The Bristol Magazine Summer 2020 by MC Publishing Limited

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Issue 191

THE

suMMeR 2020

MAGAZINE

THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

£3.95 where sold

HEART OF THE CITY AS GREEN SHOOTS EMERGE, BRISTOL RESPONDS WITH TRADEMARK CARE, CREATIVITY & INNOVATION

PLUS...

ALL THE SKY’S A STAGE

High hopes for hot air balloon flotilla fly-by, socially distanced by design

A REMARKABLE PIONEER

An important tale in transgender history is traced back to a Bristol garage

HI RANKIN

Local NHS heroes get the royal treatment from famed portrait photographer

KILLER WARDROBE

Top TV costume designer Charlotte Mitchell on dressing Villanelle

AND SO MUCH MORE IN THIS SPECIAL EDITION OF THE CITY’S BIGGEST GUIDE TO LIVING IN BRISTOL

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BBC America/ Sid Gentle Films

Contents S Mer Issue REGULARS ZEITGEIST

MOVING FORWARD

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Top activities for the month to come

CITYIST

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PHOTOGRAPHY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Powerful portraits of Bristol key workers have been unveiled by Rankin

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LGBT RIGHTS

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Catch up on local news and meet Bristol creative Lawrence Hoo

The Bristol garage key to an important story in transgender history

BARTLEBY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

FOOD & DRINK

...Has a problem with certainty. When someone claims to know exactly how things are – or how they should be – it sets alarm bells ringing

TV producer Andy Clarke shares some summer cocktail ideas

BRISTOL UPDATES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Business and community news

CITY HISTORY

How different sectors are responding and adapting to the new normal

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The clergyman and abolitionist who sought out Bristol sailors to support his hunch about human rights violations aboard slave ships

CULTURE

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42 47

HEALTHCARE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Hollye Kirkcaldy checks out the Children’s Air Ambulance

HABITAT GREAT OUTDOORS

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The South West Lakes are havens not just for wildlife but for walkers, runners, cyclists, families, sailors, bird watchers and anglers

BALLOON FIESTA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

HOUSE THROUGH TIME

Hot air balloons are heading skyward for a ‘flypast’ to lift spirits

When Spring Cottage in Montpelier didn’t quite make the cut for David Olusoga’s BBC show, its owners did some DIY archive digging

COSTUME DESIGN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

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A chat with Killing Eve wardrobe whizz Charlotte Mitchell

WILD BRISTOL

CINEMA

While we’ve been locked away for the past few months, it’s been business as usual for the city’s swifts, says Pete Dommett

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Life is far from normal at the flicks – movie theatres need our support

MUSIC

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DJ Eats Everything laments Lakota and talks ’90s ball culture

ART

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Political paintings and pick-me-up posters spotted during lockdown

VIRTUAL WORLD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 The acclaimed cultural spaces that have opened up online, allowing us to broaden our horizons from our living rooms

BOOKS

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Author Bruno Vincent on the latest in his Famous Five parody series

FEATURES CITY LEADERS

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Zoologist, former high sheriff and lord-lieutenant Peaches Golding

4 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2020

No 191

INTERIORS

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Inna Hart has some ideas for creating a cosy, private office space

GARDENING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Elly West on how uplifting digging and planting can be

PROPERTY

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News from local estate agents and developers

ON THE COVER An aerial image of Queen Square, adorned with 224 socially distanced love hearts courtesy of Bristol City Centre BID and a team of Upfest artists. We never thought about how astonishingly neat and symmetrical it would look from above! Image by Paul Box

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There’s been a lot of hot air balloon-based chat, with artist Luke Jerram, composer Dan Jones and Bristol Old Vic announcing the Sky Orchestra would be serenading Bristol with specially commissioned music via hot air balloons rigged up with speakers. See also p26 for notes on August’s Fiesta flypast

from the

EDITOR

THIS MONTH WE’LL BE... Looking out...

...For work produced as a result of a new online platform highlighting the importance of writing for wellbeing and dialogue in times of crisis, and championing marginalised writers. Creative writing incubator Paper Nations is calling for writers to join The Great Margin which will help members tap into resources and reach bigger audiences on their journey to becoming published authors. Submissions close 3 August. • Twitter: @TheGreatMargin

Sipping... ...On crisp, light, ecoconscious Provence Rosé just launched by Sea Change from Chateau Pigoudet in Southern France. Sea Change is doing its bit to help turn the tide on plastic pollution, making donations to marine conservation funds with each sale and using a ‘Natureflex clear’ label material made from plant cellulose.

hile we’ve been off the hamster wheel, Bristol’s been busy securing headlines around the globe, adapting and diversifying its businesses, taking care of its most vulnerable with a successful sideline in virtual heroics and having a huge rethink – looking at ways to innovate and make sure the exceptionally challenging last few months pave the way for some positive changes to our way of life going forward. See p18 for how different sectors have been responding. We’ve all been through the mill since this world-altering pandemic took hold in a way none of us could quite believe, and this issue focuses on cautious green shoots of renewal and recovery starting to spring up around us. On the cover is a pleasingly symmetrical aerial shot of the horde of giant hearts painted – two metres apart, in eco-friendly chalk spray – on Queen Square by Upfest artists as part of Bristol City Centre BID’s initiative to reopen the city. They invite us to support the economy safely and remind us of the lush green spaces on the doorstep, in which to meet for spaced-out socialising. Enjoying the city responsibly is one of the best ways we can thank key workers for their ongoing Herculean efforts, which cannot be forgotten. Rankin’s recent idea was pretty good too, though. Two absolute city assets, Bedminster pharmacist Ade Williams and hospital porter Ali Abdi, were given the royal treatment by the famed portrait photographer to mark the NHS’s 72nd birthday – look out for their images on billboards and at bus stops and turn to p40 to read all about it. Elsewhere, Hollye Kirkcaldy checks out Children’s Air Ambulance (p58) – it doesn’t take much to make us wobble at the moment but we defy you to get through some of these stories without welling up at their inspirational protagonists. On p42 Darryl W. Bullock traces an important tale from transgender history back to a Rupert Street garage; on p28 we chat with top TV costume designer Charlotte Mitchell, who’s recently dressed Jodie Comer and Kaya Scodelario for Killing Eve and Agatha Christie’s The Pale Horse respectively, and has now launched a personal styling service in Bristol. Millie Bruce-Watt’s also given us a rundown of the virtual arts tours that broadened horizons during lockdown, and her thoughts on the future of cinema; while Andrew Swift has been revisiting the story of abolitionist Thomas Clarkson, who sought the stories of sailors in Bristol’s Seven Stars pub to support his campaign to end the slave trade. There’s more besides, with big-time local DJ Eats Everything talking Lakota, ball culture and Bristol’s house scene; plus Montpelier’s alternative ‘house through time’. Hope you enjoy. We’ve missed you.

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

@thebristolmag

8 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

thebristolmag.co.uk

SUMMER 2020

No 191

@thebristolmag

• seachangewine.com

Adding... ...To our reading list with Bristol author Candi Williams’ gorgeous book Iconic Women of Colour which features Bristol’s Kalpna Woolf (keep an eye out for the next book in coming months); and to our to-visit list a trip to the new Bridewell Beer Garden for summer jams and independent street food. • Twitter: @candiwrites; bridewellbeergarden.com

Pleased... ...To hear some good news from Snuffy Jack’s Ale House, during difficult days for the pub trade. The Fishponds watering hole has been named Bristol & District CAMRA’s Pub Of The Year 2020, with Redland’s The Good Measure coming a close second. Both great shouts if you’re looking for somewhere to sit, sup and support. • Instagram: @snuffy.jacks

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THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

| SUMMER 2020 |

THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 9

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ZEITGEIST

field doctor.™ delivers meals to your door

ENJOY field doctor.™ launches exclusively in Bristol and Bath this month, offering a lovelylooking range of nutritionally supercharged meals. With recipes created by registered dietitians and chefs, the sustainably sourced dishes are perfect for meat-eaters, vegetarians and vegans. Powered by nutritional science and packed with goodness, each can be made for either one or two people. field doctor.™ delivers straight to your door and the meals can be quickly heated in an oven or microwave. Use the code fdlife20 to get 20 per cent off your next order. • fielddoctor.co.uk

top things to do this summer

LISTEN

Tracy Thorn appearing at Festival of Ideas, 2019

Bristol’s forward-thinking Festival of Ideas has launched a new programme of online talks and discussions, bringing international speakers to Bristol audiences during the Covid-19 crisis. This follows their first successful online event with David Olusoga in May, which reached almost 10,000 people. Over the coming months, the Festival of Ideas, which celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, aims to stimulate people’s minds and passions with an inspiring programme of discussion and debate from the likes of Jenny Kleeman, Masha Gessen and Anne Applebaum. • ideasfestival.co.uk

EMERGE Rainmaker Gallery’s new exhibition marks the re-emergence of our various communities from the confines inflicted on the world by the Covid-19 virus. Running until 15 August, the works selected for this exhibition – by eight artists from tribes across the USA – reference healing, ceremony, meditation, nature and resilience. This group show introduces organic works on paper by Monty Little (Navajo) and includes, but is not limited to, ledger drawings and minimalistic oil pastel drawings by Chris Pappan (Osage, Kanza and Sioux) and Potawatomi artist Jason Wesaw. Flora 14 by Monty Little

• rainmakerart.co.uk Bristol Zoo Gardens opens on 14 July

EXPLORE

Bristol Zoo Gardens has reopened its doors just in time for summer. The zoo is home to red pandas, gorillas, meerkats and penguins, to name just a few, and during lockdown the animals’ antics regularly entertained the zoo’s legion of devoted followers. In order to keep visitors safe, the zoo has introduced timed tickets and has limited the number of visitors entering the park each day so be sure to book in advance. • bristolzoo.org.uk

10 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

UNLOCK There's never been a better time to feel the liberating power of nature. This summer, Clifton Contemporary Art is unlocking the living, elemental forces that inspire us, through works shaped by the spirit and essence of nature. From abstracted landscapes and pure atmosphere, to the immersive ambience of summer meadows and unfurling life traced in bold lines, ‘Unlocked!’ sets the imagination free. • cliftoncontemporaryart.co.uk

SUMMER 2020

No 191

When the World Belongs to Distant Dogs by Chris Buck

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SUMMER 2020

THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 11

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ist

THE CITY

Caleb takes over from Vanessa Kisuule

Caleb Parkin has been named the new Bristol city poet, following in the footsteps of Vanessa Kisuule and Miles Chambers. Facilitator and filmmaker to boot, Caleb’s passions lie in inclusive environmentalism, wellbeing, arts, culture and heritage, and LGBT+ pride. “I’m excited to see in what direction Caleb will take the third incarnation of the Bristol city poet role,” said Bristol’s mayor Marvin Rees. “With his background in performance and education I am confident Caleb will approach the balancing act of accessibility and engagement which this role strongly demands with passion and creativity. I look forward to seeing the results during his time as city poet to capture and distil the stories in our city.” Traditionally – and in line with the national Poet Laureate objectives – the city poet taps into public opinion and acts as a communicator of local views and what makes the city tick. The role includes 10 formal commissions to be written over the next two years, alongside engaging local communities and young people with poetry. “I’m flabbergasted, fizzy and delighted,” said Caleb. “Vanessa Kisuule has done a magnificent job with poems which celebrate, commemorate and challenge and I’m honoured to be inheriting the post. We’re living through a period of great uncertainty. “As a writing-for-wellbeing practitioner, I know that poetry has a role to play in comforting those in need. It can also challenge us to imagine different futures and ask useful questions about our city. I hope to give voice to our kaleidoscope of experiences. Remember: especially on a sunny day, Bristol is already a poem.” • Follow Caleb on Twitter: @CalebParkin

Whose future? A new collaboration curated by Rising Arts Agency is amplifying creative voices throughout Bristol. #WhoseFuture showcases works from 40 young Bristolians, giving them a platform while also asking important questions about the city’s future, on the city’s streets. Rising Arts – a community of creative thinkers aged 16-30 empowering Bristol’s underrepresented young people to fulfil their ambitions and to affect change through the arts – has joined forces with Out of Hand and Bristol City Council for the billboard campaign, in response to the lockdown’s impact on young people, and the ongoing Black Lives Matter movement. Celebrating a striking portfolio of bold visual multimedia imagery the project presents an opportunity for young people to be heard. “As an arts agency, our mission has always been to champion the unheard voices of creative young people and to fight for a fairer society,” said Rosa ter Kuile, #WhoseFuture Campaign Manager. “Recent events have shown us that our work has never been so important. #WhoseFuture is about challenging the status quo, bringing Bristol’s young creative community forward and celebrating a different vision for the future.” Out of Hand is a design, print, distribution and outdoor media company based in South Bristol, which operates its own outdoor advertising network throughout the city. In support of the #WhoseFuture the team has donated locations free of charge throughout the exhibition duration. “While other outdoor media owners have ‘paused’ their sites until paid advertising returns, we have worked hard to come up with meaningful ways to utilise the space and give something meaningful back to the community who have supported us prepandemic,” said Nigel Muntz, Out of Hand commercial director. “We are really excited to donate the majority of our advertising sites for this month-long exhibition, which will reach all corners of the city.” Out of Hand is also creating an online shop to showcase and sell the works on display, as well as managing the print and delivery. The commission has been made possible by using Section 106 developer contributions funding for Public Art, secured through the planning system. The commission has also been supported by the developers of The Chocolate Factory, Generator Group South West and The Burgh Arts project. • rising.org.uk

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No 191

WELL VERSED This month: a topical poem courtesy of Huw Parsons

Watershed Moment Colston once as frock-coated figure Looked down from a mighty pedestal, A century old vanity in bronze Which it seemed would never fall.

So we were surprised how easily Old Colston bit the dust, A few tugs on flimsy ropes And headlong the tyrant thrust.

Then 'dragged along by hostile hands' And danced upon by sneakered feet, Bristol's 'wise and virtuous son' Was clanking rolled along the street.

So on went this sugar daddy, On went this founding father, To meet his Watershed moment By the side of the Floating Harbour.

Oh sink, sink, to the bottom of the drink To a resting place quite choice, Far from the jeering crowds And the people's placarded voice. Image by Colin Moody

Rhyme and reason

• If you have some poetry or creative writing that you’d like to submit for potential publication, email editor@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

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Cllr Asher Craig and First Base’s Liam Ronan Chlond

BRISTOL Meet Lawrence Hoo, founder of Cargo Movement.

Social More A giant mural of the prominent 18th-century writer and social reformer, Hannah More, was unveiled at a local primary school recently, as returning pupils celebrated the 275th anniversary of her birth. More, who was born in Fishponds in 1745, dedicated her life to educating the poor through clubs for women and schools for children and worked with leading abolitionists and philanthropists to campaign against slavery and the slave trade. The mural at Hannah More Primary School, produced by Bristol artist Zoe Power, represents the work she did to address human rights issues across history. It was commissioned by mixeduse property developer First Base, whose Soapworks site neighbours the school. It was unveiled by Cllr Asher Craig, deputy mayor of Bristol, at a small (and socially distant) ceremony. “Hannah More was a much-loved and well-respected writer in Bristol who used her talent to champion those less fortunate than herself,” said Asher. “I hope it will inspire children and adults to give what they can to making society a better place.” Zoe said it was a pleasure to learn about More and know that the mural will be enjoyed by pupils and staff for years to come. “As a painter, it's rare that I'm asked to paint female historical figures, so it's nice to commemorate a Bristolian woman and her life achievements, which are referenced throughout the mural.” Sue Ramsay, headteacher at Hannah More Primary School, added: “In school, we already learn about the legacy of Hannah More – her work in support of education for girls and against slavery. This artwork will help us to commemorate and celebrate her influence. We very much look forward to using it with the children as a stimulus for discussion.” First Base’s planning application for Soapworks aims to reinvigorate a site at the heart of Bristol’s economy for generations, with workspace, homes and social spaces. • zoepower.com; thesoapworksbristol.co.uk

CARGO Movement is a creative collective working to illuminate inspiring hidden narratives about the achievements of people of African descent and their contribution to our society. It is built from a collection of poems that I wrote, and being developed into a mobile exhibition and verified teaching resources to be used in the curriculum. The new funding we have from the Arts Council will be used to develop the first iteration of CARGO Classroom which will be a set of 15 lesson plans for Key Stage 3. The first part of the collection starts with a poem about Imhotep whose life predates the transatlantic slave trade to provide a picture of Africa before the continent was colonised. The lesson plans are innovative in content and form, will be accessible online for remote working and free to all. They’ll include spoken word and evocative audio visual resources to bring history to life and inspire creative participation from learners. There’ll be some stuff happening in September that we’re really excited about. Bristol hitting the headlines has created an incredible amount of tension that should have been confronted decades ago. And due to it not being addressed, it continued to create great division in the city so the question, now that this newfound attention is here, is will Bristol have the will and desire to action these changes now rather than just continue to talk? I really admire all my Bristol musician and artist friends because they never asked for permission or investment from the establishment. They made the work they wanted and in doing that they created their own space. I’ve always admired the ability to go forth and achieve something on your own terms.

what it’s like to just actually relax and have my foot off the pedal. I’m also spending time with my children, so a lot of family time. We’re also making our second short film, Uprising 1791 Haiti about the Haitian uprising and revolution and engaging with Haitian people who are sharing their interpretation of their story. We’re putting the final touches together and it’ll be out this summer. I’m writing loads – storyboarding for film and poetry projects as well as writing new poetry. I’m continuing to write for CARGO as well as collating poetry for my next collection. During lockdown I’ve been intermittent fasting. It’s been tiring, but it’s alright. Since I couldn’t go to the gym, I’ve been cleansing instead to get it all out of my system. I also quit drinking, so I’m using this time to reset, get clean and fresh, ready for the next year. I’m looking forward to going to Loch Fyne and having some lobster – that’s what I want when this is over. The rest, we’ll have to wait and see. Going on gut instinct, my first action if I was mayor of Bristol would be to address historic, endemic institutional racism and hold institutions and organisations accountable for failing to adhere to the employment and equal opportunity laws that are in place. I’d also start a social housing building programme so low-paid workers can live and work in the city. n • cargomovement.org

I’m listening to a lot of Meek Mill, Mavado, Popcaan, Chronixx, Gill Scott Heron and Curtis Mayfield – they’re all unapologetic about the message they deliver. Generally, I’m just relaxing at weekends because that’s what the energy is like right now. I’m taking this opportunity of the world being really slow to recentre myself and remember

Lawrence has been keeping himself pretty busy during lockdown working towards a doctorate

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THE

B R I S TOL MAGAZINE

Politicians & puritans

ell, here we are again. If you can remember as far back as April you may recall my neighbour’s parting words of wisdom about dealing with snow and/or coronavirus. “When it comes, you just get on with it.” So it came, we got on with it, and as I write these words the ‘end’ of lockdown is about to be celebrated with a mass opening of pubs. Is this a good idea? You tell me. I’ve never had a problem with uncertainty. In fact I would say instead that I do have a problem with certainty. When someone claims to know exactly how things are – or how they should be – it tends to set my alarm bells ringing. On the national, local and domestic levels our liberal democracy is based on disagreement and debate. Differing views are expressed and compromise reached. It may be a messy and inefficient approach but it’s better than what’s on offer in some other parts of the world. Time will tell whether our government has handled things well or badly, but it was pretty clear back in March that it would be tricky to balance our cherished freedoms with the need to restrict those freedoms. It was amazing, I think, how readily people gave up their pleasures – and in many cases their livelihoods – for the greater good. Of course there’s been a bit of barnardcastling here and there, but in the main we all knuckled down. Despite the vagaries of The Science, lockdown was ruled by a single certainty. Stay at home and everything will be okay. So we grew sunflowers in pots and tried to teach our children maths we never really understood ourselves, and emerged on Thursday evenings to clap. I don’t know how families with young children coped, but there was always an underlying sense of purpose: imprison ourselves for a while, and then everything will go back to normal. You didn’t need to be a social scientist to perceive that any relaxation of the restrictions would be greeted with enthusiasm; hence the mad rush to the seaside that sizzling week in June. I suspect that, likewise, the pubs will be fairly busy, and the carnival scenes will elicit lots of tutting – some of it from modern puritans who’d really prefer pubs not to exist at all. For people who like a quiet, orderly life, lockdown held a considerable appeal, but lockdown is over and we now find ourselves in a strange new world. Now the only certainty is that there are no certainties. Will our emergence from hibernation trigger a second wave? Perhaps. Will the economy recover? Maybe. Is a vaccine about to save us all? Possibly. There could be a spike in Bristol next week and we could all be back in lockdown. Or not. This whole episode could be ‘over by Christmas’ (as they said of the 1914 war) or it could go on for years. As a freelance I’m currently surviving only by the grace of the chancellor, so what will happen next? I don’t know. I don’t know and yet, somehow, I’m optimistic. Not because I have faith in a particular politician or set of beliefs, but because I know from experience that something always does happen, and that it is (usually!) neither as gloriously good or desperately bad as you think it’s going to be. Our uncertain future will no doubt bring heartache to many – myself possibly included – but it will also bring opportunity. The weird world of coronavirus already has its stars (e.g. Joe Wicks) and its business success stories (e.g. makers of hand sanitiser). In the new online world anyone with a laptop, an internet connection and the will to succeed can make something of themselves. Of course it’s unlikely that coronavirus will be remembered as a force for good that helped the government achieve its stated aim of ‘levelling up’ the country. But then again, maybe it will. ■

