The Bristol Magazine August 2014 by MC Publishing Limited

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FAMILY FUN: GREAT THINGS TO DO DURING THE SUMMER HOLS

BRISTOL AT WORK: BAILEY BALLOONS TAKE TO THE SKIES

SUNNY SPOTS: PLACES TO GET LOST IN A GOOD BOOK

THE

W IN £ 3 5 0

SAWDAY’S GETAWAYS: CELEBRATING 20 YEARS IN TRAVEL ISSUE 122

TO SP EN D AT CABOT CIRCUS + DINNER FOR 4

AUGUST 2014

BRISTO L THE MAGAZINE FOR THE CITY OF BRISTOL

MAGAZINE

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

CITY SPECIAL

WAR, PEACE and HOPE

A CITY REMEMBERS

Image courtesy of the RWA, from its exhibition: Back from the Front: Art, Memory and the Aftermath of War

T H E C I T Y ’ S F I N E S T M O N T H LY G U I D E T O L I F E A N D L I V I N G I N B R I S T O L

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THE | CONTENTS

AUGUST

2014

62 12

ZEITGEIST

40 FAMILY DAY OUT

Five things to do this month

THE CITYIST My Bristol, the buzz & book of the month

BARTLEBY

WW1 REMEMBERED BRISTOL AT WORK Jo and Clive Bailey from Bailey Balloons

WHAT’S ON Everything that’s happening in Bristol in August: theatre, music, comedy and more

4 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

Beauty products inspired by Mediterranean colours

70 FIT AND FAB The new blow-dry menu at Seanhanna plus product reviews and health news

AVONA’S TALE

76 WHAT’S IN A NAME Whale fishing at Sea Mills

54 56

SAWDAY’S GETAWAYS The Bristol-based travel publisher celebrates 20 years in the business

78 HOMES ON SHOW

WINING AND DINING

82 GARDENING

A gem in Royal York Crescent

AUGUST 2014

BRISTOL UPDATES

The beauty of growing lavender

PROPERTY The best homes in and around Bristol

News from the city’s businesses, people and communities

LEST WE FORGET

Andrew Swift lists city places associated with the terrible conflict

ART & EXHIBITIONS

Folklore of the Avon Gorge

READ ON

Events being held in Bristol to commemorate the centenary of the start of World War One

68 BRONZED BEAUTY

Restaurant openings and foodie news

Sunny spots to get lost in a good book

FACE THE MUSIC Cool tunes from the Split Screen Ice Cream Company

PEOPLE & PARTIES Snapshots from the city’s social scene

WIN

A prize of £350 to spend at Cabot Circus plus dinner for four

Late summer shows in the city’s galleries

Going on a summer holiday

THE

CHARITY PROFILE Our Place adoption and fostering support

FAMILY FUN A summer holiday special

WHEELS IN MOTION Two Bristol graduates launch a collection of women’s cycle wear

66 BEST FOOT FORWARD Get the running bug in Bristol

BRI ST OL twitter@thebristolmag

ON THE COVER Death of Nature 2012 by Michael Porter, from the exhibition, Back from the Front: Art, Memory and the Aftermath of War, at the RWA thebristolmagazine.co.uk

MAGAZINE

Hobsons Choice F/P.qxp_Layout 1 18/07/2014 12:19 Page 1

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Sneyd Park

Impressive family home with extensive gardens (2,905 sq ft). 3 reception rooms, generous kitchen/breakfast room, utility. 6 bedrooms, bathroom, 2 ensuite shower rooms. Tandem double garage, large gardens, ample oďŹ&#x20AC; street parking. EPC rating C.

Guide price: ÂŁ1,275,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/bristol bristol@knightfrank.com 0117 3171999

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Long Ashton

Detached period house (4,897 sq ft) with stunning gardens and far reaching views. 3 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, utility, pantry. 7 bedrooms, bathroom, 3 shower rooms (2 ensuite), playroom/study. Extensive gardens. Triple garage and store, parking. EPC rating D.

Guide price: ÂŁ1,300,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/bristol bristol@knightfrank.com 0117 3171999

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Leigh Woods

A superb family home (3,046 sq ft) with private enclosed grounds. 3 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room. 5 bedrooms, family bathroom, 2 ensuite shower rooms. Detached games room, carport. Good size level gardens and terracing. Drive with ample parking. EPC rating E.

Guide price: £1,425,000

0117 3171999

Clifton

An impressive penthouse maisonette (1,122 sq ft) with allocated oﬀ street parking. Open plan drawing room / dining room / kitchen. Master bedroom with ensuite shower room. 2 further bedrooms, bathroom. Full width terrace, additional balcony with fantastic views. EPC rating C. Guide price: £385,000

0117 3171999

Clifton

Spectacular ﬁrst ﬂoor balcony apartment (1,130 sq ft) with communal gardens and parking. Drawing room with private stone balustrade balcony, kitchen/ breakfast room. Master bedroom with ensuite bathroom, bedroom 2, shower room, loft storage. Communal gardens and parking.

Guide price: £450,000

0117 3171999

Pilning

Impressive farmhouse (3,278 sq ft) with annexe (472 sq ft) and outbuildings (2,739 sq ft). 4 reception rooms, kitchen, utility room. 6 beds, dressing room, 3 shower rooms, bathroom. 2 bed annexe, gardens, paddock, range of outbuildings. In all about 1.58 acres. EPC rating E. Guide price: £825,000

0117 3171999

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EDITORS LETTER.qxp_Layout 1 25/07/2014 13:57 Page 1

t won’t have escaped your notice that this month marks the centenary of the start of World War One. Many new pieces of literature have been written on the subject and the BBC is running a special series of television documentaries, dramas and radio commentaries – as well as local projects too. In memory of the vital part that Bristol and its residents played in the war, in this issue we reflect not only on places of the city that had a significant role in the conflict (see Andrew Swift’s alternative walking tour on page 30), but also on the way in which we remember the war today. Turn to page 24 to see the events taking place across the city as part of Bristol 2014: The City and Conflict from the First World War to the Present Day – an extensive programme of events that will look at the effects of the war on our city with major art exhibitions, film screenings, plays, talks and concerts, as well as a smartphone app and information to help people research their own family connections to those who fought in The Great War. An apt homage from such a cultural city, I hope you’ll agree.

SAMANTHA COLEMAN EDITOR

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

The Bristol Magazine, Bristol and Exeter House, Lower Approach, Temple Meads, Bristol BS1 6QS Telephone: 0117 974 2800 www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk 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.

Editor Email:

Samantha Coleman sam@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Deputy Editor Email:

Georgette McCready georgette@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Production Manager Email:

Jeff Osborne production@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Commercial Production Email:

Lorna Harrington lorna@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Publisher Email:

Steve Miklos steve@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Advertising Sales

Kathy Williams Sue Parker Liz Grey Tia Williams

For advertising enquiries please contact us on: 0117 974 2800 Email: sales@thebristolmagazine.co.uk Financial Director Email:

Jane Miklos jane@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

The Bristol Magazine is published by © MC Publishing Ltd 2014. An independent publisher.

WWW.THEBRISTOLMAGAZINE.CO.UK

AUGUST 2014

THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 11

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ZEITGEIST

The top The Gardens of St George’s Bristol

things to do in AUGUST

Look to the skies

Laze around

ow in its 36th year, the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta continues to be the largest ballooning event in Europe with seven mass accents over four days and 120 hot air balloon taking to the skies. Head to the Ashton Court Estate on 7 – 10 August for free family fun with morning and evening mass balloon launches, nightglows and fireworks, RAF Typhoon Display Team, live music, food and drink stalls and more. This year, to commemorate D-Day, the fiesta will this year host summer’s UK BBC World War One At Home Tour, where visitors will be invited to take part in a programme of hands-on activities, performances and interactive sessions designed to reflect the dramatic impact of the war and honour the historical milestone.

Kick back and celebrate summer in the city by listening to open air music in the beautiful gardens of St George’s Bristol. The gorgeous terraced lawns will be open, each Friday and Saturday in August (not 16 August) with live music, outdoor bars and food. The music venue has teamed up with The Rummer Hotel, which will be providing a cocktail bar and a barbecue. So if you’re passing, finishing work or just fancy an evening out, stop by and soak up the atmosphere. For all the information on who will be playing – including jazz and classical performances – visit: www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk. Admission is completely free, no ticket required.

The much-loved Minion Balloon at last year’s Bristol Balloon Fiesta

Visit

Gromit carving at Treefest 2013 by Patrick Brown

Treefest returns to Westonbirt Arboretum on Bank Holiday weekend 23 – 25 August for a jam-packed programme of events celebrating nature, trees, woodcraft and family fun with activities, exhibitors and live music. This year the festival celebrates its 20th anniversary with activities such as falconry displays, archery, guided walks around the area and wood carving. Children’s activities include Treefrog climbing, zip wires and den building, where they can learn what materials to use and build their own dens in the trees. There will also be live music performances and a Love Food Festival showcasing tasty treats from local producers. Tickets: £15 adults, £12 concessions and under 18s free. For tickets and a full programme of events visit: www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt-treefest.

Watch Don’t be late for a very important date with Alice in Wonderland at the Wild Place Project on Saturday 9 August. For one evening only, Cambridge Touring Theatre will be performing live in the attraction’s Tower Meadow in a fun musical show. Entry to the Wild Place Project from 4pm is included within the performance ticket price, so you can explore the park and see the animals (including zebra, lemurs, red river hogs and wolves) before the show. Tickets cost £13.50 per adult, £6.50 for children from: www.wildplace.org.uk/alice-wonderland. The performance starts promptly at 5pm and boys and girls are invited to come along dressed in their best wonderland attire.

Get out of town

Alice in Wonderland at Wild Place Project

12 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

AUGUST 2014

Giffords Circus, the artisan, family-run vintage circus is set to arrive at Alice Park in Bath from 21 – 26 August and Stratton Meadows in Cirencester from 5 – 14 September as part of its tour, The Thunders. Promising jaw-droppingly talented acts for which Giffords has become known, this new show explores the magical world of Greek myth and legend with dancing horses, dashing dalmatians, live music, flying people, jugglers, Tweedy the clown and show stealer Brian the goose. Tickets £22 for adults, £14 for children, under 3s free if sitting on a lap. Visit: www.giffordscircus.com or contact the box office on tel: 0845 459 7469.

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Gold & Platinum Studio

Beautifully crafted engagement rings, wedding rings and fine jewellery designed and traditionally handmade on the premises. All types of jewellery remodelled. Efficient repair service. Established 1970

Gold & Platinum Studio, 19 Northumberland Place, Bath BA1 5AR | Tel: +44 (0)1225 462 300 www.goldandplatinumstudio.co.uk | email: mike@goldandplatinumstudio.co.uk WWW.THEBRISTOLMAGAZINE.CO.UK

AUGUST 2014

THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 13

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ist

THE CITY THE BUZZ Secret gardens on show Over the weekend of 16 & 17 August enjoy the opportunity to visit some of the hidden gardens in Clifton, learn about the history of the public squares and follow a tree trail. Discover, for example, what lies within the sides of Richmond Terrace, behind the Merchant Venturers Hall or why Bellevue is so called, and more. Other gardens taking part include: Royal York Gardens, Emmaus House, Clifton Hill House and Vyvyan Terrace as well as Bristol City Council-owned Victoria Square, The Mall Gardens, Suspension Bridge Garden and St Andrew’s Churchyard. There will also be entertainment and stalls selling cakes and plants. Entry to the communal gardens is £3 per person, under 16s free. The ticket is valid for both days and comes with a booklet. Tickets will be sold on both days from 10.30am – 4pm outside the Arch House Deli. For further information visit: www.cliftonhotwells.org.uk

My BRISTOL We ask Bristol Old Vic Theatre School principal, Paul Rummer, what he’s doing this month...

What brought you to Bristol? A job in stage management at Bristol Old Vic in 1980; I wanted to be in a city with its own identity away from London where I grew up.

Film or play? What will you be going to see? Hard choice, I love both. I’m really looking forward to Kneehigh’s new production touring to Bristol Old Vic this autumn.

What are you reading? The Old Ways: A Journey on Foot by Robert Macfarlane. A wonderfully well-written set of observations on how we connect with landscape.

Which museum or gallery will you be visiting? I’ll definitely get to the Jeremy Deller exhibition at the city museum and art gallery – he covers an enormous range in his work.

What’s on your MP3 player? Far too much choice: currently listening to Last Dance by Keith Jarrett and Charlie Haden. Which café or restaurant takes your fancy? I recently had a birthday celebration in The Pump House in Hotwells; really imaginative menu with great food and service. The Mall Gardens

Art competition Artists of all ages are being invited to paint and draw the Clifton Suspension Bridge in any 2D medium as the iconic attraction joins John Lewis Cribbs Causeway in a joint 150th birthday celebration competition. There are four age categories (5-10 years, 11-14 years, 15-18 years and 18+) and the prize is up to £100 of John Lewis vouchers to spend. Finalists’ artwork will be exhibited in the John Lewis restaurant at Cribbs Causeway throughout October. Artwork must be submitted to Nicola Mason, PR and marketing coordinator, John Lewis Cribbs Causeway, Bristol, BS34 5QU or Laura Hilton, visitor services manager, Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust, Bridge Road, Leigh Woods, Bristol BS8 3PA by Saturday 20 September, 5pm. Judging will take place the week commencing 22 September.

Positive energy On the 9 and 10 of August, Cabot Circus will be holding The Big Positive Weekend, the UK’s first roadshow offering simple ways for the public to become part of a more sustainable world. Through a number of interactive activities, shoppers can explore how the things they buy, the energy they burn, the water they use and the way they travel can change the world. For full information on the event, and how you can get involved visit: www.cabotcircus.com. 14 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

| AUGUST 2014

Favourite watering hole? I like quirky places – The Quinton House in Park Place or the Nova Scotia on the docks; both have atmosphere and are without pretense. Out of town: the Old Spot in Dursley. Evening in or evening out? I’m out many evenings because of my work but I’m always up for seeing something interesting; Bristol’s got so much to offer at the moment.

What hobbies or interests will you be pursuing? I’ve kept honey bees for the past four years and am in awe of how these fascinating creatures live their lives. Beekeeping is a great example of the more you think you know, the less you really do. What local event will you be attending? The Living City events at the Architecture Centre; Bristol’s Green Capital status is a real opportunity to look at how the health of the city affects us all. Any projects/work in progress? This summer will be taken up by the building redevelopment at the theatre school; we’ve finally managed to get the work underway and it will transform our Downside Road site by early 2015. Very exciting times for our students and staff.

BOOK OF THE MONTH... Bravo, Bristol! The City at War, 1914-1918 by Eugene Byrne & Clive Burlton (Redcliffe Press, £15) As a major British city, and one of the country’s two main Atlantic ports, Bristol played a large part in the war effort, with men marching off to fight at the front and seamen braving U-Boats to bring in vital food supplies. From early eager volunteers who marched off to the strains of Fred Wetherley’s song, Bravo Bristol to the later and more reluctant conscripts, Bristol sent 55,000 men to war between 1914 and 1918. Of these, some 6,000 would never return. In Bravo, Bristol! Eugene Byrne and Clive Burlton have uncovered a wealth of stories of Bristolians on the battlefield, on the Home Front, and in the war at sea. There is heroism in combat, and a different kind of courage among those who refused to fight. There is tragedy and loss, but also humour, dogged perseverance, and occasionally stories which are just bizarre. Painstakingly researched, and with many pictures and records which have not been seen for almost 100 years, Bravo, Bristol! is a portrait of the city at war as we mark the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of WW1.

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We’re all going on a frantic holiday

o this year we’re going to get up at four in the morning, get on the road by five and be in Cornwall before your average holidaymaker has even got out of bed! While most people are still stuck in traffic between Weston and Bridgwater we will be lying on the beach covered in factor 30, enjoying our holiday. Actually I think we might have said that last year. And the year before. And quite possibly the year before that. The truth is we’ve always known that holiday traffic is easily avoided, yet we’ve only ever managed to avoid it by not going on holiday, which isn’t a particularly fun solution. Our friends up the road, meanwhile, always slip away in the early hours to make Penzance in some ludicrously reasonable time. Under six hours, anyway. Why is it so hard to leave the house early? You don’t even need to get up before cock-crow (or seagull-squawk) to beat the traffic. Get up at seven, have a quick breakfast and leave, and you’ll be ahead of the game. One of the great joys of living in Bristol, after all, is that you’re three hours closer to Kernow than those poor Londoners, who have already suffered untold miseries on the M4 before they even reach Cribbs Causeway. Each year as we crawl across Bodmin Moor we tell ourselves that next year it will be different. We won’t travel on a changeover day (we will), and we’ll be far more efficient in our packing (we won’t); in fact we’ll make a list while we’re still on holiday of the things we do and don’t really need (we will, but it will be lost by the following July). Knowing what to pack is half the battle, and the other half is getting it all done ahead of time. We will not ‘find the torch/batteries/kettle/useful string in the morning’! Everything must be found, packed and generally readied before bed. And no, we won’t go to the pub or stay up late watching that really great film we missed at the cinema. We will be tucked up in bed at nine, ready to flee at dawn like a family escaping the bailiffs in a kitchen sink drama.

❝

EACH YEAR AS WE CRAWL ACROSS BODMIN MOOR WE TELL OURSELVES THAT NEXT YEAR WILL BE DIFFERENT

❞ OK, so we failed dismally last time, pulling out sheepishly at 11.45 (well, it’s still morning at least!), and grinding to a halt just outside Congresbury, but this time will be different. Surely we can manage to be ready a few hours earlier! We will try, I know. And fail. Just like all those other families you see shouting and slamming doors and cramming stuff in through the car windows as the sun beats down, we’ll be hitting the road at just the wrong moment, having somehow spent three hours tracking down a pair of sandals that ‘might fit someone’ and the shuttlecocks that weren’t with the rest of the badminton set. People are hungry, tempers fraying, and we haven’t left our street yet. Why does this have to be so, when we all manage to get to work and to school on time? Perhaps that’s just it. All year we’re rushing to get out of the house, fearful of the Late Book, but now we’re on holiday. There is no clipboard-wielding headteacher at the campsite gates, no boss ready with a look or a dry remark about the time. We’re free to muddle our way coastwards with all the other people whose alarm clocks have been switched off the duration. So it’s a long, slow journey, but we’ll get there in the end. Incidentally, here’s a great car game, based on Mastermind. One person thinks of a four-letter word and everyone else takes turns to guess. ‘White’ is awarded for the right letter in the wrong place, and ‘black’ if it’s in the right place. A word like ‘acre’ or ‘axis’ can take hours to work out. Happy trails!■ 16 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

| AUGUST 2014

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AUGUST 2014

THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 17

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BRISTOL | SOCIETY

PEOPLE & PARTIES Snapshots from events, parties and launches in the city Party shot inside the new office

Guy Lilley and Jan Sefton

Maria Lyons from The Full Spoon provided the catering

Goodman & Lilley open new office Henleaze Road Independent property specialists, Goodman & Lilley officially open the doors to its new office at 156 Henleaze Road, as part of their exciting expansion plans. Already firmly established as Portishead’s Number 1 estate agency, directors Richard Goodman and Guy Lilley have created a new state of the art, home-from-home lounge environment by incorporating high definition, interactive technology throughout their stunning interior. The new office on Henleaze Road

Tour of the garden

Chefs’ Forum event The Ethicurean, Wrington The Award-winning Ethicurean restaurant played host to last month’s Chefs’ Forum event focussing on sustainability and sense of place. Matthew Pennington, Iain Pennington, Paûla Zarate and Jack Adair Bevan are the team behind this beautiful green oasis on the outskirts of Bristol and welcomed top chefs from Bristol and surrounds, who flocked to the beautiful Barley Wood walled garden in Wrington for a day of cookery demos, knowledge-sharing and a tour of the fantastic produce grown in the garden. Photography by Andrew Plant, Imagine Photographic.

Matthew and Iain Pennington with gardener

18 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

AUGUST 2014

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A Step in the Right Direction childrens shoe shop! Right Foot First are pleased to announce we are ready, set, GO for back to school! with new styles and brands now available, why not take the stress out of shopping and pop in, where we will make your experience an enjoyable one with our friendly team. So why delay, save the day and give us a call to book an appointment or pop in where we look forward to seeing you. Opening Times: Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm (closing at 5:30pm during school holiday!)

