The Bristol Magazine December 2019

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Issue 186

THE

I

deceMBeR 2019

MAGAZINE

THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

£3.95 where sold

MERRY & BRIGHT Don’t be a Scrooge: make the most of the gift of time with friends and family this month and enjoy the best of the city’s packed seasonal calendar WELCOME TO THE HOUSE OF FUN

A KINDER CHRISTMAS

A QUESTION OF STRATEGY

AFRICA STATE OF MIND

Immersive post-industrial venue Area 404 opens on Albert Road

Green tips from a top environmentalist for the season of excess

How Bristol is leading the charge in the board game revolution

The RWA asks: what does it mean to be from the continent today?

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

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50

See work by Kiluanji Kia Henda at RWA

56

Festive cocktail ideas from Bristol Syrup Co

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Contents

December 2019

REGULARS ZEITGEIST

CHRISTMAS PAST

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16

SUSTAINABILITY

52

FOOD & DRINK NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Viva the High Street – shopping local is alive and well once more

UPDATES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Stories from local foodies, restaurants and producers

VEGAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

News from local businesses and community organisations

EDUCATION NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

A step-by-step guide to making ‘chease’ from Bath Culture House

COCKTAILS

The latest from the city’s schools and colleges

FAMILY FUN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Ideas for things to do in the city if you’ve little ones in tow

72

News from the sector and festive beauty tips from Harvey Nichols

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56

Creative festive drinks ideas from Bristol Syrup Co

BAKING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Briony May’s cranberry pesto puff pastry Christmas tree is a lovely veggie treat for the Big Day buffet

HABITAT

THE CULTURE WHAT’S ON

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Green tips for a kinder Christmas from environmentalist Natalie Fee

BARTLEBY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

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58 & 70

Andrew Swift looks back at the puritans’ attempted abolition of Christmas in Bristol while Malcolm Croft digs up Yuletide stories from more recent history

Catch up on local news and meet actor, singer and voice of Tricky’s new audiobook, Kirris Riviere

HEALTH & BEAUTY

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14

Top activities for the month to come

CITYIST

Which board games will you be cracking out over Christmas?

WILD BRISTOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 36

A cross-section of the city’s varied events scene

In search of the city’s enormous evergreens: how about a stirring stroll beneath the canopy of Bristol’s 100-foot sequoias this Christmas?

NIGHTLIFE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

RETIREMENT LIVING

Post-industrial fun factory Area 404 has opened on Albert Road

We go for a sleepover at the St Monica Trust’s snazzy new retirement village in Keynsham – positioning itself as a new kind of care home

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ART & EXHIBITIONS

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46

What’s on at the city’s galleries, including RWA’s vibrant Africa State of Mind show, opening this month

CHRISTMAS

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GARDENING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 There’s a logic to the gardens at new Somerset hotel The Newt – where the ambition is to have the best-trained apple varieties in the country

SEASONAL ROUND-UP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 The brimming Christmas events calendar

BOARD GAMES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Malcolm Croft chats with Chance & Counters about the gaming revolution and the favourites we return to each Christmas

GIFT GUIDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Presence over presents, of course, but gift inspiration doesn’t go amiss

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ON THE COVER

The cast of Bristol Old Vic’s version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol (running 28 November – 12 January) – adapted by Tom Morris. Image by Ben Robins

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We’re in love with Athi-Patra Ruga’s riot of colour and metamorphosis, Night of the Long Knives – at RWA from 14 December

THE

B R I S TOL MAGAZINE

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Contact us:

from the

EDITOR

W

herever you sit on the party season spectrum – a bona fide Ebenezer or more of an ebullient Buddy the Elf – there’ll be something that’s up your street among the packed, varied seasonal calendar Bristol’s event bods have populated for us. See p24 for a giant stockingful of stuff to do and see, from Bristol Old Vic’s A Christmas Carol to calming candlelit choral concerts in peaceful city sanctuaries and the chance to make green decorations from recycled materials at Santa’s Eco Invention Workshop at We The Curious – kids can even scientifically investigate the traditional festive feast to find out what exactly makes gravy taste so good...

Bartleby is shopping local and celebrating the revival of the High Street on p20, and our gift pages (p44) feature a few goodies from Bristol businesses – plus a couple of experience ideas if you’re looking to spend on time rather than stuff. Speaking of which, award-winning environmentalist Natalie Fee has some tips for the season of excess on p52 for those striving to be both merry and mindful. We were interested to hear of potted tree rental options in Bristol (check out rentalclaus.com for example), while Pete Dommett reckons a simple, stirring stroll among the city’s lush towering sequoias could suffice (p68).

Which board game will you be cracking out (and potentially falling out) over this holiday? It wouldn’t be Christmas without a bit of gentle familial friction and it’s game on as far as Malcolm Croft is concerned – he chats, on p30, with Chance & Counters on Christmas Steps about Bristol leading the charge in the board game revolution.

On p42 Stephen Dalton shares his thoughts on Area 404, Boomtown Fair’s new Bristol venue on Albert Road – the postindustrial fun factory is well worth considering for New Year’s Eve celebrations – and if you fancy something thought-provoking among all the frivolity, head to the RWA for new exhibition ‘Africa State of Mind’. This month the gallery is asking what it means to hail from the continent today (p50) and adding beautifully vibrant shades to its winter programme (see image above for definitive proof). Read on for cocktail recipes, stories of Yuletide past – think Agatha Christie’s Christmas wedding in Clifton and the puritans’ attempted abolition of the annual celebration – plus an unusual slumber party at Keynsham’s former chocolate factory turned care home.

Play nice, and we’ll see you in the new decade...

Publisher Email:

Steve Miklos steve@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Financial Director Email:

Jane Miklos jane@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Editor Tel: Email:

Amanda Nicholls 0117 974 2800 amanda@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Assistant Editor Email:

Jessica Hope jessica@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Production Manager Email:

Jeff Osborne production@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Production/Editorial Assistant Georgina Southam Email: georgina@thebristolmagazine.co.uk Advertising Sales

Liz Grey liz@thebristolmagazine.co.uk Jenna Morice jenna@thebristolmagazine.co.uk Louise Harrold louise@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

For advertising enquiries please contact us on: 0117 974 2800

Email: sales@thebristolmagazine.co.uk The Bristol Magazine is published by MC Publishing Ltd. An independent publisher.

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.

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

AMANDA NICHOLLS EDITOR

© MC Publishing Ltd 2019

@thebristolmag

12 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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

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ZEITGEIST

top things to do in DECEMBER

WATCH

Adèle Haenel and Noémie Merlant in Portrait of a Lady on Fire

The French Film Festival UK is heading to the Watershed from 12 – 15 December, showcasing the diversity and creativity of the genre. On the programme is Happy Birthday, an all-star ensemble piece which shows how family relations unravel to wonderfully excruciating comic effect.

Oh Mercy is a fictionalised adaptation of the 2008 French TV documentary Roubaix, which followed a determined police officer in the economically depressed town of Roubaix, near Lille. There’s the vivid exploration of the relationship between two young women in the late 18th century in Portrait of a Lady on Fire, and finally Young Ahmed, directed by brothers Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne, follows the actions of a radicalised muslim teen.

BRIT-nominated band Scouting For Girls, known for their crowd-pleasing tunes such as She’s So Lovely, Elvis Ain’t Dead and Heartbeat, are embarking on a mammoth headline tour this winter in support of their brand new album, The Trouble With Boys.

The trio are heading to the O2 Academy in Bristol on 10 December (doors 7pm) where you can expect plenty of singing and dancing as they play a mix of their pop anthem classics and new work. Tickets £28.90.

• frenchfilmfestival.org.uk; watershed.co.uk

EAT The clever brains behind the vegetarian restaurant Acorn in Bath have now opened a winter residency at Easton restaurant Dela on Mivart Street, and will be serving up dishes every Friday and Saturday night until 21 December. Expect plant-based small plates, natural wines, Acorn classics, new seasonal dishes using produce from the team’s organic garden, and their fabulous nut roast; if you’re anything like us you’ll be wishing for the restaurant to open a permanent spot in Bristol soon. Booking recommended.

• academymusicgroup.com

• acornrestaurant.co.uk/book-dela

DISCO DANCE

Be enchanted by Tyntesfield’s decorations

MAKE MERRY If you want to get in the festive spirit, then you’re definitely in the right place in Bristol.

The city is bursting with events this season, certain to have the whole family rockin’ around the Christmas tree. National Trust property Tyntesfield will be turning back the clock once again by recreating a Victorian Christmas with its immersive experiences, while in the city centre there’s an abundance of markets to explore, theatre to see, and carols to sing. Turn to page 24 for lots more inspiration on what to do this month.

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As part of We The Curious’ climate emergency declaration earlier this year, there won’t be a seasonal ice rink at Millennium Square this Christmas. But don’t fret, as an alternative BUMP roller disco is taking over the space instead, offering all ages a chance to get their skating fix for the season. Running until 5 January, there’s a series of roller skating sessions for all ages and abilities including lessons, skate with Santa events, weekly accessible skating sessions, and a charity roller contest for those keen to show off their skating skills. Prices from £6.50.

• wethecurious.org; thesquarebristol.co.uk No 186

Tyntesfield: Rob Stothard

SING

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THE CITY THE BUZZ

My

BRISTOL

Frontman Brandon Flowers will arrive in Bristol next June (image: Rob Loud)

We meet Montpelier and Hotwells-raised singer and actor Kirris Riviere

Image by Rob Loud

The first character I played, fresh from drama school, was a burly man with a big temper which was nothing like me so I fell in love with the character straight away; Big John – in the film I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead – was a prominent role for me and I learned so much featuring alongside Clive Owen as one of his heavies.

Somebody told me...

American rock band The Killers, who took Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage by storm this summer, have announced their biggest ever UK and Ireland stadium tour, and Bristol’s Ashton Gate is one of nine stadiums the band will play.

Their hotly anticipated sixth studio album, Imploding The Mirage, is set to be released by frontman Brandon Flowers and co in spring 2020, with the Bristol date, featuring Manic Street Preachers as special guests, following hot on its heels on Tuesday 9 June 2020.

“I am delighted that we have secured such a renowned act to perform here for the first time in Bristol,” said Mark Kelly, managing director of Ashton Gate Stadium. “The Killers have had five chart-topping albums since 2001 and are one of the most iconic rock bands of the 21st century.

With the Manic Street Preachers as their support act, it’s set to be another memorable night for the stadium, with a 32,000 crowd capacity. As the only venue in the South West to secure The Killers, we’re expecting ticket sales to surpass last year’s high demand for the Spice Girls and Take That.

“Following a successful concert series last summer, it was important to select the right act for Ashton Gate. We are home to Bristol City and Bristol Bears and any event that we put on here has to align with their playing schedules.

“We’ve worked closely with Bristol Bears to ensure that this event won’t have any impact on the playing surface should the rugby club achieve a home semi-final in the Gallagher Premiership.”

• ashtongatestadium.co.uk/concerts

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The crowning glory has been appearing in Red 2 with Helen Mirren – one of the nicest actors I have met. Comedy of Errors was incredible; performing with the Royal Shakespeare Company is one of my biggest achievements. One of my main TV opportunities was Nylon; I learned to sound authentically American, where to place myself on camera and how to internalise thoughts and feelings to impact my presence. I also discovered that the industry is full of wonderful people on and off camera, who actually want you to succeed in the audition room.

Voicing Tricky’s new audiobook came about through social media. I was asked if I’d be interested and as I’d never done one before I said yes. I didn’t even know whose autobiography it was. As you can imagine I was blown away once I found out.

The Kirris Riviere Blues Band was formed 10 years ago. I’d had a musical hiatus in London due to the acting work and when I came back to Bristol I was pining to form something live and authentic.

I’m inspired by anyone who throws themselves into the creative furnace.

Bristol’s Snazzback band was an unexpected find at Glastonbury; so soulful and tight.

Those guys will go far. Of course, Tricky has continued to reinvent himself, always making emotionally charged music; then there’s Benji Bower from renowned local music producer group Unforscene. Heather Williams and David Straun, creators of Myrtle Theatre company, focus on working with children in care and disadvantaged youth – the work they produce is incredible and I was always honoured to be a part of the process whenever asked. Bristol Youth Theatre Studio was formed almost 60 years ago by artistic director

Wendy Sparey who is living her dream and has inspired many young people to follow theirs, including myself. On 21 January she will be celebrating her 60th year and looking for new members aged between 12 and 20 – contact b_y_t_studio@blueyonder.co.uk.

I’m listening to Frank McComb, Layla Hathaway, Billie Holiday (always) and Stevie Wonder. Madvillain and Kendrick Lamar are also currently being explored.

Djavan’s A Voz e o Violão is a great ’70s album that I just stumbled upon.

When I am in the drinking mood I usually go to BS5 – The Queens Head, Lebeq, The Plough and also The Assembly and Punch Bowl on West Street. Bikkles on Stapleton Road is my favourite place to eat. I like cycling, walking and spending time with friends and family – although my son Tieran is at uni at the moment so it’s quite hard tracking him down. I am a huge fan of topical documentaries with intense debate and dissecting characters in plays – how did Eddie from A View From The Bridge really end up dead? That kind of thing. I’m fascinated by the human condition and what makes us all tick so differently.

I’m always working hard on different projects but I’m really excited about short film Talia, focusing on everyday family struggles, with a refreshing middle-class black family perspective. Another project coming along nicely is Future Blues Project.

We already have a couple of music videos and an album out on digital release. n • facebook.com/kirrisriviere

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Aberdeen . Aberdeenshire . Beverley . Brentwood . Bristol . Cardiff . Chester . Chichester . Farnborough High Wycombe . Linlithgow . London North . London West End . Manchester . Orpington . Preston Romsey . Sheffield . Shrewsbury . Southport . Sutton Coldfield . Tunbridge Wells . Wilmslow . York

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THE CITY

Take the initiative Bristol international development charity African Initiatives is launching a campaign to bring clean water and toilets to girls at risk of dropping out of education and being forced into marriage.

“We’re only a tiny team here in Brunswick Square but we’re highly regarded for our expertise in empowering Maasai and other indigenous women and girls who endure extreme gender inequality in northern Tanzania,” says CEO Kim West. “Maasai women and girls can be denied the right to go to school, use contraception and inherit property or land. I hope local businesses and individuals will get behind our Fit for School WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) campaign so Bristol can play its part in making the UN pledge to end poverty a reality. We’re proud of our contribution to the advancement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals – the charity has changed the lives of 346,328 people over the past five years. With your help, we can do more.”

African Initiatives is looking to renovate WASH facilities in three primary schools in the Kilimanjaro region, and to educate pupils about the importance of hand washing with soap. Without adequate facilities, schools become breeding grounds for diseases that stunt children’s growth and can kill. Poor services also lead to children leaving school. “I’ve met girls who skip lessons once they start to menstruate if toilets are filthy or have no doors for privacy,” explains Kim. “Girls can fall behind academically and exclude themselves from education altogether.

Without the protection of school, their parents are more likely to force them into marriage in exchange for a dowry.”

African Initiatives is taking part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge, the UK’s biggest match-funding campaign, so any donations could be doubled if received via the Big Give website from 12pm on 3 December to 12pm on 10 December.

Visit thebiggive.org.uk and enter ‘African Initiatives’ in the search bar.

• To find out more, call 0117 915 0001 or visit african-initiatives.org.uk

Image by Alex Bailey/Bad Wolf TV

As seen on screen: Bristol featured in BBC drama Have you been watching BAFTA, Tony and Olivier Award-winner Jack Thorne’s adaptation of Philip Pullman’s acclaimed series of novels His Dark Materials? Did you know it was part-filmed in Bristol? Telling the story of young Lyra, who lives in Jordan College, Oxford, under the protection of its scholars, the series – whose stellar cast includes Dafne Keen, Ruth The mesmeric Mrs Wilson and James McAvoy – follows her Coulter and her daemon to London, with the mesmeric Mrs Coulter, and the mysterious North.

“It’s been a pleasure to support Bad Wolf during the Bristol elements of their shoot,” said Bristol Film Office’s Natalie Moore. “This was a fast-paced shoot full of action, running and stunts which really made the most of the different looks Bristol has to offer, such as the tall streets and alleyways around Colston Yard and the stunning setting of Blaise Orangery.

Given the massive fanbase the trilogy already has, this is one of the biggest and most eagerly awaited BBC dramas of 2019 and we are delighted that Bristol crew and locations have played a part.”

• His Dark Materials is showing on BBC One at 9pm on Sundays

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Upfest to return in 2020 with new park setting Beautifu l framing (@lz.brist ol)

Europe’s largest street art festival has set a date for its return, promising it’ll be bigger than ever.

Upfest will take place earlier than usual (30 May – 1 June) and it’s not the only change planned for the event, which will take over Greville Smyth Park for its first ever ‘green field’ festival. The boards and canvases previously found across South Bristol venues will be brought together for a weekend-long celebration of art in the park.

The huge murals traditionally painted during the festival weekend will be created in the fortnight leading up to it, giving more people the chance to witness the creations come to life. The murals will be complete for viewing while over 250 artists paint live against a backdrop of live music stages and food and drink experiences.

“After a break in 2019, we’re ready to bring Upfest back with huge new energy,” says founder Stephen Hayles. “This is a massive celebration bringing together the international street art community, but we realised it had outgrown its space just on the streets and we needed to create a new environment for festival goers.”

Greville Smyth Park will also host a pop-up art gallery, including a Thursday night preview giving art lovers the chance to get their hands on festival prints and originals. “We are a volunteer-led, independent platform for independent artists,” adds Stephen. “It’s a place for artists and art lovers to come together in celebration of what they love most. This new format means that the huge murals on the streets will be completed just ahead of the festival so these artists can head down and join the party in Greville Smyth Park.

Visitors can view and photograph completed works with the scaffolding removed and our volunteers have a contained space to look after rather than 20 venues spread across miles of Bedminster. We’re hoping to grow our visitor numbers and be able to home even more artists for the world’s largest paint jam.”

Artist registration will open on 1 December.

• upfest.co.uk Summer Editions creations such as this fab piece by Dale Grimshaw popped up this year in place of a 2019 festival

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Viva the High Street

W

hen I was growing up I navigated our small market town by its shops. We had the usual chains – Boots, Smiths, Woolies – but many of the names would have meant nothing to outsiders. For a 10year-old the instruction ‘meet me at Greens’ meant a visit to the toyshop; spending hours rattling Airfix model sets until shooed away by the proprietor. Adults meanwhile could buy booze on account from Peter Leek, which reminds me… fruit and veg came exclusively from the market.

