions. If the term has started, you can book for the remaining sessions and you will only be charged only for those sessions. goldfinchcreateandplay.co.uk

Model Railway Show n 14 January, 10am – 4pm Priory Community School, Weston-Super-Mare, BS22 6BP Run by the Burnham Model Railway Club this annual model railway exhibition is a must for

After School Art Clubs n Weekdays during term time Goldfinch Create and Play Centre, Westbury-on-Trym Various classes for different age groups throughout the week. From infants to teens.

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all enthusiasts. Entry is £8 for adults, with accompanied children free. There is free on-site car parking, step-free access and on-site catering. With an impressive 24 model railway layouts on show, as well as a number of demonstrations, the show hosts and traders will be there for all your model railway needs. bdmrc.co.uk

Baby Book Club n 26 January Bristol Hippodrome The Bristol Hippodrome is launching a Bristol Baby Book Club on 26 January.

The club will take stories from an independent bookstore and bring them to life with a local reader in the Bristol Hippodrome’s Piano bar.

Parents/guardians can enjoy tea or coffee alongside the reading. Each month the story will be different, with worlds to explore and discover together. Bristol Baby Book Club is best suited for six months to five-year-olds and will take place on the last Friday of each month. atgtickets.com Subscribe to our weekend newsletters at thebristolmag.co.uk for regular updates

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BRISTOL HIPPODROME

Bristol’s under a Wicked spell

Global spectacle Wicked lands at Bristol Hippodrome from 23 January–25 February. Twenty years after its Broadway debut, Mark Fisher finds out why this iconic story of an unlikely friendship remains as relevant as ever

“It’s always relevant,” says Pick. “Never mind the incredible songs and the music, it goes back to people feeling like they can connect with these characters – whether they’re a Glinda or an Elphaba. It’s a special show that means a lot to so many people.”

O’Connor and Pick are not the only ones to be repeatedly drawn back to Wicked. The first time Michael McCabe saw the show, it was to support his friend David Stone, the renowned American theatre producer, who was opening it on Broadway. "I was completely blown away," says McCabe. "The audience was enraptured by the story and euphoric in its response.”

This was in 2003 when no one knew quite what a phenomenon Wicked would become. In little more than a year, it would recoup its $14m investment and, two decades on, it has become the fourth longest running show in Broadway history.

Watched by 65 million people Written by composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz and scriptwriter Winnie Holzman, it has been performed in more than 130 cities in 16 countries and has been seen by 65 million people. In the pipeline is a two-part movie version starring Ariana Grande, Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum.

“There is also the spectacle of it,” says McCabe to explain Wicked’s success. “The world that director Joe Mantello conjured up with all his designers felt so unlike anything else and utterly of the world of Oz.” He too has had his life shaped by Wicked. Once the show had proved its worth on Broadway, McCabe got the call to come on board as executive producer for its run in London’s West End. He opened it at the Apollo Victoria Theatre on 27 September 2006 and it remains there to this day.

S

arah O’Connor and Laura Pick are remembering when they fell in love with Wicked. The hit musical generates devoted fans and the two actors are among them.

Dublin-born O’Connor discovered it as a teenager on holiday with her family in New York. “I listened to it on repeat in the CD player, singing it in the kitchen,” she says. “I’ve loved it so much for so long.”

Wakefield-born Pick tells an almost identical story. “I got the CD and the music book for my 14th birthday,” she says. “The poor people that had to drive me to any rehearsal – my mum, my dad, friends’ parents – with me sat in the back, belting out the songs… that was my life.” For both actors, it is a dream come true to find themselves starring in a show they have adored for so long.

Bringing the tour to Bristol In the spectacular touring production that appears at the Bristol Hippodrome from Tuesday 23 January until Sunday 25 February 2024, O’Connor plays Glinda the Good, the teenage witch who makes a grand entrance to Shiz University in a bubble. Before long, we find she is not quite as good as she likes to think she is.

Pick, meanwhile, plays Elphaba, the green-skinned student who wants to make the world a better place even though she is destined to become the Wicked Witch of the West.

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“This tour replicates everything you see in the West End. It’s a colossal production and a huge undertaking”

"Joe Mantello's production expertly marshals a remarkable kaleidoscope of magical shocks, surprises and sensations," said the Evening Standard after the opening night. "And Wicked works like a dream." Twice winning the Olivier Audience Award, it is soon to welcome its 12 millionth theatregoer.

“Every time we do auditions, we acknowledge how lucky we are that people still want to be in Wicked,” he says. “Whether you’re going for a principal role or it’s your first job out of drama school, there is this spirit that exists around the show that makes people passionate to be in it.”

Now Wicked is on tour and they are doing nothing by halves. With a cast of 33, the production has taken to the road with over 80 people.

In each city, it picks up local dressers and stage crew, taking the total to over 100. “This tour replicates everything you see in the West End,” says McCabe. “It’s a colossal production and a huge undertaking.”

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Opposite page: Laura Pick as Elphaba.

Above: Sarah O’Connor as Glinda the Good.

Left: Wicked stars Donna Berlin and Simeon Truby. Below: Megan Gardiner.

Bottom: O’Connor and Pick’s characters clash on stage.

Photography: Matt Crockett

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BRISTOL HIPPODROME

Its popularity refuses to wane How, then, to account for Wicked’s popularity? The story begins in the 1990s when a novelist specialising in children’s fiction turned his hand to a book for adults. Gregory Maguire was a lifelong fan of L. Frank Baum’s children’s book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900) and the Judy Garland movie The Wizard of Oz (1939). But something bothered him about a story that depended on the extremes of good and evil.

Did the Wicked Witch of the West have no redeeming features? Might the Good Witch of the North be just a little bit flawed? Maguire was writing at the time of the Gulf War when the US and her allies were portraying Saddam Hussein as a cartoon-like baddie. The novelist knew Saddam was a dictator, but he hungered for nuance.

That is what he set out to create in his novel, Wicked – The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West (1995), in which he provided an origin story for Baum’s famous characters. Instead of showing the Wicked Witch of the West as a nightmarish figure haunting poor Dorothy Gale’s imagination, he portrayed her as a young girl called Elphaba (a name created from L. Frank Baum’s initials) who wants to right the world’s injustices.

In his rave review in the Los Angeles Times, critic Robert Rodi called it "the best fantasy novel of ideas" he had read since Mervyn Peake’s Gormenghast and Frank Herbert’s Dune.

An ‘extraordinary’ darkness “It keeps getting more relevant,” says McCabe. “Gregory’s novel was so extraordinary in its darkness and the notion of a character you could have been misinformed about – and where better to look than a character whose name contains the word ‘Wicked’?

“I remember sitting there the first time and thinking, ‘Good God! Everything you thought you knew about this person is a lie.’ In our era of ‘fake news’, it’s such a clever notion.” Schwartz and Holzman loved the idea and realised there was tremendous emotional power in the story of the shaky friendship between Elphaba and Glinda. It is this evolving

Wicked’s London company (photo: Mark Senior)

relationship, going from enemy to comrade, that sits at the heart of Wicked. “It appeals so broadly because it is about friendship,” says McCabe. “It’s not an easy friendship and it certainly doesn’t start as a perfect friendship but how it evolves gives it a universal appeal. It is all too rare for a musical to lead with two women who have a complex relationship that develops into something profound.”

Having made this friendship the focus of the adaptation, Schwartz came up with a score that drew on everything from classical to pop, via big power ballads and tear-jerking duets.

“It is a story that stands on its own two feet irrespective of whether you know The Wizard of Oz”

The dynamic ‘Defying Gravity’ is the stand-out hit, a song describing Elphaba's transition from confinement to liberty, a rite of passage everyone can identify with. Along with ‘Popular’, ‘For Good’ and ‘What Is This Feeling?’, it became one of the most downloaded tracks from the Broadway cast recording.

“The music is very of now,” says McCabe. “Here is a brand-new show with a brand-new score and original story that talks to a wider, more modern audience as well as traditional theatregoers.

“And it is a story that stands squarely on its own two feet irrespective of whether you know The Wizard of Oz.” n Wicked is at Bristol Hippodrome from Tuesday 23 January until Sunday 25 February. Information and tickets: atgtickets.com/shows/wicked/bristol-hippodrome

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ARTS & EXHIBITIONS

ART and the galleries Elias Sime: ‘Eregata እርጋታ’, Arnolfini, Until 18 February This is the first, major solo European museum exhibition of one of Ethiopia’s leading contemporary artists, Elias Sime.

Eregata እርጋታ will primarily focus on work from the past six years, including Sime’s monumental Venice Biennale commission Veiled Whispers (2022), alongside intricately woven abstract topographies from the landmark series Tightrope (2013 to present), key works from his early stitch, yarn and button series and the tactile fragility of Bareness, a large-scale ceramic installation from 2014.

Also showing: Dream and Refuge | Works from the Jerwood Collection Until 21 January 2024 This winter the Jerwood Collection present Dream and Refuge at Arnolfini; an exhibition of works that explore home, refuge and movement, from prints of dancing figures and colourful dreamscapes, to carved clay sculptural bowls and still life oil paintings.

• arnolfini.org.uk; 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol BS1 4QA Image: Tightrope Evolution (1), 2017. DETAIL. Courtesy of the artist and James Cohan Gallery. Photo Adam Reich

Huw Richard Evans Gallery Opening For the first time in his career, acclaimed landscape artist Huw Richards Evans has brought his life-long dream to fruition by opening his own gallery in the renowned Clifton Arcade.

Huw’s paintings are known for capturing dramatic Welsh seascapes, textual landscapes of Bristol’s iconic vistas, and exploring the exciting energy of London and New York. As a well-known Bristol artist, Huw’s had a range of interesting clients, from ITV's Broadchurch to Bristol University; his paintings have attracted collectors from as far as the USA, Japan and Dubai.

• 14 Clifton Arcade, Boyce’s Ave, BS8 4AA. For more info visit: huwrichardsevans.com Instagram: @hrevansgallery

170th Annual Open Exhibition, Until 14 January The RWA’s renowned Annual Open Exhibition is now in its 170th year, and – as always – offers a magnificent variety of work from emerging and established artists. The exhibition includes a stunning array of painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, sculpture, installation and mixed media artworks, and is a showcase for some of the most exciting artists from across the country and beyond.

• RWA, Queen’s Road, Bristol BS8 1PX; For more info visit: rwa.org.uk

Coming soon: Screenprint 2024, 9 February - 21 February An exhibition showcasing the art and craft of screen printing, featuring work by over 30 outstanding artists from around the UK and beyond. All the work will be for sale, and as well as prints there will be books, textiles, clothing, cards and lots more.

This is a rare opportunity to see a selection of some of the best contemporary screenprinting around today.

• Centrespace Gallery, 6 Leonard Lane Bristol BS1 1EA For more infor visit: centrespace.org.uk Screenprint: Johnathan Lawes

32 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024 | No 230

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COLUMN | CHRIS YEO ON ANTIQUES

Expert opinion From Chris Yeo, Valuer at Clevedon Salerooms and regular expert on BBC’s Antiques Roadshow

Celebrating Sale Results

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t was a case of picture perfect at Clevedon’s Winter Specialist sale on December 7 where an oil painting by Clevedon artist Doris Hatt proved to be one of the day’s biggest surprises. Consigned from a local private collection, ‘The Green Beach, Clevedon’ is one of the artist’s most iconic images of her home town. Long overlooked in the art market, Hatt’s work is now receiving the attention it deserves and prices have risen significantly in the last couple of years. Hopes were certainly high but no one could have predicted the remarkable result of £8,000 – almost double the previous record for a work by Hatt. It was also amongst Pictures that some of the auction’s other top prices were to be found. ‘The Last General Absolution of the Munsters at Rue du Bois’ by Italian born war-artist Fortunino Matania showing the Irish regiment on the eve of battle during the First World War, inspired fevered bidding from the Emerald Isle and it took the day’s joint highest price selling for £21,000. It was offered as part of the principal contents of Gatcombe Court which opened the sale, highlights of which included

Star Wars - Rare 1977 pre-Oscars UK quad film poster sold for £2,400

a rare 17th century stumpwork embroidery panel which sold for £5,200. Bringing some seasonal sparkle amongst the jewellery, a single stone brilliant cut diamond ring sold for £5,000, a three-stone diamond ring and an Edwardian diamond bracelet both sold for £3,400.