33-35 Southmead Road Henleaze, Bristol, BS10 5W Tel: 0117 962 9746 www.rightfootfirst.co.uk

WWW.THEBRISTOLMAGAZINE.CO.UK

AUGUST 2014

THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 19

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FACE | THE MUSIC

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FACE | THE MUSIC

The coolest job in the west Mick Ringham talks to Dan and Aimee Dimbleby of the Split Screen Ice Cream Company and gets the scoop on how they met and how they’re making people happy this summer by bringing Marshfield Ice Cream to events across the UK

t’s a far cry from the gaudily coloured ice cream vans of our childhoods, which circulated the streets peddling Mivvis and Fab lollies, warning parents of their arrival with a tinny rendering of Greensleeves. This is a cool, pastel coloured Volkswagen serving up various flavours of organically locally produced ice cream from Marshfield Ice Cream at weddings and events to eager customers of all ages. I met the couple who run the Split Screen Ice Cream Company from their home near Bitton to hear how the latest in the Dimbleby dynasty is enjoying life as an ice cream entrepreneur. It was a little more than three years ago that Dan Dimbleby’s obsession with vintage VWs and he and his wife Aimee’s love of ice cream combined when they founded the Split Screen Ice Cream Company, which takes its name from the classic Volkswagens of the past. I asked Dan who came up with the idea in the first instance: “I had this concept of putting my love of these particular vehicles into some sort of business and when we were lucky enough to acquire a rare and original 1964 factory ordered ice cream van, it became obvious this was the moment to try out the idea and move it forward.” The couple met, as Aimee says, by pure fate. Dan, who comes from the Dimbleby dynasty of broadcasters but grew up in Bath, had been living in London working as a successful television director/producer on lifestyle shows including Masterchef, while Aimee worked as a freelance nanny. One afternoon she was sent to look after a couple’s children, but there was a mix-up in the address and she turned up instead at Dan’s flat. After apologies and some small talk they exchanged phone numbers and their relationship blossomed after that. Dan was working on the Channel 5 series Build a New Life in the Country which followed the aspirations of urban based couples and their dreams of starting life afresh, away from the rat-race of major cities into the more natural and welcoming environment of England’s green and pleasant land. The programme influenced Dan and Aimee to the extent of dipping their toes in the water and buying an old VW campervan. Dans ays: “That old van literally changed our lives. We started going away every weekend camping and generally getting out of London. We would also go to various festivals around the country and to the coast, where we would see the queues of people waiting to be served at the Mr Whippy van.” It was during this period that the vision of offering quality ice cream served from a more distinctive vehicle took hold and would, after many weeks of research, eventually lead to their now successful and rapidly expanding business. The pair moved out of London to near Bitton and bought a former farm with Dan’s mother, journalist and writer Bel Mooney, and his stepfather. They set about finding a local ice cream maker and after sampling many a raspberryripple and chocolate-chip, Marshfield Ice Cream came out top of the scoops. It was Aimee who came up with the name for the venture. The travelling ice cream sellers have been the length and breadth of Britain bringing ice cream to fetes, festivals, weddings and even a rather unusual wake at an eccentric multi millionaire’s funeral. Happy customers include Stella McCartney, the smart sets at Henley Regatta, Beaufort Polo and for the first time this year, Glastonbury Festival. Their biggest sellers are caramel fudge and clotted cream but the old favourite vanilla, is still very popular. Dan and Aimee are now expanding their range of vintage vehicles to include a customised 1967 VW convertible Beetle and trailer, and as well as expanding the fleet, the Dimblebys have added to the family. Their son Barnaby is already developing a taste for the occasional 99. Finally I asked Dan who would be the person that he would most like to share a cornet with? “That has to be my grandfather the broadcaster Richard Dimbleby. He was in his day, and in many respects still considered today, television royalty. But apart from that, I am told he was such a lovely and genuine man with a great personality.”

Aimee’s choices: ❶ The Supremes – Where Did Our Love Go? This is Tamla Motown at its very best. My earliest memories are of my mum listening to this at home when I was just a little thing. And then when I passed WWW.THEBRISTOLMAGAZINE.CO.UK

my test and started driving for the first time, I would take most of her Motown CDs and play them endlessly in my old car. I still love this kind of music and it still has that spark that makes me want to get up and dance. ❷ The Awesome Three – Don’t Go (Kicks like a Mule) I was lucky enough to live and work in Ibiza for three years. During the day I was a nanny but whenever I got the chance I would dance the night away to some amazing sounds. In truth I was living on little sleep but that did not stop me falling in love with house music and this particular track is a classic example of what it’s all about and takes me right back to that time. ❸ Queen – Crazy Little Thing Called Love Anything by Queen is all right with me. Spending time with children and their families on Ibiza was just great. I would join in with them and go to shows on the island. One show I saw was We Will Rock You and it did just that. I also remember Dan and I spending a lot of time listening to their CDs in our old campervan on the way to music festivals. ❹ Joe Jackson – Stuck it Up This is from The Big Chill festival and the first one I ever went to. I was always a clubbing girl so it was a bit of a shock seeing all this carnage unfolding in the open air. People dancing in the rain was not the kind of thing I was used too. However I adjusted to it after my initial misgivings and now enjoy spending half my life there selling ice creams. ❺ Barry Louis Polisar – All I Want is You This is a cute little song used as the soundtrack from the film Juno. This was going to be the first dance at our wedding or the track played when we walked down the aisle. In the end we never got round to having a big wedding but the quirky and beautifully simple lyrics on this record tell a story that both of us can relate too.

Dan’s choices: ❶ Wire – 12XUWire – 12XU I had to pick a number from this band’s debut album Pink Flag because they were part of the first gig I ever attended. It was 1987 and I was 13 and went with my mother. The line up was epic, with Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Fall and Wire. I went overnight from listening to Dire Straits and went headlong into punk. Afterwards I couldn’t hear for three days, but it really was life- changing. ❷ The Rhythmites – 1&1 These guys were a local Bath band and were legends at a lot of festivals back in the 1980s. I saw them first at the Treworgy Tree Fayre in ’89 they played roots reggae and were part of my introduction to and my love of reggae and dub. I became good mates with the lead singer Angus and he introduced me to the legendary Hat and Feather pub in Bath. I still play this song and still miss that brilliant pub at the far end of Walcot Street. ❸ The Prodigy – Everybody in the Place At Glastonbury in 1990 I discovered raving. I had my hands in the air and the obligatory whistle round my neck and felt invincible. I must have caused my parents a great deal of stress but at the age of 18 there was no stopping me. This is just one of the numbers I could have picked from that time. This music rocked me through the night and helped me discover a passion for dance, funk, techno and many other genres. ❹ Da Mob, featuring Jocelyn Brown – It’s All Good (full remix) By the late 90s I was trying to DJ – in my bedroom, at friends’ parties and in my dreams. I was playing a lot of soul/disco and house music but this song stands out. It was a particularly difficult and traumatic period for my family and listening to this with my sister Kitty, briefly made things a little better. It became a regular on my record decks. ❺ Led Zeppelin – The Lemon Song I have always loved this song. It’s from their second album and has been played by me so many times from the age of 14. I was in the van the other day with Aimee and I played her another track from the album, Thank You and dedicated it to her. The lyrics sum up totally and utterly how I feel about my beautiful wife – she asked me to play it again. n To book a vintage VW ice cream van at your event, tel: 01179 323 437. AUGUST 2014

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TIME | OUT

HIDE AND SEEK Rashina Gajjar discovers the best sunny reading spots in the city to get lost in a great book and be at peace

ince settling in Bristol I have found one department to be of particular interest. Amidst the eclectic mix of art galleries, live music venues, theatres, pubs and clubs, I have been engaged in the pursuit of quiet, comfortable reading spots; places where I can go to escape the city’s merry-go-round of activities and dip into some serious literature. I am very fond of reading, and have sought for two years to find the perfect place to sit down with a book. Initially, I was assured that the Boston Tea Party in Clifton was usually fairly silent. And it was, but as the afternoon went on, the hustle and hum of voices, the clap of a teapot and clink of glasses became a constant disruption for my tête-à-tête with my favourite companion, The Waves by Virginia Woolf. What I really wanted was to interact with my book and my book alone. After too much time spent traipsing from crowded café to café – all bubbling over with chatter and the chime of cutlery – desperate to escape the trappings of civilisation, I thought it was time for an investigation. Goal set, book in hand, I began to uncover the quiet areas, some devoid of life (and dare I say it – bustle) altogether, places where I could banish the memory of urban existence and let my mind seep down into the pages of a new world. If you feel like a long stroll and a quiet bout of escapism, read on. From within the bounds of the city centre to the outskirts, these spots, some may be obvious, some may not, provide the perfect dose of isolation from the buzzing swirl of city excitement.

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Victoria Square, Clifton: This offers a quiet retreat from the throes of city chaos, all from within the bounds of Clifton. Finding a bench can sometimes be a challenging feat during weekends, but on most weekdays this area is devoid of background noise and delightfully welcoming. Take a picnic and settle for the day.

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The Clifton Observatory: Although this spot hosts thousands of annual visitors, the observatory is encircled by beautiful hilly greenery, and finding a quiet spot is almost always guaranteed.

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Old Sneed Park Nature Reserve: Only a ten minute drive from the centre, this beautiful nature reserve offers small, picturesque grounds that include

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a large grassy meadow, a lake surrounded by trees and a variety of neighbouring ducks and plants that make up its protected wildlife habitat. ●

Ashton Court Golf Club: Ten minutes walk from the heart of the Clifton, Ashton Court golf club is a remote and tranquil spot, boasting acres of beautiful hills and greenery. It is perfect for hours of leisurely reading with no interruptions. The club is a short walk away from Leigh Woods – another peaceful spot where you won’t hear any traffic noise.

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Bristol Cathedral Garden: At the rear of the cathedral is a tranquil hidden space, packed full of flowers, trees and plants where you will find benches and seating areas which provide a perfect peaceful setting in which to escape with a good book and a sandwich. Cared for by a team of volunteers, the cathedral garden has won numerous awards including a gold in Bristol in Bloom’s Gardening Competition. You can even take advantage of the courtyard café too.

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Arnos Vale Cemetery: There’s no place like a cemetery for some real peace and quiet, and this one is a known beauty. Arnos Vale Cemetery makes a perfect spot for some quiet reading and reflecting among the trees in solitude.

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York Crescent, Clifton: Amidst the stretch of houses that run along this crescent, there are a number of benches that provide a scenic view of the city and seldom attract more than the passing Cliftonian.

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Café Revival, Corn Street: Always go up to the third floor, which is comfortable, quiet and referred to as The Snug. ■

What you say on Twitter:

@Routes to Reading: I quite like sitting along the harbourside or on Brandon Hill. Accompanied by an iced coffee from @BTPcafes @RachCunningham1: Greville Smyth park – under the trees @sandee3489: Ooh! The floating dock outside Arnolfini

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WWI | REMEMBERED

LEST WE FORGET The approaching centenary of the Great War is unlikely to have passed you by. And this autumn, Bristol will be marking 100 years since the start of the First World War with a huge range of events across the city â&#x20AC;&#x201C; encompassing talks, films, art and much more, says Jane Duffus

ristol 2014: The City and Conflict from the First World War to the Present Day is an extensive programme of events to mark the centenary of the start of the First World War and will look at the effects of the war on our city. Across Bristol there will be major exhibitions at MShed and the Royal West of England Academy (RWA). There will be a free smartphone app, a free book about Bristol and the First World War, plus a range of talks, guided walks, arts projects, concerts and films, plus information to help people research their own family connections to those who fought in the Great War. No aspect of the war will be excluded. From military recruitment to the suffragettes; from the armed services that Bristol people served in to the pacifists who refused to fight; from those who came to Bristol during the conflict to those who were displaced from the city; from the traditional war artists to artists of today looking back at the war. Themes to be explored include: the changes in ideas, opinions and technology that results from war; the lives of military service personnel, noncombatants and conscientious objectors; the Bristol home front; family stories and urban myths about Bristol and war over the last 100 years; the impact of war and conflict on children; the changing perceptions of the British Empire in the last century; military hospitals and medical advances; the arms industry; the role of volunteer groups in war time; memorialising the dead; and post-war development schemes in Bristol. A good place to start is with the Bristol Great Reading Adventure, which will see at least 20,000 copies of a new book called Bristol and the First World War being distributed free of charge around the city via libraries, museums, tourist information and more. The book, which is being launched in early October, will feature newly commissioned essays, walking tours and debates relating to Bristol and the First World War. Down by the Harbourside, Watershed will host The Age of Conflict: a 24 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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Above: Poster from Bristol Museums, Galleries and Archives; film still from The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse which is showing at the Watershed

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WWI | REMEMBERED

Dog Tired by Christopher Nevinson © Bristol Museums, Galleries and Archives

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WWI | REMEMBERED hefty season of films and introductory talks. A particular highlight will be the November screenings of The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and The Big Parade with live musical accompaniment. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse is an epic war drama from 1921 starring Rudolph Valentino. It is among the highest grossing silent films of all time and tells the story of an extended family split between France and Germany who find themselves on opposing sides of the battlefield during the war. Across the harbour, Arnolfini will be showing a season of post-war German films. Up on Queens Road, the RWA already has a rolling programme of events and exhibitions entitled Back From the Front: Art, Memory and the Aftermath of War, which is running until 14 September. Brothers in Art reunites the work of brothers Paul and John Nash, who were official war artists in both World Wars and two of British art’s leading landscape painters. The exhibition features more than 40 landscapes, providing a rare opportunity to view the siblings’ work side-by-side, explored within the powerful context of conflict and memory. A Gloucestershire Landscape, John Northcote Nash, 1914, at the RWA

Above right, war time poster used in Bristol, © Imperial War Museum; trench digging on Brandon Hill, © Bristol Record Office

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WWI | REMEMBERED

Women’s land army procession through Bristol, 7 Feb, 1918, © Bristol Record Office

Another highlight at the RWA will be Shock and Awe: Contemporary Artists at War and Peace. This is an exhibition of work by artists recently exposed to the front-line of war in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Balkans. The show includes work from Tim Shaw RA – who has an international reputation for his iconic large-scale sculptural pieces; Jill Gibbon – who makes drawings in arts fairs all over the world; and Elizabeth Turrell RWA – who has been working with a group of medal-makers from around the world to create anti-war medals. Between 11 October and 1 March, M Shed will host its Moved By Conflict exhibition, which will explore the physical, social and personal changes brought about by the war. Through the stories of Bristolians, the exhibition will take you from the Bristol of the 1900s and its position in the British Empire, through the years of the Great War and up to the present day impact of global conflicts. There will also be an element of theatre where visitors can choose a character created by Bristol Old Vic’s Melly Still and follow them through the museum’s World War One sections, finding them in film, audio and graphics as well as among real-life materials. The beautiful Arnos Vale Cemetery has two themed events in early August: notably the Great War Tour on 2 August and the half-day Great War Stone-Carving Workshop on 10 August. The walk will include Arnos Vale’s Great War memorial, which was built in 1921 at Soldier’s Corner to mark the graves of casualties who died in Bristol’s hospitals. While the workshop will teach you how to use traditional hand tools and carving techniques under the expert guidance of artist and stonemason Tanya Josham, helping you to create a carved stone memorial of your own. Already taking place in concert venues across Bristol is The World Changed music festival, WWW.THEBRISTOLMAGAZINE.CO.UK

❝ THE EXHIBITION WILL TAKE YOU FROM THE BRISTOL OF THE 1900S... UP TO THE PRESENT DAY IMPACT OF GLOBAL CONFLICTS

❞

which launched last October and runs until this autumn. The festival looks at the composers who were directly affected by the war, such as Arnold Schoenberg, Vaughan Williams and Maurice Ravel, and includes several large symphony scale events at Colston Hall, up to six chamber sized events at St George’s, and at least 12 more events in other venues. In addition, the Bristol Festival of Ideas is hosting a packed programme of talks. One such free event will be at the Wills Memorial Building on 18 November, when Sir Christopher Frayling talks about the war novels of HG Wells, which explored the devastating impact of war on humanity. Another notable talk at the Wills Memorial Building will be on 25 November, when Professor Andrew Kelly talks about two of director Lewis Milestone’s films. All Quiet on the Western Front is hailed as the greatest film ever made about the First World War, while A Walk in the Sun is called the best film about the Second World War. There will be a huge number of other events, many of which are free to join, happening all around the city, so visit the Bristol 2014 website for full information. It will include What’s On information for all the events, background articles, an historic timeline, digital films, news stories, arts projects, an online map and downloadable map app and more. You can also register to be added to the Bristol 2014 mailing list using the form at the bottom of this page and receive regular e-newsletters about the programme. n For more information visit: www.bristol2014.com or follow on Twitter: @Bristol2014

Receiving wounded at Temple Meads station © Bristol Record Office

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GARDENING WWI | REMEMBERED

TIME TO REFLECT Other events taking place in Bristol to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the start of World War One...

Premiere of new play about wartime musicians

he singers and musicians who toured the battlegrounds and field hospitals of the First World War will finally get their stories told this summer when a new play – War, Women and Song – based on freshly-found memories, gets its premiere in London and Bristol at the Redgrave Theatre. Around 600 entertainers, most of them young women, joined Lena Ashwell’s controversial YMCA Concert Parties between 1914 and 1919 to perform for soldiers in freezing tents, huts packed with wounded, on ships at sea, and at the bedsides of the dying. They included Bristol-born chocolate factory worker Elsie Griffin (for whom the songs Danny Boy and Roses of Picardy were written), cellist Daisy Godfrey, of Gloucestershire, one of the first women to study music at university; Anne Skidmore, who gave up a place with the D’Oyly Carte Opera to take part; and, briefly, Ivor Novello, the heart-throb composer of Keep the Home Fires Burning. War, Women and Song is being created by theatre-makers Anna Farthing and Bea Roberts of Harvest Heritage Arts and Media Heritage using dramatised versions of reallife stories drawn from archive records, newly-discovered diaries, letters and personal testimonies and the best-loved music of the Great War era. Anna Farthing, an award-winning drama director who specialises in combining theatre and heritage, says: “When Lena Ashwell first suggested taking concert parties, made up mostly of young women, to the front, the idea was rejected as being outrageously improper. But Lena eventually got her way by winning the support of the Royal Family and getting them to vouch that the girls would be of ‘good and incorruptible character.’ “The result was the first ever effort to provide frontline troops with entertainment that would remind them of home, and provide a respite from the cacophony of war. The young women involved had some extraordinary experiences working as civilians so close to the battlefields. Yet strangely, their stories have been overlooked by historians. “We have had to piece it together from the few historical records, the accounts of soldiers that saw them (including a poem by Siegfried Sassoon), and some newly discovered personal accounts. Taken together these start to paint a picture of what it was like. The rest, one can only imagine.” In War, Women and Song, attention focuses on one concert party as it travels around the Western Front, across oceans and to North Africa, putting on variety shows for Allied soldiers, sailors, the wounded and prisoners of war. Bea Roberts says: “What excites us about this story is that all of the drama, tension, hardship, daring, adventure and comedy is drawn from the real-life experiences of real people.” Anna says: “Our players will be of much the same age as the entertainers who visited the Front and of the front line troops who had to return to the theatre of war when the stage shows ended.” The cast includes members from the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama, the umbrella institute for eight of the UK’s leading centres for performing arts training, including the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, National Centre for Circus Arts and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. War, Women and Song will get its first public preview in The British Library, London, on Saturday 30 August (6.30pm start) as part of the library’s Enduring War: Grief, Grit and Humour season. The production will then premiere at the Redgrave Theatre, Bristol, from Sunday 31 August to Tuesday 2 September, 8pm start. Tickets are £12 via the Tobacco Factory box office on tel: 0117 902 0344. 28 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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A MILLION CANDLES St Mary Redcliffe Church will be participating in a national commemoration called A Million Candles on Monday 4 August to mark the hundredth anniversary of the start of the First World War. It is one of many churches across the country, including Westminster Abbey, in which millions of candles commemorating the fallen will be lit during the evening. Then, at 11 pm – the moment that war was declared in 1914 – they will be blown out. Earlier in the evening, the candle-lit church in Redcliffe Way will be the venue for a concert by an 80strong choir – Organum and Corsham Choral – and a professional ensemble conducted by Francis Faux featuring The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace by the Welsh composer Karl Jenkins. During the final movements of The Armed Man, candles will be extinguished around the church. Before the last one is blown out at 11 pm, a flame will be taken from it by a young cadet and carried to the St John’s Chapel where it will be used to light a Candle of Remembrance. It will burn in the chapel for more than four years until the hundredth anniversary of Armistice Day, when the war ended, on November 11, 2018. Admission to the Redcliffe concert, which starts at 8.30pm, is free. Seats will be unreserved.

Remembrance project

Bristol Cathedral will this month launch an exciting project to mark the centenary of the First World War called We Have Our Lives, a title is taken from lines written by Isaac Rosenberg, a Bristol-born poet who died on the Western Front in 1918. A free interactive exhibit in the cathedral will tell the personal stories of those who died in the First World War, featuring local people from the Diocese, hailing from North Wiltshire, South Gloucestershire, and Bristol, and will explore their connections with local communities. The Very Revd Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Bristol, says: “As a focal point in the city, we want to provide a space where memories of the fallen are gathered and honoured through shared remembrance.” See: www.bristol-cathedral.co.uk for more information.

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GARDENING WWI | REMEMBERED

NOW AND THEN To mark the centenary of Britain’s declaration of war on Germany, Andrew Swift looks back at some of the places in Bristol associated with the dreadful conflict that ensued. Take a different kind of walking tour of the city you already know and love. Images from the Akeman Press archive COLSTON STREET When war was declared, the army recruiting office was at 8 Colston Street, opposite Colston Hall. It was staffed by one officer and could not cope with the sudden influx of volunteers. On 15 August, after other premises had proved inadequate, it moved to Colston Hall. In the first month of the war, 3,668 men volunteered in Bristol, but as the initial rush subsided the recruiting office was moved to the Guildhall. Just up from Colston Hall, at No 33, is the former YMCA building, now converted to student accommodation. The first YMCA building on this site was a temporary structure of rough concrete walls topped with sandbags, called the Dug Out. It opened on 17 May 1917 for soldiers passing through the city, and had a 140-bed dormitory, reading and recreation rooms and a canteen. In October 1919, by which time it was being used by demobilised men as well, it had had over a million visitors.

WHITELADIES ROAD When the Bristol Volunteer Artillery Corps was formed in 1859, it built a drill hall and practice ground on Whiteladies Road, opposite where Broadcasting House now stands. By 1914, the corps was known as the Gloucestershire Royal Artillery, and notices appeared in local newspapers urging men to come to Whiteladies Road to join the brigade. Although the site is still the headquarters of a reserve artillery regiment, it is threatened with redevelopment.

QUEEN’S ROAD Among the soldiers billeted in Bristol were the 10th Battalion of the Black Watch. Between November 1914 and April 1915 they occupied several buildings in the city, including the Victoria Rooms. They also used the schoolroom of the Victoria Chapel opposite as a recreation room. The old Habitat building on the corner of Queen’s Avenue, used for last year’s Wallace & Gromit exhibition, was built as the Queen’s Hotel in 1854. In 1916, after a new system for training officers was introduced, it became the headquarters of the 3rd Officer Cadet Battalion. Courses lasted four and a half months and each intake included between 400 and 600 cadets.