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BRIST OL MAGAZINE Bristol and Exeter House, Lower Approach, Temple Meads, Bristol BS1 6QS Telephone: 0117 974 2800 www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk © MC Publishing Ltd 2020 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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THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 15

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BRISTOL LEADERS

Peaches attends ceremonial activities, recognises innovation in the city, celebrates anniversaries – “anything that brings us together as a city and county”

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NO¯ 191

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BRISTOL LEADERS

“It’s nice to know that Bristol had my back” A conversation with zoologist, bastion of local business, former high sheriﬀ, chair of the Bristol Water Challenge Panel, school governor and trustee of the SS Great Britain Peaches Golding can go in many a direction. It’s how this accomplished woman came to take up the historic role of lord-lieutenant of Bristol and what’s involved that has piqued Siân Yates’ interest

ollowing Google Maps’ directions to Lord-Lieutenant Peaches Golding’s place on foot will lead you right into the middle of the golf course in Ashton Court Estate. Dithering beside the third hole, it’s time to call Peaches and ask for some navigational help. When I finally arrive at her beautiful Leigh Woods home, Peaches vibrantly greets me at the front door with her soft American accent and a warm smile. She is graceful, polite and welcoming – just as you’d expect from a lord-lieutenant – when she invites me in. “We’ve been living here for 33 years, we’re very lucky,” Peaches says. Looking around her living room, it is clear that she is well-travelled, with a love of all things flora and fauna. Her home is filled with ornaments and trinkets, many from Nigeria where she first met Bob, her Bristol-born husband of nearly 40 years. “Bob was a director of the zoological gardens at the University of Ibadan and after three years, once he’d completed a 16-year tenure, we came to the UK to live,” she says. “We’d lived in London and the Cotswolds but decided to make Bristol our home. Why? Because it’s just the right size and it’s got this great mix of business, innovation, cultures, etc. It’s got some great charities and some beautiful places – it’s absolutely gorgeous.” Peaches and Bob share a passion for zoology, which she also studied in her home state of North Carolina, later obtaining an honorary degree doctorate from both the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England. But how did she make the giant leap from zoology to becoming the lord-lieutenant? “I don’t know! I’m still amazed at the transition from becoming an American zoologist to having the tremendous honour of working for Her Majesty and the Royal Family.” Peaches explains how the recruitment decisions are made. “People are asked two questions. The first is ‘what type of things are going on in this county over the next decade?’ – Her Majesty likes her lordlieutenants in post for 10 to 15 years. The second is ‘who is best placed to lead the county during that time?’ Names are discussed and the clerk presents them to the Privy Council. The names are then taken to the Prime Minister who then makes a recommendation to Her Majesty and if she is pleased, one is appointed.” Does Peaches even know who nominated her? “I have no idea, and I don’t think I will ever know what was said about me,” she says. “You’re asked if you want your name to be put in the hat, but you don’t expect it to come back out. It’s an honour and, to use the American expression, it’s nice to know that Bristol had my back.” Peaches’ role is multifaceted. One day, she may be showing members of the Royal Family the city; the next, she could be on board aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales with numerous delegates from around the world. “I attend all events and places where one would expect a member of the Royal Family to be, in their absence – I have a special seat in Bristol Cathedral, military affiliations, I attend ceremonial activities such as Remembrance Sunday, I recognise businesses and innovation in the city, and voluntary and community activities. I also cut ribbons, open things, celebrate anniversaries – anything that brings us together as a city and county.”

It’s at this point that Peaches leads me into her conservatory, a beautifully lit room adorned with exotic plants and flowers, and I learn of her most preferred Bristol pasttime. Brightly coloured hibiscus plants curl up and round the walls – her husband grows these for her, and she wears a new one in her hair each day. “It’s my favourite thing – being in here with family and friends. I also enjoy good food; I like food from every corner of the world,” she says. “But of course, in normal times when I’m out and about I enjoy going to Bristol’s music venues – such as St George’s Hall, Bristol Old Vic, etc. We’ve always had really high quality entertainment and so much choice when it comes to events, like the Harbour Festival and the Balloon Fiesta.

Bristol’s just the right size and it’s got this great mix of business, innovation, cultures, great charities and beautiful places

“I always advise first-time visitors to see Bristol from the river; explore one end of the harbour to the other by boat to see the Suspension Bridge, SS Great Britain, the Matthew, Lloyds Amphitheatre, St Augustine’s Reach, St Mary Redcliffe (the godliest church in all her kingdom, as pronounced by Queen Elizabeth I), then up to Bristol Bridge and Finzel’s Reach. It’s the essential trip.” Of course, both visiting and living in the city is more challenging at the moment. Peaches believes Bristol is well placed to mitigate the worst effects if higher incidences of poverty and ill-health result due to Covid-19. “During lockdown we have perfected partnerships between the third sector, business, military, civic, religious and Royal organisations and have developed strategies for recovery. A multitude of residents have volunteered to help these organisations reach the most vulnerable in our city. Our broadly based economy, excellent business incubators and vibrant creative industries will aid our ability to retain and create new jobs and enterprises and I am optimistic that everyone will continue to play their part in creating safe, robust communities and sustainable economic growth.” There’s time for one final question: how does she plan to entice Her Majesty to Bristol? “It has been a while hasn’t it? 2012 was the last time. It’s about time!” she says. “Of course, we can’t forget that it’s the Queen’s platinum jubilee in 2022, so we should be thinking about what we can do to encourage her to celebrate with us.” ■

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MOVING FORWARD

There was no Cillian Murphy wandering around in scrubs but the sight of Bristol without its bustle felt eerily filmic. This image, ‘First Day of the Holidays’ by Bill Ward, has been put into Historic England’s ‘Picturing Lockdown’ archive

98 days later

Bristol has adapted at an almost unimaginable rate these past months and brought about positive change. As tentative green shoots emerge across the city, we ﬁnd out how its diﬀerent sectors are responding

oetic licence has been employed here, yes – by the time of publication it will have been well over 100 days since we found ourselves in in varying degrees of state-imposed solitary confinement, depending on who, if anyone, we were locked down with. But that doesn’t quite as snappily bring to mind the Boylesque post-apocalyptic street scenes that left us blinking in amazement whenever we caught sight of central Bristol minus its bustle. As the city very cautiously began to ease restrictions, a few key figures from different sectors offered thoughts on the shape of things going forward, from economic recovery work and the ‘green restart’ to community initatives and the positive takeaways.

Technology – on which we have leant so heavily “The world after covid-19 will look very different, and the deep-tech companies in Bristol are well placed for the changes,” says local technology journalist Nick Flaherty. “Touch-screens will be replaced by touch-free systems, mostly powered by technology from Ultraleap – a combination of Ultrahaptics in Bristol and Magic Leap in the US.” A key new trend, these touch-free displays can be safely controlled in mid-air, with the first of these rolling out in cinemas as they re-open. Companies are increasingly turning to cloud computing for their post-coronavirus infrastructure although, according to Nick, the technology is complex and the options are vast and confusing. “YellowDog has used its software tools to create an index that will be 18 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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used by companies around the world to find their way through over 23,000 options, including the environmental impact of the data centres. This will help expanding digital companies cut their costs and reduce their carbon impact as part of the covid-19 recovery.” The move to touch-free interfaces and cloud computing will also boost other Bristol companies, he says. “Tiny, low-cost chips

Touch-screens will be replaced by touch-free systems and displays that can be safely controlled in mid-air. The first are rolling out in cinemas as they re-open Good gestures: wave a finger to select

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developed by XMOS are used in all kinds of smart speakers for voice control, while GraphCore’s huge, powerful chips are being used for machine learning and artificial intelligence in data centres. At the same time, the latest millimetre wave technology from Blu Wireless technology is carrying high-speed video data from 8K cameras and linking up smart cities. “It has also been vital to support children and families across Bristol during this pandemic. DigiLocal, which runs coding clubs around the region, has moved online as a result, but has been going further. Many families need laptops and broadband connections to benefit, and DigiLocal is refurbishing donated laptops to make sure everyone in Bristol benefits from the recovery.”

Bristol West MP Thangam Debbonaire believes in the resourcefulness of the city. “Every one of us has gone through the portal of coronavirus into a new way of living, whether we like it or not. We’re still working out what it means for us as individuals, families, businesses and as a city. We’re a creative, diverse city, with masses of imagination and we’ve shown each other just how much taking care of each other matters to our sense of who we are. We’ve learnt some practical lessons about how to go about our daily lives and got a renewed sense of who is a key worker, who has really helped to keep us going in a very tough time and who has struggled because their housing was cramped or lacked access to open space. As we come through the portal, we will take that all with us and build an even better Bristol.”

Community – which has been a lifeline Environment – which cannot be forgotten In June, One City partners agreed a new economic statement of intent to reimagine a fairer, healthier, more inclusive and sustainable city that builds on Bristol’s strengths and tackles deep-rooted inequalities, instead of simply returning to all of its old ways. “So many partners all working together towards a singular vision is like gold-dust in city planning terms and a strength Bristol has taken time and effort to cultivate,” said James Durie, chief executive of Bristol Chamber of Commerce, and co-chair of Bristol’s Economy Board. “More than ever this is needed to meet the challenges we face going forward. Cities around the world are now desperately trying to replicate or invent their own versions while Bristol has made a real head-start.”

James Durie, Marvin Rees, Thangam Debbonaire A mayoral commission on domestic abuse, supporting survivors and prevention activities, is to be set up in response to skyrocketing calls to helplines (they rose by 350% during the first few weeks of lockdown). Four themed workshops are taking place this summer to inform its principles, with findings to be published in the autumn.

Local charity DigiLocal is refurbishing donated laptops to make sure everyone in Bristol benefits from the recovery To commemorate the loss – be it of loved ones, life events or opportunities – felt by many in the city, a remembrance project will acknowledge the pain many within the city are feeling, while looking forward, with hope, to the future. Another new board aims to ensure the city’s kids thrive despite the challenges, and establish a ‘belonging strategy’ investigating what it means for young people to feel they belong in Bristol. Cultural industries will also have a board so the many organisations that are part of the city’s DNA have their voices heard. “The One City Plan has delivered real improvements which people can see and feel – tackling period poverty, recruiting foster carers and helping move us towards being a living wage city,” said mayor Marvin Rees. “These additional priorities will help us to make a success of the city’s recovery.”

On his morning TV show, Jeremy Vine recently posited that we, the public, are unable to panic about more than one thing at a time, and suggested that while worrying about the climate emergency took precedence at the start of the year, it has been superceded by virus fears. Still, many in the city are making the most of the rethink that quarantine’s plummeting pollution levels prompted, illustrated by the e-scooter bids and pedestrianisation schemes that have been fast-tracked. At plastic pollution campaign hub City to Sea, the vision is for all Bristol businesses offering food-to-go to be listed on the Refill App, promoting reuse over single-use, and to become the first UK city to ban the sale and distribution of plastic water bottles. “It can happen in 2020,” says CEO Rebecca Burgess. “Back in the autumn, City to Sea ran a three-month pilot in Bristol and Oxford where app users could find out where to fill up not just their reusable water bottle, but their coffee cup, lunchbox, groceries, cleaning products and toiletries. Nearly 70 independent cafes and businesses signed up, including: Neal’s Yard, Waitrose, Pret, Morrisons and Asda. The pilot estimates to have saved over 30,000 pieces of plastic entering the waste stream.” Lots of Bristolians got in touch with Birdgirl, aka teen environmentalist Mya-Rose Craig, during lockdown. “Although it was really tough for many, it was also a time for listening and reflection,” she says. “Without the distractions of a busy life full of school and work, we wound down and allowed nature into our lives. People were talking about the loudness of the dawn chorus and the fearlessness of the birds in their garden. As we move out of lockdown we must remember the things that got better; the 50% improvement in pollution for those in the inner city, the sight and sound of birds.” Bristolians got in touch with Birdgirl during lockdown to talk dawn chorus and the fearless birds in their garden

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With an Uber-style system, for the first time on a local bus, you’ll be able to book a place on a scheduled service, so you’re sure to get on

Share the cycle lanes with a Voi E-Scooter

Transport – working towards a green shake-up Bristol has got people talking nationally with plans to pedestrianise the Old City area by the end of the summer. “It has been a long-standing ambition,” said Cllr Kye Dudd, cabinet member for transport and energy. “The changes will offer significant long-term benefits for the people and businesses in the area.” The Bristol Street Space programme, one of the transport projects that has been accelerated, also includes the widening of pavements, the suspension of some parking bays and road closures to ensure people are able to socially distance. Others include prioritising walkers and cyclists across Bristol Bridge, while central government has announced £2bn for walking and cycling projects. Meanwhile, e-scooters have been given the go-ahead as a way to capitalise on the moment of transport reassessment. The government has chivvied along pilot schemes as part of its ‘green restart’ designed to relieve pressure on public transport where capacity has been cut radically due to social distancing rules. With more than half of all car trips here between one and five kilometres, they’re very suitable for escooters, and more than 50 regional authorities are working to put tenders in place to select operators but they must start the pilots before the end of August. “Cities urgently need to give people more transport options as traffic rapidly returns to UK streets,” said Fredrik Hjelm, chief executive of Voi Scooters. “We have demonstrated across Europe that we can help replace short car journeys with e-scooter trips and hope this will help start a revolution in micro-mobility of all types.” While e-scooters are shooting up the transport barometer, it is, of course, a less hopeful picture for the region’s aerospace industry at the moment, with the news of Airbus job cuts deemed “very disappointing news for the hard-working and talented team at Filton” by regional mayor Tim Bowles. The West of England Combined Authority is leading a multi-agency rapid redundancy response involving government departments including DWP, employers, education and training providers and unions to put together a package of options to help affected staff secure new roles or develop new skills. 20 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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Conversations have also begun with Talent Retention Solutions to develop a business-to-business platform to help workers find alternative employment and retraining opportunities. “This sits alongside WECA’s strategic investment in the aerospace and advanced manufacturing sector, including the Digital Engineering Technology and Innovation programme – designed to help the sector move into a digitalised and low carbon future,” added Tim, who is also leading a bid for the South West to run a Made Smarter programme to support the supply chain’s resilience and adaptation. In the 46 years that James Freeman has worked in the bus industry, he never thought he would see the day that he had to tell customers not to travel by bus. “We had to respond at very short notice to the massive drop in passenger numbers, down (in just three weeks) to just 8% of our pre-covid patronage,” says the First West of England MD. “Almost overnight we established a core service to ensure bus travel was there for key workers and transformed our entire fleet to make them social-distancing-friendly – the normal 75 seat double-decker has been reduced to just 20 spaces. The repeated re-writing of schedules and timetables has been a huge undertaking – we have had seven fullscale network changes in just over three months: usually it takes three months to put one major change into effect!” James is seeing signs from the government that capacity will soon be increased back to 50% of normal passenger numbers, which will be a great improvement for routes that can only use single-deck buses. “It’s hard to imagine that public transport will return to how it was pre-covid for both passengers and operators. The question is – what will the future look like? In the last few weeks we have introduced state-of-the-art technology that did not exist for bus travel in the UK before the outbreak. By using the First Bus mobile app, passengers can now not only track the location of the next bus on a map but also see the number of seats and wheelchair spaces available.” In Bath, they are getting ready to pioneer the UK’s first trial of an Uber-style booking system. For the first time on a local bus, you’ll be able to book a place on a scheduled service, so you’re sure to get on. “It is one of the ways we are looking to give more autonomy to the customer and make bus travel one of the smartest ways to move around. As we approach the introduction of Clean Air Zones in Bristol and Bath, our buses need to be front and centre of mobility in the region, if we are to achieve these sustainable transport goals.”

James Freeman and First West of England are rolling out tech enabling passengers to see the bus seats and wheelchair spaces available

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across Bristol, providing practical, social and emotional support, it’s helped us reach more people than previously,” they told us. “The social element comes through telephone and online activities which have been a huge success, allowing people to stay connected while staying safe. For us, a post-lockdown Bristol will see the continuation of the ‘virtual’ activities we run to ensure that people who can’t leave their home are still included as a member of the community.”

The arts – which need us now more than ever

Team Babbasa are trying to prevent inequality gaps widening

Charities – performing virtual heroics Many of Bristol’s organisations have adapted brilliantly to their new circumstances, with the likes of Bristol Stroke launching virtual Zoom cafes that have gone down well with those who rely on its services, and social enterprises such as Babbasa in St Paul’s – which supports young people with their professional aspirations – having started campaigns to help with the coronavirus impact. “Before the pandemic, young people from ethnic minority backgrounds were known to be 47% more likely to be on zero-hour contracts,” says founder and social entrepreneur Poku Osei. “Since, many have lost their jobs and are experiencing high levels of stress, anxiety and loss of purpose. The pandemic has also hit the voluntary sector hard, especially not-forprofit enterprises like Babbasa who do not receive core funding.” Babbasa launched the #BeyondCovid appeal to help retain frontline caseworkers now needed more than ever. “Our team have been on the phone and using video chat to make sure that local young people are not left behind and to prevent the inequality gaps from getting any worse. It is vital to ensure that we have an open line of communication to assist these young people and their families, who rely on us for hope in these troubled times.” Bristol Ageing Better, working on reducing loneliness experienced by older people in the city, has been involved in setting up the Support Hub for Older People. “A collaboration of more than 30 organisations

“From an events point of view, I think we’re going to see people get innovative,” says BBC Radio Bristol’s Chris Arnold. “Artistic minds will come together to work around the social distancing measures still in place. It’s going to be some time before we see a packed crowd of people watching an indie band in a tiny music venue, but we’ll see different spaces being utilised. As we gradually get back to normality (whenever that will be) we will appreciate more than ever the importance of large social gatherings. People with a shared passion, coming together for an evening or a weekend, will be welcomed with more than open arms.” On Thekla’s Isolation Discs podcast, which Chris has hosted to help the club keep in touch with its gig goers, DJ and producer Mr Scruff suggested reducing capacities in venues could be a good thing. “At my night in Manchester, the capacity of the club was 500,” he said. “When we had 500 in, the older regulars were moaning, so I cut the capacity by 50 and there was room for everybody to move. If you’re putting too many people in a venue, you’re actually creating the opportunity for disharmony.” In April, Nelson Street music hub Rough Trade Bristol was awarded a National Lottery project grant to enable it to continue supporting grassroots live music but many other venues are seriously struggling to stay afloat. “The industry is on its knees,” said Rough Trade’s Adrian Dutt. “Without specific sector support we are in danger of losing the majority of the country’s grassroots venues, which would have a catastrophic effect on the music world. In Bristol we are blessed with a vibrant selection of DIY promoters and bands, who fill the venues with incredible music and passionately programme a consistent calendar of forward-thinking culture. We also have amazing venues with rich histories of hosting artists who go on to international acclaim. It’s important now that, as a city, we pull together to support the

Social entrepreneur Poku Osei has launched a campaign to help young people who have lost their jobs

Bristol Ageing Better quickly responded to continue supporting those who need them

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are, despite decades of effort, among the least likely to visit art institutions. The problems – cost, class, taste – are not new, nor are the solutions, but we must re-energise our efforts, sincerely embrace a changing of the guard and genuine sector diversification at decisionmaking level to effect dramatic change. We could then see city-wide interdisciplinary programmes delivered by an unheralded range of practitioners. Art institutions cannot do this alone, we need our corporate sector to grasp the radical possibilities of art – health, economics, community cohesion – and invest accordingly. To realise this vision culture cannot continue to be regarded as ephemera.”