In the watches section a gentleman's Oyster Perpetual Submariner stainless steel wristwatch sold for £8,200, whilst a lady’s Oyster Perpetual Datejust 18ct gold wristwatch sold for £4,800, and an Omega ‘Ed White’ Speedmaster sold for £4,000. Amongst a strong showing in the Ceramics section, a large collection of Royal Worcester fruit decorated porcelain sold for a combined total of £10,490. Finally, that age-old problem of what to buy the Star Wars fan in your life?

How about an original Star Wars cinema poster from 1977. In excellent condition despite its years, the force was still with it and it sold well over estimate for £2,400. ■ • clevedonsalerooms.com; @chrisyeo_antiques (Instagram)

THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK | JANUARY 2024 | THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 33

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ARTS, GALLERIES & EXHIBITIONS

Winter Trees 2021, Rick Grimster

Winter Trees

by Rick Grimster

At Rainmaker Gallery, Clifton Until 29 February

Winter Trees reveals Rick Grimster’s powerful affinity with trees, the land and the natural world. It is a celebration of the unexpected magic that is happening in the winter of his life.

The show is selling fast, but it's not too late to acquire your own Grimster painting.

In addition, for the first time ever, Rainmaker Gallery is excited to offer limited-edition prints of four selected artworks from an exhibition, pictured here.

Winter Trees 2023, Rick Grimster

34 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024 | No 230

Orange Moon 2023, Rick Grimster

Red Tree 2020, Rick Grimster

• Rainmaker Gallery, 140 Whiteladies Road, Bristol BS8 2RS; For more information, visit rainmakerart.co.uk

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Continuing success for the Asian Art market

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e’d like to thank our customers who have entrusted us with their items which have been consigned to us for sale over the last few years. We’ve sold some wonderful items and collections over these few years which have now been dispersed to keen buyers and collectors around the world. Pieces which have been sat in local Bath homes for numbers of years occasionally unbeknownst to the owner, their history or monetary value.

I’ve chosen a few sold items which I personally have an interest for and were consigned to us from local homes.

A Chinese Famille Rose Porcelain Balsam Pear Bowl, Daoguang Mark and Period (1821-1850)

A Chinese Embroidered Silk Blueground Nine Dragon Robe, Qing Dynasty

It’s not too often a piece of Imperial Chinese porcelain comes to the market.

Chinese porcelain is split into categories.

‘Export ware’ porcelain which was produced for export to the west between the 16th and the 20th century. ‘People’s ware’ which was not intended for Imperial use but for the wider China population, and finally ‘Imperial ware’ specifically manufactured under the reign of the Chinese emperor for the Imperial household or palace use. This bowl could have well been used in the Imperial palace but was probably traded after the fall of the Qing dynasty in 1911.

This bowl was consigned to us this year and sold through for £19,500 to a Chinese mainland collector.

We have consigned many Chinese textiles over the years from local Bath homes and surrounding areas. Chinese textiles are easy to fold up and pack into a suitcase and were often bought over by missionaries, military, doctors etc. who worked in the east from the early 20th century. By the end of the seventeenth century, the Qing court decided to redesign the dragon robes of the Ming dynasty and from the early eighteenth century, the Qing court has established a dragon robe with nine dragons, wherein four dragons would radiate from the neck on the chest, back and shoulders to symbolize the cardinal directions. This robe which sold for £8500 in 2021 is an example of this.

A pair of Chinese Zitan Horseshoe-back Armchairs ‘Quanyi’, Qing Dynasty

The Chinese name for this type of chair ‘Quanyi’ literally translates to 'chair with a circular back' or 'circle chair'. The English name for this form however refers to the overall shape of the back and arm rests, which resembles a horseshoe. These chairs were purchased in Hong Kong in the 1970’s by a local family and went on to sell through us for £39,000 to the very welcome surprise of the vendor. Chinese furniture prices vary dramatically based on the wood type used.

Certain varieties of hardwood such as ‘Zitan’ and ‘Huanghuali’ fetch the greatest prices compared to softwoods such as elm.

If you have any potential items at home which you’d like to learn more about, do feel free to contact us at Ma San Auction for a free valuation.

Ma San Auction, 2 Princes Buildings, George St. 01225 318587 enquiries@masanauction.com

THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK | JANUARY 2024 | THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 35

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Twelfth Night Merry Making in Farmer Shakeshaft’s Barn.

St Anne’s Park Station c1910

Twelfth Night tales With the festive season’s sparkling lights now gently dimming, Andrew Swift welcomes in the New Year by delving into the somewhat controversial history of Twelfth Night customs

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fter New Year, as things start to return to normal, there is still one last seasonal tradition to observe – the annual debate as to whether Twelfth Night falls on 5 January or the following day, and when we need to take our decorations down. It’s a controversy that goes back a very long way.

Those who favour 6 January point out that this coincides with the Feast of the Epiphany, which celebrates the arrival of the Three Kings in Bethlehem bearing gifts for the baby Jesus. Epiphany was an important festival for early Christians, and in AD567 the church decreed that the period from Christmas Day to Epiphany should be a time of celebration.

By medieval times, the 12 days of Christmas, as they came to be known, were treated as a holiday. Peasants were freed from their labour and there was feasting and merrymaking. Naturally, the final night of these festivities was – for those still standing – a last hurrah, and a host of traditions, with echoes of the Roman Saturnalia, became associated with it.

A veritable feast Twelfth Night feasts featured the cutting up of a lavishly decorated cake in which a bean and a pea were hidden. If a man ended up with the slice containing the bean he became king of misrule for the night, 36 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024 | No 230

overseeing a gallimaufry of masques, games and charades. If a lady ended up with the bean she decided who would be king. The pea meanwhile determined who would be queen of misrule.

At the Tudor and Jacobean court, Twelfth Night feasts were often accompanied by lavish tournaments or masques. Plays were also performed in other grand houses, one of the most popular, unsurprisingly, being Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. On 6 January 1663, Samuel Pepys recorded that he went to the Duke of York’s house where he ‘saw Twelfth Night acted well, though it be but a silly play and not relating at all to the name or day’. Two years earlier, after calling on various friends and relations on Twelfth Night, he ended up at the house of his ‘cousin Stradwick’, where, ‘after a good supper … we had a brave cake brought us, and in the choosing, Pall was queen and Mr Stradwick was king’. In Pepys’ day, Twelfth Night fell on 6 January – unless this happened to be a Sunday, as in 1661, when he recorded that 7 January was ‘kept as Twelfeday’.

By the 18th century, with Hanoverians on the throne, Twelfth Night feasts at court continued as before, but masques and tournaments were replaced by country dancing and games of Hazard. Vast sums were won and lost; on Twelfth Night in 1731, for example, it was reported that the Earl of Portmore won about £900. Seven years later, when the players included Princess Amelia, the Duchess of Dorset, the Duke of Grafton, the Duke of Marlborough, Lord Harrington and General

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Wade, it was recorded that ‘his majesty lost’. In 1773, George III decided that enough was enough, and announced that gaming at court on Twelfth Night would be abolished, with ‘the money usually expended on that occasion’ used ‘to relieve the necessities of the poor’.

The 18th century also saw Britain abandon the Julian calendar in favour of the Gregorian calendar, which was already in use throughout most of Europe. To resolve an 11-day discrepancy between the two calendars, in 1752 it was decreed that 2 September would be followed by 14 September. Losing 11 days like this went down so badly that some diehards stuck to the old calendar regardless. Although most soon fell into line, even today, in the Gwaun Valley in Pembrokeshire, New Year’s Day is celebrated according to the Julian calendar on 13 January. In the West Country, it’s Twelfth Night that’s still celebrated according to the old calendar – possibly in a crafty ploy to extend the festive season. Twelfth Night festivities in these parts included wassailing, which involved singing, blessing the apple trees, firing the odd gun to ward off evil spirits and drinking cider. It’s a tradition which is still very much alive today, taking place on or around Old Twelfth Night.

Traditions of times past Other Twelfth Night traditions have not stood the test of time so well.

They were already fading by the early 19th century, and, although in A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens mentions ‘immense twelfth cakes’ and a children’s Twelfth Night party, there is no hint in his writings of the boisterous junketings of earlier times.

Twelfth Night parties and balls – often involving fancy dress – continued throughout the 19th century and well into the 20th, and Twelfth Cakes continued to be baked. Gradually, though, as Christmas assumed its present form, the old customs fell into disuse.

In Bristol, however, though there is one place where the spirit of Twelfth Night – or at least of the Feast of the Epiphany, without which there would be no Twelfth Night – lives on. At the top of the appropriately named Christmas Steps stands a chapel, endowed, along with the adjoining almshouses, by John Foster, a wealthy merchant and Mayor of Bristol, in 1504. He dedicated it to the Three Kings of Cologne – the same kings who came bearing gifts to Bethlehem. After their deaths they had been laid to rest in Constantinople – but only until AD314, when their remains were moved to Milan. In 1164, they were moved again, to Cologne Cathedral, and placed in a gilded reliquary, which drew pilgrims from across Europe – including John Foster, who was so impressed that he built this chapel to honour their memory. The chapel has seen many changes since the 15th century, and the statues of the three kings on its south front only date from 1960, but the spirit of piety that inspired it – and the story it recalls – still lingers in this byway of the modern city.

Down with the decorations Today, for most of us, Twelfth Night is remembered, if at all, only as the time to take our decorations down – and to wonder, as we seem to do every year – whether it falls on 5 January, or 6 January. In Samuel Pepys’ day, when it was celebrated with gusto, it was definitely 6 January, but today 5 January is just as popular a choice. It all depends whether you consider the Twelve Days of Christmas start on Christmas Day or Boxing Day. As for when we should undeck the halls, though, a poem by Robert Herrick, vicar of Dean Prior in Devonshire in the 17th century, suggests we shouldn’t even be thinking about it for another four weeks. In Herrick’s day, decorations consisted of holly, ivy, mistletoe and other assorted greenery rather than flashing lights and inflatable Santas, but he was adamant that they needed to stay up until Candlemas, which falls on 2 February and marked the traditional end of the Christmas period. If that seems far too long, that’s probably because we put our decorations up so early.

In the 17th century – and until well into the last century – it was considered unlucky to put your decorations up before Christmas Eve. So it seems there are no hard and fast answers. Perhaps the best advice is that given by Shakespeare in the alternative title of Twelfth Night – do ‘what you will’. n • akemanpress.com Images: Opposite, ‘Twelfth Night Merry-making in Farmer Shakeshaft’s Barn’ by ‘Phiz’, an illustration from 1852 for Harrison Ainsworth’s Life and Adventures of Mervyn Clitheroe.Top, Gathering Holly depicted on a Christmas card from the early 20th century, when decorations weren’t put up until Christmas Eve. Middle, A somewhat curious Twelfth Night feast depicted by Isaac Cruikshank in 1794. Bottom, The Three Kings of Cologne.

THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK | JANUARY 2024 | THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 37

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FOOD & DRINK

High expectations, low alcohol

FOOD & DRINK A TASTY DISH FOR ANYONE EMBRACING VEGANUARY

Our favourite non-alcoholic libations This month, we’re exploring some of the most delicious drinks on the market that have very little or no alcohol in them. They’re perfect for anyone looking for a sophisticated drinking experience, fuelled by complex blends of botanicals, while keeping a clear head; just the thing for Dry January and beyond. Discover more at

greatwine.co.uk First up is this winter-only blend from Copenhagen Sparkling Tea Co., which is available between November and March. The low-ABV Vinter is made by blending spiced chai and Earl Grey teas with riesling wine, giving a complex gingerbread and citrus impression, with a balance between restrained sweetness and tea tannin. It’s made in Denmark, and is certified organic. It’s fantastic on its own, as a low-alcohol alternative to Champagne, but it also forms the basis for some beautiful cocktails. £15.50

Next on our list is Three Spirit’s Livener. It’s a UK-made, naturally invigorating botanical drink that can be served on its own over ice or used as an ingredient in a non-alcoholic cocktail. This fiery elixir is powered by guayusa, schisandra and energising plants used for centuries in ceremonies and potions. The flavour profile is lifted by vibrant berries, bright aromatics and heat for a lively, euphoric feeling. £31.50

Heading south-west to the Cornish coast, we have Pentire’s Seaward. This is a bright, zesty, verdant botanical non-alcoholic spirit made by distilling unique plants native to Cornwall's coast, including sea buckthorn, sea rosemary, wild seaweed and woodruff. Simply serve with ice and a tonic of your choice. £28

38 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024 | NO¯ 230

Vegan miso soup for the soul

By Melissa Blease Feeling jaded at the start of January is all part of the annual mood-swing calendar; the bills have rolled in, the pounds have (probably) rolled on and the bleak midwinter weather is in full force. But it's most definitely not all doom and gloom in the kitchen...

