The Bristol Magazine August 2015

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THE

Issue 134

I

AuGusT 2015

BRIST O L MAGAZINE

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

£3.95 where sold

BRISTOL’S

BEAUTIFUL GARDENS

SHOOTING STARS: METEOR ACTIVITY IN AUGUST AL FRESCO: RECIPES FROM TOP CITY CHEFS FREE BRISTOL: FUN THINGS TO DO ON A BUDGET FREEFALLING: FROM 15,000FT WITH GOSKYDIVE

ON THE MARKET: PREMIUM PROPERTIES UP FOR GRABS

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

SUMMER SALE

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Curtains and Blinds Sofas and Fabrics Bespoke Cabinet Furniture and Wardrobes

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THE | CONTENTS

AUGUST 2015

26 68 53 38 12 ZEITGEIST

90

50 BRISTOL AT WORK

5 things to do this month in Bristol

14 THE CITYIST

Behind the scenes at Artemis

53 SUMMER RECIPES

My Bristol, the buzz & the book review

Cook up a storm in the kitchen

80 BEAUTY REVIEW Are adult braces for you?

82 FIT & FAB Channel your inner hippie chick

16 BARTLEBY

60 FOOD & DRINK NEWS

86 OUT AND ABOUT

All in a flap

What’s hot on the foodie scene

Exploring Gloucester

20 STYLE FILE

62 BRISTOL UPDATES

Go luxe for AW15

Local business news

24 FACE THE MUSIC Pete Howell’s sounding good

26 GLORIOUS GARDENS Bristol in bloom

68 JENNY DARES The highest tandem skydive in the UK

70 FAMILY FUN Holiday ideas for the little ones

32 WHAT’S ON

Get ready to take the plunge

90 PROPERTY PROFILE Would you like to be beside the seaside?

92 PROPERTY Beautiful homes to buy or rent

72 EDUCATION NEWS

There’s lots happening this August

38 FREE BRISTOL Five thrilling but thrifty things to do

44 ARTS & EXHIBITIONS Gorgeous summer shows

What’s happening in the city’s schools

74 FREELANCE MUM Meets mums who run

76 WRITTEN IN THE STARS Meteor showers forecast this month

Even more great content online: thebristolmag.co.uk 4 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

88 GARDENING

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AUGUST 2015

Follow us on Twitter @thebristolmag

ON THE COVER

A gorgeous picture taken in Glen and Tony Eastman’s vibrant garden. Find out more about it in Glorious Gardens feature on p. 28

Like us on Facebook.com/ TheBristolMagazine

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Knight Frank August.qxp_full page 21/07/2015 09:06 Page 1

BE sEEn In 370 oFFICEs In 55 CoUntrIEs to find out how we can help you please contact us

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

0117 295 0425

Guide price: ÂŁ675,000

Cobblestone Mews Unique Clifton mews with parking (1,131 sq ft). Drawing room, kitchen/breakfast room, 2 bedrooms, bathroom, courtyard garden, parking and garage. Potential to increase the accomodation, subject to planning. EPC F.

KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

nTheMarket.com

Guide price ÂŁ1,595,000

Abbots Leigh Delightful country home with beautiful views (2,561 sq ft). 3 reception rooms, kitchen/utility and pantry, 5 bedrooms, bathroom and shower room, attached stores, garage with beautiful gardens and pasture. In all about 2.3 acres. EPC F.

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BE sEEn In 370 offICEs In 55 CountRIEs to find out how we can help you please contact us

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

0117 295 0425

Guide price: ÂŁ1,150,000

Willsbridge A stunning house (5,332 sq ft) situated between Bristol and Bath. Entrance hall, boot room, 4/5 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room. 7/8 bedrooms (5 ensuite), bathroom. Driveway, car port, workshop/store (428 sf ft), sun terrace, lawns. In all about 1.3 acres.

KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

nTheMarket.com

Guide price: ÂŁ895,000

Regil A charming farmhouse (2,494 sq ft) on the edge of the village of Regil, with views of the surrounding countryside. 3 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, 4 bedrooms, bathroom, shower room, double garage, garden and 2 paddocks. In all about 4 acres. EPC E.

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BE sEEn In 370 OffICEs In 55 COuntrIEs to find out how we can help you please contact us

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

0117 295 0425

Guide price: ÂŁ1,150,000

Lower Failand Delightful former farmhouse (3,326 sq ft). 4 reception rooms, kitchen. 5 bedrooms, 3 bath/shower rooms. Integral double garage, stable, gardens. A further 6.6 acres of land available by separate negotiation. EPC E.

KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

nTheMarket.com

Guide price ÂŁ795,000

Regil Grade II listed farmhouse (2,062 sq ft). 2 reception rooms, kitchen, sun room, bathroom. 3 beds, shower room. Outbuildings with PP for 2 holiday lets (1,995 sq ft), garden, paddock, stables. In all about 1.12 acres.

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BE SEEn In 370 OFFICES In 55 COuntrIES to find out how we can help you please contact us

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

0117 295 0425

Guide price: ÂŁ1,500,000

Lower Langford Substantial village house (9,133 sq ft). 4/5 reception rooms, kitchen, 8/9 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, former squash court, garaging, tennis court, swimming pool, grounds totalling in all about 2 acres. EPC F.

KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

nTheMarket.com

Guide price ÂŁ1,595,000

Upper Langford Grade II Listed house (2,917 sq ft). 2 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast, 4 bedrooms, 2 baths. 1 bed holiday let, adjoining workshop/stores (1,662 sq ft).

Outbuildings, gardens, pasture, woodland. In all about 10.73 acres.

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EDITORS LETTER.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2015 14:30 Page 1

T

he arrival of August always sends me into a state of panic.

It suddenly feels like summer is slipping away, and I should rush out and take a few last gulps of the warm air while I can.

As the recent downpours have shown, though, this panic is misplaced. One of the great jokes of the British weather is that it can be hotter in mid October than mid August, so really this is far from my last chance to see the sunshine this year.

Nonetheless, there is something about the summer that imparts the city with a sort of devil-may-care attitude that is wonderfully enticing. When the sun does pop its head out from behind a cloud, green Bristol turns multicolour.

People in bright shorts and flip-flops fill the streets, beer gardens and parks as, for a few brief weeks each year, we shrug off our inhibitions and come out of our shells to share the sunshine.

I find this harmonious atmosphere imparts in me a certain impetuosity.

It makes me want to stretch my limits a little – after all, I think to myself, what could go wrong when all feels so right in my little microcosm of the city? I think it’s a combination of this misplaced belief and the fact that last month’s heatwave melted my mind that made me think jumping out of a plane at 15,000ft was a good idea. Yes, readers, I signed up for the UK’s highest tandem skydive… and you can find out whether I went through with it on p. 68.

I don’t think I’m unique in wanting to broaden my horizons over the summer months, though, which is why this issue is a bit of a round-up of all the great things to do in and around Bristol in August, and beyond. So if you’re looking to try something a bit different, but feel a skydive it taking it a bit too far, turn to p. 38 for five ideas that may well give you food for thought.

Speaking of which, nothing brings people together like the sunshine, or even the hope that it will appear. If you’re planning a gathering of your nearest and dearest head straight to p. 53 where you’ll find a selection of rather delectable recipes from some of the city’s top chefs. They are easy to make and use delicious seasonal ingredients that you may already be growing in your own garden – so even if al fresco dining is off, you’ll still get a taste of the great outdoors.

If you are a keen gardener – or even, like me, a person who appreciates the beauty of a well-tended space but has the unfortunate tendency to wither a plant dead with a single touch – you’ll enjoy exploring the Glorious Garden feature on p. 26. Our very own green-fingered goddess, Hannah Stuart-Leach, walks us round some of the city’s most inspiring gardens, taking in community projects, private spaces and educational places. It’s probably a good idea to have your trainers to hand when you read it, as if you aren’t inspired to hot foot it over to one or two by the time you’ve reached the end I’ll be very surprised.

At the end of an adventurous day out and about in the city, what better way to unwind than to flop back in your deckchair and gaze up at the stars. And this August you’re in for a treat, as the Perseid meteor showers are set to put on a splendid show toward the end of the month, as you’ll find out on p. 76.

So readers, I’ll delay you no further as I know you’ll be eager to devour this month’s magazine. As always, I hope you enjoy it, and happy reading!

JENNY HAYES ACTING 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.

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AUGUST 2015

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THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 11

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ZEITGEIST

The top

5

things to do in AUGUST

SUNSET CINEMA

O

n Saturday 29 August, Bristol Sunset Cinema is putting on a one-off outdoor screening of the 1987 cult classic The Princess Bride at Blaise Castle Estate. The screening is in association with FilmAir, who use only cinema-quality projectors, screens and sound systems to guarantee the highest quality viewing experience. And, if it’s a success, expect more classic films to be shown in similarly beautiful surroundings by Sunset Cinema in the future – we’re keeping our fingers crossed at TBM... Tickets: £10 adults, £5 children. Visit: ti.to/bristol-sunset-cinema/the-princess-bride/en

EN GARDE Europe’s leading modern pentathletes will compete for Olympic selection in the UK when Bath hosts the 2015 European Modern Pentathlon Championships from Tuesday 18 – Sunday 23 August. This is only the second time in the event’s 28 year history that it has been held in the UK, with the 2015 event being hosted at the University of Bath’s Sports Training Village. Supporters can see over 100 athletes from more than 20 European countries competing in the five disciplines of fencing, swimming, show jumping, shooting and running, all in one day, in a challenge of skill and endurance. Tickets: £6 adults, £1 under 18s. Visit: www.pentathlongb.org

FUN IN THE FOLIAGE Treefest returns to Westonbirt Arboretum over the August Bank Holiday weekend (Saturday 29 – Monday 31 August). Celebrating nature, trees and woodcraft, the festival boasts an exciting programme of fun family activities for big kids and little kids alike. Head down, and you’ll discover a vibrant festival atmosphere, set to a soundtrack of the region’s finest acoustic, soul, country and folk music. With over 100 exhibitors, Treefest visitors can browse a host of nature-themed goodies from exhibitors selling crafts, art, gifts and jewellery, to accessories for the home and garden. Foodies are also in for a treat, as Westonbirt has partnered with Love Food Festival to showcase local culinary delights. Tickets: £7.50 – £15, children go free.

Visit: www.forestry.gov.uk

PUPPET ON A STRING The Bristol Festival of Puppetry returns from Wednesday 26 August – Sunday 6 September with a packed programme of events. With over 100 artists performing, 50 live shows including world and UK premieres, and a heap of free events and activities, it is set to be a highlight in the city’s cultural diary. Working in partnership with multiple venues including Tobacco Factory Theatres, Puppet Place’s founding partner on BFP, and new partners Watershed, Brunel’s ss Great Britain, Arnolfini and M Shed, the festival will present a rich and diverse programme for all ages. For more information, visit: www.bristolfestivalofpuppetry.org

FLYING HIGH AT BRISTOL KITE FESTIVAL It isn’t just hot air balloons that will be taking to the skies this month, but also a riot of colourful kites at the 2015 Bristol International Kite Festival. Taking place on Durdham Downs on Saturday 22 & Sunday 23 August from 11am – 5pm, you can expect flying displays and demos from the best international kite flyers, as well as a public flying area so you can show off your own skills. It’s the only time you’ll see giant octopi, manta rays, tigers and monkeys in the skies above Bristol. Entrance is free, for more information visit: www2.kite-festival.org.uk

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ist

THE CITY THE BUZZ

My

BRISTOL

We ask Clive Bailey, founder of Bailey Balloons and member of the Organising and Flying Committiee for the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, what he’s doing this month...

Chukkas for charity Six Michelin-starred chefs are saddling up to support Hospitality Action when it returns to Beaufort Polo Club in Gloucestershire for its fundraising day on Sunday 6 September. Martin Burge of Whatley Manor, Richard Davies of The Manor House, Josh Eggleton of The Pony & Trap, Hywel Jones of Lucknam Park, Sam Moody of The Bath Priory and Richard Picard-Edwards of Lords of the Manor will be serving up a delicious threecourse lunch on the day, supported by up-and-coming service professionals from City of Bristol College, Gloucestershire College, City of Bath College and Hit Training Academy. For more information about Hospitality Action of the event itself, visit: www.hospitalityaction.org.uk

Awesome arachnid Arcadia Spectacular and its world-famous mechanical spider, built in Bristol from 50 tonnes of recycled military hardware, is set to land in Queen Square, bringing together the past and the future in a seminal moment of spectacle. Taking place on Friday 4 and Saturday 5 September, this will be Arcadia’s first ever city-centre event, combining cutting-edge sculpture, music, special effects and huge-scale pyrotechnics to deliver a truly unforgettable weekend. As part of Bristol’s year as European Green Capital, the signature flames of the Arcadia spider will come from biofuel – making it the world’s first recycled biofuel pyrotechnics system. Tickets from £25.

Visit: www.arcadiabristol.com

© Luke Taylor

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AUGUST 2015

What brought you to Bristol?

My father was heavily involved with Concorde and we moved here when I was 14.

What are you reading?

I generally have 2–3 books on the go, and choose one depending on the mood I’m in at the time. I’m currently reading Richard Branson’s autobiography.

What’s on your MP3 player?

Brothers Landreth, Eagles, Jack Johnson.

Which café or restaurant takes your fancy?

The Pump House – 250 odd gins and great food.

Favourite watering hole?

The Black Horse, Clapton in Gordano. It’s a proper country pub that has’nt changed in 30 years.

Evening in or evening out?

I enjoy both, love cooking and love being cooked for so for me its a 50/50 split. The George in Abbots Leigh is a favourite for going out and Teriyaki chicken is a favourite when staying in.

Film or play? What will you be going to see?

I very rarely do either. I prefer to go sailing!

Which museum or gallery will you be visiting?

I love the M-Shed, it’s a great investment and all about Bristol's heritage and social history.

What hobbies or interests will you be pursuing?

Sailing, cycling and having fun. My job is also my hobby so flying balloons and planes. Lately its taken me Bagan in Myanmar, flying over 2200 temples in half the size of Bristol, an incredible sight.

What local event will you be attending?

Bristol Harbour Festival and of course, the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.

Favourite local walk?

Leigh Woods, especially at this time of year.

Any projects/work in progress?

Myself and another of Bristol's balloon pilots Pete Dalby have been working hard on the Solar Hybrid Balloon project and look forward to test flying it and then launching it at the fiesta this year.

For further details about Bailey Balloons, visit: www.baileyballoons.co.uk, and for information about this year’s International Balloon Fiesta, taking place from Thursday 6 – Sunday 9 August, visit: www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk

BOOK OF THE MONTH...

The House of Hidden Mothers by Meera Syal £14.99 (Transworld) Meera Syal is never afraid to engage with subject matter that some might consider taboo and in this, her third novel, she turns her attention to interracial surrogacy. Shyama, British Indian, forty-something, juggles with her successful business, ageing parents and her desire to have a baby with younger partner Toby. Shyama’s story, both wonderfully funny and moving in turn, is related with Syal’s customary energy and insight. She boldly contrasts it with the story of Mala, an oppressed young wife living frugally in rural India. The two women, inevitably, become bound together through the shared experience of surrogacy and friendship but as the book progresses the reader is invited to question exactly what it is that they have to offer each other. Moving deftly between London and Delhi, Syal’s novel is ambitious, sensitively wrought, provocative and memorable. Reviewed by Kathryn Atkins of the Durdham Down Bookshop, visit: www.durdhamdownbooks.co.uk

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THE

B R I S TOL MAGAZINE Follow us on Twitter @thebristolmag

Ducking & diving

N

ot long ago I was attacked as I walked along a street in Bedminster. My assailant came out of nowhere. It was almost dusk, the road was quiet, and my thoughts were drifting lazily as I walked. Then Bam! One second I was lost in a daydream, the next I was running for cover as the fiendish screeching creature turned and – like an enemy plane in a war film – came in for a second attack. On its first sortie the herring gull had knocked off my sunhat, and now I shielded my unprotected head with both arms as I ran.

To anyone watching the scene would have looked mildly hilarious: a grown man running away from a bird. But they say that comedy is just tragedy happening at a distance, and from where I was standing (or running, halfcrouched like some urban ape man) the situation didn’t seem particularly amusing. Fortunately the gull was only interested in protecting its little corner of south Bristol from invading humans, and left me alone after the second, less successful assault. I went on my way, anxiously scanning the skies and wondering if a similar experience had inspired Daphne du Maurier to write The Birds.

❝ CAN A SEAGULL DIGEST CARDBOARD AND CELLOPHANE? PROBABLY

❞

I’ve no doubt many readers have endured similar persecution, although Bristol’s gulls are amateurs compared to their relatives in towns like St Ives.

The beach below the Tate is patrolled by birds that can spot a pasty at a hundred yards and pluck it from your fingers before you have time to react.

I’ve seen a gull take an ice cream from a child’s hand so deftly that neither the child nor her parents could work out where it had gone. They were looking all around, in the sand, in their beach bag, under a towel – but didn’t think to look up. On another occasion I watched a gull eat a whole sandwich, including packaging. Can a seagull digest cardboard and cellophane?

Probably.

If the gulls of St Ives turned nasty en masse and started scalping holidaymakers I imagine that calls for action would become deafening. But what might that action actually entail? I suppose we could take up arms against the avian terrorists and institute a cull, but there are an awful lot of herring gulls and they like our coastal towns and cities as much as we do. Our buildings make great nesting sites and we provide limitless free food; kill every bird in the city and before long a whole new lot will move in. Likewise there’s no point dismantling nests, replacing eggs with plastic replicas and so on.

Herring gulls are survivors and, besides, their scavenging no doubt helps to keep down populations of other unpopular creatures, like rats. Getting rid of them wouldn’t be as disastrous as Mao’s extermination of China’s sparrows in the late 1950s, but you can be sure there would be unintended consequences of some kind.

But this is academic. There is only one way to rid ourselves of herring gulls and that is to make our towns and cities uninhabitable for them. Seagulls didn’t nest in Bristol until everyone stopped burning coal and filling the air with sulphurous smoke. The Clean Air Acts of the 1950s didn’t just make life better for us, but for wild creatures too; the gulls came in with the clean air and the only way to drive them away again is to smoke them out. I can’t see that policy winning anyone a mayoral election, though. Especially in a European Green Capital.

So instead of freaking out every time a herring gull swoops, we should prepare ourselves by investing in citywide seagull mapping technology and stout headgear – the old Imperial pith helmet would be ideal – and as we dodge the feathered dive bombers consider ourselves lucky to have such wonderfully clean air – air good enough for gulls. n 16 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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AUGUST 2015

Acting Editor Tel: Email:

Jenny Hayes 0117 974 2800 jenny@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Deputy Editor Email:

Georgette McCready georgette@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Website Editor Email:

Lauren Morris lauren@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Production Manager Email:

Jeff Osborne production@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Publisher Email:

Steve Miklos steve@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Advertising Sales

Kathy Williams Sue Parker Liz Grey

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. An independent publisher.

The Bristol Magazine is distributed free every month to more than 20,000 homes and businesses throughout the city. We also have special distribution units in the following stores and many coffee shops, hotels and convenient pick-up points.

THE

BRIST OL MAGAZINE Bristol and Exeter House, Lower Approach, Temple Meads, Bristol BS1 6QS Telephone: 0117 974 2800 www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk © MC Publishing Ltd 2015 Disclaimer: Whilst every reasonable care is taken with all material submitted to The Bristol Magazine, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to such material. Opinions expressed in articles are strictly those of the authors. This publication is copyright and may not be reproduced in any form either in part or whole without written permission from the publishers.

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BRISTOL | FASHION

Pretty in PINK

The Mall at Cribbs Causeway’s stylist shows you how to look perfect in pink

I

t’s time to rethink pink, as this season’s hottest look is a grown up take on a girly colour. Pink provokes conflicting reactions among fashion lovers – there are those who love the sensuality of it and others who have a deep dread of anything too ‘pretty pretty’. Luckily, the colour is undergoing a catwalk reinvention right now. Chanel, Prada, Erdem and Altuzarra all embraced this controversial shade this season, reimagining it for a stronger, more modern look.

The key to successfully pulling off pink is finding the right shade for your skin tone. If you’re pale, avoid light pink as it will wash you out. Instead, opt for a more vibrant tone and add a bright, contrasting lip colour to give it some kick and steer it away from being too prim. Those with darker skin can be more experimental with nude and blush tones.

Another important distinction between this season’s pink and previous takes on the trend is what you wear it with; in past seasons, colour-blocking yourself in various shades of the same colour was de rigeur, but this time around if you’re wearing pink make sure you wear it with a contrasting colour. Mint green is the perfect accompaniment to pale pink, or teal matched with a stronger pink makes a sharp statement. If you’re feeling brave, you could also try a clashing red for a more directional look.

Accessories should be bold and edgy to help steer your pink look away from the saccharine. Statement necklaces and oversized items are a quick and easy way to update your look, as are bold graphic prints.

While the summer sales continue and new season styles are slowly introduced it can be hard to decide where to invest to ensure you get the most wear from it, but if you pick up anything right now, make sure it’s pink.

1

All items from the M&S Spring/Summer 2015 collection

All items from the M&S Spring/Summer 2015 collection

3

Angel Eyes sunglasses, £19.99 Superdry

4

Varcityy by Steve Madden at Dune, £69

De Beauvoir bag, £209 Radley

5

Farra shoes, £110 Dune

6

Collection bag, £29.50 M&S

7 Pink Sleeveless A-line dress, was £32 now £12, River Island

2

PU zip pencil skirt, £42 Lipsy

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Stunning Engagement rings, Wedding bands and tailor-made rings Beautiful Gift Ideas for the bridesmaids, mother of the bride and for the groom A 10% discount on any pair of rings purchased & off any further gifts for your wedding when you mention The Bristol Magazine We also offer Bespoke Jewellery • Silver Jewellery • Watches Jewellery & Watch Repairs • Gold purchased (old jewellery & coins)

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BRISTOL | FASHION

Harriet wears: MCQ Alexander McQueen dress, £345 and Christian Louboutin pumps, £425.

Both available from Harvey Nichols.

Main image © Amanda Thomas, www.amandthomasphotographer.co.uk, taken at St Vincents, Clifton, www.stvincentsrestaurant.com Hair: Ella Hawkey at Atelier, www.atelierclifton.co.uk Makeup: Shari Knowles, shariknowles84@hotmail.com

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BRISTOL | FASHION

STYLE FILE This month, Bristol stylist Harriet de Winton shows you why luxe is more...

H

arvey Nichols Bristol, one of the newest branches of the 1831 Knightsbridge department store, has shaken off any notions of Grande Dames doing their weekly shop in its food hall and is instead a playground of curios for the bold and creative shopper.

The avant garde window displays assert its fresh approach to fashion, and I particularly like the collision of designer styles on display: long gone are the days of a head to toe Chanel shopper. The Bristol Harvey Nichols’ playful approach has breathed new life and accessibility into the high end market allowing younger, more cost savvy shoppers to master the art of luxe.

Stepping across the shop’s threshold I find myself entering a world of brilliant fun and inclusion. The store holds regular events – film screenings, live bands, promotional nights with champagne corks popping, which for me is the best kind of shopping experience. The last time I was there I found myself with a free glass of bubbly and an express manicure at the Nails Inc Bar which was proudly showing off its latest collaboration: Victoria Beckham. Her midas touch has extended to the Nails Inc Brand, exclusively to Harvey Nichols.

1

This exhuberant ethos is reflected throughout the entire department store; the buyers have curated fantastic capsule collections for the modern, multitasking shopper. A particular favourite item of mine was the MCQ by Alexander McQueen Artful Haze print dress. The photo print trend has been refined since the days of 1980s iron on transfers, these garments feel more like walking works of art, covering the whole form in graphic photo and colour. I teamed this dress with bright orange suede Christian Louboutins to bring out the neon rust colour that shot through its moody turquoise and black landscape.

With something as dynamic as a photo print, it is best to style it with neutral staples or to pick out a key colour as I did with the orange suede heels.

Brands such as McQueen and Louboutin can seem shrouded in mystery for the everyday shopper, too intimidating to try. That is a real shame, as the cut of the dress and architecture of the shoes justifies the lauded reputation. First and foremost they are a dream to wear, comfortable and well designed. Because of this, they will last forever, physically and in the eyes of the fashion pack. Surely an investment like this is worth saving up for every now and then? n

Adam Lippes crepe and mesh dress, £1265

3

Sophia Webster butterfly pumps, £440

4 Peter Pilotto cotton shirt, £480

5 2

Stella McCartney cross-body bag, £475

Givenchy sweatshirt, £805

5 MIN FASHION FIX

Do you have a wardrobe worry that Harriet could help with?