VICTORIA SQUARE Bristol, like other towns and cities, took in large numbers of Belgian refugees in 1914. Several houses on the north side of Victoria Square were used to receive and house them until more permanent homes could be found, and No 5 remained the headquarters of the Belgian Refugee Committee until the end of the war. Some of the ladies supported themselves by making lace which was sold at a Belgian Lace Shop at 22 Park Street.

KING STREET The Cathay restaurant in King Street was built around 1740 as a free library. After the library moved to its present site in 1909, the building remained empty until it was refurbished and opened as the office of the Bristol War Pensions Committee on 10 June 1918. Pensions for men invalided out of the army and the dependents of those killed on active service were dealt with here.

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WWI | REMEMBERED

PARK ROW University Gate East, on the corner of Woodland Road, started life as a roller-skating rink and was later converted to a cinema. On the outbreak of war, it was used to accommodate soldiers billeted in the city. From 1915, however, aeroplanes – many of them seaplanes for the navy – were constructed there. The building was bombed in 1940 and only the original facade survives.

ALBION DOCKYARD The Bristol City Line, which ran a regular service between Bristol and New York, was owned by Charles Hill & Sons, who built ships in their Albion Dockyard. Four of their ships were lost to enemy action. The SS New York City, seen here being launched in 1917, replaced a ship of the same name which had been sunk by a submarine off the Irish coast two years earlier.

HOSPITALS

COLSTON AVENUE Although there were far fewer vehicles on the road than there are today, the difficulty of obtaining petrol led to some novel experiments. One initiative saw gas-powered buses running between Bristol and Avonmouth. Large bags on their roofs were filled at a pumping station in Colston Avenue, and, while they operated effectively, they were prone to backfire. As more and more men went off to fight, women took over many of the jobs they had previously done, and in December 1916 the Tramways Company decided to employ women between 18 and 25 as conductresses.

During the war 417 ambulance trains arrived in Bristol carrying 69,411 wounded soldiers, with around 25,000 more arriving in Avonmouth by ship. They were cared for in a network of hospitals throughout the city. The King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, opened as an extension to the Bristol Royal Infirmary in 1912, was taken over by the War Office to become the headquarters of the 2nd Southern General Hospital. Other buildings used as war hospitals included the Glenside Lunatic Asylum at Fishponds, which became the Beaufort War Hospital, the workhouse at Southmead, Bishop’s Knoll at Sneyd Park, the Red Maids’ School at Westbury on Trym, Kingsweston House and Ashton Court.

SEVERN BEACH LINE

ST AUGUSTINE’S PARADE During the war, the owner of the Bristol Hippodrome staged annual variety shows for wounded servicemen on Trafalgar Day. This postcard shows the audience at a performance in 1917.

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A trip along the Severn Beach line takes you past two sites that bring home the scale and inhumanity of the war. The land on the east side of the line for virtually the whole way between Shirehampton and Avonmouth was the location of the Shirehampton Remount Depot, where horses and mules – many of them brought across from North America – were kept in paddocks and stables before being shipped out to the Western Front and other theatres of war. Around 250 men worked at the depot and 347,045 animals passed through it during the war. Beyond Avonmouth is St Andrew’s Road station, originally opened in 1917 to serve a new munitions factory adjacent to the line on the south. This was a fearful place, and, even though most of the workers were women, it was often as dangerous as the front line. It was only fully operational for around five months, but in that time over half the workforce of 1,400 was injured and there were three deaths. Their job was filling shells with dichloroethyl sulphide – mustard gas – for firing at the Germans. Contact with this deadly substance caused blisters, inhaling it caused respiratory problems, and, because of the inadequacy of the equipment in the factory, both were difficult to avoid. A narrow-gauge railway shuttled supplies around the site, and, in a bizarre footnote to one of the darkest chapters in Bristol’s wartime history, the engines were sold, after the war, to the operators of the Hythe Pier Tramway in Hampshire, where visitors can still travel behind them today. n

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BRISTOL AT WORK Our series of photographic portraits by Charlotte Stone shows Bristol people at work

Clive & Jo Bailey of Bailey Balloons

came to Bristol in 1984 and immediately fell in love with the city and particularly the balloons. Clive and I met at a friend’s barbecue and then he took me ballooning and taught me to fly. Clive moved to Bristol as a teenager and comes from an aviation background. His father was a test pilot for Concorde and Clive was a commercial deep sea diver and a glider pilot. He then became a balloon pilot after flying in a friend’s balloon. After being together for a while we decided that we could turn our passion for ballooning into a business and so set up Bailey Balloons 19 years ago. Clive proposed to me at 8,000 feet over Bath and we left our wedding in Bristol by balloon! Since then we have flown balloons all over Europe, the Middle East, the United States and Africa. Clive was the first European to fly balloons in Iran where he also trained the first Iranian balloon pilots. We also hold the altitude record from the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta in August 1994. Being up there in a hot-air balloon is very romantic, you feel as if you’re part of the scenery. It’s stunning and very addictive. When we are flying we get up at about 4.30am and then after a quick shower and cup of tea, we meet the retrieve crew and head out with the balloons to meet our passengers at 6am at Ashton Court. We then set the balloon up and the passengers get involved in helping us inflate the balloon. After a pilot’s briefing we take to the skies and drift over the city and then out over the surrounding stunning countryside. After about an hour we will look for a suitable landing site – on a westerly wind we often land beyond Warmley or Kingswood. The retrieve crew will follow us with the vehicle and trailer and once they have found us, we all pack the balloon away. We then celebrate the return to earth with the traditional Champagne toast before driving back to Ashton Court. The passengers head home, hopefully to tell their friends and family about their amazing balloon flight! We go back to refuel the balloons and have breakfast before doing the weather forecast for the Western Region Balloon Club. We will then go for a well-earned sleep at about 11am and then in the evening, we will do it all again! What we love about ballooning is the privilege of meeting the huge variety of people who come to enjoy the magic of a balloon flight with us, some of whom are local, some from London or other parts of the UK and many tourists from all over the world. One of our highlights every August is the Bristol Balloon Fiesta of which Clive is a director in charge of the launch of up to 150 balloons. Even as seasoned balloonists we love flying among all those balloons floating in the sky, it’s a truly magical experience. n www.charlottestonephoto.com

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CULTURE BOOK Our guide to this month’s top events in Bristol and beyond Romeo and Juliet. With action from the outset, jealousy, comedy, murder, banishment and the most famous balcony in the history of theatre. Bring a picnic, settle back and be swept up in the romance, the drama and the passion. For ticket information visit: www.nationalitys.org.uk/tyntesfield.

Paul Chamberlain (classical accordionist), St George’s Bristol, Friday 1 August, 1pm Accordionist Paul Chamberlain released his debut solo album in 2011 and has been featured on BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio Scotland and California’s KACY Classical Music Radio Station in San Francisco. This Summer Paul is releasing his latest album followed by a tour of the UK. Tickets £7 from the box office on tel: 0845 40 24 001 or at: www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk.

South Gloucestershire Show, Windmill Fisheries Showground, Westerleigh Road, 2 & 3 August, gates open 10.30am This weekend of fun and entertainment will feature local bands and artists as well as over 200 exhibitors, sports acts, gymnastic displays and a jam packed kids show, as well as motoring, shooting, fishing, golf and cycling. Tickets and information at: www.southglosshow.co.uk

Mimic, Tobacco Factory Theatres, Saturday 2 August

Singin’ in the Rain at the Bristol Hippodrome

Singin’ in the Rain, Bristol Hippodrome, until Saturday 9 August Direct from the West End, this critically acclaimed production of Singin’ in the Rain tells the story of the first Hollywood musical, when the silver screen found its voice and left silent movies – and some of its stars – behind. This show is packed full of the charm, romance, comedy and tinseltown glamour of one the world’s best loved movies and features all the songs from the glorious MGM score including Good Morning, Make ‘em Laugh, Moses Supposes and the classic Singin’ in the Rain. Tickets from the box office on tel: 0844 871 3012 or visit: www.atgtickets.com/bristol.

Stalin’s Daughter, Tobacco Factory Theatres, until Saturday 9 August The true story of how Josef Stalin’s daughter came to make her new life in Clifton, presented by Bristol based Blue Brook Productions, led by Kevin Cattell and Ed Viney. Leaving three husbands and the fall of the Soviet Union in her wake, Svetlana Alliluyeva seeks a place to reflect on the horrors of her past and to escape her father’s name. After defecting to the United States, she assumes a new name, Lana Peters, before moving on to England, to Bristol, to Clifton. Tickets from the box office on tel: 0117 902 0344 or visit: www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com.

Outdoor theatre: Romeo and Juliet, Tyntesfield, Friday 1 & Saturday 2 August, gates open 6pm for picnics, performance starts at 7pm The Lord Chamberlain’s Men present the Bard’s classic tale of love: 34 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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Performed at a grand piano, Mimic is a dark satire exploring imitation, authenticity, and what happens to a nation that leaves its heritage behind, performed as part of The Bristol Proms. Poetic and prescient, this virtuosic solo performance from Raymond Scannell tells the story of Julian Neary, whose childhood gift for mimicry becomes his ticket out of 1980s Ireland, until the chaos he sees in the outside world reflects his own chaos within. Winner of Best Male Performer at the Dublin Fringe Festival 2008 and 2013, Ray Scannell takes the audience on a moving and mesmerising journey. Tickets from the box office on tel: 0117 902 0344 or visit: www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com.

Make Sunday Special, Sunday 3 August The streets in the Old City and Corn Street will once again be closed to traffic for pedestrians to enjoy art, music, street games, market stalls and entertainment. Take in a performance, relax and soak up the atmosphere. Full details of the programme are available at: www.bristol.gov.uk/makesundayspecial

The Session Quintet, The Hen & Chicken, North Street, Sunday 3 August, 8.15pm start The Session is a modern New Orleans jazz group formed by a collection of jazz young artists, five of the most noteworthy members of the crescent city’s generation of musicians. Tickets: £14/£12 from www.jazzata.com.

Big Night Out, Bristol Zoo Gardens, Friday 8 August, 6.30pm – 10.30pm A night of fun for adults. Have your fortune told, dress up in the photo booth, enjoy street entertainers including stilt walkers, comedians and jugglers and play on giant inflatable games including a bouncy castle. For those in the mood for dancing, there will also be a silent disco and a live band. All of the zoo’s animal houses will be open and you can enjoy animal talks and feeds. Food and alcoholic drinks will be available to purchase throughout the night. Tickets £15 and £12 for zoo members. To book visit: www.bristolzoo.org.uk/whats-on

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Blaise Castle House Museum © James Barke

Russell Howard presents Wonderbox at the Bristol Hippodrome

The Comedy of Errors, Winterbourne Barn, Saturday 9 August, 2.30pm (grounds open at noon for picnics) Shakespeare’s shortest play is a brilliant farce of mistaken identities, combined with a few sinister undertones. A master and his servant arrive in a foreign port which, unbeknown to them, is the home of their long-lost twin brothers. Mayhem ensues as brother is taken for brother in a riotous train of misunderstandings, seduction and pursuit. A very funny, colourful and entertaining romp for all the family presented by the professional actors of The Festival Players. Free parking. Tickets: £12.50 for adults, £9 for children/students, available at: www.winterbournebarn.org.uk/events.html or tel: 01454 772285

Blaise Castle House Museum tour, Henbury Road, Wednesdays 13 & 27 August, 10.45am, 12pm and 2pm Blaise Castle House Museum is located in 500 acres of beautiful parkland on the Blaise Estate. The museum is housed in a late 18th century, Grade-II listed mansion, and contains most of Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archive’s social history collections including costumes, toys and household items. Enjoy a special guided tour of Blaise Castle House Museum on these dates with a chance to see parts of the house not usually open to the public, such as the library and the dairy. For further information visit: 0117 903 9818.

Russell Howard: Wonderbox, Bristol Hippodrome, Wednesday 13 – Saturday 16 August, 8pm In this new show, the star of the award-winning hit TV show, Russell Howard’s Good News, promises us more of his trademark brand of upbeat and razor-sharp comedy. Tickets from the box office on tel: 0844 871 3012 or visit: www.atgtickets.com/bristol.

Live Music and Summer Dining, Harvey Nichols, Friday 15 August, music from 8pm Elles Bailey and her trio will perform at a special music and dining evening at Harvey Nichols

Enjoy a summer evening of delicious food in Harvey Nichols’ Second Floor Restaurant, with the bluesy vocals of the south west’s Elles Bailey and her talented trio. Book on tel: 0117 916 8898. >>

EDITOR’S PICK... Bristol Proms, 28 July – 2 August Following last year’s successful debut, Bristol Proms returns once again to present a programme of classical concerts with a twist – creating a multi-sensory, interactive experience using digital media. See world class musicians appearing in original performances, exploring the creative possibilities of digital technology, that have been commissioned and produced especially for the event, including: • Thursday 31 July, 10pm – Unbuttoned: a new contemporary project by Sinfonia Cymru which features a live score with heavy electronic influences and classical music elements with visuals by BAFTA-winning motion and interactive design team Rough Collie. • Friday 1 August, 8.30pm – Valentina Lisitsa is the pre-eminent technological pioneer among world-class classical musicians; famous for using cameras to share her playing experience with the rest of the world, and for the fearless integrity of her enquiry into the subject of popularity. • Saturday 2 August, 7.30pm – a semi-staging of Purcell’s opera Dido and Aeneas, starring South African soprano Pumeza Matshikiza, evoking the ambience and style of an 18th century theatrical performance. For a full programme of events and to purchase tickets visit: www.bristololdvic.org.uk/bristolproms2014 or tel: 0117 987 7877.

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Pumeza Matchikiza © Decca/ Simon Fowler

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The Bad Shepherds, Tyntesfield, Saturday 16 August, 7pm With front man comedian Ade Edmondson and folk music legends, Troy Donockley, Tim Bryant and Terl Bryant, The Bad Shepherds revisit punk era classics and add arrangements inspired by traditional music. Expect to hear folked-up versions of hits by The Sex Pistols, The Clash and The Stranglers. Tickets: £20. Visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield.

Carolina Chocolate Drops, St George’s Bristol, Wednesday 20 August, 8pm Starting off in 2005 playing black American folk music from the Piedmont foothills of the Carolinas and beyond, the Grammy Award-winning African-American string band Carolina Chocolate Drops have gone on to become one of the world’s leading roots groups, their rousing performances described by Rolling Stone as “dirtfloor dance electricity”. Now a quartet, with founding members Rhiannon Giddens and Hubby Jenkins joined by cellist Malcolm Parsons and multiinstrumentalist Rowan Corbett, their authentic versions of banjo and fiddle breakdowns come complete with jug-blowing, hog-calling shouts and vocals, rattling-bones percussion, flatfoot dancing and much more. Carolina Chocolate Drops are a genre to in their own right and one of the best live music experiences you can witness. Tickets £20 from the box office on tel: 0845 40 24 001 or visit: www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk.

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Bristol Bad Film Club presents Masters of the Universe, Victoria Park, Bedminster, Saturday 23 August, 8pm To celebrate its one year anniversary, Bristol Bad Film Club is holding a special outdoor screening of the 1987 fantasy adventure, Masters Of The Universe. Bring a picnic and watch the action movie of HeMan – with Dolph Lundgren, Oscar winner Frank Langella and Courtney Cox in one of her first film roles. Tickets: £5 in advance, £6 on the night, under 10s free. Available from www.bristolbadfilmclub.co.uk

Keep the Home Fires Burning, Alma Tavern Theatre, 27 – 30 August, 7.30pm Apollo Theatre Company present this new show which uses real accounts of women who lived through World War II. An original production written and performed by Bristolian actress Amy Hamlen, accompanied by a live pianist, this show features compelling war stories interspersed with 1940s wartime songs. Tickets available from the Alma Tavern box office on tel: 0117 973 5171 or visit: www.almataverntheatre.co.uk. >>

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BOOK NOW FOR... Macbeth, Tobacco Factory Theatres, 3 – 20 September Described as one of Britain’s best and boldest devising companies, Filter return to Bristol with a playful, kaleidoscopic and radical version of Macbeth, co-produced by Tobacco Factory Theatres. Filter fuses Shakespeare’s corrosive, psychological thriller about ambition, power, witchcraft and sanity with innovative sound and music to take you on a strange, funny and scintillating journey. Tickets from the box office on tel: 0117 902 0344 or visit: www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com.

Exultate Singers, St Mary Redcliffe Church, Friday 5 September, 7.30pm Exultate Singers are joined by German chamber choir, Camerata Vocale Hannover to give a joint concert to mark the 300th anniversary of the Hanoverian succession to the British throne. The programme includes music by Mendelssohn, Brahms, Handel, James MacMillan, Rheinberger, Purcell, Howells and Tavener. Entry to the concert is free and there will be a retiring collection. Reserve a ticket by 31 August and be entered into a free prize draw for a pair of tickets to one of Exultate Singers’ Carols by Candlelight concerts by filling in the booking form at: www.exultatesingers.org or email info@exultatesingers.org with your name and details of how many tickets you would like.

Maison Paradiso presents Utopia, Arnolfini, Saturday 13 September, 8pm Following the success of Maison Paradiso at Kings Weston House, the team return to transform another unique space into an immersive dining experience. The location is the 5th floor of the Arnolfini where, for one night only they will create a utopian pop-up restaurant set in the skies with panoramic views over the city. This will be a unique dining event with a feast created by the renowned chefs at Kate’s Kitchen followed by a party featuring circus artists, performance and interactive attractions, as well as a late night disco from DJ Suisse Tony, cocktails and more. For further information and tickets visit: www.maisonparadiso.com

Guest speaker Venetia Williams at Kings Weston House, Tuesday 23 September, noon Top racehorse trainer and Grand National winner, Venetia Williams will be speaking at this charity lunch in aid of the Avon Riding Centre, a Riding For the Disabled Centre of Excellence. Enjoy a two course meal with canapés and wine as you listen to conversations with Venetia Williams, followed by a grand raffle and charity auction. Tickets cost £45 and are available from the Avon Riding Centre on tel: 0117 959 0266.

Bristol Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2014, The Mall at Cribbs Causeway, Wednesday 24 – Sunday 28 September Bristol Fashion Week returns with 18 catwalk fashion shows hosted over five days previewing the new season must-haves, fashion and hair styling advice and a chance to win a beauty prize in every show. Presented by TV stylist Mark Heyes and celebrity hairdresser Andrew Barton, tickets price include refreshments on arrival and a goody bag. Ticket price: £13.95 platinum, £12.95 silver and £8.95 standard, available from early August at www.mallcribbs.com and The Mall’s information desk. Bristol Fashion Week at the The Mall, Cribbs Causeway

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CITY | COMPETITION

CABOT CIRCUS COMPETITION

W IN

WIN a £350 gift card to spend at Cabot Circus, as well as lunch or dinner for four at Eastern Asian restaurant Tampopo

n Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 August, Cabot Circus will celebrate all things foodie at its Summer Dine event. Head to the 1950s style diner – located in the heart of the Quakers Friars square to experience food sampling, giveaways, discounts and offers from a range of cafés and restaurants throughout the weekend. You can also enjoy a game of food bingo at the diner, where you could win some fantastic prizes. To celebrate, we’re offering one lucky reader the chance to win a £350 gift card to spend at Cabot Circus, as well as lunch or dinner for four at Eastern Asian restaurant Tampopo. With influences from the best street food and signature dishes from Eastern Asia, the variety of flavours and dishes means there is something for everyone – the perfect way to relax after a day hitting the shops. The gift card is valid in all 120 stores and restaurants – including House of Fraser, Harvey Nichols, Apple, Zara, Next, The White Company, Joules, Dorothy Perkins, New Look, French Connection, All Saints and LK Bennett. It can also be used at the 13-screen Showcase Cinema de Lux where you can enjoy the latest family blockbuster in style. Whether you’re looking for tea and cake or pizza and wine, Cabot Circus Showcase Cinema de Lux

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has over 30 restaurants and cafés, with everything from French fine dining to tasty Eastern flavours. Cabot Circus is handily located directly off the M32 motorway, before you reach the city centre. Parking is £2 all evening if you park after 5pm. To be in with a chance of winning this great prize, just answer the following question: How many screens are there at Showcase Cinema de Lux? Email your answer with your name, address and contact number, with ‘Cabot Circus Competition’ in the subject line, to: competitions@thebristolmagazine.co.uk. Deadline for entries: Friday 22 August. Terms & Conditions: The prize comprises 1 x £350 gift card to spend at Cabot Circus, valid in all stores, restaurants and the cinema. Prize also includes a meal for four at Tampopo to the value of £60, subject to availability and prior booking. There will be one winner and the prize is non-transferable. n Eastern food at Tampopo

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20,000 MAGAZINES DELIVERED BUT YOU CAN NOW ALSO FIND US EXCLUSIVELY AT

Complimentary copies of TBM are now specially available to customers of Harvey Nichols Bristol

Supplies are limited and the stands are re-stocked by the Harvey Nichols staff on a daily basis.