Our shopping choices were not luxurious – until the 1980s, garlic was virtually unknown – but the whole business was both personal and ritualistic. Every Saturday morning you’d follow the same route and see the same faces. Some (as a child) you warmed to, others you instinctively avoided.

I haven’t been back to that town for years, so I can’t tell you which shops have survived or whether today’s children still navigate by them. But the rituals of shopping have stayed with me – and with Ms B, who also grew up in a small town. For a while we lived near Gloucester Road, re-enacting the shopping experiences of a small town Saturday, albeit with much more choice (and higher prices).

When we moved south of the river the choices diminished (as did the prices) but some of the shops were unusual to say the least.

One was devoted entirely to the sale of nylon; made very clear to Ms B when she went in and asked for cotton wadding. Meanwhile the kids always loved going to the greengrocer, where a man sang out the special offers of the day. “Come get your strawberries, your lovely fresh strawberries,” he’d call, a refrain hummed by the kids all day.

But the local bookshop, toyshop and health food store all closed a decade ago, and with those disappearances shopping became less fun.

We’ve always believed in trying to support local businesses, especially at Christmas, but there’s only so many presents you can buy at the foot health clinic or from a pet shop that trades chiefly in carp sticks and fat balls. We would read about the decline of shopping and nod sadly. An irreversible process seemed to be underway, as shopkeepers strived against ever-increasing rates and ever-decreasing footfall.

Living, breathing shoppers had to get past a giant supermarket that sold pretty much everything in order to reach smaller shops where the prices were, of course, higher.

It’s hard to say exactly when things began to change. There were cafés that continued to attract people, and one or two stalwart survivors like the stationer’s, but two or three years ago new shops began to open. At first I was sceptical. That greengrocer/deli is surely going to struggle, I would say to Ms B, offering muddy carrots for double the supermarket price. Yet it somehow endured (one friend suggested the proprietor had a sideline as a male escort). The vintage clothes shop, meanwhile, thrived. Suddenly we were walking down the street on a Saturday morning and there were people bustling from shop to shop. Young people going from café to barber to… bookshop.

Yes, almost adjacent to The Old Bookshop (the bar on the site of the late lamented store), some bold young entrepreneurs had opened a new bookshop. There’s a record shop with its own bar in the tiled interior of a former butcher’s and, across the road, a bulk food store reimagined for the age of Extinction Rebellion as a zero-packaging shop. I for one did not see this coming, any of it. These entrepreneurs have grown up with online shopping and near-monopoly supermarkets. But they also understand people have a fundamental need to be out in the world, among others, especially at this time of year. We’ll be shopping locally as usual, but the only person getting a present from the pet shop is the dog. Happy Christmas! ■

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Looking for the perfect Christmas Gift?

KEMPS J EWELLERS

1881

9 Calton Court, Westbury on Trym, Bristol, BS9 3DF www.kempsjewellers.com • 0117 950 5090

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MERRY & BRIGHT Thursdays to Sundays. You can even try your hand at curling at the Bavarian Curling Station (advance booking recommended); bristolchristmasmarket.com

The Snow Queen Until 12 December, times vary, The Redgrave Theatre In a thrilling adaptation by Theresa Heskins of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale, young Gerda guides us on her quest to save her best friend Kai from the clutches of the wicked Snow Queen. A story of friendship, hope and hot chocolate, Gerda’s adventure sees her battle brigands, fend off enchanted flowers and confront a Snowflake Chorus. £12.50/£17.50; redgravetheatre.com

Santa’s Grotto Until 23 December, times vary, Bristol Zoo Be transported into a glittering winter wonderland at Bristol Zoo. Marvel at the twinkling lights, take part in festive arts and crafts, colour in a letter to Santa and post it to the North Pole. If you’re extra good, you might even meet Santa and receive a special gift. Booking recommended; bristolzoo.org.uk

Bristol Christmas Market Until 23 December, Bristol Shopping Quarter Explore more than 50 stalls selling a range of gifts, crafts, handmade items and delicious foodie presents. Pick up a festive drink from the Jäger Barn Bar – there’s heated seating to keep you cosy – and enjoy live music from 24 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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Christmas at Cheddar Selected dates until 24 December, times vary, Cheddar Gorge and Caves Father Christmas’ elves have set up a workshop in Gough’s Cave to help manage the huge quantity of letters and make enough

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presents for everyone as the North Pole is very busy. Father Christmas is stopping off to ensure his operations are up to scratch and is waiting to meet you. Book online and save 15% – dogs also receive a treat; cheddargorge.co.uk Bristol Bazaar Until 24 December, The Island With more than 70 Bristol-based artisans in one of the city’s most historic buildings, the fifth Bristol Bazaar is a highlight for those keeping it local and looking for something a little different this Christmas; bristolbazaar.co.uk The Festival of Light Selected dates until 5 January, times vary, Longleat Longleat will be illuminated this winter as the Festival of Light takes over. This year, be

German Christmas Market: Pawel Olszewski/Snow White: Claire Haigh/Joe Roberts

Glad tidings we bring, dear readers, in the form of a super-festive round-up of events happening around Bristol this month to get you in the Christmas spirit

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FESTIVE FUN

Bristol Harbourside Market Weekends in December, 11am – 5pm, Harbourside The covered walkway around the harbour will be transformed into a magical makers’ market once again, showcasing 50 of Bristol’s best independents – an ideal spot to pick up a handmade gift. You’ll find award-winning preserves, handcrafted leather wallets, collectible books, artisan chocolates, experiential gifts, art and more. Plus there will be a street food square with all the dishes and mulled beverages you could wish for; theharboursidemarket.co.uk

taken on a thrilling odyssey as myths and legends from across the world are brought to life, filled with extraordinary creatures, ancient deities, magnificent scenery and stunning structures. From £23.55. Book online and save up to 10%; longleat.co.uk The Mall’s Winter Wonderland Until 5 January, The Mall at Cribbs Causeway Get your skates on as the second largest outdoor rink in the country is now open at The Mall, which now also features the UK’s biggest ice track perfect for bike enthusiasts.

Children under eight will be able to skate around with the help of a seal aid, and under fives and their guardians will be treated to exclusive use of the rink from 10 – 11.30am every Monday to Friday. Santa’s Enchanted Ice Castle will also be open, offering a theatrical Santa experience with the help of Bakehouse Factory; mallcribbs.com/christmas Earth-Friendly Festivities Until 21 February, We The Curious Become an ‘eco-elf’ and create your own beautiful decorations in Santa’s Eco Invention Workshop, or make laser-cut snowflakes, paper-house lanterns and decorations from willow grown in Somerset. Investigate festive feasts in the kitchen (what does make gravy taste so good?) and do a spot of winter planting in the greenhouse. For some extra sparkle, head to the Planetarium for guided tours of the glittering winter night sky (ages 6+). Included with general admission; wethecurious.org Made in Bristol Gift Fair 1 December, 7 & 8 December, 10am – 5pm (closes 4pm on Sundays), Colston Hall Foyer Deck the hall! The Made in Bristol Gift Fair returns to showcase the talents of local makers where you will find everything from ceramics to jewellery, wood carving to prints, perfect for a unique present for that special someone.

Free entry; colstonhall.org The Grinch outdoor screening 1 December, 12pm, We The Curious big screen, Millennium Square

Benedict Cumberbatch lends his voice to the infamous Grinch, who lives a solitary life inside a cave with only his loyal dog, Max, for company. Can he find the spirit of Christmas?

Enjoy this free outdoor screening of the 2018 animated film. Limited capacity, so arrive early; wethecurious.org

where you will be shown how to make your own pastry and mincemeat filling, seasonal desserts, centrepieces and festive breads, which can be recreated at home. £140, includes lunch, tea and coffee, use of apron, recipe folder and a cookery school bag to take home; lucknampark.co.uk

Treefest 3 – 7 December, 10am – 5pm (closes 8pm on Thursday), St Mary Redcliffe Church A spectacular display of up to 100 Christmas trees made and decorated by local charities, schools, businesses and organisations will be on show in the gothic splendour of St Mary Redcliffe to raise funds and awareness for good causes. There will be live music from local choirs and musicians, and visitors can vote for their favourite tree; treefest.org.uk Christmas Tours at Charles Wesley’s House 5, 14 & 19 December, 11.30am, The New Room It’s 1769 and Charles Wesley and his family are getting ready for Christmas. Explore their home, enjoy carols, beautiful floral displays and find out how Christmas was celebrated in the 18th century. Finish with a mince pie and a sing-a-long in the family music room. £5.89, book online; bit.ly/36opvCm Snow White Until 19 January, Tobacco Factory Theatres An original take on a much-loved classic fairy tale created with the New International Encounter (Beauty and the Beast, Hansel and Gretel). Full of music, magic and fun, this festive adventure in the forest will enthral the whole family. 5+. Relaxed performances available. From £12; tobaccofactorytheatres.com

Christmas Street Party 5 December, 5 – 10pm, Gloucester Road Shops and businesses will stay open late to bring you tasty treats, live music and charity stalls. There will be biscuit decorating and festive samples at Joe’s Bakery and paper snowflake making at Paper Plane. Plus Filton Brass Band will play festive tunes outside Alchemy 198, and you can learn about the Avon Needs Trees reforestation project.

Festive Baking 6, 12 & 21 December, 10am – 3pm, Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa Head to Lucknam Park’s cookery school THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

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A Very Victorian Christmas Until 5 January, Tyntesfield Step back in time as this National Trust property takes visitors on an immersive Victorian experience. With stockings full of festive family fun, traditional decorations, storytelling and games, soak up the atmosphere as the Gibbs family and their servants prepare for the festivities. There will be wreath-making sessions, carol concerts, horse and carriage rides, and opportunities to meet Father Christmas.

This year the house will be open later from Wednesdays to Sundays, allowing for more time to enjoy the festive magic. Tickets available online and on the day; nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield

Christmas Concert: A Christmas Carol 6 December, 6.15pm, Clifton College Chapel Choirs from across Bristol and North Somerset will be singing together this Christmas to raise money for cancer charity Penny Brohn UK. Featuring the Bristol Male Voice Choir, High Down Schools, Penny Brohn UK’s very own Penny Brohn Community Choir and many more. Plus there will be mulled wine, hot drinks and mince pies, and the chance to win luxury items in a festive charity raffle. £6/£10; pennybrohn.org.uk/christmas2019

See Tyntesfield dressed to the nines this month

as Riddlestick Theatre frolic without fear and revel in rebellion. After all, ’tis the season to be jolly. £10; thewardrobetheatre.com

Exultate Singers: Carols by Candlelight 11 & 14 December, 7.30pm, St James Priory Exultate Singers perform a programme of Christmas music in the beautiful surroundings of Bristol’s oldest building. £14 – £20; exultatesingers.org

The Christmas Star Concert 13 December, 7.30pm, Bristol Cathedral Now in its seventh year, this annual concert helps raise funds for the Bristol city centre hospitals charity Above & Beyond. BBC Radio Bristol’s Emma Britton will host and performances will come from Blown Away! (part of the Bristol Concert Wind Band), the Above & Beyond Singers, SHE Choir, and St Ursula’s Academy Choir. £5/£15; aboveandbeyond.org.uk

Undercover Christmas Club 12 – 22 December, 9.45pm, The Wardrobe Theatre England, 1647. Celebrating Christmas has been banned by those pesky puritans. Carols are criminal. Turkey’s taboo. Banquets are banished and stage-plays prohibited. In fact, festivities of any kind are quite frankly forbidden. At the Undercover Christmas Club, misrule and mayhem are on the menu. With tales abounding and songs a-plenty, served with a side of tomfoolery and washed down with a tankard of merriment, watch

Victorian Christmas Weekend 7 & 8 December, 10am – 4.30pm, Brunel’s SS Great Britain Step back in time as Brunel’s SS Great Britain is transformed into a Dickensian winter scene, complete with a beautifully decorated

Bristol Choral Society performs Handel’s Messiah at Redmaids’ High School

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Bristol Chamber Choir: Christmas Music and Carols 14 December, 2.15pm, The Lord Mayor’s Chapel, College Green A festive concert by Bristol Chamber Choir featuring settings of Hodie Christus natus est

by Sweelinck, Marenzio, Byrd and Donati, and carols by Vaughan Williams, Walton, Kodaly and Pearsall. £10 (students and children free); bristolchamberchoir.org.uk

Mini Messiah and Messiah Excerpts 21 December, 2.30pm and 5pm, Redmaids’ High School Bristol Choral Society’s family-focused Mini-Messiah has been spreading bite-sized festive cheer for a decade. From 2.30pm younger audience members and their families will be able to experience a big choir and orchestra in this interactive, family-friendly show. Then at 5pm older children and families can enjoy a sequel to the afternoon’s performance with a shortened version of Handel’s Messiah. Hilary Campbell will be conducting both concerts, accompanied by Bristol Ensemble. £7.50, under 14s free, under 25s £5; colstonhall.org

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Tyntesfield: Bob Fowler

Bristol Concert Orchestra 7 December, 7.30pm, St George’s Bristol The rollicking overture to Colas Breugnon

by Kabalevsky raises the curtain on this winter-warmer concert of Anglo-Russian greats. Programme also features Walton’s lyrical Cello Concerto, performed by renowned cellist Matthew Barley. £8 – £15; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

dockyard, Victorian characters and falling snow. Save 5% by booking online; ssgreatbritain.org

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FESTIVE FUN

Wintertime at The Square Until 5 January, Millennium Square The Square returns this winter for a Christmas pop-up like no other in Bristol.

Expect an Après Ski Bar, interactive light show aptly named Submergence, BUMP Roller Disco, free film screenings on the We The Curious big screen, Christmas tipis and more; thesquarebristol.co.uk

Bristol Bach Choir: Spirit of Christmas 14 December, 7.30pm, St George’s Bristol A heart-warming concert by Bristol Bach Choir featuring fabulous music old and new and readings to make you smile and reflect; guaranteed to fill you with festive cheer.

Conducted by Christopher Finch. £5 – £22; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

See the Submergence installation on Millennium Square

Christmas Spectaculars 19 & 20 December, 7.30pm, St George’s Bristol Bristol Ensemble takes to the stage with City of Bristol Choir (19 Dec) and Exultate Singers (20 Dec) to bring Christmas cheer for an evening of festive songs, readings and orchestral music. £14 – £28; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk Beauty and the Beast 21 – 31 December, times vary, The Redgrave Theatre Pantomime season has arrived in Clifton with the spellbinding Beauty and the Beast.

Produced by the award-winning Polka Dot Pantomimes, the show features spectacular scenery, glittering costumes and special effects, as well as an appearance from the adorable panto pooches as Belle’s best friend. £15/£17; redgravetheatre.com

Gwyneth Herbert as the Ghost of Christmas Present

Festive Fiesta 21 December, 7.30pm, St George’s Bristol There will be plenty of audience participation in this sparkling festive concert featuring all your favourite carols and orchestral pieces under the guidance of David Ogden with City of Bristol Choir and Bristol Ensemble. £14 – £28; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk Children’s Christmas Carnival 22 December, 2pm and 4pm, St George’s Bristol Enjoy music from The Snowman, an enchanting musical tale that captures the hearts of children and adults alike. Adults £14, includes one free children’s ticket, additional children’s tickets £7; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

A Christmas Carol Until 12 January, times vary, Bristol Old Vic After a record-breaking run last year, Tom Morris’ enchanting adaptation of Charles Dickens’ timeless tale A Christmas Carol is back. With Lee Lyford at the helm and music by Gwyneth Herbert (The Snow Queen), this spectacular show is not to be missed. Signed, captioned, audio described, and relaxed performances available. 7+. From £7.50; bristololdvic.org.uk

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Elf: Pop-up cinema 22 December, 3.45pm, The Passenger Shed Immerse yourself in the circus-themed surroundings of The Passenger Shed as Bristol Film Festival and Hype Agency present a screening of the family favourite Elf, starring Will Ferrell as Buddy. £7.50 – £10; bristolfilmfestival.com

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Get your Dickens on with Steamed onboard Brunel’s SS Great Britain and at the Theatre Shop in Clevedon

Steamed: A Dickensian Improvised Christmas Tale 8, 9, 21 & 22 December, 7pm, Brunel’s SS Great Britain, and 13 & 14 December, 7.30pm, Theatre Shop, Clevedon Steam ships, steam trains, steamed puddings, hilarious comedy, astonishing drama, endearing orphans and perhaps the odd catchy music hall number! Join Closer Each Day Company for something distinctly Dickensian, dynamic and entirely improvised. £12/£15; ssgreatbritain.org; theatreshop.org.uk

A Baroque Christmas 22 December, 7.45pm, St George’s Bristol An exquisite evening of music from the golden era of the Baroque and Classical periods including solo soprano arias sung by Mhairi Lawson. Intricate and flamboyant arias by Mozart feature alongside instrumental concertos performed by principals of Bristol Ensemble. The programme includes the Christmas Concerto by Torelli as well as Massenet’s beautiful Meditation from Thaïs. £12 – £25; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk n

Steamed: Jack Offord/BOV: Ben Robins

Scrooged outdoor screening 18 December, 6pm, We The Curious big screen, Millennium Square Watch a free screening of the 1988 comedy Scrooged (PG), a modern take on Dickens’ A Christmas Carol starring Bill Murray as a successful television executive whose cold ambition and curmudgeonly nature has driven away the love of his life. Limited capacity, so arrive early; wethecurious.org

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GARDENING | ENTERTAINMENT CHRISTMAS

Game on!

This Christmas, Britain looks set to still be at war with itself – but rather than Brexit we’re talking about the board games at fault for unfestive family friction, simultaneously bringing together and tearing apart. Malcolm Croft rolls the dice on why they remain so popular in the jolly season, and how Bristol is leading the charge in the board game revolution

C

hristmas is the time where the whole family – well, parents at least – can agree that the days and nights, up until New Year, are all about spending quality time together. That means unplugging from iPhones, iPads and laptops and bringing down board games from the loft and dusting them off. After all, for decades, playing board games with the family has been as much a tradition of Christmas Day as setting fire to a boozy Christmas pudding, falling asleep in front of the TV and drooling/duelling over the last roast potato.

Board games have historically always enjoyed a huge Christmas bump in sales. But recently the return to playing them has stretched further than just a holiday hobby. As 2020 rapidly approaches, it has been declared that we’re living in the Golden Age of Board Games, an era that has seen a wholesale return to ‘real things’, brought on by a large rejection of social media, a ‘disconnection’ from distracting technology, and a resurgence of traditional gameplaying.

“We have seen a real growth of interest over the past 10 years,” said Tony Hyams, director of UK Games Expo, earlier this year.