Food – rallying round and resiliently diversifying

Chris Arnold (left) sees the events industry getting innovative and utilising new space

Our DIY promoters passionately programme a consistent calendar of forward-thinking culture. The collaborations already happening set our city out as a diverse hub for arts and culture collectives and venues who are fighting for their survival.” Music Venue Trust has facilitated crowdfunding at venue level, while promoters are cautiously firming up shows for next spring. “By buying tickets and supporting the fundraising we can ensure the survival of our internationally recognised music scene. The rest of 2020 is going to be a real slog, but it’s exciting to see collaborations already happening, which sets our city out as a diverse hub for arts and culture.” Thinking about cinema with social distancing is a “real headscratcher” for Watershed curator Mark Cosgrove. “The very nature of cinema is the communal aspect. Before lockdown we were having one of our best years on record: admissions were fantastic, thanks in no small part to the success of films like Parasite and South West-made film Bait. One of the last events we had was an onstage Q&A with Bristol-based filmmaker Philippa Lowthorpe with her new film Misbehaviour. It’s a challenge to see us getting back to those levels of business or holding these events any time soon – restarting will be a slow process. However, we all recognise that the new reality means that we all have to be extra cautious. Watershed is working through how to make the venue feel welcoming and safe; yes cinemas will have reduced capacity but maybe a yellow brick road can lead you in and out! In terms of the programme itself that’s a work in progress – the great thing about Bristol audiences is they are wide-ranging in their tastes so the process of choosing what to show from the whole spectrum of what is available is a nice problem to have!” ‘Easing’ seems an incongruous description for the current state of the pandemic to writer, historian and curator Dr Edson Burton. “Potentially it’s as about as sensitive as performing a lap of victory in the face of a grieving family member. While shops and bars are emerging to a new normal the arts situation looks increasingly dire, but the precipice has given us time to reflect. How can organisations collaborate more effectively? What are the revenue streams that could bring in an income if venues are unable to trade for this protracted period? How do we take account of a new spirit of inclusivity in the face of the inequalities exposed by covid-19 and Black Lives Matter? “I am not fond of Second World War analogies but perhaps what galvanised the NHS – ‘a land fit for heroes’ – might inspire a postcovid vision for the arts. Those who bore the brunt of the pandemic

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“Bristol’s hospitality sector has been particularly hard-hit because of the unique amount of small independent businesses, fabulous one-offs and local chains that make up our food network,” says TV producer and food writer Andy Clarke. “Many thought that they would never return but their strength, astounding creativity and resilience has shone through. Businesses have been diversifying, the people running them have changed the way they live their lives and how they work, and most importantly we’ve been supporting each other. Restaurants have become delis, dispensaries and take-aways and a city-wide charity, Bristol Food Union has been set up by people in the hospitality sector that care about others. All of this is reason to celebrate among the commiserations. During theatre studies in my teens, I read a theorist who was of the opinion that only the dead are beyond change and in the last few months I’ve seen this illustrated like never before. Keep going Bristol. We’ve got each other.” “I’ve seen many local farmers lose their restaurant customers overnight but switch to direct sales to customers, and initiatives such as the Bristol Food Union have helped collate this information,” says Bristol Food Producers coordinator Steph Wetherell. “There have been inspiring creative solutions to make good food available to all – local market garden Edible Futures has started producing ‘solidarity veg boxes’ allowing those with the means to sponsor boxes of fresh farm produce to those who are food insecure. I really hope people continue supporting local producers long-term after lockdown is lifted.” “It will take a little while to get used to frequenting pubs and restaurants again in a somewhat unusual environment, but something Bristolians do particularly well is make the most of a difficult situation and support local businesses,” says baker and TV presenter Briony May Williams.

Already held up as a hotbed of independents, we have seen a surge in love and loyalty to Bristol-born-and-bred business

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Retail – green shoots and social responsibility “People thrive off social interaction and direct human experience and that’s where Bristol city centre, its retailers and hospitality businesses have a huge amount to offer,” says Keith Rundle, operations director at Bristol City Centre BID. “Already held up nationally as a hotbed of independents, we have seen a surge in love and loyalty to Bristol-born-and-bred business that looks set to continue. Equally excitingly, there’s been a shift in priorities for many so we are seeing sustainability, social responsibility and the quality of the shopping experience grow in importance.” Wapping Wharf has also welcomed people back to its dockside quarter with one-way systems in place and plans for an outdoor seating area for afternoons and evenings at the bottom of Gaol Ferry Steps between Wild Beer and CARGO 1, with pedestrians and cyclists to be redirected around the back of CARGO 1.

Professional services – thinking agile and inclusive “The legal profession remains steeped in tradition,” says Salma Maqsood of BAME Lawyers Bristol, “although changes are being made to make it more inclusive and covid-19 certainly accelerated agile working, with lawyers adapting to video conferencing to remain connected with clients and courts. There was a concern when lockdown started that diversity and inclusion initiatives would be negatively impacted, however the BLM movement thrust equality to the forefront. The Law Society issued a clear statement committing to continue to promote diversity in the profession and stand against injustice. Bristol has been a key player with the much-debated removal of the Colston statue and it is heartening to see its people come together to promote equality.” “Covid-19 has highlighted vulnerabilities among different groups at a time when the Black Lives Matter movement has surfaced strongly,” agrees Julian Hemming, partner at Osborne Clarke and co-chair of the firm’s international employment group. “Employers are going to have to pay more attention to the diversity and inclusion agenda, and employees will expect it.” He says covid-19 has altered the balance between home and office. “It’s clear that many workers who have worked from home extensively for the first time would like, in future, to have more of a balance between home and office working,” he says. “Employers are going to have to be flexible, enabling employees to work in an agile way, and consider health and wellbeing much more in the way they run their business. The best have taken the opportunity to communicate openly and honestly, and there will be pressure to maintain good employee relations. We have seen the establishment of more employee discussion forums through which employers can channel changes to the business and employee terms and conditions, and I expect these lines of communication will continue.” Lee Sweeting, associate director at Smith & Williamson Financial Services, says his clients fall broadly into two camps as the economy eases out of lockdown. “Being at home has given people a lot of time to think about their circumstances in terms of financial forward

Salma Maqsood says law firms are committing to inclusivity and adapting to video conferencing to keep in touch with the courts planning. There are those consolidating, being cautious and waiting to see what happens, and those who may see a rocky road ahead but nonetheless take a more opportunistic viewpoint, believing there may be benefits in consolidating their wealth now.” Meanwhile, Bristol’s ELM Legal Services has launched the UK’s first ‘webcam wills’. “With so many people, including older generations, now being comfortable using the likes of Zoom and Skype, I believe that the way wills are drawn up and witnessed will evolve rapidly,” says CEO Jim Emsley. “The pandemic really reinforced in people’s minds that we are all here for a limited period of time, and that we need to prepare for the end of life if we want to look after our nearest and dearest.” ELM is also partnering with cryptocurrency protection and insurance company Coincover to provide the first ‘crypto wills’ webcam service for people who want to leave financial assets to loved ones in the form of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum.

Property and housing – back in action “The home search portals suggested huge surges in online enquiries in June, and this translated to real time viewings,” says Rupert Oliver, MD at Rupert Oliver Property Agents. “Houses for sale pre-covid were snapped up, and new properties listed after 1 June often went to best bids. We saw a family home in Southville (circa £540k) attract 22 viewings in just two days (six best bids followed) and a townhouse in Clifton agree a sale within 24 hours, at a sniff less than £2m. “That said there were, and are, casualties. Homes with no, or limited, access to outside space have suffered, and many first-time buyers have had their hopes dashed as mortgage companies pull products to those with a lower (circa 15% or less) deposit. But a family house or a good flat is still a highly sought-after commodity, as buyers pent up for months release themselves onto a market starved of supply. What has he learnt? “As with the recession a decade ago, demand for homeownership is a fickle market to predict. For the first time in generations we haven’t needed to love our homes as much as we have over this last quarter. As an agent, I had my belief that this is a ‘people business’ further reinforced. While virtual viewings and tours provided a handy strapline for a market on lockdown, they don’t provide a longterm solution to buying an owner-occupied property. And I, for one, am heartily glad that, the odd mask and glove aside, I get to see my

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We can be proud of the Bristol researchers working at the frontline in the global effort to understand covid-19 and develop vaccines

clients again and meet my buyers face to face.” Bristol City Council has also submitted plans to build more than 327 new affordable homes, with Lockleaze set for the biggest transformation with over 260 planned for Bonnington Walk, Muller Road and Branwhite Close. “We need to make sure we are building housing people can afford, to make sure that those who have been financially affected by the pandemic are not further left behind,” said Marvin Rees. Other sites submitted for council and shared ownership properties include the former Brentry Elderly Persons Home, Knole Lane, St Peters House, Horfield and Lawrence Weston.

Healthcare – to which we are forever indebted “The re-introduction of routine services across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire gives us a real opportunity to make improvements and provide more joined-up care for people,” says Julia Ross, chief executive of Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group. “Significant changes have been made, with video consultations available in all GP practices in our area, a 24/7 mental health telephone support line established, and virtual outpatient appointments in place. We know from our engagement with local people that two-thirds are now comfortable with the idea of a video consultation with a healthcare professional. We have also had positive feedback from those who have experienced remote consultations, although we know they won’t be ideal for everyone. There is a lot more to do, and one of the most important things is that we continue

to listen to people’s experiences and ensure that developments are informed every step by the views of people using services, their carers and families.” Dr Dan Magnus, paediatric emergency medicine clinical lead at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, tells us his visions of the future and what the city will feel like after the lockdown are in a state of flux. “I see masks all around me in the hospital now. I see bright eyes but hidden faces; children looking curious about this brave new world. I see a hospital and its brilliant staff doing what they can to prepare for our first pandemic winter. I see pubs and hairdressers opening but many children still not in school and a quiet concern about what might happen in the months to come. The certain uncertainty for all of us is unnerving but looking to the future, there is still a certainty that remains in our Bristol hospitals, in our NHS: we will be here when people need us, with dedication, commitment, love and care.” At Bedminster Pharmacy, Ade Williams appeals for togetherness. “I pray we can emerge from this a more generous and loving society,” he says. “Bristol has shown the world a passion for justice and building a community that cares for all. We want to be a city full of compassion and hope. Let the memory of what we have come through together be the legacy of those we have lost and all the collective sacrifices, and drive us to remove barriers that steal dignity and equity. To say; this is us, our arms locked together, Bristol united.”

Sport – stepping up for the community Bristol Sport has massively mucked in for the community

From September, the careers hub will support 95 schools and colleges and focus more on engaging young people in low carbon and ‘green’ careers

University of Bristol’s covid-19 emergency research group joined forces with Imophoron (pictured: Fred Garzoni and Imre Berger)

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While Bristol’s NHS recently received an healthy 72nd birthday gift of £750,000 from city-centre hospitals charity Above & Beyond, fitness folk and those in other parts of the world of wellbeing have also been in the business of kind gestures. Some gyms, such as Torque Training – in the former Bristol General Hospital on Bathurst Basin – found new ways to serve their clients and community while embracing the lockdown. Founded by Bears team manager Nick Fenton-Wells and his brother Ant in 2018, Torque began to deliver virtual sessions and wellness seminars and launched a fundraiser in support of NHS frontline workers. Now it’s welcoming members back for outdoor sessions in small groups, as well as one-onone training. “Safety was the most important thing, but we understand just how big a part mental health has to play too, so we wanted to help people stay focused, healthy and upbeat,” said Nick, who also represented Bristol Bears during his playing career. “We’ve been working

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MOVING FORWARD

Team Torque

relentlessly with a full renovation of the indoor gym and redesign of our offering to ensure we meet the strictest health regulations. It’s also proved the perfect time to critically reflect on where we are and assemble a strategic team to take the business forward. “What’s been great is the way the local business community have rallied around. We’ve had amazing support from Paco Tapas and Casamia in letting us use the outdoor space. We understand the need to adapt because the fitness sector is going to look very different going forward, certainly in the short term. Obviously, alongside a full-time role with Bristol Bears and planning to restart the season, it’s a busy time – but Torque are looking at this as an opportunity to show what we can do and the foundations are in place for us to be successful.” With fixtures on hold, the Bristol Sport group also shapeshifted to support those in need of a feed – by the end of June, more than 30,000 meals had been delivered to the local community as part of a partnership between Ashton Gate, FareShare South West and team foundations. A relief fund was established to spearhead the fundraising with key donations from the Masonic Charitable Foundation and Bristol-based Sanderson Solutions Group enabling the programme to expand. “Our stadium sits in the heart of the community and the need for help was immediately apparent, as it already exists during normal school holidays but with the unexpected school closures it has grown even more rapidly,” said Bristol Sport chairman Jon Lansdown. “Bringing together our sporting charities alongside the facilities (both storage and kitchens) at Ashton Gate, we worked fast to grow an efficient operation ensuring thousands of meals could get to those who need them. We’ve gone from 300 meals per week to more than 4,250. Working with schools, teachers, coaches, Avon and Somerset Police and the council, it’s been possible because of the knowledge our charities have of their community.”

Steve West, UWE Bristol vice-chancellor. “However, students will continue to benefit from excellent teaching, support and life-enhancing experiences – all those aspects of university life will remain unchanged. “At UWE, degree courses will be more varied than ever with a mixture of online and face-to-face teaching. This will provide students with greater flexibility and more opportunities to access resources online, anywhere and anytime, while still benefiting from in-person teaching and learning with their peers in smaller groups and settings. “Students have shown incredible creativity, flexibility and resilience; developing vital skills and gaining valuable life experiences which will help them to thrive in the workplace and realise their aspirations. From completing work in makeshift home studios and adapting to remote learning, to volunteering to tackle the spread of coronavirus and supporting the NHS, they continue to make UWE Bristol proud.” The collective ingenuity at University of Bristol, meanwhile, has ensured its students will continue to enjoy an inspiring, research-rich and world-class educational experience throughout the next academic year – no matter what public health guidance is in place – according to vice-chancellor and president Professor Hugh Brady. “While covid-19 has brought unprecedented challenges, I’m tremendously proud of all the teaching and support staff. And we can all be proud of the Bristol researchers working at the frontline in the global effort to understand covid-19 and develop potential vaccines and anti-viral treatments. Their work, with the support of clinical trial volunteers across the city, could save hundreds of thousands of lives around the world. “As Bristol emerges from the lockdown period, the university will continue playing its full civic role and contributing to what I hope will be the very quick post-covid recovery of our city.” Science has, indeed, never been more talked about or more relevant in understanding the pandemic, and how we connect with our neighbours, friends and family, says Donna Speed, chief executive at We The Curious. “We’ll be opening a brand-new exhibition space; within that, you’ll see areas which specifically relate to big, relevant ideas, such as illness and happiness. We’re adapting how we work to create a safe welcoming space for all. “We The Curious thrives on connection and collective curiosity, and we want to be there to represent the voices of our city; to create a space accessible to a rich diversity of people, where people are truly at the heart of science and can continue to explore the experience we’re all working through now.” ■

Education – on a learning curve On National Employability Day in June, regional mayor Tim Bowles announced that, from September, every secondary school and college across the West of England will be part of the West of England Careers Hub which works with schools to inspire young people and prepare them for the world of work. Young people who have regular, meaningful contact with employers while at school are more likely to find employment or pursue further education, according to research, and from the autumn the hub – currently working remotely – will support 95 schools and colleges. These will include special educational needs schools and pupil referral units, with the focus on engaging young people in low carbon and ‘green’ careers, helping ensure the West of England has access to the skilled workforce it needs to tackle the climate emergency. “This partnership is a critical point of difference from the past and means we are better positioned to weather the storm and help our next generation navigate the choppy waters ahead,” said John Yarham, interim CEO of The Careers & Enterprise Company. There is no denying that universities will be different, says Professor

The future waiting to be discovered at We The Curious. Image: Simon Galloway The Bristol Magazine would like to thank everyone included for their time and comments in making this feature happen. We look forward to seeing how our communities and the city’s governers develop their ideas over the coming weeks and months. For regular updates and more commentary please keep an eye on our website: thebristolmag.co.uk

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SUMMER 2020

First Fiesta flypast: Weather and government guidelines permitting, Bristol’s hot air balloons will take to the skies

Socially distanced by design In the absence of Ashton Court’s Bristol International Balloon Fiesta as we know and love it, these hotties are heading skyward to lift spirits responsibly with one of the city’s most familiar sights

ands high when we fly by... Yes, we have quoted Noughties boyband Blue – since someone on the internet pointed out that they were first to have the city on lockdown, as claimed in their 2002 hit Fly By, the song has been stuck in our heads. Now we can apply this second lyric to our lives – sing it, maybe, with fingers firmly crossed that a Balloon Fiesta first comes off this summer. Organisers have announced plans for 2020, which will include activity in the sky and online despite no on-the-ground activity at Ashton Court. In order to adhere to the governmental guidelines around social distancing and mass gatherings, the 2020 edition of Bristol International Balloon Fiesta cannot take place as normal – therefore organisers have announced an inaugural ‘Fiesta flypast’, which would see its iconic balloons sailing over the city this August. The single flypast will take place on a date to be selected between 1 – 14 August. “We’re all deeply saddened that we can’t gather at Ashton Court to celebrate the 42nd Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, but we have been working with our balloonists and the authorities to create an event which adheres to the social distancing restrictions,” explained Chris Allcock, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta Chair. “We are inviting Bristolians to watch the balloons from the safety of their own doorsteps and gardens. Social distancing means we absolutely cannot gather in parks or Bristol’s open spaces or invite our audiences to see the balloons take off or land, to protect our pilots and the public. Instead we’re asking people to give them a wave as they fly past Bristol’s communities.” Organisers, all putting in the graft for free this year, have teamed up with BBC Radio Bristol for another lockdown treat in the form of a virtual nightglow, staged with extra special additions and a soundtrack produced to lift the spirits of the city on Saturday 8 August. “We loved creating the soundtrack to last year’s nightglow – 26 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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so we’re delighted to be able to team up with the fiesta organising team again this year to bring a taste of the event to Bristolians, as well as being able to reach fans of the fiesta further afield through a virtual event,” said Emma Britton, breakfast show presenter at BBC Radio Bristol. “We’ll be creating an upbeat soundtrack and working with the balloonists to choreograph what we hope will be an amazing show to watch online with some special surprises.” The location of the events will remain private in order to adhere to government guidelines and Bristol audiences are urged to stay away from public spaces and protect the city from incurring any surge in covid-19 as a result of the event.

We are inviting Bristolians to watch the balloons from the safety of their doorsteps and gardens and give them a wave as they fly past Anyone who has already purchased car parking for the event will be able to log in to the ticket platform to select a refund, which will be automatically processed within 25 days of selecting. Those wishing to support the event through 2020 can select the option to donate their ticket, either the full, or partial amount, using the same process. More information will be announced ahead of the proposed date. ■ • Follow the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @bristolballoon

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KILLER WARDROBES Fancy being dressed by Villanelleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wardobe whizz? Costume designer Charlotte Mitchell has launched a new personal styling service in Bristol so now you can. Here she talks Liv Tyler and Jodie Comer, favourite characters and the instant fashion culture. Words by Amanda Nicholls

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All Killing Eve imagery courtesy of BBC America/ Sid Gentle Films

COSTUME DESIGN

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Hermia has this powerful silence. I dressed her in a silhouette that felt like an armour, based on 1960s Balenciaga and Dior

Villanelle dresses a little differently for Amsterdam’s Red Light District

The Pale Horse images: Agatha Christie Productions Ltd 2019

harlotte Mitchell studied fashion at Central Saint Martins before earning her stripes as a designer and buyer for several years and coming to realise it wasn’t such a snug fit. With more of a penchant for styling, she sidestepped into costume design, which she found less restricting than pure fashion design, allowing her to design a character and style them to fit into a certain genre or period of social history. There’s more to it than that though. “If I tell someone I’m a costume designer, generally the response is; ‘which costume did you make?’” says Charlotte. “Basically a costume designer is head of the costume department; I design the whole look of a production, manage a team of brilliant people who do the making for me and ensure my designs, which can include purchases, hires and makes, all come within the given costume budget.” The whole look of a production feels like a daunting prospect – a little wave of anxiety courses through me just thinking about where to start. “Initially I receive the scripts and start creating mood boards, which I show to the director and producers. I will then see what’s available. For period, I’ll check what can be hired or what vintage pieces I can find before deciding what I need to make and doing drawings. If it’s modern, I’ll start looking in the shops. I then take these mood boards, ideas and clothes to the actor and we do a fitting and watch the character emerge. It’s not a quick process and it shouldn’t be. It’s great to see the ideas grow.” Perhaps her most prestigious project to date has been the second series of Killing Eve, which switches up its writers and designers each season. “To have the freedom and large budget to design and style Villanelle was a dream,” says Charlotte. “A key word for her at mood board stage would be ‘attention seeking’ but she isn’t always this way, and sometimes as a designer you have to decide when your costumes are going to stand out and when they are not. It starts with the script. I was keen that she wouldn’t always be provocative in her fashion choices. There had to be quieter moments to allow other attentionseeking outfits to ‘pop’ more. In series two, when Villanelle is walking along the canal with Konstantin, Villanelle is wearing a vintage kimono, which I remodelled into a coat and red trousers – gorgeous, but not loud. Compare this to the pink blouse and skirt with extravagant vintage LaCroix earrings at the dutch café. Pop!”