We're going to kickstart the new year with a simple soup that nourishes, soothes, cleanses overladen digestive systems and revitalises our senses all in one deeply umami, personality-laden pot.

White miso – a nutrient-loaded fermented paste made from rice, barley and soya beans – is a key ingredient here; there is no substitute, but fortunately it's readily available in high street supermarkets (as is silken tofu), while the rest of the ingredients are probably already lurking at the bottom of your fridge.

Ingredients (serves 2) 750ml vegetable stock 3cm fresh ginger, peeled and sliced into matchsticks 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and crushed 1 fresh red chilli, deseeded and chopped 1 generous handful shredded savoy cabbage 1 carrot, grated 2 tablespoons miso paste 200g silken tofu, diced Chopped spring onions, to garnish; dark soy sauce, to season Method Pour the stock into a pan and bring to the boil. Add the ginger, garlic, chilli, cabbage and carrot and simmer (partially covered) for 5 minutes.

Add the miso paste and stir well before adding the tofu and simmering (uncovered) for a further 1-2 minutes. Serve hot, topped with splashes of dark soy sauce and a sprinkling of chopped spring onions.

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Cider-soaked toast is hung from the apple trees (Photo: Thatchers)

Light up the night

Who says winter revelry has to stop once December ends? Each January, people across the south west embrace the darkest time of year with a traditional wassail, finding joy in the old ways of welcoming in good spirits to guide us through the year ahead...

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ourth generation cider maker Thatchers will be Wassailing once again at Myrtle Farm in January. The Wassail Queen and Green Man will lead the Mendip Morris procession into the apple orchards, where the weird and wonderful events that make up the Wassail tradition take place.

The Wassail Ceremony originates from a pagan tradition of promoting the good health of the apple trees – and a great harvest. The ceremony welcomes in the good spirits and scares away the not-so-good spirits to keep the trees in good health throughout the year. The word Wassail takes its name from ‘Waes Hael’ – which means ‘be well’.

The event traditionally takes place on or around the 17 January (referred to by some as ‘Old Twelvey Night’).

Thatchers loves to continue this tradition, with revelling guests taking part in the strange goings-on. Cider poured over the roots of the Wassail tree will wish good health, while cider-soaked toast hung in the trees by the Wassail Queen is said to attract the robins – good spirits who help the trees grow and produce fruit.

Meanwhile, the evil spirits are scared away with revellers making as much noise as they can (using sticks and pans), and sometimes shots are fired into the air in traditional ceremonies. Then there’s a Wassail chant – and of course lots of merriment, music, and warming mulled cider. n

Hold your own Wassail!

Make mulled cider at home To make your own mulled cider, simply take a 500ml bottle of Thatchers Gold cider (or Thatchers Zero alcohol-free cider if you prefer), and in a pan, add: 1/4 sliced orange, lemon and apple, 1 star anise, 1 clove, 1/2 cinnamon stick, 1 slice of ginger and soft brown sugar to taste.

Simmer gently for around half an hour to let the spice flavours infuse, but be careful not to let it boil. Pour into a heat-proof mug and enjoy!

• thatcherscider.co.uk THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK | JANUARY 2024 | THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 39

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Cooking in front of the cameras was a new experience for Thorn

Masters among chefs Fresh from the grand final of 2023’s MasterChef: The Professionals, Bristolian Tommy Thorn speaks to Rosanna Spence about cooking food in front of the camera for his industry idols...

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t’s no secret that Bristol is brimming with creative culinary minds.

But when two-thirds of the chefs in the grand final of MasterChef: The Professionals are based in or near the city, you know for certain that our appetites are in safe hands.

From his very first challenge, born and bred Bristol chef Tommy Thorn appeared cool, calm and collected. For some of his 31 other chef competitors, the pressure of studio filming in front of industry heavyweight judges Marcus Wareing (who Thorn admits was a huge influence on him in his early career), Monica Galetti and Gregg Wallace made for nervy viewing. Yet Thorn – who was head chef of Bristol restaurant The Ethicurean until its closure in October 2023 – felt like a safe pair of hands from the get go. It was unsurprising then that he made it to the final, narrowly missing out on the trophy (along with Yate resident Kasae Fraser, who works at Robun in Bath), which was claimed by the ultimate winner Tom Hamblet. But was Thorn really as calm as he seemed during filming?

“I wouldn’t say I was calm!” he laughs. “I was definitely focused.

My head was going at a hundred miles an hour. I guess it was controlled fear. A lot of people have said that I appeared calm, though.

“Waiting for that first challenge – [cooking monkfish for Marcus Wareing] – to begin, before I went in, I was thinking, ‘This is okay, I’m going to be fine’. But then the team led me through the room and in that moment, I felt like a ghost, it was honestly the weirdest thing.

40 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024 | No 230

“I remember walking in and seeing Marcus there and I was just in shock. It’s hard to explain it, it was a real out of body experience. I was so nervous. But when I started cooking, I felt like myself again.”

Though he’d never had to balance cooking and talking to the camera simultaneously before, after 10 minutes of feeling a little selfconscious, Thorn found his flow and got into the swing of things. “I was very much in my own bubble and was just pushing through to get everything done.”

Asian-inspired plates Thorn’s thoughtful use of Asian-inspired ingredients was his trademark throughout the series, subtly weaving seasonings and techniques used across the continent into refined European dishes.

An excellent example of his approach was the main dish he prepared for the final episode. Pan-seared veal loin was cooked in an ox heart garam (a fermented sauce), served with a soy and sesame seed carrot, carrot and ginger purée, crispy kale, pickled carrot disks on a carrot top and parmesan pesto, crispy sweetbread, dressed in a Caesar salad, and a veal-soy mirin (a type of Japanese rice wine) and cornichon sauce – finished with the aromas of rosemary.

So, where did he first fall in love with these Asian flavours?

“I had cooked for so long in the classic British-French manner,” he remembers, “then I went to Thailand and saw a new process of cooking

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MASTERCHEF: THE PROFESSIONALS

food. I found it really exciting. When I tasted the food, it wowed me.

The flavour impact it had was amazing.

“I felt that those flavours paired with the technique of the BritishFrench style of cooking works hand-in-hand really well if you get the balance right.”

Though he didn’t rely on this influence to boost every dish he presented. The judges were just as wowed with his ingenious dessert using the flavours of an Espresso Martini cocktail in episode 18, for example. He created a coffee sponge with candied walnuts, honey whisky jelly, buckwheat tuile, and vanilla ice cream – finishing with a serving of soft espresso martini foam just before the judges devoured it.

Tough moments As the competition entered its final week, the heat in the kitchen reached boiling point. Thorn says that the notoriously high pressure Chef’s Table event was his toughest, but most rewarding moment.

Held at the iconic Midland Grand Dining Room in the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel, London, the final four each prepared a course for 24 top chefs. How did Thorn fare cooking for the good and the great of the UK’s dining scene – who between them held 22 Michelin stars?

“We were all struggling with that task,” he admits. “I’d seen Charlie [Walters] and Tom go before me, so I could see what was about to come. It was a staggered build-up of tension. The pressure was immense. It was so tiring, but it was also probably the most rewarding part of the competition as well.

“That room was full of my idols. When I was in the room, I was in awe of who was there. It was like looking at my Instagram feed. It was everyone who I’ve ever admired. And to have them sit there and try my food was very surreal, I’ll never forget that moment.”

Best of Bristol When he’s relaxing at home with his partner Courtney and their little boy, Thorn cooks spontaneously, making the most of whatever ingredients he has to hand.

“My tip for readers wanting to elevate their meals at home would be to enjoy your time cooking, the more enjoyment put into it the more you get out of it and the better the food will taste,” he advises. “Also, buy a temperature probe for your proteins.”

And when he’s venturing out and about, he loves heading to the laid back but high-quality eateries at Wapping Wharf. But his favourite restaurant is Bulrush.

“I really like eating in Bulrush,” he adds. “I’ve been there a few times and it’s great food, with a little Asian influence too, I believe. I think we’re quite lucky in Bristol, there are so many good places to eat.”

Tommy Thorn (left) pictured with fellow finalists Kasae Fraser (centre) and Tom Hamblet (right)

In terms of Bristol chefs, he’d always admired Peter Sanchez, who put Bristol on the culinary map with Casamia – a city dining institution that Thorn grew up around.

“But you’ve also got Josh Eggleton, who’s been doing some great things,” he adds. “He’s been changing the scene and pushing the boundaries. I definitely think there’s room for more chefs though. I think the Bristol scene is going through a hard time right now, as is everywhere else in the food industry.”

Thorn’s dream is to run his own establishment. But what would it look like?

“At the start I would like something quite stripped back and relaxed,” he explains. “Quite intimate. A 10-course taster menu, with guests staying there for two-to-three hours, I’d want it to be fun. I don’t like it when things are too formal. I just want people to have a good time.”

MasterChef finalist Seeing off stiff competition from his industry peers to make it to the final week is impressive – a win in itself.

“It was incredible feeling to reach the final,” Thorn says. “Getting to that stage was a dream come true. Before I applied, getting to the final seemed so far-fetched. I didn’t really go in it to win it, to be honest. I was in it put myself through a really difficult situation and learn from the experience. Then as I progressed further into the competition, I got hungrier and hungrier to keep going. But I kept my focus on the round ahead of me.”

What’s his advice to other Bristol-based chefs keen to follow in his footsteps? “I’d say push yourself to do it, it might not be as bad as you think it will be. You could get the best thing out of it you could ever want. I believe that as a chef it’s all about pushing yourself, and learning, and at the end of the day, this is the best opportunity you’re going to get.

So why not just go for it?

“Cooking for the judges was just a massive privilege; I’ll remember everything they said and every comment, because it was worth its weight in gold. You don’t often get the opportunity to have such a talented opinion shared on your food, so I really valued that.”

But what really stood out for Thorn was that he was cooking his own recipes for these culinary titans – no one else’s.

“It was all from my head and then out onto the plate. So, to have those judges evaluate what they think and feel about it was a very special thing.”

A new chapter awaits Thorn as we enter a new year, and he saw out the final few weeks of 2023 whipped up in the whirlwind of the series finally airing all the episodes. But he’s already got his sights on a new adventure. “I’m trying to focus on what I want to do now, I’m definitely excited for my next challenge.” n

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TRAVEL

Where will 2024 take you?

The experts at F&P Travel divulge the destinations on their hit list this year

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ake 2024 the year for exceptional travel. F&P Travel (formally known as Fish&Pips) has curated its top seven travel hot spots that should be on your radar this year. From camping in the desert to charting a yacht or canoeing up the Lower Zambezi River, these experiences are not to be missed...

France

Paris Summer Olympics (taking place from 26 July until 11 August) is definitely putting France on the map for 2024. Paris alone is expecting up to three million additional visitors this year, which will increase tourism spending by €4billion.

F&P Travel has a stunning collection of Parisian hotels right in the heart of the action, but what’s more for those hoping to escape the stampede the team highly recommends the glittering Cote d'Azur for a touch of glamour or cycling around the Ile de Ré.

Sri Lanka Sri Lanka, ‘the comeback kid’, has had a tough few years and despite interest being on the rise there are still so many relatively unexplored areas. We encourage you to get off the beaten track and get under the skin of this vibrant and fascinating country, guided by those who know it best – the locals. F&P Travel has recently launched a raft of exciting culturally immersive experiences for some inspiration.

Paris, France (photo: Fabien Maurin)

British Virgin Islands Even the most seasoned sailors are bowled over by the charm of the British Virgin Islands with its surreal blue waters, lush tropical greenery and ivory white sands.

These islands are a veritable treasure trove of culture, wildlife, phenomenal food and off-grid adventure and there is no better perspective than by sea. F&P Travel’s monohull yachts or catamarans come complete with skipper, host and chef with watersports galore to keep everyone happy.