YOU CAN ALSO PICK UP THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE AT JOHN LEWIS, THE MALL AT CRIBBS CAUSEWAY, AND SELECTED WAITROSE STORES ACROSS BRISTOL

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ARTS | & EXHIBITIONS

LATE SUMMER SHOWS Royal William Yard Staircase, Plymouth, by Gillespie Yunnie Architects (2013)

Scale and Ambition: Architects’ Journal Small Projects 2014, Architecture Centre, 20 August – 21 September Celebrating excellent design and ingenuity on a budget of £250,000 or less, Scale and Ambition is the summer exhibition from the Architecture Centre featuring all the shortlisted projects from the Architects’ Journal Small Projects Awards. The exhibition – back for the third year running – showcases awardwinning design, highlighting excellence and interest in smaller, often overlooked, projects. The exhibition also provides the opportunity to find out more about the Architecture Centre’s Ask an Architect service as well as presenting resources to inspire young people about architecture and place-making. The Architecture Centre, Narrow Quay. Tel: 0117 922 1540, www.architecturecentre.co.uk

▲

Back from the Front: Art, Memory and the Aftermath of War, RWA

▲

A major programme of new exhibitions at the RWA exploring the theme of conflict and memory in commemoration of the First World War centenary: • Shock and Awe: Contemporary Artists at War and Peace (until 17 September) An exhibition of work by contemporary artists recently exposed to the front-line of war in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Balkans. Creating a platform for artists who are fascinated by acts of remembrance, the show includes work from Tim Shaw RA, Xavier Pick, David Cotterell, Jill Gibbon, Mario Minichiello, Elizabeth Turrell RWA and Paul Gough RWA among others. • Brothers in Art: John and Paul Nash (until 14 September) Brothers in Art reunites the work of John and Paul Nash; brothers, Official War Artists in both World Wars and two of British art’s leading landscape painters. It features over 40 landscapes from public and private collections, Casting a Dark Democracy, Tim Shaw RA providing a unique opportunity to view the two siblings’ work side-by-side, explored within the powerful context of conflict and memory. • The Death of Nature (until 8 August) An ongoing series of work by contemporary artist Michael Porter RWA, providing a timely commentary on the environment and world around us. • Re-membering (10 August – 31 August and 4 – 25 September) To coincide with the centenary of the start of the First World War, the RWA in partnership with the Bristol 2014 Project, has scheduled a series of thought-provoking and evocative exhibitions that demand the viewer’s attention and interaction, featuring responses from artists, writers, architects and composers to the themes of commemoration and Paul memorialisation. Gough, RWA, Queen’s Road, Clifton. Tel: 0117 973 5129 www.rwa.org.uk Peace

The Pink Canopy by Michael G Clark PAI

Summer Exhibition, Lime Tree Gallery, 1 – 31 August Lime Tree Gallery refreshes its Summer Exhibition with new work by many of their favourite artists such as Michael Clark PAI, Molly Garnier, David Smith RSW and Steven Lindsay. Lime Tree Gallery, 84 Hotwell Road. Tel: 0117 929 2527.

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Sorrow and Joy, John Grice

Druid Landscape, Paul Nash

Summer Show, Innocent Fine Art, 1 – 31 August A colourful show with characterful paintings and drawings from Anna Mazzotta and bold still-lifes by John Grice. Also showing new work by gallery artists including Melanie McDonald, Angie Kenber, Sarah Brown and ceramics by Christine Feiler and Georgia Shearman. Innocent Fine Art, 7a Boyces Avenue, Clifton.

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Paradise, Leigh Woods and Tyntesfield, until 2 November National and international contemporary artists have come together to create an exhibition of contemporary art at Tyntesfield and Leigh Woods. Both National Trust sites will be transformed by artists: Assemble, London Fieldworks, Nina Saunders, Insa Winkler, Owen Griffiths and Fern Thomas. Using diverse materials and methods ranging from ceramics, textiles and hand crafted wood, to taxidermy and edible plants, the artists have created installations that visitors will be able to interact with through touch, smell and taste. For further information visit: www.trustnewartbristol.co.uk

Tommy Webb, Blaze Gallery, throughout August After a decade in the big smoke, Central St Martin’s graduate, artist in residence and print tutor – Tommy Webb has come home to roost. See Tommy’s remarkable etchings at the new Blaze Studio at 84 Colston Street. The tiny gallery space will be hosting at a new artist every month.

Summer Salon, View Art Gallery, until 31 August Every year in July and August the gallery experiments with its curating, and for the only exhibition of the year it are themeless. The Summer Salon exhibitions provide the gallery with the opportunity to try out new artists, new work, new styles, and keep it fast moving. If a piece sells then it is removed and replaced with something new. Similarly, the gallery randomly introduces new work or another artist. This year there is a particular emphasis on work by Bristol based artists such as Ben Risk and Ed Taylor: Ben transforms a mundane scenario into a dreamy magical world, while Ed Taylor uses a ballpoint pen to create fantastic and complex drawings. Other names that feature in this year’s show are Jim Starr and Andrew Munoz. View Gallery, 159-161 Hotwell Road. Andy Coffin, Temple Meads Station

New painting course Next month the Grenville School of Painting will open in a large, light studio just off Gloucester Road. Founded by successful painter Hugo Grenville, the course offers a unique one-day-a-week programme of drawing, painting and printmaking. It is suitable for those who have never previously painted to those keen to move their practice forward. For further information visit: www.hugogrenville.com

Blue Afternoon, Hugo Grenville

Clevedon Art Club 58th Annual Open Exhibition, The Science Atrium, Clevedon School, 16 – 25 August Over 300 selected artworks will be on show from members and non members alike in this ever-popular annual exhibition. This is a wellsupported event with a selection panel of RWA Academicians and eminent local artists. Admission £1.

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James Holdsworth, 15 Minutes

▲ 24 Hours in Bristol photography competition: call for entries The 24 Hours in Bristol photographic competition for amateur and professional photographers was launched last year by Art Ventures Ltd, generating over 20,000 images of Bristol in a single day. Now it is back again for 2014, taking place over the August bank holiday, from 12pm Saturday 23 August to 12pm Sunday 24 August and is open to anyone with a smart phone or camera. Hundreds of amateur and professional photographers from across Britain and beyond are expected to descend on Bristol to record a day in the life of the city. The event will be based at the new Harbourside Arts Centre, off Millennium Square, which was opened recently by the Mayor of Bristol. Participating photographers are randomly allocated an hour of the day or night during which they must take at least one entry photograph, although they can also enter as many as they like from other hours. Prizes on offer include: £3,000, a top of the range Olympus camera and Adobe editing package; a second prize of £1,000 and a third prize of £500. There are also prizes for the best photographs taken in each hour of the competition, with sponsors including Clifton Cameras, the RPS, Fotospeed, PS Photography, Manfrotto, The Bristol Magazine and Barclays Bank, with weekend breaks at the Thistle Grand, The Bristol Hotel and Radisson Blu. Registration for the competition is via the website at: www.24hoursinbristol.co.uk. An exhibition of 100 of the award winning photographs will be held at the Harbourside Arts Centre from 11 October. The judging panel includes the director general of the Royal Photographic Society and the picture editor of the Bristol Post, with further judges to be announced shortly.

The Great War in Costume: Family and Fashion on the Home Front, Assembly Rooms, Bath, until 31 August To mark the centenary of World War One, Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Fashion Museum is hosting the exhibition in the Ball Room of the Assembly Rooms, as part of the Imperial War Museum’s Centenary Partnership. The exhibition follows the lives of women on the home front through the conflict and how this new life and social status influenced fashion for women. It also reflects on the contribution of the fighting men and how that has been chronicled. As well as costumes from the television series Downton Abbey, it will also feature examples of uniforms and civilian dress, memorabilia and propaganda. Entry to The Great War in Costume is included in the ticket for the Fashion Museum, open 10.30-5pm daily. Admission price is £8 adults/£6 children. Visit: www.fashionmuseum.co.uk.

Left to right, costumes from Downton Abbey at Bath’s Assembly Rooms

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Wonka 50 Years: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Sky Blue Framing and Gallery, throughout August

Summer exhibition at Coldharbour Framery & Gallery, throughout August

The gallery is celebrating 50 Whipple-Scrumptious years since Roald Dahl’s much loved tale about Charlie Bucket and Willy Wonka was first published. There will be special 50th anniversary official collectors editions available, with a golden foil ticket, alongside Quentin Blake’s other prints. On show will also be a selection of contemporary jewellery and glass works by Jane Reeves. Sky Blue Framing & Gallery, 27 North View, Westbury Park. Tel: 0117 9733995

■ On Saturday 9 August, 10am-3pm, the University Of Bristol Botanic Garden is hosting a one day watercolour workshop with artist, Annie Morris. The course is suitable for students of all abilities and will provide individual tuition and demonstrations. Work will be based in the garden, glasshouses and study room. Cost: £25. For further details visit: www.bristol.ac.uk/botanic-garden

As It Was Foretold by Chris Pappan

August brings something of a holiday feeling to the gallery, with Bristol-based artist Jenny Millbank joining the gallery this month, her atmospheric screenprints recalling long country walks and days by the sea. Coastal scenes of Devon and Cornwall also feature in works by other gallery regulars including Merlyn Chesterman and Jenny Urquhart. Coldharbour Framery & Gallery 111 Coldharbour Road, Westbury Park. www.coldharbourgallery.co.uk

First People, Second City, Rainmaker gallery, until 9 August

Boats, Mousehole by Jenny Millbank

Last chance to see this excellent exhibition of contemporary Native American Indian art. Artists Chris Pappan and Debra Yepa-Pappan explore the identities of indigenous peoples in the city of Chicago. Rainmaker gallery, 123 Coldharbour Road. www.rainmakerart.co.uk

Free Jewellery, Watch & Silver Valuation Day at Clevedon Salerooms

£5,000

£3,150

£14,000

Clevedon Salerooms Specialist Sales have an enviable reputation for selling jewellery and fine watches for the highest prices to bidders located around the globe. Our next Specialist Sale will be held on the 4th September and with that in mind, our Specialist Valuers will be providing free verbal no-obligation auction estimates for all jewellery, watches and silver on Tuesday 12th August from 10am – 4pm at the salerooms. No appointment is necessary. For more information or to speak to a valuer please contact the Salerooms.

Free Valuation Day Tuesday 12th August 10am – 4pm WWW.THEBRISTOLMAGAZINE.CO.UK

£30,000

£5,150

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

Tel: 01934 830111 www.clevedon-salerooms.com

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BRISTOL | FOLKLORE

AVONA’S TALE From a time of giants and goddesses, Jennifer Hayes tells the folklore of the creation of the Avon Gorge

he creation of the Avon Gorge is a story as dramatic as the landscape itself. Set in a time long ago, when creatures of myth lived alongside the townsfolk of Bristol, the legend tells of a tangled love triangle in which two giants fought for the hand of the goddess Avona. Today, the legacy of their rivalry is etched in the cliffs, the rocks as silent and unforgiving as the giants who forged them. But the story lives on in the surge of the river that bisects them, namesake of Avona herself who, if you listen closely, will tell you this tale. Goddess of tides and protectress of animals, Avona was divine guardian of the people of Bristol, and they relied on her for their survival. She had long worried that the only source of water for her wards and their animals lay far off in the Mendip Hills, so when local giants Ghyston and Goram began squabbling for her love, she hatched a plan by which she could harness their power for the good of her people. She declared that she would marry the first giant who could drain the large lake, which stretched from what is now Bradford-on-Avon to Rownham Hill, creating a path for the water through Bristol and out to the Severn Estuary beyond. Ghyston and Goram, fuelled by this promise, retired to their respective territories of Clifton and Henbury to begin their labours. But as the sun rose higher in the sky, Goram grew so hot and bothered with the tedious toil he slammed his fist into the ground in frustration. Such was his tremendous strength, the impact left a deep indent in the land that flooded with water from the ground beneath, creating a cool, limpid pool that proved too tempting for him to resist. He threw down his pickaxe and stripped off his clothes, eager to soothe his aching limbs in the welcoming water, pausing only to hollow a smaller divot nearby in which to hold his soap while he bathed.

Goram’s Chair and Bathing Pool, Blaise Castle

❝ ... SHE DECLARED SHE WOULD MARRY THE FIRST GIANT WHO COULD DRAIN THE LARGE LAKE

❞ As the afternoon drew into evening lazy Goram, relaxed and replete from his soak, decided it was too late in the day for any more work. Instead, he settled down in his favourite stone-winged chair, poured himself a tankard of mead and drank deeply. But one cup led to another, and before the sun had set he was slumped over and snoring in his sleep. Across town his rival, Ghyston, was proving of very different character. From the moment Avona laid down her challenge his focus did not waver from the task ahead. Hurling his axe into the ground he sent boulders flying as he cleaved his path through the land, the fire in his muscles serving only to ignite his resolve. Down crashed the water in his wake, rushing through the valley until he reached Avonmouth and met the River Severn.

Goram’s Bathing Pool, Blaise Castle Images © Will Dodd Photography

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His industrious nature won Avona’s hand, and her heart. A creature of movement and progress, she saw no virtue in stagnation and recognised in Ghyston her equal. She gave her name to the river he had created and in partnership they forged the landscape we see today, the water from her river irrigating the gorge he had hewn so life flourished on the rocks. The day she married Ghyston, she carried a bouquet of this rare and beautiful flora, while Ghyston carved the rings that united them from the gleaming quartz he’d mined from the cliffs as he worked. Poor Goram, heartbroken over the loss of his beloved to his bitter rival, dragged himself to Brent Knoll – the highest point in the west country – from where he hurled himself into the Severn and drowned. But the river wasn’t deep enough to fully submerge his gargantuan frame, so the tip of his head and shoulder remained above water, petrifying over time to form the islands of Steep Holm and Flat Holm that still rise from the middle of the estuary today. And evidence of these giants can be found elsewhere in our city. Take a trip to Blaise Castle and see for yourself the pool that distracted Goram from his labour, his soap dish beside it, and the huge chair in which he slumbered. The very brave can even venture down into Ghyston’s lair, a cave stretching deep into the rocks of the gorge itself. Although the giant would scale the cliff face to reach his home, it is nowadays accessible to mortals through the observatory on the Downs. Yet the most enduring memory is that of the goddess herself, preserved eternal in the gorge that forms the beautiful backbone of our city. Like a beating heart, her love for the people of Bristol still surges daily through the land itself, carried in on the current of her river, the Avon. n

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A brave New World for Serviced Offices in East Bristol New World Business Centre has opened its doors in the heart of Warmley, at a prime location in between Bristol and Bath, minutes from the A4174. A recently renovated building, the centre has been transformed from a neglected building into nine high-quality, bright and spacious offices. Each individual office, named after a major city around the world, is fully furnished, has fibre optic internet, key fob entry and state of the art telecoms. Clients are able to access their office 24/7, plus the building also has a client shower, business lounge and shared kitchen area for you to enjoy. New World Business Centre takes the worry out of managing your own office. We manage all of your utilities plus ensure cleaning and security are included in your contracts. Centre Managers Sarah Parrott and Liz Mizen will establish a relationship with both yourself and your clients, representing you whether you are in the centre or out and about. We offer a fully manned reception, where each of your visitors will be greeted and announced to you, and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll answer your telephones in your company name for actual as well as virtual clients.Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll also handle your post, organise your dry cleaning and assist with any administrative needs you may have. Meeting areas are available which provide all you need for a private, productive meeting.We also offer telephone and video conferencing, plus centre staff are able to provide refreshments and any additional services as required on the day. At New World Business Centre, our terms are flexible and we are able to offer licences from three to twelve months. Also available is a shared office agreement, which is often more cost effective for smaller organisations. So, whether you are looking for a new office, a meeting place or telephone answering service, New World Business Centre in Warmley is able to help. Please contact us for further information and we would be more than happy to show you around our fabulous building.

New World Business Centre 0117 332 0900 info@newworldbusinesscentre.co.uk www.newworldbusinessncentre.co.uk

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AUGUST 2014

THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 47

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CITY | PEOPLE

Founder of Sawday’s, Alastair Sawday with his son Toby, who has recently taken over the management of the travel business

THOUGHTFUL TRAVEL Sawday’s founder Alastair on the secrets to success as his family business celebrates 20 years in travel, by Hannah Stuart-Leach

aving taken up prime position in offices overlooking the Harbourside, Sawday’s is poised for big things, in particular, its 20th anniversary this year. The experimental interior conveys what’s important to the Bristol travel publisher, from the sustainable bamboo floor to the unusual bookshelves fashioned from used fruit boxes. Most importantly though, with its sunny, spacious workspaces the multiple awardwinning company’s new home highlights the value it places on people. For founder Alastair Sawday, who first moved to the city in 1972, it’s essential the family business, now encompassing a muchloved online guide to unique places to stay as well as guide books, remains faithful to his original ethos. “I wouldn’t have bothered with the company at all had it not been an expression of values,” he says, which were – and are – to enable people to travel better by providing access to authentic stays where the hosts are your guides. “Mass travel, tourism or commercially inspired travel can be pretty destructive environmentally and socially,” explains Alastair, who speaks three languages and previously ran a tour company leading small groups to discover hidden gems in France. “I wanted to promote another way of travel, but I also wanted to promote interesting good people, doing good work in their homes.” What started in 1994 as “an accident really,” when with the help of friends and family he released his first hugely successful guide to French B&Bs, has

grown into a company employing 47 permanent staff and 100 inspectors. The Sawday’s website now connects people with 5,000 Special Places, from B&Bs and selfcatering to pubs and inns, all given the stamp of approval for their emphasis on imaginative, rural living as well as stand-out hospitality. Many grow their own food, keep bees, and support local communities. The company found a natural home in Bristol, and its greatest concentration of accommodation is in the west country. “The south west is where so many interesting ideas take shape and are given space to grow,” explains Alastair, referencing the organic food and farming movement richly represented in the area. In 2010, he added to Sawday’s flourishing portfolio with Canopy & Stars – a pioneer in glamping, or luxury camping. Like its big sister, it was based on intuition rather than any set business case, and now boasts 350 places to stay, from yurts to an Iron Age roundhouse. These places are all chosen for their creativity and light footprint on the land. If they were all removed

❝

TRAVEL SHOULD SHAKE YOUR PRECONCEIVED IDEAS ABOUT THE WORLD. IT SHOULD CHALLENGE WHO YOU ARE, AND WHY YOU ARE...

❞

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CITY | PEOPLE tomorrow, Alastair says they would leave little trace. “I’d love our Canopy & Stars places to be even simpler really,” he admits, “but people in their 20s and 30s now have very high expectations, they haven’t been brought up to suffer, with cold nights and no running water, so they need to be pampered a bit!” Perhaps the key secret to the publisher’s success, which turns over £2.5 million annually, is it won’t do anything purely for financial gain – there must be passion and conviction behind any action. “The idea of doing something just to make money doesn’t appeal,” says Alastair, who is a strong critic of mass tourism – the worst manifestation being cruises. Apart from being bad for the environment and communities, he believes it does nothing to challenge or reshape people’s minds. “Travel, properly done, should shake your preconceived ideas about the world. It should challenge who you are, and why you are, and what your purpose is. And by meeting people who live very differently, it can show you there are an infinite number of ways of existing on this planet.” Raised in Kashmir, Alastair has travelled to the farthest reaches of the globe, including Papua New Guinea where he headed up a VSO programme, but he maintains you can have just as big adventures closer to home. He’s keen to explore Eastern Europe next, but is also still awestruck by the beauty of the UK. He will soon have more time for travel, since he began handing over management to son Toby in 2010. The process hasn’t been as simple as either expected however, especially given the huge shift in working systems – the company is transitioning from print publishing to digital – and an almost entirely fresh staff. “It’s been much more complicated than any of us realised,” says Alastair, now grandfather to Toby’s newborn twins, “but I’m thrilled and have huge confidence he’ll make it buzz while hanging on to all the values that are so precious in a family.” When he’s not researching new destinations for the company, the tireless entrepreneur plans to run writing classes – brilliant, honest writing, he says, is another contributing factor to Sawday’s many achievements, which include twice being awarded Independent Environmental Publisher of the Year. As well as marking Sawday’s anniversary with an awards ceremony later this year, Alastair, as chair of Big Green Week and all-round champion of sustainable living in the city, will be celebrating Bristol becoming European

7 SAWDAY’S GETAWAYS

Green Capital next year. “Bristol is buzzing with environmental energy at the moment, it’s very exciting,” he says, having set up the city’s first recycling system in the 80s and even operated a horse and cart paper collection service. “It feels as though the year 2015 for us is the culmination of years of effort by a lot of terrific people over the last 20, 30, 40 years, who’ve just done so much unsung voluntary work for Bristol. It feels like a wonderful reward for the whole city.” But since Alastair has played an integral role in Bristol’s green scene for so long, including as founder of Avon Friends of the Earth and as a former Green Party candidate, experience tells him to urge caution. “It’s a big year, but I’d like us to make the most of it. Are we going to let off fireworks, or are we going to lay the foundations for real change that will enable Bristol to become a resilient and green city?”n

Wildly different places to stay (within easy reach of Bristol)...

▲

• Studio Farrows, Somerset An appealingly quirky studio hidden in the luxuriant garden of artists Paul and Tracey. They’ll arrange a swim in a friend’s walled pool, and all sorts of courses from baking to glass blowing. From £95 per night, www.sawdays.co.uk / 01458 252599

• Swallow’s Flight, Old Coleridge Farm, Devon The sturdy old granary, with stone steps to the first floor shiny from years of use, stands next to the owners’ house. Other barns are dotted about, handsome but ripe for conversion, and there’s an Airstream in the yard below. Swallow’s Flight is ideal for two, and a couple of kids besides, thanks to the comfy sofabed. From £350 per week, www.sawdays.co.uk / 01548 581114

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AUGUST 2014

THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 49

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CITY | PEOPLE

• Allt-y-bela, Monmouthshire This beautiful medieval farmhouse sits in its own secret valley and is reached down a narrow lane. Built between 1420 and 1599, Allt-ybela is now perfectly presented for the 21st century. You’ll find conviviality and warmth, soaring beams, period furniture and an enormous log fire. From £125 per night, www.sawdays.co.uk / 07892 403103

• Three Choirs Vineyards, Gloucestershire England’s answer to the Napa Valley. After 15 years of tilling the soil (very sandy, good drainage), Thomas’s 75 acres of Gloucestershire hillside now produce 300,000 bottles a year. There are regular tastings, a shop in which to buy a bottle or two, and paths that weave through the vines – a perfect stroll after a good meal. From £135 per night, www.sawdays.co.uk / 01531 890223

• Penhein Glamping, Monmouthshire The six dome-shaped alachighs (pronounced al-la-cheeg) at Penhein Farm are Persian designs, traditionally used by nomadic tribes in northern Iran. These ones look just as at home in the rather less mountainous Monmouthshire countryside, spread within a three acre ancient woodland, each with their own private fire pit and outdoor sitting area. From £85 per night (sleeps up to 4 adults and 2 children), www.canopyandstars.co.uk / 0117 20 47830

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▲ • Old Mill Treehouse, near Bath On your arrival at the Old Mill a short walk over a stream and down a winding path will lead you to your bedroom with a difference. Tony and Beverley have brought a fresh new dash of style to their acre of peaceful countryside – they only recently escaped the city and the first plans for Old Mill Treehouse were hatched when they came across a serendipitous treehouse book lying in their local coffee shop. From £140 per night, www.canopyandstars.co.uk / 0117 204 7830 • Stargazers Cabin, Herefordshire In the cavernous expanse of Stargazers Cabin, Felicity has mixed Nordic and Scottish style, using the finest fabrics and natural wood colours to allow the cabin to blend perfectly into, rather than compete with, its natural surroundings. From £88 per night (sleeps 2), www.canopyandstars.co.uk / 0117 204 7830

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Watch digest Bristol Version.qxp_Layout 2 25/07/2014 11:04 Page 1

THE

TIME ZONE

DIGEST

ONES TO WATCH

Mallory Jewellers in Bath explores some of the most exciting new watches which 2014 has to showcase. So whether you are a serious collector, or just have a penchant for beautifully crafted timepieces, this year's offerings have a little something for everyone... ROLEX GMT MASTER II For 2014 Rolex have released a technical tour de force. Influenced by the 1955 original and combining ground breaking technology and precious metal appreciation the new GMT Master II, with iconic red and blue Cerachrom bezel, is truly stunning. The watch allows the wearer quick and easy second time zone recognition and the opportunity, through refined finishing, to appreciate the 18ct white gold case and bracelet. For both the client new to Rolex, or the devotee, the new GMT Master II is an excellent choice.