Email her at harriet@harrietdewinton.com and we might publish her answer

Monograms made easy Giving your prized possessions the personal touch has been an obsession with the fashion pack ever since Burberry’s monogrammed ponchos appeared last year. All you need is a needle, some embroidery thread and a bit of embroidery stitch know-how. For a chunky ‘font’, use four strands of embroidery, and choose simple stitches such as: 3. French knot

1. Chain stitch

2. Split stitch

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ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

ON YOUR BIKE! Bike Science Ltd was established by former Ironman triathlete and bike sales manager Andy Sexton in 2010.

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wning and running a bike fit and bike sales service had been a long-time dream of Sexton and since its start, the company has gone from strength to strength. Bike Science now boasts five fitting franchises across the UK and its Bristol headquarters moved to bigger premises at the top of Whiteladies Road in January this year.

“Correctly fitting, comfortable and suitable-for-purpose bikes are the core of our business. Whether you have a budget £499 and are new to cycling or you are looking to spend £6000 plus on your dream bike, Bike Science can help you,” says Andy Sexton.

On entering the shop it’s clear to see there are a huge range of bikes and accessories to suit all budgets and every customer is guaranteed an outstanding service. The bike showroom has both the performance and elite ranges of Boardman Bikes, Van Nicholas titanium bikes, Kuota and Legend on display as well as an array of accessories and clothing. There is a special bike fitting

and performance testing area and upstairs is the workshop that offers all types of bike servicing and mechanical repairs. Bike Science is also able to provide Tax Free bikes for work bikes through Cyclescheme.

Sexton is keen to share is thoughts on independents: “Independent shops such as ours are constantly fighting the big online discounters. Most of the time we simply cannot afford to be as cheap as them but we offer many additional services that you just can’t get from an online shop or huge chain. We are keen to get to know our customers and are always here to help or advise you with your bike. All of our staff have many years of experience of cycling and we are keen to share both our knowledge and love of cycling.

We offer bike fitting on all bikes, not just ones bought from us and our mechanics can be booked to teach you to look after your own bikes general care as well as undertaking servicing and repairs themselves. On Saturdays we have a regular group of cyclists that go on group rides from the shop at 9am and we also offer other instore experiences such as Sunday group rides and meeting top cyclists such as Chris Boardman. You only have to walk a short way down Whiteladies Road from our shop to see many fantastic, award winning independent shops. Bristol should be very proud.”

For more details visit: www.bike-science.com WWW.THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

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FACE | THE MUSIC

© Will Dodd

SOUND EFFECTS Pete Howell, dubbing mixer and co-owner of Big Bang Post Production’s award-winning sound company, shows Jenny Hayes behind the scenes at one of Bristol’s top sound studios

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ou’ve probably spent many a happy evening curled up on the sofa with a glass of wine, watching the latest BBC Natural World documentary. And, like me, you’ve no doubt marvelled at the images captured by the skilled cameramen. But have you ever stopped to think about the sounds you are hearing?

No, neither had I, and that’s exactly why the work of Pete Howell and his team at Big Bang Post Production is so impressive. They are responsible for creating or finessing everything you can hear – from David Attenborough’s dulcet tones to the scuttle of a rodent fleeing an owl’s talons – with such subtlety you’d never know human hands were involved. So I met up with Pete to find out a bit more about his work as a dubbing mixer, and that of his team.

“A dubbing mixer is basically the last person in the post production chain, who brings all the audio elements of a programme together and gives the sound a last polish in the final mix,” explains Pete. “I was lucky enough to train under ex BBC dubbing mixer Neil Hipkiss, who passed on the knowledge and skills he’d amassed over 25 years in the business.

“A day here at Big Bang can see the team doing anything from recording a narration for a programme to recreating whole soundscapes for sequences where no sound could be recorded. That’s something that happens a lot when 24 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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we’re working on natural history programmes, in which it’s often impossible to capture the actual sound on location, so we have to recreate it in the studio.

“I’ll often be presented with a beautiful but entirely mute sequence, over which I paint what I see in audio. I’ll first add in the natural sounds such as wind, rivers and general atmosphere, and then those that are more specific.

“So, for example, if a bird is in shot calling, I’ll use a recording from our sound effects library, being sure to match it with the correct species, in the correct part of the world, and in the correct season. Often though, the natural sounds just doesn’t exist, so in those situations we have to invent something.

“We will also record foley – the process of recording sound effects to a film sequence – which is where the surprises come. A foley artist is the person who creates these sounds using all sorts of props. They could be sitting in a dirt pit patting out the feet of wildebeest, shaking branches to mimic a monkey swinging through trees, flapping cloth to create the sound of a bird’s wing, or even squishing oranges to make juicy flesh sounds.

“Quite recently we worked on Natural World Super Powered Owls, which required a combination of foley work and sound design to recreate the audio for many of the sequences. It was a real team effort, with each of us getting involved at various stages of the audio post production process. We used dry

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FACE | THE MUSIC pasta to create the sound of owls’ talons scraping surfaces during take off and landing, while bananas and monkey nuts made for a gory sounding end to an owl’s hunt.

“As well as working on natural history documentaries for the BBC, we’ve done cookery programmes like Nigel Slater’s Eating Together, BBC4 programmes such as The First Georgians with Lucy Worsley and The History of Horror with Mark Gatiss. And for each different kind of programme, we need to create other sounds. In a ‘talking heads’ style documentary, for example, the emphasis is more on dialogue, and it’s amazing how many times we lip smack and create saliva sounds while we speak. These noises are amplified over microphones, so in those instances we spend a lot of time getting rid of these ‘ugly’ sounds and creating seamless edits.

“So it’s fair to say no day is ever the same, but that’s what I love about my work. The challenge and creativity is always present, and nothing beats the satisfaction of delivering a job above and beyond a client’s desires, particularly as these projects may have been years in the making. It’s a priviledged position to have such influence over another person’s creation and hard work.

“It also makes for some very memorable moments. I remember being introduced to Beyoncé’s dad, Matthew Knowles, as the person who did the sound on his latest show at it’s first screening. Matthew – who is a big, big guy – leant down to shake my hand and said, ‘Sound is very important to me’ in a big old boomy voice. I really did feel the pressure on that occasion, but fortunately the screening went well!

“And, of course, meeting Sir David Attenborough for the first time was a very special moment. Like so many people, I grew up watching Sir David and learning about the wonders of the natural world through his eyes, so it was incredible to meet my idol.

“When I’m not at work I unwind with music, music and more music. I’ve played drums for years and dabbled in many bands, to various success. It’s been a blast and I still love drumming for pleasure.

“A particular weekly highlight is dropping in to my favourite record shop, Wanted Records in St Nick’s Market, and picking up something unexpected. Watching live music is pretty much the thing I enjoy most in life, so being able to mix music into programmes each day is a buzz that I’ll never tire of.”

Big Bang Post Production’s audio company is owned by Pete Howell and Matt Coster. The company works on a variety of projects, including broadcast TV and radio, film, animation, adverts, corporate video and audio books. For more information about the company, and its work, tel: 0117 973 6833 or visit: www.bigbangpost.com

❸ All My Friends by LCD Sound System James Murphy’s production on this record is second to none. There is something special about the way he gets drums to sound so tight and his mixes so dry and dynamic. This for me is real headphone music. All My Friends has been a favourite in our household for many years. I love how this track builds and builds from a piano loop to a full force of percussion and guitar. It’s impossible to get to the end of this song without wanting to dance and hug your friends! ❹ Terrible Love by The National The National are easily my favourite band of the last few years. Their back catalogue is superb and it’s hard to pick a favourite song. Terrible Love does what the National do best, they build and lift to a cacophony of horns, guitar and frenetic drums, with an explosive vocal from Matt Berninger. ❺ Good Times Bad Times by Led Zeppelin I was first introduced to Led Zeppelin when I was a 14 year old aspiring drummer. Needless to say, once I heard John Bonham drumming my world changed and I’ve had a love affair with them ever since. For me there can be no greater way to open a debut album than GTBT. From the first chord it encaptsulates everything that Led Zeppelin are. It’s a masterclass in blistering guitar solos, bass, vocals and especially drums. It’s the first time we hear the genius of John Bonham firing off triplets with his single bass drum.

Apparently a tequnique he developed after listening to Vanilla Fudge, though he was unaware that their drummer was using a double kick drum. ❻ I Think I’ll Call It Morning

by Gil Scott-Heron Gil has the most deeply soulful voice.

I can’t verbalise why, but this track stands out. The message is hope and this never fails to bring a warm smile to my face. Worth a listen. ❼ New Birds by Arab Strap Aiden Moffat and Malcom Middleton were the soundtrack to my university life. If Gil was full of hope then this is void of any. Aiden’s lyrics paint a raw and colourful picture of bumping in to an ex lover. Tinged with bitterness and romantically dark, Aiden paints a very vivid picture. The main body of this song is sparse, allowing Aiden to tell his tale before the song’s epic cresendo brings the track to a close.

❽ Two Wooden Spoons

by This Is The Kit This band was a happy discovery by my wife Toria, and it turns out they Damon Albarn, co-creator of Gorillaz © Rama found their feet in Bristol. We have Pete’s top 10: managed to see them on numerous occassions across the city, including an intimate acoustic gig in 20th Century ❶ Hong Kong by Gorillaz Flicks. This song in particular has brought friends to tears and I challenge I’m a huge Blur fan, and of Damon Albarn in general. This lesser known anyone to listen to this track without the hairs on their neck standing up.

Gorillaz track captures everything I love in an Albarn performance. Damon Just beautiful. sings from the heart about somthing that was once so beautiful slowly dying.

Accompanied by by the guzheng and piano, this is haunting perfection and lyrical genius. ❷ Spread Your Wings by Spiritualized My first taste of Spiritualized was the Lazor Guided Melodies album, which I played to death. I first saw them in 1994 headlining the NME stage at Glastonbury on the Sunday night after Blur. In my opinion there is no better way to close a festival than a Spiritualized wind down. Spread Your Wings makes my spine tingle everytime I hear it, from the ‘Pure Phase’ tone that refrains throughout the album, to Jason’s minimal swirling vocals, to the climax of soaring strings. The drones and tones of this album and quivering violins make this. for me, essential Spiritualized.

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❾ Your Hand In Mine by Explosions in the Sky Explosions are the kind of band that you can just feel. This song is huge.

Marching drums and beautiful guitar melodies become a hypnotising wall of sound. This song clears my mind of thoughts and moves me somewhere blissful. It’s such a haunting track it’s hard not to play on repeat. ❿ Marz by John Grant What a sad and beautiful beautiful song. The melody in this track kills me.

Although the song’s lyrics are chiefly a list of ice cream flavours, the overriding sense is one of sorrow. The flutes and piano runs are timeless.

This record is often at the top of my stack. n

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GLORIOUS | GARDENS

GLORIOUS GARDENS From prehistoric plantscapes to Victorian vegetable patches, Bristol’s gardens offfer boundless inspiration, says Hannah Stuart-Leach

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GLORIOUS | GARDENS

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espite being a busy, sprawling city, the most populated in the South West, Bristol thankfully still has plenty of breathing space. As well as its many picturesque parks, from College Green to Brandon Hill, it’s also home to a vast array of verdant gardens – equally pleasant places to relax, unwind and soak up some much needed vitamin D. There are many ways you can discover and enjoy these special havens, from perusing private gardens at one of the city’s open garden events, to seeking out public gardens in the grounds of historic houses and churches. If you’re looking to learn something new, then you can visit botanic gardens blooming with medicinal plants and herbs, or – to really get your hands dirty – muck in at your local community garden and see the satisfaction of growing your own fruit and veg with new friends.

Here are some of our favourites to get you started:

BALLAST SEED GARDEN This floating beauty, designed by German designer Gitta Gschwendtner in conjunction with Brazilian artist Maria Thereza Alves, has been planted with seeds found in ballast earth, stones and gravel used to weigh down trade vessels as they docked, from 1680 and 1900 – from the river in Bristol.

Maria is using these seeds, which come from all over the world – wherever the ships sailed – in her ongoing project, Seeds of Change, after discovering that although they can lie dormant for hundreds of years, they can still be germinated and grown: “For Alves, ballast seeds can be seen as a living embodiment of Bristol’s history of trade, reflecting the different routes travelled by Bristol merchants worldwide.”

Working with the University of Bristol Botanic Garden and Bristol City Council, the Arnolfini has repurposed a disused concrete barge, creating a permanent Ballast Seed Garden populated with a variety of nonnative plants that are replanted annually.

There are opportunities for guided tours aboard the Ballast Seed Garden throughout the summer. For details, visit: www.arnolfini.org.uk

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GLORIOUS | GARDENS

BLAISE COMMUNITY GARDEN You’ll find this secret garden sitting pretty behind the walls of the Blaise Estate in Henbury, a community growing project that aims to bring local people together to enjoy each other’s company as well as the delicious produce they grow.

First established in the 1800s, the garden’s current incarnation took root in 2012 as a community food growing project, rescuing the land from years of neglect. So far about 40 per cent of the garden has been recovered from dereliction and the volunteer team is currently working hard to get the Victorian walled garden and glasshouses back to their original usage. They have also welcomed members from the Bee the Change project who will soon be setting up a bee sanctuary in the garden.

Recently, the team received a grant from Aviva to glass the propagation greenhouse to help nurture their seedlings. A huge variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables are already flourishing in the greenhouses as well as in the garden. They also have a wildflower meadow strip, bug house and pond to attract wildlife.

There are working days for volunteers every Saturday from 10am, and the first Sunday of each month is a more leisurely open day from 11am when the garden is open for anyone to come and have a look at what is being done. Additional open days and weekends are held throughout the year with refreshments, family activities, and the opportunity for visitors to learn more about the garden. Visit: blaisecommunitygarden.org.uk

All Blaise Community Garden images © Martin Hewer

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GLORIOUS | GARDENS

GLEN & TONY EASTMAN At the bottom of the Eastman’s lush garden in Southville, a life-sized tiger lurks in the bushes. Tony Eastman, an architect, sculptor and illustrator, came upon the model at Bridgwater Carnival and persuaded the organisers to let him take it home. It’s the largest of around 450 models in his tiger collection (the rest of which are kept indoors), some given as gifts by friends and family and others from his travels around the world. Whenever they go anywhere, says wife Glen, they like to embark on a ‘tiger hunt’ in the local markets.

The tiger is a striking addition to their bright, breezy garden, which takes influences from Japan and the Mediterranean as well as from Tony’s colourful imagination. It doesn’t subscribe to any particular style but it all works perfectly together, with neatly sculpted bonsais harmoniously placed alongside bountiful banana trees, and Tony’s sculptures hidden around the place too.

There are whimsical touches such as the use of mirrors to make the small space seem larger and the illusion of a blue door with a story to tell – Tony informs guests it leads to a beach, with a little boat waiting beyond.

As a living, breathing work of art, the garden gradually changes as Tony comes up with new ideas. He never pictured himself as a gardener, but says it’s been fun trying things out and a lesson in patience watching it evolve.

The Eastmans open their garden to the public twice a year for Secret Gardens – a spring and summer open garden event throughout Bedminster, Southville and Ashton. Visit: www.opengardens.co.uk

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GLORIOUS | GARDENS

CATHEDRAL GARDEN One of the city’s best kept secrets, Bristol Cathedral boasts an award-winning garden, complete with a courtyard eating area that you can enjoy in fine weather.

Not just a place to come and ponder the beautiful array of plants, it is also a peaceful sanctuary in the heart of the city centre and the ideal place to retreat to with a good book, or for coffee with friends, or simply to enjoy some treasured quiet time alone.

If you fancy heading down for a spot of lunch, you’ll find the café at the end of the Cloister, past the Chapter House. It sells teas, coffees and soft drinks, and a delectable menu of light meals and snacks, together with homemade scones, pastries and cakes – perfect for enjoying in the delightful garden.

The Cathedral café and garden is open Monday to Friday, 10am – 4pm, and Saturday 10am – 3pm. Entry is free. Visit: bristol-cathedral.co.uk

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GLORIOUS | GARDENS

BRISTOL BOTANIC GARDEN Just off the Downs you’ll discover the University of Bristol’s tranquil Botanic Garden, set in the verdant grounds of an elegant Arts and Crafts house that is now a hall of residence. As might be expected from a university garden, all collections have been designed to be educational as well as enjoyable.

Learn how plants have evolved through 500 million years of history, from Ginkgo trees to Monkey Puzzles, as you wander through the green and ever-so fresh Evolution Dell. Or, transport yourself to another land and step into the Chinese Herb Garden where plants are separated according to different use categories – to induce a calm mind, for instance. If you want to turn up the heat, head to the glasshouses, full of exotic species from cacti and carnivorous plants to the giant Amazon water lily and Sacred Lotus collection.

The garden also has an important Local Flora and Rare Native Plant Collection, showcasing some of the very rare varieties found in and around the Avon Gorge, such as the Bristol Onion and the Honewort, an elusive member of the carrot family. Special mini habitats have been created to help support these species in the wild. n The Botanic Garden is open throughout the year, and seven days a week throughout June, July, August and September, 10am – 4:30pm.

Admission charges apply. Visit: www.bristol.ac.uk/botanic-garden

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WHAT’S | ON

CULTURE BOOK This month’s events and entertainments Bristol Proms: John Rutter, Bristol Old Vic

A Thousand Seasons, M Shed

T-Rex: A Pack of Lies, Alma Tavern Theatre

DON’T MISS

Amnesty Bristol Goldney Garden Party, Goldney Hall, Sunday 2 August, 1pm – 5pm

Redfest Bristol, St George Park, Saturday 1 August, all day event A not-for-profit arts festival run entirely by volunteers, Redfest is a family friendly community event that takes place every year. There’s an eclectic range of local music acts, as well as film screenings, arts, healing workshops, cabaret, kids’ stuff, food and drink. The festival’s theme this year is Redfest Goes Green, in honour of Bristol being European Green Capital 2015, and it’ll be their most eco-friendly festival yet. Entry is free, for more information visit: www.redfestbristol.co.uk

Bristol’s Sports Day, College Creen, Saturday 1 August, 11am – 5pm Race your friend in a traditional egg and spoon or wheelbarrow race, challenge your family members to some football, test your basketball skills or experience a new sport like paddle boarding; there will be an activity for everyone to try. The event is free to attend, for more information visit: www.parkstreetevents.com

For the 33rd Goldney Garden Party, wander around the beautiful grounds of Goldney Hall in Clifton. With a packed line up of entertainers for all ages, enjoy homemade cakes and refreshments in the Orangery and explore the public gardens, which include an 18th century underground shell grotto.

Tickets: £5 for more information email: amnestybristolgroup@gmail.com

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Bristol Hippodrome, Tuesday 4 – Saturday 8 August, 7.30pm Winner of seven 2013 Olivier Awards, this highly-acclaimed National Theatre production is coming to Bristol. Christopher, 15 years old, has an extraordinary brain, but falls under suspicion of killing Mrs Shears’ dog.

Join him on the journey that upturns his world... Tickets: £10 – £35 from the box office on tel: 0844 871 3012 or visit: www.atgtickets.com

FROM AUGUST 6

Bristol Proms: John Rutter in conversation with John Suchet, Bristol Old Vic, Saturday 1 August, 2pm

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, Ashton Court Estate, Thursday 6 – Sunday 9 August, times vary

In the year of his 70th birthday, the great British composer and conductor John Rutter will select some of the pieces of music which have most inspired him, as well as some of his own works. Interviewed and hosted by the renowned musical wit and raconteur John Suchet, and presented in association with Classic FM. Tickets: £5 – £34, book through the box office on tel: 0117 987 7877 or visit: www.bristololdvic.org.uk

Up, up and away! The city’s skies are once again set to be full of colourful balloons. There are 6am morning flights for early birds, the night glow at 9.15pm, and all sorts of entertainment in between to keep you occupied – expect breathtaking aerial displays, fairground rides, delicious food stalls and bars, and a local music stage. Visit: www.bristolballonfiesta.co.uk

International Choirs Season, Bristol Cathedral Saturday 1 August – Thursday 6 September, times vary Time to head to Bristol Cathedral to hear the likes of the Choir of Christ Church, Greenwich, the Cantores Vagantes, the Liturgy Singers, Peregryne, In Ecclesia of Oxon and more. Visiting choirs include ensembles from the USA, Vienna, Ireland and from across the UK. For more information visit: www.bristol-cathedral.co.uk

Zoo Pride, Bristol Zoo Gardens, Saturday 1 August, 6.30pm – 10.30pm Bristol Zoo Gardens, in joint partnership with Bristol Pride, host Zoo Pride, the first event of its kind in the UK. Entertainment includes a silent disco, comedy from the Short & Girlie Show, live music from Wildflowers and Best Supporting Actors, a burlesque show, as well as stilt walking, juggling and more by Circus Uncertainty. Tickets: £15, available from the website: www.bristolzoo.org.uk 32 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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Bristol Summer Cider Festival, Brunel’s Old Passenger Shed Friday 7 August, 7.30pm – 11pm Lilleys Cider presents Bristol Summer Cider Festival 2015 with over 100 ciders and perries. There’ll be hot pork and stuffing rolls, and The Mangledwurzles supplying scrumpy and western fuelled music to create the perfect cider drinking atmosphere. Tickets: £7 in advance and £8 on the door. Available from tel: 01225 330304 or visit: www.clstickets.co.uk

A Thousand Seasons Past, M Shed, Saturday 8 – Monday 10 August, 7pm (3pm Saturday matinee) A Thousand Seasons Past transports you back through the rich and haunting history of Bristol’s historic Whapping Wharf area. With intertwining tales told using choreographed ensemble movement and live music, all performed in a specially built open air auditorium, a crew of characters who lived and died around the Bristol docks sails aboard a ghost ship. Tickets: Free but book through Bristol Old Vic box office on tel: 0117 987 7877 or visit: www.bristololdvic.org.uk

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WHAT’S | ON

Matt Brierly presents T-Rex: A Pack of Lies, Alma Tavern Theatre, Thursday 13 – Saturday 15 August, 8pm How one man, who knew nothing about dinosaurs but enjoyed Battenberg cake and a cuppa, changed the face of palaeontology with some help from Sir Patrick Moore, Bill Oddie and the mayor of an American town inevitably called Dinosaur. Tickets £5 from the box office on tel: 0117 973 5171 or visit: www.almataverntheatre.co.uk

Sunset Specials, Bristol Zoo Gardens, Friday 14 August, 6.30pm – 10.30pm

European Modern Pentathlon Championships, University of Bath

Fancy seeing Bristol Zoo in a whole new light? In the last of a three part series of events, Bristol Zoo will be keeping its doors open after hours so that you can enjoy the amazing animals as the sun sets. Enjoy the live band, grab a bite to eat or drink and enjoy talks and feeds throughout the evening. Tickets: £10, (member concs available) from: www.bristolzoo.org.uk

Country Flower Festival, St Bart’s Church, Failand, Friday 21 – Sunday 23 August, 10am – 4pm Created by the Flower Club and church members, this display features more than twenty arrangements, each one dedicated to a Saint. Enjoy the beautiful flower festival accompanied by live music played by visiting organists throughout the day. Light refreshments available. Tickets £5 on the door.

Bristol German Beerfest, Brunel’s Old Passenger Shed, Saturday 22 August, 5pm – 11pm

Bristol International Kite Festival, Durdham Downs

In its fourth year, the Real German Beerfest returns bringing the Oktoberfest theme to Bristol. With fine real German ales from across the breadth of Germany, the delicious food, time-honoured oompah music and traditional drinking songs make this an event you’ll be crazy to miss. Tickets: £12 in advance or £15 on the door. To book tel: 0238 076 8277 or visit: www.beerfestuk.com

Bristol International Kite Festival, Durdham Downs, Saturday 22 – Sunday 23 August, 11am – 5pm An action-packed aerial extravaganza with international kite guests expected from as far as Kuwait and America will join flyers and enthusiasts from across Europe. Watch the kite fighting battles, artistic kites, synchronised routines to music and awesome power kites. Free entry, for more information visit: www2.kite-festival.org.uk

Whole Hog Productions present Into the Light of the Dark, Alma Tavern Theatre, Monday 24 – Saturday 29 August, 8pm Alma Tavern Theatre becomes a ‘theatrical cave’ for a week when a double bill of one act plays exploring the theme of Darkness – both literally and metaphorically – will be staged. Throughout the evening you will be rewarded with hard hitting drama and absurdist comedy. Tickets £9, (£7 concs) from the box office on tel: 0117 973 5171 or visit: www.almataverntheatre.co.uk

Coulrophobia, Tobacco Factory Theatres An Evening of Burlesque, Bristol Hippodrome

European Modern Pentathlon Championships, University of Bath, Tuesday 18 – Sunday 23 August, times vary In its second year being held in the UK, Europe’s leading modern pentathletes will compete for Olympic selection. Spectators have the opportunity to see over 100 athletes from more than 20 European countries competing in the five disciplines: fencing, swimming, shooting, show jumping and running. Tickets: £6 available from: www.pentathlongb.org

Coulrophobia, Tobacco Factory Theatre, Friday 28 August, 8pm Dik and Adam are traditional clowns in an untraditional situation... trapped in a world made of cardboard. What follows is a series of outrageous sketches, slapstick, mime and audience participation. Tickets: £14 from the box office on tel: 0117 902 0344 or visit: www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com

Nature Camera, Action!