Zambia With a member of F&P Travel’s team just back from travelling across Zambia, this wild and rugged part of Africa is fresh in their minds and etched in their hearts. Perhaps one of Africa's best kept secrets, the team loves it for its huge swathes of untouched wilderness, offering raw and authentic adventure. F&P Travel loves that visitor numbers are low so you have it all to yourself. And they especially love the remote (romantic) lodges reachable only by boat.

Oman This is a phenomenal country all about off the beaten track adventure – from self-drives and sailing holidays to discovering remote wadis, villageto-village trekking along ancient paths to wild swimming and learning about the night skies from private astronomers. Whether you choose serene mountain resorts, luxury mobile camping or oasis retreats, Oman is a complete stunner and will forever be on our bucket list – no matter what year it is.

Greece One of the hottest countries to visit in 2023, its popularity will only continue to rise in 2024 with gorgeous new hotels popping up all over the place (F&P Travel has its eyes set on Gundari on the enchanting island of Folegandros). With guaranteed sun, hidden away coves and crystal clear waters, fascinating Byzantine and Roman ruins and some of the best food in the Med it really is no surprise everyone wants to go there.

Scandinavia If you're anything like the F&P Travel team, the combination of thrilling outdoor adventure and fresh air is always a winner. And Scandinavia stands out for the purest air, its vast expanses of untouched wilderness and pristine landscapes.

This region's commitment to environmental sustainability and conservation is staggeringly impressive and ensures skiers not only enjoy the thrill of the slopes but also benefit from crisp, clean air people’s lungs so desperately yearn. n

• Follow F&P Travel on Instagram @fandptravel for inspiration on where else is hot in 2024. WhatsApp or speak to one of the expert team on 01306 264005 or email hello@fandptravel.com to plan your tailor-made trip. fandptravel.com

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Sailing the British Virgin Islands

Swedish Lapland Wahiba Sands, Oman

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

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BOOKS

New Year, New Mind This month the team at Heron Books has chosen the perfect reads to ease your mind into the new year...

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note from the team: “This is our selection of books we think would offer warmth, comfort and positivity in various ways. Hopefully, the books selected are different from what people might find on a wellbeing bestseller list online.”

Visit Heron Books’ website: heronbooks.co.uk Follow the shop on Instagram: @heronbooksbristol and browse the collection in store: Unit 5, The Clifton Arcade, Boyce's Ave, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4AA. Open Monday to Friday 10am-5.30pm; Saturday 9am-6pm; Sunday 11am-4pm A Good Appetite, Jenny Chandler Published by HarperCollins Publishers, £20 Bristol-based food writer Jenny Chandler’s latest book is full of delicious recipes and great ideas for seasonal meals. These recipes offer alternative, simple ways to adapt them for different tastes and ideas to make ingredients go further.

More than that, A Good Appetite is a guide to shopping locally and economically, as well as to eating ethically while having a lovely time. The new year has become a time for people to think about what they eat, often in a negative manner; this book will inject a positive slant to cooking and to really enjoying your food.

How to Build a Healthy Brain, Kimberley Wilson Published by Hodder & Stoughton, £12.99 Kimberley Wilson’s book gives practical advice on ways to improve one’s brain health – both physically and mentally – through diet, sleep and exercise.

Wilson is a psychologist with expertise in nutrition and the writing is clear and scientific.

She has since written Unprocessed: How the Food We Eat is Fuelling Our Mental Health Crisis, a book which explores the importance of a good diet to help those dealing with depression.

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Let the Light Pour In, Lemn Sissay Published by Canongate Books, £12.99 In January the mornings may be rather dark and cold, but Lemn Sissay’s collection of ‘morning poems’ will inject some golden joy into the wintry day. Sissay composes a poem with each dawn, in order to look for the light in the dark. This collection brings together the witty and kind result of his practice. It’s a heartening way to start the day, whether you simply read a few lines of poetry with your morning tea or are inspired to try some writing yourself.

It’s Not Just You: How to navigate eco-anxiety and the climate crisis, Tori Tsui Published by Simon & Schuster Ltd £16.99 Tsui reframes eco-anxiety as an urgent mental health crisis. In her work fighting for climate justice, Tsui recognises the toll that the crisis is taking on our mental health, and on certain groups more than others.

It’s Not Just You is refreshing not just in its message of solidarity and community, but in its intersectional approach, prioritising marginalised groups who are often left out of this conversation and its subsequent actions.

The Book You Want Everyone You Love* to Read *(and maybe a few you don’t), Philippa Perry Published by Cornerstone, £18.99 Philippa Perry is a psychotherapist, perhaps known best as the author of the ‘Ask Philippa’ columns in The Observer. Perry asks big questions – how you can find and keep love; how you can manage conflict; how to cope with change; how to be content – and offers advice as well as wit. It’s a short, very readable book that’s big in the kindness and compassion it extends.

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NEWS FROM THE CITY

Bristol UPDATES NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES AND ORGANISATIONS

The MAZI Project extends reach with new home

Huge investment at Haberdashers’ Monmouth School Haberdashers’ Monmouth School has announced a major investment into its facilities for 2024, which will include a new Sixth Form centre, dance studio and classroom and social areas. The move forms part of the ambitious plans to create new and innovative learning environments for the students. To coincide with the news of the investment, the school has also confirmed it will be fully co-educational across all age groups from September 2024.

The school is inviting all prospective families to its open morning on Saturday 27 January. People will be able to meet with students and staff, tour the facilities and hear about the school’s exciting plans for the future.

• Register for the open day by visiting habsmonmouth.org/visit-us or contact the admissions team at admissions@habsmonmouth.org

Dandara Living and Acorn Property Group have helped The MAZI Project find, part-fund and prepare a new home after the organisation outgrew its former premises.

The charity already provides weekly food boxes to more than 80 people (some of whom are victims of domestic abuse, asylum seekers, care leavers and those recovering from homelessness) with cookery classes held in various locations in Bristol.

Scaling up its work as a result of the cost-of-living crisis has seen the charity outgrow its North Street home. The new premises will allow The MAZI Project to quadruple the number of young people it can help.

Dandara Living – which owns the new premises at Bedminster’s St. Catherine’s Trading Estate – has provided a low rent, part-funded business rates and agreed a secure lease to help ensure the charity can continue to thrive, as well as providing free skilled workers to prepare the building, and vital needs such as storage racking.

Acorn Property Group has been the charity’s adviser throughout, providing free professional help, sourcing the new premises, negotiating and managing contracts.

The MAZI Project launched a £20,000 crowd funder to help the charity build and install its community kitchen, which concluded at the end of December. People can also support the project through organising corporate volunteer days, monthly sponsorship and donations.

• localgiving.org/charity/the-mazi-project

The Radiator Centre arrives in Clifton The Radiator Centre has announced its newest showroom will open on Whiteladies Road in Clifton on Monday 8 January 2024. It marks the sixth showroom for the company and its first site in the south west.

“We appreciate that our customers like to use local companies,” says Nick Duggan, managing director of The Radiator Centre. “Our Bristol showroom will provide people in the south west with somewhere they can come, see and touch the products in person – something that simply isn't possible with shopping online.

“Our expert team will be on hand to provide advice and guidance, whether someone is embarking on a new building project or requires a swift solution for urgent renovations.”

From designer radiators to traditional designs and cast iron radiators, the showroom will also feature stylish heated towel rails, catering to a diverse range of heating needs.

• 116 Whiteladies Road Bristol BS8 2RP; theradiatorcentre.com

Bristol Memorial Woodland gets £100k facelift Bristol Memorial Woodlands has reopened following a major external rejuvenation programme.

The popular funeral venue, located near Alveston, South Gloucestershire, invested more than £100,000 in the project which included the resurfacing of its showpiece driveway as well as other improvement works around the 100-acre site.

• memorialwoodlands.com

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beautynotebook

Time to energise and refresh

January is the best time to give your beauty regimen a much needed detox and energy boost. Cleanse, revitalise, refresh and protect - here’s some great skincare products that will help you re-balance and start your year just right.

Available instore at Harvey Nichols Bristol.

PIXI Glow Glycolic Boost Sheet Mask x 3 £10.00 Give your skin the boost it needs.

Pixi’s sheet masks provide a concentration of expertly-curated ingredients that will deliver results in a flash. With glycolic acid to brighten and exfoliate and herbal extracts to maintain skin health the Glow Glycolic Boost Sheet Mask has an instant brightening and hydrating effect working to improve skin elasticity and luminosity in an instant.

NUFACE FIX Line Smoothing Device £150.00 NuFACE is clinically proven to go beyond traditional skincare – to THE MUSCLES—to tone, lift, and contour in the current and over time.

Whether you are looking to smooth lines & wrinkles, sculpt cheeks, or define the jawline, NuFACE Facial Toning Devices offer visible results in as little as 5 minutes a day.

SUNDAY RILEY Power Couple Total Transformation Kit £70.00 Use Luna Sleeping Night Oil at night directly after cleansing. Massage three to four drops into clean dry skin on the face neck and décolleté. Luna goes from blue to sheer when it is massaged adequately into the skin.

For best results when using Luna with Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment wait five minutes for Luna to sink in before applying Good Genes for best results.

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Sarah Chapman’s Overnight Lip Concentrate feels comforting and nourishing as soon as it is applied. With a highly effective plumping action on the lips that is both immediate and long-term it helps to counteract slackening over time and targets the appearance of fine lines specifically vertical lines around the lip area.

NURSEM Caring Hand Cream 300ml £20.00 Nursem’s Caring Hand Cream was developed with nurses to combat the effects of relentless hand washing. The nongreasy, fast-absorbing formula is designed to be used little and often throughout the day to immediately soothe, hydrate and reduce the risk of further on-going discomfort.

Powered by soothing Manuka Honey NPA +15, calming white willow bark and protective plant oils, the Caring Hand Cream is the perfect prevention for hard-working hands.

CAUDALIE Vinotherapist Set £20.00 Fall for these Caudalie’s nourishing & regenerating body essentials: it’s the perfect routine for having glowing, moisturised skin all year round with a subtle 100% natural fig fragrance.

Enriched with prickly pear oil, Smooth & Glow Oil Elixir is a multi-use dry oil that nourishes, firms and perfumes the body, hair and décolleté. Its 100% natural fig scent envelops the skin in a sensual and addictive fragrance.

Neom’s Big Day Energy Face Mist is your short-cut to bright, dewy skin with an energy boost whilst you’re at it. This vegan face mist calms, refreshes and hydrates and features 99% naturally derived ingredients and a blend of natural adaptogens to help energise and uplift your mind. Perfect for use on-the-go and under or over makeup, it’s gently enough for all skin types.

SARAH CHAPMAN Overnight Lip Concentrate £36.00

DR. DENNIS GROSS SKINCARE Pro Facial Steamer £269.00 An easy-to-use professional grade facial steamer with ultrasonic technology to infuse skin with deep hydration and help decongest pores for soft and dewy skin.

Featuring two heat settings to accommodate skin sensitivity, this custom design utilizes a wide adjustable dual chamber nozzle to provide more steam output with a wider treatment area.

NEOM Big Day Energy Face Mist £26.00

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WELLBEING | ACHIEVE MORE IN ’24

The power of positive change

A new you needs positive goals. As the new year brings an opportunity for a fresh start, we look at what some of Bristol’s brilliant businesses are offering this year that will work wonders on our body and mind...

MOHIITO new year Pilates and fitness intro pass This month, MOHIITO is offering new clients a special introductory pass to kickstart their 2024. Glide onto the Pilates reformer and step into a new world of fitness, barre and Pilates classes with a 6 class pass for just £69. The studio is nestled away off Cotham Hill and offers contemporary Reformer Pilates and innovative Pilates and fitness workouts (including barre, boxing, HIIT, mat Pilates and strength) with 60 classes a week. You'll strengthen, define and stretch your way to better health and wellbeing in an intimate, stylish studio with expert instructors. Use code: ‘MOHBRISTOLMAG’ to receive a free pair of stylish grip socks with your intro pass.

• Details at www.mohiito.com/2024

Confidence boosting treatments with Dr Mathewson: A year of beautiful results Dr Courteney Mathewson launched her aesthetics business one year ago and has gone from strength to strength creating beautiful results and expanding her range of treatments. With 13 years of NHS experience, she applies her skills and empathy into delivering comfortable and bespoke injectable treatments.

Her personal recommendation?

“Everyone’s skin is unique, but I personally love using skin boosters such as Profhilo and polynucleotides. They both offer great natural results by improving skin texture, hydration and overall radiance and can be used across wider areas or targeted to specific issues, such as tired eyes.”