PANERAI Intuitive is the word to describe the ongoing evolution of this historical diving brand. The last few years have seen increased competition yet the Italian legend remains one step ahead. 2014 sees the arrival of the 5000 series, 8 day movement protected by a refined Luminor case. Retaining black sandwich dial options as well as crisp white make it easy to appreciate the subtle style changes. The ETA era sees the end of one icon and the birth of a better one. These adaptations and the addition of the beautiful Radiomir 1940’s inspired chronographs demonstrate that Panerai are honouring their history whilst staying true to their values, thereby securing their future.

PATEK PHILIPPE During the build up to Patek Philippe’s 175th anniversary celebration the manufacturer could be forgiven if they kept their offering small and let anticipation grow. On the contrary, the 2014 collection includes new models demonstrating exquisite manufacturing tradition merged with contemporary evolution. New colours are juxtaposed into the collection complementing and enhancing creations old and new. As always, none of this detracts from the refinement and exacting skills within any Patek, it merely entices us to browse and appreciate even more. The perfect example to showcase this is the new platinum, self-winding perpetual calenda, with a honey brown dial - the 5496P-014.

LONGINES History has been the motivating factor with Longines for the last few years. Looking to classic periods in their illustrious past to inspire and rebuild with modern requirements in mind. 2014 sees the arrival of the 42mm Heritage 1935. The increased case size makes this watch wearable in everyday style whilst allowing its owner to tip their hat in appreciation to the watch’s origin.

JAEGER-LECOULTRE With its cutting-edge design, super-thin cases and elegant style, Jaeger-LeCoultre has built a glittering reputation as one of the top Swiss manufacturers. The 2014 offerings are no exception… For the discerning lady the new Rendez-Vous Date and Night & Day are a stunning addition to an already successful line. If you are a fan of the black case timepiece, the 46mm Master Compressor Ceramic Chronograph would be the conoisseur’s choice.

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For more information on any of the timepieces featured or to see an even greater range of luxury watches on display; visit the Mallory specialist watch showroom. Mallory, 1–5 Bridge Street, Bath BA2 4AP Telephone: 01225 788800. www.mallory-jewellers.com

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The importance of Shareholders Agreements By Grant McCall, specialist Commercial solicitor with AMD Solicitors

S TAT I O N T O S TAT I O N THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE HAS A NEW HOME IN BRISTOL

s most SME businesses have seen an improvement in market conditions, I have seen an uplift in the volume of joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions in the second quarter of the year. When steps of growth are taken there should always remain a sense of caution. Quite often the confidence and speed of a new venture can outweigh the importance of regulating how to deal with disagreements or the breaking of false promises. For those entering into a joint business venture or those acquiring or merging with competitors but retaining the owners, the joint venture or shareholders agreement should be given prime consideration. A shareholders agreement (or partnership agreement depending whether a business has been structured as a limited company or a partnership) will be relevant to all types of business whether large or small. A professionally drafted agreement allows a concise and undisputed method of managing the business of a company or partnership. For example, the transfer of shares in a company and in the event of death, disability or retirement of a shareholder, the future running of the company should be clearly set out from the start or as soon as possible. To leave the position unspoken could lead to expensive litigation if a shareholder dispute should ensue later down the line. The courts are reluctant to get involved with internal company disputes when things do go wrong and it is very difficult to remove a shareholder in the absence of a shareholder agreement. For this reason it is important that any disputes are preempted at the outset and that there is a clear record of the agreement of all of the shareholders. For example, if 2 parties agree to use their full time and endeavours to promote the success of a business but 1 party fails to pull their weight (or contribute anything at all), the compliant party may want a right to remove the defaulting shareholder and carry on the business on their own, thus preserving the goodwill they have built up. This can be agreed within a director’s service contract and the shareholders’ agreement so that in the event of a defaulting director or shareholder, their shares could be returned to the Company (or the ongoing shareholders) at par value rather than market value. Unlike a company’s articles and memorandum of association, the shareholders agreement is a private document that only the shareholders have access to. Some of the issues covered under a shareholders agreement could cover: Who shall manage the business on a day to day basis and on what terms?; Whether full shareholder approval will be needed for certain decisions of the company?; The need for a selling/retiring shareholder to offer their shares to existing shareholders before making an offering to an ‘outsider’; how disputes between shareholders will be resolved?; Whether a particular shareholder will have a deciding vote in the event of voting deadlock?; whether there will be a penalty imposed on a defaulting shareholder?; and whether the shareholders should be restricted from competing in the event of their departure? One further advantage of a shareholders’ agreement is where there multiple shareholders owning differing percentages in the share capital. A minority shareholder should push for some protection that their share percentage won’t be diluted by the majority and the majority shareholding will want to ensure their ability to run the company is not threatened unreasonably by a minority shareholder. A shareholders agreement is a legal document that provides certainty for every shareholder and ensures that the running of the Company business will operate in accordance with their intentions. This should be at the forefront of any joint ventures, mergers or acquisitions where a working relationship will continue or commence. For further advice and assistance in business law issues contact Grant McCall and the Commercial Law team on 0117 9733989 or email grantmccall@amdsolicitors.com or commercial@amdsolicitors.com

THE

BRISTO L MAGAZINE

A local award winning law firm

Bristol and Exeter House, Lower Approach, Temple Meads, Bristol BS1 6QS Telephone: 0117 974 2800 www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

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Telephone us on (0117) 9621205 or visit our website www.amdsolicitors.com AUGUST 2014

THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 53

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FOOD | AND DRINK

WINING & DINING news and reviews Foodie events ■ The taste of summer comes to Bristol on Friday 1 & Saturday 2 August in the way of the Bristol Summer Cider Festival 2014. Presented by Lilleys Cider at the Passenger Shed, there will be more than 100 ciders and perrys on offer as well as hot pork and stuffing rolls and The Mangledwurzles supplying scrumpy and western fuelled music to create the perfect cider drinking atmosphere. Cost: £7 in advance, £8 on the door. Visit: www.lilleys.biz ■ The upper and lower courtyards at Home Farm at the National Trust’s Tyntesfield estate will turn into a hive of activity and colour as local food and craft producers set up their stalls and showcase their wares for the Tyntesfield food and craft market on Sunday 3 August, 10am3pm. Normal house and garden admission applies. ■ Mullion Cove presents its bustling seasonal food and craft market on Saturday 9 August on Brunel Square, near the ss Great Britain, offering tasty treats from local producers. Free entry.

Hot stuff

fter founding the StrEAT Food Collective and running Coconut Chilli as one of the street food stalls, Bristol businesswoman Navina Bartlett has taken a different route and gone into product manufacturing and has developed a range of modern freshly prepared Indian dishes that can be heated at home or work, inspired by the ingredients in the Coorg region, in the coffee hills above India’s Bangalore. Navina says: “In Southern India, the land is some of the most fertile in the country and lush paddy fields and coconut groves make way for dense hillsides cultivated with coffee plants and pepper vines. The Coorg region is where I spent many a summer on my aunt’s coffee estate. The hillsides house acres of coffee bushes and there is a huge variety of plants growing in among the coffee including coconuts, bamboo, pumpkin, cardamom, oranges and chillies – and it was here that the idea of Coconut Chilli was born.” Coconut Chilli’s freshly prepared dishes include: lamb and black pepper keema meatballs in spicy coconut gravy; cardamom scented chicken and succulent, seasonal squash; shrimp and coconut milk korma with crunchy cashews; and root vegetable, mooli and lentil sambhar with a piquant hint of chilli. All dishes, which range from mild to hot, are served on a bed of basmati rice and garnished with fresh coriander, coconut shavings, tomatoes and pomegranate. The dishes are sold chilled in a plastic recyclable pot in a recyclable cardboard box and can be heated in a microwave or on a hob. Currently you can find Coconut Chilli products at: Southville Deli, Gloucester Services, Whiteladies Road producers market and at local food festivals throughout the year. You can also arrange for office deliveries. For further information visit: www.coconutchilli.com.

Putting the sparkle back into wine drinking Bybo, a new online wine company has been launched by two Bristol entrepreneurs with the aim of helping wine drinkers in the south west to be a little more adventurous and to try a range of lesser known high quality wines – for the same price they would pay for generic brands in the supermarkets. Bybo is the brainchild of former Harvey’s and Avery’s wine expert Jules Lewis, and Tim Harms, who has many years as a senior in the operations and logistics industry. Having been friends for many years, Tim and Jules came up with the concept for Bybo while enjoying a family BBQ together and discussing how wine selection had become incredibly limited and frustrating following the growth in the mass market wine brands which are sold through the supermarkets, and the subsequent demise of many local, specialist wine shops. Jules said, “We realised that many people would actually like to have the confidence and opportunity to try different wines but when they visit the supermarkets the choice is so confusing and limited, people tend to stick to the same wines each time they buy. But there is a world of fabulous wine

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out there and through Bybo we can give people easy access to a selection of the best. When customers visit the website it’s personal, relaxed and friendly and offers easy to digest information about our carefully curated selection of wines which we buy from specially selected vineyards across Europe. Many of which are family run and have been producing top quality wines for hundreds of years and are struggling to keep some of the old grape varieties alive, because the wine market is saturated by just a few. “We have hand-picked the very best for our customers to buy and try. People needn’t think this means the wines will be expensive. For example our Kitchen Collection range starts at £6.99 a bottle. Or they can try something a little more expensive for that special occasion.” To find out more, visit: www.bybo.co.uk

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▲ ■ CAU, the restaurant group offering contemporary cuisine inspired by the vibrancy, colour and cultural diversity of Buenos Aires, will be bringing a flavour of the city to the Clifton Triangle area this month. CAU is about more than just fabulous beef; the menu features a range of dishes, including twice cooked pork belly and seafood spaghettini, dishes and influences that you’d likely find in the melting pot that is Buenos Aires. It will also offer a new drinks list which includes a knock out Bloody Mary and a breakfast menu featuring steak and eggs, classic eggs Benedict with an Argentine twist, and the CAU full English breakfast.

FROM A ROMANTIC MEAL TO A PARTY BOOKING, YOU WILL BE WELL LOOKED AFTER

THE MENU

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15% oﬀ your food bill (eat in or takeaway) You must have the voucher with you, voucher cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, voucher must be presented before ordering drinks or food, only one voucher per group or table, management reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time, applies to main menu only not specials board, please let us know that you are using the voucher at the time of booking to avoid disappointment.

■ The team behind the acclaimed Zazu’s Kitchen restaurants have recently opened another pub after an extensive refurbishment of the Robin Hood’s Retreat on Gloucester Road. Now operating under the new name of The Grace, the pub has been redecorated and extended to include the pub’s iconic stained glass windows – previously a part of the ladies toilets – along with a refit of the kitchen, a new toilet block and improvements to the suntrap back patio. Styled as part continental bar, part local eaterie, The Grace offers a wide range of real ales, craft beers, cocktails and a quality wine list to go alongside the new menu. One of Bristol’s brightest young chefs, Wilf Penfold, has been taken on as head chef to deliver the new tapas style menu of small plates. Wilf has worked in many of the city’s finest kitchens including The Albion, the Kensington Arms and Berwick Lodge. Taking classic Andalucian tapas dishes as a starting point, the menu moves across Middle Eastern and Mediterranean territories taking in a few modern British tastes along the way. Diners can choose from a selection of tasty bar snacks to a selection of tapas-sized plates or even a pizzetta, the small but intensely flavoured pizzas. ■ Rosemarino, the popular Italian restaurant in Clifton which received the title Best Italian in Bristol for the third year running in the Bristol Good Food Awards, has opened a second restaurant at 90 Colston Street. Admired for their interpretation and delivery of regional Italian cuisine, they have an equally faithful following for their brunch offering too. The new sibling will continue in the same manner with all day dining choices aperitivo style, to tempt the pre-theatre and post-work crowd.

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BRISTOL UPDATES AUGUST.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2014 17:04 Page 1

WHAT’S | NEW

Airbus buys sculpture by water slide artist

sculpture produced by a Bristol-based artist has been officially unveiled by the Mayor of Bristol, George Ferguson at its new permanent home on the Airbus Aerospace Park in Filton. Named Aeolus after the ruler of the winds in Greek mythology, the artwork is the creation of local artist Luke Jerram – of Park Street water slide fame – and has visited locations across the UK before Airbus bought it as the centrepiece of their £70 million investment in the Filton facilities. Aeolus will also be a major part of an education project aimed at schoolchildren, and workshops developed and run by Airbus graduates will help youngsters uncover the aerodynamic and acoustic secrets of the sculpture. Head of Flight Physics Integration at Airbus in the UK, Behrooz Barzegar said: “The Aerospace Park continues the pioneering role of Filton in aviation, and Aeolus is very much a symbol of the future of aerospace in the UK and Bristol, as children visiting us here will also be considering the possibilities of a future career in aerospace and the relationship between art and engineering.”

New visitor centre at Westonbirt opened by Duchess

News in Brief ■ One of Bristol’s fastest growing estate agents has expanded into its new premises on Blackboy Hill. Cliftons Estate Agents officially opened the doors to their stylish new office last month – a double fronted; two storey shop designed to help clients feel relaxed and at ease throughout the buying, selling or letting process. Cliftons brand has quickly become associated with selling or letting quality while supplying high standards in service and offering a friendly but professional approach to all their customers. They deal with all aspects of the property market from sales, lettings and management, land and development as well as independent mortgage advice. The company already has two well established branches on Whiteladies Road and in Portishead.

Cliftons Estate Agents’ new office

■ New World Business Centre has opened its doors in the heart of Warmley, at a prime location between Bristol and Bath. A recently renovated building, the centre has been transformed into nine highquality, bright and spacious offices. Each office is fully furnished, has fibre optic internet, key fob entry and state of the art telecoms. Clients are able to access their office 24/7, plus the building also has a shower, business lounge and shared kitchen. It offers a fully manned reception, where calls can be answered in your company name and can also handle post, organise dry cleaning and assist with any administrative needs. Meeting areas are are also available, as well as facilities for telephone and video conferencing, plus a service providing refreshments. The centre offers licences from three to 12 months. Visit: www.newworldbusinesscentre.co.uk

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Westonbirt Arboretum, near Tetbury, has launched its new welcome centre, which was opened by The Duchess of Cornwall, Patron of the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum, marking the first phase of an exciting redevelopment of the site. This major redevelopment includes improved visitor facilities as well as a new interpretation centre where visitors will learn more about the arboretum's history, and the science behind caring for the world-class collection of trees and their landscape. The new welcome building provides an area for visitors to choose which route around the arboretum to follow and can learn all about this important collection of trees and the work carried out to conserve and develop it. The second phase of Westonbirt’s will see a new treetop walkway built, offering a different perspective of the tree collection.

BRISTOL UPDATES Ocean turns 30 Bristol based estate agents, Ocean, is celebrating 30 years of offering customers expert, friendly and professional help with all kinds of property matters. To mark the occasion, for every instruction Ocean receives over the next three months, it will donate £30 to Shelter in Bristol. It will also be saying a big Ocean thank you to the people of Bristol with a number of fun competitions and charity events – see the website for details: www.oceanhome.co.uk. Ocean will also be introducing a new look for the brand in September and later in the year, it will open its first office outside Bristol. Watch this space...

■ Bristol law firms Barcan Woodward and Kirby Sheppard have announced their intention to merge into one combined practice. The new firm, the name of which will be announced later this year, will fill a significant gap in the marketplace between small and large law firms in Bristol. The union between the two established firms will also broaden and strengthen the range and depth of legal services available to their existing clients, who are based around the south west and nationally. In addition to their shared specialisms, including family law, probate, conveyancing and personal injury, Kirby Sheppard has expertise in employment law, whilst Barcan Woodward has a highly respected and nationally recognised medical negligence division. The merger will build upon decades of collective experience and will also provide a strong foundation on which to develop new practice areas. The merger is expected to be confirmed in September and the new firm will launch in April 2015.

Bill Willcocks of Kirby Sheppard and Chris Miller of Barcan Woodward

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WHAT’S | NEW

THEATRE SCHOOL REDEVELOPMENT UNDERWAY

Gromit travels to Hong Kong Bristol charity phenomenon, Gromit Unleashed is set for international attention in a new exhibition of giant Gromit sculptures in Hong Kong, that launched last month. The Greatest Dog Show on Earth in Hong Kong will feature a display of 70 5ft and 3ft high sculptures on an ornate, two-tier carousel and a centre-piece 4m high Gromit. Last year, Gromit Unleashed gripped the city as 80 giant sculptures of Aardman’s lovable canine character formed a public arts trail in Bristol, raising millions for Bristol Children’s Hospital charity, Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal. Following its success, Gromit Unleashed has attracted attention from across the globe, requesting to replicate the initiative in their home countries. ELEMENTS mall in Hong Kong has teamed up with Gromit Unleashed organisers, Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal and Aardman Animations, to showcase the Gromit sculptures which have been individually designed and decorated by an array of top designers, celebrities and brands, including Gromit creator Nick Park, fellow Aardman designers Gavin Strange, Ashley Boddy and Richard Webber, renowned cosmetic brand, MAC and Mini Cooper. At the end of the exhibition, the giant sculptures will be auctioned in support of Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal.

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Work has begun on the £1.5m redevelopment of the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School’s premises in Clifton. The school, whose alumni include the likes of Daniel Day-Lewis, Patrick Stewart, Pete Postlethwaite, Jeremy Irons and Stephanie Cole, provides world class training for the professional arts and entertainment industry as well as contributing to the cultural life of the city of Bristol and the development of its young artists. In support of this work, a new building known as The Link will provide much needed additional rehearsal studios and a welcoming, accessible new entrance foyer to harmonise the school’s existing premises at Downside Road. Over £1m has been raised already from donors and the school has also invested a significant sum from its own reserves as part of its commitment to the project. The funds raised so far have enabled construction to get underway, with the new facilities due to open early in 2015, but the school is now appealing to Bristolians to raise the final £200,000 needed to fit out the new facilities with the most up-to-date equipment. For further information visit: www.oldvic.ac.uk

An artist’s impression of the new building

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CHARITY | PROFILE

TAKE COMFORT

Randy Comfort

Marianne Swinkels speaks to American born Randy Comfort, determined founder of Our Place, a Bristol support centre for all involved and affected by adoption and fostering

hen she was eight years old American born Randy Lee Comfort’s grandmother gave her a book which was to have a lifelong impact on her – along with the lives of many others. Not least right here in the Bristol environs. It was a story about a late 1800s pioneering social activist and reformer Jane Addams, a fellow United States woman who was so passionate about child welfare and working conditions, equality, justice and peace issues that she was recognised as the founder of the social work profession there and was the first American woman to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931. The book acted as an impetus for Randy to follow in Addams’ footsteps and was to shape both her personal and professional future. It started in earnest with a stint as a Peace Corps volunteer in a Brazilian shanty town, leaving her appalled and affected by the extreme poverty and conditions of the women and children living there. It proved to be a pivotal experience for the then young student and ignited a philanthropic desire to make a very real and positive difference to support people in need. She didn’t know then that she was to be a trailblazer in her own right on the other side of the Atlantic, single-handedly setting up a one-off support centre for all involved and affected by adoption and fostering. Or that she would go on to gain huge recognition for a personal vision that was at first met with pessimism and scepticism on this side of the pond.