Charlotte designs the whole look of a production, and did so on BBC Thriller The Pale Horse

Rufus Sewell and Kaya Scodelario as Mark and Hermia Easterbook

Despite the glamour of Killing Eve, her favourite character, looking back, has actually been Hermia, in the BBC Agatha Christie adaptation The Pale Horse. “She’s such a sad, yet incredible character. Emotionally abused by her husband, she has this powerful silence. I used the period (1961) and her class to dress her in a silhouette that felt like an armour, based on early 1960s Balenciaga and Dior. She was always immaculately turned out, but I designed her clothes to have a restrictive feeling. “I get so involved with the characters that my favourite is usually from the job I am currently working on,” explains Charlotte. “Liv Tyler was a joy to dress on Harlots, set in the 18th century. Liv plays a wealthy lady against the backdrop of prostitutes and brothels. We made everything from scratch and had all the fabric dyed to create the perfect colour. Liv is so game. She loves the dress up! And having fun with her character. I was able to go brilliantly flamboyant because she trusted me, and I feel really fortunate to be allowed that freedom by any actress.” Having established that the best part of the job is working with incredible actors, we move onto those aspects of working in top-level costume design that constantly disappoint, and the industry’s ingrained bad habits. “I absolutely hate fast fashion but sadly I have

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Image: Monumental Pictures

“Liv is so game. She loves the dress-up!”

to shop in these high-street shops for my job due to late cast and late script changes, and I see the fast stock turnover. Every day the rails get filled up with new lines of cheap, badly made clothes. I can often be found running to a high street shop and throwing many options into a bag because the actor’s on screen the next day and I don’t have access to them for measurements or time to think through the look.” Charlotte recently joined a crew-led organisation to fight the climate crisis from her industry standpoint, and along with other costume designers is discussing how they can try and shop more sustainably. “Our instant-fashion culture has to change. My industry needs to slow down and plan better and the general public needs to consider the implications of fast fashion. A well-chosen item of clothing can last a long time and be styled in many different ways to adapt to trends. I have clothes from over 10 years ago that I wouldn’t be without.” The lack of diversity in the film and television industry is also a source of chagrin. “Great black directors and actors are being overlooked when it comes to awards. Why was Queen and Slim not recognised? This was my favourite film from this year’s BAFTAs and I certainly voted for it. I know BAFTA have raised the question about lack of representation at nomination stage, so we wait to see their findings. There’s also massive lack of diversity in the filming crew. It’s important to make it clear that a career in film and television is available to everyone, promoting the success of BAME directors, designers and actors. We need more mentors to reach out and show these possibilities.” At the moment, though, the whole industry is at a standstill, with the pandemic having stopped so much of its filming. “I was put on hiatus and have now been told, due to lack of insurance and not wanting to change the script to remove certain close moments between actors, we will not be filming again until November. Very strange times. Everyone is now waiting and watching to see who is going to be first to return to filming and how are they going to do it. “As I have some time on my hands, I’ve started a personal styling service in Bristol and Bath. I already style A-listers and personalities for red-carpet events and I love finding that perfect look for each individual. I’m not looking to change my career, but while I’m free, I thought it would be fun to take on private clients. My work takes me all over the world shopping, mainly in London, but now is the perfect time to branch out in my local area. “Bristol is such a creative city with so many hugely talented people. Director Gavin Strange and Aardman have just won an award for their Greenpeace commercial Turtle Journey – their work is amazing. Everyone needs to know about Miss Magpie Fashion Spy too – a brilliant illustrator. She is pushing forward diversity and disability in fashion illustration while selling her beautiful drawings. It’s time for Charlotte to get back to booking in new clients and finding them fabulous looks. “I’ve worked with many well-known celebrities now and we always have a lovely time finding the perfect clothes,” she says. “I look forward to bringing my experience in styling and personal shopping to a wider local client base.” ■

“Villanelle isn’t always attentionseeking; you have to decide when your costumes are going to stand out and when they are not”

To have the freedom and budget to design and style Villanelle was a dream, says Charlotte

• To enquire about Charlotte’s personal shopping service contact her via charlottemitchellcostumedesign.co.uk

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FILM | OPINION

On stream

As cinemas plan for reopening, with reduced capacities and new systems in place, life will be far from normal at the flicks. But, says Millie Bruce-Watt, it’s important to continue to support – it would be a greyer world without them

xistential questions about the future of cinema have been circling my mind ever since doors shut four months ago. Although streaming services, like Netflix, have stepped into save the day, offering us television box sets and umpteen episodes of Ozark and Money Heist, which did successfully provide us with a momentary escape from the bleak reality of isolation, I never forgot about the sweet smell of popcorn, the surround sound and the feeling of sitting in a dark room, totally absorbed in another’s life. The dark room we’ve been sitting in for 90 consecutive nights doesn’t compare to the one we pay for the privilege to be in. We don’t experience the power of collective human engagement in our living rooms, which continues to be the big screen’s unique appeal even as technology continues to evolve. So, as the wheel of questions continues to spin, will the cinemas recover financially? Will audiences feel safe to return? Will cinemas survive? There are many advantages to the streaming world. Netflix and Amazon Prime have allowed waves of new genres to grace our screens, exposing us to new cultures, inspiring us with new forms of cinematography and teaching us about some of the world’s most important, and often marginalised, life stories. The streaming services have granted us access to world cinema, documentaries and independent films and our horizons have been broadened as a result. When the cinemas’ doors shut, some films only saw a single week on the big screen. Films like Autumn de Wilde’s Emma, which was released in February, became available to stream much quicker than usual. The services brought the films to us when we couldn’t go to them, and in that sense, we are eternally grateful for their existence. Even before the shut down, however, some of Hollywood’s most highly acclaimed directors chose to release their films straight to Netflix. The streaming services offer filmmakers the budget they need to make the films that they want, allowing both old and new voices to be more adventurous and push the boundaries of cinema even further. Oscar-award winning director Martin Scorsese famously released The Irishman on Netflix last year simply because the streaming service had the financial means to create and compete with Hollywood blockbusters. It is no secret that while the movie business has suffered, streaming services have been basking in their piles of money. On-demand entertainment also offers films an opportunity to be more widely viewed. Some of our best-loved movies only became the cult classics that we know and love today thanks to streaming services, and previously home video renting. The Shawshank Redemption flopped in the box office in 1994 but earned its reputation after it was released on home video, later becoming the number-one ranking film on IMDb. We owe a lot to the streaming

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services – they supplied us with some of our most favourite films that would have otherwise been forgotten. Even with the benefits that streaming provides, it is still true to say that films are best viewed on the big screen. With the cinema’s technological advances in sound and picture merging with the movies hyper-realistic use of CGI motion caption, it has never been a better time to watch films at the cinema. With 2D, 3D, 4D or IMAX screens dazzling audiences, the technology has ushered in a new age of filmmaking and the cinema has never been more of an event. The very experience of sitting in a cinema is also completely unique. Watching a blockbuster in an audience of over a hundred is a moment that we may retell to our grandchildren. Alien, Jaws and The Omen, to name just a few, stuck in the memories of millions before the days of streaming, and the appetite for big-screen entertainment shows no sign of fading. The box-office revenues for the Avengers and Star Wars series shows the market is still very much alive. The postponing of No Time to Die, the new James Bond film, in April also showed just how important the big-screen buzz is to the film studios. The shared love of the cinema continues to pull legions of devoted fans back. However much we try, dressing up as our favourite character and watching a cult classic in a cinema with like-minded people cannot be recreated in our living rooms.

Will we see a surge of characters coping alone in space, trapped in panic rooms or struggling with cabin fever or will comedies dominate? It is also intriguing to find out what lockdown has sparked in the imaginations of filmmakers. The idea of isolation has inspired many great films over the years. Will we see a surge of characters coping alone in space, trapped in panic rooms or struggling with cabin fever or will comedies be dominating the billboards? After the Great Depression in the United States, it was reported that people chose to watch cartoons and musicals and looked for an escape from their daily lives. Audiences didn’t want kitchen-sink dramas; they didn’t want the screen to reflect their own lives back at them, they wanted to be told the tales of others. Cinemas around the country have announced that their doors will reopen within the month. Life will be far from normal at the flicks, and their post-pandemic existence may be grim, with plans to fill seats to half the cinemas’ capacity, abiding by the government’s one-metre plus rule. Therefore, it is important we show our support for the entertainment industry when it returns. Cinemas and theatres have supplied us with laughter and joy from our early years and filled our lives with colour – it would simply be a much greyer world without them in it. Pre-lockdown, the cinema offered us an opportunity to escape and stand in the shoes of others. Post-lockdown, the cinema still offers us that same chance – a chance that many more of us may take in a climate such as this. We need to be given the opportunity to remove ourselves from this world, to leave the house and to enjoy a piece of art as part of a collective. Although the powers of the streaming services will continue to grow exponentially – and they will be important for the future of the industry – we need to laugh and love and cry together again, engage with humanity and reconnect. After all this time apart, the shared experience of being in the cinema may ultimately be more important and more powerful than ever before. ■

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MUSIC

For Daniel Pearce, aka Eats Everything, stalwart nightclub Lakota means friendship, and the best nights of his life

“A lot of people will always have one eye on Bristol” Big-time Bristolian DJ and producer Eats Everything laments the loss of Stokes Croft’s Lakota club – whose fate, it was recently decided, is to be turned into a mixed-use housing development – and talks ‘90s ball culture and how it influenced his latest release Honey

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MUSIC

ne big old brick in the bedrock of Bristol’s nightlife scene, Lakota celebrated its 28th birthday this summer. An extensive line-up of Bristol-based DJs and live acts performed as part of an epic 28-hour lockdown livestream to raise money for the St Pauls Adventure Playground fund and The Trussell Trust, which has been working doubly hard over recent months to reduce hunger and poverty in the UK. It was something of a farewell show, too, as despite hundreds of letters of objection and thousands of petition signatures from those who believe the club is a cultural asset for the city, the site is now due to be developed into flats and offices. We spoke to internationally acclaimed DJ Eats Everything about what it has meant to him, house music heroes, issues facing the music industry and his 2020 tunes. TBM: What’s your favourite Lakota memory? EE: There are a couple but I will go with The Budweiser Night. It was S-Men playing – Junior Sanchez, Roger Sanchez and DJ Sneak. The whole club was decorated with this corrugated metal type of installation which made it look like the streets of New York or something, with Bud signs falling off the walls. The atmosphere and crowd were amazing, and it booted off. Especially when they dropped The Heartists’ Belo Horizonti – the original version and not the rubbish rip-off one. It has a Brazilian-style drum breakdown bit in it, and when it came to that part of the track everyone started to bang like mad on the metal walls… It was a night I’ll never forget! Lakota was the first nightclub that I ever went to. It was a long time ago, and I am not going to say how long or how old I was, but it was in its absolute heyday. It was an amazing club and always maintained the same style and vibe; and all of my mates today are people who I met when I was at Lakota so, for me, Lakota means friendship, and the best nights of my life. It means the world to me. Which other venues would it break your heart to see disappear if they don’t weather the storm of the pandemic? I’d be sorry to see any venue go. The hospitality industry is the country’s third highest grossing industry and I feel like we haven’t been looked after that well during this pandemic. If any have to close it’ll be a very sad thing. What’s it like to be a DJ without a venue? Does it take you back to the days of setting up your decks at your bedroom window and letting your imagination do the rest? You know, it’s been alright actually. I think that we all needed some time off, and while this was not planned we have had to accept it. I have got used to not being able to go to a club now and have enjoyed the rest and relaxation that it has brought. Of course, I wish that the circumstances had been a different and people were not dying. It’s a really sad state of affairs. The time off has been good for me on a personal level but I think I’ll leave the bedroom sessions to another young lad, maybe my son... Did Bristol’s house scene and community help incubate your career? Bristol’s scene is very rich and famous for it. It’s always been a massive help being from such a musical city. It’s easier when you come from a place where there is some kind of respected history, as you can become part of it, and fellow music people look out for the city. There are so many talented artists who have gone on to do so much for the culture. A lot of people will always have one eye on Bristol. What are your thoughts on its response to Black Lives Matter? I think the response has been unified and pretty good on the whole. I am not black, so it’s hard to gauge whether what’s been done thus far is enough to get things going. It has helped me to open my eyes a lot more as to what’s going on in the world and to be more active when it comes to fighting racism. This has made us all realise we need to be more vocal when it comes to the issue. It’s sad that it’s taken something like this to make us sit back and realise, but it has prompted good

things. I have learnt more and read up a lot on history as, no doubt, many have. It’s a start. We can always do more, and it’s now a matter of what’s next to make the necessary changes. You’ve been involved in charity and educational initiatives – are you doing anything in this vein in the wake of recent news? 100% – I am in talks with a few charities about what we can do to make a difference and how I can use my reach and platforms. I know in the grand scheme of things I’m not going to be changing the world single-handed but if we all do something it makes for a greater good. Have you noticed any racial discrimination in your line of work? Not really, but then again that’s no doubt because I am one of those in the most privileged bracket – European white males. But if you look at most line-ups, there is a distinct lack of black artists and females although they are making huge waves now. It’s started to change in the last few years. Who are your black house music heroes? Who is a rising talent? There are just so many to choose from – it all comes from black culture. That’s why it’s so important to celebrate this music as much as we can. We need to make sure the legacy of these black artists is protected. It’s sadly become, like many other industries, a white man’s game. That’s not the way it should be. My heroes are Derrick Carter, Mr G, Carl Cox and Honey Dijon. As for rising talent, I have to mention Simba – he’s from up north and producing some amazing tracks. Not forgetting Mason Maynard – wow, his house tracks are tough but groovy. I love it. Who’s been doing admirable things during the pandemic? I have been following a guy called MC Jakes. He speaks a lot of sense, which has been helpful for many. A really wise London guy called Funk Butcher has been helping others understand the best way to approach things. He has become quite a star during lockdown as it’s clear he wants to make things better and is doing what he can. Tell us about the creation of your latest release, Honey My love for ball culture* came from growing up with a few of my gay mates throughout my childhood and teen years. They introduced me to the show Paris Is Burning about the founding houses within ball culture. It gave me such an insight to how beautiful their world is, and how talented and articulate they are with the performance of art. It was sad to see how oppressed their lives had become from being discriminated against for what they do, so the fact they came together to create this amazing community, which no doubt acted as a form of escapism, really shows how strong and resilient they are. I’m good mates with the team at Little Gay Brother so when I had a date to play there I knew I wanted to drop an edit of Miss Honey I had been working on since I saw it on YouTube years back. They loved it, and I played again in LA a few weeks after. I thought I could be onto something, so I went back and edited a bit. To cut a long story short, here we are two years later and it’s finally out on FFRR. I am really proud. The track is a real passion project for me – not a vanity project, but something we can use to shine a light on this amazing culture which has been a huge part of my life for so long. [Ball Culture: the New York City-born underground LGBT subculture that saw members 'walk' for trophies at events known as balls] What is in the pipeline for this year? Lots of music will come out, as I have a big eight-track release on my collab label EI8HT which I run with Andres Campo. We decided to move this around in the release schedule and postpone to later on. With gigs, who the f**k knows, but let’s hope we can start to at least think about having a dance by Christmas! ■ • ‘Honey’ is available on all DSPs. Stream on YouTube or Soundcloud (soundcloud.com/eatseverything) and buy it on beatport.com

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ART

National Hero Service by Holy Moly UK; holymolycreative.co.uk

A Call from Home by Amber Phillips; @amberp_illustrator; amberillustrator.com

Lockdown: in pictures A mask was added to Banksy’s artwork on Hanover Place

Over the 12 weeks of lockdown, Bristol celebrated its NHS heroes, stayed loyal to its local businesses, called for kindness in the community and came together in the face of injustice. Its unique art scene illustrated the city’s journey into a new normal but also an outlook and way of life that continues to make it a lead player on the world stage, helping people explore some of the biggest issues of our time through creativity and communication.

Spotted on the shopfront of Electric Ladyland Black Lives Matter protest at Castle Park, 7 June

Community is Kindness by Jack Arts; jackarts.co.uk

Painted by Lanie Rose & Friends; @asablackpersonintheuk

Kyle Von Brown; kylevonbrown.com All proceeds go to blacksouthwestnetwork.org

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John Lee; medicine360.co.uk

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NOW UNTIL 3 JANUARY 2021

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The virtues of virtual touring

Just as the world locked down, some of its most highly acclaimed cultural spaces opened up online, allowing us to absorb the wonders of the world from our living rooms. Millie Bruce-Watt explores...

The Natural History Museum, London

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post-war American and European paintings and sculptures – Rothko, Holzer, Koons and Kapoor all featuring in the gallery. The tours also allow us to explore the spaces in minute detail, a luxury that is rarely available even when we’ve paid to be there in person. The Mona Lisa is very often viewed from a distance and over a crowd of bobbing heads. But now, thanks to the powers that be – namely Zoom – we’re able to visit the Musée du Louvre and explore with friends that are sitting hundreds of miles away, something that in real life would not be financially plausible or physically possible. The Museu de Arte de São Paulo in Brazil also has one of the broadest historical collections available in its virtual gallery, with works spanning the 14th to the 20th centuries. The paintings have been suspended in the air around the open-plan space so that we feel as though we are standing in one of the museum’s great halls. Closer to home, our much-loved and much-missed museums, galleries and festivals also supplied us with sorely needed entertainment during quarantine. We could wander through the University of Bristol Botanical Garden, marvel at We The Curious’s interactive exhibits, and traverse the streets of Bristol on a Banksy trail. The city’s brilliant art organisations also came together to produce the Bristol Arts Channel and thanks to Colston Hall, Watershed, St George’s and Bristol Old Vic, to name just a few, we have been able to stay connected to the unique arts scene that we are so fortunate to have.

Image: The Trustees of the NHM, London

lthough lockdown physically confined us to the four walls of our homes, technology broadened our horizons like never before. Thanks to interactive, 360-degree videos and full ‘walk around’ tours, we were able to visit all corners of the globe without leaving the sofa. We were given the opportunity to visit first-class exhibitions and nose around the world’s most famous cultural spaces while sipping our morning coffee at the kitchen table. The announcement of the free virtual tours was unquestionably one of the few saving graces of lockdown. From the Natural History Museum in London and the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam to the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in South Korea, artistic talent from around the globe was at our fingertips. These virtual tours offered us an escape during the lowest points of isolation. They could disconnect us from our phones, stop us from endless vacant searching and scrolling on the web and remove us from earshot of the news, if only for a second. With over 6,000 years’ worth of creative treasures at the J Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles, virtual visitors are able to bounce from Neolithic clay figures to Van Gogh’s Irises in one fell swoop. A few Google searches later, you could be walking through the rich sites of the Vatican, revelling in the wonders of the Sistine Chapel, and then enjoying lunch in Bilbao, exploring the Guggenheim’s collection of

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Explore Bristol Bristol Botanical Gardens botanic-garden.bristol.ac.uk

Bristol Museum and Art Gallery bristolmuseums.org.uk

We The Curious wethecurious.org

Brunel’s SS Great Britain ssgreatbritain.org

Bristol Old Vic bristololdvic.org.uk

The New Room newroombristol.org.uk

Bristol Arts Channel bristolartschannel.com

Clifton Suspension Bridge cliftonbridge.org.uk

Banksy Bristol Trail Download Cactus App

Aerospace Bristol aerospacebristol.org

Machu Picchu, Peru

Travel the world J Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles getty.edu/museum

La Belle Dam SansMerci by Frank Dicksee Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

Although some have argued that the aesthetics of the virtual tours have taken precedence over the sharing of knowledge, with digital experiences sometimes finding it difficult to communicate the history of the art and explain why pieces are there – something that museums have worked hard to improve over the years – the future of the digital experience is intriguing. Although our 13-inch screens may not fully convey the sheer size of Michelangelo’s 17-foot David, which incontestably adds to the grandeur of the piece, the virtual tours have given us a taste of what’s on offer, enticing us to visit once lockdown finally passes. They have, without question, inspired us to venture outside of our normal choice of holiday destinations and explore places that we never even thought to visit. These are, as we all know, ‘unprecedented times’. We did not trade visiting museums for virtual tours due to the lack of will or reliance on technology – we were simply looking for beauty in this beast and, for that reason, digital tours have provided solace at unparalleled value. In the next few months and years as museums adapt to public health guidelines, virtual experiences will work best when they become an expansion of the museum, telling more complex stories and attracting audiences for their own purposes. Throught the months of lockdown, our arts purveyors have had our backs, allowing us to bond with those we were isolated with and reconnect with those further afield. Ultimately, it is thanks to the virtual tours and digital experiences that many are leaving lockdown with a mile-long bucket list of cultural excursions. n

Photo credit: Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives

National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, South Korea mmca.go.kr/eng Vatican Museums, Rome museivaticani.va

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam rijksmuseum.nl/en Musée du Louvre, Paris louvre.fr Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York guggenheim.org Museum of Modern Art, New York artsandculture.google.com

British Museum, London britishmuseum.withgoogle.com

National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne vic.gov.au/channel

Natural History Museum, London nhm.ac.uk

Picasso Museum, Barcelona courtyard.museupicassobcn.org

MASP, São Paulo masp.org.br/en

The Great Barrier Reef attenboroughsreef.com

Guggenheim, Bilbao guggenheim-bilbao.eus/en

Machu Picchu machupicchu360vr.com

Uffizi Gallery, Florence uffizi.it/en

The Pyramids of Giza giza.fas.harvard.edu

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PHOTOGRAPHY

Far from quiet on the South Western front Powerful portraits of key workers responding to the Covid-19 pandemic – including a Bristol pharmacist and a porter – have been unveiled by acclaimed photographer Rankin to celebrate the 72nd anniversary of the NHS