M Shed

EDITOR’S PICK...

Nature Camera, Action! The Secrets of Making Incredible Wildlife Films Exhibition, M Shed, Saturday 18 July – Sunday 1 November This exciting, interactive exhibition at M Shed will celebrate Bristol’s reputation as a world class centre of wildlife filmmaking. Nature, Camera, Action! reveals the secrets of making incredible wildlife films, using iconic clips and specially shot footage from the globally successful BBC Natural History Unit. On Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August, 10.30am – 4pm, Ben Garrod will be bringing to life the skeleton of an orang-utan from the 1800s.

Tickets £5, visit: www.bristolmuseums.org.uk

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WHAT’S | ON

FROM AUGUST 28

An Evening of Burlesque, Bristol Hippodrome, Friday 28 August, 8pm For the first time ever, the biggest burlesque legends from around the world are united on one stage. Worldwide all-stars, couture costumes, an oh-sosteamy score and mind-boggling speciality acts share the spotlight for this wickedly hilarious extravaganza. Tickets: £25.40 – £27.90 from the box office on tel: 0844 871 3012 or visit: www.atgtickets.com

Valley Fest, Chew Magna, just outside Bristol, Friday 28 –Sunday 30 August Grab your wellies, because whatever the weather you’re going to need them at this festival on an organic farm in the heart of Chew Valley, Somerset. It’s all about enjoying family, fun and the land – a real celebration of all things good. Ticket prices vary, for more information visit: www.valleyfest.co.uk

Planetarium, At-Bristol

Planetarium Nights, At-Bristol Thursday 20 & Saturday 22 August, 7.30pm & 8.45pm Looking for an evening under the stars? Well head down to the UK’s first digital 3D Planetarium in the heart of Bristol. Discover the universe from the comfort of your seat – fly through the rings of Saturn, journey to distant stars and tour our Solar System in this special extended shows that is just for grown-ups.

Explore what we can see from our back gardens this summer, and use the latest technology to get close-up views of some of the mysterious items in our solar system. It really will give you a whole new perspective on life here on Earth. And afterwards, you’ll have a chance to grab a drink and explore the revamped Space Gallery without having to stand aside for the kiddies.

Tickets from £7 in advance or £3.50 for members from box office on tel: 0117 915 1000 or visit: www.at-bristol.org.uk

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Smoking Puppet Cabaret, Tobacco Factory Theatre, Friday 28 –Sunday 30 August, 9.15pm Crammed full of mind-boggling, delightful, twisted, magical, unusual and immersive puppetry, expect music, laughter and a few surprises, this is a postshow, late-night cabaret of short puppetry performances. Expect a riotous, late-night, boozy, bonkers and brilliant cabaret where anything could happen.

Free event, for more information visit: www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com

The Festival Players: Shakespeare’s As You Like It, Winterborne Medieval Barn, Sunday 30 August, 2.30pm A matinee performance of Shakespeare’s wonderful pastoral comedy full of love, laughter, and lyricism, as performed by this talented all-male company.

The play follows its heroine, Rosalind, as she flees persecution in her uncle’s court, accompanied by her cousin Celia to find safety and eventually love in the Forest of Arden. Gates open at 12pm. Tickets: £13.50 available on tel: 01454 775024.

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WHAT’S | ON

Annie, Bristol Hippodrome

Annie, Bristol Hippodrome, Monday 31 August –Saturday 5 September, 7.30pm Set in 1930 New York during The Great Depression, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery and torment at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage.

Determined to find her real parents, her luck changes when she is chosen to spend Christmas at the residence of famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks.

Spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search. Tickets: £15 – £47.50 from the box office on tel: 0844 871 3012 or visit: www.atgtickets.com

Wunderkammer, Tobacco Factory Theatre, Monday 31 August – Tuesday 1 September, 8pm Welcome to the cabinet of curiosities: a collection of rare artefacts and objects that demonstrate the universal connection of all things. Exploiting the alluring grace of marionettes, Wunderkammer opens up a world where the senses are free to roam. The puppeteers’ skill is matched by a musical score that fuses jazz, with electronic music. Tickets: £16 from the box office on tel: 0117 902 0344 or visit: www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com

BOOK NOW FOR...

Puttin’ on the Ritz, Bristol Hippodrome, Tuesday 8 – Saturday 12 September, 7.30pm Featuring dance stars Trent and Gordana, and Robin and Anya from the hit TV show Strictly Come Dancing, along with special guest, X Factor and Dancing On Ice singing sensation Ray Quinn. The all-singing, all-dancing production features music of Irving Berlin, Cole Porter and George Gershwin.

Tickets: £21.40 – £41.40 from the box office on tel: 0844 871 3012 or visit: www.atgtickets.com

Fred Macaulay, Lantern Theatre, Colston Hall, Friday 18 September, 8pm One of Scotland’s most beloved comedians and star of BBC Radio 4's The News Quiz, Bridget Christie Minds The Gap and The Unbelievable Truth, Fred MacAulay is back on the road this autumn with a brand new show.

Tickets: £23.90 from the box office on tel: 0844 887 1500 or visit: www.colstonhall.org

Crafty Women, M Shed, Saturday 19 – Sunday 20 September, 10am – 6pm To celebrate the Women’s Institute’s centenary year, the Avon Federation of WIs have been judging the very best of its members’ arts and craft skills and are proud to present an exhibition of the winning pieces. Enjoy live demonstrations and find out more about what the Women’s Institute is all about. Tickets: £5 or £4 for WI members. For more information visit: www.avonwi.org.uk

Rob Beckett: Mouth of the South, Tobacco Factory Theatre, Sunday 25 October, 8pm Rob Beckett burst onto the comedy circuit only five years ago but within his first year he had won four new act competitions. After quickly establishing himself on the circuit, Rob’s cheeky chappy persona saw him winning fans starring on BBC1’s Live At The Apollo and Would I Lie To You, Channel 4’s 8 Out Of 10 Cats, BBC2’s Mock The Week, ITV2’s Celebrity Juice, and in his role as resident comedian in the jungle each year on I’m A Celebrity…

Get Me Out Of Here! NOW! Tickets: £15.50 from the box office on tel: 0117 902 0344 or visit: www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com WWW.THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

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DISCOVER | THE CITY

FREE BRISTOL Jenny Hayes highlights five of the best low-budget activities to try in and around the city this August

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DISCOVER | THE CITY

W

hile several weeks of summer holidays may feel like a real treat at the outset, by the time the sticky heat of August sets in tempers are usually beginning to fray.

You’ve played Frisbee on the Downs, you’ve had a swim in Clifton Lido, you’ve been to the Zoo three times, and now you’re out of ideas… and likely out of cash. But don’t despair – whether you have little ones to amuse, teenagers to tempt out of their bedrooms or are looking to shake up your own summer a little, you’ll find something just a little bit different to do on the next few pages. And it won’t break the bank.

BRISTOL BALLOON FIESTA Three cheers for the International Balloon Fiesta – hip hip, hooray! In August every year, the skies above the city are a kaleidoscope of multi-coloured hot air balloons, as enthusiasts from all over the world gather for Europe’s largest ballooning event.

From Thursday 6 – Saturday 9 August, you can head up to Ashton Court to see over 150 balloons take off at dawn, and again at dusk, and in between time there will be aerial displays to marvel at, live music to listen to, a variety of family-friendly entertainment, delicious food stalls if you need an energy boost, and bars where you can buy a cool beer to sip as you watch the sun go down.

If you’re an early bird, Breakfast and Balloons is for you. At 6am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning, you’ll be able to enjoy a bacon bap and strong coffee as you watch the balloons ascend into the sky while dawn breaks. The spectacular nightglow on Thursday and Saturday evenings at 9.15pm is one for the night owls, and sees 30 teams lighting up their balloons in time to some classic tunes.

There’s no need to book tickets, because the event is totally free. For more information visit: www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk

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DISCOVER | THE CITY

ON YER BIKE! Pedal power went a long way toward securing our title as European Green Capital 2015, because Bristol is well-known as a city that loves to cycle. I have to admit, though, it is precisely that which makes me a little hesitant about getting on my own bike. As I walk to work, the roads seem to be lined with proficient cyclists who swerve with elegance and ease through the dense city traffic, whereas I worry I’d wobble off into a bus. I don’t think I’m the only one who feels daunted at the prospect of getting on their bike, so I caught up with Alec James from Bristol transport charity Sustrans to find out some good beginner routes, as well as a few for those who live life in the fast lane.

Why is Bristol such a great cycling city?

Despite being a bit hilly, Bristol is brilliant for cyclists. There are lots of great traffic free routes throughout the city centre, and out to the surrounding countryside. And with traffic speeds averaging 11mph at rush hour, cycling is a much quicker, easier way to get about.

What’s a good route for families/beginners?

There’s lots of great family friendly rides around Bristol. For families with younger children a ride along the Festival Way (National Cycle Network route 33) and up to Ashton Court for an ice cream and look at the Red Deer makes for a great ride. The route is almost entirely traffic free with safe crossings of any roads and is (mostly!) flat.

And one for people looking for a challenge?

Why not try the Chew Valley Lake? This is a circular route that starts from Queen Square in Bristol and takes in the traffic free National Cycle Network, country lanes and some busier roads. The ride is 27 miles and is quite hilly but explores some beautiful countryside south of Bristol and rewards you with tea, cake and rest at Chew Valley Lake. We’d recommend taking a minute to spot some of the 4,000 ducks that live in the lake before heading back to Bristol!

If you’d prefer a less hilly route, the Bristol to Bath path is a must ride. The path is a 13 mile traffic free and mostly flat ride that leads all the way from St Phillips Road in Bristol to the centre of Bath. It was the first route on the National Cycle Network and is the most popular in the UK. There’s great tea and cake at Bitton and Mangotsfield, lots of beautiful countryside and very little traffic to overcome.

To celebrate 20 years of the National Cycle Network, join Sustrans at Fair in the Square, in Queen Square, on Saturday 22 August from 12pm – 8pm. There will be pedal powered entertainment, led walks and rides, live music, bike check-ups, food stalls and more. For details, and local cycle route maps, visit: www.sustrans.org.uk

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DISCOVER | THE CITY

STREET ART SPOTTING Many of the main routes through our city are now vast outdoor galleries, showcasing the work of some of the most well-known artists in the world today – among them Inkie, Nick Walker, Cheo and, of course, Banksy. A stroll down Stokes Croft, a meander along Nelson Street and a browse round Bedminster – newly painted after Upfest in July – will provide you with plenty of art to appreciate.

Not sure you’ll be able to spot your Pixel Pancho from your Silent Hobo? Don’t worry, local company WHERETHEWALL offer regular street art and grafitti tours of Bristol that’ll soon have you sounding like a pro. I caught up with coordinator Rob Dean to find out more.

Tell us a little more about how it all started...

WHERETHEWALL was created to broadcast the names of Bristol’s long-standing graffiti and street artists to a worldwide audience. Banksy shone a spotlight on the artform, but many other Bristol artists were not household names. So I created a WHERETHEWALL smartphone app for hungry street art seekers that worked as a kind of ‘sat nav’ for finding works, and gave details about the artist at each location.

While I was putting together the app, I met John Nation – sometimes referred to as the ‘godfather of Bristol’s street art and graffiti culture’, who was incredibly generous with his time and helped me meet all of the artists I needed to speak to.

Then I came up with a great idea. In order to promote the launch of the app in November 2012, I’d organise two walking tours and John would lead them, telling the stories behind the paintings and introducing the artists. They were both fully booked within a few hours. It was clearly something that Bristol wanted, so I spoke to John about holding regular tours, and he was 100 per cent behind the idea.

Through the winter, spring and summer of 2013 and 2014 the two of us walked the Bristol

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Street Art Tour every Saturday. At first we only had groups of about four people, but by the end of December 2014 we were regularly getting groups of up to 25. We are now the number one activity to do in Bristol on Trip Advisor, and I’m immensely proud of this achievement because we never did the tours as a job or a business venture, but as a passion.

What can we expect from a tour?

You’ll walk through Bristol, hearing the stories behind the paintings you see, tales about the artists, a history of why the graffiti artform became so massive in Bristol, insights into the work and life of the world’s most-famous street artist, Banksy, and plenty of photo opportunities.

Who leads them?

We have five tour leaders. John Nation is the original person, as I mentioned. He did so much for the artform in Bristol, and Banksy has referred to him as ‘the most important person in the UK in the last 25 years for encouraging and nurturing a culture.’ Then there’s Harriet Wood, aka Miss Hazard, one of Bristol’s leading female street artists; Ollie ‘Gage graphics’ Gillard, whose murals feature prominently on many houses in Totterdown; Tina ‘Winged Fox’ Altwegg, a Stokes Croft based artist who has recently painted a mural in the basement of Hamilton House; and Johanna Dragovic, also immersed in Stokes Croft’s creative culture, who’s currently exhibiting the Ice Block art installation in China. Between them, our guides speak French, Italian, German, Spanish, Russian and Serbo-Croat.

Do the tours attract a variety of people?

Definitely – ages range from seven to 77, and there is a mix of visitors from all over the world and locals who’d like to know more about the street art in their city.

No two tours are ever the same. Often we’ll have guest speakers, artists and community

leaders along to talk to the group about what they do, because we see the tours as an experience that combines history with contemporary culture.

What makes the work we see in Bristol unique?

Bristol has such a special blend of independentminded characters, and when they collaborate the results generated are unlike anywhere in the world – for example bands like Massive Attack and Portishead, as well as the KTF Crew and the work of Upfest, to name just a few.

The street art and graffiti of Bristol sends a message of self-expression and empowerment. It is a prominent, positive reflection of the city’s creative ethos.

Do you offer any other activities?

WHERETHEWALL is all about promoting Bristol’s creative culture. Everyone on the team is a working artist and we want people to experience that side of the city. So as well as the tours we run a number of activities, like the Street Art Stencil Challenge on Saturdays and Sundays for groups of up to 16.

After schools began to approach us, we started providing specialist experiences for them comprising a tour and workshop, which the teachers find (re)engages all ages and genders back into thinking art is great.

We also run team building events for adult groups who are looking to let off some steam and bond with each other. We’re hosting a group from Dyson next week and recently had a fabulously fun session with Hotel du Vin, Bristol. Each and every event is tailored to that particular groups needs, so please come and try one of our experiences!

WHERETHEWALL Bristol Street Art Tours run on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11am – 1pm, priced £9.20 pp. To book online, or find out more about the tours and other activities offered, visit: www.wherethewall.com

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DISCOVER | THE CITY

FORAGING Foraging has been a bit of a buzzword on the foodie scene for a few years now. I’ve read about it in newspapers, and seen several chefs pop up on cookery programmes singing the benefits of gathering your own wild plants, seaweeds and fungi to use as food, or medicine. Among the brave conoisseurs who embarked on the wild food journey is Bristol-based Martin Bailey.

Since childhood he’s enjoyed roaming the great out doors, and since his move to Bristol 20 years ago has pursued his passion for hunting wild food. Nowadays, he is well-known as an expert in the field, and supplies many local restaurants as well as teaching courses and leading foraging walks. So who better to guide us round the best routes in Bristol, and show us how to snuffle out our dinner?

Why is foraging so rewarding?

There are so many reasons. Not only is it free, but I’ve experienced flavours and textures unlike those of any bought food, and it is good to know you are eating locally sourced, highly nutritious food. There is a huge satisfaction in taking responsibility for the food I eat, and I am becoming more self-sufficient all the time as my knowledge grows.

Foraging is about slowing down. Instead of following the tick-tock of the clock on the wall we tune into the rhythms of the natural world, the cycles of each plant, the ebb and flow of nature.

For me, the experience is also about giving and receiving. It is a way of being, of opening up to the world we live in and engaging with one another in a very positive way.

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What should people be aware of when they first start out as foragers?

A little bit of knowledge can be a dangerous thing. With that in mind, try to forget what you think you know and approach the subject afresh each time you go out. Pay attention and observe very carefully. Use guidebooks to cross-reference and never eat anything unless you are 150 per cent certain you can make a positive identification.

Be mindful of where you are picking wild food. Think about proximity to busy roads, factories and such. Also, think about where animals are most likely to defecate and avoid picking there. Certain plants grow at a height where this is not an issue, whereas with others, you may want to be more choosy.

It’s important to realise that just because a plant is said to be edible it doesn’t mean that your body will cope with it. Just as with any other food you could have an adverse reaction to it, so to begin with eat only a small amount of anything.

What should foragers be equipped with?

A basket, a selection of tupperware, a good pocket knife, scissors, a walking stick (useful for lowering the branches of fruiting trees or parting the undergrowth when looking for wild mushrooms), comfortable walking shoes and waterproofs. To begin with, I recommend getting at least one but preferably two or three decent guidebooks for identification. Lastly, although these aren’t items, I would say that curiosity and an open mind are essential for any forager. That’s why children are so good at it!

What are the best foraging spots in and around Bristol in August and September?

Once you know what you're looking for there are numerous wild plants which can be foraged at various times of the year, without leaving the city. The Dingle is a fantastic place to look for salad leaves during the spring and summer months. Ashton Court Estate is great for berries, nuts and mushrooms from late summer through to early winter.

And, as you do this more, you come to realise that almost any green space including your back garden can be a good place for foraging. One of the best places you can look for edible wild plants or weeds is on your allotment. One that I love is fat hen – a close relative of spinach – and you can also find chickweed, dead nettle and dandelion.

At the moment, look out for little cherry plums.

These fruit from around mid July to early August, can be yellow or red and are smaller than their well-known cousins. Apples are growing bigger by the day and blackberries are starting to appear now too. Look out for wild marjoram growing along the Gorge, and meadowsweet near ponds and riverbanks. n Martin will be leading a children’s foraging walk at Blaise Estate on Friday 28 August, a coastal walk at Clevedon on Sunday 30 August, and others throughout September. Walks last around three hours and involve identifying, picking and eating a number of delicious edibles en route.

Martin is also available for private bookings and one-to-one tuition. For more information or to book a place, visit: www.goforaging.co.uk

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DISCOVER | THE CITY

WILD SWIMMING What is it about a gently babbling brook or calm, clear lake that makes you want to just jump in and splash about? The urge to leap into the water and swim and play carefree is almost irresistible. So it’s no wonder that wild swimming – the simple pleasure of bathing outdoors – is now more popular than ever. But it isn’t without it’s risks, so we asked Daniel Start, director of Wild Things Publishing and a wild swimming guru, to explain why it’s so popular and give us his top tips for staying safe in the water.

Why should we try wild swimming?

Wild swimming is a brilliant way to get out and explore hidden and beautiful places close to home that you might never otherwise have come across. It’s also a fantastic way to keep fit and feel good – you get a natural endorphin kick when you jump in cold water, which is why people get hooked – and there’s no denying the frog’s view of the world washes away the stresses of life.

Where are the best local spots?

My family and I love taking the Bath bike path out to the Avon Valley Country Park. There’s a meadow and picnic tables there and it’s a fun place to jump in from the pontoon. There’s also a great tree swing upstream opposite the Jolly Fisherman in Saltford.

For younger children, and something quieter, there are nice shallow pools with gravel beaches in the river Chew at Publow (under the bridge by the church) and Woollard (about 200m downstream through the field, on the left bank of the river).

A little further afield Warleigh Weir in Claverton (upstream of Bath on the cycle track) is incredibly popular and deservedly so. Or head for the amazing Waterfall Woods in the Brecon Beacons (near Pontneddfechan) where you can find over ten waterfall pools to swim in.

And what are your top tips for staying safe?

• Never swim in canals, stagnant lakes, urban rivers or reedy shallows • Never swim in flood water, and be cautious of water quality during droughts • Cover cuts with waterproof plasters • Avoid contact with blue–green algae • Never swim alone and keep a constant watch on weak swimmers • Never jump into water you haven’t checked for depth and obstructions • Always make sure you know how you will get out before you get in • Don’t get too cold • Wear footwear if you can • Don’t swim underneath large waterfalls or weirs, the strong currents can trap you Daniel Start is the author of the Wild Guide, Hidden Beaches and Wild Swimming (each £16.99), which are available at all good bookshops and online at Wild Things Publishing, visit: www.wildthingspublishing.com © Daniel Start

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CITYgardens

ARTS | & EXHIBITIONS

AUGUST GALLERY

Summer Colour Show, Clifton Fine Art, Friday 31 July – Monday 31 August This zesty group show includes bold, bright abstract paintings by Rowdy (pictured) and Angie Kenber, the seascapes of Ruth Ander and Steve Slimm and Tom White’s vivid depictions of Bristol. Clifton Fine Art, BS1 5BQ. Tel: 0117 925 6952 or visit: www.cliftonfineart.com

Summer in the City, Coldharbour Framery & Gallery, Monday 6 July – Monday 31 August A rolling exhibition celebrating summer in our fair city, with contributions from many local artists, including a set of new watercolours by Abigail McDougall featuring boats in the Harbourside, and Jenny Urquhart’s take on Summer on the Downs, plus the latest Bristol prints by Emily Ketteringham, whose sheep (sponsored by Coldharbour Road Traders Association) is located just across the road from the gallery. Also new in and just perfect for summer, jewellery and vases in sizzling shades by local glass artist Catriona MacKenzie.

Coldharbour Framery & Gallery, 111 Coldharbour Road, BS6 7SD. For details tel: 0117 944 6244 or visit: www.coldharbourgallery.co.uk

CatMacKGlass

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▲ Reto Pulfer and Patrick Staff, Spike Island, from Saturday 4 July Self-taught artists Reto Pulfer uses painting, drawing, music and found objects to create complex artwork. Patrick Staff presents his new film installation, The Foundation, which explores queer intergenerational relationships. Spike Island, 133 Cumberland Road, BS1 6UX. Tel: 0117 929 2266 or visit: www.spikeisland.org.uk

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Peter Randall-Page & Kate MccGwire, RWA, until Thursday 10 September

Open Exhibition, Clevedon Art Club, Saturday 22 August – Monday 31 August Over 300 selected artworks will be on show from members and non-members alike in this popular annual exhibition.

The Science Atrium, Clevedon School, BS21 6AH. For further details visit: www.clevedonartclub.co.uk

Call for entries, Bristol Cloth Design Competition, closes Monday 31 August Bristol and Somerset-based enterprises Bristol Textile Quarter CIC, Botanical Inks, Fernhill Fleece, Dash + Miller Ltd and The Bristol Weaving Mill Ltd have joined forces to produce the Bristol Cloth, and are inviting Bristol and the South West’s creative communities to get involved. The competition is open to anyone with a South West postcode providing their design is submitted in the required format. The competition deadline is Monday 31 August with shortlisted designs being displayed in the Green Capital Lab space during September for public voting and panel judging taking place at the end of September. The winner will be presented with a length of cloth and the finished cloth will be available for wholesale and retail purchase. Full details of the brief and technical specifications can be found on the Bristol Cloth website, visit: www.bristolcloth.co.uk

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▲

Two internationally renowned British artists are brought together for this striking exhibition, exploring an environmental theme for Bristol’s year as European Green Capital. Through 2D and 3D work, both artists explore natural phenomena, patterns and repetition, utilising natural or found materials within which to reflect the rhythms of nature. MccGwire’s work hints at the hidden, while Randall-Page’s work is both organic and geological. RWA, Queen’s Road, BS8 1PX. Tel: 0117 973 5129 or visit: www.rwa.org.uk

Nocona Burgess, Rainmaker Gallery, Thursday 16 July – Wednesay 30 September Nocona Burgess presents strikingly modern depictions of men and women from the tribal Nations of the Southern Plains. Historically inspired portraits are given a modern slant, demonstrating the evolution of traditional artistic styles into the now thriving contemporary Native art movement. These paintings inspire and educate through their unusual techniques and positive dialogues between past and present. The artist urges us to update our perceptions of Native people and consider the intriguing and often highly politicised place of Native American portraiture. Combining careful research with firsthand knowledge, Burgess strives to convey each subject’s unique stories within a wider historical and cultural context.