❝ ...FROM MY OWN EXPERIENCE AS AN ADOPTIVE MUM I KNEW THAT I WAS PLUGGING A MUCH-NEEDED GAP

❞

But both the book and the trip had already kick-started an altruistic path, first as a trained social worker then as a mother of four, two of whom she had adopted, Randy had already cemented the foundations of the road she had wanted to follow. Armed by a wealth of personal experience of children with learning disorders and behavioural difficulties, clinical work, extensive research, a mid-life PhD degree in educational psychology and the publication of her first book The Unconventional Child, she looked for a fresh challenge. Luckily for many hundreds of children, parents, carers and professionals, Bristol was her place of choice for a year long sabbatical role helping teaching staff at the children’s hospital before heading back to the States. But she was soon to return. There was pretty much no stopping Randy Comfort, a determined woman with a big heart and a sense of humour well-used to the chuckle raised by her American name. Above all else, when she came back here to the city she had grown to love, she had a clear cut goal and was well ahead of her time in recognising the need to offer support for adoptive families, foster carers and the many children forced by difficult circumstances to find a new, often temporary, home. In 1998 at the age of 55, a time when others might start contemplating a quiet and cosy retirement, Randy opened the doors of an Eastville based building she had bought – and Our Place was born. 58 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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Even just 15 years ago, adoption and fostering issues were given scant attention, resources were sparse, knowledge limited, and emotional and practical support for those families and youngsters in the frontline virtually non-existent. Although her charity was a genuine one-off, its integrity unquestionable, its aims supportive, its ever evolving activities, workshops, talks, outings, advice and information services available to anyone who sought them, Our Place still had to work hard to find its own place in the early days. Especially as Randy, who had been left a Trust Fund after her father’s death, self-funded the entire charity and was doggedly determined that any person or family wanting anything from the centre should not have to pay a penny. “At first I was discouraged by the adversity I encountered from social services, the very body I had belonged to professionally and philosophically for so many years,” says Randy. “Adoption support was not yet on the Government’s agenda and there was some mistrust about a charitable organisation that was not going to charge anyone for anything. Our Place families didn’t have to be evaluated and didn’t have to fit into pigeon-holes and this also sometimes made others cynical. “But from my own experience as an adoptive mum I knew that I was plugging a much-needed gap and in spite of the odds, there was soon clearly no doubt from adoptive and fostering families that Our Place was providing an invaluable service which was otherwise completely unavailable to them.” Much has changed for the better over the 15 years since the centre, with its continuously rated Outstanding Ofsted inspections, opened as a place to gain understanding and be understood; to share from others in the same boat and learn the latest from world renowned experts about the emotional development and behaviours of children who have been abandoned, neglected, abused, exposed to violence or affected by drug abuse. As Randy, 71, who has now handed the Our Place reins over to Bristol based CCS Adoption, an independent voluntary adoption charity, reflects: “There’s still much to learn and do to raise more awareness and support. I’ve every hope that the world of adoption and fostering will grow stronger. “When I’d finished reading Grandma’s book I knew there would be twists and turns in the road, but when I look back now the route I followed was relatively straight, although not at all narrow.” n For information visit the CCS Adoption website: www.ccsadoption@org

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Mum, voiceover artist and BBC Radio Bristol presenter, Faye Dicker, meets the Bristol businesses that make family life easier...

ne of the things I love since starting Freelance Mum, is discovering ingenious businesses. Little gems of ideas, which have flourished into fully fledged professions. Meeting people who have suddenly had that gear change moment, from all walks of life. In this case, ‘walk’ being the operative word. As when it comes to business, it’s all about walking the walk. More importantly, walking the walk with the Clever Dog Lead. Suzie Worthington and Amy Newton are the brains behind the business. They met over 10 years ago when they both worked for ITV. Since then Suzie has become a photographer and mum to Poppy, while Amy has retrained and become a lawyer. The pair of them are dog lovers and both questioned why was it the simple act of tying up a dog lead, such a clunky and fussy business? Not to mention, even more tricky when you add a pushchair into the mix. After months of chatting in the garden, they could see both a problem and a solution all in one. The solution was simple – to invent The Clever Dog Lead, a fuss-free, child-friendly way to secure your dog. Now, I might not be a dog owner, but I am a mum – and I can appreciate anything that makes other parents’ lives easier. In fact, you don’t have to be a parent to appreciate its simplicity. I met up with Suzie, Amy and Badger (the dog) to see it in action. We met one

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sunny afternoon and took a walk through Greville Smyth Park. The first thing that struck me about the dog lead was the colour – a bright orange, which really stands out. Though I hasten to add, you can also choose from other colours. It’s made from BioThane, which in short means it’s very strong. When we chatted they explained how they’d recently put it through its paces and used a lead to tow a car! But what makes it really clever is the fact there is a unique clip in the handle, which means you can secure your dog in one fell swoop. Leaving you with two hands to tend to your child/pick up your shopping/gesticulate to your friends. No tripping over yourself or getting into a tangle. In a jiffy it’s done. The thing that I loved about chatting to Suzie and Amy was their passion. They clearly both love what they have come up with – in fact, from initial concept to clasping it in their hands, the whole thing took 12 months. Which let’s face it, in business is some going. It’s even more impressive when you think they are both juggling other work Faye Dicker talks to Amy Newton, commitments and image by SDK Photography family. Contracts were signed in a sleep deprived state while Poppy was suffering with colic. One of my most frequently asked questions – both to myself and to other mums in business, is ‘is it completely bonkers?’, to date Suzie has given me the best answer. “Yes – it is completely bonkers, which means I must be doing the right thing then!” After an hour of walking and talking with them it was clear to see they have a fab product. Both in look, design and function, it really does have it all. So life might be a little bonkers, but they are walking out in style. n Visit: www.freelancemum.co.uk

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FAMILY | WHAT’S ON

HOLIDAY TIME Use our guide to plan quality time with your little ones throughout the summer holidays. From family friendly theatre and steam train rides to storytelling, outdoor adventures and creative activities, there’s something for all ages to enjoy

Go Aloft at SS Great Britain

Characters from Clay with Aardman at M Shed

Go Aloft, SS Great Britain, daily Step into the shoes of a Victorian sailor and climb the rigging of the SS Great Britain for an exhilarating view of Bristol, 27 metres above the ground. Cost: £10 in addition to entry fee.

New exhibition at At-Bristol: Food! The latest hands-on exhibition at At-Bristol will get your taste buds tingling as you pop corn using light energy, grind your own grain, create sugar explosions and converse with a robot chef – plus lots more. Lose yourself in this sensory arcade, where you can get involved in the experimental kitchen and interactive greenhouse and journey on some surprising foodie adventures. General admission charges apply. For further information visit: www.at-bristol.org.uk.

Family Explorer Kits, available at M Shed and Bristol Museum & Art Gallery Discover the museums afresh with an Explorer Kit – try the photo trail, take a closer look with binoculars, a magnifying glass and more. Suitable for under 7s. £2 to hire, plus deposit.

Get Creative, M Shed, Every Thursday, 10am – 12pm To coincide with the M Shed’s Wallace & Gromit: From the Drawing Board exhibition, every week there’s an opportunity to get your creative juices flowing, inspired by everyday objects and the world of Wallace & Gromit. Artists will be on hand with a few simple materials to help you create some amazing characters, stories and plots. Free with exhibition entry. Activity takes place in the Kitchen within the exhibition.

Leap of Faith at Wild Place Project The Wild Place Project has unveiled its new adventure course, Leap of Faith, which stands 12 metres tall and is a test of nerves for all the family, with seven different challenges to take on. On the 3G Power Swing participants are hauled into the air while strapped to a giant swing via a harness before the release pin is pulled, plunging the swing through the air at high speed. There are also climbing walls, a leap of faith, a crate stack challenge, a climbing pole and giant ladder. Tickets cost from £8 per 62 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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person and are available for aged 5+. For more information visit: www.wildplace.org.uk

Forest Forays, Arnos Vale, 4 – 8 August Try out a week of forest school style activities in the woods at Arnos Vale. The session will be filled with games, craft activities and bushcraft work. Children will have a go at a range of skills and new experiences that will build confidence while making friends. They can enjoy exploring nature throughout the day in the new outdoor classroom in the heart of the woodland. Cost: £10 per session, £45 for the week. For more information visit: www.arnosvale.org.uk/events.

Wellie Wanders, Arnos Vale, 4 – 8 August Take a gentle guided stroll with your little ones in the woods and have fun discovering nature and exploring the outdoors. Cost: £10 Per family.

Sea Hear Storytelling, SS Great Britain, Tuesday 5 August, 11am Free imaginative sea-faring adventures for preschool children. Sarah Mooney’s mix of original tales with new twists on classic legends reveal the mischief and mayhem of life on board the ship.

Family days at Blaise Castle Estate, Wednesdays 6, 13, 20, 27 & Thursday 7 August, 12.30pm – 3.30pm Enjoy the castle’s open day and treasure hunt around Castle Hill. Pick up a map at the castle and follow it trying to find items that the giant Goram has left around. Cost: £1 entry for children. For more information contact the Estate Office on tel: 0117 353 2266.

Summer school performance (with Travelling Light and Bristol Old Vic), M Shed, Friday 8 August, 4pm Join young people from local theatre groups for a work-in-progress performance, exploring the rich history of Wapping Wharf. For ages 11+. For further information tel: 0117 352 6600 or visit: www.bristolmuseums.org.uk.

Daleks outside Fleet Air Arm Museum

Bristol Harbour Railway Train Rides, M Shed, 9 & 10 August and 23 – 25 August, 12pm – 5pm Be transported back to the days of steam and take a ride along the harbour on the Henbury Steam Locomotive on Britain’s only city-centre dockside steam railway. Cost: all day rover £4, single/return to SS Great Britain £1/£2, single/return to Create Centre £2/£3, under 6s travel free. Look out for special Driver for a Fiver opportunities, where you can take the driver’s seat of the locomotive for £5.

Characters From Clay with Aardman, M Shed, Tuesdays 12 & 26 August, 12pm & 2pm (1 hour workshop) Make your favourite character – Gromit, Shaun the Sheep or Morph, with the help of Aardman’s expert model makers. Suitable for ages 4+. Tickets cost £3 for children and £5 for an adult. Booking is essential. Tel: 0117 352 6600. Keep your workshop ticket to visit the Wallace & Gromit: From the Drawing Board exhibition for half price on the day (or an alternative day if fully booked).

Invasion of the Daleks, Fleet Air Arm Museum, Yeovilton, Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 August, from 10am The National Museum of the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm is on high alert this summer anticipating an invasion of Daleks. Organised in conjunction with the Charity Dalek Squad and Charity Sci-Fi, this year’s invasion will see new characters and Daleks taking to the stage and terrifying visitors. There will also be celebrities, traders in Dr Who merchandise, face painting and family activities. Children are encouraged to wear sci-fi fancy dress and there will be an opportunity to make your own Dalek too. The day will finish with a parade of the Daleks through the museum ending under Concorde for a giant photo opportunity. Normal museum entry prices apply: adult £14, concessions £12, child (5-15yrs) £12 and family (2 adults & 2 children) £40. Tickets available in advance from: www.fleetairarm.com or tel: 01935 840565. Tickets include entry to the museum which houses more than 90 aircraft including the first British Concorde.

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FAMILY | WHAT’S ON

Scooby Doo: The Mystery of the Pyramid, Bristol Hippodrome, Sunday 17 August, 2.30pm & 6.30pm The Warner Bros’ cartoon classic comes to life live on stage as Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Velma and Daphne solve the mystery of Pharaoh Hatchepsout’s Pyramid in Egypt. Not an easy task when you have to deal with mysterious mummies plus the wrath of the Pharaoh who will transform anyone who dares to approach into stone. The whole family will enjoy this 90-minute show packed full of comedy, popular tunes and special effects. Tickets from the box office in person, on tel: 0844 871 3012 or visit: www.atgtickets.com/bristol.

Bird Bonanza, Arnos Vale, Tuesday 19 August Explore the woods and discover the birds that live, sing and feed there. Then make a bird feeder to take home.

What the Ladybird Heard, Colston Hall, 19 – 24 August Two crafty robbers, one tiny ladybird, and a whole farmyard of fun will take over Colston Hall in a family friendly production of What the Ladybird Heard. Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len have a cunning plan to steal the farmer’s fine prize cow, forgetting the tiniest, quietest creature of all: the ladybird, who has a plan all to herself! Join the woolly sheep, the hairy hog, the fat red hen and the dainty dog in this new, colourful, farmyard adventure by Julia Donaldson, author of The Gruffalo. Based on the award-winning picture book, this stage adaptation consists of live music, puppetry, plenty of audience participation and lots of laughs to create a rollicking barnyard mystery. Book tickets at the box office on tel: 0844 887 1500 or visit: www.colstonhall.org. What the Ladybird Heard

Shrek the Musical, Bristol Hippodrome, 19 August – 7 September Direct from the West End, Shrek the Musical is a show for all the family, based on the awardwinning DreamWorks animation film. Join the unlikely hero and his loyal steed Donkey as they embark on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona from a fire breathing, love-sick dragon. Add the diminutive Lord Farquaad, a gang of fairytale misfits, and a biscuit with attitude, and you’ve got a big, bright musical comedy featuring all new songs as well as Shrek anthem I’m a Believer. Recommended for ages 5+. Tickets from the box office in person, on tel: 0844 871 3012 or visit: www.atgtickets.com/bristol.

Outdoor Theatre: The Jungle Book, Tyntesfield Estate, Wednesday 20 August, gates open 6pm for picnics, performance at 6.30pm In this adaptation by award-winning writer Laura Turner, The Jungle Book’s animal characters are brought to life to create an enchanting and fun-filled musical show for children of all ages. Join Mowgli on his wonderful adventures with Baloo, Bagheera and Shere Khan. Tickets: adults, £16.50; children, £9; families from £33.50. For further information visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield.

Vertical Extreme rock climbing, Tyntesfield Estate, Saturday 23 August, 11am – 4pm In the National Trust’s list of 50 things to do before you’re 11¾, it features rock climbing, so head to the National Trust’s Tyntesfield Estate to try the Vertical Extreme mobile wall. With a range of grades, there will be something to challenge everyone, adults too. Open to all aged two and above. Cost: £5 per person after normal admission.

Revolution at Tyntesfield, 24 & 25 August, 10am – 4pm Step back in time to the late 18th century as the grounds come alive to the sights and sounds of life as a solider of King George III, during the great struggle for power in America. The day’s activities culminate in a grand skirmish, which pits the forces of His Majesty against the American rebels. Normal garden admission applies. Summer fun at Berkeley Castle

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Summer fun at Berkeley Castle, until 27 August, Sunday – Wednesday, 11am – 5pm On Sundays take part in a range of arts and crafts activities including shield making, castle modelling and quizzes. On Mondays hear animated tales with hand puppets; learn a few tricks from Monty the jester on Tuesdays and try your hand at archery on Wednesdays. Entry: adults £10, junior (3-16) £5.50, children under 2 free, family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) £24 and concessions £8.50. For further information visit: www.berkeley-castle.com

Musical Picnic Day, St George’s Bristol, Sunday 31 August, 11.30am – 3.30pm A fun-packed family day of music, storytelling, workshops and picnics inside and out at St George’s – featuring the wonderful musicians, presenters and storytellers of St George’s very own children’s series Mini Beats and Wild Words, music from the Bristol Community Big Band and the chance to eat your picnic in the lovely grounds. For a full programme of the day’s events, visit: www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk. Tickets: adults £3, under 18s free, but must be booked in advance. Box office tel: 0845 40 24 001.

Summer Trail, Tyntesfield Estate, Until Sunday 31 August, 10am – 6pm (last trails available at 3pm) There are two trails in one to complete as you explore the National Trust’s Tyntesfield estate finding ordinary or extraordinary objects. You’ll need to hunt high and low to find them all to claim your prize. Cost: £2.50 per trail.

Wallace & Gromit From the Drawing Board, M Shed, until 7 September Immerse yourself in the story-making process of Aardman’s award-winning Wallace & Gromit films. Wander through a home developed by Aardman, especially for M Shed, and experience the quirky and the unexpected. Find out how the funny storylines are created, what inspires their Bristol based makers and see how the much loved characters have developed over time. You’ll be able to see recognisable film sets, Nick Park’s notebook and see the rocket from A Grand Day Out. Tickets: adult £5.95, child £3.95, concessions £4.95, family tickets £14.95. Free day on Wednesday 20 August. Shrek the Musical at the Bristol Hippodrome

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BUSINESS | PROFILE

Setting the wheels in motion Samantha Coleman meets two Bristol-based graduates who have recently launched their own business producing a range of women’s cycle wear

t’s a tough job situation for graduates to be in currently – what with so many people already unemployed and companies downsizing and stopping recruitment and training of new, young talent. But two Bristol graduates have taken the initiative and bold step to start their own business instead – producing road cycle wear especially for women. The company’s name, Fierlan, might be an unusual one, but there’s meaning behind it. “We chose the name because it’s an old English word for journey and distance – highlighting the fact that we’re a British sporting brand. It’s also quite soft-sounding which emphasizes that it’s a feminine range of clothing,” says Emily Buzzo, co-owner of the company with her business partner and friend Lucy Gardner. The two met in college here in Bristol, went to different universities, but when they came back to the city after graduating last summer, they found they were both looking for jobs. The pair are keen cyclists and the idea behind Fierlan came about last winter when they realised a gap in the market for feminine road cycle wear. “We couldn’t find anything that suited our needs,” says Emily. “Many women’s cycling clothes are just men’s styles scaled down, which doesn’t work. We dreamed of jerseys that weren’t too big on the shoulders and too tight on our hips.” With Emily’s qualifications and background in graphic design and Lucy’s in performance sports wear, they knew that together they could come up with a business model that would fill the gap in the market that they’d spotted. “We drew up some women-specific patterns, considering curves, shape, comfort and style and then came up with a business plan. After a lot of research, we started finalising designs and looking at different fabric samples. Our patterns are cut specifically for Fierlan in the UK and the garments are made to a high standard in Italy, by people who have worked in cycle clothing manufacture longer than we’ve been alive,” says Lucy.

❝ WE DREAMED OF JERSEYS THAT WEREN’T TOO BIG ON THE SHOULDERS AND TOO TIGHT ON OUR HIPS

❞

After opening a studio here in Bristol, Fierlan’s first collection was launched last month, showcasing styles suitable for spring and summer in sizes XS to XL and all designed by Emily and Lucy with a woman’s body shape and needs in mind. Emily and Lucy understand their customers’ needs perfectly and fine details have been considered in every item in the range, which includes everything from bib shorts to a gilet. Importantly, there are reflective elements on all the outer wear pieces while base layers are made from a fine wool blend to keep the wearer warm on colder days. All pieces have UV protection, are opaque (so no embarrassing see-through legging situations) and the shorts have a silicon gripper so they keep tight to your leg. In the collection you’ll also find flattering high waisted styles and women-specific seat pads sewn in. “We want to be able to support existing sportswomen and encourage new riders to get out on their bikes and get sweaty in the name of fun. Our collection is practical but with special consideration to style. We know we perform better when we’re looking good!” says Emily. Tested by three top female cyclists on different types of roads and distances, and in all sorts of weather conditions, the capsule collection of six essential pieces includes: 64 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

AUGUST 2014

Emily Buzzo and Lucy Gardner

• A gilet – with wind-proof and reflective elements. Stretch side panels to ensure a perfect fit. Silicone gripper along bottom of back hem. Three rear pockets (one zipped). • Shorts – high-waisted. Women-specific pads. Silicon gripper around the thigh. Dual reflective tabs at the back. • A jersey – with a silicone gripper so stays in one place and doesn’t bunch up at the front. Three pockets, including one zipped. Cut with a flattering princess line shape. • Base layer – Made from a soft fabric of fine wool blend jersey. Flattering cut. • Sports bra – Full support with cut away shoulders for freedom of movement. Lycra front and back panels. Mesh side panels for ventilation. • Bib shorts – can be worn alone on hot days or as a base layer on colder days. Created in a high density, opaque fabric. Offer 50+ Uv/ubf protection. Breathable. An accessible small pocket on the right leg. Centre front zip for easy on-and-off. Mesh back panel for ventilation. Women-specific seat pads. Lucy says: “All garments are versatile and can be mixed and matched within our range or with an existing sportswear wardrobe.” The collection is currently being sold on Fierlan’s website – www.fierlan.com – but Lucy and Emily have plans to sell in bike shops in the future. And never ones to stand still, the pair are already working on an autumn/winter collection in-keeping with same styles and cuts of the current collection, but with longer lengths and warmer fabrics, which will be launched later on in the year. They are also currently looking for an investor with whom they can take the business further. “We have plans to branch out into other disciplines, for example, clothes for triathlons,” says Lucy. “It’s a natural step for us to grow the business. It’s our aim to encourage more women to get cycling and be more active and comfortable with it.” n For further information and to see the full collection, visit: www.fierlan.com or to keep up to date with Fierlan’s news, follow them on Twitter: @fierlancycling and Instagram: @fierlancycling. Images by James Bannister: www.jamesbannister.co.uk

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BUSINESS | PROFILE

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ACTIVE | PURSUITS

THE RUNNING BUG

The rural 10k in Malmesbury

Whether you dipped your toe into the world of running with the Bristol 10k, skipped round the Race For Life 5k, or watched the London Marathon on telly, there’s a race out there for you to run. Jane Duffus pulls on her trainers…

hese days, running isn’t just for Olympic athletes sweating out a 10-hour training session six days a week. It’s for everyone. And what’s so brilliant about running is that unlike many other sports you don’t need to join an expensive gym, buy fancy kit or even join a team… you can simply pull on a pair of trainers and hit the

streets. In Bristol, we’re spoilt for choice with parks to run around or waterways to jog beside. So you can top up your vitamin D supply and get some fresh air while also boosting your health: the NHS confirms that regular running can reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke and type two diabetes. The NHS’s Couch to 5k programme is an excellent way to get started. By following the walk/run programme (which you can download and listen to as

❝ THE NHS CONFIRMS THAT REGULAR RUNNING CAN REDUCE YOUR RISK OF HEART DISEASE, STROKE AND TYPE TWO DIABETES

❞ Women’s Running 10k

a podcast), you’ll progress from being completely unfit to running for 30 minutes in just nine weeks. Honestly, it works! As you get more confident, you’ll find lots of tips in Bristol’s bustling running community. You could join the Facebook group Bristol Running Buddy to find someone to keep you company. Or pop into the Up And Running store in Westbury Park, which is run by two-time Olympian Nick Rose. But there is nothing like the thrill of race day. There are distances to suit everybody, from a 5k fun run to a 46-mile ultra-marathon and beyond, and you can do all of these without having to step far from your Bristol home. Here are some upcoming races in the area to whet your whistle: ■ 5km, 31 August, Colour Me Rad, Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet This joyous race is perfect for those who just want to run for fun. Dress in white, because at every kilometre marker you will be pelted with powdered paint so that you emerge the colour of the rainbow. ■ 14 September, Run For The Future, Durdham Downs, Bristol Supporting the Bristol Urological Institute, this run is fundraising to tackle prostate cancer. BBC Bristol presenters Steve Lefevre and Ali Vowles will be hosing this family event, which has raised more than a quarter of a million pounds so far and boasts Noel Edmonds as a supporter. ■ 15 November, Mo Run, Ashton Court, Bristol Part of the annual Movember charity events, this run is supporting Prostate Cancer UK. Men and women are encouraged to dress up and stick on moustaches as they tear around the course. You even get a moustache-shaped medal at the end! ■ Every Saturday, Park Run, Ashton Court, Bristol Every Saturday, at parks all around the world, runners meet to share the experience of a 5k run. It’s free to enter but supportive to do. There’s no time limit, no pressure and a great atmosphere.