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enjoy being together is something board games let us do. Board games are part of a trend – from books to vinyl, there is evidence of growing interest in the ‘real thing’ rather than the digital versions.” To prove this point, many of the biggest computer games in the past five years have all seen the launch of their own board game versions, including Tomb Raider, Horizon Zero Dawn, This War Of Mine and Fallout.

Before the advent of the internet, utterly addictive table-top family games such as Monopoly, Scrabble and Trivial Pursuit (to name the top three, in a list of thousands), ruled the roost and quickly became household names. As often quoted as the statistic is, it’s still true: more than half of all homes in the UK, and the US, own at least one copy of the ‘big three’ – that’s hundreds of millions of copies.

More recent numbers indicate the increasing – and surprising – popularity of board games. By 2023, and for the first time, the board game market will be worth more than £9 billion; sustaining a rate of growth of almost 10 per cent each year. Understanding why is easy when you consider the timing: there is the multiplicative effect of generational and family gaming (if your parents did it, you do it, so do your children); the rise of ‘geek culture’ alongside internet boom; social media (connecting people with shared interests); Kickstarter (funding new games and creators); Chinese manufacturing (keeping

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production cheap); 3D home printing (build your own game pieces); screen fatigue and game cafés, which grow gaming communities.

Dicky Duerden, head of games at popular board games café Chance & Counters (aptly located at the foot of the Christmas Steps) witnesses first-hand why, and how, board games remain not only one of the nation’s favourite holiday hobbies, but also a perennial pastime. “It’s a great way to spend time with family, and that’s never going to go out of fashion. And that’s especially true at Christmas.

But, in recent years, playing board games has become a thing to do, with friends, out of the house. As such, board games, and their culture, have had a huge boost in popularity over the last decade.”

Chance & Counters, founded by friends Steve Cownie, Luke Neal and Richard Scarsbrook, following a Kickstarter campaign, first opened in Bristol in May 2016, and has been growing confidently ever since. It is fully booked most weekends. “We started with 250 games, and now have a library of over 900,” says Dicky. “We’re now on the High Street in Cardiff too, where we have 500 games, and opened in The Custard Factory in Birmingham in mid-November.”

The new old-fashioned way – to connect

We’ve got a booming scene of designers and a knowledgeable city of gamers, says Dicky at Chance & Counters, which has a huge library that attracts them

What the Chance & Counters entrepreneurs have discovered is that ordinary people – not just archetypal ‘gamers’ – are keen to find new and interesting places to go to socialise and connect, other than just the pub. People want more from their days/night out, without having to pay a heavy cost. Naturally, dedicated board game cafés have begun to pop up all over the map, first in Toronto in 2010, then the US and now the UK, with scores of cafés now aiming to offer something different. Chance & Counters was the first dedicated board game café to open in Bristol, according to Dicky.

Cities like Bristol grow because they allow alternative innovators such as Chance & Counters the space and time to develop. “Bristol’s got a booming scene of designers and publishers, as well as a very knowledgeable city full of players and gamers,” continues Dicky.

“Everyone seems to have a couple of friends or colleagues who play board games regularly; they have become this great reason to just get around a table and spend time together.”

Indeed, the South West is alive with board game development thanks to companies such as Alley Cat Games, Triple Ace Games, Auroch Digital, Ndemic Creations, Aardman and City of Games.

“People like Frank West, Bevan Clatworthy, Robin Elliott are all really good designers and active in the community,” says Dicky.

The concentration of gaming companies in Bristol is the seventh highest in the UK. At Chance & Counters, playtesting of new games, conceived and created by local designers, occurs every first Tuesday of the month. It’s a great place to showcase local game talent and take advantage of the huge income to be made by creating a popular board game where mark-up is high and cost is low. Think Cards Against Humanity – the recent word-of-mouth party game success that blew the doors to the game market, and what gamers wanted, wide open.

Naturally, Chance & Counters took a leap into board game publishing themselves recently, with their dedicated games arm Counters Out. “We teamed up with Triple Ace Games and Chaos Publishing to launch Exploriana on Kickstarter,” reveals Dicky. “A push-your-luck game about scientific discovery in the Victorian era, it was designed by one of our games gurus, Miles Ratcliffe, with the art created by one of our chefs, Richard Dearing. We smashed our funding goal, ending up 283 per cent funded!”

The continued success of Chance & Counters has allowed the three founding entrepreneurs to branch out and offer the best of what Bristol has to offer, including local beers, produce and

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...Playing board games with the family has been as much a tradition as setting fire to a boozy Christmas pudding and drooling/duelling over the last roast potato...

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themed events. The café recently hosted its first Dungeons & Dragons event is hosting various Christmas parties over the jolly season.

“The whole month of December is always a huge time for us at the café. We’ll also be running Christmas parties up and down the city, either taking a library of games to offices, or running extravagant ‘you-dunnits’ for local businesses – large games for around 60 people to get all dressed up, with a sense of intrigue,” says Dicky. “We’re really excited about our new festive seasonal menu, created by Bib Gourmand-awarded chefs, so watch out for that too.” In this Golden Age of Board Games, the possibilities of the brand are endless.

Strategy is key

Of course, playing family board games at Christmas almost inevitably leads to familial civil war and cheating around the dining table, with members battling it out among the detritus of Christmas dinner, discarded cracker jokes and paper hats, and novelty jumpers thrown on the floor after arguments became too heated. Recent research by Hasbro, the company that makes Monopoly, revealed that 61 per cent of game players are cheaters, and 83 per cent have seen a game turn ugly when a cheat was exposed. It also emerged that a Christmas Day board game lasts no longer than 53 minutes on average and is usually brought to an end by someone cheating. The same research also revealed that families are most likely to reach for a board game at 2.28pm on Christmas Day – once the presents have been opened, dinner has been served and everyone is too exhausted to do anything else. “I normally try and hit that sweet spot between presents and food,” says Dicky. Of course, the family in-fighting has become as much as a Christmas tradition as the games themselves.

“In our experience, the games that cause the fights are the ones that’ve always caused fights in the past,” says Dicky. “Everyone’s got a history with Monopoly, but that’s partly because the games go on for so long. Try and keep the games quick – not everyone in the family is up for sitting down for a four-hour epic after a huge meal.

There’s an assumption that things will be different every time you play Monopoly, but my advice is to just to resist temptation and put the game back in the box and try something new! Most of our games at the café are over by the time you hit an hour, which means players don’t often have time to get into too much hoo-ha with each other.”

There are ways to stop the fighting before war breaks out – the best is to pick a strategy and stick to it. In order to win at Monopoly, for example, the best strategy is to buy orange – Vine Street, Bow Street and Marlborough Street. According to Natalie Fitzsimons, a 2015 UK Monopoly champion, “Statistically, you are most likely to land on these, so buy the set if you can. This is because they are close to Jail, and anyone who sets off from Jail is more likely to land on them.” For Scrabble, keep it short and sweet. Ditch the long words and stick to as many two and three-letter words as possible.

Chance & Counters launched their own game about scientific discovery in the Victorian era

This game comes with free foil hat!

Let the squabbling commence...

Ever tried Ticket To Ride?

In search of a new go-to game?

Chance & Counters already has its café space and now Bib Gourmand-awarded chefs have created a new festive menu

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For those families wanting to skew the family favourites in favour of something unfamiliar, Dicky has seen a few new games boom in popularity at the café. “There’s been a couple of really good new releases this year,” he says. “Head Hackers from Big Potato Games is a really good shout for families that know each other well – the game comes complete with a tin foil hat! We’ve yet to find anyone who can pull it off as a ‘look’. My other recommendation would be Paranormal Detectives from Lucky Duck Games. It’s the weirdest game of the year. Players have to solve the puzzle of a murder, but by the strangest means possible. Everything from ghost quill, where your pen is possessed, to having the answer drawn on your back by a finger! Paranormal Detectives will definitely be getting a run-out at my home this Christmas but my own family favourite is Funemployed. It is kind of like Cards Against Humanity, but a bit more improvisation based on the silliest job interviews ever!”

Obviously, it’s the big-hitters such as Monopoly and Trivial Pursuit that get trotted out most at Christmas, when it is expected that approximately six out of 10 families will play a board game. “At the café, we find that families request games like Scrabble and Cluedo with their bookings this time of year because it’s a family tradition,” says Dicky. “It’s a bit like putting on an old jumper that feels 100 times comfier because of all the memories you made in it.” n

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Festive breaks in Exeter Just over an hour by train from Bristol, escape to Exeter this Christmas for the wonderfully atmospheric Christmas Market on Cathedral Green, a diverse cultural scene and top eateries serving the best of There’s so much going on to get you in the festive spirit

Devon’s food and drink. Add 2,000 years of history into the mix and it’s easy to see why everyone’s talking about Exeter!

visitexeter.com

Escape to the past without leaving the comforts of home behind!

Railholiday is a family company offering sustainable holidays in beautifully converted railway carriages in the pretty village of St Germans, Cornwall.

Direct trains from Bristol • £25 off if you come by train • Wheelchair friendly carriage • Pets & families welcome • Fully heated • Open all year • Four miles from south coast beaches • Ten acres of private woodland to explore

www.railholiday.co.uk - 01503 230783 THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

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LOCAL | EVENTS

WHAT’S ON IN DECEMBER Help raise money for Children’s Hospice South West at the annual Santa fun run

Birdspeed will be performing at Arnolfini’s Poetry and Resistance event

Acorn winter residency Friday and Saturday nights until 21 December, Dela, Mivart Street Bath’s vegetarian restaurant Acorn is popping up at Dela this month, serving plant-based small plates, natural wines, acorn classics and new seasonal dishes. Booking recommended; acornrestaurant.co.uk/book-dela Eugene Byrne: The Mostly Scandalous and Often Curious History of King Street 2 December, 7.30pm, Coopers’ Loft, Bristol Old Vic Historian and author Eugene Byrne goes on a tour of 350 years in the life of Bristol’s most colourful street – a place where big money and high politics mingled with hustlers and low corruption. There was sex, violence, sleaze and scandal, but it was also a place where enterprise and creativity thrived. 10+. £3; bristololdvic.org.uk Historical Walk: Floating Harbour 3 December, 10.30am – 12.30pm, M Shed Join the M Shed’s expert guides on a tour around Bristol’s old docklands, pointing out its maritime heritage and providing a wealth of fascinating photographs and maps.

The route will begin and end at the M Shed.

Free, donations welcome. Book in advance by calling: 0117 352 6600; bristolmuseums.org.uk/m-shed

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The Street 4 December, 6pm, Watershed Focusing on one street and its inhabitants over a three-year period, The Street charts the collision of gentrification, austerity and the nation’s slide into Brexit in a film that reveals a portrait of life in London today. Film screening followed by a Q&A with the director Zed Nelson. £8/£10; ideasfestival.co.uk David Sheppard book launch: Batting For The Poor by Andrew Bradstock 5 December, 5pm, The New Room The official biography of Bishop David Sheppard, the celebrated cricketer and bishop, which features a foreword by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, draws on a closed collection of papers left by Sheppard in Liverpool Central Library, archival material from other institutions and interviews with more than 250 individuals who knew and worked with him. Author Professor Andrew Bradstock will be joined by special guests who knew and worked closely with Sheppard at the launch. £5 – £20; newroombristol.org.uk

Drink ’n’ Draw 3 December, 7.45 – 9.45pm, Tobacco Factory Draw, scribble, doodle, sketch and drink on the first Tuesday of every month. Suggested donation of £3 to cover materials. Spaces limited, first come, first served. Beginners welcome; tobaccofactory.com 36 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

Bristol Palestine Film Festival 3 – 8 December, times vary, venues around Bristol Returning to the South West for its ninth year, the Bristol Palestine Film Festival programme for 2019 includes Elia Suleiman’s film It Must Be Heaven, about a man who moves to Paris only to find that Palestine is still following him; Oscar-nominated Gaza, a beautifully shot documentary about the real people of Gaza; and Soufra, a wildly inspirational story about a woman called Mariam who starts a food truck company. Full programme online; bristolpff.org.uk

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Visions for a City: Landmarks of Learning 5 December, 6.30 – 8pm, Arnolfini What is the role of a university in the 21st century? Presented by the Architecture Centre.

Find out more about the city’s new landmark for learning – the University of Bristol Temple Quarter Campus – and get a preview of the design decisions currently taking place. £5 – £12; arnolfini.org.uk Three Cane Whale 5 December, 8pm, St George’s Bristol Bristol’s multi-instrumental acoustic chamberfolk trio return to St George’s Bristol to launch their brand-new 32-minute mini-album 303, recorded live in a series of linked locations in south Somerset. Expect a stage strewn with instruments and music that combines them in unexpected and evocative ways. £15/£18; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk Ardal O’Hanlon: The Showing Off Must Go On 6 December, 7.30pm, Anson Rooms Death in Paradise, Father Ted, and My Hero star Ardal O’Hanlon heads to Bristol with his acclaimed stand-up show. In an age of raging populism, #MeToo, identity politics, the end of truth and peak avocado, O’Hanlon is forced to saddle his high horse again and ride fearlessly into the culture wars, finding that comedy is the best emergency response mechanism to extreme events. £22/£24; bristolsu.org.uk In The Frame with Stephen Jacobson 7 December, 11am – 12.15pm, RWA More than anything else, frames can dramatically enhance or detract from the work they are displaying. They also tell the viewer, and prospective purchaser, much

TCW: Jonny Taylor/Birdspeed: Naomi Woodis/Santa Run: Highlightsphotography.co.uk/We The Curious: Lee Pullen

Three Cane Whale will be at St George’s Bristol

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LOCAL | EVENTS

EDITOR’S PICK...

WINTER STARGAZING 3D 5, 19 AND 27 DECEMBER, TIMES VARY, WE THE CURIOUS

Gaze up at a real-time, accurate map of Bristol’s night sky, uncover what you can see that night, and investigate the secrets hidden in some wellknown constellations at this seasonal stargazing night in the science centre’s planetarium. Witness the majestic life-cycle of star, from humble nebula to exploding supernova, and dance on the edge of a black hole, with a 3D view like no other. The team of inspiring presenters will fly you to far-away galaxies, where you will find out about newly discovered planets and explore the night sky. You can also grab a drink from the bar and enjoy the exhibits beforehand. 16+. £8.95/£9.95; wethecurious.org

about the artist’s attitude to their work. In this illustrated talk, past vice president of the RWA, Stephen Jacobson, will discuss frames and mounts and paintings, drawings and prints, and the importance of selecting frames from different materials, colours and dimensions. £8/£10; rwa.org.uk Bristol Concert Orchestra 7 December, 7.30pm, St George’s Bristol The rollicking overture to Colas Breugnon by Kabalevsky raises the curtain on this winterwarmer concert of Anglo-Russian greats.

Renowned cellist Matthew Barley makes a

welcome return to play Walton’s Cello Concerto, and to finish, a true classic in Tchaikovsky’s 5th Symphony. £8 – £15; bristolconcertorchestra.org.uk Santas on the Run 8 December, 11am – 2pm, Bristol Harbourside Join Bristol’s biggest festive fun run! The 2k course, which begins at Lloyds Amphitheatre and winds its way round Bristol Harbourside, is suitable for all ages and abilities. All sponsorship raised by participants supports the work of Children’s Hospice South West.

Santa suit, medal and festive treat included.

To sign up, visit chsw.org.uk/santasbristol How to Grow a Grown Up 9 December, 7pm, 1532 Performing Arts Centre Parenting in the 21st century means navigating a very different world to the one people were used to decades ago. Join awardwinning GP and author Dr Dominique Thompson for an enlightening talk about raising teenagers to thrive in the modern world. Talk aimed at parents of secondary school children. £10/£20; 1532bristol.co.uk Continued on page 38

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guitars), Led Zeppelin legend Robert Plant (vocals) and Matt Worley (banjo, acoustic and baritone guitars, and cuatro), bring their beautiful sound and set list to Bristol. £30.50; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

Anansi and the Grand Prize 9 – 21 December, times vary, The Weston Studio, Bristol Old Vic Anansi’s about to lose it all. His pocket is empty, his schemes have all failed and Tacoma’s about to leave him. He’s finished, unless he can pull off one last trick: win the Island’s Poco dance and music festival and its grand prize of $25,000, and beat an international reggae/soul superstar who also has eyes on the prize (and his wife). In association with St Pauls Carnival.

From £13; bristololdvic.org.uk The Western Magical Tradition 11 December, 6 – 7.30pm, M Shed Professor Ronald Hutton from the University of Bristol discusses whether there is a a distinctive and continuous tradition of ritual magic in Europe, and if so, what are its characteristics and where did it start? Looking at manuscripts, amulets and talismans, Hutton will take audiences on a journey from ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, through the worlds of Rome, Judaism, Islam and Latin Christianity. Free, donations welcome.

Drop in; bristolmuseums.org.uk/m-shed Still I Rise: Poetry and Resistance 11 December, 7pm, Arnolfini An evening of performances illustrating the role of poetry within resistance movements.

The line-up includes sensational spoken word performances from Travis Alabanza, Suhaiymah Manzoor-Khan and Birdspeed, hosted by Bristol’s inimitable city poet Vanessa Kisuule. A special evening of performances from prominent poets and activists, illustrating the power and role of poetry in shaping resistance movements, coinciding with Arnolfini’s current exhibition. £5/£7; arnolfini.org.uk Saving Grace featuring Suzi Dian and Robert Plant 11 December, 7.30pm, St George’s Bristol Saving Grace, a co-operative including Suzi Dian (vocals), Oli Jefferson (percussion), Tony Kelsey (mandolin, baritone and acoustic 38 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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Jesse Marchant will be heading to The Louisiana

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Jesse Marchant 11 December, 8pm, The Louisiana Swiss-Canadian singer-songwriter Jesse Marchant presents a heartbreaking new album that has been described as “blissfully eerie” by NME. He has toured with acts such as Alt-J, Local Natives and Damien Jurado, to name a few, and has soundtracked several Emmy Award-winning shows including Grey’s Anatomy. £9.81; colstonhall.org French Film Festival 12 – 15 December, times vary, Watershed The only festival dedicated to French and Francophone cinema is heading to Watershed to showcase four films celebrating the best of French film. On the programme is Happy Birthday, Arnaud Desplechin’s Oh Mercy, Portrait of a Lady on Fire, and Young Ahmed directed by Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenne.

Details and tickets online; watershed.co.uk

Slade: The Rockin’ Home for Christmas Tour 15 December, 7pm, O2 Academy Bristol Slade are one of the most iconic bands to come out of Britain and this winter they’ll be rocking out across the country on tour performing their much-loved hits. £28.35; academymusicgroup.com/o2academybristol Mothers Who Make 18 December, 10am, Bristol Old Vic A peer support group and creative exchange session for mothers who are artists – professional and/or passionate – writers, painters, actors, dancers, filmmakers, photographers… Every kind of maker welcome, and every kind of mother. Children welcome. Free; bristololdvic.org.uk Andy Torbet – Underwater Adventures: Beneath the Frozen Surface 18 December, 7.30pm, 1532 Performing Arts Centre Andy is an extreme adventurer, zoologist, and a respected cave diver who has been involved in underwater exploration for over 20 years.