Ade Williams’ portrait as taken by Rankin. One of Ade’s daily goals is to try and address health inequality as a form of injustice

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s a mark of respect to the NHS, renowned photographer Rankin, who has previously shot the Rolling Stones, Kate Moss and the Queen, recently took a series of portraits featuring 12 people who have played a vital role in the NHS response to the pandemic. The collection has been showcased across the country at bus stops, on roadside billboards and in pedestrian areas including Piccadilly Lights in London. “As the pandemic began to unfold, I was moved by the incredible efforts of people across the NHS and I wanted to document who they are and their role in fighting this disease,” said the director and cultural provocateur. “Taking a portrait is a unique and intimate experience, even with social distancing in place. Everyone had their own inspiring story which to them was just doing their job. I hope these images portray the resilience and courage they show every day in the face of real adversity.” An ICU consultant, a critical care nurse, a midwife, a psychiatrist, a hospital porter, a ward cleaner, a paramedic, a GP, a pharmacist, a district nurse, a 111 call centre worker, and a chief information officer were photographed, all having supported those impacted by the disease. “This has been the most challenging year in NHS history, with our amazing staff providing care to almost 100,000 hospitalised covid patients, and many more in the community,” added Sir Simon Stevens, NHS chief executive. “Nurses, doctors, physios, pharmacists, cleaners and countless others have pulled together, bolstered by thousands of former NHS staff who came back to help, alongside a new generation of students who stepped up. These striking portraits pay tribute to all staff and their extraordinary dedication. Bristol has had two key workers profiled with their stories from the frontline – over to Ade and Ali to tell us more.

specialist equipment. As a porter, it’s my job to make sure the right people get to the right place at the right time. Every day is different, and you are never in one place for long. All the excitement and adrenaline mean it’s hard to switch off. Even at the weekends. I like to keep active and ride my bike but in the back of my head I’m always thinking ‘when can I get back to work and help the team?’ “My wife is a carer and my daughter is a nurse, so you could definitely say looking after people runs in the family! They are the most important people in my life. We are fortunate to have and to be able to understand each other. Having someone to talk to at the end of the day can be great motivation to carry on. “Even though I work 12-hour shifts the day goes so fast. My favourite part is talking to patients and helping them feel at home. It’s even more important in this new world we live in. All our jobs have become more difficult and we have to take extra special care to look after our patients, ourselves and each other. Hospitals can be an intimidating place to come to even in calmer times, so having someone to navigate it alongside you can bring a lot of comfort. “Sometimes it can feel like everything has changed and got much harder. It’s a difficult time but we are pulling together as a team. Everyone is pushing themselves and doing an amazing job. I couldn’t be prouder of them all. That’s probably why, even after 15 years, I still love and would recommend my job. The NHS has a way of attracting so many different people from all walks of life – and making them all feel they belong. I feel so extremely proud to have been photographed on behalf of my team and to represent the role of the porter across the NHS.” ■ • Portraits are being donated to the NHS as an ongoing legacy. The full selection and their stories can be found at england.nhs.uk/rankin

Ade Williams, superintendent pharmacist, Bedminster Pharmacy “My mum was a single mother with four kids. One thing she instilled in us was the need to live our lives beyond our own comforts and look at how we can support other people. She was unflinching in this belief, and it made me want to have a career that helped my community – those lessons, coupled with my faith, anchor all I do. “I moved to the UK 23 years ago from Nigeria and lived with my aunt, a nurse in Brighton. I was just a teenager, yet utterly awestruck at how the NHS functioned. When I was old enough, I jumped at the chance to study pharmacy. I’ve lived all over the country but settled in Bristol, providing clinical care as a community pharmacist, alongside working at a GP practice and advising on the board of a local hospital. In an average day, you will get to see so many types of people who rely on your help – each with their own unique needs and challenges. I am continually thinking about how I can best tailor the support I provide them. Clinical knowledge is essential – but it’s certainly more important to take the time to talk to each person, to understand what they are going through. Those connections make all the difference and bring colour to your life. “In our team, working alongside my wife, also a pharmacist, we all share the belief that health inequality is a form of injustice. We literally have it written on our wall! Our goal every day is to help address this – which means there is never a dull moment. That is what gets me up in the morning. That, and my four-year-old son who is very much into drumming at the moment. Our community provides an inspiring backdrop. I pray we can emerge from this pandemic with a more generous, equal society. We owe it to our patients, those that have lost loved ones and colleagues that have paid the ultimate price, to build a legacy that breaks down barriers and brings us all closer. We have faced a common fear; now we must together embrace kindness and hope to build a better future. “The shoot was really fun and you could tell it meant a lot to Rankin, that he really wanted to use his lens to tell our stories through the pictures.”

Ali Abdi, porter, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust “I honestly couldn’t tell you how many miles I must have walked around my hospital helping patients, transferring medicines or carrying

Sarah Jensen, chief information officer, Barts Health NHS Trust and (right) Laura Arrowsmith, ward cleaner, Leighton Hospital, Crewe Dr Farzana Hussain, GP at Project Surgery, Newham and (right), Stuart Brookfield, paramedic, South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust All the excitement and adrenaline means it’s hard to switch off, says Bristol porter Ali Abdi

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A remarkable pioneer A garage in central Bristol is probably not the first place you would think of if asked to name a local business involved in LGBT rights, supposes Darryl W. Bullock, yet it is key to one of the most fascinating and important stories in transgender history

orn in London in 1915, Laurence Michael Dillon came from Irish nobility. Sadly, Dillon’s mother died of sepsis just 10 days after giving birth and Michael (initially assigned female and christened Laura Maud after his mother), was raised with his older brother Robert by a pair of spinster aunts in Folkestone, Kent. Their father blamed his youngest child for causing the death of his wife, and nine years later he was dead too, having drunk himself into an early grave. The aunts seemed hell-bent on raising their youngest charge for a life of celibacy and piety, but he was having none of that. Michael had little interest in female pursuits and was beginning to question his gender. The word ‘transsexual’ did not exist in those days, and when he confided in another aunt that he thought he might be lesbian, she simply laughed and suggested marriage would cure such foolishness. As his breasts developed he bound them in an attempt to stop them showing, cut his hair short and began to dress in a mix of men’s and

Michael on board the City of Bath, 1958

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women’s clothes. His only friend was the local vicar, who nurtured an interest in sport and a hunger for spiritual awareness, and enabled him to defy his aunts to enrol at Oxford University, studying theology before switching to classics. Michael excelled at sport, became president of the Oxford University Women’s Boat Club, competed in the Women’s Boat Race twice and helped design a new uniform, closely modelled on the clothing worn by the men’s team. He bought a motorbike, and hid any trace of femininity under his increasingly androgynous clothing. Wearing his boating uniform, ‘L M Dillon’ was pictured by newspapers including the Daily Mail, where a photograph accompanied by the caption ‘would you guess this is not a man?’ caused huge embarrassment for the family. After graduating he took a job in a research laboratory at Stoke Park, near Bristol, studying the brain, and for a while coached the women’s rowing club at the University of Bristol. Little remains today

Laura at Oxford, 1937

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of the Stoke Park Colony, as it was then known, although the iconic, yellow-painted Dower House still looks down over the M32 from the top of Purdown. In 1939, at the outbreak of war, he enlisted in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) but was discharged after a week for being too mannish. Michael began pioneering hormone treatment the same year, consulting Bristol doctor George Lush Foss, who had published several papers on the subject in the British Medical Journal. Hormone therapy was still new, but Michael was desperate to try anything that might help him live fully as a man and Foss, who ran a practice in Summerhill Road, St George, intended to use Michael (with his full consent) as a human guinea pig, administering high doses of testosterone in an effort for him to become more manly.

At the outbreak of war, he enlisted in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force but was discharged after a week for being too mannish

However, before Foss would begin treatment he insisted that Michael see a psychiatrist, and that would have devastating consequences. Not only did Foss decide not to go ahead (although he tossed Michael a bottle of testosterone pills as a sop), the psychiatrist talked about his new patient to friends at a dinner party, and soon other people were talking about him too, including the staff at Stoke Park. The war was on, women were doing the jobs of men now fighting for their country, and Michael moved to the city, taking a job at College Motors on Rupert Street where he operated the petrol pump and continued to take testosterone. Work at the garage was tough; the mechanics laughed about the freak who looked like a man but still used a woman’s name, but he was a conscientious worker, and when bombs began to rain down on the city he took an extra job as a fire watcher, keeping an eye on the garage and other nearby businesses at night in case one of Hitler’s incendiary devices should threaten to burn them down. He slept in the garage, enabling him to save money on lodgings – a necessity as he was spending half of his weekly income on hormone pills. On Good Friday 1941, one of the worst nights for Bristol, Michael was one of the many who helped the city’s firefighters as nearby buildings including John Wright’s Printing Works were destroyed. He slowly built up a grudging respect from his co-workers and one, Gilbert Barrow, who as a child had been cared for at the Muller orphanage in Ashley Down, became a lifelong friend. He also became friendly with Arthur Millbourn, the Canon of Bristol Cathedral, and the pair would correspond for many years. Garage foreman Albert Carter instructed the other mechanics to always refer to Michael as ‘he’, and – partly because his upper-class accent went down well with customers – he was promoted to tow-truck driver, meaning he would spend less time in their company anyway. In 1942, Michael received his first mention in the newspapers as Mr Dillon; he is listed in the Western Daily Press as agent for the garage, making several donations to the Red Cross. That same year, while walking around Bristol city centre, Michael fainted after a sudden rapid drop in his blood sugar levels. Taken to the Bristol Royal Infirmary, while he was recovering a sympathetic doctor, Geoffrey Fitzgibbon, suggested that it might be time to consider a full mastectomy to remove his hated breasts. Shortly afterwards Michael underwent the first of a series of 13 operations that would lead to him becoming the first British man to experience successful gender reassignment. Fitzgibbon introduced him to Sir Harold Gillies, the pioneering plastic surgeon who would help him complete his transition and – via a little subterfuge – apply to have his gender officially recognised on his birth certificate.

‘Everywhere I turned I seemed to be hemmed in by birth certificates and identity papers, driving licenses and my mail,’ he wrote after Laura Maud officially became Laurence Michael. ‘It was as if a sudden tiny gleam of light had appeared, showing a possible line of escape. The world began to seem worth living in after all.’ He continued working at the garage until the war ended, Gillies unable to begin surgery until after hostilities were over. Nights would be spent watching the skies for bombs, continuing his studies into the brain and writing. In 1946 Michael published Self: A Study in Ethics and Endocrinology, an early plea for sympathy and understanding towards homosexual and trans people. This ground-breaking book dared to suggest that there was nothing wrong with the mind of a trans person: it was their body that had let them down and therefore that needed to be corrected. In some ways Michael was lucky that he realised this during the war, when surgeons were discovering new ways and improving on already existing methods of reconstructive surgery. Two years before the founding of the National Health Service, Dillon’s book also advocated a world in which ‘we should see that all medicinal products are for international use and should be free to all sufferers.’

On Good Friday 1941, one of the worst nights for Bristol, Michael was one of the many who helped the city’s firefighters as nearby buildings including John Wright’s Printing Works were destroyed Aside from his vicar friend, Michael had lacked a positive role model growing up, and he now saw one in Sir Harold Gillies. It was because of Gillies that he decided to train as a surgeon, relocating to Dublin and studying at Trinity College where few, if any, thought of Michael as anything but a red-blooded male. He once again took up rowing, this time for a male team, and began to date women. He also met and became friends with former prisoner of war, engine designer and Grand Prix racer Roberta Cowell. Roberta had read Self and sought Michael out to see if he could help her on her journey to become the first British woman to successfully undergo a full male-to-female reassignment. The two grew close, began a relationship and started to dream that they might one day be able to marry. Michael performed the first operation on Roberta, then still illegal, before Gillies and American surgeon Ralph Millard completed her transition. Michael Dillon qualified as a physician in 1951 and was working

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During the war, Michael moved to the city, taking a job at College Motors on Rupert Street (pictured here, 1960)

Two years before the founding of the NHS, Dillon’s book advocated a world in which ‘we should see that all medicinal products are for international use and should be free to all sufferers’

in a Dublin hospital when Roberta ended their relationship. Devastated, he decided to leave Ireland and signed up as a surgeon with the Merchant Navy for a year. Life at sea suited him; he recalled that after his first meal with his shipmates ‘I went to my bunk that night feeling immensely happy. This was the life for me!’ Contemporary photographs show a confident, handsome man in uniform, his bushy beard unable to conceal his happiness. In fact, things were starting to go so well that Michael felt it was time to approach the editor of Debrett’s Peerage and ask that his brother’s entry be altered from ‘sister living’ to ‘brother living’. The change was important: Robert Dillon had not produced an heir and, as a brother, Michael stood to inherit the family name and estate. The editor was happy to comply, and Michael thought no more about it. Then, in early 1954, news of Roberta Cowell’s transition broke. Roberta’s tale made national headlines, and when a tell-all book, Roberta Cowell’s Story (with a preface by Canon Millbourn) was issued that included an anonymous anecdote about a doctor who had himself transitioned, Michael signed a contract with another ship and fled before the press caught on. While he was at sea the now-retired editor of Debrett’s published a memoir. In it he recalled their encounter: newspapers were quick to pick up on the story, and for the first time the British public became aware that Dr Laurence Michael Dillon had been born a woman. When his brother, now the eighth 44 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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Baronet of Lismullen, told the press that his only sibling was a sister who was a doctor on a liner, reporters were waiting when Michael’s ship, the City of Bath, docked in Philadelphia. It was the final straw. Ever since his teenage years Michael had been on a quest for spiritual enlightenment and, realising that he had no future in Britain, he travelled to India where he turned to Tibetan Buddhism. Finally, Michael had found the inner peace that had eluded him for a lifetime. He was ordained at the Rizong Monastery in Ladakh, Kashmir, taking the name Lobzang Jivaka, and spent his final years studying and writing, publishing several books on Buddhism and completing his own biography. Sadly, Lobzang died of liver failure, aged just 47, in 1962, before that book could be published. Shortly after his death the unnamed psychiatrist that Michael had met in Bristol in 1939 announced that he planned to write about Michael’s transition. ‘He was sent to me by another doctor before the series of operations,’ he told the Sunday Telegraph. ‘Ten years later there was a chap standing on my doorstep with an enormous black beard. I twigged who it might be.’ Despite his brother insisting that the manuscript be destroyed, Michael’s autobiography – Out of the Ordinary – was published in 2017, finally revealing his incredible story in his own words. “Michael Dillon is key figure in the international history of trans medicine,” says expert on trans history and co-chair of Bristol’s LGBT history group Outstories, Cheryl Morgan. “He was not just a pioneer patient. The ideas that he put forward in Self are only now becoming recognised as best practice by the world medical community. Bristol therefore has a hugely important role in trans history, and that is something that the city should celebrate.” ■

• Darryl W. Bullock is the author of books including the internationally acclaimed David Bowie Made Me Gay: 100 Years of LGBT Music. Keep an eye out for his next, The Velvet Mafia: the Gay Men Who Ran the Swinging 60s, published by Omnibus Press.

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BOOKS

Jolly good read, old thing! Author of the Famous Five parodies Bruno Vincent actually relates to the most recent in his series, on solitary confinement

rom the start, the most challenging part of writing new Famous Five books was pretending to be normal. I didn’t struggle with the characters themselves for long. Going back and reading the books again with an adult’s perspective, I found the Kirrin cousins rather unpalatable. I felt I’d been just as bad myself at that age, so I made them grow up to be like me too: bumbling, wellmeaning, clumsily enthusiastic, and mostly wrong. But it was being normal that I really struggled with. The new Blyton adventures were aimed at the foibles (if you’ll excuse the word) of modern life, and were nearly all based on experiences I’d never had, or pursuits I had no interest in. Going on a fad diet, for instance, or becoming a parent. Going on a strategy away day; visiting the garden centre; the pursuit of a ripped beach bod; being sober; Brexit... These, I was told, were the preoccupations of the modern individual. I had no interest in any of them. (If they were based on my life, the new Famous Five books would have been called things like Five Have A Secret Fondness For The Films Of Jean Claude Van Damme, or Five Recently Discovered Chives And Now Put Them In Everything, so the publishers were wise to cast the net further.) In each case, I had to very quickly find out what was the universal aspect of each of these things, and make it funny. I had to ask all my friends with babies (which was all my friends) about the terrors and tribulations of parenthood. Or get them to explain the moronic inferno of team-building exercises. It was only after I achieved my dream of becoming a professional writer that I realised with a feeling of pure horror that I’d effectively removed myself from society, that my job from now on was to sit on my own and not talk to people. The feeling of being an outsider, which had led me to write in the first place, had become self-fulfilling. So in writing these books it was a pleasure to reach out to others and ask about their lives – a process that has continued on Five Go Absolutely Nowhere. We’ve all had slightly different lockdowns, of course – but I tried to make the Famous Five’s experience as universal as possible. The chaotic Zoom meetings, the terrifyingly carefree pensioners and the ubiquitous sourdough starter. When the pandemic hit, it sentenced us all to the bewildering solitude I’d previously known so well. But when it made us all lonely outsiders, it meant we weren’t alone. And now restrictions are gradually easing, and we are beginning to go back to something like our old lives, we are learning to be normal again, together. Now we genuinely all have something in common. Which is roughly the message we wanted to give in the new book. Plus jokes about toilet paper, of course. It is a comedy after all. ■

• Five Go Absolutely Nowhere is published by Quercus Books, £8.99 46 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2020

No 191

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FOOD & DRINK

Follow Andy on Twitter and Instagram: @tvsandyclarke

Aloha!

TV producer and food and drink writer Andy Clarke shares two summer cocktail creations

ne thing I love to do is to put smiles on faces, whether by posting naked selfies in the garden (!) or encouraging people to look on the bright side. If I can encourage happiness, this, in turn, makes me feel positive too, so I’ve engaged my enthusiastic palate to give you some drink suggestions for sipping from home during this unusual time.

Clementine Kiss Cosmo A twist on one of my favourite cocktails, which reminds me of trips to New York. I think there’s a Sex & The City character in all of us and by making this, we can celebrate our frustrated traveller. The added magic of clementine juice takes it to the next level; the pepperiness of Chapel Down Vodka from Kent, made by the famous winemakers, is the kick you need to go with all that fruit. Don’t worry about juicing clementines; M&S sell divine freshly squeezed clementine juice (lovely in a Bucks Fizz). Do track it down, it’s oodles better than orange juice. Ingredients for two cocktails (in one shaker) 60ml Cointreau 120ml vodka 40ml cranberry juice drink 40ml clementine juice Juice of two limes A handful of ice 2 slices of clementine Put the ice into the shaker. Add all liquid and shake for 20 seconds until shaker is cold to touch. Strain into martini glasses and garnish with a thin disc of clementine (gently oven dried if you’ve time).

The ‘Surf’s Up’ Mary The Bloody Mary has long been associated with getting up with a hangover but I love one at any time of day. With all that tomato juice it’s just like having a gazpacho... This take is made with Aloha 65 Hot Sauce – a delicious blend of white wine vinegar, lemon juice, coriander, scotch bonnet chili and Aloha 65, a spirit made by an ex-pat British barman with the intention of luring surfers to his beach bar. If anything’s going to encourage you to get into bracing water, this is (drink responsibly before exercise). Ingredients for two cocktails (in one shaker) 120ml vodka (Broken Clock or a zesty, fruity one preferably) 240ml tomato juice 5 shakes of Aloha 65 Hot Sauce 2 shakes of Worcestershire sauce Juice of half a lemon A handful of ice 2 twists of freshly ground black pepper A slice of cucumber to garnish Juice the lemon and add to the shaker with ice. Add all other ingredients (other than the pepper) and shake for 20 seconds until the shaker is cold. Pour into a tall glass and grind the pepper on top. Garnish with a disc of cucumber and optional salted rim. ■ THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

SUMMER 2020

THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 47

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GREAT OUTDOORS

The beauty beyond your doorstep

Research shows that ‘blue space’ can have a positive impact on health and wellbeing

rom the soothing sounds of water lapping against the lake shore, to the relaxing dawn chorus on a summer’s morning, to the rustling of leaves as a gentle breeze passes through the impressive woodland canopy above, nature’s soundtrack truly is incredible. Peace and tranquillity could not be more important during these uncertain times and, even though the world as we once knew it is ever changing, it seems that nature really is thriving. Now is the time to immerse yourself in the great outdoors. Inhale the flourishing summer air. Feel the warmth of the sun on your face. Detach yourself from modern life and connect with your natural surroundings. Now is the time to discover the beauty beyond your doorstep. Those lucky enough to live in the South West don’t have to venture far to find some of the most beautiful lakes in the UK. Think moorland gems nestled among rolling hills, and the atmospheric waters set in Cornwall’s mining landscape – greatly loved beauty spots that provide a much-needed escape from everyday life. Research shows that ‘blue space’, including sea, rivers, lakes and even urban water features, can have a positive impact on health and wellbeing. The lakes of the South West provide an abundance of opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to engage with the outdoors and get active with scenic walks, cycle trails and family fun on the water. These are lakes such as the breath-taking Wimbleball on Exmoor – less than a two-hour drive from Bristol and Bath – the idyllic Roadford on the edge of Dartmoor and the Cornish lakes of Tamar near Bude, Siblyback near Liskeard and Stithians near Redruth. They are places where you can relax and observe the resident wildlife – somewhere to stretch your legs and embrace a moment of calm. Scenic sanctuaries where you can stop and enjoy a welldeserved café treat. Those wanting to dip their toes in can hire a variety of watersports equipment, including kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and sailing boats or, for those who have their own kit, there is the opportunity to use it on the lakes. These inland waters offer a safe environment for both novices and experts alike and they are also popular with trout and coarse anglers.