Dr Mathewson offers injectable treatments and medical-grade skincare from her treatment room at The Bank Fitness in Henleaze.

• For more information visit: drmathewson.co.uk 52 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024 | No 230

Polly Turnill Personal Training Personal trainer Polly Turnill is celebrating a year since launching her small group fitness classes from a private studio space at The Bank Fitness in Henleaze. As a result of her success, Polly will be opening up three new groups in the new year and is offering a FREE trial for anyone who would like to give it a go.

Among the classes on offer is strength and stability training for older people.

Clients find that training in small groups in a safe environment, with others in a similar position, is really motivating.

“I am much more confident around issues of balance; I never hesitate to go for a long walk or a long cycle ride because I know I am now capable of it,” says Colin, age 74 years.

“Training with Polly has helped me get my mojo back,” says Jayne, age 48 years.

• To get in touch with Polly, email: pollyturnill@gmail.com or contact: 07954 381 845

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WELLBEING | ACHIEVE MORE IN ’24

Be Military Fit The members of Be Military Fit (BMF) Bristol are an extremely friendly and social bunch who are looking forward to welcoming newcomers to the thriving BMF community. The workouts are tailored to all abilities, and anyone is welcome, whatever their fitness level. BMF Bristol offers classes seven days a week at Clifton Downs. Life can get in the way, so members can also benefit from BMF Digital. You will also have access to the BMF online physical health and wellbeing platform, so you can work out with BMF anywhere in the world. As a fitness community the organisation offers monthly social activities and annual trips around the world; so BMF isn't only about amazing outdoor workouts.

Special Offer: Sign up for 2 free classes during January.

• Find out more at: bemilitaryfit.com

Meditation, Massage and Macramé with Knots and Stalks Aggy from Knots & Stalks delivers creative and holistic wellbeing workshops to help Bristolians carve out time to connect to themselves, learn new skills, relax and de-stress. She uses the textile art technique macramé, which involves tying knots into decorative patterns, and sound therapy techniques with harmonic instruments such as singing bowls, gongs and chimes. Her workshops incorporate the stimulating, repetitive motion of your hands with sound frequencies that lower your brain waves into a more relaxed, meditative state.

Events include mindful macramé with sound, massage and sound meditation, tarot journaling with a sound bath, macramé earring making with prosecco, plant hanger workshops and couples sound massage date nights. Look out for events and workshops taking place over the next few months across central and east Bristol.

• Find out more at knotsandstalks.com

Alma Physiotherapy: Breaking Down Barriers in Bristol A new physiotherapy and wellness clinic in Redland is determined to break taboo and encourage open conversations when it comes to pelvic floor health and women's health. In the UK, one in three women have pelvic floor issues at some point during their lifetime, and not necessarily only after having a baby. Pelvic floor issues are a huge barrier to exercise and can deeply affect our mental health.

Women are starting to speaking up about painful sex (dyspareunia), recurrent UTIs, prolapse and feeling ashamed of their bladder health. The most common form of incontinence (peeing if you laugh, sneeze or jump) can often be solved by doing pelvic floor exercises correctly.

Bristol City Council recognised that Alma Physiotherapy was ‘Breaking Down Barriers’ with an award at the end of 2022, and has part-funded the opening of this space which continues to help the community with educational workshops on hypnobirthing, hypopressive breath and the menopause, specialist physiotherapy, scar therapy, yoga courses for women and Pilates for mums.

What’s on in the new year? Hypopressives workshop 20 January (fully booked), Menopause workshop for Anxiety & Overwhelm 27 January (spaces left), Pilates for Mums Fridays 11am, Physio-led pilates for Beginners Tuesdays 7pm, Hypnobirthing workshop 25 February (spaces left).

• Contact liz@almaphysiotherapy.co.uk or check out almaphysiotherapy.co.uk/book-online and @bristolwellness to see what’s on offer. Readers have access to 10% off an initial physiotherapy session with ‘HELLO10’ for bookings made before 31st January 2024.

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WELLBEING | ACHIEVE MORE IN ’24

Start your transformative journey with habits That Heal Studio in 2024

Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital brings patient service to a new level. The UK’s largest healthcare charity, Nuffield Health invested over £20million in its 30 bed private hospital, with 11 consulting rooms and three fully digital operating theatres, combining leading edge clinical facilities with an outstanding customer experience.

The hospital offers an extensive list of services including orthopaedics, spinal surgery, gynaecology, ophthalmology, and weight loss procedures, as well as physiotherapy, a private GP service and rapid access to diagnostics – including X-ray and MRI. Its clinical team also hold regular free events throughout the year, offering information on a variety of healthcare topics. Visit the hospital website for more details.

• nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/bristol

Embrace the transformative power of movement with Habits That Heal Studio's holistic African dance, also AfroFit with MAKOSSA Music courses. Enrol on a 5-week journey of self-discovery, unleashing your inner rhythm and unlocking a world of physical and mental well-being at the Bristol Folk House.

This is a series of exhilarating sessions designed to rejuvenate your body and soul. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a complete beginner, the welcoming and supportive environment will guide you to dance your emotions. In March, founder Grace Ekall is teaming up with the inspirational @KymVincenti from ‘Life in my 60s’ for a transformative bootcamp experience. This exclusive event will gently instil in you a passion for fitness and healthy living. Stay tuned and join Grace and her team to improve your health and happiness in 2024!

• For more information email Grace: ekallgrace@gmail.com or visit: bristolfolkhouse.co.uk/our-tutors/grace-ekall Bootcamp: Book a free consultation with Grace at: calendly.com/ekallgrace

CK Dental In a market crowded with dentistry chains, CK Dental emphasises bespoke private dental care that puts the patient at the heart of the practice. Run by husband-and-wife team Cornelius and Sheryl Krause, the practice in Clifton, alongside their clinic based at the Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital which is renowned for treating dental phobic patients under general anaesthetic or sedation.

Both clinics offer innovative dental techniques combined with state-of-the-art digital equipment. As well as routine and restorative dentistry, CK Dental provides the full range of cosmetic dentistry procedures, including Invisalign. Call or go online to book.

• 1 West Mall, Clifton BS8 4BH Tel: 0117 472 1600 Web: ckdental.co.uk

Cura Clinical Consultancy By trade, James Scrimshaw has been a chiropractor for 28 years, and he still today thoroughly enjoys giving hands on treatment at his clinics in Westbury on Trym and Thornbury. James says that on his journey he has also inevitably become a patient himself, suffering from a long term back condition and knee injury. True to form, his conditions weren’t at all straightforward to manage, for which reason he looked ‘outside the box’ for other methods and new technologies. This is how he came across MBST. A gentle adaptation of MRI, it dials the MR energy directly into damaged cells, creating a remarkable healing process in our tissues and joints. In short, James reports that it literally cured his conditions and is now a fundamental part of his practice and an exciting development to add into the future management of orthopaedic conditions.

• Trym Lodge, 1 Henbury Road, Bristol BS9 3HQ Tel: 0117 959 6531 Web: curaclinical.com

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2 FREE CLASSES DURING JANUARY

BMF WORKOUTS MILITARY FIT CROSSRUN HIT TRAINING KETTLEBELL

SIGN UP AT BEMILITARYFIT.COM Meet Location: Stoke Road, Clifton Downs, opposite the water tower

If you would like to: • Feel more motivated • Have more energy • Regain your confidence • Get fit And do all this with other like minded people, then Semi Private Personal Training could be just for you!

I’m a Small Group Coach working in a private Studio at The Bank Fitness, Henleaze. What others have said about me:

“I enjoy training in a small group as I feel more confident and comfortable. Training with others with similar goals to me is very motivational” - Anna, 50 yrs “The small group means that Polly is able to give each person individual attention and to be mindful of our specific injuries and needs” If you’d like to find out more, Please get in touch

Pollyturnill@gmail.com Fb: Polly Turnill Fitness Tel: 07954 381 845

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CURA: Treating Arthritic knee and neck pain Are you looking for relief from pain and immobility caused by osteoarthritis, back conditions or a sports injury? We can help.

Here at CURA, we use the latest technologies: MBST Cell Regeneration Therapy and Deep Tissue Laser Therapy to heal and repair the damaged tissues. We combine these technologies with hands-on Chiropractic and Physiotherapy to ensure your body heals itself to its maximum potential.

We can’t get everyone better …Cedric here is a grumpy old chap who had a terrible case of ‘something or other’ and after trying hands on care, MBST, surgery, drugs and faith healing…we’ve given up.

Rob however is another success story. A keen squash and Paddle player at Redland, he had been suffering for years with a stage 4 arthritic knee and severe arthritic neck pain which responded to no other therapy…being proactive and open minded, he treated his spine and knee bone and cartilage with MBST. What prompted me to ask him for the testimony was when he told me that he mentioned to his partner, ‘for the first time in many years, I’m not in any pain’. I can’t tell you how good it is to hear that. He’s now running round the squash court like a 21 year old….his words not mine.

Wishing you all a Happy healthy New year and a wonderful 2024.

An award-winning innovative treatment for: Osteoarthritis | Back & disc problems | Bone conditions & fractures | Cartilage damage | Ligament, tendon & muscle damage | Sports & accident injuries.

Talk to us today : 0117 959 6531 www.curaclinical.com THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK | JANUARY 2024 | THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 57

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INTERIORS

Never mind neutral Underwhelmed with Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2024 ‘Peach Fuzz’?

Then dive into the rich depths of ‘dopamine décor’, a style that puts vibrant hues front and centre Words: Kay James, founder of K Interiors

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t K Interiors, we eagerly awaited the 2023 Decorex interior design exhibition, which took place in London in September 2023. After several years of neutral interior trends reflecting the mood of the country as we navigated our way through the pandemic and resultant economic crisis, we were keen to establish whether the design fraternity would concur with our instinct that the interiors world is finally preparing to emerge like a butterfly from the cocoon, shake off the greys and beiges, and launch into a beautiful colour renaissance.

The show certainly did not disappoint in this respect. Our hearts were truly uplifted by the array of colours, textures and patterns on display all around us, making it abundantly clear that we are on the cusp of seeing a much-needed injection of optimism and personal joy into our residential interior design schemes.

Joy-inducing colours and homewares Even the guest speakers were evidence of this new trend for colour, with one panel including the queen of colourful interiors Sophie Robinson, her co-host on the Great Indoors podcast Kate Watson-Smythe, and the doyenne of upcycling and chalk furniture paint Annie Sloane.

Their talk focused on how to embrace colour in your home interiors, and they each started by sharing their first memories of colour.

Interestingly, and somewhat surprisingly, Robinson’s first memory was of something white!

Surrounding the exhibitors were bright and colourful sets provided

by Yes Colours, there was a fabulous wall-mounted felt colour wheel and a rainbow tunnel (both great for Instagram), and colour trails designed by behavioural design consultant Karen Haller.

New paint colours being launched by companies such as Little Greene and Coat included deep earthy tones, such as terracotta, claret and burgundy. There were colourful salt and pepper grinders and other home accessories from Addison Ross, delicately toned and elegant chandeliers at Rothschild & Bickers, gorgeous bright lampshades and muted pink contemporary glass pendant lights at Pooky Lighting, bold, quirky painted ceramics from Kinkatou Studio, and a new contemporary technicolour range of faux books from Original Book Works. Even the cisterns displayed by Thomas Crapper had been given a modern edge and were displayed in the brightest of hues. Literally everywhere we looked, there was colour!

Why colour is important in interior design We spend a lot of time in our homes, particularly during the long winter months, and the colours we choose to surround ourselves with have a big impact on how we feel when we are in a space. The colour palette

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Stripes: Silent White and Yellow-Pink Intelligent Matt Emulsion. Panelling: Hopper and Bath Harley Green in Intelligent Satinwood by Little Greene (littlegreene.com)

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INTERIORS Walls and fireplace: Leather Intelligent Matt Emulsion

by Little Greene (littlegreene.com)

used when designing any given room or space needs cohesion, so that the colours within the palette work together to evoke the emotional response the user would like to achieve.

When considering introducing colour into your home, the first thing to think about is how you want to feel when you are in your home in general, or a particular room.