Andy will discuss some of his wintery aquatic exploits including diving under icebergs in the Arctic Ocean and freediving under Alaskan lake ice. £10/£12; 1532bristol.co.uk

Feel Good Friday: Tyntesfield run 13 December, 9.40am, Tyntesfield Blow the cobwebs away with a morning run round the Tyntesfield estate, enjoying spectacular scenery along the way. Open to all abilities, no one will be left behind. Led by members of local running clubs. £3, includes a hot drink. No need to book. Meet in the lower courtyard of Home Farm; nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield

Bingo Lingo!

20 December, 7pm, Motion Bingo like you’ve never experienced before…

There will be confetti, weird and wonderful prizes, fast-paced games, dance-offs, twerking and plenty of mischief. Get ready for lots of mayhem! 18+. From £1; motionbristol.com

Story Slam 15 December, 2pm, The Wardrobe Theatre A hugely popular community-driven storytelling event, Story Slam is where you can hear people’s amazing true stories told live on stage. All stories are told by volunteers from the audience. Put your name in the hat for a chance to tell a story, or just head along and enjoy everyone else’s. £5/£8; thewardrobetheatre.com

Awake Arise!

23 December, 8pm, St George’s Bristol In an unmissable collaboration, five of the English folk scene’s most inventive artists (trio Lady Maisery, Jimmy Aldridge and Sid Goldsmith) bring you a show that celebrates the riches of our varied winter traditions and reflects upon the hope in music that can bring joy to all of us in the darkest season. £10 – £18; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk n

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BOV: Chelsey Cliff

Anansi and the Grand Prize at Bristol Old Vic

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NIGHTLIFE

BRISTOL’S POSTINDUSTRIAL FUN FACTORY Boomtown Fair opened its new 3,500-capacity venue in Bristol’s St Philip’s Marsh last month with a hedonistic spectacular. Words by Stephen Dalton, photography by Jody Hartley and Soul Media

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NIGHTLIFE

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hrowing open its doors for four huge parties at the start of November, Bristol’s newest and most unusual nightlife venue Area 404 drew a wild Halloween horde of radioactive zombies, sci-fi vampires, blood-splattered serial killers, cyborg monsters and other glamorous fancy-dress freaks. Gathering a sell-out crowd of 3,500 revellers to a repurposed factory complex on an industrial estate sandwiched between Temple Meads and St Philip’s, this was the launch of the latest ambitious venture from the Bristol team behind Boomtown Fair, who are finally bringing their unique brand of immersive partying home after a decade of hosting one of the most original events in the summer calendar.

Held every August in the rolling South Downs National Park near Winchester, Boomtown Fair is a dazzling audiovisual carnival of music, immersive street theatre, performance art, circus skills and futuristic stage architecture. The Bristol-based team behind the festival have now recreated this grand cinematic spectacle on a smaller scale in Area 404, transforming the former Trimite Powder Coatings factory on Albert Road into a dystopian Blade Runner cityscape with a little help from 120 set builders, 25 scaffolders, 23 technicians, 4.5 tons of scaffolding and 140 LED video screens.

The post-industrial complex where Area 404 is based is actually owned by the Boomtown organisation, who have their office headquarters there. “It’s really exciting it see it coming to fruition,” says Robin Collings, Boomtown’s head of production. “We’ve been talking about some kind of winter festival for four or five years, but it just didn’t feel right before, there was always something amiss. But this time it really came through, because actually look at this building we’ve got. The council seems to be really behind it; it feels like the right time for Bristol to have a sizeable new exciting creative event space.”

The most impressive performance space inside the sprawling concrete labyrinth of Area 404 is the Core Reactor, a three-storey auditorium whose stark modernist interior recalls Manchester’s fabled Hacienda nightclub. On opening night this cavernous warehouse witnessed a heart-warming hour of vintage reggae from old-school veterans Trojan Sound System and a floor-shaking, crowd-pleasing set from Kingdem, a left-field hip-hop collective featuring Rodney P, Blak Twang and Ty. It feels like a purpose-built club venue, but most of the year it serves a more practical purpose.

“That’s where we build all our sets for Boomtown,” Robin explains.

“Those huge stages at the festival, this is where we make them. It’s our massive workshop space. It is incredibly productive – not at the moment obviously, but come springtime we will be building vast stages and scenery in there. It's a huge rolling scenic shop comparable to the National Theatre.”

Besides a long list of live bands and DJs, Area 404’s launch also featured a team of 33 actors enacting scenes from Boomtown Fair’s fictional dystopian sci-fi back story about sinister corporations, revolutionary uprisings and apocalyptic plague outbreaks. One particularity effective sequence on opening night featured an ‘infected’ patient in a glass-lined quarantine chamber who suddenly threw himself at the observation window, splattering fake blood on the glass.

Robin, who has a background in travelling circus and rave culture events, says this theatricality is key to Boomtown’s unique blend of interactive entertainment. “Blurring the lines between who’s a performer and who is an audience member,” he nods. “People really come out of themselves at festivals, even fairly straight geezers dressing in full elaborate drag. But you don’t get that in clubs so much. That’s the thing with Boomtown, the audience really have to commit.”

Area 404 marks Boomtown’s first public venture in Bristol, despite the team being based here for a decade. As Collings explains, it just made perfect sense for the team to stage their own mini-festival in their own backyard, Britain’s unofficial music festival capital.

“Bristol feels like the festival city,” Robin nods. “So much festival culture seems to inhabit Bristol, and it seems to be getting more and more like that. Also the underground music scene is blossoming here again. When you look around, in dance music especially, there are Bristol heads right in the middle of everything who seem to be smashing it at the moment. So it totally makes sense for Area 404 to be in Bristol. It’s wealthy enough for people be able to back it, but it’s also rough and ready enough for people to give it a go.”

Boomtown’s immediate future plans for Area 404 involve staging

two more events around New Year, and another two in March next year. Running the space as a full-time music and club venue is not an option right now, Robin explains, but the Boomtown business model runs deeper than merely making money.

...Come springtime we will be building vast stages and scenery. It’s a huge rolling scenic shop comparable to the National Theatre...

“It needs to turn a profit obviously, but I don’t think that’s the main goal,” he says. “It’s more about solidifying our relationship with our audience. We’ve got a license for 24 shows a year – I dare say that will increase once we prove ourselves commercially and to the council. But I think it will always remain a Boomtown thing – we will keep the Boomtown identity and production. I am not sure the space necessarily lends itself to outside promoters coming in and doing other gigs. That said, we don’t rule it out, but the plan at the moment is to do 24 miniBoomtowns. The long game for us is having a deeper relationship with our audience.”

Audience interaction was certainly a key element of Area 404’s launch night. Despite a left-field, uneven musical bill, the excitable crowd became the real stars of the show, throwing themselves into the most hedonistic fancy-dress party with full-blooded relish. Robin admits the venue is still a work in progress, with plenty of “fine tuning” to come, including a fresh influx of lighting designers and performers recruited from the theatre world. But on this evidence, Boomtown’s post-industrial fun factory already feels like a welcome addition to Bristol clubland, rich in potential and visually dazzling. ■ • @area404complex; boomtownfair.co.uk

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SHOPPING | CHRISTMAS

Part (II) and parcel

The festive season is here, and while the core essence of Christmas – presence over presents – should always be kept in mind, here’s a little inspiration for those shopping for gifts

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1) Limited Edition Anthony Burrill Print (in aid of Caring in Bristol), £100; wonderlandcomms.com/shop 2) Jellies Gift Set, £10; thepockeredgepantry.co.uk 3) Harry Potter Lex-Go! Word Tile Game, £14.99; waterstones.com 4) Velvet Ruched Cape, £395; pearllowe.co.uk 5) Advent Reindeer Gift Sack, £40; giftsack.co.uk 6) The Gift of Music: St George’s Bristol Concert Vouchers, any amount; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk 7) Zookeeper For The Day Experience, from £125 (Wild Place Project) or £175 (Bristol Zoo Gardens); bristolzoo.org.uk 8) Jessica Russell Flint Silk Eye Mask, £36; movementboutique.co.uk 9) CBD Starter Kit, £59.99; goodbodywellness.co.uk 10) Lemongrass and Chilli Peanut Brittle, £6.95 (125g); harveynichols.com

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❾ 1) Handmade Wild Grove Shampoo Bar, £6; madeinbristolgiftfair.co.uk/giftfair 2) Vegan Cheases, 120g, £5.75 each; bathculturehouse.com 3) The Journey Home by Moorcroft, £125; cliftonceramics.co.uk 4) Dents Hazelmere Handsewn Leather Driving Glove, £75; dents.co.uk 5) Bristol Syrup Co Cherry & Vanilla Syrup, £5.99; corksofbristol.com 6) Isambear, £16.99, Gold Coin, £4.50, Advent Calendar, £7.99; ssgreatbritain.org 7) Handmade Indian Silk & Cotton Cushion, £55; orientalrugsofbath.com 8) Dora Designs Doorstops and Draught Excluders from £25; facebook.com/kondigifts 9) Botanic Plaid Throw, £125; boconcept.com 10) 18ct Rose Gold Sapphire and Diamond Ring, £7,245; mallory-jewellers.com

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EXHIBITIONS

STATE OF THE ART Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2019, M Shed, until 4 May

Lucky Break by Jason Bantle / Wildlife Photographer of the Year

The hugely popular exhibition returns to M Shed with 100 new dramatic images showcasing the most arresting and spectacular sides of our natural world. This year’s competition attracted more than 48,000 entries from young, old, professional and amateur photographers from 100 countries, all helping to raise awareness of the beauty and fragility of the world around us. The photographs have been selected for their creativity, originality and technical excellence – everything from atmospheric work by a budding teenager, to haunting depictions of humanity’s interference with nature in Texas, and an adaptable racoon poking its head out of the windshield of a 1970s Ford Pinto on a deserted farm in Saskatchewan, Canada, captured on camera after multiple years of waiting in a hide.

• bristolmuseums.org.uk

Guðjón’s Church #4

by Jack Latham

Sugar Paper Theories, RPS, until 22 December Forty years ago, two men went missing in south-west Iceland. The facts of their disappearances are scarce. An 18-year-old set off from a nightclub, drunk, on a 10km walk home in the depths of winter. Some months later, a family man failed to return from a meeting with a mysterious stranger. The Guðmundur and Geirfinnur case became the most controversial murder investigation in Icelandic history and drew Bristol-based photographer Jack Latham to immerse himself in all aspects of the case, from meeting key protagonists to locating and photographing key sites of the investigation. The resulting project, Sugar Paper Theories, brings together original photographs with a range of archival and documentary materials to explore the case.

• rps.org

Below: interStella QUAD

by Chuck Elliott

Winter Mix, Clifton Contemporary Art, throughout December It’s all about diversity, colour and form during December at Clifton Contemporary Art which is celebrating the festive season through sheer depth of choice and diversity.

Throughout the month the gallery will show a rich mix of painting, print work, ceramics and sculpture to inspire and intrigue. Chuck Elliot’s mesmerising, complex and rhythmic digital prints contrast dramatically with Sally Stafford’s gently immersive mixed media nature paintings and the elemental power and fine details of Maggie Matthews’ dreamscapes. Lamorna Gore’s delicate, shimmering porcelain bowls form a quiet counterpoint to the charismatic, abstract bronze sculptures of Chris Buck. At heart, ‘Winter Mix’ is an opportunity to explore the vibrant spectrum of beautiful work that gallery artists create as the shortest day approaches.

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• cliftoncontemporaryart.co.uk

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CLIFTON CERAMICS & FINE JEWELLERY MOORCROFT ART POTTERY

FINE DIAMOND JEWELLERY. NEW AND VINTAGE DIAMOND AND PRECIOUS STONE RINGS AND PENDANTS.

0117 373 0256 • 58 The Mall, Clifton Village, BS8 4JG

www.cliftonceramics.co.uk Open Tues-Sat

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EXHIBITIONS Initial I with Witch by Eric Gill

Do You Believe In Magic? Bristol Museum, until 19 April This major winter exhibition features over 200 objects and stories that reveal how magic has been used to heal, hunt and harm across the world. From ancient uses of witchcraft, to belief in the power of gods and ancestors, it explores the complex intersection between magic, science and religion. Extraordinary artefacts have been selected from the museum’s collections, including European works of art, North American shamanic artefacts, delicately preserved plants, beautiful clothing and spiritual figurines.

Through Ancient Egyptian amulets, Mexican charms and items collected from the altar of a practising witch, it uncovers ways of understanding worlds beyond our own. At the end of the exhibition, visitors are asked to decide where they stand on the spectrum of magic, science and religion. The points are mapped onto the floor to give an overall insight into what Bristol believes.

• bristolmuseums.org.uk

Still I Rise, Arnolfini, until 15 December A timely exhibition focusing on resistance movements and alternative forms of living from a gendered perspective, across different times, places and scales: from the domestic sphere to large-scale uprisings.

Establishing intersectional thinking as its driving method and incorporating feminist and queer thought and action, ‘Still I Rise’ spans the late 19th century to the present and beyond and responds to local conversations about Bristol’s legacy in the transatlantic slave trade by focusing on black feminist artwork and activism. It also looks at the histories of feminist movements out of Bristol, by featuring a range of material from Feminist Archive South.

• arnolfini.org.uk Immolation IV

by Judy Chicago

Interventions/2: Films by Yoko Ono, The Georgian House Museum, until 31 December Artist and activist Yoko Ono’s first solo show in Bristol, curated by Bristol artist, composer and curator Jimmy Galvin. A series of avant-garde films by Yoko Ono – including Cut Piece (1964/5), Eyeblink (1966), Freedom (1971) and Fly (1970 directed by John Lennon and Yoko Ono) – is currently playing in rooms throughout the Georgian House. Arising, a more recent work addressing the abuse of women, also features. Visitors are invited to write their personal wishes for peace and tie them to a tree branch.

• bristolmuseums.org.uk

Pattern, Rainmaker Gallery, until 31 January

Gold Wolf by Crystal Worl

Native American artists explore the recurring presence of pattern in Indigenous cultures. Drawing inspiration from nature and traditional art forms such as pottery, weaving, porcupine quillwork, beadwork and textiles, each artist creates contemporary works on paper or canvas. The central focus is the intricate, exquisite serigraphs of Northern Cheyenne printmaker Jordan Ann Craig, while Chemehuevi fine art photographer Cara Romero carefully constructs photographic portraits of Indigenous women, merging the female body with ancient pottery designs and vintage Navajo weavings. In the drawings of Potawatomi artist Jason Wesaw we find carefully chosen single colours that describe simple shapes with deeply personal references to healing and ceremony. From minimalistic elements in natural tones to vibrant kaleidoscopic creations, ‘Pattern’ is a visually exciting and culturally rich exhibition.

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Night of the Long Knives

by Athi-Patra Ruga (b. 1984, South Africa)

AFRICA STATE OF MIND

A new exhibition gathering together the work of an emergent generation of artistically ambitious photographers from across the continent and opening up new ways of understanding what it means to be African is to open at the RWA

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his group of contemporary photographers, primarily concerning themselves with the interrogation of ideas of ‘Africanness’, are revealing the continent to be a psychological space as much as a physical territory; a state of mind as much as a physical location. That’s according to Bristol’s Royal West of England Academy, which is this month sharing with the city subjective renderings of African life and identity by 15 artists from 10 different countries, to give an overview of the new photographic practice.

With photography being the art form that, more than any other, has framed how Africa is represented in the modern era, it’s a particularly significant medium by which to explore the continent. Colonial period photographs depicted its people as wild and untamed; TV news reinforced an impression of a continent defined by famine and war.

But photography has also enabled the dissemination of more positive, contrasting views. The new generation of African photographers are now capturing life and landscape, and looking inwards to explore questions of gender, sexuality and identity as they seek to capture the experience of what it means, and how it feels, to live in Africa today.

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The modern African city is documented in all its dynamism and contradiction. The fluidity of gender and sexual identity is addressed through compelling portraiture, while the legacy of history, from slavery and colonialism to apartheid, becomes the source of resonant new myths and dreamscapes.

The show at RWA is oriented around three main themes: firstly, ‘inner landscapes’ which focuses on photographers whose work offers a personal interpretation of setting or sensibility, in contrast to, say, the objective lens of reportage photography. Secondly, the ‘hybrid cities’ theme documents the African metropolis as a site of rapid transformation, with the urban photography of Sammy Baloji, Michael Tsegaye and Emmanuelle Andrianjafy revealing how communities are evolving new ways of living and organising and creating autonomous spaces within the sprawl of the city. Finally, ‘zones of freedom’ brings together photographers whose work explores questions of gender, sexuality and cultural identity. Homosexuality is outlawed in 34 of Africa’s 55 nations and socially conservative views on sexuality and gender are widely voiced, although not universally shared. Against that backdrop, the decision of photographers such as Sabelo Mlangeni and

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Eric Gyamfi to focus on the lives of LGBTI+ individuals and communities has a powerful resonance.

“This is a unique time for African photography,” belives curator Ekow Eshun. “There’s a wave of thrilling, artistically ambitious talent emerging across the continent. ‘Africa State of Mind’ isn’t trying to be a wholesale survey of that work so much as an attempt to offer insight into some of the key tendencies and themes informing the practice of those photographers. It’s about opening up new ways of looking at and understanding what it means to live in Africa, and be African, today.”

The exhibition takes place at a time in which popular Western views of the continent still remain limited, she says. “On one hand, there is an ‘Africa rising’ narrative, that celebrates the development of an emergent middle class and the growth of a tech sector driven by a young aspirational population, while glossing over the inequalities of income and opportunity that still stymie social progress in many countries. On the other hand, the reductive stereotype of Africa as a land of would-be migrants and corrupt rulers. A vision given ugly validation by President Trump’s description of its nations as ‘shithole countries’.”

The exhibition draws inspiration from the work of the Senegalese economist Felwine Sarr, who has called for a fresh consideration of how to understand Africa and speculates about a new Africa conjured into being by artists, thinkers and cultural actors; creative figures whose work is intent on articulating the contemporary lived experience as a thing of nuance and imaginative reach.