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Main image: courtesy of Jonathan Warner

The South West Lakes are havens not just for wildlife but for walkers, runners, cyclists, families, sailors, bird watchers and anglers, all searching for their own piece of tranquillity. When the stresses of 2020 take hold, try reconnecting with nature

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GREAT OUTDOORS

Want to extend your stay and experience everything the South West Lakes have to offer? Pitch up a tent, toast marshmallows and look up to the sky. Wimbleball and Siblyback are both dark skies reserves – the perfect spots for stargazing and engaging with nature and the outdoors in its greatest form. Looking up at the night sky can bring comfort to many people during an extremely difficult time and rural areas such as the lakes are the ideal locations to see the stars as they’re away from any light and disturbances. These five campsites provide the perfect base for your next family getaway. Watch as any little adventurers in tow embrace the freedom and large, open spaces. Capture special moments – the laughter, the learning and the pure joy on their faces as they run, skip and jump through the trees. Den building, pond dipping, bug hunting, wildlife spotting, and more, give them a taste for the great outdoors. Summer days are great for wildlife spotting, with the lakes brimming with a variety of flora and fauna – from butterflies and birds to deer and dormice. You stand a good chance of finding wonderful wildlife during your outdoor adventures, so don’t forget to bring the camera. The lakes are havens not just for wildlife but for walkers, runners, cyclists, families, sailors, bird watchers and anglers, all searching for their own piece of tranquillity. So, when the stresses of lockdown take hold, reconnecting with nature and heading to the lakes might be just the ticket. South West Lakes are operating their activities and camping in line with government guidelines. Safeguarding visitors and employees is priority and therefore certain measures have been put in place to limit the spread of coronavirus and maintain the safety of everyone. Please do check the South West Lakes website prior to visiting to make sure you are up to date with information for your trip and ensure you maintain social distancing when visiting. ■ Wimbleball Lake © Vernon Hutter

• southwestlakes.co.uk

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THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 49

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HISTORY

Spring Cottage in Montpelier made it to the final two in the running to be the focus of the recent BBC Two series

Sue and Pete decided to do some digging around DIYstyle for their own A House Through Time project

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The living room at Spring Cottage

No 191

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HISTORY

Bristol’s alternative ‘house through time’ Many of us were glued to the BBC Two series presented by David Olusoga and starring Redcliﬀe’s 10 Guinea Street – an early 18th-century house with slave traders among its past residents, and now up for sale. But a house in Montpelier was almost chosen instead, prompting owners Peter and Sue Cullimore to do their own research on their Spring Cottage predecessors

hen an estate agent showed us round Spring Cottage 34 years ago, it was love at first sight. How could anyone resist this long and thin Georgian house on a hill which looks so different from the rest, even in characterful Montpelier? It’s now called 60 Fairfield Road. But we prefer the old name even if that, too, remains an enigma. We still don’t know if Spring Cottage refers to the season, or to it being built above a water course. Sue and I, despite being very amateur historians, have won praise for the quality of research that went into our book, Saints, Crooks & Slavers. Yet we still can’t answer the first question everyone asks – when was your house built? Not for sure, anyway. We also have trouble with the next basic question – who first lived in it? Again, that’s very uncertain. Perhaps it was because the house looks such a curiosity that A House Through Time researchers pushed a flyer through our door early last year. They were inviting us to join the selection process for their Bristol series. Spring Cottage eventually finished a close second to the property that was chosen, 10 Guinea Street in Redcliffe. But by then we were hooked, and decided to do some exploration of our own. Our crumbling, but unusually complete, deeds tell us the first tenant or occupier of our house was a man called Shurmer Bath. A Quaker from Stokes Croft and a maltster by trade, he moved in the same social circles as Joseph Fry, Hannah More and the diarist Sarah Fox. He was the original developer for Spring Cottage and other nearby houses around Montpelier in the 1790s. But Shurmer Bath never finished building them, because a city-wide construction boom was halted by the Napoleonic Wars. He ended up bankrupt, as did so many other local property speculators at the time, especially in Clifton. Similar doubts surround the residency of our second developer, a “common brewer” with the equally colourful name of Jacob Crook. According to our deeds, when he bought the land in 1812, a “ruinous cottage” already stood on the site, which was “then in the occupation of said Jacob Crook”. However, in old-fashioned legal jargon, words like ‘tenant’ or ‘occupied’ could be ambiguous, perhaps even meaning that someone was active on the site rather than living there. Besides, both Shurmer and Jacob kept family homes elsewhere in the city. Despite the obtuse language, we found our deeds were a priceless launch pad towards further investigation into these characters and other occupants of Spring Cottage/60 Fairfield Road, right up to the late 20th century. It was here we first came across names like William Beaumont (originally Guillaume de Beaumont), son of aristocrats guillotined in the French Revolution, and the Phippen sisters, who ran early schools for deprived girls in their own home. A much later sale document in the deeds eventually led us to Penny Gane, an owner/occupier not long before us in the 1980s. In 2020 she remains an influential campaign leader for women’s rights in the city, as chair of Bristol Women’s Voice. For more detailed research on past residents, we turned to other sources. We found most useful the historic documents kept at Bristol Archives, where they’re available for you to search; online genealogy websites for censuses or for birth, marriage and death records; local trade directories from the mid 1700s onwards which you can leaf through in the Archives search room or in the reference section of

Bristol Central Library; and local newspaper articles found online via the British Newspaper Archive. These were the resources which helped us re-discover, for example, the story of Charles Franklin. Just before he rented Spring Cottage with his family in 1892, Franklin’s large factory making glass mirrors, in Rupert Street, burnt down in a dramatic fire that could be seen from miles around. We traced a vivid account in the Bristol Mercury. Residents of our house listed in the 1901 census included a 13-yearold servant, Ada Tovey. She later emigrated to Canada as an escape route from destitution but soon perished in faraway Vancouver, according to the British Columbia Death Index which we accessed online via the Ancestry website.

Our deeds were a priceless launch pad towards investigation into these characters; Guillaume de Beaumont, son of aristocrats guillotined in the French Revolution, and the Phippen sisters, who ran schools for deprived girls

The 1939 register, or wartime census, recorded the Fiddes family living at 60 Fairfield Road. One of them, young Ernest Fiddes, lost his life serving on board a Royal Navy submarine, sunk by a torpedo attack in the Mediterranean in 1942. Stoker Petty Officer Fiddes was posthumously honoured for gallant action in the face of the enemy. Neither Sue nor I are experts, so in the book we focus on the sources we used most. These weren’t always the best possible option for our house history research, but they were ones that worked for us. The practical tips on how to find out about the earlier inhabitants of your own home are based on our steep learning curve. That’s why Saints, Crooks & Slavers is deliberately written in a nuts-and-bolts style, telling you both what we discovered and how. The message is that our way may not be perfect, but if we can do it, so can you! However, there are some public records, especially land tax and electoral registers that, with hindsight, we could have and maybe should have consulted more. Our research was kick-started by Spring Cottage making the final shortlist for A House Through Time. In the end, 10 Guinea Street was definitely the right choice by the BBC. Episode one alone featured an unbeatable mix of eye-catching period features, slave-trading sea captains, an escaping servant and a baby left abandoned on the doorstep. But our near miss gave us a few new clues, and the inspiration to unearth a lot more information about Shurmer Bath et al in Montpelier. The maltster who started building Spring Cottage, and may or may not have lived in it, had a mixed CV. On the plus side, he was a devout Quaker and a generous philanthropist who gave out free medicine

➲

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HISTORY

The maltster who started building Spring Cottage had a mixed CV – he was a devout Quaker and philanthropist who gave medicine to the poor but had close links with slavery by marriage to the poor and subsidised new charity schools. On the other hand, Shurmer Bath had close links with slavery – not as a trader like Edward Colston half a century earlier, but by marriage. His first and second wives, Mary Lewis and Alice Dury, were cousins in a Quaker slave-owning dynasty from Bristol that ran sugar plantations in Barbados. The Durys had sold up and returned to Bristol in 1762, well before Shurmer married into the family. Our source for these revelations was a wider family archive, free to download online via Google Books. By the later 18th century, the Quaker community in Bristol, or Society of Friends, who until then had a deep involvement in slavery, were in full withdrawal mode and veering towards support for abolition – important contextual data we borrowed from work by a Bristol historian specialising in the city’s slave trade, Dr Madge Dresser. Thanks to her research, we found evidence that in later life Shurmer Bath became an abolitionist himself. It’s amazing that our book has coincided with a 21st-century equivalent of the Plague and the brutal murder of George Floyd by police in America, the event that sparked the Black Lives Matter protests across the world and the toppling of our notorious Colston statue in Bristol. The outcome is a huge growth in pressure for removing other memorials associated with the slave trade, and for real change towards racial equality.

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At the back of Spring Cottage In Saints, Crooks & Slavers, we’ve tried to give a balanced portrayal of Shurmer Bath, warts and all. Our first house builder was no saint, and can’t be exonerated from his slavery links, but nor should he be bracketed with Colston as a murderous villain. Instead, our book as a whole reinforces the new vision of history as no longer set in stone, and full of shifting uncertainties. ■ • Saints, Crooks & Slavers, £12, is published by Bristol Books, illustrated with photos and historical maps, and available from Max Minerva’s, Storysmith and Better Food. You can also order it online from Bristol Books or direct from the authors by emailing petercullimore@blueyonder.co.uk

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WILD BRISTOL

Pour yourself a beer and watch these scythe-winged ‘devil birds’ tear recklessly around the rooftops like boy-racers on the ring road

The birds of summer

While we’ve been locked away for the past few months, it’s been business as usual for the city’s swifts, says Pete Dommett

as the storm passed? It’s hard to tell: the bruised evening sky still glowers forebodingly. But rather than reach for my raincoat, I pour myself another beer and watch the swifts. A shrieking gang of these scythewinged creatures tears recklessly around the rooftops like boy-racers on the ring road. Devil birds, they were once called on account of those demonic screams – one of the summer’s most dramatic sounds. Swifts begin arriving in late April and early May, having travelled 6,000 miles or more from their wintering areas in sub-equatorial Africa. That’s nothing for this bird: an adult swift might clock up 1½ million miles in its lifetime. In fact, no other species spends more time in the air. A swift feeds, drinks, sleeps and even mates on the wing, and only comes down to earth to nest. In the breeding season, many swifts become urban birds. They collect in colonies in the pre-war-built parts of our towns and cities to nest under loose roof tiles and beneath weather-beaten eaves. Worryingly, these nest sites are being rapidly lost as older buildings are renovated and cavities blocked up; modern houses don’t offer suitable alternatives. As a result, some swifts return in spring to discover their usual nesting places are no more. It’s one reason why Britain’s breeding population has halved over the last 25 years. Bristol has a number of small, loosely connected colonies scattered across the city, with hot-spots in Redland, Cotham, Fishponds, Hartcliffe and Withywood. In Stoke Bishop, Mark and Jane Glanville have turned their 1920s semi into a swift megalopolis, with 25 homebuilt nest-boxes surrounding their house. Mark tells me that their avian lodgers arrive at this des-res in three distinct waves. “The first swifts to appear are the breeders. They already have a nest-box, which they used last year, so once they’ve paired up, they’re good to go,” he says. “Then come the bangers.”

Bangers? “That’s what we call the two-year-old birds,” Mark explains. “These arrive at the end of May and beginning of June to bagsy a box for next season. They bang their wings against a nestbox to see if it’s already occupied. If it’s free, they’ll build a nest, but don’t actually breed in it until the following year.” “The last swifts to visit are the roamers in mid-July,” he adds. “These are young birds, the ones that fledged the previous summer. They’re just sussing out the various colonies in the area to work out which one to join next year.” After a poor breeding season last year, Mark and Jane are hoping that 2020 will be more successful. So far, it’s looking good – this summer, ‘Swift House’ is home to 15 pairs of breeders which could raise more than 30 chicks between them. Mark has honed his nest-box design, since making the first one 15 years ago, by carefully observing the swifts’ behaviour to work out exactly what they need. And he’s spent the lockdown busily replying to the many emails he receives from people around the country, and further afield, asking for advice on how to make their homes more hospitable to these birds. But all too soon the city’s swifts will be gone. In August, they’ll be carving a sky-path back to Africa on wings of curved steel. Their summer is nearly over, while ours seems to be only just beginning – better enjoy them while we can. “In the evening, there’s nothing nicer than just sitting in the garden and watching our swifts,” Jane says. “It’s the perfect way to end the day.” I’ll raise a glass to that. ■

• For information on how to make your house swift-friendly, go to bristolswifts.co.uk THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

SUMMER 2020

THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 53

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BRISTOL UPDATES NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS Did someone say ‘summer refreshment’?

CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF LEMONY ZING Local cidermaker Thatchers has brought out a new fruit cider for the summer – a naturally cloudy Somerset nectar balanced with the tart zestiness of lemon. The 4% sparkling Thatchers Cloudy Lemon Cider uses sweet dessert apples including Braeburn, Gala and Red Spur to give a crisp, sweet taste finished with the juice of real lemons. It’s the Jonagold apples that help give the stuff its cloudiness. “We’re looking to be bold and different with Thatchers Cloudy Lemon and bring some zest into cider,” said Thatchers’ fourth generation cidermaker, Martin Thatcher. “We know cider drinkers are always looking for something new and exciting.” If you’re not a fan of lemon flavours in your beverages, we also recommend a little of the Thatchers Rosé we’ve been sinking lately – sparkling pink cider using the orchard’s rosy red apples. • Thatchers Cloudy Lemon, RRP £5.50 for four 440ml cans, available in retailers including Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, Tesco and Coop; thatcherscider.co.uk

THIS IS AMERICA Year 6 pupils at a North Somerset independent school have enjoyed a virtual trip to the USA as part of their remote learning programme during lockdown. The children from Fairfield School in Backwell – an independent co-educational school for children aged two to 11 – visited the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C. where they took a self-guided room-by-room virtual tour of select areas and exhibits. The pupils also planned how they would travel to America, took part in a virtual treasure hunt and enjoyed a workshop drawing dinosaurs. “We love how creative our staff and children have been during lockdown and the Year 6 trip to Washington is a great example,” said Fairfield School headmistress Lesley Barton. “We have tried to make our remote learning programme as varied, interesting and educational as possible, despite the challenges, and we’re pleased that pupils had a fantastic time. “Throughout the crisis our teachers have been working hard to deliver the same high standard of teaching and learning to our pupils remotely. We’ve enjoyed seeing how well the children have responded to the new style of education and are really proud of their efforts. We have now re-opened for children in Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 and it is lovely to see how happy the children are to be back in school. For those who have not returned yet, we will also be continuing with our remote learning programme until the end of the summer term.”

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Pupils took a self-guided virtual tour of select areas and exhibits

Class sizes at Fairfield, historically a PNEU School (affiliated to the Parents’ National Education Union), are limited to around 20, with many much smaller, and there is a very wide range of clubs and activities, sport, music and drama to excite the interest of pupils. • fairfield.school

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BRISTOL UPDATES NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS xx

CHAMPION CHOPPERS Award-winning hairdresser Noco Hair on Whiteladies Road is supporting 10 charities by giving away 100 haircuts over the summer months. Each charity will be auctioning their haircuts to raise valuable funds. "It’s important to us that we support our local community and charities, especially during these current times when fundraising has been tough,” said creative director Noel Halligan. “We are in a unique position where we can make people feel amazing through our services, and we feel it’s our responsibility to provide this care.” • nocohair.com Award-winning NOCO supports its community

REASON TO SMILE For retirement charity Abbeyfield Bristol & Keynsham – established in 1956 to create supportive communities where older people can live together – restrictive social distancing rules put in place as a result of the coronavirus outbreak are diametrically opposed to everything they aim to achieve. However, with residents’ safety at the fore, the organisation introduced a ‘new normal’ early on, with split mealtimes and strict limits on outings and visitors. “The last three months have been a stressful time for everyone,” said Frances Stretton, chief executive. “The restrictions on socialising go against our core values of companionship but everyone is wholly committed to maintaining the ‘spirit’ of Abbeyfield and we are working hard to ensure life is disrupted as little as possible and providing the highest standards of support.” Teams across Abbeyfield’s five Bristol houses put together a varied programme of summer activities with social distancing in mind. “We haven’t been able to bring in our usual entertainers, musicians and keep-fit specialists, so we needed to make some changes to enhance wellbeing and keep people together,” continues Frances, “Our residents have enjoyed poetry sessions, quizzes, crafts, film nights, croquet and exercise classes.” Pimm’s and strawberries in the garden seems to have been the most well-attended events... And now families are permitted to visit in the gardens, there’s even more reason to smile. Abbeyfield is now looking at how it can safely appraise and admit new residents in the immediate future. • abbeyfield-bristol.co.uk; 0117 973 6997

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MEET MRS MOLNAR: BRISTOL’S LOCKDOWN LITTER PICKER Mrs Anita Molnar is the passionate environmentalist who runs the St. Mary Redcliffe and Temple School eco and recycling clubs. Throughout lockdown Mrs Molnar, fondly dubbed 'The Rubbish Hero' by her students, has been practising what she teaches by litter picking her way across the city. As well as picking up litter whenever and wherever she finds it, Mrs Molnar has a regular litter picking route along the Portway where she can easily fill four or five of the huge green bags supplied by Bristol Waste. She’s always grateful for thank-yous and a thumbs up from passers-by but would love to see more people joining in to take care of where they live. “Anyone can make a difference,” she says, “even just one less piece of litter makes Bristol nicer for people, safer for animals and protects our rivers from rubbish!”

• Feeling inspired? Make a Big Tidy pledge at bristolwastecompany.co.uk/big-tidy-pledge

Anita easily fills four or five green bags on her Portway route

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Spotting the true value for money in broadband

HOW SELF EMPLOYED PROFESSIONALS CAN GET MORE RESULTS FROM DIGITAL MARKETING Digital Marketing (DM) helps your business, but it only amplifies your message to your audience. If your message and choice of audience is not right, it can’t do much for you. Clarify these 5 things before investing in DM: your beliefs, your purpose, your niche, your brand story, and your sales process. Note: I am not a DM consultant; I am sharing my own experience as an entrepreneur. Firstly, investing in DM while living with limiting beliefs & self-doubt will not get you great results. You will be less convincing on videos, charge low rates, and struggle to convert the leads you get. Secondly, define a clear and motivating purpose. If your motivation goes up and down, you will find it hard to build a complete digital funnel. You’ll dabble, procrastinate, and waste time. Find the drive that will sustain you.

ith providers continually vying for attention with record speeds, latest deals and the misuse of the term ‘fibre’, what’s best for the consumer in terms of value for money gets lost in translation. But equipped with the right knowledge, it’s easy to spot what delivers the best service and value for money in broadband. Understanding the small print With ‘latest broadband deals’ everywhere, it’s easy to be tempted with the obvious fast speeds or low-cost options. But these are often over sold and under deliver so aren’t the smartest choice. Paying for a 500Mbps package isn’t a good move if you only get those speeds at 3am when no one else is online. And that £20 a month deal isn’t such great value when the connection continually cuts out. Ask your provider if they guarantee their speeds, or only provide average speeds to make sure you don’t pay for a service you don’t receive. Bandwidth or speed? Everyone talks about broadband speeds, but speed alone won’t get you far: bandwidth will. Think of bandwidth as a motorway: at rush hour, with lots of traffic congestion, the number of lanes available will impact how fast the cars can drive. Having enough bandwidth is like having the fast lane all to yourself at rush hour. Insufficient bandwidth will always shunt you into the digital slow lane. If your network doesn’t have the bandwidth capacity, it often won’t reach the advertised speeds.