Nocona Burgess is a member of the Comanche Nation and the great-greatgrandson of Chief Quanah Parker, one of the most revered Native American leaders.

Rainmaker Gallery, 123 Coldharbour Road, BS6 7SN. Tel: 0117 944 3101 or visit: www.rainmakerart.co.uk

William Hogarth: Painter & Printmaker, Bristol City Museum and Gallery, until Monday 31 August From portraiture to satire to history painting, this incredible exhibition introduces the diverse range of subjects tackled by this iconic painter and printmaker. It is the most comprehensive show of Hogarth’s work ever in the South West, combining both well known satirical prints from Bristol Museum’s permanent collection and oil paintings on loan from Tate Britain. Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, BS8 1RL. Tel: 0117 922 3571 or visit: www.bristolmuseums.org.uk

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Sky Blue Framing & Gallery is run by professional artist and picture frame designer Michael Ogden Four time finalist and Winner of the Fine Art Trade Guild Framing Award

Artist : Michael Ogden

Proud to have been invited to paint three sculptures for Shaun in the City Email : mike@skybluegallery.co.uk Web : www.skybluegallery.co.uk/news Sky Blue Framing & Gallery 27 North View, Westbury Park, Bristol BS6 7PT T: 0117 973 3995 © Shaun in the City/Aardman

Fancy getting away this Autumn?

Cartier Brooch

Rolex Ref: 8171

Cocktail Ring

Cartier Brooch

£4,150

£69,000

£3,550

£23,500

Clevedon Salerooms will be holding a FREE no-obligation Specialist Jewellery, Silver & Watch Valuation Day at the Salerooms on Tuesday 11th August between 10am - 4pm. There is ample fee parking and no appointment is necessary. Clevedon’s Specialist Valuers will be providing verbal estimates with the September Quarterly Specialist Sale in mind.

If you are looking for interesting items to furnish your home, including vintage, retro and antique furniture as well as collector’s items, works of art, silver & jewellery why not come for a day out at Clevedon Salerooms. You won’t go home disappointed and probably not empty-handed!

Interiors, Antiques, Collectables & Jewellery Auction Thursday 13th August at 10am On view day before, 10am – 7.30pm and sale day from 9am to start

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FREE VALUATION DAYS at the Salerooms 3, 4, 5 August 9.30 – 1pm and 2pm – 5pm

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

Tel: 01934 830111 www.clevedon-salerooms.com

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Spotlight on...

MIKE OGDEN The well-loved local artist and owner of Sky Blue Framing & Gallery talks about creating three adorable sculptures for the Shaun in the City trail

Mike with The Pirate

tice Lamb

Captain

Beach Boy

painting Jus Mike hard at work

Why did you decide to become an artist?

Did you enjoy the experience?

At 15 I just knew I had to go to art college and follow the dream. I really wanted to have a lifestyle like the impressionists or later artists like Picasso who led a charmed life, in creative terms at least.

I can honestly say that the first half of 2015 has possibly been the most exciting of my life. I have enjoyed every second, and somehow we have even managed to move house in the middle of it all.

How long have you lived in Bristol?

What was the inspiration behind each of your three sculptures?

After a one year foundation art course in my original home town of Sheffield, I came to Bristol in 1977 to study illustration on one of the best courses in the country at the time (and it still is).

When I left in 1980, I decided to have a go at being a freelance illustrator working for both local and national book publishers, design companies and eventually advertising agencies. I was very determined to succeed but was also very lucky. I did that for 18 years before deciding it was time to return to my first love, fine art. Just to keep things going I also started my picture framing business in the basement of my house in Redland.

Both have thankfully gone well, particularly since we relocated the business to North View in Westbury Park. Having brought up two children in the city, Bristol is now definitely where the family belongs.

How did you become involved in the Shaun in the City Trail?

I do love a jokey double meaning (as friends and family will know to their cost), so two of my designs were based on puns – Sheep Dip, which inspired Beach Boy, and Called to the Baa, which led me to design Justice Lamb. The Pirate Captain is one for the boys. He looks a bit fierce for a sheep, and I really enjoyed making some of the accessories, like the six pistols, the cutlass sword, the seagull chick in his hat and even his shoes with buckles. That one took the most time but hopefully will be worth it when it goes to auction.

Where can we find your sculptures?

Beach Boy is next to Cascade Steps at the end of Narrow Quay – proper central, The Pirate Captain is outside the M Shed Cafe close to where The Matthew is moored, and Justice Lamb is in the corner of Queen Square.

Will you be Shaun spotting yourself?

Like all the other artists, I submitted designs in late autumn 2014. Although I left it very late, staying up until 2.30am to finish the sketches the night before the deadline. Six weeks later I was lucky enough to be selected to paint Beach Boy. When Beach Boy was nearly finished, I then embarked on The Pirate Captain, and then finally started work on Justice Lamb.

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You bet! We are a week into the trail (at time of writing) and so far I have seen around 10. My family and I will probably do a few bike rides using the trail map, and we’re all really looking forward to seeing the whole flock of Bristol and London sculptures when they come together at The Mall Cribbs Causeway just before the auction.

So, what do you do when you aren’t painting adorable Shauns?

I am running my own business, Sky Blue Framing & Gallery. I employ 3–4 framers and a gallery manager, and they were brilliant at keeping it all ticking over when I wasn’t there.

Normally I do far too many hours at the shop, but over the last six months I’ve learnt that the business can function perfectly well when I am not present. So here’s to spending more time in my studio doing my own thing, which is painting fun, iconic images of dogs, and landscapes inspired by our local area and Cornwall.

We are in the process of having a new website built, so please take a look at it but bear in mind that we are improving and adding to it in the next weeks and months. Hopefully by mid autumn it will be something to be proud of.

I work mainly in pastels, oils and acrylic with fairly graphic modern compositions, and I am looking forward to spending time experimenting with some new techniques over the next 12 months. Working on the Shauns has given me the renewed self confidence to try some new things and create artworks that people will hopefully find similarly exciting.

Images provided with permission from The Grand Appeal. Mike’s sculptures and the rest of the ‘Shaun in the City’ flock will be grazing across Bristol until 31 August. For more information, visit: www.shauninthecity.org.uk Sky Blue Framing & Gallery is offering signed prints of Mike’s designs for £25 each, with all profits going to The Grand Appeal. Sky Blue Framing & Gallery, 27 North View, BS6 7PT. Tel: 0117 973 3995 or visit: www.skybluegallery.co.uk

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

Designer jewellery and gifts at Artemis

A

mong the fab collection of independent businesses that line the Gloucester Road sits Artemis, a divine little shop where jewellery designer Catherine Amesbury and her daughter Carrie Grandison create and sell their own unique range of jewellery. We caught up with Catherine to find out more about their work, and what else can be found at Artemis.

“It all really began when Carrie was 10 years old,” says Catherine. “She did a silversmithing course and came home with a beautiful flower pendant that she’d made, which inspired me to go on the course myself.

Designing and making jewellery became something that we enjoyed doing together, just sitting at the kitchen table. We began selling it at school fairs and taking on a few commissions, as well as taking part in the North Bristol Arts Trail.

Nine years later, after Carrie finished college, she suggested that we went into business together. It was a dream come true for me. We took a stall at the indoor market that replaced Woolworths on Black Boy Hill, but although we were successful there the market wasn’t, so when it closed after only 15 months we had to look for new premises – hence the birth of Artemis!

Our jewellery workshop is at the heart of Artemis, situated right in the middle of the shop floor so that we can work directly with our customers. Each piece that we create is very much in our own style, and made from beautiful materials that we source personally from around the world – mainly silver, semi-precious stones and freshwater pearls.

For example, a lot of the silver we use comes from the Karen Hill Tribe in northern Thailand. Not only is it purer than Sterling silver, which gives it a softer patina and colour, but it brings with it a rich history. The Karen people have been producing this silver for generations, and they still work with it in the same way as their ancestors did, hammering it out on a tree trunk. Last time I was there I made a ring with them using these traditional methods, an incredibly humbling experience! I am now able to support the individual families by buying silver ethically directly from them.

We use gold and platinum for one-off bespoke pieces like engagement and wedding rings. We are also passionate about recycling and refashioning old pieces – like broaches and engagement rings – so that they can be worn and loved again.

Our jewellery assistant, Chloe, is also a very important part of the team at Artemis. She started with us as an apprentice when she was just 13, and became full time when she finished school at 18. She now makes most of the jewellery and is starting to design with us. It is lovely to watch her style develop.

As well as our own jewellery, we also sell a range of gift items that complement the feminine ethos of the shop. So if you’re looking for that certain something for a special someone, or perhaps just to treat yourself, it’s well worth dropping in.” n For more information visit: www.artemisbristol.co.uk

Philosophy

for living

Free 4 week course starts September 2015

This short Philosophy course explores the art of living in the present. You will be introduced to practical exercises that increase mindful awareness.

for living

Enjoying more stillness of mind, we naturally become less anxious, more self-aware and our actions become more natural and effective. The 4-week course will also explore the innate wisdom present in each of us, and how we can access it for the benefit of all.

For those who wish to extend this introduction, a further 6 week course follows on immediately, cost £36 (concessions available).

BATH

When? Tuesdays at 7.15pm starting 29th Sept 2015 Where? 30 Milsom St, Bath, BA1 1DG

BRISTOL

When? Thursdays at 7.15pm starting 24th Sept 2015 Where? Bristol Grammar School, Bristol, BS8 If you would like to know more or to register please contact:

Email: bathandbristolphilosophy@gmail.com Or call: 07873 230651 Bath and Bristol School of Philosophy: branch of The Fellowship of the School of Economic Science.

Registered Educational Charity 313115

www.bathandbristolphilosophy.org

www.charlottestonephoto.com

WWW.THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

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and may more!

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SUMMER | RECIPES

Sunshine

SEASON Brighten your palate with these colourful summer recipes from some of the city’s best chefs

WWW.THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

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SUMMER | RECIPES

WAHACA

© Tara Fisher

PRAWN TOSTADAS WITH AVOCADO & SPICY PEANUT OIL Taken from Chilli Notes by Thomasina Myers, Hodder & Stoughton, £25

M

asterchef winner and all-round foodie favourite Thomasina Myers has just opened the latest branch of her restaurant chain, Wahaca, on Queens Road. Designed to shake up the Mexican dining scene around the UK, Wahaca is set to replace tequila girls with tasty street food, and messy fajitas with moreish tacos, tostadas and taquitos – to name just a few. And she’s agreed to share some of her delicious recipes with TBM readers, so you can try them out at home...

These tostadas are inspired by Sabina Bandera’s incredible sea urchin tostadas that I tasted at a food festival in Oaxaca. Bandera’s street food stand, La Guerrense, in Ensenada is spoken of in hushed tones by Mexican food enthusiasts – it is famous throughout the Americas – and when I tasted these, I understood why. The combination of toasted peanuts, hot peanut oil, creamy avocado and seafood is inspired.

– Thomasina Myers

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METHOD

INGREDIENTS Serves 4–6 people • 250ml olive oil or vegetable oil, for frying • 8 large corn tortillas • 40g peanuts • 1 large onion, peeled and finely sliced • Juice of 1 (juicy) lime • 1 avocado • 2–3 tbsp hot and fiery peanut oil (recipe below) • 150g (MSC certified) raw prawns • 2–3 tbsp mayonnaise • 2 baby gem, cut into fine ribbons • Hot sauce, for splashing (optional – see Tip)

Heat 250ml of oil in a small saucepan until it is shimmering hot. Meanwhile, cut out small circles from the tortillas, keeping the off-cuts to fry for salads or snacks, and test one in the hot oil. If the oil bubbles up vigorously, then it is up to temperature. If the oil doesn’t move very much, wait for the temperature to rise further.

Fry the tortillas in batches so that you are not bringing the temperature of the oil down too much, until crisp and golden. Drain the tostadas on kitchen paper. Reserve the oil.

Heat a frying pan over a medium heat and toast the peanuts for about 5 mins until pale golden all over. Remove them and roughly chop. Add a few tablespoons of the frying oil to the pan, followed by the onion and a good pinch of salt, and cook over a medium heat for about 10 mins until the onion is soft and sweet-tasting.

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SUMMER | RECIPES

CONTINUED...

All of this prep can be done a couple of hours in advance. Remove and set aside.

When you are ready to eat, peel, de-stone and cut the avocado into quarters, then squeeze over the juice of half the lime. Heat the frying pan again and when it is smoking hot add a few splashes of the peanut oil followed by the prawns.

Toss the prawns in the oil for a few minutes until they have turned from translucent to pink. Add the onions, most of the rest of the oil and the nuts and briefly stir to heat through. You do not want to overcook the prawns. Squeeze the rest of the lime juice over the prawns.

HOT & SPICY PEANUT OIL INGREDIENTS • 6 fat garlic cloves, skinned • 25g sesame seeds • 600ml sunflower oil • 90g peanuts (skins on) • 25g chiles de árbol (or other dried red chillies) • 2 tsp sea salt • 2 good pinches of caster sugar METHOD

Serve the tostadas with a smear of mayonnaise, the shredded lettuce, prawns and onion and top with the peanuts, avocado slices and more peanut oil drizzled over, scooping some of the delicious sediment from the bottom of the bottle over the prawns.

THOMASINA’S TIP Sabina serves these with a roast habanero sauce. Try the Wahaca one or scatter over a tiny pinch of de-seeded and finely chopped habanero chillies. This oil transforms even the simplest plate of food. It is great drizzled over grilled prawns or chicken, or keep a bottle of it on the table for ladling over anything from tacos and tostadas to salads and stir-fries.

AQUA COD WITH LENTILS & PANCETTA

by Jamie Edwards, executive chef

Heat a deep, wide-bottomed pan over a medium heat and toast the sesame seeds for 4–5 mins until pale golden all over. Set aside.

Heat 200ml of the oil in the same pan over a medium heat. Add the peanuts and toast them until they turn a light caramel colour. Add the garlic to the pan and cook until it has turned soft and golden, then add the chillies. Cook until the chillies darken and smell toasted. Add the salt, sugar and sesame seeds and pour in the remaining oil to stop the chillies cooking further.

With a slotted spoon, transfer the chillies and half of the nuts and seeds to an upright food blender and blitz to a coarse crumb. Now add the rest of the oil and nuts and leave to cool. Store in a clean, sterilised bottle or jar.

BRAISED LENTILS

COOKING THE DISH

INGREDIENTS

INGREDIENTS

• 100ml olive oil • 150g puy lentils • 2 small shallots • 1 small carrot • 1 celery stick • 2 garlic cloves • 1tsp dried rosemary • 1tsp dried thyme • 400ml hot vegetable stock • 1 lemon (squeezed) • 1–2tbsp salt • 1–2tbsp black pepper

• 4x 6/8oz cod supreme • All braised lentils • 8 slices pancetta • 200 gram garden peas • 50 millilitres vegetable oil • 2 tablespoon garlic butter • 3 tablespoon hot vegetable stock • 1 pinch chopped parsley • 1–2 lemons (squeezed) • 1 pinch sea salt and 1 pinch cracked pepper

METHOD

Place the sliced pancetta on a tray in a 180°C oven for 5 min or until crispy. Once cool, put to one side.

Peel the onion, carrot and garlic cloves. Strip the herbs from the stalks, and finely dice the carrot, garlic and celery. Then warm the vegetable stock up in a separate pan.

Jamie Edwards has been part of the talented team at Aqua for eight years, and took on the role of executive chef in 2010. He has a real passion for Italian cuisine, and brings the best of it to the Aqua kitchens. This recipe is one of his creations.

There are Aqua restaurants on Welsh Back and at 153 Whiteladies Rd. Visit: aqua-restaurant.com

WWW.THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

Wahaca is now open, and is happy to accommodate walk-ins if you fancy dropping in. If you would like to reserve a table, or just find out a little more about the restaurant, either tel: 0117 332 4486 or visit: www.wahaca.co.uk. Wahaca, 70–78 Queens Road, BS8 1QU.

Place the butter in a large saucepan and when slightly melted add all the vegetables and herbs and cook on a low heat for about 30 mins, or until there is a slight browning on the vegetables. Then add the lentils and stir for two minutes.

Add the vegetable stock, salt and pepper and cook on a low heat for 45 min or until the lentils are soft.

Then squeeze all the lemon juice in the lentils, stir well and save them to one side until required.

METHOD

Pour the vegetable oil into a frying pan and place the cod in the pan skin side down and season with sea salt and pepper. Allow to cook on a medium heat for 4–5min or until the skin is crispy. Then turn the cod over and place in the oven for 3–4min.

While the cods cooking heat up the lentils with the peas in a clean saucepan. Then spoon the lentils onto the centre of the hot serving plate and lie the cod, skin side up, on top.

Add garlic butter, chopped parsley, hot vegetable stock and lemon juice to the pan, bring to the boil then pour over the cod and serve.

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SUMMER | RECIPES

MANNA ZA’ATAR ROAST HAKE & TADZIKI

by Olly Gallery, owner and chef

METHOD Grate half the cucumber, sprinkle with sea salt and set aside. Dice all the vegetables into 5mm cubes – time consuming but worth it. Stir in the uncooked bulgar wheat and put in the fridge for an hour.

INGREDIENTS Serves 4

PREGO

• 4 thick skinned Hake portions • 200g Bulgar wheat • 1 cucumber • Bunch spring onion • Small pack of cherry tomatoes • Small bunch radish • 1 red and yellow pepper • Pot of Greek yoghurt • Bunch coriander, parsley, mint and dill • 1 lemon • Red wine vinegar • 1 clove garlic • Za’atar spice blend, available in supermarkets

Heat up a non-stick pan. Pour in a lug of olive oil and season the fish generously. Fry the hake skin side down for about 3 mins, turn and carry on cooking for 2 mins. Take off the heat, sprinkle with Zataar and leave to cook through in the pan.

Squeeze out the cucumber and stir into the Greek yoghurt, along with a grated clove of garlic. Add a squeeze of lemon, a bunch of chopped dill and a splash of red wine vinegar. Check the seasoning.

Finely chop all your herbs and add to the bulgar wheat with the juice of a lemon. Season to taste.

Spoon the wheat and vegetables onto plates and drizzle with yoghurt sauce. Place your fish on top and finish with olive oil and a touch more Za’atar.

Manna, 2B North View, BS6 7QB. Tel: 0117 970 6276 or visit: www.mannabar.co.uk

ROAST LAMB WITH SALSA VERDE

by Olly Gallery, owner and chef For the salsa verde • Good pinch of tinned anchovies • Good pinch of capers • About a teaspoon of Dijon mustard • A handful of parsley • Half a handful of mint • Half a handful of basil • Splash of decent red wine vinegar • Pinch of salt • ½ lemon zest and little squeeze of juice • Olive oil INGREDIENTS Serves 4 For the lamb • 500ml fresh light chicken or vegetable stock • 4 good knobs of butter • Large pinch of finely chopped thyme • 2 large pinches of finely chopped parsley • 2 medium cloves garlic, minced • 2 big free range organic lamb rumps • Packet of green beans • 200g new potatoes • 4 small handfuls of fresh, podded garden peas • 3 small handfuls of broad beans (podded, blanched and podded again) • Red wine vinegar • ¼ bottle white wine

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If the potatoes are done, drain and set aside.

Get a decent sized, oven proof frying pan on the heat until almost smoking. Pat dry and season your lamb rumps with a generous pinch of salt and pepper and add a glug of olive oil to the pan. Place the rumps fat side up for 1 min, flip them over and place them in the oven. If you don’t have an oven proof frying pan, just put them on a baking tray instead. Cook for about 15 mins for medium rare or 20–25 mins for well done. Once they're cooked to your satisfaction, take them out and let them METHOD rest. Place them somewhere warm and cover with foil, then empty any excess fat from the pan and Pre heat oven to 200°C, then pop your potatoes in return to the heat. a pan of cold, salted water and and bring to the boil. Then simmer and cook for about 10 mins. When the pan is hot, deglaze with the wine and This time will differ depending on the size of your reduce for about a min. Add your garlic and stock, potatoes so give them a poke with a knife every bring to the boil and turn down to a simmer. Slice once and a while to see if they’re done. The knife your cooked potatoes and add to the stock with the should slide through without resistance. other vegetables and cook for 1 min. Add the butter, season to taste and add the herbs. Now take While the potatoes are cooking you can get your your rumps and slice them with the grain. salsa verde ready. Finely chop all the herbs, anchovies and capers and add seasoning, mustard, Assemble vegetables and sauce on to your plates, zest/juice and vinegar – give it a good mix and top top with the lamb and salsa verde. up with olive oil until just covered. Taste and adjust if necessary. Once done, set aside – you can do this Prego, 7 North View, BS6 7PT. earlier in the day and keep it in the fridge.

Tel: 0117 973 0496 or visit: www.pregobar.co.uk

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SUMMER | RECIPESE

SALMON IN A BAG INGREDIENTS • 2x fillets of salmon (c. 120g each) • ½ bulb of fennel (root removed and sliced) • 2 small vine tomatoes • 1 shallot (minced) • 20g sliced flat leaf parsley • 20ml Pernod and 30ml dry white wine • 1 lemon (zested and juiced) METHOD Place the sliced fennel in a small pan covered with water, add pinch of salt and bring to a simmer to blanch. Drain.

Lay the tin foil out and fold in half length ways, then unfold. Working in the first half of the foil place a sliced vine tomato, season with salt and pepper. Then add the shallots and parsley, topped with the fillet of salmon. Season the salmon with sea salt, black pepper, sprinkle with lemon rind and juice. Drizzle the Pernod and white wine between the halves of salmon ensuring none runs off of the foil.

Fold the other half of the foil over the top of the salmon. With the remaining 3 edges fold the foil in the 1cm to create a sealed bag.

Place on a hot BBQ to steam for 6 mins, for rare salmon. 10 mins for well cooked salmon. Cut the bag open and garnish with salad fennel.

JOSH EGGLETON TOMATO, CURD & BASIL SALAD One of the south west’s most celebrated chefs shares two recipes perfect for impressing guests at your next BBQ – or for eating all by yourself! And if you can’t be bothered to cook one evening, why not treat yourself to a trip to one of his two restaurants? There’s the divine Salt & Malt tearoom and fish café set on the banks of Chew Valley Lake, or the Michelin starred Pony and Trap just a stone’s throw away in Chew Magna. Or you could try both...

Salt & Malt, Chew Stoke, BS40 8XS. Tel: 01275 333 345 or visit: www.saltmalt.com Pony & Trap, Chew Magna, BS40 8TQ. Tel: 01275 332 627 or visit: www.theponyandtrap.co.uk INGREDIENTS • 250g ewes’ curd or soft cheese • 100g parmesan, finely grated • 600g mixed heirloom/heritage tomatoes • 4 large tsp tomato, chilli and ginger chutney • 6 fresh basil leaves • Maldon salt • Fresh black pepper •100ml good quality extra virgin olive oil

WWW.THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

METHOD Take the ewes’ curd and divide it into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then roll each ball in the parmesan. Place in the refrigerator to firm up – but take the balls out of the fridge 20 mins before serving the salad – they are delicious at room temperature.

Cut cherry tomatoes in half, large tomatoes in wedges and plum tomatoes in rounds. Place the tomatoes in a bowl, season with a pinch of Maldon salt, gently mix with a spoon, salt them again and set aside to macerate for 10–15 mins.

To serve, get four bowls or small plates and place a teaspoon of tomato, chilli and ginger chutney in the centre of each one. With a spoon, carefully arrange the tomato pieces in neat piles on and around the chutney. Reserve the tomato juice in the bowl.

Make sure each plate has tomatoes of each type, size and colour. Place two curd balls on top of each one. Gently tear each basil leaf into strips with your fingers and arrange on top of the tomatoes. Drizzle each pile of tomatoes with the tomato juice and plenty of olive oil. Finish with a twist of black pepper. Serve.

JOSH’S TIP Salting the tomatoes before use provides you with a whole new level of flavour and texture.

As they macerate they release juice, creating the perfect natural dressing for this simple salad. Use as many different types of tomato as possible to keep the salad even more interesting. And buy the best olive oil you can afford – good tomatoes deserve it.

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SUMMER | RECIPES

THE PUMP HOUSE SEA TROUT & GIROLLES WITH SAMPHIRE & BUTTER SAUCE

by Toby Gritten, head chef

Brought up in the countryside, with a packed vegetable garden and a small river brimming with trout at the end of the garden, Toby Gritten’s enthusiasm for locally sourced produce and seasonality started at a young age. And this recipe shouts of summer and fresh produce.