It runs in conjunction with ‘Refuge and Renewal: Migration and British Art’, a new exhibition exploring innovation and cultural crossfertilisation resulting from the migration of creative individuals and groups since the First World War. The main focus is the crucial influence of émigrés who came from eastern and central Europe during the 1930s and 1940s. However it also looks back to the temporary exile of refugees from the First World War (especially from Belgium) and forward to the present, when the reception of refugees from war-torn Iran, Iraq and Syria and their contributions to British life are more contentious than ever. “These two powerful exhibitions demonstrate and celebrate the immense cultural enrichment flowing from international migration,” says RWA director Alison Bevan. “It is particularly relevant that we should show these exhibitions here in Bristol, a city that – for both positive and negative reasons – has become home to people from all parts of the world for more than 500 years and now boasts speakers of 91 languages (including Somali as the city’s third most commonly spoken language).

The RWA’s exhibitions seek to reflect the diverse communities on its doorstep, and we are proud to use our outstanding galleries to showcase such important international talent.”

State of the art

Night of the Long Knives: Working in performance, photography and video, Athi-Patra Ruga’s artistic approach combines myth and alternate reality with a sly undercurrent of humour. Ruga’s world is populated with characters whose identities are in a constant state of transformation.

The central figure in Night of the Long Knives is drawn originally from his performance series The Future White Women of Azania. Engulfed in a cocoon of multi-coloured balloons, the character is in the midst of a racial and sexual metamorphosis, their identity suspended between black and white, male and female. Here, the body has become the site to explore questions about South Africa’s troubled history and present-day politics. Azania is a reference to pre-apartheid activists’ dreams of building an African utopia free of white colonial presence. In Ruga’s images, that goal remains very much in the realm of fantasy.

Just Like Us: For Eric Gyamfi, these photographs are part of an everevolving record of the lives of his queer friends in Ghana, whom he considers collaborators in the work. Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Ghana and to counter prejudice against the country’s LGBT+ community, Gyamfi aims to create images that normalise their presence within society. Just Like Us seeks to represent queer people as both members of a distinct community and valuable contributors to the country’s social fabric and history. Although the project uses sexuality as a starting point, Gyamfi’s goal is to photograph queer people in the wholeness of their intersecting identities and interests. In the process, he seeks to expand the visual account of daily life for Ghana’s LGBT+ community which exists outside, yet also inside and alongside, heteronormative society.

The Last Journey of the Dictator Mussunda N’Zombo Before the Great Extinction (in Five Acts): Kiluanji Kia Henda’s series draws from a raft of literary and historical references to consider the European gaze on Africa and the myths and stories the continent tells about itself. In particular, it critiques two persistent narratives about Africa: the colonialera notion of Africa as a land of “noble savagery”’ as perpetuated by Europeans such as Joseph Conrad and his 1899 novel, Heart of Darkness, and the idea of Africa as a verdant paradise as proclaimed by populist African politicians. The central character in the work is based on the dandyish persona of Mobutu Sese Seko, former president of the Democratic Republic of Congo (1965 – 1997), who styled himself as a father to his people while robbing the country of its wealth. His death in the final image is read as a cautionary lesson in the seduction of myths. ■

• Africa State of Mind, 14 December – 1 March; rwa.org.uk

Kiluanji Kia Henda (b.1979, Angola) based the central character in the series on the dandyish persona of Mobutu Sese Seko

By Eric Gyamfi (b. 1990, Ghana) from the Just Like Us series

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SUSTAINABILITY GARDENING

A kinder Christmas

Award-winning Bristol environmentalist and author Natalie Fee suggests some ways of making Christmas 2019 a little easier on the planet

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hat’s your favourite Christmas song? Chris Rea’s Driving Home for Christmas has got to be mine, which is ironic for an environmentalist – ‘top to toe in tailbacks’ isn’t exactly green. But it is a great place to start listing my top tips on how to have yourself a less plastic, less polluting festive season.

Sleigh what?

If you’re heading home to see loved ones, or even planning a wintry escape, make sure to pack less carbon. See if you can swap the car for the train and if that’s impossible because of all the homemade, plasticfree gifts you’ve made everyone this year then how about car sharing?

Liftshare and BlaBlaCar are two websites to check out to help you get there greener. And you’ll have someone to sing along to those cheesy tunes with...

‘Tis the season to go vegan

...Or at least go organic and radically cut back on the meat this year.

Organic means fewer pesticides, no artificial colours or preservatives, the highest standards of animal welfare, no routine use of antibiotics and, of course, no genetic modification. Almost 300 pesticides can be used in non-organic farming and are often present in non-organic food despite washing and cooking. That goes for your wine too! Research from the Soil Association suggests that if all UK farming was organic, pesticide use would drop by 98 per cent. And in terms of going green, ditching meat and dairy from your diet is one of the most impactful things you can do. Have a locally sourced organic turkey if you must, but use your Christmas dinner to wow your loved ones with a predominantly plant-based feast that inspires them to try Veganuary.

Yule regret buying that jumper

If you ask me, single-use Christmas jumpers are evil – unless they’re second-hand or you’ve actually committed to wearing it for the next 25 years. Seriously! The clothing business is a very dirty one – it’s the second biggest polluter of our world’s water after agriculture, due to the pesticides used in growing cotton and the vast number of toxic chemicals used in production. It’s also responsible for around 10 per cent of global carbon emissions, a figure projected to increase by more than 60 per cent to over 2.5 billion tonnes per year by 2030. Add into that mix the working conditions of most clothes-factory workers around the world and the glee of a cheesy Christmas jumper soon fades. Not to mention the fact that cheap jumpers are usually made from polyester which means they will shed microplastics into our rivers and seas when you wash them. So yes, I’m afraid when it comes to Christmas jumpers, I’m a Grinch. Unless it’s a lovely woolly one you found in the charity shop.

Say trees!

Forget about artificial trees, unless you’ve made it yourself and are planning to use it for the next decade or so. Shop-bought fake trees are impossible to recycle and usually made out of fossil fuel-based plastic.

If you love a Christmas tree (I do!) then opt for a real, live one with roots – in a pot – so it can be re-planted and used again next year. You can even hire one – there are a few places in Bristol now that offer live Christmas tree hire! Otherwise, opt for a sustainably grown tree – check out the British Christmas Tree Growers Association for info.

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That’s a wrap

And what about those gifts? Are you wrapping them in old newspaper and string, sealing with the odd bit of paper tape (that’s a thing) and decorating with a sprig of foraged ivy? Or did you ease your foot off the consumerist pedal this year and opt for giving experiences and time together doing fun things instead of buying stuff? Christmas is ultimately about spending time, not money. So don’t forget at the end of the day, or the motorway, it’s your presence, not your presents, that matters most. n

• Natalie is the founder of City to Sea, the Bristol non-profit organisation campaigning to stop plastic pollution at source. She also sits on the Bristol Advisory Committee for Climate Change. Her new book is out now: nataliefee.com; citytosea.org.uk Try liftsharing, tree hire or decorating with gorgeous foraged finds, suggests Natalie

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FOOD & Drink

TASTY TIDBITS FROM THE CITY’S RESTAURANTS, CHEFS AND PRODUCERS Try a small glass from the self-serve dispensers first

EXPLORE THE WINE WORLD

CHRISTMAS COALITION Local charities and top chefs are teaming up to deliver zero-waste meals for Bristol’s homeless over the festive period. Caring in Bristol, The Pony and Trap, FareShare South West and The Community Farm are partnering to help those facing hardship, providing a seven-day menu of three hot restaurant-quality meals a day, plus snacks, from 23 December to 30 December.

The Caring at Christmas project has been supporting vulnerable people for over 30 years. The pop-up shelter project, spanning three Bristol venues, will provide 24-hour, day and nighttime support, shelter, food, clothing, medical and emotional care, housing advice and advocacy, as well as wellbeing and social activities for the homeless when other local charities close or provide a reduced service over the holiday.

Teaming up with FareShare means surplus food will be used to produce all the meals. The menu has been created by Josh Eggleton who will be managing the kitchen and cooking with the help of restaurants including Pasta Loco, BOX-E, Masa + Mezcal, Poco Tapas and Tare. “This year we want to bridge the gap between the luxuries our city enjoys at Christmas and what is on offer to our city’s most vulnerable,” said Ben Richardson, Caring in Bristol director. “A restaurant-level menu that’s zero waste does just that. As a charity we think it’s important to collaborate with local businesses and community organisations to provide the best service possible for those in need, and for Bristol to lead the way in how we treat those who are homeless at Christmas.”

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• levignoble.co.uk

BOOZY FIRST Circumstance Distillery launched the world’s first gin created using an artificial intelligence programme during Bristol Technology Festival last month.

A collaboration with Tiny Giant and Rewrite Digital, it is a complex gin developed by neural network Ginette – trained to analyse thousands of botanicals and understand gin recipes before deciding on ‘Monker’s Garkel’, a fragranced gin using juniper berry, coriander seed, angelica root, raspberry leaf, gooseberry, prune, clementine zest, orange zest and marigold. An automated algorithm created the labels using a curated set of styles, colours, textures and fonts which was then formulated by local Bristol artist, Tim Sutcliffe. Potentially, it can design an infinite selection. “The creation has demonstrated that it’s perfectly possible to align machine predictive power and human creativity to make something delicious, valuable and commercial,” said Kerry Harrison, co-founder of Tiny Giant.

• microdistillery.co.uk

• caringinbristol.co.uk/donate

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Wine lounge Le Vignoble (French for ‘vineyard’) has opened in Finzels Reach, offering wines from all over the world in the atmospheric surroundings of the restored heritage brewery. The changing monthly selection is available from self-service Enomatic dispensers keeping wine at the perfect temperature.

Founder Yannick Loué is on a mission to take the snobbery out of the wine tasting tradition and help people sample new flavours. Every wine comes with tasting notes, with trained experts guiding novices towards new grapes, regions and varieties, and customers can pre-pay on a free membership card or pay at the end of their session. A French tapas-style menu of meat and cheese platters and traditional hot dishes complements the wine and there are South West craft beers and ciders.

“I want to democratise the wine tasting process and make it accessible,” says Yannick. “So many people stick to well-known wine brands because they don’t have an easy way to find out more about the huge variety available. Our self-serve dispensers enable people to try a small glass without having to buy a whole bottle so it is a great way to explore and discover new wines."

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GARDENING

VEGAN

Say chease!

Get cultured with Chew Valley-based Lucie Cousins as she talks us through a simple vegan labneh to try at home

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hree years ago, after Lucie Cousins left a career in Cornwall as a cheesemaker and food technologist, Bath Culture House was born and gradually began to grow from its base in Ubley, a little village in the Mendip Hills. There Lucie spends her days happily fermenting kombuchas, vegan ‘chease’, kimchis and sauerkrauts that she sells to shops, cafés, restaurants and markets in Bristol, Bath and the South West. That’s when she’s not teaching at pop-up fermentation workshops aiming to empower people to nourish their digestive system by creating delicious cultured foods. Here she runs us through a simple Middle-Eastern soft cream cheese that will keep in the fridge for four days.

You will need: Equipment Muslin Elastic band Bowl Sieve Teaspoons Kilner jar Optional hook

Ingredients 400g pot of yogurt (Sojade natural soya yogurt works best as it’s organic, unsweetened and high in protein which is required for a good quality vegan chease) Sea salt Thyme Lemon zest Sumac Olive oil

Method:

• Empty the yogurt into a bowl, add ½ tsp fine sea salt and stir gently.

• Cut a square of muslin cloth, line a sieve with the cloth and pour the yogurt into the well of the cloth.

• Form a ball with the cloth and tie the elastic band around the top.

• If you can hang the ball of yogurt up from a hook this is best but the ball can also rest in the sieve over a bowl or sink.

• Allow the whey to drain off from the yogurt. Drain for 24 hours.

• Gently untie the elastic band and peal the cloth from the labneh ball.

• Using two teaspoons, shape the soft chease into balls (pearls) and then place in a Kilner-style jar.

• Scatter fresh thyme, lemon zest and sumac on top of the labneh, and then drizzle with olive oil. Store in the fridge until devouring. ■ • Lucie is running half-day courses in chease-making at Demuths Cookery School on 5 & 6 December; bathculturehouse.com THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

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RECIPES | COCKTAILS

Sip the festive juice

This month we’re stocking up on Bristol Syrup Co flavours and having a go at shaking our own Christmas concoctions at home

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he creativity of Bristol’s mixologists never fails to amaze us – one case in point being brilliant Bristol Syrup Co, which has just launched with a range of 17 cocktail syrups and awardwinning local bartenders Danny Walker and Dee Davies at the helm. With all those swanky drinks parties lining up on the December horizon, here they share a few top tipple ideas.

Partridge in a Pear Tree

• 20ml elderflower syrup • 40ml brandy • 150ml pear juice • 2 dashes orange bitters Add ingredients, cubed ice and freeze-dried berries to cocktail shaker. Shake well then pour contents into glass. Serve with striped paper straw.

Christmas Coffee • 10ml demerara syrup • ¼ tsp mixed spice • 20ml Amaretto • 40ml espresso Stir together in the glass and top with whipped cream.

Spiced Fruit Cup • 25ml Fruit Cup syrup • 10ml lemon juice • 100ml warm cider, spiced with cinnamon and cloves Warm the cider with spices then strain and pour over the syrup and lemon into a mug. Garnish with an apple wheel and cinnamon stick. For a great alcohol-free mulled option, swap the cider for apple juice.

Twinkle • 25ml elderflower syrup • 25ml gin/vodka • Sparkling wine Build syrup and gin/vodka in a champagne flute, then top with sparkling wine.

Garnish with a lemon twist.

Cherry Bomb • 10ml cherry and vanilla syrup • 40ml dry sherry Build in a sherry glass

Homeward Bound • 10ml raspberry shrub syrup • 40ml cider brandy • 10ml Oloroso • 2 dashes chocolate bitters Stir and serve in a frozen glass. Garnish with pear and lemon peel. ■ • Find Danny and Dee’s syrups at Corks or Weber & Trings.

Follow@bristolsyrupco for its Christmas hamper giveaway this month; bristolsyrupcompany.com

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Homeslice!

Illustration by Cat Faulkner

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Brilliant Bristol baker Briony May shares what she’s been making this month

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lright, I am just going to say it: I love Christmas! From the minute I first hear Mariah, mid-November, I get that familiar childish sense of excitement. I love the cheesy music, the tinsel, the extra family time and the food – oh how I love the food. Even turkey. I know, I am a rare breed; although this year will be completely meat-free for me as I have recently gone veggie. So this month I wanted to whip up something delicious and vegetarian for the festive season. This puff pastry tree will look great on a buffet table or as a starter on the big day. You can even buy readymade pastry if you are in a rush... I won’t tell anyone!

Cranberry Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Pastry ingredients: 350g plain flour 1 tsp salt 250g unsalted butter, frozen 100ml cold water

Y ER LE IV AB EL IL D VA SH A FI W H NO ES E FR VIC R SE

Cranberry pesto: 125g cranberry sauce 125g walnuts 35g parmesan, grated 2 tbsp olive oil Salt and pepper to taste To finish: 1 egg, beaten Method: • Make the rough puff pastry.

Put the flour and salt into a bowl. Mix to combine.

• Grate the butter into the flour then fold the butter into the flour so butter is coated.

• Add water a tablespoon at a time (you probably won’t need it all). Bring pastry together with your hands until it forms a ball.

• Tip onto surface and bring together. Shape into a rectangle and flatten. Wrap in clingfilm. Chill for 30 minutes.

• Make the pesto. Place all the ingredients into a food processor and then blitz until combined and the consistency of pesto.

• Get the pastry out and on a floured surface, roll it out into a rectangle ¼ inch thick with short edge closest to you. Fold the bottom third onto middle third, then top third on top of that. Turn so that short edge is closest to you again. Repeat.

Wrap in clingfilm then let it chill for 30 minutes.

• Repeat the previous step then the pastry is ready to use.

• Heat oven to 190°C fan. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Divide the pastry in half. Roll each half out into a rectangle ¼ inch thick. Place one rectangle of pastry on the prepared parchment.

• Cut into the shape of a Christmas tree using a knife.

Cover with the pesto. Place other rectangle of pastry on top and trim to the same tree shape. Cut slits on both sides 2cm apart leaving the middle as the trunk. Twist each strip twice (once as you get to the smaller ones).

• Cut out a star and place at the top of the tree.

• Use a pastry brush to eggwash the trunk of the tree then bake for 15 – 20 minutes until golden brown. ■

Molesworths of Henleaze 101 Henleaze Road, Bristol, BS9 4JP

Molesworths of Frampton 147 Church Road, Frampton Cotterell, Bristol, BS36 2JX

0117 962 1095

01454 777337

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HISTORY

Christmas crackers

When it comes to truly imbibing the Yuletide spirit, nowhere does it better than Bristol, as Malcolm Croft discovers while digging up five festive city stories

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fter a few trips to the central library and scrolling through way too many microfilms and antediluvian editions of the Bristol Mercury, one thing became crystal clear: Bristol is haunted by ghost stories of Christmas past, present and future. From the onslaught of the Bristol Blitz of Christmas 1940 (Hitler claimed to have completely destroyed the city; he was wrong) to ancient adverts for Harvey’s Bristol Cream (a definitive taste and smell of Yuletide, surely?) to a famous festive market called St Nick’s, and even St Nick Park’s reinvention of Christmas Day TV with his amazing Aardman adventures, Bristol is as ‘Christmas’ as crackers and crass jumpers. In fact, paradoxically, the only thing that isn’t Christmassy about Bristol is the Christmas Steps.

Here are a few of our favourite seasonal tales from the city’s archives...

Agatha Christie’s Clifton Christmas Wedding, 1914

With more than two billion books sold, Agatha Christie is known, quite rightly, as the world’s most popular novelist. But, 105 years ago on Christmas Eve 1914, before any fame, fortune and fandom, Torquay-born Agatha Miller married Captain Archibald Christie, a pilot in the Royal Flying Corps, at Emmanuel Church, Guthrie Road, Clifton. The wedding ceremony was arranged hastily to capitalise on Archibald’s Christmas leave from the First World War and Emmanuel Church was quickly chosen; Archibald’s stepfather was a schoolmaster at nearby Clifton College.

The couple had decided to get married the morning before, when they had met for the first time in several months, in London, at a tense reunion. The pair had not laid eyes on each other since Archibald was drafted to France at the outbreak of the war. On 23 December, Archibald was reluctant to marry Agatha, but as they travelled to Bristol later that afternoon, he suddenly changed his mind and agreed that they should marry. Immediately. The couple swiftly obtained a marriage licence the following morning, paying the princely sum of £8 for the privilege. The marriage licence records Archibald was a pilot and Agatha was a ‘spinster’. Due to the late notice of the licence, Agatha did not wear a white wedding dress, nor did any of her family attend. Instead, she walked down the aisle in only her ordinary clothes, accompanied by a bridesmaid (an old friend who just so happened to be walking past the church at the right time!)