DM consultants are tech experts, but are not self-awareness and business coaches. They may not help you get empowering beliefs and define a clear purpose. Third, set a clear niche. DM consultants can help create avatars, but they may not challenge you especially if they don’t know your industry. They’ll build a funnel based on what you say. So it’s your responsibility to get clear and stay focused. Next is your brand story, the client’s journey with you. It’s more than a hot slogan. You must answer the questions they’re asking: “Can I trust you? Do you understand me? How can you help me?” Your consultant will help you create a customer journey, but will they sharpen the finer distinctions? And finally, your sales process. DM will get leads, but leads don’t get returns; clients do! To my knowledge, no DM consultant guarantees clients. Increase conversion by finetuning your sales approach. Who is guiding you to sell better? Don’t let your bad sales process waste good leads. Building a good foundation for DM will get you quicker results. Which of these do you need to work on? Contact me for a chat. I help dedicated self-employed professionals create a comprehensive marketing approach in only 3 sessions, so they can reach their dream life without wasting time and money.

Beware fake fibre

Find out more about The Brave Zone at www.thebravezone.com or book an Initial Discovery Session to get fresh perspectives for your business.

There are two types of ‘fibre’ broadband and although advertised using the same term, deliver very different results. Full fibre, aka fibre-to-the-property (FTTP), gives every property its own dedicated connection and provides guaranteed speeds 24/7. Part fibre, aka fibre-to-the-cabinet (FTTC) has a fibre cable running to the cabinet, and is then split across multiple properties which creates fluctuating speeds. Often advertised using fastest potential speeds, but delivers ‘average’ or ‘up to’ speeds which fluctuate hugely.

Email her at cynthia@thebravezone.com

Truespeed’s full fibre promise At Truespeed we only provide full fibre broadband, with all the bandwidth you need and guaranteed 200Mbps speeds 24-7. Visit www.truespeed.com to discover more.

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SUMMER 2020

THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 57

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HELI HEROES

Higher purpose

Children’s Air Ambulance is a life-saving charity working with clinical transfer teams in lead hospitals such as Bristol, and has recently become the first service of its kind in the UK to provide ECMO – a system similar to a heart and lung bypass machine – on-board. Hollye Kirkcaldy has more

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HELI HEROES

scar Edwards has just celebrated his first birthday with a lockdown party and a rainbow cake. It wasn’t what his mother Clare had originally planned but, for Oscar, simply reaching the milestone birthday is reason to celebrate. At three days old, Oscar was flown from the Royal Cornwall Hospital to Bristol Children’s Hospital to receive emergency treatment for a rare heart condition. Within hours of being born, Oscar’s oxygen saturation levels had plummeted. Doctors had begun to suspect that he might have something wrong with his heart and had set up a video link with the specialist paediatric cardiac team in Bristol to get a second opinion. “Apparently it was the first time in three years that a baby had been born in Cornwall with the condition and the doctors in Bristol said they wanted Oscar there within 48 hours. It was awful,” Clare says. While Oscar was kept stable, hospital staff in Cornwall tried to make arrangements for him to be transported to Bristol. Twice a land ambulance was arranged but, on both occasions, it was cancelled. “We completely understood that something more serious had come up, but it was very frustrating, and we were getting to the point of despair,” explains Clare. It was at this point that a call was made to the Children’s Air Ambulance, a national charity which provides lifesaving helicopter transport for babies and children and works closely with clinical transfer teams in lead hospitals, such as Bristol. Within a matter of hours, the Children’s Air Ambulance helicopter had collected a specialist team of doctors from Bristol, flown down to Cornwall and brought Oscar back. “When we were told the Children’s Air Ambulance was coming, we were shocked and so pleased that he was going to be taken to where he needed to be. We looked out of the hospital window and saw the helicopter like a big green angel in the sky,” Clare recollects. Oscar is just one of 75 children in the South West for whom the life-saving difference has been made over the last few years by the partnership between the Children’s Air Ambulance and the transport team at the Bristol Children’s Hospital. Set up originally in 1997 to coordinate the transfer of critically ill children within the South West region, the team re-branded as WATCh (Wales and West Acute Transport for Children) in 2015 when it took on additional

responsibility for children in Wales. Staffed 24/7 from an ambulance station near Temple Meads, WATCh now receives around 1,500 calls each year from regional hospitals spanning from Cornwall up to Gloucestershire and Wiltshire and across the border into Wales. Half of these calls involve children who need to be moved to a specialist hub – usually Bristol or Cardiff – for more complex treatment. Bristol Children’s Hospital is one of just a handful of hospitals nationwide with a highly specialised paediatric intensive care. It has a number of major specialities such as its neurosurgical and epilepsy surgery programmes and is the only designated hospital outside of London in the entire south of England and Wales for children with burns. Given this level of expertise and the sheer size of the South West region, it is no surprise the WATCh team is one of the most frequent users of the rapid helicopter transport provided by the CAA.

Within a matter of hours, the Children’s Air Ambulance helicopter had collected a specialist team of doctors from Bristol, flown down to Cornwall and brought Oscar back

“We receive calls from physicians in local hospitals about children who have presented as seriously unwell, and the physicians are either looking for advice about management or transport to Bristol or Cardiff,” says Will Marriage, paediatric intensivist and WATCh lead. “While a small proportion of the calls are trauma-related, most tend to be medical patients with illnesses ranging from meningitis and heart disease to kidney failure and neurological issues.” The WATCh team acts as a referral hub, with a paediatric intensive care consultant taking the initial call and patching in specialists directly from Bristol Children’s Hospital. The complex decision on ➲

From the time a call comes in, it can take just an hour to coordinate and arrange a rendezvous for the clinical team with the helicopter on the rooftop helipad of the BRI

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HELI HEROES

whether and how to transfer the child often depends on a range of factors, including an assessment of how unwell the child is, the ability of the local hospital to provide the care needed and how quickly they need to be moved. In some cases, it is no exaggeration to say that speed saves lives, and it’s here that the Children’s Air Ambulance makes that crucial difference. From the time a call comes into WATCh, it can take them just an hour to coordinate with the Children’s Air Ambulance and arrange a rendezvous for the clinical team with the helicopter on the rooftop helipad of the Bristol Royal Infirmary. The helicopter then flies the team down to the local hospital and returns with the patient, with journeys that would have taken hours by road taking minutes by air.

The Bristol Children’s Hospital is one of just a handful of hospitals nationwide with a highly specialised paediatric intensive care

“Being able to transfer children by air makes two huge differences,” says Will. “The reason people are moving these children at all is because the local hospitals are not all set up to care for these children who are critically ill. That expertise lives in Bristol with us, so the first advantage is you can deliver a critical care team of experienced doctors and nurses to the patient much more quickly. We can be at their bedside making a difference sooner. Secondly, for the patient themselves, the journey time is important. For some children who are particularly unstable, the fact that you can get them to where they need to be as quickly as you can makes a difference.” According to Donna Young, head of fundraising at Children’s Air Ambulance, flight times are commonly more than four times quicker than transfer by road. “Time saved can mean a life saved and this is where the service really does make a difference in the South West,” she explained. “The aircraft is able to bypass road networks and reach more remote locations.” Damian Inch knows better than anyone what a quick response can mean to the family of a desperately ill and rapidly deteriorating child. As a newborn, his daughter Elsie was transferred by air ambulance from North Devon District Hospital to Bristol Children’s Hospital for emergency heart surgery. It is a flight which Damian believes saved Elsie’s life. “She would’ve died – no two ways about it. The speed and the extra time that was saved, had a massive impact,” he said. Born with an undiagnosed congenital heart disorder, Elsie’s condition was only noticed by chance by a midwife and after taking a sudden turn for the worse, her only option was a transfer to Bristol for emergency specialist surgery. Her critical condition, however, made transport by road a real challenge. The decision was taken to call in WATCh and the Children’s Air Ambulance. “They were hopefully going to transfer her straight back up if she was stabilised, but when they started to put a feeding tube in, she was gasping for air and it took them four hours to stabilise her enough to fly,” says Damian. “It was getting close to being dark but the pilot was keen to take off and she probably wouldn’t have made it if we hadn’t.’’ The 100-mile journey took just 24 minutes by air, delivering Elsie safely into the hands of the surgeons in Bristol. Now three years old, she takes centre stage at nursery with her singing and dancing. As the needs of the medical teams and patients evolve, so too does the service provided by the Children’s Air Ambulance. Already the only intensive care aircrafts in the country dedicated to paediatric transport since 2012, the charity has just added two new pieces of life-saving equipment into their two bespoke state-of-the-art helicopters. Alongside ventilators, monitors, infusion pumps and a baby pod, they are now the first air ambulance service in the UK to provide ECMO (extra corporeal membrane oxygenation) and nitric oxide functionality on-board. ECMO, a system similar to a heart and lung bypass machine, is a temporary means of providing oxygen to the body when 60 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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normal methods of intensive care are failing, while nitric oxide is an inhaled gas used with a ventilator to treat respiratory failure in premature babies and infants. The new equipment enables the doctors to provide pioneering in-flight care for the sickest of children, for whom a transfer by road may not even have been an option. “Children’s Air Ambulance have been very helpful and proactive in developing their service in response to what the teams have said they wanted,” says Will Marriage. “They fly all the equivalent teams in other major cities across the country, and the reason all the teams work with them is that they’ve been very good at listening to what we say we need. It’s been a very good relationship.” Donna Young works closely with WATCh through annual training days where the teams are able to immerse themselves in the flight environment and carry out clinical simulation training. “There are also monthly governance calls which provide a forum to debrief mission activity, training needs and any lessons learnt,” she says. “All this is done to ensure the best outcome for the young patients we fly.” With no standard government funding and hit hard by the impact of covid-19, the charity relies on public donations to keep flying its vital missions – a mission can cost £3,500 on average – and has plans to develop its fundraising capabilities in the South West. “Our plan is to build on the network of community fundraisers we have to cover the UK, and the South West region will be a priority for us in this growth,” Donna adds. “It would be fantastic to grow our web of fundraising volunteers into the South West and support more local people with their fundraising. We are exploring challenge events in the area and would encourage budding fundraisers to get in touch with our team so we can help them to raise money for us.” ■ • childrensairambulance.org.uk

Elsie’s 100-mile heli journey took 24 minutes, delivering her safely into the hands of Bristol surgeons

Oscar’s mum saw the helicopter as his big green angel in the sky

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IVF and me

As the date nears for the birth of her second IVF baby after treatment at the Bristol Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Karen Marks says despite the anxieties of the lockdown she’s enjoying every step of the journey

eptember can’t come around soon enough for Karen and James Marks when they’ll be meeting their new longed-for second baby for the first time. The couple who married in 2014 feared they might never have a child of their own after Karen failed to get pregnant and was later diagnosed with fertility issues. Now six years on, Karen is set to bring a younger brother or sister for 22-month-old Cameron into the world and the pair are counting the days until the happy event. Both pregnancies were achieved through IVF at the Bristol Centre for Reproductive Medicine (BCRM), which treats both private and NHS patients. Karen and James initially attended one of the clinic’s regular informal introductory evenings hosted by Dr Valentine Akande, BCRM’s medical director and lead clinician, which include a short consultation. “Valentine, his colleagues and the facilities impressed us so much we decided to proceed,” said Karen, 32. “They have been such a wonderful and supportive bunch to deal with, in particular director of nursing and clinical services, Carrie Lomax, who we think is one of the most amazing nurses in the world. “The BCRM team becomes as much a part of your fertility journey as you want them to be. They really care. For us they became like extended family. “I needed that sort of relationship, but if that’s not what a patient wants, they don’t press – you feel very much in control.” The Marks’s were given funding for one round of IVF on the NHS in September 2017. During minimally invasive egg retrieval procedure surgeons collected 15 of Karen’s eggs which were fertilised with James’s sperm in BCRM’s labs in September 2017. Five viable embryos were created, from which one was transferred back into Karen’s uterus. “People say IVF can affect your hormones when you’re on the meds, but I remember this as a calm time. I was unconscious for the egg collection, but that was it. And no pain at all.” Happily, for Karen and James, 35, the procedure worked first time and after a seven-week viability scan, she was discharged into the care of her local community midwife team in Taunton. The pregnancy proceeded normally, with the birth of a Nurse Carrie Lomax, ‘’one of the full-term baby boy, most amazing nurses in the world’

Cameron McLennan James Marks weighing in at 6lb 10oz on September 1, 2018. Eighteen months on, Karen and James are now expecting their second baby under the care of BCRM fertility consultant Dr Alex Price, due to be born in September 9. “In many ways it’s been so much easier the second time around,” added Karen. “Alex is just lovely. She made me feel at home as soon as we returned. “Even after I’ve given birth to our second child, we’ll still have two frozen embryos left if we decide we’d like a bigger family.” Karen was 16 weeks into the pregnancy when the lockdown began in March and admits although it is not the easiest time to be having a baby, the family are in good spirits. “The main thing is we are going to have a wonderful new brother or sister for Cameron and hopefully Covid-19 will be something for the history books to tell our grandchildren about!” The Bristol Centre for Reproductive Medicine has world class facilities and technology that treats both private and NHS patients. BCRM is involved in innovative research and has one of the best success rates with IVF and other fertility treatments in the UK. To register for a virtual open evening webinar or to book an initial consultation appointment email BCRM at: info@BCRM.org.uk call 0117 3018605 or visit: www.fertilitybristol.com.

THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

SUMMER 2020

THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 61

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THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 63

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GARDENING DEFINING MOMENTS

Bristol docks in the mid-19th century

The tale of Thomas Clarkson

The unwillingness to face up to inconvenient truths remains as much an issue today as it was when an unlikely hero set out to subvert the trade which made Bristol rich. While the Colston statue’s demise speaks of unfinished business and a narrative in dire need of revision if the whiplash scars of history are to heal, Andrew Swift finds solace in the story of Clarkson the clergyman

he toppling of the statue of Edward Colston on 7 June was one of those defining moments that will be remembered for centuries to come. Unlike many such moments, however, no one was injured and no damage was caused – except to the statue. But, even though the mood that sultry afternoon was celebratory rather than threatening, many undoubtedly felt threatened by what they saw as the destruction of a key part of Bristol’s heritage. It is remarkable that someone who died almost 300 years ago should be the focus of such strong feeling, especially as the slave trade from which Colston derived so much of his wealth was outlawed over 200 years ago. Colston’s statue was of more recent vintage, however. Unveiled in 1895, it not only celebrated his philanthropy but also indicated a willingness to overlook the trade that funded such largesse. It was that willingness which led to the statue’s toppling 125 years later. Clearly, there is unfinished business here, and a narrative in dire need of revision if the whiplash scars of history are to heal. Fortunately, there are other, more positive narratives to turn to – those which tell of the fight to end the murky trade that brought Colston, and Bristol, so much wealth. Among those who fought to end the evils of slavery – Wesley, Wilberforce, Granville Sharp, Hannah More and others – the name that burns most brightly in Bristol’s firmament is that of Thomas Clarkson. Clarkson was an unlikely hero. While at Cambridge University

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The men Clarkson wanted to interview would be found in one of the most dangerous cities in the land, Bristol. As word about his mission spread he became a marked man studying for the priesthood, he wrote an essay – in Latin – for a competition. The subject he addressed was whether it was ‘lawful to make slaves of others against their wills.’ So impressive were his arguments that he won first prize; he also became convinced that ‘if the contents of the essay were true, it was time some person should see these calamities to their end’. He had discovered the cause which would dominate and define his life. When his essay – translated into English – was published, it became a best-seller, and in 1787 he became a founder member of a national association for the abolition of the slave trade. Veteran campaigner Granville Sharp was the association’s figurehead, but Clarkson was its driving force. The main problem facing the

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DEFINING MOMENTS abolitionists was that, with few exceptions, the only people with direct experience of the slave trade were those engaged in it. Naturally, they gave assurances that slave ships were well regulated and the enslaved were well treated. The only way to counter their arguments was by gathering enough evidence to discredit them. The first place Clarkson visited in his quest for hard facts was Bristol. As he approached the city on the evening of 27 June 1787, he was struck by its prodigious size and ‘began now to tremble, for the first time, at the arduous task I had undertaken, of attempting to subvert one of the branches of the commerce of the great place which was then before me... I questioned whether I should ever get out of it alive.’ Most doors were closed against him. ‘The owners of vessels employed in the Trade there,’ he wrote, ‘forbad all intercourse with me.’ He had been told, however, that sailors had ‘an aversion to enter and were inveigled, if not forced, into this hateful employment’. Disgruntled sailors would, he figured, be the best source of information. The problem was finding them. He was a middle-class clergyman; the men he wanted to interview would be found in the roughest parts of one of the most dangerous cities in the land. Not only that: as word about his mission spread he became a marked man.

Clarkson visited pubs where sailors who crewed slave ships were found. He gathered ample evidence to confirm his suspicions that most sailors were tricked onto these ships by lies and fraud One person who came forward to help him was the landlord of the Seven Stars in Thomas Lane, a man known simply as Thompson, who received sailors at the end of their voyages and helped them find places on other ships, but refused to have any dealings with the slave trade. With Thompson as his guide, Clarkson visited pubs where sailors who had crewed slave ships were likely to be found. He soon gathered ample evidence to confirm his suspicions that most sailors were tricked onto these ships by lies and fraud. He was also able to prove, using information from muster rolls, that, far from being a ‘nursery for British seamen’, as anti-abolitionists claimed, slave ships were floating graves for sailors and the enslaved alike, with far more sailors dying on them than on all the other vessels sailing out of Bristol put together. The evidence Clarkson collected provided the abolitionists with an unanswerable case for reform. It may have taken 20 years from the time he stepped over the threshold of the Seven Stars for the slave trade to be abolished, but his work in Bristol created a momentum that was unstoppable. Yet, while his legacy is celebrated elsewhere, in Bristol, at least until recently, his name has been almost forgotten. On 1 May 2009, however, following a campaign by local historians Mark Steeds and Roger Ball, a plaque designed by Mike Baker was unveiled on the Seven Stars to honour Clarkson’s role – and that of the pub’s 18th-century landlord – in the abolition movement. The line-up of speakers at the event included Paul Stephenson, who in 1963, after the Bristol Bus Company refused to employ black or Asian bus crews, organised a 60-day boycott which ended when the company backed down. Later, his refusal to leave a Bristol pub that had a colour-

Paul Stephenson at the unveiling of the plaque bar led to a court appearance, national media coverage and an invitation to help frame the government’s first anti-discrimination laws. In his speech, he emphasised not only the centrality of Clarkson to Bristol’s history, but also his role in the ongoing struggle for civil rights. The plaque was unveiled by Richard Hart, an historian and civil rights lawyer from Jamaica who played a key role in the transition from colonial rule to independence in the Caribbean. He was also attorney general of Grenada until the American invasion of 1983, when he moved to Bristol, where he lived until his death in 2013. As the experiences of Paul Stephenson and Richard Hart – along with millions of others – demonstrate, injustice, inequality, prejudice and an institutionalised unwillingness to face up to inconvenient truths remain as much an issue today as they were when Clarkson set out to subvert the trade which made Bristol rich. Over two centuries after Britain abolished the trade, it can seem as though the dialogue that should have happened back then has hardly begun. The toppling of Colston certainly marks some sort of ending; we can only hope that it also marks the beginning of a brighter and more honest future, inspired by the courage, determination and honesty of luminaries such as Clarkson. • More about Thomas Clarkson can be found in a major new book, From Wulfstan to Colston: Severing the Sinews of Slavery in Bristol. Written by Mark Steeds and Roger Ball, it traces the story of Bristol’s links with the slave trade and abolition from the earliest times to the present day. From Wulfstan to Colston is available from Tangent Books; tangentbooks.co.uk)

THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

SUMMER 2020

THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 65

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INTERIORS

Feeling the squeeze?