INGREDIENTS Serves 4 • 1 side of trout, pin-boned and portioned • 100g marsh samphire, woody stems discarded • 100g girolles, cleaned and washed • 1 large glass of dry white wine • 200g butter, cubed & 150g uncubed • 750g Desiree potatoes • 150g double cream • 1 small bunch of parsley, finely chopped • ½ lemon, juiced

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METHOD Mash Peel the potatoes and then boil until soft enough to stick a knife into without resistance. Chuck into a colander to steam and cool for about 5 minutes.

While they are steaming, heat the 150g butter and 150ml double cream.

Mash the potatoes thoroughly then add to the cream and butter and beat till smooth.

Butter sauce In a small pan, reduce the wine by half. Whisk in the diced butter, bit by bit until all incorporated.

Season well and keep warm on the stove.

Trout Season the fillets and leave to come up to room temperature, then get a heavy pan hot and fry the

fillets skin side down until ¾ cooked.

Add a small knob of butter to the pan and turn the fish over, then take the pan off the heat and leave for 1–2 mins.

Girolles and samphire Melt a good dollop of butter and then add the girolles to fry for two minutes or so.

Add the samphire, mix gently and cook for another two minutes, then stir in the butter sauce, and add the lemon juice and parsley.

To serve Put a big dollop of mash on a plate, cover with the samphire and girolles and place the fillet of trout on top of it skin side up.

The Pump House, Merchants Rd, BS8 4PZ. Tel: 0117 927 2229 or visit: the-pumphouse.com

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SUMMER | RECIPES

FLOUR AND ASH HERITAGE TOMATO & BUFFALO MOZZARELLA SALAD GAZPACHO

by Steve Gale, co-owner and chef

Although it’s only been open seven months, Flour and Ash is already a firm favourite on Bristol’s thriving independent food scene, scooping up the Best Pizza award at the Bristol Good Food Awards 2015. That may be because Steve and his co-chef Joe Wilkin are dedicated to doing something great with the humble pizza. But it’s not just pizza Steve’s a whizz with, as this delicious recipe shows...

Flour and Ash, Cheltenham Rd, BS6 5QX. Tel: 0117 908 3228 or visit: www.flourandash.co.uk INGREDIENTS • 500g heritage tomatoes, super ripe and sweet • 4 large vine tomatoes • 2 celery sticks • ½ green pepper, seeded • 2 garlic cloves, peeled • 100ml passata or made tomato sauce • 2tbsp cherry vinegar • A pinch of flaked chilli • A small handful of basil leaves • Stale sourdough or other quality loaf • 2x 150g balls of buffalo mozzarella • Salt and crushed black pepper • Quality aged balsamic vinegar, to dress • Extra virgin olive oil, to dress METHOD Heat your oven to 200ºC. Finely slice croutons off the loaf of bread, oil and season then bake until golden. Set aside.

Blitz the vine tomatoes, garlic, celery, green pepper, a few basil leaves, passata, sherry vinegar and chilli in the blender until smooth. Season and add more vinegar if necessary then pass through a fine sieve and set aside.

Slice your heritage tomatoes, try to cut in different ways so you get a variety of shapes in the salad. Toss in a bowl with some extra virgin, a little balsamic, some torn basil and seasoning.

Toss in the croutons and mix well. Ladle a little gazpacho sauce in the bottom of a pasta bowl, top artistically with tomatoes and mozzarella.

Drizzle the sauce with some olive oil and more balsamic. Easy.

WWW.THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

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FOOD | AND DRINK

WINING & DINING news and reviews Foodie newsbites ■ Perfect Cellar is the brainchild of Moez Seraly, a Frenchman with a dream of bringing his favourite wines to the UK. Made by his winemaker friends in classic regions of France, the wines he selects are the finest quality but less well known than some of their famous contemporaries – at the moment. So why not try some of the delicious wines on offer – like this vibrant, sparkling Tendil et Lomardi Blanc de Noirs, £39.99, or the ripe, easygoing Domaine Charley Nicolle Chablis Premier Cru Mont de Millieu 2011, £21.95 – online at www.perfectcellar.com

■ A Bristol business is going to extra special lengths to ensure its staff not only don’t go hungry but get their five a day. Staff at facilities management business Almeda, which is based at Redwood House on Bristol Road in Keynsham, can pick and eat their own fruit and vegetables from self-made urban allotments that have been built in the grounds of the business. Brady George, 29, is operations director at the firm and came up with the idea in order to promote health and wellbeing amongst staff. “A healthy diet and keeping active is so important,” he said, “and businesses have a responsibility to do all they can to support staff. So I thought I’d put a scheme into action and make every effort to allow our team to be as healthy as they can.” For more information about Almeda and its work, visit: www.almeda.co.uk

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Scrumping in the apple orchards If you’re interested in finding out how Somerset’s finest golden scrumpy is made, then head down to Thatchers on Saturday 12 September, from 11am – 3pm, for its annual open doors day. There will be guided tours of the cider mill, tractor tours of the apple orchards, cider tastings; hand pressing of apple juice, entertainment from the Mendip Morris Men, as well as face-painting and children’s activities, and plenty of music. You can also expect craft stores, refreshments, and a real festival atmosphere. Entry is free, but do book in advance. Visit: www.thatcherscider.co.uk

Chefs’ Forum...

The latest Chefs’ Forum at Thornbury Castle was right on target, with attendees trying their hand at archery – as well as enjoying an afternoon of networking and demonstrations. The event began with a sparkle, with a Nyetimber reception accompanied by Mark Veale, Head Chef at Thornbury Castle, with the help of students from City of Bristol College, HIT Training and Weston College. And it kept sizzling from there, with demonstrations and tastings, and a drop more Nyetimber in the evening. Each year, the Chefs’ Forum connects chefs, educators and suppliers.

For details, visit: www.thechefsforum.co.uk

License to thrill There’s a new cocktail bar and punch house on the Bristol scene, and it’s causing quite a stir. Her Majesty’s Secret Service (HMSS) serves delicious cocktails, sharing punches and non-alcoholic fauxtails in an exciting, luxurious and easy-going environment. And it wouldn’t be complete without a wry twist of humour – think cocktail lists presented as passports, quirky interiors and feel-good music.

HMSS is presented by the talented team behind London’s legendary Cocktail Trading Co, and is set to transform the old Charlie’s Bar on the doorstep of Clifton Down Station into one of Bristol’s hottest nightspots. So what are you waiting for? Slip into something special and head down. For more information tel: 0117 973 6664.

© Kirstie Young

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A quality local independent Italian that's family run and well established.

WWW.PIAZZADIROMA.CO.UK 178 WHITELADIES ROAD, CLIFTON, BRISTOL, BS8 2XU OPEN 6PM TO 11PM TUESDAY TO SUNDAY (AND BANK HOLIDAY MONDAYS)

T: 0117 973 4183

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

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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.

One of the country’s leading Indian establishments, The Rajpoot was founded with great fanfare. The business prides itself on providing innovative, top class Indian cuisine in an elegant and intimate setting. Its stylish dining rooms are hung with beautiful lanterns and service is always professional and charming.

Rajpoot’s internationally acclaimed fare is fashioned through gentle layers of spicing, use of the best ingredients, and delicate but fastidious preparation.

The restaurant is a frequent haunt of celebrity diners, and boasts an equally impressive list of awards, which is a testament to the quality it has maintained over its three decades of service. The restaurant’s team of long-serving chefs, alongside owner Ahmed Chowdhury, presistently looking to improve and build on the Rajpoot’s impressive reputation, continuing their dedication to the art of fine Indian dining each and every night.

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WHAT’S | NEW

#ACTLOCAL Local creative agency Konichiwa PR has been running a campaign called #ACTLOCAL, that asks the people of Bristol to support their local community. It asked 15 independent business across Bristol – from the well-loved to the as yet undiscovered – to speak on camera about why they feel buying local is so important. The results have been collated into a 30 minute documentary film that uncovers the dedication, drive and passion behind the likes of East Bristol Bakery, Bristol Wood Recycling Project, Co-LAB and The Kitchen, among others. The documentary has been well-received, with people saying it makes them think about the way they spend their money, and gives them an insight into businesses around the city that they wouldn’t otherwise know about. Konichiwa PR are now hoping to roll the campaign out across the UK. To watch the film, visit: vimeo.com/132604260 and for more information about Konichiwa PR visit: www.konichiwa-pr.co.uk

BRISTOL UPDATES Four of the original ‘silver tickets’ issued to the 50 investors who funded the establishment of the theatre in King Street in 1766 have returned to Bristol Old Vic. Eighty-three year old Geraldine Menez (pictured above with artistic director Tom Morris and Jo Elsworth, director of the University of Bristol Theatre Collection), whose great grandfather worked on the redevelopment of the theatre in 1902, visited Bristol from her home in France to donate the tickets to the University of Bristol Theatre Collection. Her visit and historic donation came as the Bristol Old Vic team gears up its fundraising efforts in order to complete the major redevelopment of the theatre, which it aims to start next year. For further details, visit: www.bristololdvic.org.uk

■ Building of the first hybrid solar-powered hot air balloon, funded by Bristol 2015 to mark the city’s status as the UK’s first European Green Capital, is now underway. Following an extensive period of research, development and testing, production of the solar-powered creation has commenced at the Cameron Balloons factory in Bristol this week. The balloon will be the first solar-powered certified aircraft in the world and will make its debut flight at Europe’s largest hot air balloon festival, this August, during Bristol’s year as European Green Capital. The balloon will be a hybrid aircraft, partially powered by the sun and partially powered by a conventional propane burner. Work on the aircraft was expected to be complete by late July to allow time for test inflations ahead of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, which this year will take place from the Thursday 6 – Sunday 9 August. For more information, visit: www.bristolballonfiesta.co.uk

Biggest ever Midnight Walk This year’s annual St Peter’s Hospice Midnight Walk saw its biggest ever turn out with well over 1000 Bristol women stepping out to support the city’s only adult hospice. The event, which took place over the weekend, attracted women from across the region who walked through the midnight hour, raising an estimated £100,000 for Bristol’s only hospice. Events fundraiser Maria del Carmen Moon Park said: “I would like to thank everyone who took part in such a hugely successful Midnight Walk for St Peter’s Hospice. It was great to see so many people turn up for our sixth annual Midnight Walk and as always everyone looked fabulous in their pink t-shirts, bunny ears and fancy dress. For more information about St Peter’s Hospice, visit: www.stpetershospice.org

A peaceful place to pause on the Downs

The future is green

■ The opportunity to make a sculpture to be permanently situated on the Downs is rare, so Bristol-based woodcarver Alistair Park was delighted to be commissioned to design, make and install this beautiful sculptural bench. Made from locally grown oak, it is the centrepiece of the recently renovated children’s playground next to the Suspension Bridge.

The project was funded by Clifton & Hotwells Improvement Society, and the bench features carved information about people and wildlife important to the area. These include Brunel’s original design for the Suspension Bridge, the poet and botanist Libby Houston, and Thecodontosaurus (the ‘Bristol Dinosaur’.

Alistair is a member of the local Forest of Avon Products woodworkers cooperative. For details about his work visit: www.carvings-with-stories.co.uk

■ Big Green Week didn’t just celebrate Bristol as a green city, but also looked toward future change to find out how communities can mobilise to create a greener place to live. At this year’s event, Bristol Energy Cooperative (BEC) ran three contrasting seminars at Hamilton House on the theme of community energy. As a co-op that runs renewable energy and energy efficiency projects across the city, it aimed to use the seminars as a platform to share knowledge and practical advice, update people on the wider implications of climate change, and show how attitudes to energy are changing.

Andy O’Brien, co-director at BEC, said: “We know that addressing climate change on a small scale within the community can have amazing results. There are loads of brilliant projects going on here at the moment, and one thing we do is raise finance to help local communities realise their energy ambitions.” For more information visit: www.bristolenergy.coop

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PROPERTY | THINKING

Disposing of or Acquiring Commercial Premises – and sometimes a business as well!

Janine Harris Commercial Property Solicitor with AMD Solicitors, offers tips which may help expedite your transaction and reduce costs.

Matters relating to the premises If you are selling, locate the title deeds and any documents relating to the premises such as any leases, guarantees or notices so that these are available for your solicitor at the start.

If you occupy the premises you are disposing of under a lease bear in mind that the lease will need to be assigned to the buyer and invariably the Landlord’s consent will be required. A Landlord will want to check that the buyer is suitable and will want references (usually a bank and two trade references and any previous trading accounts). If references are available at the outset then any additional requirements or objections the Landlord may have will be known sooner rather than later thus reducing delays.

Remember that the Landlord will want his legal costs paid for dealing with the assignment. The seller is primarily responsible for these costs but it is not uncommon for the seller to negotiate that the buyer will pay. The seller should therefore find out what the Landlord’s costs are likely to be as soon as possible A buyer may intend to alter or change the use of the premises. The buyer should make his intentions known to any Landlord before any legal work is commenced and also make enquiries of the local authority to check what consents would be required and whether these are likely to be granted. If consent will not be given, or at least without onerous conditions, and the plans are central to the buyers plans for the premises then time and money will be saved.

It’s all in the Negotiation

By Peter Greatorex, Managing Director of The Apartment Company.

A

large percentage of agents will proudly talk of their excellent marketing strategy. What they should be informing, and reassuring, you of is their ability to negotiate the best asking price for your property! It is imperative from the onset that you are able to build a rapport with your chosen agent, here are 6 questions you should be asking yourself when choosing an agent:

1. Is the agent offering a low fee? If they can't negotiate their terms well it is unlikely they will negotiate the best price for your property.

2. Do they have a pricing strategy?

3. What is their average sale price to asking ratio?

4. How many buyers do they have for your specific property type?

Matters relating to an associated business Where the transaction involves the sale of a business as a going concern, a buyer will want details of all assets and liabilities relating to the business including licences, outstanding contracts, accounts, hire purchase agreements, etc. If the seller is able to provide these at the beginning then time will be saved.

The contract for the sale will need to include a breakdown of what is included in the sale (for example, the premises, goodwill, chattels, stock) and the price apportioned to each of those items. The price agreed for these items will have tax implications for both the buyer and seller and therefore the advice of accountants should be sought at the beginning of the transaction.

Bearing the above in mind should help both seller and buyer avoid some of the practical problems which can cause delays, increase costs, and cause all parties involved to become frustrated.

Janine Harris and the other members of the Commercial Team at AMD Solicitors offer further advice and information upon buying, selling or leasing commercial property (including a free first half hour consultation) with or without an associated business Email janineharris@amdsolicitors.com or telephone 0117 9735647. AMD have offices at Henleaze, Clifton and Shirehampton

© AMD Solicitors

A local award winning law firm

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5. What is their online presence? Are they tapping into the widest audience?

6. Beware of over valuing, make sure suggested values are backed up with proper research with comparable evidence. Overvaluing will hinder the sale of your home.

In 2014 our average sale price was c. 1% higher than asking price.

Being a specialist agent means we attract the highest proportion of buyers specifically seeking an apartment.

Our influence in the market is highly regarded; surveyors use our data as a reference because of our knowledge within the apartment market. This industry recognition strengthens the valuation price for our clients who are sometimes concerned that the value of their property will decrease after a survey. Our price range strategy allows us to explore the market fully before committing our client to a sale. It also means that clients are confident and assured as we can prove that their sales price is comparable with similar apartment sales. This is why on average we can achieve c. 1% higher sales price than the asking price.

Not all estate agents are good negotiators, don’t miss out on a much needed higher offer because of your agents failure to negotiate to the level required.

At The Apartment Company we understand the importance of good negotiation, and always strive to achieve the very best result for our clients.

The Apartment Company Tel: 0117 332 0074

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A DV E RTO R I A L F E AT U R E

“Let’s have Family Fun in the Sun this Summer - tips for separated parents”

By Richard Sharp, Sharp Family Law - Bristol and Bath Family and Divorce Solicitors.

Producing Resolution not Prolonging Conflict

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wo weeks in the sun sounds fun with the family but can represent a challenge for many separated and divorced parents. Divorce Court Orders frequently provide contact for the annual summer break with the Kids, leaving dates to be agreed between the parents.

When parents can't agree, I can help to negotiate or mediate arrangements between separated parents or to take unresolved disputes back to the Divorce Court.

But to ensure the summer sun isn’t overshadowed by family fallouts over the holiday contact arrangements the following three Do’s and Don’ts can help make the difference:

• Do help children maintain contact with the other parent Provide the other parent with contact information and details as to where the children are going to be and who with. Let the children communicate with the other parent whilst away.

do not want to take sides – don’t make them.

• Don’t talk through the children It is tempting to relay information through the children when talking with the ex is difficult.

But messaging between households is a burden children shouldn’t have to bear. Make sure you are the one delivering news about trips you are proposing to take and scheduling needs surrounding them.

For more information on how to help minimise the pain of separation or divorce for your child contact Richard Sharp on 01225 448955 or email him at richard@sharpfamilylaw.com

And finally…..Conflict is the major cause of unhappiness and poor outcomes for children.

Even though your family structure has changed you can have family fun in the sun this summer by focusing on your children’s needs.

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Conflict is the major cause of unhappiness and poor outcomes for children.

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• Do plan early and commit to decisions made Plan the arrangements for the summer holidays as early as possible. If you commit to doing something make sure it is followed through.

Last minute clashes and changes are not easy to resolve. Children need their parents to make decisions and to stick to them

• Don’t ambush the other parent When making holiday plans, don’t set the other parent up. “I would really love for you to come with me to Spain, but it’s really up to your Mum to say yes” is neither fair on the child nor Mum. Instead, “A trip abroad would be lots of fun but before we can make plans, I need to talk with Mum to see if we can work out the details.”

• Do support your child’s contact with the other parent Be positive about your child spending time with their other parent. Let the children know it is OK with you that they are going away and that you will be OK too whilst they are away. It’s best for kids when both parents can be supportive of their activities and share in their excitement.

• Don’t make your kids pay the price If you make a decision to foot the holiday bill or move your schedule around to make a trip work, don’t make your kids pay the price.

Whilst a trip abroad may be a wonderful experience for the child, it probably won’t be so wonderful for very long if the child has to listen to what Dad did or didn’t do to help. Children

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Richard Sharp

sharp F A M I LY L A W Sharp Family Law: Broad Quay House, Prince St, Bristol, BS1 4DJ email: info@sharpfamilylaw.com m: 07766 107527 t: 01225 448955 website: www.sharpfamilylaw.com

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JENNY | DARES

TERMINAL VELOCITY Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s Jenny Hayes taking on the highest tandem skydive in the UK

The rush of freefall at 125mph A bit nervous before boarding © Will Dodd

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JENNY | DARES

The relaxing canopy ride © Will Dodd

H

ave you ever had that dream where you’re flying? Soaring through the air, riding the currents and watching the land sweep past you below? Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be able to experience that for real? Well, readers, there is a way. But you’ll have to plummet 15,000ft from a plane in the process.

Welcome to skydiving.

If you think I’m being melodramatic, think again. This sport is pure drama. From the moment you even begin to contemplate signing up for a skydive, your heart starts beating a little bit faster. Then you book your jump and for the rest of the day your pulse is racing and you feel a little dizzy – was that really a good idea? Too late now. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll spend the weeks leading up to the jump obsessively watching YouTube videos just to see if you’ll be able to stomach it. I wasn’t at all sure I could.

Fortunately, I choose to jump with GoSkydive, the UK’s tandem jump specialists who are expert at dealing with nervy first-timers like me. Every member of staff I spoke to had experienced the rush of a skydive themselves, and that meant they were uniquely equipped to reassure me about what I was about to do. They too had been in my quaking boots as a terrified novice jumper, so they could completely understand my apprehension. But they’d also come out the other side, and absolutely loved their skydive, so they had nothing but enthusiasm for the amazing experience I had ahead of me. To say they gave me a confidence boost would be an understatement – they transformed me from quivering jelly to really quite excited human being, which was little short of a miracle.

So, once I’d been calmed down, checked in, and regained the use of my legs, it was into a safety briefing with customer experience manager, Laura, who was the perfect woman for the job. Not only did she explain every step of the day ahead with great clarity, she also peppered it with a dry humour that was much appreciated by a room full of nervous first-time skydivers.

No question was left unanswered – refreshingly truthfully – and by the time she’d finished the briefing I couldn’t wait to get up in that plane.

But, as is the nature of such sports, wait is exactly what I had to do. I have to say though, I think it did me good. There’s just no way I could sustain the kind of nervous energy I’d arrived with over several hours, so I began to relax – physically and mentally. Although I still didn’t risk grabbing a bite to eat despite the tasty looking offerings at the on-site café because, excuse me for being blunt, I really didn’t want to meet my lunch again on the way out the plane later.

I think it was a sensible decision, because my nerves were bubbling away again by the time I went to get kitted out and meet the two men who’d be diving with me – Roman, the cameraman who’d record every second of my 10,000ft freefall, and Shane, the skydiving superhero/instructor I’d be strapped to. Just like the rest of the team at GoSkydive, these guys were relaxed and easy-going, which was a big help. After all, if they could take jumping out a plane at 15,000ft so lightly, I wasn’t about to look like a scaredy-cat. Although, my Spidey sense did start tingling when I realised Shane and I were boarding the plane last. Erm, doesn’t last in mean first out?

Sensibly, Shane evaded my question and distracted me with some muchneeded small talk all the way up. But I was brought back to me senses when he showed me that his altimeter read 10,000ft and said, “Time to get ready.”

Then, without further ado, he strapped my harness to his and gave Roman the nod to open the plane door. Yes, that’s right. To open the plane door. At 15,000ft.

And I can tell you now, that is a very surreal and disconcerting moment.

My mind snapped to attention with a splurge of totally unhelpful thoughts – ‘What on earth am I doing? This is madness! I can’t do it. I can’t not do it.

Oh my god.’ Fortunately, this is the point at which your instructor takes over and does all the (arguably) rational thinking for you. So while I was

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busy panic-procrastinating, Shane grabbed my harness, hauled me over to the open door, tugged my goggles over my eyes… and threw me out the plane.

That split second, as we hung in gravity-defying suspension between exit and freefall, was one of the most incredible of my life. My brain totally shortcircuited, wiping itself almost completely blank except for one brilliant realisation – this is unbelievable.

Then gravity kicked in and we fell. That’s when it got intense. For the first few seconds the force at which the air whistled past my face made it hard to breathe, but Laura had described this sensation in our training session so I followed her advice and tried to relax into the fall and breathe more easily.

It worked, and from then on in it was just a beautiful, crazy, all-consuming adrenalin rush. And I mean adrenalin in its purest form – when it transports you out of your body and mind so that all you can do is ride high on the feeling.

I was also so glad to that Roman had jumped with me to capture these moments, because as I fell I was oblivious to Shane behind me so it was both reassuring to have someone with me throughout the 60 second freefall, and also really fun. All the way, Roman was swooping in and out, smiling and giving me thumbs ups to make me laugh. I never thought I could be so happy and relaxed plummeting 10,000ft at 125mph, but I genuinely felt as if I’d transcended the world to hang on a moment of perfection.

Of course I hadn’t. I was hurtling to earth at an alarming speed so when my minute was up Shane pulled the paracute and the thrill of freefall was replaced with the calm wonder of the canopy ride over Salisbury Plain. As we floated down, it really did feel like we were flying – drifting through the sky and drinking in the effortless feeling of soaring above the ground.

I didn’t want it to end, but eventually Shane had to bring me back down to earth – which he did with a very gentle bump. Elated, exhausted and emotional, I wobbled back to the airbase, and to a well-deserved pint. So, would I do it again? You’ll have to watch the video online to find out. n Watch Jenny’s skydive online at www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk.

GoSkydive offer two tandem jumps – 10,000ft priced at £249, and 15,000ft priced at £308. Video recordings of your jump cost extra. GoSkydive is fully registered and affiliated with the British Parachute Association, and uses the very best, industry leading parachute technology. The small team of instructors are all professionally qualified, and have amassed over 30,000 jumps between them. GoSkydive, Old Sarum Airfield, Salisbury, SP4 6DZ. For more information tel: 01722 568 237 or visit: www.goskydive.com

Job’s a good’un © Will Dodd

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FAMILY | WHAT’S ON

ACTIVITY PLANNER Summer holiday activities for all the family

Water fun at Cattle Country

Dinosaurs at Wookey Hole Caves

Make a Splash, Cattle Country, Berkeley, open daily 10am – 5pm throughout the summer holidays Cattle Country Adventure Park has unveilled a brand new water feature for the summer holidays.

Little Calves Play Area and Watering Hole features a giant water tap, water channels and water play walls, as well as a giant wooden water tower.