The bride signed her name as Agatha Mary Clarissa Miller; the last time the world was to ever see her maiden name in print. Agatha was aged 24 years old. The next day the Christies spent Christmas Day in Agatha’s family home town of Torquay. On Boxing Day, Archibald returned to France and did not see his wife again until summer 1915.

Following the end of the war in 1918, Archibald and Agatha moved to London. The marriage ended in 1926 when Archibald filed for divorce so he could marry his mistress, six years after the publication of Agatha’s first novel, The Mysterious Affair at Styles.

Agatha was to keep Archibald’s name for her entire career, despite herself remarrying a few years later. Agatha went on to become a household name, and over the course of the next 50 years, the author of 66 detective books, starring two of her most famous creations, Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple.

Only Fools and Horses Christmas Special, 1996

Starring David Jason as Del Boy, and Nicholas Lyndhurst as Rodney, Only Fools and Horses is considered by many to be the best British sitcom ever made. More than 35 years after the first series aired, the 58 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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show’s classic status has endured and it has retained a legion of loyal fans both at home and around the globe. One of the show’s most memorable moments – arguably one of the most beloved in TV history – appeared in the show’s Christmas Day 1996 special Heroes and Villains. You know the one, where Del and Rodney are invited to a fancy dress party. Their Robin Reliant breaks down in clouds of smoke. So, they run through the streets dressed as Batman and Robin, stopping en route to fight street crime, naturally. Well, that nowfamous scene was filmed in Bristol – on Penn Street, in Broadmead.

In a 2001 poll, the episode was voted the UK’s favourite Christmas show of all time, largely down to the comedic genius of that one scene.

The episode’s ‘Batman and Robin’ scene, as it has become known, written by the show’s creator, John Sullivan, was even re-created for the 2012 Summer Olympics closing ceremony as a nod to its enduring brilliance. Due to Only Fools and Horses being one of the first comedy shows to receive special treatment at Christmas, and earning the coveted Christmas Day evening TV slot – a time when most of the nation plonked itself in front of the sofa, stuffed and tipsy – the episode attracted an audience of 21.3 million people (a record 50 per cent of the TV viewing households at the time). Look further, and the connection with Bristol runs deeper. From the show’s second series, Whitemead House, on Duckmoor Road, Ashton Gate, doubled up as Del’s infamous Peckham tower block, known as Nelson Mandela House. For the tenure of the show’s seven series, and 16 Christmas specials, shot between 1981 and 2003, stars David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst could be seen regularly shooting their wheelin’ and dealin’ antics on the streets and back-alleys of the city.

The First Christmas Card, 1843 The Christmas card – that exalted guiding light of Yuletide giving – has a little-known historical link to Bristol. It requires a small stretch of imagination, but is an interesting story nonetheless. Sir Henry Cole, a British civil servant and inventor (who was born and lived in Bath, FYI) is credited with devising the concept of sending greetings cards at Christmas time. Yes, he’s to blame. The year was 1843. However Cole – also often credited with the invention of the world’s first postage stamp, the Penny Black – is not the star of this story. His colleague, John Callcott Horsley, is. Horsley designed Cole’s first ever Christmas card and, in doing so, created the aesthetic and sentiment that remains largely unchanged on Christmas cards today. Together, Cole and Horsley would begin a tradition that now sees more than one billion Christmas cards sent in the UK alone (an average of 16 cards per person). But here’s the Bristol twist. In 1836, Horsley’s sister, Mary Elizabeth, fell in love and married Bristol’s favourite sonfrom-another-mum, the engineer and architect Isambard Kingdom Brunel – of course, synonymous with Bristol. At the same time as his brotherin-law John Calcott Horsley was designing the first Christmas card, Brunel was designing the SS Great Britain, the largest ship in the

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HISTORY

Bristol’s Whitemead House doubled up as Del Boy’s infamous tower block, Nelson Mandela House

world, which also happened to be the first screw-propelled, oceangoing, iron-hulled steam ship and a forerunner for all modern shipping. The invention of the Christmas card pales in comparison.

Brunel was also voted the second greatest Briton, coming second only to Winston Churchill, who, of course, was famously the chancellor of the University of Bristol from 1929 to 1965.

Mr Thomas Blanket, 1339

One of the most predictable things to happen this Christmas will be you (or someone you know and/or love) wrapping up in a thick blanket and cursing the cold winter weather through pursed lips.

Especially if it’s a white, or worse, wet, Christmas. As you swaddle yourself in fine woollen wares and soft faux fur, give festive thanks to Bristol-based Thomas Blanket (possibly Blanquette), a Flemish weaver who travelled by boat to Bristol in the mid 1330s and set up a loom factory in the burgeoning port town. It is Thomas Blanket, and his famous family name, that gave rise to the name of one of winter’s most necessary accessories, and popular Christmas gifts – the blanket.

Christmas socks were not invented until the 1800s, and not by a Bristolian, sadly.

Back in the 14th century, Britain was producing the best wool in the world. In order for the British cloth industry to become more profitable (and taxable), King Edward III (reigned 1327 – 1377) began restricting the wearing and importation of foreign fabric as well as banning export from England of raw wool. King Edward also encouraged weavers from other wool-making nations to flee from the horrors of war and French rule and set up shop in merry England.

Thomas Blanket was soon on a ship bound for Bristol. In the late 1330s, he founded a weaving enterprise – one of the first of its kind – at his home in Tucker Street, just south of Bristol Bridge. There, he employed other weavers to churn out blankets for a salary. While this upset other local artisan fabric makers, Blanket’s production methods were so effective (read: ruthless) that he received patronage and power from King Edward to keep on producing more. At that time, people without means – ye olde commoners – would have slept on straw, or the floor, with no warmth or cover, so the increased manufacture of cheap woollen blankets from Blanket’s factories would have provided many poorer people with additional warmth during long cold winters. Naturally, it didn’t take long before Blanket’s blankets spread like, well, blankets.

It’s possible that blankets became known by that particular name due to Thomas’ family, in the same way that medieval names were given to people based on their occupations, i.e. Bakers, Butchers, Clarks, Smiths, etc. At the time of his death, in the 1370s, Thomas Blanket of Bristol had become famed for his wool products. That’s not to say he invented the blanket, but there is enough local Bristol history to be confident that his name could be the original provenance of it.

An image of Agatha and Captain Archibald found in Bristol Archives

First Christmas Tree (of the Year), 2019

We now turn our attention to a curious and quirky slice of modern life with the delightful reporting of the first pub in the country to put up its Christmas tree. In July. The pub, of course, was in Bristol. On 23 July 2019, the Air Balloon pub, north of the Gloucester Road, in Filton, put up its Christmas tree five months before it made any rational sense to do so. The artificial tree, measuring five-foot in height, was adorned with gold, blue and silver baubles. The weather outside was indeed frightful; the mercury had just hit 37°C – the height of the nation’s summer heatwave. “The tree is a talking point,” Joanna Johnson, manager of the Air Balloon told the Independent.

“This is the third year in a row we’ve had the tree up early. We’ve already had a few bookings for Christmas parties and Christmas lunch as a result. We like people to know we take bookings for Christmas early as we do fill up really quick.” While the pub is still taking bookings for Christmas at the time of writing this in November, it’s hard not to love the pure bonkers-brilliance of starting a Christmas tree tradition in July. Only in Bristol, right? ■

Emmanuel Church, Clifton, where Agatha Christie was married on Christmas Eve 1914

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BRISTOL UPDATES

BITE-SIZED BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY NEWS FROM ACROSS THE CITY The company specialises in the education and technology markets

AN AMBITIOUS FUTURE

FAMILY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Local business The British Blanket Company has been crowned Family Business of the Year at the 2019 Natwest Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

Run by siblings Bethan John and Joe John, it sells colourful wool throws and picnic rugs woven at traditional mills in the UK and Ireland. The brother-andsister team grew up in Somerset and moved to Bristol after leaving careers in e-commerce development and magazine journalism to set up their venture four years ago. The Great British Entrepreneur Awards acknowledge the hard work and inspiring stories of entrepreneurs and businesses in the UK. It celebrates the incredible journeys that have taken entrepreneurs to where they are today.

“Winning Family Business of the Year is an amazing way to celebrate the passion and hard work my brother and I have put into building The British Blanket Company from scratch,” said co-founder Bethan John. “When you’re running a small business it can be difficult to stop and recognise how far you’ve come and it’s wonderful to have The British Blanket Company in the spotlight.”

The senior management team at Brunel’s SS Great Britain has been given a boost as plans for expansion take shape. Director of creative services Patsy Connor, director of external affairs Nerys Watts, and director of the Brunel Institute Tim Bryan have been selected to enhance the charitable trust.

Patsy joins from the BBC and brings experience of leading audience engagement.

She will drive creative ambitions, starting with a major 2020 campaign to mark the 50th anniversary of the SSGB’s homecoming to Bristol from The Falklands. Nerys, previously at the National Heritage Lottery Fund, will head up external affairs and develop opportunities for funding and partnerships, including for the Albion Dry Dock Project – an expansion of the heritage and visitor experience that will boost the region’s tourism offer. Tim Bryan, who joins from the British Motor Museum, steps into a new position which will drive expansion of the education and research programmes and oversee the conservation of the nationally Designated Brunel Collections.

“Patsy, Nerys and Tim bring a wealth of experience at a crucial time,” said Trust CEO Matthew Tanner, “and will bolster a strong and dedicated team as we work towards an exciting future.”

• thebritishblanketcompany.com

• ssgreatbritain.org

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WELCOME! Hybrid digital media agency has moved into new global headquarters in the heart of Bristol, after a full renovation of the former Bavarian Beerhouse on Queen Charlotte Street.

Company owner James Craven purchased the venue after being alerted to its availability by local land agent Charlie Kershaw of Burston Cook.

“This was too good an opportunity to miss,” said James, “and as the European centre of operations, we had to have a media hub where we could collaborate with businesses and institutions but also keep our working practices adept.”

Hybrid also has offices in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Craven's native Sydney, Australia. The basis of the company is one of communication and collaboration across many different media, and that ethos is especially reflected on the ground floor of the new workspace, which has several co-working zones, creative breakout areas and a raked seating presentation arena.

The upper floor is more traditional, but the exposed service ducts and brickwork remain, containing rows of standing desks and high-end technology.

The company specialises in the education and technology markets, and clients range from the University of Bath and University of California, Berkeley, as well as tech start-ups and household names like Dell, Oracle, IBM and Cisco.

Only local contractors, including building company Lancer Scott, were used on the project from inception to completion, which was overseen by Project 76, who were instrumental in retaining elements from the building's past.

• hybrid.co

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EDUCATION NEWS UPDATES FROM THE CITY’S SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN MOROCCO

A FIRST FOR CHS

NAME THAT BOAT!

Clifton High recently hosted its inaugural Festival of Music, Performance and Arts – an ambitious week of activities for pupils and families featuring workshops and events to celebrate the creativity in the school community. The High School hosted the Docklands Sinfonia Orchestra, who worked with pupils on this year’s school production of West Side Story at the Redgrave Theatre, and there were bucket drumming workshops plus a lecture on the art of storytelling by the BBC Natural History Unit’s creative director Mike Gunton. “Creating and sharing in performance and music to this standard has been extraordinary,” said Dr Alison Neill, head of school. “To work with consummate professionals who embody sheer pleasure and fulfilment in what they do has been a privilege.”

The Bristol Gulls are getting ready to take on the Talisker Whisky Challenge in the most sustainable way possible, rowing 3,000 nautical miles across the Atlantic in a specially designed eco-boat to raise money for the RNLI and Clean Up Bristol Harbour. The team invited local schools to submit suggestions for the name of the boat in the hope of inspiring youngsters and enabling them to play a part in this impressive challenge. The winning school, announced at the end of March, will have a name-unveiling assembly with the team, along with a presentation about their adventure. “We’re committed to making a difference, starting with our local waters here in Bristol,” says Sofia Deambrosi, team captain. “Through working with local schools, we hope to inspire local children when it comes to protecting our oceans.”

• cliftonhigh.bristol.sch.uk

• thebristolgulls.com

Year 9 Redmaids’ High students went on a school trip to Morocco recently, taking £2,500 for humanitarian aid that they had fundraised themselves. Redmaids’ has been aiming to change the nature of school trips through a partnership with alumna and international humanitarian Linda Cruse so that not only do students gain learning and personal development through bespoke travels but leave a real legacy in poverty and disaster-struck parts of the world.

The group of 21 spent time with a Berber community and used their money to uplift six vulnerable families that village elders had identified as in need of help. Careful budgeting followed as the teams decided how best to sustainably support families. To help them generate income for themselves, the girls invested in sheep, goats, chickens, animal food and carpentry tools. They bought essential items such as blankets, food supplies and clothing and delivered them to recipients, as well as arranging for a 14-year-old boy to go to Marrakech for urgent eye tests. These revealed that he was almost blind in one eye and needed prescription glasses, which the girls ordered and paid for. They also visited a local salt mine, a women’s co-operative that produces argan oil, the local primary school and a girls’ boarding school.

“Our young people are capable of doing much more than simply digging a ditch or painting a school when they travel overseas,” said Linda. “The students showed themselves to be caring, kind, culturally sensitive and tremendous problem solvers.

They asked insightful questions to develop sustainable solutions for economic uplift.

With these girls as our future leaders, we’re in great hands!”

• redmaidshigh.co.uk

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EVENTS | FOR KIDS

Family diary

Ideas for things to do with the little ones in Bristol this month

The Festival of Light Until 5 January, 10am – 7pm, Longleat Head to Longleat on a thrilling odyssey as The Festival of Light showcases myths and legends. Don’t miss the ever-popular Enchanted Christmas Tree Show and Flight Before Christmas owl display, plus much more. Gaze at the breathtaking choreographed light projection on Longleat House, new for 2019. Book online and save up to 10%.

Suitable for all ages, £26.20 – £34.95.

• longleat.co.uk/festival-of-light

most magical night of the year. There are beds to be jumped on, pillows to be fought with, and seas to be sailed. Let your imagination soar right up to the stars. Suitable for ages two to seven, £10; bristololdvic.org.uk

DON’T MISS...

The Snow Queen Until 12 December, times vary, The Redgrave Theatre In a thrilling adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale, young Gerda guides you on her quest to save her best friend Kai from the clutches of the wicked Snow Queen.

A story of friendship, hope and hot chocolate.

A classic packed with music, dance and tobogganing. Suitable for all ages, £17.50; redgravetheatre.com

Santa’s Enchanted Ice Castle 1 – 24 December, 9am – 7pm, The Mall, Cribbs Causeway Marvel at the giant Christmas tree, enjoy more amusement than ever before and treat yourself to festive food and drink. Santa returns to the ice castle with his tick-tock team for a magical adventure this season. Suitable for all ages, £5 – £8.50; mallcribbs.com

Christmas at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm Until 21 December, 10.30am – 5pm, Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm The zoo will be decorated with elaborate recycled Christmas decorations, with educational festive trails and seasonal hot drinks. The Salvation Army Band will perform, as well as Christmas carols and festive music from the Cadbury Wind Band.

Suitable for all ages, £10.50 children, £15 adults; noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk Christmas at Cheddar Until 24 December, times vary, Cheddar Gorge and Caves Visit Cheddar Gorge with the whole family, even the dog, this winter. You can see the elves preparing for the big day from within Gough’s Cave. Meet Father Christmas, receive a present, sing some songs and marvel at the magic of Cheddar. Book online and save 15% – dogs also receive a treat. Valid with a day ticket; cheddargorge.co.uk Boing!

Until 5 January, times vary, Bristol Old Vic This exhilarating piece of dance-theatre captures the delirious excitement of two boys waiting for Father Christmas to arrive on the 66 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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Santa’s Grotto 1 – 23 December, 11am – 4.30pm, Bristol Zoo Gardens Be transported into a glittering winter wonderland with a visit to Santa’s grotto.

Be guided by the elves through the magical grotto, enjoy the twinkling lights and meet Santa. Take part in arts and crafts, write your letter, post it to the North Pole and receive a special gift. Suitable for all ages, £6; bristolzoo.org.uk Snow White 1 December – 19 January, 1pm, 2.30pm and 7.30pm, Tobacco Factory Theatre In a wild and windswept land, snow falls on a castle where a cruel queen is assured by her magic mirror that her beauty surpasses all others. One day the mirror proclaims that Snow White, the Queen’s step-daughter, is the fairest in the land. Fleeing the Queen’s rage, Snow White runs deeper into the forest where she finds refuge with a motley crew of characters that accept her as one of their own and show her a different way to live. Suitable for ages five and above, £12; tobaccofactorytheatres.com No 186

Meet Father Christmas 3 – 19 December, 10am – 4.30pm, Tyntesfield Father Christmas is stopping by Tyntesfield before he heads off for a busy season on his sleigh. There will be crafts and treats in his new workshop at the Home Farm courtyard.

Suitable for all ages, £11, booking essential; nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield Noisy Nativity 4 December – 5 January, 1.30pm and 2pm, Tobacco Factory Theatres Kid Carpet is putting on the local Christmas nativity show, but no one has turned up to audition. Never fear, The Noisy Animals next door at band practice say they can help out.

A ridiculous Christmas journey of silliness and mischief for the whole family. Suitable for ages three and above, £9 children, £12 adults; tobaccofactorytheatres.com Drop-in family printmaking 7 December, 10.30am – 2.30pm, Somerset Rural Life Museum Create your own nature-inspired print with artist Jackie Curtis, a perfect handmade Christmas present for your loved ones. Jackie will be in the gallery of her exhibition Reedbeds and Waterways, leading an array of drop-in crafty activities. Suitable for all ages, £1 suggested donation; swheritage.org.uk Dick Whittington 7 December – 5 January, times vary, Bristol Hippodrome Join the hero, Dick Whittington (soap legend, actor and musical theatre star Shane Richie) as he seeks fame, fortune and happiness and battles Queen Rat (Jennie Dale from CBeebies) and her rodent hoard to become Mayor of London and win the day. An actionpacked pantomime full of laughter, music and

BOING! : Cam Adams

Top pick...