The psychology of colour Traditional colour psychology suggests that certain colours are good for different environments and elicit a particular mood or feeling. For example, cool colours, such as blues and greens, are thought to be calming and aid concentration. Green is also considered to be fresh and optimistic – the colour of spring and of nature. Reds, pinks, oranges and yellows are energising, uplifting and stimulating, while warmer and deeper toned colours – burgundy, browns and deep blues, for example, create a cosy, comfortable feel. It’s not just the colour, but also the tone of the colour palette that will affect a person’s response to any room design scheme. Deeper, bolder tones can inspire confidence, while lighter hues are often linked to tranquillity and serenity.

In our experience, although the above is a general rule of thumb, each individual will react to colours and tones differently and personal preference is the main factor when deciding on a colour palette for your interiors.

What colours do you enjoy and connect with?

When considering how you want to feel in a space, think about the colours you love and that make you happy. You might look to your wardrobe for inspiration, go to a craft market or art gallery, look at displays in shop windows, or flick through a fashion or interiors magazine. What colours draw your eye? Which do you find more and less appealing?

When in doubt, go back to basics and look at the colour wheel! When deciding on colour combinations for your home, you could opt for a tonal scheme using different tones of only one colour. Alternatively, you might choose a harmonious scheme where colours that sit alongside one another on the colour wheel are used within a room or space. You could also consider using a contrasting scheme, where colours positioned opposite each other on the colour wheel (‘complementary colours’) are used to create a more dramatic effect. The most important element when putting together colour combinations is balance.

Colour-focused interior design At K Interiors, we are all about colour, whether it be subtle or more defined and impactful. We very much believe that living in an environment surrounded by the colours and designs you love can improve well-being and make you feel more positive. We want our clients to really enjoy and look forward to spending time in their homes and, with that being the case, every client briefing begins with an extensive colour consultancy session.

One of the key purposes of an initial client briefing is for us to understand how our client responds to a range of colour palettes, patterns and textures, along with how the client wants to feel when they are in the room or space we are designing. We want to know what the room will be used for, who it will be used by, and at what time of day.

When using the room, does the client wish to feel energised and stimulated, uplifted, relaxed, comforted, calm or focussed? All of these factors, along with the amount of natural light coming into the room and direction in which the room faces, will influence the choice of colour palette and colour combinations.

Seasonal colour palettes We often refer to there being four seasonal colour palettes for interiors.

Spring colours tend to be fresh, playful, bright, uplifting and clean – warm, bright shades, such as sunshine yellow, fresh greens, satsuma orange, fuchsia, and pastel colours mirroring the lovely soft shades of spring tulips as they poke their heads through the soil for the first time.

The summer palette is more muted and includes cooler shades – soft neutrals, such as lilac, dusky pinks, sage green, soft teal blues and pale yellows. It is cool, tranquil, classic, traditional and sometimes feminine.

Autumn personalities are drawn to the earthy, natural, rich and often fiery colours of that season. These create a cosy atmosphere and allow us to feel warmth and comfort. The palette includes deep yellow and oranges, browns, claret reds, terracotta and deeper greens. The winter palette is more minimalist, with striking contrasts. It is bold and dramatic, consisting of primary colours, along with cold tones, such as icy blues and greys, with elements of deep blues, red and black.

Sustainable design for longevity At K Interiors, although we are always keen to keep abreast of colour trends, we do not follow the latest colour fads. This is why it is so important for us to ensure that the design schemes we produce reflect the client’s personality and true colour preferences. Once these have been identified, we are able to create an interior design scheme with the intention of it bringing joy for many years to come.

Designing for longevity also means our designs are more sustainable and do not need to be altered to reflect the latest trends of the design world. Although in time our clients might wish to make superficial changes to refresh the look of a room by changing up smaller items, all the original key elements will stand the test of time.

In our experience, a well-considered residential interior design scheme can lift the mood and bring the user a huge amount of joy. Why live in a drab, grey and beige world if those colours do not make you happy?

At Decorex, it genuinely seemed that both attendees and exhibitors were more upbeat than in previous years.

Given that K Interiors’ world revolves around colour, we can’t help but put that down to the riot of colour on display. Mark our words, dopamine décor is making a comeback! n • k-interiors.co.uk THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK | JANUARY 2024 | THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 59

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Trending tiles

Want to know which decorative tiles are in vogue for 2024? Quorn Stone has got you covered.

With a passion for beautiful materials in the home, the team believes tiles play a pivotal role in every project, harmoniously binding all design elements together. In recent years, a resurgence of interest in decorative tiles has redefined home interior trends – enhancing any bathroom, kitchen, or hallway...

1. Welcome warm, earthy tones A big trend for 2024 is Moroccan tiles. Moroccan tiles are renowned for their intricate patterns, rich colours, and enduring feel. With earthy hues trending for the year ahead, the Farini Cinnamon Moroccan-style tiles are a perfect option, with their rich burnt orange to red tones in a high gloss finish.

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2 2. Opt for delicate elegance Onyx effect tiles seem to be going nowhere. Inspired by the natural beauty of onyx stone, these tiles mimic the intricate veining and rich colour variations of the real material. These tiles effortlessly elevate interiors, imparting a sense of opulence and refinement while offering a statement look for contemporary homes. The Onyx Powder Pink is the perfect pink bathroom tile for those wanting just the right amount of colour and pattern.

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3. Inspiration from a sweet snack A term you maybe haven’t heard before, Kit Kat tiles are set to be a notable trend for 2024. Kit Kat tiles are a style of tiling that, as the name suggests, resemble the popular chocolate bar, featuring small, rectangular tiles arranged in a grid pattern. Often made of porcelain or ceramic in a mosaic format, these finger tiles are admired for their streamlined linear appearance, working with contemporary bathrooms and kitchens. Try the Nori Pearl stick tiles for a soft white wall tile.

4. Stick with the classics Metro tiles date back to the early 20th Century, first created for the underground in major cities such as London, New York, and Paris. What started as a practical wall surface for public spaces has now become an iconic style for homes, seen in bathrooms and kitchens alike. A fail-safe neutral white metro tile is the Nori Pearl metro. Lay in a herringbone pattern for an elevated decorative touch.

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5. Rich glazes and unique textures Zellige tiles (pronounced as ‘zell-idge’) are a form of Moroccan artisanal, enamel-coated tiles crafted with a rich glaze, unique texture, and beautiful variation of pigments. Reminiscent of these original Moroccan tiles, many Zellige-style tiles are now made from porcelain and ceramic, resulting in a very strong body, that is easier to install and maintain. The Safi Seashell is a delicate tonal tile in a square format, offering a high shine glazed ceramic with a handmade feel and authentic variation. n

Quorn Stone | 92a Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2QN | mystonefloor.com | 01174 622 822 bristol@quornstone.com

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Wonky, undone, and often blue Keeping up with interior trends can be tough, but we can help you stretch your design muscles and inspire you to kickstart 2024 with a plan to freshen things up at home.

These insights will keep your finger on the pulse, so you can express yourself creatively within your surroundings using the latest looks...

This ‘Undone’ interior sums up many of the style predictions for the year. Salon Drab paint by Farrow & Ball (farrow-ball.com) 80 TheBATHMagazine | noveMber 2023 | iSSUe 249

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he awesome thing for those feeling a bit jaded after the festivities – who might prefer to focus on other things, like not dwelling in the past, giving up processed food, researching tracks on Spotify, deleting unwanted apps, or just hibernating – is that we’ve done the what’s-thestate-of-play-in-the-interiors-world (?) work for you.

We have cornered the latest news about 2024 from interior publications, style gurus and style predictors, and sought out some specialist commentary, so that you can put your feet up while feeling tantalised and inspired. Whether or not you decide to actually implement changes in your abode – like purchasing a statement curvy sofa in a shade of pistachio, introducing coloured concrete walls in a tint of Blue Nova, collecting asymmetric (wonky) handmade vases, or applying fabric wallpaper to your hallway (while wondering how on earth you might get the paper off when 2025 brings a new zing to proceedings) – is another question altogether. But remember, it’s the knowing that counts.

Atelier Ellis’ Peach Rose is a dustier, more subtle version of Pantone’s colour of the year, Peach Fuzz (atelierellis.co.uk)

Colour zeitgeist It can be confusing, however. Pantone’s Peach Fuzz colour of the year jostles with House Beautiful’s advice to embrace the energising qualities of the zesty green Chartreuse, and with House & Garden’s recommendation that yellow is the colour, with its optimistic vibe.

The latter is endorsed by heritage paint company Farrow & Ball whose India Yellow is making itself felt as a statement mustard shade (although they are also offering shades of Sardine, Chinese Blue and London Clay). Then there’s paint and wallpaper company Lick who are pointing to the use of warming neutrals with energising reds, zesty oranges, refreshing blues and revitalising greens. Whereas Elle Décor say it’s all about brown: “Browns are definitely happening – like really warm browns that might be a play on a 1970s palette, and those caramel colors, along with coral and persimmon.”

Comfortingly there is some consensus on blue. Paint manufacturer Sherwin Williams’ colour trend report centres on blues and greens for calmness and resting, with their colour of the year being Upward, a breezy, sky-blue shade. Insights from Houzz with their Home Design Predictions 2024 include existing trends, like the use of warm neutrals over stark whites, but also newer ones, like adopting soothing blues as a primary shade in home interiors. Benjamin Moore’s colour of the year is Blue Nova 825, described by one commentator as an ‘intergalactic blue-purple’, whereas paint supplier Valspar has opted for a more green-toned shade called Renew Blue.

Back on this side of the Atlantic Little Greene has curated a collection of paint in warm, neutral shades of honey, caramel and chocolate, each colour inspired by delicious desserts and sweet treats.

Royal Grass Green by Edward Bulmer has drama and leaf-like luxuriance (edwardbulmerpaint.co.uk)

Enticing names such as ‘Madeleine’, ‘Galette’, ‘Affogato’, ‘Muscovado’ and ‘Ganache’ bring these mouthwatering colours to life.

Sustainability in production is also making an impression on the paint market, including companies such as Edward Bulmer who provide ‘paint made just the way it should be’ with unrivalled pigment rich colours and superior breathable coverage. Also Bath’s Atelier Ellis who make quiet, beautiful, breathable, handmade paint – these are virtually VOC-free (Volatile Organic Compounds), full of natural materials, and have an underlying simple-usefulbeautiful aesthetic.

Minimal or maximalist?

If you’ve lived a long and rewarding life in interiors you will have seen a metronome-like movement from minimalism to maximalism and back again, often leaving you perplexed in terms of the required style emphasis. Thus go fashion trends.

On the whole we prefer the maximalism side of the debate, not because it’s a whole lot less work (which it is), but because having personal things on display – precious-to-you hand-me-downs, upcycled furniture and shelves of miscellaneous glass and china – shows character, and profiles the life of the person who lives there.

Fortunately the interiors know-how is currently on this side, too. (With the exception of Minimaluxe, as suggested by Living Etc, a pared-back palette that still allows the ‘showcasing of your favourite things’, which they say is set to take over the design world.)

One.interior.mag labels the erring towards the busier state of affairs ‘Undone Maximalism’, which seems to be another way of describing not putting things away, piling up books and magazines and having cats sprawling over your unmade bed. We’re liking this. House & Garden takes up the refrain with their ‘Undone Interiors’ – meaning the opposite to over-styled and overdone. So it’s a big NO to karatechopped cushions, intensively curated accessories and push-to-open kitchen cabinet doors. Instead relax, make-do, upcycle if you feel the urge, and embrace imperfection.

Fitted furniture specialist Hammonds talk of Dark Maximalism, because interest trend data has shown a 600% spike for the search term in the past three months. They explain, “this is a particular branch of maximalism which focuses on a dark, moody colour palette of black and gemstone colours such as ruby red, emerald, and sapphire.” This also features hard finishes using wood and marble.

Warning: it can get messy, so seek to create cohesion and then it will look rich and purposeful rather than untidy.

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Welcome texture and curves Maximalism also allows you to focus on texture which adds charm and detail to a space. Think fluted surfaces, herringbone patterns, and stylish vintage finds from lamps to faded nostalgic textiles.

Wavy wood is a thing now – Living Etc say there is a ‘new wave’ of fluid, curvy forms that will generally be dominating the conversation in furniture this year. Living Etc also talk of ‘Curvaceous Cabinetry’, where curved, decorative storage boxes are “evidence of the quest to put everything away and live in an uncluttered space”, a sentiment not necessarily borne out by other sources.