There’s plenty of dry activities to enjoy too, with the recently opened Animal Experience Centre and an animal walk-through area that allows you to get up close and personal with some of the park’s woolly residents. There’s also mini-golf, an icerink, and a huge adventure park for kiddies to enjoy. Tickets from £8.50, tel: 01453 810 510 or visit: www.cattlecountry.co.uk

What’s on at Wookey, Wookey Hole Caves, throughout the summer holidays Wookey Hole Caves has been one of the UK’s favourite tourist attractions for decades, but this summer visitors will be able to discover previously unseen caves and tunnels that have recently been opened up. If that isn’t enough visitors will be forgiven for thinking they had mistakenly stumbled into Jurassic Park as Wookey has introduced the thrilling Walkabout Dino, a life-

like robot which will be seen roaming the Dinosaur Valley and delighting guests. And the magic doesn’t end there as families are treated to a Lost World 4D experience in the new neighbouring cinematic theatre which will transport them to a primeval landscape and an exhilarating race against time away from 4D Pterodactyls and a terrifying T-Rex. Tickets: £18 adult, £12 child. For more information tel: 01749 672 243 or visit: www.wookey.co.uk

Summer Stargazing (2D or 3D), until Monday 21 September, At-Bristol, shows throughout the day Discover the universe from the comfort of your seat – fly through the rings of Saturn, journey to distant stars, and tour the Solar System. Explore the stars you can see from your back garden this summer, investigate a black hole and be amazed by the science of astronomy. Experience space in awesome 3D for breath-taking views in the UK’s only digital 3D Planetarium. Tickets for 2D: £2 (members £1) or 3D: £3 per seat (members £1.50), in addition to standard admission. 3D only available for ages 6+ due to health restrictions. For more information tel: 0845 345 1235 or visit: www.at-bristol.org.uk

SHAUN THE SHEEP GETS STITCHED UP...

Knitted Shaun Hunt, John Lewis at The Mall Cribbs Causeway, until Monday 31 August John Lewis Cribbs Causeway are celebrating the arrival of Shaun in the City in Bristol by offering the chance to take part in a special knitted Shaun the Sheep hunt in store to raise funds for The Grand Appeal, the Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity.

Partners (staff) and local schools got involved and knitted Shauns that were then decorated by pupils to represent their school, and customers’ children to represent various departments in store. These Shauns are now strategically hidden throughout the branch waiting to be discovered. The hunt costs £1 to enter, and all entrants will be put in a prize draw to win a £100 gift card to spend at John Lewis. For more information, call the store on tel: 0117 959 1100

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Mice on Skates at TFT

Bristol’s Travelling Light Theatre Company recognised by BBC Children in Need Travelling Light has been awarded a grant of £9484 over 2015/2016 to fund its Louder Than Words project, which is a unique theatre open to children aged 7+ with additional needs. Working with a trained dramatherapist, group members learn new skills in drama and theatre making as well as learning new ways to communicate, making new friends while building their confidence.

The sessions are planned and delivered with the needs of each individual group member in mind. Team members are trained in Makaton sign language and utilise PECS symbols too.

Visit: www.travellinglighttheatre.org.uk for further details.

Mice on Skates, Tobacco Factory Theatres, Tuesday 4 – Sunday 9 August, 11am & 2pm They’re fast and furry and a little bit blurry... lock up your cheeses, the Mice on Skates are heading to Tobacco Factory Theatres this summer. This dynamic show for young children tells the story of two ingenious rodents, Brainy Mouse and Brawny Mouse, who invent roller skates to help them swipe cheese. The skates are marvellously effective, leaving marauding cats in a spin. In no time at all our squeaky heroes are off on a quest to find the world’s greatest cheese helped along by a string of international rodents and creatures.

It’s a fabulously cheesy adventure! Running time 50 minutes, for children aged 2+ and their families. Tickets: £7 from the box office on tel: 0117 902 0344 or visit: www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com

Family Sing-Along with Avon Gorge and Downs Wildlife Project, the Downs, Wednesday 5 August, 2pm – 3pm Join a wild, wonderful, musical family adventure on the Downs. You’ll be celebrating animals like

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FAMILY | WHAT’S ON

BAA–R I L L I A N T Staff at Bristol Cathedral celebrated the arrival of King Arthur of Lambelot and Excalibaaar outside the Cathedral by spending a morning making pom-pom Shauns. The pom-poms are for a free trail for families and young children that is running at the Cathedral throughout August.

Summer Stargazing At-Bristol

bats, foxes, squirrels and maybe a few exotic ones too. Poco Drom’s original songs for children and their adults will have you squeaking, hopping, wiggling, roaring and laughing along. A great day out for kiddies, mums, dads and grandparents.

Tickets: £4, available from the Avon Gorge and Downs Wildlife Project on tel: 0117 903 0609 or email: mleivers@bristolzoo.org.uk

A Thousand Seasons Past, Wednesday 5 – Saturday 8 August, Museum Square, M Shed, 7pm & 3pm Saturday matinee From out of the mists drifts a ghost ship with a thousand stories to tell. Crewed by characters who lived and died around the Bristol docks, she weighs anchor in her home port and the spirits of those long departed will briefly live again. Tragic teenagers, jilted lovers, cruel masters, the sad, the bad and the plain unlucky all have their tales to tell. Bristol's historic Wapping Wharf area approaches a new phase of its life and, to celebrate it's vibrant past, young performers from Bristol Old Vic Young Company, Travelling Light Youth Theatre and Hanham Woods Academy bring the waterfront site and its unique history to life. Free but ticketed through the Bristol Old Vic box office on tel: 0117 987 7877 or visit: www.bristololdvic.org.uk

Let’s Animate, Curzon Cinema, Clevedon, every Thursday from 6 August, 10am – 12.30pm Following the success of its half term workshop, Beans Arts and Craft are inviting children to explore the history of animation. Over this series of four workshops, children will create thaumatropes, flipbooks and 2D hinged puppets.

They will then use art materials and animation software to produce a series of hand drawn

Hoo Ha! at Colston Hall

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animations based on simple cartoons, before using a selection of toys and objects to create an animation inspired by the LEGO movie and similar films. The series of four workshops costs £15. For more information tel: 01275 871 000 or visit: www.curzon.org.uk

Gorge-ous Goats, Avon Gorge and Downs Wildlife Project, the Downs, Thursday 13 August, 10am – 3.30pm Visit the Avon Gorge’s hairiest residents and have fun playing the gobbling goats game. Later, learn how to make a fabulous felt picture back at Bristol Zoo. A brilliant day out for children aged 8 – 12 years, and the perfect way for them to learn more about the flora and fauna in this unique area of the world. Tickets are priced at £10. Children will need to bring their own packed lunch. For more information or to book contact the Avon Gorge and Downs Wildlife Project on tel: 0117 903 0609 or email: mleivers@bristolzoo.org.uk

Hoo Ha! Festival, Colston Hall, Wednesday 19 – Friday 21 August, 10am – 4pm Join Colston Hall for its first Hoo Ha! Festival, jam-packed with shows, workshops, theatre, music and fun for the whole family. Designed for children of all ages, the programme contains lots of entertainment, and youngsters will have an opportunity to learn a variety of new skills including how to make their own unique musical instruments with Paka Piki Music. Other great activities include learning new dance moves and songs with kid’s disco Ready Sheddy Disgo, beatboxing with Guinness World Record holder Shlomo and practicing the art of poetry with European Green Capital poet in residence, Martin Kiszko. For details call the box office on tel: 0844 887 1500 or visit: www.colstonhall.org

Titled Can Ewe Help? the trail consists of 12 lost sheep, hidden around the Cathedral.

Children and families are encouraged to find them all to reveal a secret message. The trail runs daily from 9am – 4pm.

Schools and Families Officer at Bristol Cathedral, Frances Taylor, said: “The Cathedral is really excited to welcome Shaun to its flock this summer and hope families will also take the opportunity to come and explore ‘baa-rilliant’ Bristol Cathedral. We hope to see you there!

“After the success of Gromit Unleashed we know just how much love there is for our sculpture trails here in Bristol, and we can’t wait for the arrival of the Shaun in the City flock! The Shaun in the City trail is a fantastic way for families to have fun tracking down all 70 sculptures, while helping to raise vital funds to support The Grand Appeal, the Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity.”

King Arthur of Lambelot and Excalibaaar has been designed by Huncan Daskell and is already proving to be popular amongst those following the Shaun in the City trail.

For further information about this and other activities taking place at the Cathedral this month, visit: www.bristol-cathedral.co.uk

Goats of the Gorge © Chris Westcott

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EDUCATION | NEWS

Something to celebrate

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ed Maids’ International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) students are celebrating again this year with an average point score per person of 37.6 and four individual performances that produced an incredible 42 points or more out of a possible 45.

Among them was Fatima Yaqub, 18, from Stoke Bishop. She said: “I didn’t want to tell my parents it was results day although I think they might have known. I couldn’t believe it when I opened the envelope and saw my score.”

Fatima, who studied Biology, Chemistry and Spanish at Higher Level, earned a total of 43 points and is going to study medicine at Imperial College London where she has won the much sought-after President’s Undergraduate Scholarship.

Isabel Tobias, Headmistress at Red Maids’, said: “I am delighted for all the girls – they have worked very hard and achieved tremendous results.”

Red Maids’ School, Westbury Road, BS9 3AW. Tel: 0117 989 8252 or visit: www.redmaids.bristol.sch.uk

Students collect their IB results

The annual bloom of Rose Day Dignitaries, governors, alumni and friends of Clifton High School joined staff, pupils and parents for the annual Rose Day service of thanksgiving, commemoration and prize-giving.

The service at Bristol Cathedral was superb – polished soloists, choirs and the orchestra performed a variety of styles from baroque to popular. Guest speaker, Roy Leighton, delivered an inspiring address, and former pupil and award-winning jewellery designer, Diana Porter, presented the prizes. Dr Neill, Head of School, shared her reflections on the past year and optimism for the future with the congregation.

In the evening after the Rose Day service, as tradition dictates, sixth form students, parents and staff enjoyed the annual Rose Day Ball.

Clifton High School, College Road, BS8 3JD. Tel: 0117 973 0201 or visit: www.cliftonhigh.bristol.sch.uk

Health education Nine local schools have been recognised with a Mayor’s Award for Excellence as a Health Improving School. Aimed at encouraging pupils to lead healthier, fulfilled lives, the award was set up last year to celebrate schools that consistently demonstrate high standards in helping pupils understand how to improve their health and wellbeing. Topics covered include healthy eating, cooking, the importance of physical activity, building positive relationships, and managing difficult feelings. This year’s winners were Holymead Primary, New Fosseway, Bannerman Road Academy, Parson Street Primary, Henleaze Infants, Broomhill Infants, Glenfrome Primary, and St Patrick’s Catholic Primary. For more information about the Bristol Healthy Schools programme, contact: healthyschools@bristol.gov.uk

Ashton Gate Primary receiving its award

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SCHOOL UPDATES Success at St Brendan’s Students from St Brendan’s Sixth Form College were also celebrating their IB results. All achieved the minimum 24 points, and this year’s top performing student was Luisa Porteous-Reininho, who achieved an impressive 41 out of the possible 45 points in her exams.

The talented 18 year-old has an exciting future ahead of her, as she leaves St Brendan’s to go on to study English Literature and German at The University of Manchester.

This is the fourth cohort of St Brendan’s students to complete the IB Diploma, which is designed to give a broad, international education and is highly regarded by universities across the UK and the world. It has a unique focus on creativity, action and service so students get a rounded education with an additional international perspective.

St Brendan’s Sixth Form College, Broomhill Road, BS4 5RQ. Tel: 0117 977 7766 or visit: www.stbrn.ac.uk

Dauntsey’s School has announced an impressive line-up of speakers for the 2015/16 programme of its renowned Mercers’ Lecture series, starting on 11 September. This season, pupils and members of the local community will be enlightened and entertained by a range of speakers including a veteran journalist, a former Archbishop of Canterbury and a world famous explorer. Particular highlights include Sir Ranulph Fiennes, explorer and adventurer; Kate Adie, journalist and radio presenter; Rt Hon Lord Desai, economist; Rt Revd and Rt Hon Lord Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury; and Rt Hon Professor Lord Winston, scientist, politician and television presenter Dauntsey’s School, High St, Devizes, SN10 4HE. Tel: 01380 814 500 or visit: www.dauntseys.org

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

S

imple business ideas are often the best. In this case, it was a chance post on Facebook that became the starting point for Mel Bound’s venture – This Mum Runs.

As a runner for most of her life, she found herself frustrated at her lack of running once she’d had children. It’s something I can all too easily relate to.

So, seizing the day, she decided to post on Facebook to see if there was any one who fancied joining her for a run that night. After all, running with a buddy makes it all the more interesting, and you a little more accountable.

What happened next was amazing. Over 70 people – all mums – said that ‘yes’ they would like to join her for a run! As Mel puts it, she couldn’t quite take to the streets with 70 women by her side, but wondered if she was on to something. And so This Mum Runs was born.

This Mum Runs really is that simple. A running club geared up for mums – with starting times that allow them to put little ones to bed and don’t invade on family weekends. There are groups popping up all over Bristol, though the core two are in Greville Smyth Park and The Downs. Both groups meet on a Wednesday and Sunday at 7.30pm and 8am, so there is a sense of continuity.

I recently met up with Mel and she brims with enthusiasm. Her passion is infectious and has clearly spurred the group on. In fact, the growth has been incredible in such a short time and she is clearly a woman with ambition – her mission is to see 1000 mums running across Bristol. Not only that, with backing from Run England, she’s making it happen. Together they have teamed up to produce a realistic ‘from couch to 5k’ programme and have received funding to train more leaders across the city, to help deliver them.

There’s something about running in a group that is incredibly motivating. After all, it’s much easier to skip a run when you’re going on your own. Running with fellow mums, who have also just had the ‘bath time, bedtime wrestle’, gives you all the same level of understanding. Plus, there’s the practical side of things – like being able to talk about pelvic floor muscles and getting a decent fitting sports bra – knowing you’re all in it together.

But it’s not all about getting people started – there’re many runners (like me) for whom it’s more a case of dusting off your old trainers and getting back into the swing of things. In which case, there’s both beginner and intermediate groups, and conditioning classes for those who are looking for more. Plus with a thriving community on Facebook, it’s easy to post if you’re looking for a buddy to join you on an ad hoc run.

Above all, it’s a supportive, safe and fun community of fellow mums – who all understand each other and help spur each other on. With branded running kit and groups of TMR running the Bristol 10k, their pink t-shirts and logo will soon be a familiar site across the city.

Mel is a woman with a passion who is, both literally and figuratively speaking, going the extra mile. She’s about to enter a business incubator programme and has plans to take This Mum Runs to the next level. Who’d have thought one simple Facebook post, could lead to such an exciting new venture? n For more info, search for This Mum Runs on Facebook www.freelancemum.co.uk

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ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

Is your child ready for the new school year?

W

ith the new school year within view, Isla’s Mum Kirstie, knew her daughter wasn’t ready for it by any means.

Kirstie: “I remember one of her teachers saying “Oh, it will be ok, she’ll catch up by the end of the year.”

That was at the beginning of this year. But as we were nearing towards March/April time, that was when I said “No, we need to get her reading, especially before next year. She can’t be going into Year 2 with no reading skills.”

Isla hadn’t been doing very well at school, at all. She was getting to her second year of school and she wasn’t reading very well. She wasn’t writing at all.

Her attention was really, really poor and she was often getting in trouble for distracting people. She found it very difficult to listen.

She’d had eye sight problems from when she was 6 months old. So I kind of put it down to that. But at the end of her reception year, I thought there must be something not quite right. She wasn’t grasping any reading. She would never pick up a book. She’d never want to let me read to her. Her elder sister loved reading, and she loved me reading to her. So I definitely knew then, that something wasn’t quite right.

CHALLENGES AT SCHOOL Her school picked up on her coordination, constantly knocking things over.

But her teachers never actually said anything might be wrong. It was myself that picked up on that, from her level of reading and comparing her to her sister. They did say that she slightly struggled with reading & listening. But they never said it could be dyslexia or it could be ADHD or anything like that – never!

HELP FROM DAD My Dad had a card dropped through the door a couple of months ago and it was him that actually said, “Well what about this centre? You know, just go for an assessment.”

We started treatment a week after her assessment. Which was just brilliant.

I didn’t realise they could fit me in so quickly. I was just over the moon, although quite apprehensive, because I didn’t quite believe all the stories I’d heard. But I thought it was well worth giving it a go anyway.

The first treatment was absolutely fantastic. Isla really, really enjoyed it.

She was very over excited, jumping around & she didn’t listen very well.

After about 2 sessions she was getting the hang of it and it was getting to the stage where she couldn’t wait to go to her sessions, which was great! Before that she’d never really been bothered about school. She found lots of excuses to come home from school, often pulling a ‘sickie’. She’s been excited about doing the treatment, she’s loved the homework. After a couple of sessions, she actually asked to do the homework, which is quite bizarre!

PROOF OF THE PUDDING We noticed her improvement from the second session, where she moved up a book level in her reading. By the third session she’d moved up another book level. Then a couple of weeks later her teacher actually came up to me as I picked her up to take her to the sessions and said “I don’t know what’s happening, but her listening is just amazing. Her observation is improved, her coordination’s improved and also her patience and frustration is a lot WWW.THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

better. I don’t know what’s happening but it’s just fantastic!” And that was her teacher, saying it to me.

She used to try and read with a reading ruler, which was red and blue.

From about half way through the treatment she didn’t read with it at all and she’s gone up now 3 book stages. I was just over the moon - three book stages in a matter of weeks! Her handwriting’s really improved too. She used to write really big, scrawly, mirrored letters a lot of the time. She’d often miss letters out. Now her writing is a lot smaller, it’s really, really neat. It’s just amazing! I feel like crying.

It was well worth it, I’d do it again, a million times, definitely. It was well worth it, every single penny!

I’ve recommended it to lots of people already.

Watch Isla’s video now!

So, is your child really ready for the new school year?

If not, contact the Alison Lawson Centre about completing a program during the summer holidays. Meaning your child can go back next year able to put their best foot forward. Reach them on 01935 403260 or treatment@dyslexia-treatment.co.uk • Just 10 Power Sessions Yes, just two weeks (10 days) and it’s done. Making it easy to complete in the school holidays.

• Tackles the Root Cause Not just the side effects. With the root cause fixed, anxiety & frustration decrease. While understanding increases. Makes sense doesn’t it?

• Far Reaching Effects Vision, Reading, Comprehension, Spelling, Maths, Concentration, Confidence, Handwriting, Tiredness, Headaches, Motion Sickness and much more.

• Fast Results Often seen within days or weeks of completing treatment.

• On off Life Time Investment “You mean I don’t have to come back?” No, that’s right!

Quick & effective dyslexia treatment

• Non invasive • 10 fun sessions • Life changing results

- UK AUGUST 2015

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SCIENCE | ASTRONOMY

WRITTEN IN THE STARS This month, Jenny Hayes visits At-Bristol Science Centre to find out more about the marvel that is meteor showers

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SCIENCE | ASTRONOMY

Main image: The 2010 Perseids © ESO/S. Guisard This page: View of Comet 67P taken by Rosetta © ESA/Rosetta/NAVCAM

T

here are few more beautiful sights in the night sky than that of shooting stars. It’s a suitably magical name for a phenomenon so breathtaking, but as you look up and make your wish it’s worth bearing in mind that these brilliant flashes are not stars at all.

Rather, they are space debris – generally, but not always, the detritus left behind by the comets that whizz through our solar system – a little less glamorous, perhaps, but no less fascinating.

This month, here on Earth, we are able to witness one of the most spectacular meteor showers of the year – the Perseids. But if you want to spot them, it may well be worth booking the next day off work as the showers are set to peak in the early hours of Thursday 13 August, in that darkest part of the night that comes just before dawn begins to break.

If the sky is clear, you will see the dazzling show unfurl across the heavens.

Look closely, and you should spot that each meteor’s trajectory can be aligned back to the same general area of sky, which is known as the radiant. In the case of the Perseids, this is found within the constellation Perseus, hence their name.

Likewise the equally impressive Leonids, which take place in November each year, are named because their radiant appears to be in Leo. But why do the Perseids, Leonids and other meteor showers occur in the same month each year? Well, it’s because we pass through these patches containing comet debris (meteoroids) at the same time annually as we orbit the sun. And, when we do, some of these meteoroids may enter the Earth’s atmosphere, at which point they are no longer travelling through the vacuum of space but through air. The rocks that enter the Earth’s atmosphere are called meteors and, because they are travelling at tens of thousands of miles per hour, these objects compress the air in front of them, heating it up to such a degree it burns the meteor as it passes through. So when we look up and see ‘shooting stars’ in the sky, we are actually watching these meteors burn out as they pass through our atmosphere. While most disintegrate at this point, a few larger rocks will survive and land on the Earth as meteorites.

The comet that left behind the debris that we are able to appreciate as the

© Gregory H. Revera

WWW.THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

Perseids is Swift-Tuttle, discovered – separately, but within three days of one another in July 1862 – by Lewis Swift and Horace Parnell Tuttle. Swift-Tuttle, like all comets, is essentially a dirty snowball of ice and rock hurtling through space. Comets originate in an area beyond the Kuiper Belt known as the Oort Cloud, and were formed at the same time as our solar system around 4.5 billion years ago.

When one of these huge snowballs is nudged into our solar system it is drawn into a vast elliptical orbit that takes it past the planets, around the Sun, and then back out again – one orbital cycle for Swift-Tuttle takes 133 years. As comets get nearer the Sun, the heat of the solar radiation causes the ice to vapourise and the rock to break down, forming two distinct tails – the bluish ion tail and the impressive dust tail that can stretch for millions of miles. Because of its length, it is the latter that we may be able to spot with the naked eye when a comet passes close enough to Earth, because the particles it comprises are illuminated by the Sun’s rays.

Somewhat unexpectedly, a comet’s tail does not always trail behind it. Blown by the solar wind, the tail will always point away from the Sun, which means that if the comet is also heading in that direction, it is actually moving into its own tail. Either way, the debris left behind to orbit in space is that which creates meteor showers such as the Perseids, which will amuse and astonish us on Thursday 13 August. And remember, when you are out in the early hours gazing up at the sky, with every flash you see you are witnessing a piece of the solar system’s history burning up in our atmosphere. n With huge thanks to Lee Pullen for sharing his time and expertise. If you haven’t experienced the wonders of the new 3D Planetarium At-Bristol yet, then book your ticket now for Blue Marvel, which runs throughout August.

This stunning show invites you to discover how space exploration inspired the environmental movement and has led to a deeper appreciation of our own planet. Be prepared to see your home as you’ve never seen it before! Tel: 0117 909 2000 or visit: www.at-bristol.org.uk

Don’t miss!

Grab your binoculars...

On Saturday 29 August you’ll see the first of the three supermoons set to occur this year. So settle back in your deckchair with a glass of wine, and enjoy this optical illusion – caused by the alignment of the Sun, moon and Earth, and the moon’s slightly elliptical orbit.

And find Mars shining brightly in the western sky on Thursday 20 August. Not only is it beautifully illuminated by the Sun, but it is also passing in front of the spectacular M44 globular cluster, commonly known as the Beehive because it looks like hundreds of bees crowding round a honey pot.

AUGUST 2015

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THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 77

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CITY | BEAUTY

Beauty

NOTES RODIAL EYE

SCULPT, £34

CONTOUR TO PERFECTION

SHU UEMURA INSTANT-GLOW RADIANCE SKIN PERFECTING CREAM, £36

From fabulously high cheekbones to pristine proportions, shape your way to the perfect face with the art of sculpting.

The latest must-have products help to shape and define, while subtle shadowing and highlighting will accentuate your natural features. Rachelle Howells, Manager of Beyond Beauty at Harvey Nichols Bristol, shares her tools of the trade.

TOM FORD CORRECTING PEN, £35

All products are available in Beyond Beauty at Harvey Nichols Bristol, or can be ordered online at harveynichols.com

SISLEY PHYTO S E TOUCHER POWD DUO, £66.50

CRÈME DE LA MER LOOSE POWDER, £55

H, URY SCULPT BRUS

CHARLOTTE TILB

£35

RODIAL SCULPTING STARTER KIT, £135

BENEFIT W ATT’S UP H

IGHLIGH

TER, £24.50 R BLUSH, £30

NARS CONTOU

LAURA MERCIER FLAWLESS CONTOURING PALETTE, £35

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CARLO hair &beauty M

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British Barber Company are premium men's hairstylists and barbers who are experts in offering exceptional grooming services

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WWW.THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

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THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 79

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WORTH SMILING ABOUT Beau Monde Dental Care, 35 North View, Westbury Park, BS6 7PY. Tel: 0117 330 3495 or visit: www.beaumondedental.co.uk

BEAUTY

Jenny Hayes takes her first step toward a perfect smile at Beau Monde Dental Care

T

he idea that visiting the dentist is a traumatic experience is fast becoming a tired cliché, thanks to practitioners like Dr Nicola White and Dr Catherine Spalding at Beau Monde Dental Care.