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CHRISTMAS APPEAL

BOING! at Bristol Old Vic

special effects, featuring dazzling sets and costumes from The London Palladium production. Suitable for all ages, £13 – £54; atgtickets.com/bristol Nick Cope’s Festive Family Show 8 December, 11am and 2pm, The Wardrobe Theatre Nick Cope returns with his family fun concert guaranteed to have you giggling into the New Year. Expect new songs about head lice, hedgehogs, redundant robots, saving the polar bears, gender stereotyping… the list goes on. Suitable for ages three and above, £8, under twos go free; thewardrobetheatre.com We Are Family 8 December, 1 – 4pm, Arnolfini Bring your family together to make your own protest banners with Feminist Archive South’s education coordinator Ellie O’Connel and artist Bryony Gillard. Create protest banners and flags inspired by activists and artists, make noise and don’t be afraid to make lots of mess. Suitable for ages three – 11, free; arnolfini.org.uk Adventure Bureau 15 December, 11am, The Wardrobe Theatre Katie and Simon are going on a special trip from the Adventure Bureau, an ancient organisation whose job it is to create all the adventures ever. With the help of your biggest (and smallest) ideas, they will weave a totally improvised story complete with an improvised soundtrack and songs. The audience decides what elements go into the bursting story melting pot. Suitable for ages three to eight, £7; thewardrobetheatre.com A Victorian Christmas 19 December, 11am – 12.30pm, Blaise Museum Explore the traditions and customs of Victorian Christmas through a series of interactive role-play activities, handle real and replica artefacts, create decorations and learn about the different festive meals with particular spices. Suitable for home educated children aged five to eight. £7, booking essential; bristolmuseums.org.uk Beauty and the Beast 21 – 31 December, times vary, The Redgrave Theatre Produced by the award-winning Polka Dot Pantomimes, this show features spectacular scenery, glittery costumes, amazing special effects and plenty of audience participation. It tells the story of a selfish Prince who is destined to spend the rest of his life hidden in his castle, and the resourceful heroine who rushes to the rescue with her pals French Franc and Dame Dolly Doughnut. Suitable for three and above, £15 – £17; redgravetheatre.com ■

CAN YOU HELP A GIRL LIKE REGINA THIS CHRISTMAS?

African Initiatives is a Bristol-based charity working to reduce poverty in Tanzania. We work with women and girls facing gender discrimination in the remote north of the country. Girls like Regina miss school because of a lack of clean water and toilets in her school. As a result of African Initiatives’ work to build and renovate water and sanitation facilities in Tanzanian schools, girls like Regina are able to attend school every day now.

Our Christmas appeal this year is focusing on improving water and sanitation in three primary schools in Kilimanjaro, Northern Tanzania. We are also raising funds that can be used to educate girls and boys about the importance of hand washing with soap to prevent diseases such as typhoid and cholera.

We’re working with the Big Give Christmas Challenge, the UK’s biggest match-funding campaign, to ensure that for every £1 you give the Big Give will also give £1 to our work.

To ensure that we can improve water and sanitation for girls like Regina, please donate here: The Big Give www.thebiggive.org.uk (and enter ‘African Initiatives’ in the search bar)

The appeal opens 12pm (midday) on Tuesday 3rd December and will be open until 12pm on Tuesday 10th December. Please visit the website between those times.

Alternatively please call our Christmas Appeal fundraiser Subi on 0117 915 0001. www.african-initiatives.org.uk

See our work on social: #africaninitiatives

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WILD BRISTOL

The deeply-ridged bark of the Wellingtonia – the first name given to the giant sequoia, on Christmas Eve 1853 – is five times less dense than any native British tree

Christmas trees

Are you getting a tree this year and, if so, what size? A six-footer? Bigger? How about a simple, stirring stroll beneath the canopy of Bristol’s 100-foot sequoias instead? Pete Dommett goes in search of the city’s enormous evergreens

T

he giant sequoia is a skyscraper of a tree. Regularly reaching the same height as a 20-storey tower block and the width of two lanes of traffic, it’s considered to be the largest living thing on the planet. The biggest of these botanical beasts are found on the slopes of California’s Sierra Nevada, but some seriously impressive specimens can be seen here in Bristol.

Your own arboretum, full of exotic plants from far-flung corners of the colonies, was the ultimate status symbol in Victorian Britain.

The absolute must-have tree was a Wellingtonia – the first name given to the sequoia on Christmas Eve 1853, by English scientist John Lindley, in honour of the Duke of Wellington who had died the year before. It was later changed to Sequioadendron giganteum, but the species is still often referred to by its former label in this country.

Sequoia seeds and saplings were shipped in from the United States from the mid-19th century onwards, including onboard the SS Great Britain. Fittingly, the 130th anniversary of her launch was celebrated in 1973 by the planting of a giant sequoia at Brandon Hill. Nearly 50 years on, the tree is still very much in its infancy (sequoias can live for several thousand years) and yet to attain giant proportions. But it’s growing at such a rapid rate (three times faster than most trees) that it will likely be higher than Cabot Tower in another half century.

More mature sequoias can be seen in other parks and estates around the city. Most of these were planted between 150 and 160 years ago and many are now over 30 metres tall. There’s a whopper standing guard over the Lord Mayor’s Mansion House in Clifton; a monster on the Blaise Estate that measures more than seven metres in circumference; and a three-in-one tree at Greville Smyth Park, near 68 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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Ashton Gate. The last of these has a trunk that unusually divides into a trio of separate stems.

Just outside the Bristol boundary, the appropriately named ‘Big Tree Grove’ at Ashton Hill Plantation is worth a visit. Around two dozen sequoias are laid out like they’d be in their native North America; strolling beneath the canopy of these mammoth trees is a stirring experience.

All the city’s sequoias share certain key characteristics. From a distance, their general shape is that of an upturned toilet brush.

Close up, the dark green needles are narrow, cord-like and, when crushed, smell strongly of aniseed. Most famously, the trunks of sequoias are clad in a thick layer of spongy, ginger bark. This is so cushiony that you can, according to my old Collins tree guide, “punch it with impunity” (although why you’d want to do this, I’m not sure).

The treecreeper – an elusive woodland bird barely bigger than a wren – has taken advantage of the sequoia’s impressible skin. It uses its bill and clawed feet to carve out egg-shaped hollows on the trunk’s surface to shelter in on cold, winter nights. In the UK, these cavities have been found solely on introduced sequoias, presumably because they’re the only trees with bark soft enough to sculpt.

This Christmas, take the family on a woodland walk and find yourselves the biggest tree you can. Mind you, putting the fairy on top could be tricky. ■

• Search for sequoias on the brilliant Bristol Tree Forum website: bristoltreeforum.org

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GARDENING HISTORY

Nowhere was the spirit of Christmas embodied more than in the landlord at The Bush Tavern on Corn Street

Ghosts of Christmas past

Andrew Swift looks back at the attempted abolition of the annual celebration and the Bristolians who fought to defend the right to eat, drink and make merry in the face of puritanical persecution

C

hristmas is, above all, a time of tradition, a time for singing medieval carols, recalling time-worn legends, retelling ghostly tales and summoning up the spirits of Christmases long gone. Not all the ghosts of Christmas Past, though, are that benign.

Four hundred years ago, Christmas Day marked, as it had done for centuries, the beginning of 12 days of merriment and overindulgence.

Presents were given and received, troupes of actors staged festive entertainments, songs were sung, dances danced, taverns did a roaring trade, and little work got done. Times may have been hard, but this annual jamboree was a rare chance for people to let their hair down.

Almost inevitably, there were those – known as puritans – who disapproved and determined to put a stop to it. Although their views were well represented in parliament, there was slim chance of them getting their way as long as Charles I was king. When civil war saw power pass from the king to parliament, however, clamping down on anything that smacked of fun – including Christmas – began in earnest.

In 1644, parliament decreed that, far from being an opportunity for ‘giving liberty to carnal and sensual delights’, 25 December should be a day of fasting and reflection. Naturally, many people ignored the decree and carried on as before, but it was not long, especially in cities and larger towns, before soldiers were brought in to ensure compliance.

It was not just hedonistic high jinks that were outlawed; 25 December was to be a normal working day, with shops kept open and churches kept closed. You could even be arrested for decking the halls with holly or singing a seasonal carol.

Not surprisingly, Christmas became a major rallying point for those opposed to the puritan regime. Throughout the land, it was apprentice boys who were in the vanguard of direct action, forcing shopkeepers to close, and attacking those who resisted. In some places, ‘the church doors were kept open with swords and other weapons’.

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There were major confrontations, involving injury and loss of life, in cities such as London, Canterbury and Norwich but, although similar skirmishes probably occurred in Bristol, there is no record of them until 1654, when a prolonged period of rioting broke out a week before Christmas. It started on Bristol Bridge, where apprentice boys attacked shops whose owners were planning to open on Christmas Day. The following day, after the magistrates had been ‘contemptuously defied’ by around 1,500 demonstrators who had gathered around the Tolzey in Corn Street, they issued a proclamation ‘commanding all persons to refrain from disorder, and to retire to their dwellings’. This had no effect, and the disturbances continued.

On Christmas Day, which had been declared a national day of fasting, the authorities issued another proclamation, ‘enjoining the apprentices to return to their occupations and to forbear from the shutting down of shops which standeth open’. Not only did they pay no heed; their ranks were swelled by royalist sympathisers, who boldly raised cries for ‘the King’. Many of the apprentices were spurred on by their masters, and such ‘great affrightment’ was caused that troops were eventually brought in to restore order.

The ascendancy of the puritans was short-lived, however. In 1660, Charles II was restored to the throne. England’s brief dalliance with republicanism was over, and puritanism gave way to hedonism.

The attempted abolition of Christmas, however, has left us one legacy. Royalist pamphleteers saw the survival of traditions as inextricably linked to their cause, and adopted the figure of Old Father Christmas as a symbol of the good old days they were determined to restore. The personification of all that the puritans sought to destroy, he appeared in such best-selling tracts as John Taylor’s 1652 Vindication of Christmas and Josiah King’s 1658 Examination and Tryall of Old Father Christmas.

After Charles II’s restoration, the figure of Old Father Christmas

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survived as a character in mummers’ plays, and by Victorian times was firmly established as the avuncular figurehead of the festive season.

Although he has since acquired attributes originally associated with his American counterpart, Santa Claus – such as distributing presents to children and riding a sleigh hauled by reindeer – the modern Father Christmas is still recognisable as the figure created by those who fought to defend the right to eat, drink and make merry in the face of puritanical persecution.

And – to end on a more cheerful note – nowhere was that spirit more amply embodied than in the person of John Weeks, landlord of Bristol’s most celebrated coaching inn, the Bush Tavern in Corn Street. Not only was the Bush immortalised in Dickens’ Pickwick Papers; its hospitality was so legendary that its Christmas bills of fare were published in newspapers as far afield as Dublin. These were hailed as shining examples of ‘the old English hospitality which at this season of the year used so universally to prevail throughout the nation’. For Christmas 1799 it ran to over 150 dishes, including a boar’s head, red and black game, 122 eels, a baron of beef, a roasting pig, 42 hares, 17 pheasants, 41 partridges, 17 wild geese, 81 woodcocks, 149 snipes, 17 wild turkeys, 44 tame turkeys, 116 pigeons, 52 barrels of Pyefleet and Colchester oysters, 430 mince pies and four pineapples. More questionable delicacies included a bustard, two bitterns, a cuckoo, 121 larks, 18 golden plovers, 72 pots of turtle, a peacock, seven curlews, two owls and a swan.

John Weeks kept open house, with newspapers announcing that ‘any person who calls for three-penny worth of liquor’ at the Bush ‘has the run of the larder and may eat as much as he pleases for nothing’. One report claimed that no less than 3,000 glasses of punch were sold before dinner on Christmas Day – which must have made for a merry meal. Such largesse did not last. The coaching era ended in the 1840s as railways spread across the land, and in 1854 the Bush was demolished, to be replaced by the West of England Bank, which later became Lloyds. In 2016, however, the spirit of the Bush was revived when the former bank reopened as the Bristol Harbour Hotel. ■

Above: A woodcut from Vindication of Christmas, showing Old Father Christmas flanked by a puritan and a royalist Right: A woodcut from Examination and Tryall of Old Father Christmas

CORRECTION: The caption on the photograph of the cottage at Blaise Castle in last month’s feature on Humphry Repton attributed the design of the cottage to Repton, whereas it was actually designed by person or persons unknown.

We love our kitchen, from the moment Clinton visited and provided a design we knew it was just what we wanted. The whole process was impressive, The Kitchen Partners’ team were flexible and worked well with our builders.

- Amy & John C

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HEALTH & BEAUTY NEWS FROM THE SECTOR

FRESH FACED AND FANCY FREE

TOP AWARD FOR NUFFIELD HEALTH Nuffield Health picked up the award for Private Hospital Group of the Year for the third year running at the LaingBuisson Awards 2019 recently. The award celebrates high quality care and continuous improvement, as well as innovation and excellence in going above and beyond. As the UK’s largest health charity, Nuffield Health consists of 31 award-winning hospitals, 112 fitness and wellbeing clubs, healthcare clinics, and more than 200 workplace wellbeing services, as well as flagship programmes to support communities.

• nuffieldhealth.com

GO WITH THE FLOW A chatbot ‘therapist’ treating depression has launched after recent figures showed that NHS patients seeking help with their mental health are waiting more than eight weeks to see a doctor after their first appointment.

The chatbot was developed by medical device company Flow, which in June launched a brain stimulation headset treatment for depression – the first and only medically approved at-home treatment of its kind in the UK and EU. The therapist engages users with daily chat conversations and offers self-help techniques, mood tracking, curated videos, meditation and mental exercises.

It helps users learn why sleep, exercise, nutrition and meditation are important pillars in recovering from depression, and gathers mood data to offer a personalised response modelled on behavioural therapy.

Available to download free on iOS and Android, the chatbot therapist is based on the latest psychology and neuroscience research, and was developed by clinical psychologists and machine learning experts.

“Accessibility and early intervention in depression is crucial,” says Daniel Mansson, clinical psychologist, CEO and co-founder of Flow. “The ‘always-on’ source of therapy provided by Flow ensures people get the help they need as quickly as possible.

Flow can provide anonymity without the fear of being judged by others.”

• flowneuroscience.com

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As well as pesky blackheads and dead skin cells hampering the face’s skin, our pores are constantly under attack by other elements such as pollution, fake tan, soot, makeup and pollen. These are harmless to the skin, but can clog your pores and leave your complexion looking dull. So if you’re looking to give your face a well-deserved, healthy cleanse this party season, there’s one facial you might want to give a go.

The HydraFacial, available at Quinn Clinics in Redland, offers a deep clean and exfoliation in six easy steps that will leave your skin feeling clear and replenished.

First up is a lymphatic drainage around the face and neck, which helps to increase blood flow and restore hydration. The skin is lightly sucked and then smoothed out, which helps to eliminate toxins and tone the face.

Dead skin cells are then gently exfoliated while a serum containing lactic acid, glucosamine and botanical extracts is simultaneously applied deeply to help cleanse and nourish.

A gentle glycolic and salicylic solution is smoothed on to loosen debris clogging up the pores before blackheads and impurities are removed using a serum of natural salicylic acid and honey extract.

The therapist will use a tool to suck the areas of your face that are prone to getting clogged up – most notably around the nose, chin and forehead.

(You’ll even be able to see how much gunk was sucked away from your skin in a container at the end of the treatment if you like...)

A cocktail of hyaluronic acid and advanced antioxidants, peptides and multipeptides is applied to replenish before red or blue LED light is used on particular areas to reduce redness and stimulate collagen. After moisturiser and SPF are applied, you are good to go – no down time is needed. Say goodbye to blocked pores, and hello to healthy glow.

The HydraFacial (one hour) is £150, or £750 for six treatments if booked together at Quinn Clinics.

• quinnclinics.co.uk

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Festive

BEAUTY

Sparkling tips from Harvey Nichols ❶ Your night-time regime should be a high priority during the party season when your skin’s functions switch to recovery, renewal and replenishment. Give it a helping hand with Sisley’s new overnight velvet sleep mask with saffron, £93, to calm and nourish.

❷ Eyes quickly reveal the tell-tale signs of late nights and

1 3

dehydration – Elemis’ Peptide4 Eye Recovery Cream, £38, helps revive and refresh.

❸ Don’t neglect those dancing feet... Try something like Seoulista Beauty’s Rosy Toes treatment, £10 – a double-layered foot treatment infused with rose oil, aloe vera and beeswax to help restore tired skin.

❹ Of course, this time of year is perfect for a smokey eye; be sure to

add some shimmer over the top for that festive feel. Huda Beauty’s Ruby Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette, £25, is packed with nine highly pigmented mattes and striking shimmers with a smooth, blendable texture.

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❺ Extra layers of black mascara will create a more dramatic look

on the eyes. The lash-maximising, curvy brush of Marc Jacobs’ Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara, £22, with defining tip, places the most volume at the hard-to-reach centre lash line. Add a pair of false eyelashes for extra sultry drama.

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❻ It’s the season to sparkle and shine – we recommend Fenty’s

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Diamond Bomb Veil, £30, all over!

❼ When it comes to fragrance, you might fancy upping the drama

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with Tom Ford’s Soleil Neige Eau De Parfum 250ml, £399, or Gucci Bloom Ambrosia Di Fiori Eau De Parfum 100ml, £109.

❽ Go extra on your bronzer and highlighter for that soirée-season look with a spectrum of modern hues: try Hourglass, Ambient Lighting Blush Quad – Ghost, £45

❾ The brightest of bright red is always a winner when it comes to

party nails – why not get a manicure in style while enjoying a glass of Harvey Nichols fizz at the Nails Inc Champagne Bar while you’re at it? Nails Inc NailKalePolish, £14.

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❿ Swap your bright coloured lipsticks for deeper tones –

aubergines, cherry red and dark berry tones are perfect festive substitutes. Try the Laura Mercier Silky Crème Lipstick, Rose Rouge, £26.

All products available from Harvey Nichols Bristol; harveynichols.com

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Do You Want To Glow This Festive Season?

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Savoury Nut Roast Christmas Puddings

By Emma Carter for the CNM Natural Chef Diploma Course • • • • • • •

Minimal Waste Recipe A delightful twist on traditional Christmas puddings, this is a minimal waste recipe, using the vegetable peelings for the gravy – a vegan, gluten-free main you can serve with your favourite festive trimmings.