Textured wallpapers are in vogue too – take Curious Egg’s Grattage Wallpaper in terracotta, a design inspired by the Surrealist’s technique of ‘Grattage’ which involved laying a canvas painted with thick oil paint over an uneven surface and then scraping back the paint in areas to reveal interesting textural effects. There’s also fabric wallpaper to add richness and tactility – and it absorbs sound and makes a room feel cocooning (House & Garden). An example is Konoko Grasscloth wallpaper by Osborne and Little, a beautiful, natural grasscloth available in a choice of colours, made from the finest authentic hemp and with a beautiful linear texture.

Here-to-stay looks Lucywilliamshome recommends Farmhouse Chic for 2024, which can’t fairly be described as a new thing, and Australian Vogue is elevating Rustic Textures to the top tier, but I suppose we’re all still dreaming of escaping to the countryside, and if you can’t do that then you can steal the muddy-boots, apples-stewing-on-the-stove, worn-farmhouse-table experience. It’s the same for Biophilia (bringing nature into your interiors), which is still on trend and all part of the same earthy hankering.

Another style that’s not going anywhere is Artisanal, endorsed by Elle Décor among many others, with the idea of welcoming in pieces showcasing the incomparable skill of human hands. “Our clients are craving the handmade – whether it’s ceramic tile or hand-carved wood furniture or handblown glass, human irregularity is soothing.”

Australian Vogue call this “character over cookie cutter”, the latter meaning safe colour palettes and homogenous finishes. At which point take a look at Kate Semple’s wonky handmade ceramic collection for Unpolished, profiling pieces in utilitarian guise (jugs, flagons and vases) but with a lot of asymmetry thrown in. It’s the defining ‘wonk’ that’s the main attraction here.

Final thoughts In the same vein, House Beautiful mentions ‘Dumb Homes’ as a big turnabout in 2024, meaning the opposite of Smart Homes, with their harsh blue lights and bright touchscreens that illuminate as you pass.

This leads to an enthusiasm for mechanical controls: old-school buttons, switches that toggle up and down, and simpler toilet washlets (toilet bidet combinations) and vintage fittings.

Tall Jugs by Kate Semple by Unpolished, £100 (unpolishedspace.com)

Above: Hannah Chair with backrest – walnut

by Loop and Twist, £359 (loopandtwist.com); Right: Abbas Leopard Garnetdining chair by AND OBJECTS , £2800 (andobjects.com)

This is a mere fraction of what’s out there. We haven’t mentioned pop-art inspired florals; chrome accessories; bouclé fever; ruffles; cosmic motifs; arches; contemporary trompe l’oeil; character-endowing curtain trims; classical details, from tapestries to ceiling medallions; rattan; gold-plated ceramics; and Victorian-era details. What’s for sure is that there are so many options that you’re bound to be able to chivvy up your resources and welcome in a selection. Alternatively just go for Undone Maximalism, a style that may already be familiar to you. n

Advice from the designers at Woodhouse & Law “The year 2024 will definitely mark the end of the long-standing rule of the established grey regime in the home. In its place, expect to see the return of more soothing brown tones in fabrics, wall treatments, furniture and accessories alike. No longer a throwback to the seventies and eighties, the colour is back, this time accompanied by equally earthy hues such as terracotta pinks, warming rusty oranges and this year’s Pantone Colour of the Year, peach. This change of colour palette will be accompanied by a movement towards a more maximalist design approach in 2024 – a softer one, with more colour, more pattern, more layers.

Passementerie will be key to this; think fringing on cushions and heavy adornments on window treatments. This more whimsical approach to the design of our homes will, however, be different to previous evolutions – less throw-away and with a greater emphasis than ever before on natural materials, sustainability, and craftsmanship.

To reduce the environmental impact of new products on the market, expect to see traditional materials being used alongside waste products from other industries.

We have recently seen surplus sheep’s wool used in place of plastic upholstery foam, waste hemp fibres used to fortify bioplastic in compostable chairs and acoustic panels featuring a by-product of rice production. This move to greater sustainability in the industry is likely to be accompanied by a greater understanding of the importance of natural elements in improving our wellbeing and creativity. We expect therefore to see pieces made from natural stone and wood coming to the fore in 2024 – with curved lines and soft shapes to instil a more natural, organic feel to a scheme.

This will extend beyond accessories and on to statement furniture pieces, such as living edge tables.” woodhouseandlaw.co.uk

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Award winning Interior Design

Bespoke furniture & soft furnishings

Colour & style consultancy

For the unique home you’ve always dreamed of, but never thought you could create.

Be inspired at: k-interiors.co.uk Call: 0790 616 7710 Email: kay@k-interiors.co.uk THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK | JANUARY 2024 | THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 65

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Gardens around the world

Dreaming of your next getaway? Elly West whisks us away on a trip to some of her favourite far-flung gardens, from the Netherlands’ expansive carpets of tulips to a full-sized aeroplane made of flowers in Dubai

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his is the time of year when many of us are dreaming of some sunshine. Unsurprisingly, it’s the busiest month for holiday bookings, with travellers thinking of fresh starts and new adventures. We all want something to look forward to during the cold, dark, short days of January, planning getaways early in the year now that the hubbub of Christmas is out of the way.

One of the things I love about visiting unfamiliar places is the different flora, whether it’s the bright-red geraniums grown against whiterendered houses in Spain, olive trees the size of our ancient oaks growing en masse in Greece, or the tulips of Keukenhof in the Netherlands. There are many, many places on my bucket list still to see. For example, the golden canola flower fields of China, or the Zen gardens of Kansai, Japan. But perhaps the most jaw-dropping place I’ve ever seen plants grown was at the Dubai Miracle Garden.

As with much of Dubai, no expense is spared, and the result is like Disneyland on steroids. Nowhere else have I seen a full-sized aeroplane made of flowers. Described as the ‘world’s largest natural flower garden’, there is nothing natural about this place in the desert. The colourful exhibits are interspersed with giant Smurfs and as much colour as any retina can absorb. But I loved its ability to transport the imagination, and there is no denying the beauty and unique experience of being surrounded by so much colour. More than 150 million flowers are blooming at any one time during the cooler months when it is open, from October to April. You can wander through a series of heart-shaped arches (covered in flowers), see a giant castle (covered in flowers) and a quadruplet of enormous cats (variation: topiary).

While the Dubai Miracle Garden may not have much in the way of direct takeaway ideas for our gardens back home, it does show us that anything is possible. It can motivate us use our imagination in the garden 66 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024 | No 230

and choose things we like, even if they may not pass the taste test.

Gardens should be personal, and a bit of fun can go a long way.

Other gardens closer to home and with similar climates can be great sources of more practical inspiration for our own spaces. I love visiting botanical gardens whenever and wherever I can. They are often in urban areas, providing a calm oasis on an otherwise busy city break, and offering a chance to immerse the senses in greenery and nature.

Botanical gardens are great places to learn about plants and see rare specimens and collections of a particular species. I was lucky to live very close to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, for many years, and I love No expense is spared at Dubai’s Miracle Garden

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going back when I can. There is always something new to see, along with the natural changes with the seasons.

In Bristol we have the University of Bristol Botanic Garden on our doorstep, which is also ever changing. In winter it’s nice to head to the warmth of the tropical glasshouses, while in summer the main attractions for me are the grove of tree ferns and the peonies.

The Botanical Gardens at Royal Victoria Park in Bath are also well worth a wander. Free to visit, within their tranquil nine acres are beautiful trees, shrubs, herbaceous borders, rock gardens, a pond and replica Roman temple. Constructed in 1887, the paths wind in and around the planting and in summer one of the highlights is the collection of antique scented shrub roses.

In Amsterdam at the end of last summer, I dragged my teenage son to the Hortus Botanicus and spent an hour or so exploring. Takeaway design ideas included beds in concentric circles edged with metal and low, clipped euonymus hedging – a great alternative to box hedging – plus stumpery-type woodland areas full of ferns and logs.

A tour of a botanic garden raises appreciation for the important work that they do in terms of the study and conservation of plants, as well as being good for our wellbeing, keeping us in touch with nature, and helping to introduce us to the diversity of plant species around the world.

If you’re visiting a botanical garden, take water, comfy shoes and a camera. Many of the plants are labelled, which makes it easier if you want to replicate what you’ve seen at home.

Stay on established paths and walkways, and avoid the planted areas. n • ellyswellies.co.uk

Plant of the month: Winter Cyclamen These tuberous perennials provide a welcome splash of jewel-like colour when little else is flowering in winter through to early spring. The delicatelooking nodding flowers come in shades of pink, red, white and purple, and the leaves are also attractively marbled with silvers and multiple shades of green.

Ideal for woodland-type gardens, they will be happy under deciduous trees, where they will self-seed, spread and naturalise, as long as the soil isn’t too dry. They’re also suited to a shady border, along with early-flowering bulbs such as snowdrops, and perennials such as hellebores.

They are good for pots and window boxes, and with regular deadheading should keep flowering for weeks on end. They are surprisingly fragrant as well if you get up close.

Although you can buy the tubers dry for planting in autumn, they tend to fare better when bought actively growing in a pot, and prefer shelter and shade to full sun.

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Nearly 60% of over 75s yet to arrange Power of Attorney Richard Higgs, Chartered Independent Financial Planner

Research carried out by retirement specialist Just Group revealed a worryingly high proportion of older retirees have not yet organised a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), a key document safeguarding their interests should they fall ill or lose mental capacity.

Six in 10 (59%) retirees – equivalent to around 3.4 million people – over the age of 75 specified that they had not yet arranged n LPA, with over a third (35%) stating that they had not established one as they didn’t feel they were yet at the appropriate stage of life.

The second most common reason given was fear of giving up control, either because they didn’t want to relinquish control of their finances (22%) or because they did not trust anybody else with their money (6%). Perhaps most surprising, nearly one in 10 (8%) said they didn’t know it was important to organise n LPA. An LPA is a legal document that enables a person – the attorney - to make decisions on behalf of another individual – the donor – if they lose the mental capacity to understand or make choices for themselves.

In the event of a person losing capacity without having an LPA in place, loved ones must apply for deputyship through the Court of Protection.

We strongly advise organising LPAs as soon as possible – it’s never too early and you never know what’s around the corner. If you feel you don’t have an appropriate attorney to appoint, there are professionals that can help.

If you would like to have a friendly chat about organising your affairs, please don’t hesitate to give us a call on 0117 3636 212 or email: office@haroldstephens.co.uk For financial planning tips for later life, search “Harold Stephens IFA” on YouTube.

www.haroldstephens.co.uk 50 High Street, Westbury on Trym, Bristol BS9 3DZ.

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Property predictions Bristol agents predict what’s to come for the city’s property market in 2024...

Photo: Martyna Bober

What will happen to house prices in Bristol?

Our prediction for house prices in 2024 is that they will, by and large, remain stable – with the odd drop offset by periods of strong seasonal demand. Last year was just as much about securing a house as it was about how much to pay for a house…

After the ‘mini-budget’ of 2022, many predicted a healthy drop in prices in 2023, but this did not

materialise. There was a huge shortage of stock last year (transaction levels across England and Wales were at a 17-year low), which offset any loss in value caused by the rapid increase in interest rates.

While there are fewer buyers, they are competing for less stock.

As such, we predict stock levels will remain low in 2024. With Bristol being such an immensely popular city to live in (and stay!) and relocate to, demand for that short supply will remain high.

Over the past 12 months, we have advised buyers on positioning themselves as strongly as possible to be in the best place to secure a purchase. As an independent buying agent, we have secured many more houses for our clients ‘off-market’ than in any previous years.

• Lili Oliver, Director of Oliver Roth Property Consultants; oliverroth.co.uk

Which areas are drawing the most attention from buyers?

Bristol and the surrounding areas continue to prove popular, and as a result there is a steady demand from buyers wanting to move to and within our wonderful city, which should help stabilise property prices. We continue to operate in a price sensitive market but there are certainly some districts to keep a close eye on in the years ahead.

These areas include Temple Quarter, with its continued development plans to rejuvenate more than 130 hectares of under utilised land and transform them into vibrant mixed-use communities.

Western Harbour has a £450 million urban scheme to build 2,500 homes, with 40% them designated as affordable housing. To the west of the city centre, Clifton, Redland, Cotham and Kingsdown continue to prove popular locations for investors and home buyers. Easton and St George have proven extremely popular in recent years, with some prices rising by at least 20% in the last few years.

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South of the city in Southville, Bedminster and Brislington have seen an increase in demand in recent years, particularly from buyers keen to secure a freehold terraced house.