If lockdown has had you yearning for more room for your ﬁles, computer and work paraphernalia, Inna Hart has some ideas for creating a cosy, private oﬃce space

any of us are still working from home, often without the luxury of a dedicated workspace. Dining tables, sofas, kitchen counters, garden sheds, bedrooms – you name it – have all become home offices. No wonder so many of us are thinking about having an actual space that’s fit for purpose. What’s more, many companies have realised that working from home is good for business, the environment and work-life balance. From now on, anyone looking for property may well have an additional requirement – space for a home office. But where to start? If you’re in the position to move and have been flipping Rightmove pages, perhaps look for properties with: an extra bedroom, an extension or the potential to extend, a converted garage or one that could be converted, quirky nooks (in between floors or as part of an irregular floorplan), or an outbuilding/space that could be converted. To create a comfortable space to work, you will need at least two square meters of floor space. Consider box rooms, space under stairs, landings if large enough to accommodate your workspace without obstructing the walkway; a guest bedroom. Swap the double bed for a sofa bed and add home office furniture. (You’re not a hotel, right? Besides, there are super comfortable sofa beds on the market.) Ideally you want a window. Make sure you can accommodate a desk with storage and comfortable seating; declutter and rearrange furniture. With home office space increasingly popular, there are many trendy quality items available. Wayfair.com alone has thousands. The Range, B&M and B&Q have great stock and have social distancing measures in place in England. If you don’t feel like spending time deciding the style and trying to match things up, there are furniture packages available from your local interior decorators. For example, IH Interiors offers a free consultation with every office furniture package bought. If you’re on a budget, why not try Facebook Marketplace or eBay to find something antique or vintage. You could even have a go at painting or restoring an old desk using tutorials on YouTube. 66 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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Of course, a separate dedicated working space is an ultimate goal, but if you simply don’t have a spare room and every square inch of your home is utilised, why not invest in an outbuilding? In warmer months, working in a specially created space overlooking your garden is perfect. There are a few things to consider – electricity, reliable wi-fi, heat, waterproofing. By winter, you will have had the chance to improve the insulation and add appropriate heating and security – be it a summerhouse or a garden shed with a window. You will certainly benefit from a window close by, as working in a light space will only have a positive impact. If your workspace has no natural light (if it is under the stairs, for example) then illuminate using spotlights and daylight lamps. Good, speedy wi-fi is a must in any home these days, but many broadband providers also offer various speed and coverage boosters. There are a lot of deals, so make sure to explore your options and look into switching providers. Obviously, having an adequate electricity supply is very important – for light, to power your equipment or simply charge your phone. If your space is a part of another room, use similar colours and accessories to create a cohesive look. It is a good idea to decorate your office in the same tone as the rest of your home anyway, even if it’s a separate space. Your office needs to be functional, so make sure most of your decorative items have a purpose. These can include boxes for storage, stylish prints with a map or time zones, a clock, handy books and directories, lighting, decorative trays, jars and containers. I would definitely add a small (or hanging) plant. Key to a productive working day in your home office is to keep it clear of clutter. It is a space where your mind must go into a working mode, so make sure you create the right environment for that. If you are stuck for ideas, head to houzz.com to find a local professional. The site is also a source of visual ideas, with thousands of pictures of real homes and space solutions to inspire you. ■ • ihinteriors.co.uk

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SELLING YOUR PROPERTY? Choose an estate agency that will promote your best interests If you are currently thinking of selling your property, then consider using one of The Bristol Magazine’s featured estate agencies to give you the best possible promotional coverage.

“Founded in 2011 by Marcus Spanswick, who already had 20 years’ experience in the industry, Mardan Removals and Storage Ltd is a, family run, professional full service removals and storage company based in Bath. Marcus wanted to build a company that he and his team would be proud of. The key to the company’s success is providing a personalised service, treating each customer as an individual to ensure they get an excellent removal service. Mardan have a fleet of vehicles allowing them to offer; commercial moving, local to international moves and storage”.

Our estate agents advertise with us as part of a bigger selection of print and online marketing which means your property is presented to the highest standard and will reach the greatest audience.

Bristol’s Biggest Magazine DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL MOVERS • PACKERS • STORERS • SHIPPERS

THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

| SUMMER 2020 |

THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 67

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GARDENING

Green prescription: gardening for heath The power of nature can be incredibly healing, says Elly West, and anyone who gardens knows only too well how uplifting a session digging, weeding, planting or clearing can be

ust as the country went into lockdown, we were greeted by a spate of warm, sunny days. Spring and summer were well and truly on their way, unaffected by the crisis the world was facing. While we were fearful for the future, the sun still shone, the world still turned and plants kept on growing, bringing hope and comfort in uncertain times. The power of nature can be incredibly healing and being outside in our gardens – our own slice of nature – has so many benefits for both our mental and physical health. Our gardens, if we were lucky enough to have one during quarantine, became even more important when we couldn’t socialise, see our friends, or visit parks – the things we have taken for granted all of our lives. Enforced home life has given us a chance to take stock of what’s important, allowing us the time to reconnect with nature. Modern life is stressful, chaotic and increasingly urban. Technology is vitally important in keeping us connected to one another, but tending plants and being outside are also vital in keeping us connected to a bigger force, improving our well-being. Anyone who gardens knows only too well how uplifting a session digging, weeding, planting or clearing can be, especially on a nice day. The health benefits have long been formally recognised and scientifically studied, with evidence showing those who garden have lower levels of overall reported physical health problems, including obesity, high blood pressure and even dementia. Hospital patients have been shown to 68 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2020

No 191

recover more quickly from operations when given a view of a garden. Gardening burns calories and is cheaper than a gym membership. One hour of light gardening burns around 330 calories, comparable to a moderate-paced walk for the same amount of time. Gardening uses lots of different muscles and encourages a range of movement – lifting, bending, walking, stretching – making it good for balance, strength and flexibility. Being outside exposes us to vital vitamin D and fresh air, and increases energy levels. Digging, raking and mowing ups our heart rate, giving us a cardio workout, and even sowing and pricking out seeds is good for dexterity and fine motor skills. There are also the health benefits gained from growing and eating fresh produce. With the huge drive towards healthier eating in schools and tackling childhood obesity, school gardening has become a popular activity, encouraging improved attitudes towards fruit and veg. Children are more likely to eat healthily and try new foods if said foods are crops they have grown themselves from seed. As well as the physical benefits, children also gain knowledge about where their food has come from, along with a sense of achievement, satisfaction and pride when their growing projects are successful. They learn patience, confidence and motivation. By investing time and energy, they can then reap the rewards in a very tangible sense, which is something we can all relate to. Gardening can also have a massive impact on our well-being and mental health. The Royal Horticultural Society has been exploring the relationship between gardening and mental health for several years and

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GARDENING

has teamed up with GPs across the UK to prescribe gardening activities to patients with mental health problems – a so-called ‘green’ prescription – to tackle anxiety, loneliness and depression. Taking part in a community garden project, for example, can provide support and a social network. Allotment gardening is also a good source of social contact for many. At RHS Garden Wisley, in Surrey, three new ‘well-being’ gardens will open next year, alongside the recreation of HRH the Duchess of Cambridge’s show garden – The Back to Nature Garden – created for last year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show to highlight how time spent in natural environments can help build the foundations for well-being.

Plant of the month: Chives

Put simply, gardening makes us happy The National Garden Scheme also has an annual ‘Gardens and Health Week’, promoting the positive impact gardens have on our health, and in 2016 it commissioned the King’s Fund Report on this topic. The findings were clear. “The mental health benefits of gardening are broad and diverse,” it states. “Studies have shown significant reductions in depression and anxiety, improved social functioning and wider effects, including opportunities for vocational development.” To anyone who gardens, this is preaching to the converted, but being outside, listening to birdsong and buzzing insects, watching our labours come to fruition, remaining in tune with the seasons, especially during times of crisis – are life-affirming and necessary to keep us grounded. Put simply, gardening makes us happy. ■ • ellyswellies.co.uk

I love growing my own herbs in the garden. It largely solves the problem of not having the ones you need to hand for a recipe, and the hardy varieties fare so much better when grown outdoors than those sappy versions you buy in the supermarket and valiantly attempt to keep alive on a window-sill. They are also much tastier than their dried counterparts. A close relative of the onion, chives make for an attractive addition to the herb garden with their small pink-purple pom-pom flowers acting as a magnet to bees and other winged creatures. Although they die back in winter, the rest of the year they are easy, willing performers, replenishing themselves with ease. They can be sown from seed or bought growing in pots and are relatively unfussy about soil and location, growing well in sun or partial shade. Chop the fresh growth low down when harvesting, then snip it into short lengths to add to potato dishes, salads and omelettes. The more regularly you cut them, the more new leaves your plants will produce. Although the flowers are pretty, ideally you should, to keep plants productive, pick off the blooms as they form. These are also edible, so add them to salads for extra colour and flavour. Leaves are best used fresh, but can also be frozen then simply defrosted or popped into a dish as you need them.

Elly’s Wellies

2020

PRINT & DIGITAL MEDIA PACK

Garden Designs

THE

BRISTOL

MAGAZINE

THLY MAGAZINE

BRISTOL’S BIGGEST MON

Thinking of advertising your business

Our 2020 media pa ck can be viewed online MAGAZINE • HOMES & INTERIORS •

HEALTH & BEAUTY • WHAT’S

CITY

ON • ARTS & CULTURE •

MONTH

FASHION • FOOD • GARDENS

• MOTORS • CITY LIVING

•

FOR A COPY OF OUR 2020 MEDIA PACK EITHER VISIT THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE WEBSITE THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK OR CONTACT US ON 0117 974 2800 EMAIL: SALES@THEBRISTOLMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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

For a free initial consultation, contact Elly West

www.ellyswellies.co.uk ellyswellies@gmail.com 07788 640934 THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

SUMMER 2020

THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 69

NEW INSTRUCTIONS 25/27 CLARE ST, BS1

FREEHOLD FOR SALE

• An impressive s/c corner building

• 245 sq ft

• Prime offices with planning consent for 5 flats plus 3 new build flats in rear car park

• Office use

• Only £900,000

• New lease

• BRISTOL CITY

PENTHOUSE OFFICE TO RENT/MAY SELL

FREEHOLD FOR SALE 44 PEMBROKE RD, BS8

• Bristol City Centre

• Business unaffected

• 3762 sq ft & Parking

• An impressive period property with garden, parking & garaging

• Prime city location

• Bright contemporary studio space • Rent/Price O/A

• Suit residential office/ school

9 PORTLAND SQUARE

30 QUEEN CHARLOTTE ST

• Stunning period offices

• Open plan office suite • 1808 sq ft

• 4200 sq ft

• 2 car spaces

• 8 car spaces

• New lease

• Economical Rent

71 QUEENS RD, BS8

16 ORCHARD ST, BS1

• Clifton Offices

• Contemporary period refurbished offices

• 1350 sq ft

• Bright & light space

• New flexible lease

• 1362 sq ft

• Rent £17.95 psf

Julian Cook FRICS

Jayne Rixon MRICS

Charlie Kershaw MRICS

(0117) 934 9977

Finola Ingham MRICS

Tom Coyte MRICS

• New lease

Holly Boulton BSc(Hons)

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

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

NEW INSTRUCTIONS

(0117) 934 9977

COMING SOON 33 BRISTOL, BS1 • Premium refurbishment to provide top quality contemporary offices • 10200 sq ft to 35,000 sq ft

69 OAKFIELD RD, BS8

WHITELADIES RD, BS8

• Light and bright contemporary refurb of period office building

• A single floor hall level suite • Mix of open plan & 2 individual rooms

• 1900 sq ft

• 2 car spaces

• 3 cars

• New lease

4 WHITELADIES RD

QUEEN SQUARE,

• 2 floors of bright period offices fully refurbished

BRISTOL • Coming soon... a fine period office building of 2500 sq ft wth one car space in one of Bristol’s finest office locations

• c 1570 sq ft • 2 car spaces

TO RENT (MIGHT SELL)

• New lease

BRUNSWICK SQUARE,

OFFICES FOR SALE

BRISTOL

OR TO LET

• Fantastic office space from c2800 sq ft to 6000 sq ft with on site parking

• Coming soon a brand new refubishment of a central Bristol office building to a very high standard totalling c7500 sq ft....

•

Julian Cook FRICS

New leases - Competitive rents

Jayne Rixon MRICS

Charlie Kershaw MRICS

Finola Ingham MRICS

Tom Coyte MRICS

• Freehold price and rent on application

Holly Boulton BSc(Hons)

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

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

RETAIL & LEISURE

(0117) 934 9977

21 THE MALL, CLIFTON

7 PRINCESS VICTORIA STREET

• Impressive fully fitted retail unit

• Prime Clifton Villlage • Large retail space

• 908 sq ft

• 932 sq ft sales & 900 sq ft stores

• Ready to walk in and trade

• New lease

PRIME PARK STREET, BAR/RESTAURANT

PRIME CLIFTON BAR/RESTAURANT

• Late night licence

• One of Clifton’s best sites

• Fully fitted out • 2726 sq ft

• 3000 sq ft & sunny dinning terrace

• New lease

• Fully fitted out • New lease

HENLEAZE ROAD FOR SALE

CHANDOS ROAD, CAFE • Established and busy

• Rare purchasing opportunity

• Fully fitted to walk in and trade

• Lock up shop/office

• 766 sq ft

• Flat not included

• New lease

• Only £125, 000

Julian Cook FRICS

Jayne Rixon MRICS

Charlie Kershaw MRICS

• No premium

STOKE BISHOP PARADE

94E WHITELADIES RD

• Only £9500 PAX

• Large retail/office

• Shop in busy local shopping parade

• 681 sq ft

• Prominent site

• Established and prominent site

• New lease

• £18,750 PAX

Finola Ingham MRICS

Tom Coyte MRICS

Holly Boulton BSc(Hons)

• • • • •

Sales / Lettings Acquisitions Valuations Landlord & tenant Auction Sales

• • • • •

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

FREEHOLD FOR SALE 44 PEMBROKE ROAD, CLIFTON BS8 3DT (Business unaffected - Head office now at 25 St John’s Road, BS8 2HD) A rare opportunity to acquire a most beautiful and impressive period property, with an attractive walled garden, retaining many period features, filled with light and offering both forecourt parking and rear double garage.

•

Benefitting from language school use, the property suits other commercial or residential uses. 44 Pembroke Road, although dating from c1850 was designed in the Regency style, with Italian and Greek neoclassical influences. From the moment you enter, the accommodation is flooded with light and has a warm and homely atmosphere. The accommodation flows very well and is situated over four floors.The garden floor has good natural light and could make a sizeable two bedroom flat or an office. The property has been well maintained yet gives scope for the new owner to adapt and finish the interior to suit their precise needs. GUIDE PRICE: £1,980,000

(0117) 934 9977

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Knight Frank Lydstep Terrace.qxp_Layout 1 08/07/2020 10:45 Page 1

Newly launched Lydstep Terrace: 9 family townhouses built in a quiet cul-de-sac directly overlooking Dame Emily Park. Each one has been architecturally designed to provide character with a modern approach to family living. Each townhouse has three distinct but connected living areas with a

large kitchen and separate study. Together with five double bedrooms and five sleek-line bathrooms, the design offers both flexibility and contemporary luxury. Every home has an integral garage for convenience. Prices from £800,000

HARBOURSIDE BS1

GUIDE PRICE

CLIFTON BS8

£350,000

GUIDE PRICE

£1,500,000

A stunning two bedroom apartment in a central harbourside location, allocated parking space, communal landing with private, walk in, storage cupboard. No onward chain. Viewing highly recommended.

A four bedroom detached family house set within generous gardens in an excellent Clifton location. Recently built studio/annex, off street parking and scope for development, subject to planning.

CLIFTON BS8

KINGSDOWN BS6

GUIDE PRICE

£800,000

GUIDE PRICE

£600,000

An exceptional four bedroom family home forming part of this converted Victorian School situated in the most convenient location with a raised south west facing terrace and off street parking.

A late Victorian mid terraced house, three bedroom, two reception rooms and courtyard. Excellent central location. Viewing is highly recommended.

REDLAND BS6

COTHAM BS6

SSTC

£600,000

A contemporary and beautifully presented 3 bedroom town house, versatile and light interior arranged over three floors. Integral garage, covered terrace enjoys an open outlook. Superb location situated just off Whiteladies Road, close to the Downs.

0117 923 8238 Howard July.indd 1

GUIDE PRICE

£395,000

A refined and spacious two double bedroom, first floor apartment, with balcony, set in an impressive Italianate style Grade II listed Victorian building.

www.howard-homes.co.uk

hello@howard-homes.co.uk 08/07/2020 10:46

CLIFTON BS8

GUIDE PRICE

£1,600,000

SNEYD PARK BS9

SOLD

£530,000

A four bedroom newly reconfigured and refurbished family home with a high attention to detail and quality. Electric-gated entrance with space for four cars on a large gravelled sweep across the front of the property, a large rear garden.

A beautifully presented two double bedroom Victorian house situated on the edge of The Downs. Similar properties required.

REDLAND BS6

HARBOURSIDE BS1

SOLD

£1,200,000

SOLD

£360,000

An impressive 7 bedroom, 2 reception, large garden terraced house close to Durdham Downs. Similar properties required.

A most impressive Grade II Listed Building, a two double bedroom duplex apartment set within this iconic Bristol building situated in the heart of the old city and close to the harbour. Similar properties required.

HENLEAZE BS9

REDLAND BS6

GUIDE PRICE

£790,000

A substantial 1930’s 4 bedroom detached family house set over three floors. Beautiful rear garden and sun terrace. Commanding views of the surrounding area. Drive and garage. Viewing is highly recommended.

GUIDE PRICE

£390,000

An exceptional top floor apartment forming part of this desirable Victorian mansion which boasts a large private roof terrace enjoying spectacular far stretching views over the city. There is use of a communal garden and the apartment is offered with an allocated parking space.

203 Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2XT

Howard July.indd 2

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PROPERTY NEWS

BITE-SIZED UPDATES FROM ACROSS THE CITY’S BOOMING SECTOR

NEW VISION FOR GLASS WHARF IS CRYSTAL CLEAR

CAUSE FOR CONGRATULATIONS Bristol’s Rupert Oliver Property Agents has opened its own office on Waterloo Street, Clifton Village. “After working in estate agency for almost 25 years (20 of them in Bristol) it has been a long-held dream of mine to open my own office, and that dream has finally become a reality,” says Rupert. “We started Rupert Oliver Property Agents three years ago from a small office suite in Canynge Road, and have been bowled over by the huge support for our services, coupled with our experiencebased advice and fixed fee structure. “Our own ‘branded’ office is a natural

progression, and by being placed on Waterloo Street in the heart of Clifton village, we can keep a strong Clifton presence while also keeping our fixed-fee structure fair, based on the value of our clear and effective advice and not the value of the client’s home. “We would love to welcome as many past, present and new customers as possible; the coffee machine will always be on, as well as no doubt something more celebratory for the first month (or two)!” • rupertoliver.co.uk

Following the purchase of the 4 Glass Wharf site in Bristol in 2019, Candour and Tristan Capital Partners’ EPISO 5 Fund has been granted planning consent for amendments to the permitted scheme. The redesign will deliver wholesale changes to the appearance of the workspace-led development and prioritises the needs of modern occupiers with regard to flexibility as well as a commanding new aesthetic. The changes mean a sustainable, amenity-rich and large-volume workspace for future occupiers. Sustainability enhancements include generous soft landscaped public areas, a living roof, reliance on Bristol Heat Network for all heat and hot water, the installation of photovoltaic panels at roof level and enhancements to the building’s fabric. Internally, cycling and changing facilities have been redesigned to encourage active, sustainable modes of travel, and futureproofed for later expansion. The building will provide 286 cycle spaces and end-of-trip facilities. Externally, changes to the cladding, improvements to surrounding public spaces and commitment to quality public art aim to ensure a unique welcoming arrival experience into Bristol. The objective is to deliver a workspace that enhances the area and focuses on the wellbeing of users. At its heart is a vibrant ground floor and mezzanine area that will house innovative amenity spaces including co-working areas, wellness facilities and a café open to the public. “In a world where our understanding of how workspaces will be optimised is continually evolving following the covid-19 pandemic, our flexible design caters for the widest range of future needs and uses,” said co-founder, Toby Pentecost. • tristancap.com

78 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2020

No 191

Knight Frank Richmont Place.qxp_Layout 1 09/07/2020 15:39 Page 1

Show Home now available Viewing by appointment

Take advantage of the Stamp Duty Holiday

Richmont Place is a boutique collection of 8 new homes located on the outskirts of East Harptree Richmont Place, featuring Richmont House is a stunning development of 8 houses ranging from 2 - 5 bedrooms. Designed by award-winning South West architects, Quattro Design, each home has been created with modern living at the forefront. Internally, contemporary living spaces and desirable design touches give the homes a premium feel whilst outside a well-selected mix of high quality heritage

materials reflect the character of the local area. Inside and out, each home is both comfortable and fit for the future. Garden spaces are generously proportioned to each home; there’s offstreet designated parking and the homes centre around a delightful landscaped ‘farm-style’ courtyard. Richmont House is priced at: £740,000 Richmont Place properties range from: £390,000 – £750,000

For further information please call on: 0117 317 1999 Jessie.Rowe@knightfrank.com www.knightfrank.com or 01749 605088 alex@lodestoneproperty.co.uk www.lodestoneproperty.co.uk

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The Bristol Magazine Summer 2020

Articles inside

GARDENING

INTERIORS

CITY HISTORY

TV producer Andy Clarke shares some summer cocktail ideas

BRISTOL UPDATES

HOUSE THROUGH TIME

WILD BRISTOL

GREAT OUTDOORS

FOOD & DRINK

LGBT RIGHTS

PHOTOGRAPHY

BOOKS

Political paintings and pick-me-up posters spotted during lockdown

BALLOON FIESTA

CITYIST

A chat with Killing Eve wardrobe whizz Charlotte Mitchell

MOVING FORWARD

MUSIC

Hot air balloons are heading skyward for a ‘flypast’ to lift spirits

BARTLEBY

CITY LEADERS