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ACTIVE | PURSUITS

■ 10km, 2 August, Women’s Running, Blaise Castle, Bristol Returning for a second year, this all-female event is part of a UK-wide series encouraging women of all abilities to tackle a 10k race. The Blaise Castle route goes through the woods, so beautiful sights are guaranteed.

Women’s Running 10k

■ 30 August, Malmesbury Carnival, Wiltshire As part of the carnival, there’s always a rural 10k. Some of the route goes along The Old Fosse Way, which is the oldest Roman road in the UK, and the rest of the track takes in country lanes. ■ Half-Marathon, 21 September, Bristol Half Marathon If you liked the Bristol 10k in May then you’ll love the city’s half marathon. It starts off following the same course and then doubles up in length to take in even more of our wonderful city. Running along the Portway and under the suspension bridge is heavenly, and the support from the crowd really spurs you forward. ■ 25 October, Ashton Court RUN10k, Bristol This follows a testing 10k trail through the hilly paths of the Ashton Court estate. Not one for the faint hearted for a number of reasons: one of which is that there will also be runners in Halloween fancy dress. Eek! ■ Ultra-Marathon, 7 March 2015, The Green Man, Bristol With no traditional marathons in our immediate area, the hardy among us might consider an ultramarathon – which is any length longer than a 26.3-mile marathon. The Green Man UltraMarathon is a 46-mile course through the community forest path around Bristol. Think you can’t do it? So did local man Ira Rainey, who has since written the funny and poignant book Fat Man To Green Man (Tangent Books) about the challenge. n

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Run For The Future

AUGUST 2014

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HEALTH | & BEAUTY

Mediterranean beauty Embrace the seaside scents and sun-kissed colours of your favourite holiday destinations. From azure blue to beautiful bronze, fill your summer makeup bag with fresh bold colours and wear with pride! Rachelle Howells, Beyond Beauty manager at Harvey Nichols Bristol, picks her favourite Med-inspired must-haves

1: Acqua di Parma Blu Mediterraneo Ginepro di Sardegna EDT (75ml), £54 2: Benefit Sunbeam complexion highlighter, £19.50 3: Butter London mascara, £15 4: Deborah Lippmann nail lacquer - Mermaid's Dream, £18 5: Creme de la Mer World Oceans Day limited edition moisturising cream, £290 6: EOS tangerine lip balm, £7.50 7: Laura Mercier shimmer bloc, £32 8: Laura Mercier bronzing gel, £26 9: NARS Illuminator, £22.50 10: Tom Ford Jasmin Rouge nail lacquer, £26 11: Sisley Phyto-Touches peach gold duo, £64.50 12: Tom Ford Neroli Portofino EDP, £140 (50ml) All products featured are available from the ground floor beauty hall at Harvey Nichols Bristol

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HEALTH | & BEAUTY

FIT & FAB

NEWS IN BRIEF ■ A new Bristol bike ride, starting and ending at Blaise Castle, is set to take place on Sunday 28 September, in aid of the Stroke Association, offering a choice of 25, 50 and 100-mile distances. Organised by Bristol-based Bike Events, routes take in quiet scenic roads, passing through places such as Pucklechurch, Wooton-under-Edge and the Severn Valley near Berkeley Castle. Entry: from £17.50, including route map, refreshment stops and water bottle refilling stations, pick-up vehicles, chip timing and a festive finale with refreshment stalls, entertainment and sports massage area. Visit: www.bike-events.co.uk

The latest health and beauty news in the city

Glowing glamour A sensual look for balmy summer evenings...

■ Reebok has opened a FitHub within Debenhams in Broadmead, a special area showcasing Reebok’s sportswear for both the experienced and novice fitness enthusiast and a place where there will be ongoing fitness advice available. Those training for the Bristol Half Marathon are encouraged to visit the new hub and ask questions and pick up some top training tips too.

Clockwise from left: Aveda’s latest hair product, Smooth Infusion Naturally Straight (£21.50) is an innovative styling creme that progressively loosens curls and sleekens kinks so that hair becomes straighter after each application – leaving you with super sleek hair, an elegant look for any evening out; summer makeup should be quick and easy to apply and the Surf & Sand Collection from Bobbi Brown allows any woman to achieve a radiant glow effortlessly – limited edition Sheer Lip Colors, £19.50, and eye palette, £48, modelled by Kate Upton

REVIEW

HOT HAIR Samantha Coleman visits the Seanhanna hair salon in Quakers Friars to sample the new blow-dry menu

hat do you do when you’ve had a busy, stressful week at work and you haven’t had time to prepare for a special occasion or fabulous event that you’re going to, so your hair is a mess and you feel like a mess? The answer: get a blow-dry. Forget dip-dye and pixie crops, the latest craze to hit hair salons is a blow-dry menu. Simply walk in, browse the menu, choose your favourite look and the stylist will create it for you in a flash – just like a cocktail. In Bristol you can find this service at Seanhanna in Quakers Friars – a salon that offers a top experience through a combination of excellent hairdressing skills and customer care.

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It was just like being in a restaurant – I sat down in a comfortable chair and was offered a menu of styles to choose from – six in total: The Big Body, which gives maximum volume for smooth and wavy styles; Finished Ends, a smooth, polished look which encourages the ends of the hair to move freely; The Ponytail, a classic chic updo with added volume; Structured Waves, where soft, loose waves are created from the roots; The Wavy One, with loosely tousled ends and big volume; and The Waterfall Plait, an elegant look intricately styled around your parting. I chose Finished Ends, and after a refreshing drink, was taken over to the basin – complete with massage chair – for a luxury shampoo, conditioner and relaxing head massage. Then came the professional blow-dry and I watched intently as top stylist Noel used his special techniques on my frizzy, thick hair to create a wonderful sleek style with plenty of movement that I would never have been able to do at home. No matter what kind of hair you have – thick, long, curly or straight, the Seanhanna team can give you a perfect finished look. Walk in feeling flat and leave feeling fabulous in no time at all. Easy. For more information visit: www.seanhanna.com. n

WIN! We are offering one lucky reader the chance to win a blow-dry service at Seanhanna. Just answer the following question: How many styles are there to choose from on the blow dry menu? Email your answer, along with your name, address and telephone number, with ‘Seanhanna Competition’ in the subject line, to: competitions@thebristolmagazine.co.uk. Deadline for entries: Friday 29 August.

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hair

CARLO &beauty M

MOROCCANOIL ®

Stockists

Main stockists of REDKEN

Tel: 0117 968 2663 • www.carlohairandbeauty.co.uk 6 Rockleaze Rd, Sneyd Park, Bristol BS9 1NF

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MANAGING PAIN EFFECTIVELY

any people throughout the UK suffer with long-term pain, from being diagnosed with ongoing conditions such as arthritis to complaints that are harder to fully understand but all too common, like back pain. Mr Ian Harding is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon who specialises in spinal conditions at Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital – The Chesterfield. He believes that whatever the cause of a patient’s pain, the solution is the same – if things aren’t settling early on seek help and don’t just keep reaching for the painkillers. Mr Harding, said: “It’s important that patients get the help they need to Ian Harding understand all the treatment options and the best possible treatment for the type of pain they are dealing with. A lack of knowledge or fear about treatment can lead some patients into long-term suffering and use of painkillers, often without a clear diagnosis by a specialist. This can have a significant negative impact on a patient’s life and in the worst cases can lead to them becoming depressed, perhaps losing their job or even becoming dependent on pain medication. “We now have a better understanding of what causes pain and with advances in medicine there are now many new treatment options available and it’s important that patients are aware of this good news. Physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic, exercise programmes, injections or even surgery may be may be more appropriate.” Back issues are one of the most common causes of pain. It is estimated that four out of five of us will experience back pain at some point in our lives. And, while it’s important to get professional advice, especially if pain is impacting your daily life or waking you up at night, there are things people can do to help alleviate some pain themselves. “Those who suffer can do a lot to help manage their own pain and take back control of their health,” said Andrea George, a Senior Physiotherapist at Nuffield Health. “For example staying active is extremely important. I appreciate this can often be difficult if you work in an office environment but simple things can make a big difference. Firstly you should check that your WWW.THEBRISTOLMAGAZINE.CO.UK

workstation is set up correctly. Position the chair close to the desk and adjust the back support to the upper body. Your elbows should be level with the desk, and the top of the computer at eye level. You should try not to stay in one position for too long and ensure regular movement by getting up and walking around. “From a wider exercise perspective, walking and swimming are excellent forms of gentle exercise which can have a really positive impact on back and joint pain. Yoga or pilates can also improve flexibility and help to strengthen muscles.” “Physiotherapy can also be highly effective in the treatment of back pain but is often overlooked because it’s unfamiliar or misunderstood. I would definitely urge anyone who is suffering from persistent or chronic pain to attend our free event on 22 September to find out more about some of the treatment options open to them.”

Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital The Chesterfield is hosting a free Meet the Experts – Let’s Talk Back Pain event on 22 September from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. The event is open to everyone and offers the chance to meet with Mr Harding, as well as Dr Murli Krishna, a Consultant in Pain Medicine, and Dr Stuart Miller, a specialist in Sports Medicine. For more information visit www.nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/bristol or call 0117 405 8102.

Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital The Chesterfield, 3 Clifton Hill, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1BN Tel: 0117 405 8102 • www.nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/bristol AUGUST 2014

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Kelly French Professional

Foot Care

Treatment in the comfort of your own home For the professional treatment of: • Corns

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• Ingrowing Toe Nails Contact Kelly On: 07896152413 Email: kelly_french_4@hotmail.com S.A.C. Dip. (Foot Health Practioner)

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‘Food as Medicine’ changed my life. Luisa Costa, a dentist, talks about how being helped with her own health problems by a Nutritional Therapist led her to study Nutrition at CNM (College of Naturopathic Medicine).

come from a medical family and I’m a practicing dentist. Yet none of my training had led me to consider Food as Medicine. I’d never thought about the possibility that the right Nutrition could be a remedy for the digestive problems from which I’d suffered since my teenage years. I’m not sure what I watched or read about good Nutrition helping people’s ailments, but I ended up going to see a Naturopathic Nutritional Therapist, and that was the beginning of my journey to health and extra vitality. I’m a different person since the Nutritional therapist showed me that the symptoms I had been suffering from, including secondary symptoms such as weight issues, were related to significant digestive problems I had as a result of the food I was eating. She worked with me to identify the areas that were problems for me, and to address them through dietary and lifestyle changes. She has taught me how to listen to my body, and that I have free choices I can make about my health. Since I’ve been consulting her I feel so much healthier and my approach to life is happier and more positive. It’s no co-incidence, as I’ve now learnt how the food that you put into your body affects not only physical function but your mood, too. Intrigued by the power of Nutrition to address so many aspects of health, I joined a course in Bristol, called Nutrition for Everyday Living. It’s a Short Course run over a couple of weekends, by CNM, the College of Naturopathic Medicine, which is also where my Nutritional Therapist had trained for 3 years for her diploma in Naturopathic Nutrition. The Short Course is all about providing basic knowledge of nutrition to help people make genuinely healthy food choices, and I found it fascinating to re-inforce what I’d been learning through my Nutritional Therapist, and all the practical ways in which I could help myself by making such simple everyday changes. I loved it! In fact I found the Short Course so inspiring that I wanted to take things to a deeper level. So I enrolled on CNM’s diploma course in Naturopathic Nutrition, which focuses on the same holistic, natural approach to health, and combines academic and practical training. It means that I’m busy studying in Bristol on a number of weekends throughout the year, whilst practicing as a dentist in Bath during the week, but I see studying something you enjoy as refreshing, not hard. My medical training exempted me from the first year of study, which covers Biomedicine, but I was curious and wanted to get started and to refresh my knowledge, WWW.THEBRISTOLMAGAZINE.CO.UK

so I joined the class anyway, although late in the year. I find the lectures absolutely captivating and engaging and our lecturer, who is inspiring and accessible, makes sure that we understand things rather than just memorize them. We students sit with our eyes wide open in amazement at the things we learn in class. I can’t wait to begin the first year of my Nutrition study this October. My fellow students are a lovely group of ladies and just one man! We all have the same interest in natural health and Nutrition, and Luisa Costa everyone is very supportive of one another. Most of my classmates plan to practice as Nutritional Therapists when they graduate, but I’d like to see if I can merge all my knowledge to help my dental clients. Like every other part of our bodies, the health of teeth and gums is very dependent on good Nutrition!

Attend a FREE CNM Open Evening in Bristol Thursday 14th August 6.30pm-8.30pm Find out about training with CNM Bristol for a career in Naturopathic Nutrition or Naturopathic Acupuncture. Venue: Trinity College, Stoke Hill, Stoke Bishop, Bristol, BS9 1JP FREE ENTRANCE, but please reserve your place.

01342 410 505 info@naturopathy-uk.com or book on-line at:

www.naturopathy-uk.com Date for your diary: Thursday 30th October 6.30pm-8.30pm Vaccination- The Question: A seminar by Dr Jayne Donegan. See website for details.

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BRISTOL | HISTORY

WHAT’S IN A NAME? As part of a series of features looking at the significance and origins of place names in Bristol, Becky Elliot looks at the history of Sea Mills

icturesque Sea Mills is a tranquil spot, situated on the lush green banks of the Avon and home to a pretty harbour of pleasure boats that bob gently on the silvery waters at high tide. Initially called Portus Abona – the port on the Avon – by Roman settlers in 55 AD, its modern name is Anglo Saxon in origin, combining the Old English for packhorse – seam – with the still recognisable mill. These linguistic roots evoke a charming picture of the area at that time – a rural idyll on the river, complete with water-powered grain mill and horses ready to transport wares to the neighbouring farms. While not dissimilar to the pleasant quietude that still defines the area today, this image is a far cry from the deadly trade that sullied its banks during the 18th century. The story begins with local merchant Joshua Franklyn, who in 1712 constructed a wet dock at Sea Mills – the first of its kind in the UK, preceding that in Liverpool by five years. Franklyn devised his harbour to provide a safe place for large ocean vessels to anchor on the outskirts of Bristol, preventing them running the gauntlet of the Avon whose route grew increasingly tortuous as it twisted its way inland. From this point, he reckoned, they could unload their goods to be taken in to the city on horseback. Unfortunately, the quality of the surrounding roads did not match the extent of his ambition, and instead cargo ships were employed to carry the imports upriver. This negated the purpose of Franklyn’s dock, and soon even the

largest ships bypassed it and instead braved a longer route along the river to reach the larger port at Hotwells. The wet dock would have fallen into disrepair had it not been for a piece of government legislation that both secured its immediate future, and also sealed its fate as the site of a further blight on Bristol’s notorious maritime history. For over 150 years, whale oil and bone (baleen) had been valuable commodities in the Western world. The oil provided fuel for lights and, increasingly in the age of steam power, lubrication for machinery. With plastic yet to be invented, flexible baleen was used in everything from corsets and crinolines, to umbrella ribs, riding crops, horse saddles, and even carriage springs. But Britain was reliant on the Dutch whalers who dominated the nearest waters in Greenland for supplies, which both worried and annoyed the government. They wanted in on this profitable industry, and in 1749 passed an Act for ‘the further encouragement and enlargement of the whale fishery,’ which offered excellent subsidies to support British whalers. Bristol abounded with mercenary merchants so it is little wonder that in 1750, hot-on-the-heels of this Act, an avaricious group established the Company for Promoting the Greenland Whale Fishery. Little is nowadays known about this organisation, as it remained unincorporated and even the

❝

SOMETIMES THE WHALE WOULD DESCEND DEEP INTO THE FATHOMS TO DIE, PULLING ITS KILLERS DOWN WITH IT

❞

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BRISTOL | HISTORY

RUN OF THE MILL: main image, Sea Mills harbour today Above, an engraved illustration of a Bowhead whale (© Shutterstock), similar to the one that the Bristol whaling company went out to Greenland in search of Right, Sea Mills by Samuel Jackson, c. 1823, image courtesy of Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives

usually fastidious books of the Merchant Venturers have no record of its existence. Unfortunately, this lack of documentation cannot erase the past, which saw the company secure Franklyn’s wet dock as the hub of their operations. Situated away from the city itself, its location met a vital criterion for the whalers who spent months at sea, carrying their catch on board and without adequate storage provision. The decomposing blubber created malodorous conditions on the ship, and an even viler stench when it was unloaded on their return, so out-of-town Sea Mills proved ideal for processing these spoils without confronting the residents of Bristol with the reality of this unsavoury trade. In the spring of the same year, the company sent its first boat out to Greenland in search of the Bowhead whale, a large and slow moving species that proved easier to hunt and more lucrative than others. Called The Bristol, she was a mighty vessel weighing hundreds of tons and able to carry all the hunting, flensing and storage equipment required for the long expedition ahead. The season stretched from February, when ships set sail to meet the whales as they swam into the newly opened fjords, through to October, when those that survived returned to Britain with their quarry. Many did not. The hunt was perilous, seeing six men in a lightweight rowboat pit themselves against the magnificent giants of the ocean. If the harpoon found its target it was only the beginning of the battle, the wounded creature putting up an almighty fight to escape with its life, often dragging a boat for miles through the treacherous waters.

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Sometimes the whale would descend deep into the fathoms to die, pulling its killers down with it so all shared a grave at the bottom of the sea. These dangers were offset with the promise of great rewards. Each whale could fetch over £40,000 in today’s money, so The Bristol’s return to Sea Mills with two, whetted the company’s appetite for more. Over the next seven years they amassed three more boats, between them killing 36 whales, numerous seals who were valued for their pelts and several prized ‘unicorn’ horns from narwhals. Such slaughter is inconceivable nowadays, but at the time no investor minded that their money was stained with the blood of these mighty mammals. Nonetheless whaling was a precarious industry, with crew either dying in pursuit of their prey or through hypothermia and starvation on boats that became trapped in the moving icecaps. As transatlantic trade increased the company stopped gambling its fortunes in the freezing Arctic, instead placing safer bets on privateer voyages across warmer waters. By 1758 whaling at Sea Mills was over. Unfortunately, this was not the case across the rest of Britain. Real decline in the industry did not occur until the 20th century, and it took until 1963 for all whaling operations to finally cease, signalling a welcome but long overdue end to this macabre epoch in British history. n

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HOMES | ON SHOW

A ROYAL TREASURE A spacious garden apartment in one of Bristol’s most coveted postcodes holds many surprises, including vaulted stone ceilings, a wine cellar and bread oven, writes Marianne Swinkels

ike a certain other Number 10, this prestigious address acts as a magnetic draw for city visitors rightly intent on ticking off their must-see itinerary. Indeed many a tourist would deem it daft and unthinkable to be in the locale of either central London or Bristol without taking a diversion to have a dekko at these two mighty trip-advised locations. Imagine going to see Buckingham Palace without walking up nearby Downing Street. Or viewing Clifton Suspension Bridge without promenading along neighbouring Royal York Crescent, another famous street which rightly boasts a regal name. Both score highly as places to view and both are equally, as Mrs Thatcher once commented about her ministerial home base, “a most precious jewel in the national heritage.” A description which aptly sums up the handsome exterior of this curve of terraced houses in our neck of the woods; a gorgeous Grade IIListed Georgian beauty which justly flaunts itself. In its prime Clifton position looking out towards the Avon Gorge, this imposing arc of architectural elegance – one of the longest such crescents in Europe – demands admiration. 78 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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Since the completion of the crescent’s grand row of 46 terraced properties in 1812, all but two of the five storey houses have been subdivided into apartments, each varying widely in style, size and price. What to expect then of our Number 10 which is on the market with a £625,000 price tag? For a start, there are no political shenanigans going on here. Nor, despite it having its own particular kudos and top credentials, is there the need for a uniformed bobby to be on vigil. Although arguably among Bristol’s classiest and most coveted postcodes it is, like its capital counterpart, somewhat shy about revealing what lies behind its wrought iron gated doorway. Prepare yourself to view what the vendors call a “Marmite house.” Personally, I love the stuff. Enter into the privacy of the courtyard, accessed at the lower level of Royal York Crescent and a different and very personal world discreetly reveals itself. The gated entrance hallway, with its stone underground vault, garage and heavily potted front courtyard with steps down to a lower

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HOMES | ON SHOW

PROPERTY PROFILE Where: 10 Royal York Crescent, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4JZ

What: Spacious Regency Grade II-Listed four bedroomed apartment in a premier location. Single garage, wine cellar, courtyard garden (front and rear) and private communal gardens. Reception/living room of 21’, vaulted stone walled basement level master bedroom of circa 24’. Wealth of original features.