Better than anticipated activity in 2023 has shown that many buyers are still getting on with satisfying their housing needs, and there is considerable opportunity for sellers.

Of course, the property market will continue to correct itself, and no district is entirely immune to the cost-of-living crisis, interest rate rises and market confidence. However Bristol, the gateway to the west, continues to prove to be a popular place to live.

• Howard Davis, Managing Director of Howard Homes; howard-homes.co.uk

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What effect did 2023 have on borrowing?

Last year highlighted a significant increase in the cost of borrowing, which strained affordability and triggered a period of price discovery. This has seen the gap between buyer and seller price expectations widen, and resulted in a significant fall in transaction volumes. With inflation down to 4.7% from a peak of 11.1% in October 2022, we have already seen lenders reflect this with some mortgage products beginning to reduce.

While there remain hurdles, we think the outlook for the UK property market in 2024 is improved. Pricing has proved more resilient than expected and while affordability will continue to weigh on activity, we believe the worst of the price declines are now behind us. While the spring market has the potential to be a turning point, a UK general election is expected within the next year. Typically, elections dampen market activity [in the months around them] and a change of government is a larger risk for prime markets. Although we expect prices to remain under pressure in prime markets outside of London, declining by 3% in 2024, we do forecast a return to growth (+3%) in 2025.

Knight Frank remains confident that the number of property transactions will be greater than that of the year before with accurate pricing being crucial. Bristol and the surrounding countryside is undoubtedly one the most popular markets in the country and we look forward to the year ahead.

Photo: Boys in Bristol Photography

Why does Bristol continue to be a favourite destination for people looking to relocate?

• Rupert Oliver, Director of Rupert Oliver Property Agents; rupertoliver.co.uk

• Robin Engley, Partner and Head of City Sales at Knight Frank; knightfrank.co.uk

Photo: Stefan Schweihofer

I’ve lost count over the past decade (or two) how many times Bristol has been voted ‘the best place to live’ in some broadsheet survey or other, but it clearly is! We’re not biased, really. On a serious note, it is easy to see why; its culture, food, music, independent spirit, access to transport (to London, especially), as well as having the draw of the West Country literally on the doorstep, make it a highly desirable location.

Green credentials abound, (we’re the home of Sustrans and the Soil Association, for example) as well as exceptional schooling – from independent nurseries right up to two of the UK’s leading universities – with a thriving state and private sector in-between.

Employers are flocking here; strong financial and legal sectors draw talent from across the globe, aeronautical firms, engineers and entrepreneurs too.

We have a huge TV and film scene (the Bristol-based BBC Studios Natural History Unit is behind the Blue Planet documentaries, and the city is home to Channel 4’s new creative hub) and hits like The Outlaws and Skins filmed here draw an international audience.

But where should you live? Bristol has a lively and competitive housing market. The assets above are a huge draw to prospective buyers, and stock levels have for some time remained low.

Schools and access to transport remain key drivers, so our top tips for 2024 are areas such as the ever-popular Bedminster, Southville and Ashton, with St George (possibly last year’s hottest postcode, pictured above), Westbury Park, Bishopston and St. Andrews not too far behind.

For architecture and some of the city’s finest homes, Clifton is always a winning ticket; those looking for greener space and more garden might favour Sneyd Park and Stoke Bishop to the north.

I believe each of these areas will hold their own in the current market, and I suspect will be hotly contested for the best properties as and when they might come to the market.

With a possible change of government in 2024 likely and a proposed VAT levy on private school fees, expect properties close to the very best state schools to pick up in interest and value in anticipation of this tax too.

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How will the city’s offices and retail property markets fair this year?

As Bristol’s most active office and retail property agents by number of transactions we handle, we are certainly at the coalface when it comes to the fluctuations in these markets.

The offices market was slow-going last year, with far fewer larger transactions (over 10,000 sq ft) completing in 2023. This comes as no surprise following the economic turmoil since the invasion of Ukraine, and the fallout from the Trussenomics affair of Autumn 2022, the impact of both being felt throughout 2023.

This being said, there are some positive signs for the coming year: occupier demand for larger space, and a focus on high quality space offering strong ESG credentials. Knowing the deals in hand in the centre, I am confident the final quarter of this year will finish strongly, with take up potentially hitting c.150,000 sq ft, double that of Q3, and back on track for a good 2024. There remains healthy demand for smaller offices below 5000 sq ft, with transaction levels much in line with previous years. Bristol’s prime central office rents are likely to step up in the coming year to around £45 per sq ft, with good grade B space around £35 per sq ft. Older, but good quality, refurbished space still has a following in the smaller size range, and to find any such offices below £22 per sq ft, is rare.

National retailers in city centre high streets continue to face testing times, with the impact in recent years of online shopping exacerbated by Covid lockdowns, and last year’s increase in interest rates to curb inflation, piles added pressure on retail spending.

It’s not all bad in retail though. The suburban, local and neighbourhood shopping areas with more affordable rents have flourished since lockdown, with more people shopping locally.

We let more than 40 such shops in Bristol alone last year.

Also, high quality out-of-town shopping centres, such as Cribbs Causeway, have fought back well, offering a bright, safe and multi-faceted retail and dining experience with free parking for all. Despite continued pressure on household income, we believe these shopping trends will continue in 2024.

• Julian Cook, Director of Burston Cook; burstoncook.co.uk Photo: Boys in Bristol Photography

What might people expect to see happen with new mortgage rates in 2024?

Average mortgage rates have now fallen steadily since July 2023, providing movers with much more stability and certainty over the type and cost of mortgage offer they are likely to receive, compared with the more volatile market of this time last year. The average two-year fixed rate is now 5.52% and average five year rate is 5.11% However, while the outlook for mortgage rates has improved and there are signs that the Bank of England Base Rate has peaked, affordability remains stretched for many buyers.

With the Bank signalling that any Base Rate cuts are not imminent and are likely to remain elevated during 2024, some buyers spending power will remain limited.

Consequently, motivated sellers are likely to have to price more competitively to secure a buyer in 2024, and estate agents will work even harder to build chains, especially at the bottom end where first-time buyer affordability will remain stretched.

There are however some more stern predictions for the housing market from their high in the fourth quarter of 2022 to their low in the final quarter of 2024. Nominal house prices are expected to decline by 7.6%. Some analysts predict higher than this figure given that prices may have already fallen by over 10% in real terms since March 2022.

• Howard Davis, Managing Director of Howard Homes; howard-homes.co.uk

74 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024 | No 230

NEW YEAR, NEW OFFICES...

TO LET St Augustine’s Court, Bristol, BS1

image indicative of refurb specification only

Currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment to provide modern accommodation in the heart of Bristol city centre.

High quality specification to include: open plan floor plates, exposed services, air conditioning, shower facilities, secure bike storage, and car parking.

Suites ranging from approximately: 1,903 sq ft — 4,728 sq ft (176.79 - 439.24 sq m)

FOR SALE Paradigm House, Macrae Road, Ham Green

A modern, detached office building located on a tranquil and sought after business park, providing accommodation over ground and first floors with ample parking.

The property comprises 6,083 sq ft in total, but could be split into 3 self contained buildings providing smaller lot sizes to purchase of c.1,800—2,300 sq ft.

Located approx. 2 miles away from Junction 19 of the M5 and a short drive to Clifton.

Julian Cook FRICS

Jayne Rixon MRICS

Charlie Kershaw MRICS

Finola Ingham MRICS

Tom Coyte MRICS

Holly Boulton BSc(Hons)

Vicki Grimshaw BSc(Hons)

- TO LET

A stunning character office in a unique environment

The Old Brewery Business Park, Pill, Bristol

Stunning offices at the ever popular Old Brewery Business Park, situated on the outskirts of Pill within 5 minutes of the M5, and 20 minutes of Bristol city centre, and within close walking distance of local amenities.

The site benefits from ample car parking, EV charging, on-site gym, plus there is potential for lift access.

Julian Cook FRICS

Jayne Rixon MRICS

Charlie Kershaw MRICS

Finola Ingham MRICS

Tom Coyte MRICS

Holly Boulton BSc(Hons)

Vicki Grimshaw BSc(Hons)

Current availability:

884 sq ft (82.13 sq m) 1,394 sq ft (129.51 sq m) 2,279 sq ft (211.72 sq m)

BRISTOL & CLIFTON’S PREMIER COMMERCIAL PROPERTY AGENTS Keep up-to-date with our latest news, deals, testimonials and market comment at our website: www.burstoncook.co.uk Canford Lane Westbury on Trym TO LET 2,508 sq ft (232.99 sq m)

Eden Office Park TO LET (MAY SELL) 2,702 sq ft (251.02 sq m)

A fantastic ground floor “Class E” unit available on the highly visible Canford Lane. Could suit a variety of uses with its retail frontage to include gym, office, café / restaurant – all uses considered.

A modern office building, located on a popular business park. Approx 2,702 sq ft with 14 car parking spaces.

Boulevard, Weston Super Mare FOR SALE – POA

Worrall Road, Clifton TO LET 2,017 sq ft (187.38 sq m)

INVESTMENT/DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY An excellent opportunity to acquire the freehold interest of a substantial mixeduse property comprising approximately 14,714 sq ft plus large car park. Potential for redevelopment (STP).

North Street, Bedminster TO LET 714 sq ft (66.33 sq m)

An attractive, double fronted “Class E” unit over ground and lower ground floors, available just off of the popular Whiteladies Road. Could suit a range of commercial uses.

A fully fitted, ground floor Café unit with extraction available by way of a premium. Situated on the busy and popular North Street, this is a great opportunity for a new or existing café / restaurant business.

A ground floor “Class E” unit available on Henleaze Road. Configured as multiple office rooms at present, the property could suit a variety of uses.

Lakeside, Bridgewater Road TO LET / MAY SELL 6,057 sq ft (562.79 sq m)

Lower Park Row, Bristol TO LET - POA 406 sq ft – 2,429 (38 - 225 sq m)

On the main road between Bristol city centre and Bristol airport - fantastic visibility to 1000’s of motorists every day.

Could suit many uses.

Large forecourt parking.

Julian Cook FRICS

Jayne Rixon MRICS

Charlie Kershaw MRICS

Henleaze Road, Henleaze TO LET 607 sq ft (56.93 sq m)

A charming office with a large car park to the rear.

Available floor by floor or as a whole. Class E.

Development Site, High Street, Westbury on Trym FOR SALE – POA

Springfield House, BS1 TO LET - POA From 1,445 – 8,444 sq ft (134 – 784 sq m)

Planning granted for a two storey commercial unit.

Excellent location in the centre of Westbury on Trym.

A rare and unique opportunity!

A modern office providing bright accommodation with a dual aspect outlook over Welsh Back. Secure on site car parking and bike storage. Due to be refurbished throughout.

Finola Ingham MRICS

Tom Coyte MRICS

Holly Boulton BSc(Hons)

Vicki Grimshaw BSc(Hons)

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Rupert Oliver FP January.qxp_Layout 1 18/12/2023 10:07 Page 1

Harbourside, Bristol | Guide Price £950,000 A stunning four-bedroom duplex apartment with superb panoramic harbour views, complete with two south-facing balconies, an additional storage unit and two allocated car parking bays.

A fabulous four-bedroom duplex apartment | Two private south-facing balconies | Two allocated off-street parking spaces | Circa 1850 square foot | Far-reaching harbour views | Private secure storage locker | 20’ Sitting room with balcony access | Master bedroom with an en-suite shower room and balcony access | Guest suite with an en-suite shower room | Two further double bedrooms and a family bathroom | No onward chain | EPC: C

In all circa 1850 sq ft (167.2 sq. m)

@rupertoliverproperty

Tel: 0117 452 3555 home@rupertoliver.co.uk

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Sneyd Park, Bristol | Guide Price £995,000 A fabulous modern home situated at the end of a (shared)) gravel drive with its own gated off-street parking and landscaped garden; moments from The Downs with beautifully appointed and versatile accommodation.

Charming detached house with off-street parking | Stunning modern kitchen and dining room | Sitting room with wood burning stove | Ground floor bedroom with en-suite bathroom (and access to rear courtyard) | Three first floor bedrooms | Separate family shower room | Utility cupboard | Landscaped private garden | EPC: C

In all circa 1458 sq ft (135 sq. m)

@rupertoliverproperty

Tel: 0117 452 3555 home@rupertoliver.co.uk

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