Opened in 2013, this state-of-the-art private practice is designed with patient care and comfort in mind.

“Nicola and I wanted to provide the highest quality dental care, while making our patients feel welcome, comfortable and at ease,” explains Catherine. “We wanted to go that extra step to making the trip to our practice enjoyable, and it seems to be working. We’ve had patients so nervous they cannot even sit in our chairs at first, but by the next appointment they are sitting there laughing and smiling!”

This approachable ethos exudes from Beau Monde, and it is why I decided to become a patient there not long after they first opened. I’d walked past the inviting blue smile logo on the discretely frosted glass a few times before venturing in to enquire, and when I did I found a beautiful, light, crisp white space with colourful accents of modern art on the walls and a plush lip-shaped sofa that suggested a (excuse the pun) tongue-in-cheek humour which I very much appreciated. So I signed up there and then.

Since then, I’ve found every member of the Beau Monde team to be friendly yet professional. I always enjoy a chat with practice manager Debbie, who is usually on reception when I arrive, before settling down on the aforementioned velvet sofa to enjoy a magazine while I wait to be called through by Catherine, who is my dentist. And she is always a delight to see, welcoming me in reception with a big smile before leading me through to her bright, comfortable and well-equipped room.

In fact, it was envy of Catherine’s great smile that inspired me to do something about my own. For many years I’ve been conscious of my crooked lower teeth and – I’ll admit it – slightly horsey upper set. I’ve looked at pictures where I’m laughing really hard, which not only evoke happy memories of the moment they captured, but also a nagging tug of dissatisfaction as my eye is drawn to my smile. So, a couple of months ago, I decided it was time to take the plunge and transform my teeth. And I knew if anyone could help me do that, it would be Catherine.

I booked in for an initial, free consultation with her to discuss my suitability for Six Month Smiles, an adult orthodontic system that can cosmetically improve the appearance of teeth in an average time of only six months.

Focusing purely on the front teeth, it is a straightforward procedure that is

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suitable for most people and can be performed by dentists who have been fully trained in the treatment, like both Catherine and Nicola at Beau Monde.

During the consultation, Catherine ascertained exactly what I was hoping to achieve, and talked me through the process itself. She explained that Six Month Smiles is an adult brace system, but reassured me that these particular ones are a far cry from the unsightly, iron-grey ‘train-tracks’ we remember stamped across our friends’ teeth as teenagers. These are ‘invisible’ braces, or certainly far more discreet ones, with clear brackets and tooth-coloured wires that ensure the only way you can guarantee people will notice your brace is if you point it out to them.

It sounded great to me. A few weeks later I was back for my first appointment, and my first step toward that longed-for perfect smile. But, you can’t expect to emerge looking dazzling in six months without undergoing a few distinctly unglamorous procedures first. Not least of these is taking the initial teeth impressions. This involves two sets being taken from both the upper and the lower set of teeth. The first alginate impressions will be kept in the practice as a reference point by which, each month, I’ll be able to see how far my teeth have moved and how well the procedure is progressing – a very thoughtful touch.

The second set of silicon impressions, however, had a far greater destiny ahead of them – a voyage over the Atlantic to the specialist Six Month Smiles processing centre in America. There, my braces will be made by a highly skilled technician, and then returned to Beau Monde within 4 weeks for Catherine to fit to my teeth. Well, that impressed me – it’s not everyday you find out your braces are more jet set than you are!

After the impressions came a few ‘before’ photographs of my teeth, again so we will be able to see what a difference the Six Month Smile system makes, and then it was time to say goodbye. But I’m looking forward to returning to see Catherine to get my braces fitted in a few weeks’ time, and I’ll let you know how I get on in next month’s magazine… n Beau Monde Dental Care offers a full range of services, from routine dentistry for all the family, to more specialised cosmetic procedures like Six Month Smiles and teeth whitening. Six Month Smiles can take between 4–9 months depending on the treatment required. The cost for both upper and lower arches is £2300, and Beau Monde offers a variety of payment plans to suit you. If you require more complex orthodontics, the Beau Monde team can refer to you a specialist orthodontist.

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Relief for headache sufferers

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round 40% of the population suffer from regular headaches and 15% of UK adults experience migraines. For those affected, the pain can be debilitating and have a serious impact on their quality of life. In particular for migraine sufferers, often the only relief comes from lying in a darkened room, cut off from sights, sounds and smells, sometimes for days on end.

At Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital, The Chesterfield a specialist team of Consultant Neurologists, Neuro Radiologists, Physiotherapists and private GPs work together to offer a comprehensive approach to investigating, managing and resolving headache pain, taking the condition seriously and providing much needed support to sufferers.

❝ WE UNDERSTAND THAT EACH PERSON AND EACH HEADACHE NEEDS TO BE INDIVIDUALLY MANAGED

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Talking about Nuffield Health’s Headache Care Service, Jennifer Jones, Imaging Services Manager at The Chesterfield, said: “We understand that no sweeping generalisations can be made about headaches and each person and each headache needs to be individually managed. We also know that headaches can be worrying and that’s why the first port of call is to establish the underlying cause for a patient’s pain in order to provide peace of mind and develop an appropriate treatment plan.”

For some patients, they may have been suffering with debilitating headaches for some time and be at a loss for how to resolve them or concerned that there’s something more sinister going on. This is where Nuffield Health’s Headache Care Service can really help. As a self-pay service, anyone who is worried about their headaches can request a referral from a WWW.THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

physiotherapist or their GP, or one of The Chesterfield’s private GPs. When you first visit the Headache Care Service you’ll be given an MRI scan. If the scan is normal, this is sometimes all that is needed to vanquish the stress and worry that may have been causing your headache. If the headache persists, or if the scan is abnormal, then you have the option to see one of The Jennifer Jones Chesterfield’s Consultant Neurologist or a Senior Physiotherapist at the Fitness & Wellbeing Centre on Clifton Triangle. Treatment options will vary depending on the results of the investigations carried out but might include medication, cranial therapy (a form of physiotherapy focused around the head), acupuncture or surgery.

Jennifer added: “There are many causes of headaches and one of the best ways to get to the bottom of things is to keep a diary of when they occur, how bad they are and how long they last. You can mark down any tablets you’ve taken, any potential food triggers you may have eaten, if you’ve had too much or too little sleep and any hormonal changes.This will help you to build a pattern and many people will find they can then manage their lifestyle appropriately to bring headaches under control.”

If you suffer from headaches and want to find out more about the services available at Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital, The Chesterfield contact www.nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/bristol or call 0117 987 2727.

Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital The Chesterfield, 3 Clifton Hill, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1BN Tel: 0117 987 2727 • www.nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/bristol AUGUST 2015

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HEALTH | & BEAUTY

HEALTH UPDATES n Congratulations to Victoria Rose Beauty Salon which won the prestigious 2015 large salon of the year awards by Babtac (British association of beauty therapy and cosmetology.)

Governed by a council of industry professionals, Babtac promotes a rigorous ethical code and a professional practice standard. Its logo is a sign of confidence; a salon can display it with pride and give its clients assurance of its qualifications and commitment to excellence. As members of Babtac, Victoria Rose Beauty Salon decided to enter for the large salon of the year category in March, and were absolutely delighted by their win. Salon owner, Rebecca Farrell, said: “I am so proud of my team for their hard work and high standards, and thankful to our loyal clients for supporting us.”Victoria Rose Beauty, 265 North Street, BS3 1JN. Tel: 0117 953 2390 or visit: victoriarosebeauty.co.uk

n Bristol-based charity NACOA – The National Association for Children of Alcoholics – are celebrating 25 years of offering exceptional care and support for those affected by their parent’s or parents’ drinking. This November, the charity will hold its first Black Tie Dinner and Gala at the Passenger Shed, featuring performances from local bands like the Brunel Quartet and the Bristol Hornstars. There will also be a live auction and raffle, proceeds from which will join those from ticket sales to help support the future work of NACOA. The charity offers a range of services for children, young people and adults, including a free confidential helpline that provides information and ongoing support either over the phone or via email. As well as supporting children of alcoholic parents, NACOA aims to reach professionals who work with these children, raise their profile in the public consciousness and promote research into the problems faced by them. For more details about NACOA and it’s work, and to book your tickets to the gala, visit: nacoa.org.uk

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FIT & FAB

A few ideas to help you combat the stressful school holidays

Boho beauty...

Embrace your inner festival goddess

• All festival makeup needs a touch of sparkle. You can do grown-up glitter with these brilliant Phyto-Eye Twists, £29 by Sisley. Use them as a liner, or smudge for shadow – either way, they won’t budge all day. And they never need sharpening! Available from Harvey Nichols, Cabot Circus, or visit: www.sisley-paris.co.uk • Every savvy sunworshipper knows the importance of proper protection. The new range of UVA/UVB waterresistant sun care from Neal’s Yard, £8.50 – £25, protects and nurtures your skin as it’s packed full of divine organic ingredients. Available from Neal’s Yard, 126 Whiteladies Road, or visit: www.nealsyardremedies.com • Even if you aren’t festival bound, summer is the perfect time to brighten up your ‘do, so grab a can of Fudge Urban Hair Art hairspray and transform your style, £5.99. It comes in four fab pastel colours and there’s no commitment as it washes straight out. Available from Superdrug, Boots and Tesco or visit: fudgeurban.com • Tattoos are all the rage nowadays, but if you don’t fancy something permanent these gorgeous metallic temporary tattoos are for you, £16.95 by Bohemian Jewellery Tattoos. You can go for full on bling, or just a subtle glimmer of gold. Available online at: www.bohemianjewellerytats.com

Make a colourful statement Bristol will be a riot of colour this summer as The Colour Fun Run hits Oldbury Court Estate.

Oldbury Court Estate in Fishponds will host a brand new fundraising event in aid of local addiction recovery charity St Vincent’s.

Registration is now open for The Colour Fun Run, Bristol’s newest 5k fun run, which takes place on Sunday 27 September.

It invites runners – as well as walkers, joggers, dancers, or even cartwheelers of all ages – to complete a 5k course around Oldbury Court Estate while being covered in tons of powder paint.

The idea is to begin in a white t-shirt and end covered in a rainbow of colour, it’s not about being the fastest, it’s who can get the brightest.

Alongside the 5k run there will be music, food and drink stalls and some fabulous face painting to get you colourful as soon as you arrive! For more info, visit: www.thecolourfunrun.co.uk

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

A health breakdown led to my career change

By Nutritional Therapist Ami Gilder, Graduate of CNM (College of Naturopathic Medicine).

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s an adventurous twenty something I had travelled the world, bagged my ideal job at a media agency, and had an action packed social calendar. I felt I was living life to the full and things couldn’t get any better. Little did I know that my partying lifestyle would catch up with me.

I began to feel drained, exhausted and miserable. I used coffee, sweet, starchy foods and alcohol to keep me going. Realising that I needed to make some drastic changes if I wanted to regain my health, I booked in for a nutritional consultation at a CNM Student Clinic. Following the advice they gave me was the start of my journey to feeling alive and full of natural energy again, and I haven’t looked back since. In fact, my experience was so positive that I decided to change my career and train to become a Nutritional Therapist myself so that I could help others.

When I started my CNM training I was amazed by how many of my fellow students had been through a similar experience to me. Although we were all from different backgrounds we were all motivated by the same goals; to improve our own health and to help others through Nutrition.

I studied the course part time so that I could carry on working and earning money to fund my studies. I found it challenging but fascinating, it allowed me to push myself and achieve something valuable. After three years of training and lots of clinic practice, I graduated and was raring to start building up my practice as a Nutritional Therapist.

I love variety, and as a Nutritional Therapist no two cases or two days are the same, so it’s a career that is perfect for me. Some of the most common health complaints I see from clients involve digestive issues and sleeping problems. I really enjoy rising to the challenge of working out where the symptoms are stemming from. This was part of my naturopathic training, along with the knowledge that there is never a one size fits all solution.

It’s up to the therapist to choose how and when to work, and if they want to specialise in a particular health area. I see a lot of busy people who are suffering with energy and stress WWW.THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

problems. As well as seeing clients on a one to one basis, I run sessions for couples who want to learn about health and nutrition and support each other on their journey, plus I run health and wellbeing groups which focus on different health topics. The group sessions allow me to reach more people and members often choose to see me for private consultations to get personal guidance. Somehow I manage also to fit in supporting final year CNM students with their clinical training days. I love being part of the supervisory team and helping them to develop their skills and confidence ready to go out and forge an exciting career for themselves, as I have done.

Hearing the feedback from clients makes what I do worthwhile. That lightbulb moment where people realise they can take control of their own health is incredibly rewarding and keeps me motivated.

Good nutrition has allowed me to regain my own health, boost my energy levels, help others, and change my life and career for the better. I am thankful for that every day.

Ami Gilder

Attend a FREE CNM Open Evening in Bristol Thursday 13th August 2015 7pm-9pm to find out about training with CNM Bristol for a career in Naturopathic Nutrition or Naturopathic Acupuncture.

Please reserve your free place on line.

www.naturopathy-uk.com 01342 410 505 AUGUST 2015

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InSpiring Spire Healthcare Group have been named Hospital Group of the Year at the 2015 HealthInvestor Awards

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pire Healthcare Group PLC, of which Spire The Glen Hospital Bristol is part, has been named Hospital Group of the Year for the second year running at the 2015 HealthInvestor Awards.

The prestigious event, run by trade publication, HealthInvestor, is one of the main highlights in the health sector calendar.

The 2015 competition was fierce with award submissions up by 20 per cent on last year, but despite this, Spire still pipped six other organisations to the top spot.

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The awards celebrate and recognise the achievements of stand-out businesses in the healthcare sector, and Spire Healthcare was Hospital Group of the Year because of its: • High quality care • Development of core services • Investment in facilities • Clinical standards that exceed the national average • Award-winning levels of meeting patient expectations Journalist and news presenter, Jeremy Vine, presented the awards, which were assessed by a panel of 20 independent judges. Spire Healthcare was acknowledged for its investments and achievements in 2014.

“It was a transformational year for Spire Healthcare and a landmark in the company’s history,” says Rob Roger, chief executive.

“As well as listing on the London Stock Exchange in one of the most successful share offers of the year, 2014 saw Spire deliver strong results in both trading and development, while progressing its mission to bring together the best people, dedicated to developing excellent clinical environments and delivering the highest quality patient care.”

Dan Rees Jones, hospital director at Spire The Glen Hospital Bristol, added: “It’s fantastic news that Spire Healthcare was awarded the top acclaim of Hospital Group of the Year. It makes us very proud to be part of such a highachieving team that always go over and above to deliver top-quality care for our patients.”

Spire The Glen Hospital Bristol is the largest private hospital in the South West and offers a comprehensive range of high quality treatments, services and diagnostic facilities.

Since 2010 Spire Bristol has invested £30 million pounds to give patients access to state-of-the-art facilities and quality care in comfortable surroundings.

Last year, Spire Bristol opened a new specialist care centre in Aztec West, dedicated to diagnosing and treating cancer. Giving patients access to cuttingedge equipment and facilities, the centre has provided a greater provision of cancer care in the region.

Working with leading consultants, Spire Bristol has the widest range of specialities of any private hospital in the region.

To find out more about Spire The Glen Hospital in Bristol, visit: www.spirehealthcare.com/bristol

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OUT | AND ABOUT

A STONE’S THROW This month Andrew Swift takes us on a leisurely stroll through our neighbouring city of Gloucester

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loucester not only has two world-class heritage sites – its docks and its cathedral – but an extraordinary number of historic buildings. Yet, far from being a museum piece, it is a vibrant working city, where history is entangled with the everyday, and many treasures lie seemingly unregarded. All of which makes it a fascinating, if sometimes confusing, place to explore – and the walk described here is little more than a suggested route to inspire your own journey of discovery.

The easiest way to get to Gloucester is by train – with an hourly service from Temple Meads, Filton and Parkway – so the walk begins at the station.

From there, head over to the Station Hotel, cross a dual carriageway, carry on – passing the bus station on your right – and turn right at a roundabout.

● Carry on to the left of the Chambers pub and through a pedestrian precinct into St Aldate Street. At Northgate Street, cross and go to the right of St John’s Church along St John’s Lane. Follow it as it curves left and, at the end, turn right into Westgate Street. ● Take the first right along College Court, past the Tailor of Gloucester’s shop, immortalised by Beatrix Potter, through a narrow gateway, and Gloucester Cathedral, one of the great buildings of medieval Europe, lies before you. Founded as an abbey in 679, the present building was started in 1089, although what you are looking at evolved over several centuries. The reason for this building programme – and for the abbey’s survival – is the tomb of King Edward II. After his murder in Berkeley Castle in 1327, Edward’s body was brought here and soon his tomb became a place of pilgrimage. Hence all the endowments that funded the abbey’s growth – hence too Henry VIII’s refusal to countenance its destruction when he dissolved the monasteries. He made it a cathedral instead. ● Many of the abbey’s ancillary buildings also survived, to be adapted and 86 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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added to over the centuries. Before going into the cathedral, turn right and walk around the outside to see how it grew and to see buildings of timber, stone and brick, as well as a herb garden in a little cloister on the north side. ● As you enter the cathedral, the massive pillars and the darkness of the nave come as a shock after the lightness and delicacy of the exterior. This is the core of the building – the Norman basilica that was gradually encased by extensions and additions, as architectural styles changed and masons developed ever more ingenious ways of working with stone. When the east window was completed in the 1350s it was the largest in the world and still contains much original glass. The tomb of Edward II saw stone carved with a delicacy never before attempted, while the cloisters (which you may recognise from the Harry Potter films), with the tracery of their windows echoed in fan vaulting spreading like palm trees overhead, are one of the glories of late medieval architecture. ● On leaving the cathedral through the south porch, head through the gates to Westgate Street and turn right. Look out on the right for a jettied building with dates of 1450 (when it was built) and 2009 (when it was restored), the eighteenth-century carvings on the corner of Three Cocks Lane, and Dick Whittington’s pub (c1740). The Folk Museum, on the left, is housed in a building where, on 8 February 1555, Bishop Hooper spent his last night before being burned at the stake by order of Queen Mary. ● Turn left into Lower Quay Street and left into Quay Street at the end.

Continue under the police station bridge, passing Bearland House (c1740) – its west wing rebuilt as a fire station – and Bearland Lodge (c1720). At Ladybellegate House (c1706), turn right into Ladybellegate Street, where you will see Gloucester Prison, closed in 2013, to your right. On the left is Blackfriars, the best-preserved Dominican priory in England – despite having been converted to a house and factory.

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OUT | AND ABOUT ● At the end of the street are Gloucester docks. Turn right, passing the Custom House of 1845 – now a military museum – and the red-brick Flour Mills (c1850), before turning left through the dockyard gates. This inland port is the terminus of a canal from Sharpness, opened in 1827. After years of decline, commercial traffic ended in 1998 and many of the warehouses have now found alternative uses. ● Turn right along the waterfront, crossing a lock controlling access to the River Severn and passing modern buildings, before crossing the entrances to two dry docks. Cross a road and carry on alongside the college, with views across to derelict maltings and warehouses. After passing the college, turn right across an open space to see, beyond a wall, the remains of Llanthony Secunda Priory. ● Retrace your steps to the road and turn right across the bascule bridge. Just past the Gloucester Brewery Tank – recently opened and serving food all day – turn left through the docks past Llanthony Warehouse (1873), now a waterways museum. When you come to a chapel built for mariners in 1849, turn right past a row of wagons and go through the old tramway gate. ● Cross Southgate Street, turn right and, at a roundabout, turn left along Spa Road, whose elegant Regency houses are the legacy of Gloucester’s attempt to reinvent itself as a spa. Carry straight on when the main road swings left, turn left along Montpelier at the end, and follow it as it bears left. At Brunswick Road, cross and look back at the extraordinary Romanesque façade added in 1900 to a church built in the 1820s, before heading into Brunswick Square. ● Carry on and, when you come to Albion Street, turn sharp right along the Old Tram Road. When you come to some metal bollards, bear left between them and turn right at the end. Turn left at the main road for 100m, before turning left along a footpath to Greyfriars, a monastic ruin with a Georgian townhouse built into its west end. Head to the right of St Mary de Crypt church and through an archway to emerge on Southgate Street, with the half-timbered splendour of Robert Raikes’ House – now a pub – ahead. ● Turn right along Southgate Street – looking out on the right for a carved house from 1650 (now Costa) and the figures above Baker’s Jeweller’s. At the crossroads, continue into Northgate Street, passing the New Inn, with a galleried yard of around 1450, and turning right along St Aldate Street to return to the station. n

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A CHANGE OF SCENE: main image: the old warehouses that line the docks; inset: the cloisters of Gloucester Cathedral

FURTHER INFORMATION...

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Distance: 3 miles

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Time: Although the walk could be completed in less than two hours, there is more than enough to occupy a whole day

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Pit stop: There are several great pubs along the route, for details of these and other attractions visit: www.thecityofgloucester.co.uk

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GARDENING GARDENING

TAKING THE PLUNGE This month our garden expert, Margaux Speirs, tackles the temptation of a swimming pool

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here are only 3 or 4 months a year when we can comfortably swim outdoors in Britain but when it’s hot outside, doesn’t the idea of a swimming pool in the garden to plunge into and cool down really appeal? There are an estimated 210,000 private swimming pools in the UK, and with 2,500 now installed annually it does seem as if it’s an increasingly popular thing to do. It’s not just families with children who are building them – my father-in-law built one 30 years ago, after his kids had left home, and aged 85 he still uses it most days of summer as he says it’s private, comfortable, gentle exercise for him and his wife.

So if you are tempted to build one and have space in a sunny, sheltered part of your garden what are the things you would need to consider before taking the plunge?

Installation cost is the first thought. The Society of Pool and Allied Trades (SPATA) gives example of what you might expect to pay for various types of installed pool (and we are talking about pools built into the ground rather than the ‘pop-up’ things the hypermarkets sell). At the bottom end of the market are those built with a concrete base and breeze (or sometimes plastic) blocks and a waterproof pvc liner: for a 24 ft by 12 ft pool prices start from £20,000 and for a 40 ft by 20 ft pool £33,000. (The downside of these cheaper pools is that the underlying concrete can move and crack – especially in an area of clay or sandy soil, and the liners will need replacing every few years as they become brittle with ultra-violet light. They can also be punctured by small stones). The more stable versions made from reinforced concrete, fully lined and tiled start from £28,000 and £45,000 for those same sizes.

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is a pre-plumbed one piece ceramic pool which they say is quick to install and easy to maintain. Their website suggests costs are between £35,000 and £120,000 for this so you would have to love it! A cheaper but similar option is a precast fibre-glass pool which costs between £10,000 and £15,000.

The prices come down a lot if you are able to do the excavation and building yourself. Online swimming pool kit supplier, Poolstore quotes the kit cost for a rectangular pool 24 ft by 12 ft would be about £7000.

These prices all assume you have easy access to bring in diggers and materials and won’t need to remove excavated soil from the site. They also exclude heating, pool covers and the paving around the pool edge. You may also need planning permission – certainly if you are in a conservation area or grounds of a listed building and you definitely need building regulation consent.

When thinking about whether and how to heat the pool, in the past gas or oil boilers were the norm but now solar heating and ground source heat pumps are also a possibility and obviously more environmentally friendly.

The latter need lots of garden to lay the pipe runs and mean heavy outlay at the beginning (£11,000 to £15,000) but can work out cheaper over the life of the pool.

Running costs will vary depending on how you heat the pool but my fatherin-law tells me heating costs about the same as having his oil fired central heating on in the winter. SPATA say oil heaters cost about £5 per day while you are heating the pool for regular use whereas electricity heaters could be twice that and ground source heat pumps half that cost.

Ask about the insulation options before building your pool as concrete takes a lot of energy to heat and the insulation available, Styrofoam (extruded

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GARDENING

polystyrene), cannot be retrofitted. Covers are vital so that you are not just heating the atmosphere – the best ones are probably the hard solar covers which maintain heat, prevent evaporation of chemicals and are lockable but these can cost as much as £6,000.