Asking price: £625,000 Agent: Alexander May, Clifton Branch www.alexandermay.co.uk Contact: Email: Clifton@alexandermay.co.uk or tel: 01179 744 766

floor, quickly sets the tone. It is immediately apparent that this is no ordinary basement abode. And is so much more than just another stylish Clifton pad, where space can often be at a premium. This unexpected tardis of a place spreads out over two levels revealing room after ample room – four double bedrooms, a 21ft living room, kitchen and dining room/conservatory overlooking a rear courtyard patio, a wine cellar, family bathroom, an en-suite and a wetroom. We are talking above average space here – and all of it a feast for the eye. For the current owners, who snapped up the maisonette just two years ago, saw all 14 rooms as a blank canvas on which they could make their highly individual mark. A multi-national couple who travel extensively, their home houses the global objects d’art, artefacts, statues and sculptures they have acquired along the way. A true treasure trove, their extravagant and extraordinary personal collection lends an eclectic and exotic air to the property and individually themed rooms showcase goodies from China to Morocco, Africa to India, Australia to the Middle East. The residence oozes culture, character and charm and it is this rich and heady mix which lifts the period property, already boasting a wealth of original

features, right onto the next level. Because here too is a home benefitting from an array of sash windows and shutters, wooden floorboards, bread oven, old coal shute, working fireplaces and cast iron woodburner. A superb blend of features, funk and functionality. What a winning combination. And here’s the thing: yes, you can buy into the spaciousness of this maisonette; you can fall for the quirky lower level master bedroom with its vaulted stone ceilings and adjacent wine cellar; you will be the envy of many with the single garage; you will love the courtyard spaces and the private access to the communal gardens across the road; you will appreciate the flexibility that comes with a two level residence with self-contained/rental potential. You will relish being right in the heart of gorgeous Clifton village and love telling folk that you live in one of the country’s top addresses. You can even honestly say that you live at Number 10. But – and here’s the Marmite thing again – if you fall for the whole kit and caboodle, the antiques, trinkets, art, instruments and decorative works that adorn and embellish the place, the owners are more than happy to talk. Beat you there! n

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THE CURRENT OWNERS SAW ALL 14 ROOMS AS A BLANK CANVAS ON WHICH THEY COULD MAKE THEIR HIGHLY INDIVIDUAL MARK

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8 BATH STREET, FROME. TEL: 01 373473555 WWW.FIATLUX.CO.UK

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THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 81

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SUMMER BLUES Our Bristol garden design writer, Margaux Speirs explains how to grow lavender – this beautiful shrub which will reach full size within a couple of years and reward you with 10 years or so of loveliness

cents often evoke strong memories and for me lavender brings to mind the summer holidays of childhood – hot, drowsy afternoons, lying in long tickly grass, listening to the buzzing of insects. A recent visit to Somerset Lavender Farm, strolling through its acres of hazy blooms, made me feel wistfully nostalgic as well as joyfully alive to the moment; it really is a gorgeous sight. (You can buy lovely cake there too.) Lavender is such a rewarding plant. Unlike many shrubs where you have to wait several years for the best performance, lavender reaches its full size within a couple of years. It is easy to grow if you follow a few simple guidelines and will reward you with 10 years or so of loveliness – not just when flowering but also as a pretty, silvery evergreen the rest of the year. All lavenders need full sun and welldrained soil, they won’t thrive on clay or damp soil and they need to be annually pruned. There are three groups of lavender – English lavenders (angustifolia), hybrid lavenders (sometimes called the Dutch Group) and French lavenders (or Stoechas). English lavenders tend to flower earliest from midJune through July and have the most compact growth. The classic, award-winning variety is Hidcote which has a height and spread of only about 45cm. It has the biggest contrast between its deep mauve flowers and grey leaves. Folgate is a slightly lighter blue, is more robust and very fragrant. I am told that Prince Charles’ favourite is Imperial Jem (and that he was asked on one occasion for the recipe!)

The lavenders you see flowering in August are likely to be the hybrids. They get bigger than their English cousins (height and spread up to 1 metre). They are all hardy but Grosso is probably the most robust. French lavenders are distinguished by a bract which looks like a small butterfly growing on the top of the flowering stem. These are less hardy and will die if exposed to temperatures below 6 degrees centigrade. As a result they are typically grown in pots which can be brought into the green house or over-wintered in the shelter of a house wall. They have a really long flowering period – May to the end of September (another reason for choosing them for containers). If you are planning a planter Papillion or Fathead with bright pinks look fantastic together. All lavender varieties need the same pruning regime: as soon as they have finished flowering and in any event before the end of September cut them back, not just removing the flowers but also a good third of the foliage, encouraging a dome shape as you do so. They will look a little dog-eared for a few weeks but will have sent out strong new growth by the onset of winter. (The flowers you cut off can be dried and used to scent your clothes drawers). If you have old lavender which

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A RECENT VISIT TO SOMERSET LAVENDER FARM, STROLLING THROUGH ACRES OF HAZY BLOOMS, MADE ME FEEL WISTFULLY NOSTALGIC

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has not been pruned and needs rejuvenating cut it back really hard in April, leaving one or two green shoots just below where you cut. If it has become very woody it may not rejuvenate in which case it might be better to take it out and buy another. When I am designing gardens I often include a low lavender hedge in the plan, either along the front path or drive or edging the terrace. This works best if you buy small plants (in 9cm pots) in the spring and place them set distances apart (eg. Hidcote should be 30cm apart). By pruning the first yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growth in September to the profile you want the hedge to have (an even dome) then from the end of the second summer you will have a fine, misty, billowing hedge along the border. Of course we think of lavender blue but there are several white or pink varieties to choose from. It is always more satisfactory to buy plants when you have seen them growing to their mature size first. With this in mind I do recommend a visit to the Somerset Lavender Farm near Radstock which is open to the public Wednesdays to Sundays throughout the summer. They grow and sell a large selection of lavenders (as well as cosmetics and other products made from their crops). They will be harvesting their lavender during August which would make an interesting outing in itself. Tel: 01373 834893 to check dates and opening times or visit: www.somersetlavender.co.uk. n Margaux Speirs is a pre-registered member of the Society of Garden Designers and runs her business, Margaux Speirs Garden Design from her home in Bristol. For further information visit: www.margauxspeirsgardendesign.co.uk or tel: 07903 779910

WWW.THEBRISTOLMAGAZINE.CO.UK

PLANT OF THE MONTH Lavandula x intermedia Grosso is a commercial variety of lavender used in the production of dried fwers and scented oils. From mid-summer to early autumn it bears soft blue flower spikes up to 6 cm long carried on long stems. Its foliage is compact, grey- green and aromatic. Plant it in full sun in any well drained soil (even poor stony soil or gravel). Once it has reached its full size (90cm) and is cut to a dome shape it looks lovely in a large terracotta pot. It also makes a beautiful low, informal hedge.

AUGUST 2014

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BRISTOL PROPERTY | IN FOCUS

THE GRANGE LONG ASHTON Guide Price ÂŁ1,300,000

n elegant detached 18th Century villlage house with private gardens situated behind a gated entrance. The Grange is believed to date from the Georgian period, with a later addition at the rear dating from the Victorian period. There are many features appropriate to both periods around the house. These include moulded ceiling cornices, period fireplaces, brass door furniture, and tessellated and flagged floors. There are stripped stained floorboards in the drawing room and in the breakfast kitchen/dining area. The rooms are light with good ceiling height. The accommodation is arranged over three floors, with two staircases, and the atmosphere is friendly and of simple elegance. There is scope to create a self-contained wing, if desired, subject to any necessary planning consents. The owners purchased the property in 2004 and have since completely refurbished the breakfast kitchen/dining area, which is a lovely room opening out to the garden. The already attractive gardens have been further enhanced by the creation of a paved barbeque area with a formation of standard Beech trees. Knight Frank, Regent House, 27A Regent Street, Clifton, Bristol. Tel: 0117 317 1999 84 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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BRISTOL PROPERTY | IN FOCUS

ituated in the north east corner of Montpelier, in Bristol’s artistic quarter, this three bedroom house is the perfect choice for purchasers seeking an unusual and beautiful home in a popular part of the city. Set in a quiet cul-de-sac, a short walk from St Andrews Park, the house is the street-facing property at the end of The Maltings – an iconic listed building which is a former distillery, built in the nineteenth century and converted for residential use in the 1990s. Number 142 embodies the character of Montpelier, being authentic and unconventional but stylish. As the anchor property in a landmark building, such homes come onto the market very rarely. In this case there have been just two owners since the conversion. In 2002 the house was acquired by its current owner, a professional who came to Bristol from London looking for a home in this neighbourhood and no other. He viewed the house on his first day and made an offer at once. Since then, the house has become a personal labour of love. Although the conversion a few years before ensured a strong starting point, the owner has refurbished the whole property to the highest standard and installed a cinema, wet room, luxury bathroom and designer lighting throughout. The work has been done with great flair and individuality, and the house is ready to live in without further work – except, of course, that which appeals to a new owner’s own creative impulses. The accommodation is over four storeys: a cool basement with master bedroom, walk-in wardrobe, large main bathroom and outside garden and terrace; a ground floor with two further bedrooms including en suite wet room; a first floor with open plan living space and kitchen; a mezzanine loft which provides further flexible living space – currently a music listening room, but making a perfect study, library or chill-out space. It is expected that 142 St Andrews Road will not be on the market for long, so those interested should make an appointment for a swift viewing. Fine and Country, 147 Whiteladies Road, Clifton. Tel: 0117 946 1946 88 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

AUGUST 2014

ST ANDREWS ROAD MONTPELIER • Beautifully unusual, iconic property • Highly sought-after location • Three bedrooms. Open plan living • Stylish, modern features throughout • Cinema. Wet room. Luxury bathroom • Garden and terrace

Price £435,000

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

www.cjhole.com The Residential Sales market remains strong here in North West Bristol. There has been a dip in the number of new properties coming through after an extremely busy first half of the year, but there remain interested and credible buyers for every decent property that comes to market. There is no doubt that transaction times are still taking longer, the new mortgage rules and conveyancing process has definitely lengthened.

In Lettings we have been extremely busy, to the point that here in Clifton we are looking for new staff. Keen renters are plentiful and those looking to become first time landlords are still very apparent in the sales market, seeking to make an investment for themselves and service the constant demand in Bristol for rental property. Howard Davis M.N.A.E.A Managing Director - CJ Hole Clifton

Clifton

Redland

This exceptional, hall floor level Clifton flat offers a grand interior which has retained a great deal of original character with beautiful coved ceilings, fire places and original window shutters. Entrance hall; living room; two double bedrooms; bathroom; shower room; inner hallway; kitchen/diner and a communal front garden. EPC E.

A semi-detached, four bedroomed family house set back from the road and situated in a most convenient location. The interior boasts spacious accommodation and there is scope to convert the loft space subject to the necessary planning regulations and planning. Also includes; driveway, integral garage and a front and rear gardens. EPC F.

An exceptional Penthouse apartment offering a generous and stylish interior. Breath-taking views over the city are enjoyed from the extensive private terrace and living rooms from the front. Three bedrooms and underground secure parking for two cars. Fantastic Redland location. EPC D.

£390,000

£675,000

£595,000

Redland

Clifton

City Centre

A simply exceptional top floor apartment located on a popular tree lined street in central Redland. Large sitting room; generous kitchen/breakfast room; two spacious double bedrooms; quality bath/shower room A beautifully presented apartment and well worthy of an immediate inspection. EPC D.

A unique hidden gem! This four storey architect designed home is located just off Whiteladies Road. There are courtyard gardens to front and rear, plus off street parking for one car. The property has a large balcony off the master bedroom with stunning Clifton views and a lovely elegant feel throughout. EPC B.

A two double bedroom duplex apartment in the cleverly converted Unity Street building comprising entrance hall with utility/cupboard and stairs rising to upper floor, open plan kitchen/living room, bathroom and stunning communal landscaped grounds. Great location just off Park Street so offering excellent network access. EPC C.

£290,000

£550,000

£235,000

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Stoke Bishop

Westbury-on-Trym

Significantly extended detached three storey family home with five bedrooms, three bathrooms (two en-suites), open plan kitchen/ lounge/dining area to rear with bi-fold and patio doors leading to a 70ft south westerly facing family garden. The ground floor also offers a separate living room and downstairs cloakroom/WC. Marketed with a complete chain. EPC D.

This well-presented detached family home is positioned within a private cul-de-sac with three receptions, kitchen/breakfast room, conservatory and downstairs WC. There are five bedrooms to the first floor, family bathroom and en-suite to master bedroom. The property also boasts a delightful south facing garden measuring approximately 50ft and swimming pool. EPC D.

This detached stone period property offers five bedrooms; master with en-suite, family bathroom and additional modern shower room. The ground floor offers a spacious lounge/diner with working shutters, breakfast room with French doors onto garden, kitchen, separate utility and study. Positioned within close proximity of Westbury-on-Trym village and Durdham Down. EPC F.

£750,000

£700,000

£625,000

Stapleton Village

Montpelier

Ashley Down

Old Bell Cottage is a beautiful Grade II listed home set within the historic Stapleton Village. With its privacy and serene setting this meandering garden has many secret hideaways along with beautiful summer-house. Adorning three levels the accommodation includes a wealth of original and re-instated features including exposed stone walls, wood panelling, flag stone flooring and sash windows.

An immaculately presented Edwardian terrace, this double bay fronted property, previously a three bedroom home has been reconfigured to now offer light and spacious accommodation spanning three levels. With an array of original features remaining, the property boasts the potential to further extend or reconfigure the space on offer. EPC D.

This ideally located townhouse offering spacious and modern accommodation cleverly arranged over three floors. Internally the property boasts three bedrooms, en suite shower room, kitchen/diner, lounge, further reception room, family bathroom and ground floor cloakroom. Situated only a short walk to Gloucester Road. EPC B.

£485,000

£325,000

£300,000

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Sneyd Park

£224,950 Cotham

£250,000 Waterfront

£299,950

Two double bedroom ground floor apartment. Spacious living/ dining room with windows to three sides and sliding doors giving access on to the terrace. Separate kitchen, two double bedrooms both with fitted wardrobes, bathroom and shower room. Externally are communal gardens, residents car park and benefits from a single garage.

Two double bedroom top floor flat set in a quiet location with the Kingsdown residents parking scheme. Benefits from three period fireplaces and sash windows throughout bringing in plenty of light. Arranged over two levels and comprises a generous 17’ x 13’ living room, separate kitchen and a bathroom with a white suite on the half landing.

Two bedroom third floor apartment situated off St Georges Square with allocated parking space. Comprises an impressive double height living room/kitchen with windows and double doors looking over the water and Castle Park. On the floor below are two bedrooms, en-suite shower room and the main bathroom.

Energy rating - E

Energy rating - D

Redland

t. 0117 946 6007

£325,000 Clifton

t. 0117 946 6007

£329,950 Clifton

t. 0117 946 6007

£360,000

Two bedroom hall floor garden apartment with several character features including box bay overlooking the private enclosed rear garden facing in an approximate south westerly direction. Internally the property has been modernised with both a refitted kitchen and bathroom and is presented in excellent decorative order.

Two bedroom garden flat with 45’ x 30’ private rear garden, private entrance, separate kitchen, lounge/diner, master bedroom with Victorian bay window, bedroom two with doors to the rear garden and modern bathroom. Private rear garden enjoys afternoon sunshine. Also benefits a fish pond, storage shed and rear access from the back lane.

Two double bedroom garden flat with allocated off street parking and private garden to the rear. Spacious lounge/diner, separate kitchen, two double bedrooms with direct access to rear garden via French doors from bedroom one, modern bathroom, separate utility room. No onward chain.

Energy rating - D

Energy rating - E

Energy rating - D

t. 0117 946 6007

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Clifton

From £410,000 Westbury Park

£425,000 Clifton

£685,000

Newly built semi-detached two bedroom mews house. 26’ x 17’ living space, bespoke glacier white kitchen and sliding doors to terrace. Master bedroom with en-suite shower room situated on the first floor. To the ground floor is the entrance hall, second bedroom and bathroom. Benefits one space in a shared double garage and a 10 year building warranty.

Three bedroom, two reception Victorian terraced property adjacent to Durdham Downs. Living room, dining room with door to rear garden and separate kitchen with doors to garden. Three bedrooms, with built in wardrobes to master, and a modern bathroom. Attractive rear garden has an open aspect to the side offering plenty of afternoon.

Chantry Villas is a small development offering the rare opportunity to purchase a modern four storey townhouse within the sought after Clifton area. Only three 5 bedroom townhouses remaining. Each comprises a large open plan kitchen/living area with glass doors to the south facing rear garden and benefit from an off road parking space, garden and 10 year building guarantee.

Energy rating - TBC

t. 0117 946 6007

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Westbury-on-Trym

ocean www.oceanhome.co.uk

£650,000 Westbury-on-Trym

£520,000 Westbury-on-Trym

£470,000

Directly backing on to the magnificent 650 acre and historic Blaise Castle Estate and woodland, which in itself is steeped in 5,000 years of history being Grade 2 listed, this stunning five bedroom art deco style family home is nestled in its own vast grounds with a rear garden measuring over 200 foot in length.

Immaculately presented Three bedroom semi on the exceptionally popular Kewstoke Road to all the local amenities this position affords, not to mention being centrally and equidistantly situated to benefit from many excellent local school catchments. Brimming with classical original features complimented with modern contemporary design feature.

With much of the original lavish ornamentation originally so prevalent in Art deco styling still in situe in this light and airey family home an early viewing would be highly recommended to avoid disappointment. In good decorative order throughout, and located a short stroll to the local shops on Stoke Lane, and to Elmlea and Westbury Schools.

Energy rating - D

Energy rating - E

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Westbury-on-Trym

t. 0117 962 1973

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£425,000 Westbury-on-Trym

£360,000 Westbury-on-Trym

£2,200,000

Nestled near to the historic remains of the Roman Port that bought trade to ‘Portus Abonae’ this detached Art Deco style family home has under gone substantial and significant refurbishment in recent years. Cleverly using many original features and contrasting them with contemporary design features this property takes full advantage of its sunny aspect.

Strictly by appointment only. Located approximately just 300 metres from Westbury on Trym C of E Primary School, this beautiful family home consists of three bedrooms, all with fitted wardrobes, however the main focal point of the house is the kitchen dining room, which measures approximately 19 feet wide.

This beautifully presented, two double bedroom apartment is located a stones throw from the heart of Westbury on Trym village and the Durdham Downs. Set within and imposing Bath stone townhouse on Westbury Road this fantastic home comprises of a kitchen diner with some fitted appliances, a very good size living room with large sash windows providing plenty of natural light.

Energy rating - TBC

Energy rating - D

Energy rating - TBC

t. 0117 962 1973

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Blaise Dell

t. 0117 962 1973

£235,000 Westbury-on-Trym

£215,000 Westbury-on-Trym

£162,000

The chance to acquire a well presented three bedroom semi detached house situated in this pleasant and peaceful cul de sac location. This delightful family home is near to Blaise Estate and close to Cribbs Causeway and M4/M5 Motorway links. To the ground floor the is a lounge, dining room, kitchen and conservatory. To the first floor there are three well balanced bedrooms and a bathroom.

Substantial detached family home with four well balanced bedrooms, off street parking and a garage. Downstairs there are two large reception rooms measuring over 21 foot in length respectively. With double glazing throughout and gas central heating. The open plan kitchen dinning room is a striking feature for the dwelling and a main focal point for this family house.

Conveniently located near the downs and walking distance to both Henleaze high street and Westbury on Trym village this light and spacious apartment is ideal for young professionals and buy to let investors alike. Perfect for commuters looking for a Bristol base. Originally a grand period house that has since been converted into apartment’s, this flat occupies the top floor allowing enviable views.

Energy rating - TBC

Energy rating - D

t. 0117 962 1973

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SNEYD PARK | BRISTOL

GUIDE PRICE ÂŁ1,295,000

A beautiful and well-appointed family home situated on Mariners Drive, with an expanse of accommodation and a deep private garden; with generous off-street parking and an integrated double garage. Drawing room, sitting room, bespoke kitchen / breakfast room, study. Master bedroom suite, guest bedroom suite, three further double bedrooms. Family bathroom. Mature garden, off-street parking and double garage. EPC rating: C

Fine & Country Bristol 147 Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2QT Tel: 0117 946 1946 Email: bristol@fineandcountry.com bristol.fineandcountry.co.uk

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SST

SNEYD PARK | BRISTOL

GUIDE PRICE ÂŁ435,000

SOLD SUBJECT TO CONTRACT; SIMILAR PROPERTIES REQUIRED. A superb circa 1300 sq. ft first floor period apartment with stunning views over The Downs, with off-street parking and a garage. Drawing room. Kitchen / dining room. Two equally well-proportioned double bedrooms. Bath & shower room. Single garage. Allocated off-street parking. Secure store cupboard / bike shed. No onward chain. EPC Rating D.

fineandcountry.com

Stoke Bishop - £650,000

This absolutely stunning top quality redevelopment of a 1930’s house has created a wonderful family sized home within walking distance of the acclaimed Elmlea schools. If you are after something thoroughly modern & a house with the wow factor this is one to view. NO chain. EPC - TBC.

Coombe Dingle - £485,000

A delightful cottage, decorated to a high standard offering 4 bedrooms, 2 reception rooms, family kitchen, utility room, with a lovely cottage garden. Viewing at your earliest opportunity is recommended. EPC rating D.

Sneyd Park - £1,050,000

Westbury-on-Trym - £359,950

A highly desirable contemporary style 5 bedroom house that offers a versitile and bespoke interior catering for families of different sizes and ages. Viewing highly recommended. EPC rating D.

We are pleased to offer this 3 bedroom semi-detached house ideally positioned close to the Elmlea Schools and within walking distance of the Stoke Lane shops and amenities. EPC rating D.

Clifton Wood - £465,000

Beautifully presented and deceptively spacious 3 double bedroom Victorian townhouse situated in a desirable spot on the Clifton wood slopes. The house is attractively presented throughout in a style that compliments the many period features that have been retained. EPC rating E.

Clifton - £400,000

A 3 bedroom apartment which occupies the top floor of this handsome Victorian house in an enviable Clifton location with amazing views. Outside you will find an allocated parking space and a small communal garden to the rear. EPC rating D.

88 Whiteladies Road Clifton Bristol BS8 2QN Tel 0117 973 1144 Chelsea House London Road Bath BA1 6DB Tel 01225 447971