Safety will be a paramount concern – whether in relation to the risk of drowning, electrical hazard or chemical issues around the water purification. Certainly I would recommend that the pool has a lockable cover or is in a fenced off area if children play in the garden. Having the pool installed by industry experts will reduce the risk of accidents as all electrical works will be by qualified people and you will be taught how to use the chemicals. The SPATA website has a list of professional pool installers in every area of the country.

An optional extra which may be worthwhile in a small pool is a counter-current unit which means you can swim against the current whilst staying in the same place in the pool but this would set you back about £6,000.

Maintenance is best done little and often – SPATA recommend you spend 5 or 10 minutes a day checking chemicals and cleaning out leaf litter, etc. plus 20 to 30 minutes a week in summer doing a full safety check and clean. Preparing the pool at the beginning of the season entails substantial cleaning and using lots of hazardous chemicals and if you don’t want to do this yourself there are local companies that will do it for you on an annual contract.

The designer in me has to mention the only type of swimming pool which I think makes the garden more beautiful (as opposed to just more fun) and that is the natural swimming pond. These are filtered by plants and micro organisms rather than by chemicals so about a third of their surface area is given over to plant life. They need much less maintenance than a chlorine pool but you do need to be willing to find yourself swimming with the wildlife! The main UK installer Gardenart has a good website with gallery and case studies. 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. Tel: 07903 779910 or visit: www.margauxspeirsgardendesign.co.uk

PLANT OF THE MONTH: Rudbeckia is a cheerful, easy to grow late summer flowerer which blooms from August to November and which doesn’t mind being in sun or part shade as long as the ground is fertile and well-drained. It looks great planted with grasses and is good as a cut flower. Petals are mostly yellow and orange but it’s also available in rusty reds. My favourite is R. fulgida Goldsturm which has deep yellow flowers and dark centres.

LIGHTING SPECIALIST 8 BATH STREET, FROME. TEL: 01 373473555 WWW.FIATLUX.CO.UK TUESDAY – FRIDAY 9.30AM – 5.30PM, SATURDAY 9.30AM – 5.00PM

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AUGUST 2015

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THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 89

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HOMES | ON SHOW

A SHORE THING Marianne Swinkels discovers a beachside paradise just a stone’s skip from central Bristol

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ruth is, I didn’t want to tell you about this property. Surely you have more pressing things to do, so why not skip these pages and move on? Especially if you’re an out-and-out Bristol urbanite; a city bod who can survive only in the intimate confines of petite penthouses and compact balconies, the terraced cosiness and cheek-by-jowl proximity of others, the constant hum, throb and dynamic 24/7 street buzz. Which is all well and good from my point of view.

I was enticed there, lured you might even say, by sheer curiosity and must make it plain that this is one property I am reluctant to share. My own fault really. I’ve seen enough homes that promise the ‘extraordinary – the ‘stunning’ this and the ‘unique’ that – the big-it-up descriptions that nod to the odd bit of wow! in a place but neglect the fundamentals. I should also know that, like a plate of still-on-trend cupcakes, for all the fanciful toppings of frosted twirls, candied fruits and bejewelled decorations, it’s the quality of the basic ingredients that really count.

But let’s face it; it’s each to their own when it comes down to taste.

Especially a slice of real estate which, like those gorgeously pricey cupcakes,

have equally experienced their own unstoppable rise. Nowadays it really does pay to look beyond the gloss and frippery of any hot property in a cool postcode and get to grips with the honest to goodness practicalities and dayto-day realities of the place.

Have I put you off yet? Why, having tried hard to disinterest you, have you read thus far? And why my desire to keep schtum on this newly constructed house with its £1.695 million price tag?

I’ll come clean: my reluctance to share is entirely based on personal covetousness and a churlish if childlike ‘Ya Boo Shucks – if I can’t have it, neither can you’ thing. Because I must confess, I fell for Beachcliff House in growingly popular Portishead hook, line and sinker and would move there tomorrow if I could.

Superb location, spec, quality, design and character – this four storey, seven bedroom bespoke shoreside gem has it all in bucket and spadeloads. It truly is, as common parlance goes, awesome. And does indeed live up to those oft used sales brochure superlatives along the lines of ‘an extraordinary and totally unique waterfront home with spectacular 180 degree views’ directly over the Bristol Channel and distant Wales. It is just that.

❝

LIKE A PLATE OF CUPCAKES, FOR ALL THE FANCIFUL TOPPINGS, IT’S THE QUALITY OF THE INGREDIENTS THAT COUNTS

❞

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HOMES | ON SHOW

PROPERTY PROFILE Where: Beachcliff House, Beach Road West, Portishead, BS20 What: Newly constructed, architecturally designed individual waterfront house with 180 degree coastline views. 5–7 bedrooms/8–9 bathrooms/en suites. Spacious, contemporary four level character home with flexible layout/potential for self contained flat/ studio/workspace. Generous lift serving all levels and disabled access. Gardens and parking.

Guide price: £1,695,000 Agent: Hamptons International Bristol, www.hamptons.co.uk Contact: E: bristol@hamptons-int.com, t: 0117 322 6506

This one-off beachside plot, tucked away at the end of a private lane near Portishead Lake grounds and the refurbished Lido, is a splendid oasis granting a private and unbroken panorama; an ever changing scene of passing boats, dramatic sunsets and big skies, tidal ebb and flow and shifting play of light on water, and passing wildlife. Utterly sublime.

This light and spacious property does full justice to that natural backdrop.

Think along the lines of a classy and contemporary Clifton-on-sea abode – with knobs on. Add in that this handsome home is in a tranquil and yet easy peasy commute to Bristol centre and what have you got? All round top marks.

The artistic owner who fell in love with this coastal corner spot sought to build a highly individual home with luxury, space and light at the top of her wish list. In design and architectural style the brief was that contemporary met romantic, classical met traditional, functionality met character – adding in a little frivolity to boot. Over several years this bespoke home was built with all due reverence given to the finest quality construction materials, eco credentials, flexibility of layout and meticulous attention to detail. And boy, what a result. Creativity abounds, from the reclaimed wooden flooring to the commissioned stairway built in situ with its sculptural steel balustrade et al.

With its array of balconies and sun terraces, expanses of ceiling to floor WWW.THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

glazing, bay and porthole windows, full advantage is taken of the views and wrap around seasidey garden. A hand crafted zinc canopy spans the entire, somehow flirty Dutch gabled frontage of Beachcliff, beckoning you in; and once inside there’s that tantalising first glimpse of water. The magnet is the triple aspect open plan kitchen/dining/sitting room, flooded in natural light which draws you in, as it so splendidly does, to simply sit and marvel at the world beyond.

Wander around – or take the wheelchair accessible internal lift – to explore the spacious, all en-suite bedrooms, each individual in shape, size and design.

It is the master suite that will stop you in your tracks. The opulent bedroom with its three balconies, leads on to the magnificent en suite. Where else can you bathe, glazed doors open wide to the elements beyond? Such is the glorious privacy at Beachcliff. And that same emphasis on airy space and light is reflected in the flexible lower floor accommodation where the spacious reception room again brings the great outdoors in.

I have done my bit in sharing this heavenly haven. Now it’s your turn. I may have to throw in the towel – but will also throw down the gauntlet to the oh-so-lucky buyer. You must have me round, put a glass in my hand and let me watch that sun go down. n AUGUST 2015 | THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 91

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BRISTOL PROPERTY | IN FOCUS

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orth Elm House is situated in attractive gated and wooded setting of around half an acre just east of the centre of Chew Magna. The village itself very popular, having all the necessary local amenities including well regarded primary and secondary schools.

The house was built in 2010 by the present owners and is extremely well designed and beautifully presented.

The accommodation is arranged over three floors with a quality finish and light, well proportioned rooms which blend both traditional and modern styles. There is a highly sophisticated surround sound system to all the principal rooms, the floors are of oak and the double glazed windows have hardwood frames. The accommodation comprises: Reception hall, sitting room, dining room, breakfast kitchen, utility room, cloakroom. Principal bedroom with en suite bathroom and dressing room, four further bedrooms, two en suite bathrooms, family bathroom.

Outside there is an integral double garage and additional driveway parking, The gardens are easily maintained with decked terrace and a lawn leading down to wooded area with a stream running through.

This carefully designed and superbly presented family home is available for viewing by appointment with agents Knight Frank.

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

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NORTH ELM HOUSE CHEW MAGNA • Five bedrooms • Private setting with woodland and stream • Three en suites plus family bathroom • Decked terrace for entertaining • Surround sound system

Guide Price £995,000

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Wetbury-on-Trym

Wetbury-on-Trym

Westbury-on-Trym

A characterful three storey Victorian family home with four bedrooms, three receptions and kitchen/breakfast room with dual aspect and solid wood worktops. Period features and character throughout; marketed with no onward chain. EPC E.

An extended semi detached family home with two interconnecting reception rooms plus conservatory; modern kitchen, four bedrooms, parking, car port, garage and garden which measures 21m in length. EPC D.

A recently renovated and extended property offering a ‘T’ shaped kitchen/lounge/diner to rear with central island, modern atrium style roof, solid oak floors and access to garden, three family-sized bedrooms and modern bathroom suite. EPC D.

£485,000

Price Guide £449,000

Price Guide £415,000

Westbury Park

Henleaze

Redland

A semi-detached period family home, the ground floor offers four receptions and a quality kitchen. Two upper floors offer five family-sized bedrooms and a family bathroom. Further benefits include a landscaped family garden and many period features throughout. EPC E.

A five bedroom semi-detached characterful family home with three receptions, kitchen/ diner, family bathroom with heated floors and four piece white suite with additional shower room to second floor and many original features throughout. EPC D.

A three storey Victorian style family home with three double bedrooms; the ground floor has two receptions, kitchen leading to lower ground floor offering two further receptions and additional integral room.

EPC D.

Price Guide £800,000

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£595,000

Price Guide £450,000

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Westbury Park £599,995

Westbury Park £485,000

End of terrace house with two off-street parking spaces.

Extended into the roof, two separate reception rooms, a large kitchen, utility room and conservatory. EPC - E

A three double bedroom two reception Victorian terraced home in the Redland Green Catchment area with a kitchen/ diner and lawned rear garden. EPC - D

Devonshire Road - Five bed house

Coldharbour Road - Three bed house

Clifton Office 0117 946 6007

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Redland £340,000

Redland £340,000

Substantial first floor flat which includes many original features.

Situated 200 yards from Redland train station and conveniently located for Whiteladies & Gloucester Road. EPC - D

A generously proportioned and light hall floor flat with level access, set within an impressive detached period building, immediately adjacent to Redland Green. EPC - D

Meridian Road - Two bedroom flat

Redland Road - Two bedroom flat

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Westbury-on-Trym £695,000

Westbury-on-Trym £475,000

Nestled in a privileged and elevated position on the crest of Westbury Road giving far reaching views of Bristol, with contemporary twists and stylish finishes throughout. EPC - B

Sold in less than one week. Similar urgently needed. Situated in a prime cul-de-sac and ideally placed in close proximity to Two highly rated Schools. Beautiful gardens. EPC - TBC

Westbury Road – End of terrace house

Eastover Close – Detached house

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Westbury-on-Trym £259,950

In the centre of a historic village, within prestigious school catchments and short stroll to two family friendly pubs.

EPC - E

Sold within 24 hours of marketing, similar properties required. This restored period cottage has under gone recent renovations to a high standard. EPC - TBC

Chock Cottage – Detached Cottage

Chock Lane – Terraced cottage

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Westbury-on-Trym £275,000

oceanhome.co.uk

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Waterfront £425,000

Clifton £419,950

Redland £350,000

Superb penthouse with waterfront views and wrap around balcony, sizeable open plan living area with floor to ceiling windows, underground parking space and no chain. EPC - D

A stunning hall floor apartment in a quiet side road in Clifton with high ceilings, period features, a kitchen/dining room, no chain and off-street parking. EPC - E

Well-proportioned and practical two double bedroom garden flat with private entrance, allocated off street parking space and private south facing courtyard. EPC - E

Redland £330,000

Cliftonwood £214,950

Cliftonwood £189,995

Sold within first week of viewings with multiple offers. Similar quality first floor apartments required. Two double bedroom flat with scope for modernisation. EPC - D

A neat purpose built apartment set in this modern development on the slopes below Clifton Village. Great for a first home or a low maintenance buy to let. EPC - B

First floor flat tucked away toward the end of this cul-de-sac.

Generous living room/kitchen to the front with views to SS Great Britain, and an off-street parking space. EPC - D

Queen Square Apartments - Two bed flat

Miles Road - Two bedroom flat

Redland Park - Two bedroom flat

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Elgin Park - Two bedroom flat

Wallace Place - One bedroom flat

Bellevue Crescent - One bedroom flat

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Westbury-on-Trym £485,000

Henleaze £365,000

Westbury-on-Trym £279,950

Sold, similar properties required. Spacious semi-detached home that has been extended to enhance a modern family’s needs. EPC - E

Occupying a position equidistant from Westbury village, Gloucester Road and Henleaze high street. Lovely views to the front add to the sense of light and space. EPC - TBC

Charming 19th century cottage nestled in the heart of Westbury village, arranged over two floors providing an open plan living space. EPC - D

Sandyleaze – Semi-Detached house

Abbots Way– Semi-Detached house

Trym Road – Terraced cottage

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Royal Victoria Park £189,950

Brentry £175,000

Westbury-on-Trym £127,500

Modern ground floor apartment, perfect for first time buyers or buy to let investors. With off street parking located to the rear. Open plan kitchen reception room. EPC - TBC

Close to Brenty Primary School, and with excellent transport links into the City centre and only a few minutes from the M4/ M5 motorways and Cribbs Causeway. EPC - TBC

Offering a fantastic opportunity for first time buyers and investors alike, with proposed rents up to £700pcm, the flat has recently been refurbished. No chain. EPC - TBC

Strathearn Drive– Ground floor flat

Swanmoor Crescent – Terraced house

Frances Greeves House – First floor flat

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Property Concept August.qxp_Layout 5 20/07/2015 12:03 Page 1

MANAGEMENT • SALES • LETTING • CONSULTANCY

Shirenewton £765,000 Set amidst beautiful countryside, on the edge of the village of Shirenewton, this delightful property retains the original 19th century period stone barn, which has been sympathetically converted and extended by the current owners. The original barn incorporates two large reception rooms, the living room has fold back doors leading out to the garden making the most of the stunning views, the dining room is separate with doors to a patio.

The kitchen also has doors opening on to the terrace again with views over the garden. A covered walkway leads to the spacious annexe with bedroom five, an ensuite shower and a study oblique sitting room. Upstairs there is a stunning master bedroom and ensuite with a double height window and Juliet balcony with views overlooking the garden and the countryside beyond; there are three other bedrooms with one separate bathroom.The main garden is south facing and beautifully landscaped and the property further benefits from a stone outbuilding, a post and rail paddock, stable block with two loose boxes and a tack room. EPC Rating E Council Tax band H.

Cote House Lane £625,000 A delightful second floor flat, in this imposing Grade II listed building, nestled in a quiet enclave, a very short stroll from The Downs. The house is accessed via a long private drive with guest parking although each apartment benefits from their own double garage. An external stone staircase leads to a private entrance and roof terrace with expansive and far reaching views.

The entrance hallway leads through to a double guest bedroom, delightful study/third bedroom with feature oriel window, and then onto a dining room and charming square sitting room. This stunning apartment spans the whole of the top floor of this handsome building with 360 degree views, and a light and airy feel, due in part to the addition of roof lights. Guest accommodation comes in the form of a separate converted outbuilding, at ground floor level which has been cleverly converted into a sitting room with a modern bathroom and platform bed. A truly magical walled garden has been lovingly and thoughtfully recreated, a private retreat and a haven for wildlife. A slice of Georgian tranquility in the heart of our bustling city. Viewing very highly recommended.

Clifton £220,000

Clifton £489,950

Delightful second floor flat in this beautiful semi-detatched property on Miles Road, Clifton. An immaculate entrance and communal stairs lead to this pretty one bed flat, which is light with lovely views of the local Clifton Tennis Club. The accommodation consists of a spacious sitting room with double glazed windows and feature fireplace, separate fitted kitchen, good sized double bedroom, and bathroom. Set in a fabulous, leafy residential location equidistant from the Downs, Whiteladies Road, and Clifton village, this apartment would suit a young professional or investment purchaser and is being sold with no onward chain. Viewing is highly recommended. EPC Rating E

A very large and spacious maisonette on the top floor of this lovely Grade II listed building in the corner of the beautiful Canynge Square. This apartment is a real gem, not only for its size and location but due to the fact that it comes with a private car parking space, and an amazing roof terrace with stunning views of the surrounding area, including the iconic buildings of Clifton College.

The accommodation comprises an entrance hall and staircase, a large living/dining room with an open/plan kitchen, a master bedroom suite with adjoining dressing room and two further double bedrooms. The flat also benefits from a brand new bathroom. This property is being marketed with no onward chain, and viewing is highly recommended

21 Princess Victoria Street

Tel 0117 970 6119

enquiries@propertyconcept.co.uk

Clifton, Bristol BS8 4BX

Fax 0117 970 6109

www.propertyconcept.co.uk

Richard Harding August.qxp_Layout 6 20/07/2015 12:04 Page 1

Richard Harding Chartered Surveyors • Estate Agents • Auctioneers • Valuers

Sold very recently by Richard Harding - one of Clifton's finest houses in a large plot of circa 0.73 acres with extensive family accommodation, 7 bedrooms, 3 reception rooms, and an additional self-contained 2 bedroom flat. Immensely private, with a large, sunny & established family garden, gated front drive & excellent offstreet parking. Rear drive with further parking & garage. EPC: E

CLIFTON guide £2,500,000

A truly exquisite & highly specified 6 bedroom (2 with en suite) detached family residence set 100ft back from the road in an overall plot of approx 0.37 acres, offering beautiful level gardens to front & rear, a heated swimming pool, off road parking for multiple cars & a double car port. Constructed in 2008 and completely internally fitted and finished by the current owners in 2010, this property has had no expense spared and benefits from the remainder of a 10 year building guarantee (from 2010). EPC: D

A very handsome, large & well located Victorian period semi-detached family house with ample gardens, a garage and intriguing and exciting potential in an elevated position near Redland Green School & Redland Girl’s High School. Has period features & character, impressive principal rooms and valuable flexibility with 5 bedrooms, 3 reception rooms & family kitchen/breakfast rooms over 2 main floors plus good full height basement rooms with own access offering the option of extra family space or potentially a small flat.

REDLAND guide £985,000

In a lovely sylvan setting, circa 0.15 acres in all, a high quality individual architect designed 4 bedroom detached family residence with a big double garage, ample secure gated off street parking & generous ground floor living space that links perfectly with the delightful gardens & is ideal for entertaining & relaxing. Enjoys a highly prestigious location in one of Bristol's most coveted roads. A rare opportunity for families, business or professional people and downsizers alike. No chain - simplifies moving. A charming home with lots to offer. EPC: D

To be sold for the first time in 18 years and now in need of some modernisation, a bright and exceedingly spacious, 4 double bedroom, 3 bath/shower room, 2 reception rooms hall and lower ground floor maisonette apartment, of circa 2363 sq. ft., set within an elegant grade II listed semi-detached Georgian period building abutting Birdcage Walk in Clifton Village, having both front and rear gardens plus useful storage rooms. To be sold with no onward chain making a prompt move possible.

Impressive garden maisonette apartment for sale in Clifton Village – situated in a much sought after location just a moment’s stroll of Sion Hill and Clifton Suspension Bridge. Entranced by its own private entrance with spacious 3 double bedroom, 2 bath/shower room, 2 reception room accommodation, of circa 2082 sq.ft., plus sunny south facing garden and useful storage vaults. A magnificent and spacious garden maisonette apartment forming part of this imposing grade II listed Georgian building on Gloucester Row, a convenient Clifton Village location.

CLIFTON guide £575,000

Professional, Reliable, Successful

WESTBURY-ON-TRYM guide range £1,100,000 - £1,200,000

SNEYD PARK guide £895,000

CLIFTON guide £665,000

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

Fine & Country August.qxp_Layout 1 20/07/2015 12:06 Page 1

NEW INSTRUCTION

CLIFTON | BRISTOL

GUIDE PRICE £1,850,000

A delightful detached family house set within enclosed gardens to front and rear, complete with a 25’ tandem garage and stunning 35’ family kitchen / dining room. Two generous reception rooms, study. 35’ family kitchen with professional quality kitchen appliances. Secondary kitchen with AGA. Five double bedrooms. Two bath / shower rooms. Two cloakrooms. Generous storage. Fully enclosed gardens. 25’ tandem garage. EPC Rating: F

Fine & Country Bristol 147 Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2QT Tel: 0117 973 3081 Email: bristol@fineandcountry.com bristol.fineandcountry.co.uk

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NEW INSTRUCTION

FRENCHAY | BRISTOL

OIRO ÂŁ825,000

A stunning detached family house, with views across to the River Frome having recently been completely renovated & stylishly refurbished throughout. Family kitchen, dining / family room, drawing room. Four double bedrooms. Three bath / shower rooms (two en-suite). Cloakroom.

Integrated double garage. Tiered gardens with southerly views. Off-street parking. No onward chain. EPC Rating: D

fineandcountry.com

Cotham - £895,000

A rare opportunity to purchase this substantial 5 bedroom period home located in this sought after tree lined road. This wonderful family home has been under the same ownership over 40 years and now the time has come for the vendor to relocate. The property oozes character, from the castellated features to the bay and porch - the period details are all intact. EPC - E

Abbots Leigh - £825,000

A wonderful 5 bedroom family home which has been substantially remodelled and extended by the current vendors, located in this quiet cul de sac adjoining farmland. This outstanding home offers incredibly good size family living space with 3 generous reception rooms to the ground floor all of which overlook the wonderful rear gardens and adjoining fields. EPC - E

Clifton - £285,000

Stylishly presented two bedroom top floor flat situated in a fine Victorian building in a quiet side road within a few minutes walk of Christchurch Green and the cosmopolitan amenities of Clifton Village. In an excellent location with modern fittings throughout, this lovely apartment would suit first time buyers and investors alike. EPC - D

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Westbury Park - Guide Price £850,000

This is a stunning five bedroom Edwardian family town house with landscaped rear garden and off street parking situated in one of Bristol’s highly sought after residential roads, only a few minute’s walk of the renowned Durdham Downs. The house has been beautifully appointed throughout by its current owners over the last 3 years with no attention to detail spared. EPC - D

Bishopston - £695,000 A wonderful 4 bedroom family home which has been well updated and extended by the present owners, located in one of the top roads in Bishopston - Codrington Road.This home offers ideal family living space and boasts plenty of period features. This fuses seamlessly with the modern touches and improvements to create the lovely home that we offer to you today. EPC - D

Cotham - Guide Price £250,000

An exceptionally spacious (approx. 882 sq.ft) well presented one bedroom hall floor flat with so much to offer including garage, sun room and roof terrace in an impressive period conversion in a highly convenient location. Light and airy accommodation stretches across the entire hall floor of this imposing building, principle rooms are off the entrance hall. EPC - E

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Westbury-on-Trym - Guide Price £525,000

A lovely well cared for traditional 1930’s three bed semi enjoying attractive south west facing level rear garden of circa 80 ft. in length. The house is positioned on an attractive side road within walking distance of shops and amenities on Stoke Lane and local schools, parks and public transport. EPC- TBC

Westbury-on-Trym - Guide Price £435,000

An attractively presented and extended ‘Cornish’ style 3 bedroom semi only 240m from Elmlea schools. The house has been well cared for over the years and is well presented throughout with modern kitchen, bathroom and decoration. EPC - C

Westbury-on-Trym - Guide Price £465,000

Westbury-on-Trym - £449,000

This is an attractive 1930’s 3 bedroom detached family house located on a corner plot between Canford Lane and Falcondale Road. The house has considerable potential to extend to the side of the house, subject to obtaining necessary consents. The house, although very liveable, is ideally in need of general updating throughout. EPC - E

A 1930’s semi-detached 4 bedroom house offering spacious family orientated accommodation within convenient walking distance of local schools and numerous amenities. The house is well presented and with circa.1500 sq./ft. of accommodation it is ideally suited to growing families.

EPC - D

Sneyd Park - Guide Price £265,000

This is a stunning first floor apartment with westerly aspect views over the River Avon towards Leigh Woods.This prestigious apartment has two spacious double bedrooms with the huge benefit of its own private balcony. EPC - C

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Stoke Bishop - Guide Price £515,000

An attractive 3 bedroom 1920’s semi-detached house set in an elevated position on Stoke Hill.The house offers spacious family orientated accommodation and is located within walking distance of local shops and amenities. EPC rating - E

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

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