For the gravy: • 1 tbsp coconut oil • 1 carrot, peeled and roughly diced • ½ red onion, finely diced • 1 sprig of rosemary • 1 sprig of thyme • 1 clove of garlic, minced • 2 tsp arrowroot powder • Sea salt and pepper to taste • The peelings, cores, tops, outer leaves and skins of the veggies & fruit

Serves: 3 / Prep time: 20min / Cook time: 1hr /Allergens: nuts For the nut roast: • 1 carrot, peeled and grated • 1 parsnip, peeled and grated • 1 cup of swede, peeled and grated • 1/2 Bramley apple, peeled and grated • 1/2 red onion, finely diced • 1 small leek, washed and thinly sliced • 2 tbsp coconut oil • 1 clove garlic, minced • 4 sage leaves • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves • 1 tsp fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped • ½ cup organic tinned chickpeas, lightly crushed with a fork

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2 tsp orange zest 1 heaped tbsp dried cranberries 1 tsp sea salt 1 cup ground almonds 1 tbsp ground flaxseed 1/4 cup walnuts, roughly chopped 1/4 cup hazelnuts, roughly chopped

How to make: • Prepare all the vegetables and apple. Add all peelings and trimmings into a large casserole dish. Cover with 7 cups filtered water, bring to a boil, then simmer for 25mins uncovered. Strain. Compost the solids and keep the liquid.

• Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line 4.5inchwide ramekins with silicone-free baking paper.

• Add the coconut oil, onion, ¾ of the leek, garlic and fresh herbs to a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir to combine and sweat gently until tender and fragrant.

• Add the crushed chickpeas, grated carrot, parsnip, swede, apple and zest and stir well.

Cook 3-4mins until tender.

• Add one cup of the stock and the cranberries. Stir well & simmer until the liquid has been absorbed almost completely.

• Add ground almonds and flaxseed. The mixture should be thick with no liquid remaining.

• Remove from the heat and stir through the chopped nuts.

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• Divide the mixture evenly between the ramekins so they are well packed. Cover and bake for 20 mins. Remove cover and bake for a further 10 minutes until golden brown.

The gravy: • Add coconut oil, diced carrots, onion, garlic, herbs and reserved leek to a saucepan over medium heat. Sweat until starting to caramelise.

• Add the remaining stock and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer for 5-6 minutes.

• Add the arrowroot powder gradually, whisking constantly until the gravy begins to thicken. Remove from the heat and strain through a sieve to remove the solids.

Add more arrowroot, if you prefer a thicker gravy. Season to taste.

Carefully turn the nut roasts out of the ramekins and serve with the gravy and veggies of your choice.

Do something life-changing Improve Your Health Change Career - HelpGeoff Others Don Attend a FREE Open Event to find out about training with CNM Bristol for a career as a Naturopathic Nutritionist or Naturopathic Acupuncturist

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or call 01342

410 505

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

THE CHRISTMAS SURVIVAL GUIDE ’Tis the season to be jolly, but it doesn’t also have to be unhealthy. Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital tells you how.

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hristmas is coming, and for many of us, it’s a time to celebrate.

However, we’re often so preoccupied over the festive period that it’s easy to forget about our health and wellbeing. Here, the specialists at Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital offer advice on how to enjoy a healthy holiday season.

Festive feasting One of the biggest health worries for many of us this month is the impact festive merrymaking might have on our weight. We’re currently in the pre-Christmas season of trying to lose weight, either to fit into a party outfit or so we can give ourselves permission to eat whatever we like from Christmas Eve until New Year. Weight loss psychologist Dr Vanessa Snowdon-Carr explains: “This is part of a familiar ‘lose it, gain it’ cycle, because by the time we get to Christmas, we’re so fed up with the diet that we then go overboard.

While we may eat a bigger meal than usual on Christmas Day, it is the additional food and alcohol throughout December that adds to weight gain. We can tell ourselves that it doesn’t matter because we’ll refocus in January, but is that how we want to start the new year, feeling horrible about our body?

“So, how about this year deciding which are the meals you really want to be able to indulge in, and which are the little extras through December that you could do without? And when you do eat Christmas food, use some of the mindful eating principles: make sure you slow down, savour it and enjoy every mouthful!”

Even if weight isn’t a concern for you, the excesses of the festive season can still put a strain on our health, in particular our digestive system. Consultant gastroenterologist Dr Amanda Beale says: “A gut suddenly required to cope with large amounts of Christmas pudding, smothered in brandy cream, can sometimes show the strain. Most of these odd gut symptoms will resolve quickly but, if persistent, could indicate underlying bowel issues.”

Dr Beale continues: “Any variation in bowel habit, new abdominal pain, or bloating that is still present in the New Year may signal there is a problem. This in turn can cause poor absorption of nutrients, leading to anaemia and significant fatigue. If you have any concerns, seek medical advice.”

Share the love, not the flu Unfortunately, the festive season also falls during the winter flu season. Flu is a serious illness which can cause death, not only in vulnerable groups, such as older people and those with an underlying medical condition, but also among people who are fit and healthy. Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital’s infection prevention co-ordinator, nurse Janice Bowler explains: “You can have the virus and pass it on to others without displaying any symptoms yourself, so being immunised against flu not only protects you, it protects those around you, including family, friends and work colleagues.”

Janice says: “If you are unfortunate enough to have flu in the run-up to Christmas, rest up, and stay away from work until you’re better – even if that means missing the office party!

Your colleagues won’t appreciate catching flu from you, and then being struck down over Christmas itself. As well as getting the jab, you can help to reduce the spread of flu by regularly washing your hands, and when coughing or sneezing, do it into a tissue or handkerchief, or if you don’t have one, do it into the crook of your elbow, rather than your hand.” There’s still time to get the flu jab before Christmas, so speak to your GP or a local pharmacist if you would like more information.

see before Christmas revolve around the stress of trying to provide the ‘perfect’ Christmas, or conversely being aware that you will be alone.

Fear of getting into debt, not meeting loved ones’ expectations, and feeling lonely all lead to increased self-harming, sleep difficulties and panic attacks. A heightened feeling of loss, anxiety and depression occur, and the social media phenomena of competitiveness, one-upmanship and ‘fear of missing out’ add to the stress. After the event we see more problems related to overindulgence of food and drink, including indigestion and weight gain that needs addressing, or a realisation that alcohol use may be a problem. It almost makes you wonder why we do it!”

Dr Jenkins suggests: “Planning is key, and appreciating that Christmas is about sharing time and simple pleasures with the ones you care about. Remember to refresh stocks of simple ‘over the counter’ medicine, such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, indigestion or diarrhoea medicines, and ensure you have enough of your regular medicine to last until after New Year. Doctors surgeries and chemists may be closed, but there is always a GP out-ofhours (OOH) service in case anyone does fall ill, or alternatively, call 111 for advice and a GP appointment. Try to avoid A&E, as hospital emergency departments are always overrun at this time of year.”

Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital offers weight loss treatment, gastroenterology clinics, and a private GP service. If you would like to book an appointment with any of our consultants, call 0117 911 5339, or visit www.nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/bristol for more information.

Prepare for a stress-less Christmas Christmas is usually portrayed as a happy, social, family time, but for many it doesn’t live up to these expectations. Even for those people who enjoy it, Christmas can still be stressful and there’s a price to be paid afterwards for overindulgence. Bristol GP Dr Gill Jenkins tells us: “The main problems GPs THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital 3 Clifton Hill, Bristol BS8 1BN nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/bristol

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RETIREMENT

Sweet like chocolate What would it be like to live out our later years within Keynsham’s historic former confectionery factory turned pensioners’ playground? Answer: see above. Amanda Nicholls goes for a sleepover at the St Monica Trust’s snazzy new retirement village – positioning itself as a whole new kind of care home

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limbing into bed and electronically adjusting the headrest to my preference with its neat little button (up, down, up, down, a few times of course, to indulge the inner child) I reckon I’m in for a comfortable and secure night’s sleep at Charterhouse. In fact I think I’ll be out like a light – worn out after a day sampling the activities on offer for residents within notfor-profit organisation St Monica Trust’s Chocolate Quarter retirement village. We’ve made ceramic dishes on pottery wheels, and an embarrassing attempt at painting, we’ve swum, we’ve sizzled in the sauna, enjoyed a bit of live opera and piano on the bandstand and had a go with the headsets in the virtual reality room – all before deciding to relax with a mani in the on-site beauty salon and sinking into the sofas to wind down with a game of chess.

Okay, there’s the telltale crinkle sound you get from hospital bedding that reminds me I’m staying overnight in the new nursing quarters, not the sumptuous apartments downstairs – the idea is that retirees move into the latter while they’re still able enough to take advantage of all the luxurious facilities, and then have the care areas and dementia wards nearby if and when they need them – but the surroundings are smart and pleasant. Full-height windows let in loads of natural light; the mattresses can be fine-tuned for your needs. There’s motion sensor low-level lighting guiding the way when I get up in the wee hours and head to the en-suite for the inevitable (that’ll be the bedtime hot chocolate); and beyond my door is a homely communal area including a stylish, modern kitchen, sitting room with dominoes and knitting and a balcony for the daily fresh air quota if you’ll struggle to make it up to the rooftop gardens. The latest care tech is discreetly incorporated into the fabric of Charterhouse, including innovations such as acoustic monitoring and cutting-edge call systems working behind the scenes so residents can maintain their independence as much as possible.

Downstairs, where the local community is encouraged to pop in to The Chocolate Quarter restaurant Somer Dining to enjoy meals cooked by top Bristol chef Chris Wicks – everything from squash, crispy sage, apple and celery soup; and chicken, oyster mushroom and tarragon pie; to curried chickpea burger with smoked cheddar and slaw; and duck salad with spinach orange and pine nuts – it’s more like a cosmopolitan hotel or cruise liner. They can even share in the regular jazz and comedy gigs put on for residents – Bristol comedy night Belly Laughs brought Josh Widdicome with it last year. In the foyer there’s a weekly fresh fruit market, and kids from local primary schools are in every Friday lunchtime for pizza – a treat for the class and the old folks, who benefit from having youngsters around to socialise with as it reduces the sense of isolation and inertia that often goes hand in hand with ‘twilight years’. Coming to visit grandma here certainly wouldn’t be a chore, and when residents are apart from friends and family, they can log onto the tablets and wi-fi placed throughout the complex to stay in touch.

Often if one person in a couple develops dementia, for example, they may have to be separated from their partner but with the idea here to move into The Chocolate Quarter far before that might occur, they’d only be round the corner from a specialised dementia ward. If a resident becomes progressively more incapacitated, they’re already in the right place to be cared for and massive upheaval isn’t required.

Older people can also come for rehab after a spell in hospital, or

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periods of respite, of up to six weeks, and choose when they check in and out. The lovely apartments for sale, meanwhile, are modelled on a younger audience and feature good craftsmanship and quality fittings built to last as well as recycling rooms on each floor – pricewise it’s about midway among Bristol’s high-end retirement establishments.

Pat and Fred, some of the first residents to move in, were part of the focus group consulted with on the features of the development before it was built. Having met in Bristol during their first year of university, they’ve been around the world together, and lived in Portishead before they moved into TCQ back in 2017 and got first pick. “They took on board our feedback such as separate bathrooms for couples in apartments and lower light switches,” they remember. The best bit, they say, is being able to maintain their lifestyle and not feel part of an institution, but a relaxed community. “It certainly would be difficult for someone to be lonely here,” says Pat.

...The best bit, they say, is being able to maintain their lifestyle and not feel part of an institution, but a relaxed community...

“I worked out that I know about 65 people by name here, and I’m the antisocial one!” agrees Fred, who has always enjoyed cooking and so didn’t want to have mealtimes dictated to him, or always spent with the same people. “You can dip in and out as much as you like and continue doing the things you love,” he says. The pair plays bridge and swims three times a week. Sounds idyllic to us; any complaints so far?

Fred thinks there should be complimentary whisky. Fair comment.

The village has art deco influences and little arcade-style facades as a nod to the decade the Fry’s factory was built in; its former industrial incarnation meaning some nice high ceilings remain too. Residents have a GP surgery and physio rooms on the doorstep and some help run their own little shop to keep busy. They can play golf nearby or go fishing in the Avon; head to the VR room when they fancy experiencing some far-flung destination. Its chief purpose is to help those living with dementia revisit their favourite places or discover new landmarks from the comfort of the armchair, although it doubles up as a place for nurses to go and relax with a walk through a virtual forest perhaps, post 12-hour shift.

This Keynsham landmark is genuinely a cool place to visit in its own right – did I mention the woodwork studio, private cinema and ‘living wall’ brimming with greenery and adding to the feeling of new life? – and while the public is free to come and go the residential sections are totally secure. It’s a vibrant, varied community helping shift the idea of moving into a retirement home from a reluctance into a positive lifestyle change. Later living at its best. ■ • stmonicatrust.org.uk

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The former chocolate factory and Keynsham landmark has been totally transformed inside, although there are reminders of its past in the industrial high ceilings and art deco detailing

Plenty to do here: a game of chess perhaps, a go in the VR room or (above) a bit of art and ceramics?

The lovely Fred and Pat

There’s a fresh fruit market in the foyer every Friday

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RETIREMENT GARDENING

Golden years Looking for a smart, modern care establishment that prioritises wellbeing and helps its residents maintain their independence? There are plenty of local facilities to consider, including this top trio

W

e’ve been taking heart from the effort Bristol puts into caring for its elders; the fine folk who have helped make the city what it is today, and who have been part of its fabric for decades. The nicest thing, we think, is how, in many establishments now, residents are no longer simply sequestered away and kept safe but given myriad opportunities to maintain an enjoyable, active, independent lifestyle for as long as possible. If you’re looking for such a place, here are a few you might want to arrange a viewing for...

Trymview Hall

This new state-of-the-art home has only just started receiving residents, having flung open its doors on 25 November in Southmead. The team is raring to get started in supporting its community to live life the way they want, getting to know them well individually so they can create care and lifestyle plans – even menus – tailored to their specific needs and tastes. They know that keeping busy is the best way to maintain independence and physical and mental wellbeing as we get older, and will help residents to continue doing the things that bring them meaning and fulfilment. The site has its own coffee shop, comfy cinema room and hair and beauty salon, and everyone is free to enjoy a varied lifestyle. Each of the 66 furnished bedrooms has its own ensuite wetroom, 24-hour nurse call system for safety, plus a flatscreen TV and phone and WiFi connections – residents are also more than welcome to bring their own treasured items to make their room more their own. The experienced team provide full-time nursing and residential care, short-term respite care and specialist dementia care.

Trymview Hall has just opened and is now accepting residents

Abbeyfield offers a blend of privacy and companionship

• careuk.com/care-homes/trymview-hall-southmead

Abbeyfield

Abbeyfield Bristol & Keynsham offers a wonderful alternative for those struggling to live on their own, and the perfect blend of privacy, support, independence and companionship. As a resident you rent your own self-contained flat and, because it’s situated within one of Abbeyfield’s houses, enjoy home-cooked meals, the freedom to come and go, time with new friends, or alone time when you want it. No more trying to maintain a home and garden, no more admin and bills to sort out; life becomes rather stress-free. There’s also no commitment to buy, thanks to a monthly all-inclusive rental fee, which includes bills. There’s a calendar of social events, and the reassurance that there is always a team member on hand. Abbeyfield has five retirement houses around the city, all with their own unique characters. The two ‘city’ houses in Redland and Henleaze are large Victorian residences, while Easter Compton offers a cottage-style house and Hanham is a purpose-built house overlooking the common. The Victorian house in central Keynsham has just undergone a refurbishment and all five houses enjoy lovely landscaped gardens that residents are welcome to help tend. Each is run by a manager and friendly team, including a handyman to help with any DIY, dedicated to ensuring the smooth running of the facilities, and general wellbeing of residents.

• abbeyfield.com

Wadswick Green

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Each Abbeyfield house has its own unique character and style

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RETIREMENT

two and three-bedroom apartments, in the heart of the Wiltshire countryside, is a vibrant over-60s community set among 25 acres of landscaped grounds with mature trees and wildlife ponds. The village is designed with your enjoyment and wellbeing in mind and is made up of people who really want to enjoy life to the full. Homes at Wadswick Green have an open-plan layout that creates an inviting atmosphere; kitchens are furnished with the latest appliances while the large living rooms have floor-to-ceiling double-glazed windows that make the most of the natural daylight and lead onto walk-on balconies with picturesque views. Be sure to check out the Pavilion, the hub of the village; with its coffee shop and restaurant, swimming pool and spa, gym and hair salon too, friends and family will love to visit.

The smart, modern, open-plan living spaces at Wadswick Green

• wadswickgreen.co.uk/retirement-village

Wadswick’s contemporary village

Create your home for life

Harold Stephens was set up to help retirees who are serious about their financial future and want a truly local, independent and friendly service.

We help our clients the old-fashioned way, on a face to face basis, in our lovely welcoming offices in Westbury on Trym High Street.

HMRC take over £5 billion in Inheritance Tax Receipts each year.

Why not ensure your family benefits from your estate and not the tax man?

To arrange a complimentary Inheritance Tax planning review with Richard Higgs (and a cup of tea and slice of cake)

Call us on 0117 3636212 or email office@haroldstephens.co.uk We look forward to welcoming you to our office: 50 High Street, Westbury on Trym, BS9 3DZ

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Very Best Wishes for the Festive Season From all the team at T H E

BRISTOL MAGAZINE

Advertisers Please Note: The Deadline for Receiving Copy for the January 2020 Issue is Wednesday December 11th

Telephone 0117 974 2800

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craftsmanship means FOCUSING ON FINE DETAILS AND TAKING THE TIME TO MAKE EVERY JOB OUTSTANDING

SEE CHECK A TRADER AND GOOGLE REVIEW FOR ★ RATINGS OPENING TIMES MONDAY – FRIDAY 8.00 AM – 5.00 PM SATURDAY 9.00 AM – 12.30 PM MARBLE SUPREME T: 0117 956 3030

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House & Home

THE

MAGAZINE

The city directory of small businesses that are big on service To be featured in this section call us on 0117 974 2800 or email sales@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

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

For a free initial consultation, contact Elly West

www.ellyswellies.co.uk ellyswellies@gmail.com • 07788 640934

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Advertise your Business in this space for as little as £50 per month.* * special offer: 6 months of ads for £300 ( ex VAT)

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GARDENING

The planting is kept simple to showcase the apples, with santolina, chives, rosemary and thyme, which would have been found in a 17th-century garden, featuring heavily

New life for a Somerset tradition Created in one sitting, rather than having evolved, there’s a logic to the ordered, meaningful gardens at The Newt – where there are hundreds of apple varieties and the ambition is to have the best-trained fruit in the country. Elly West reports

I

’ve visited many gardens over the years, but none quite like those recently created at The Newt in Somerset. With immaculate attention to detail and respect for the surrounding Somerset landscape at their heart, these beautiful gardens, designed by French architect Patrice Taravella, are a stunning example of what can be achieved with vision and no shortage of cash. This second point is worth emphasising as the investment here is nothing short of mindblowing. From the beautiful farm buildings in the entrance courtyard, to the vast Victorian-style glasshouse, through acres of meadow planted from turf, miles of mature hedging, thousands of trees, walling, cascades, fountains and ponds, no expense has been spared. All the more impressively, it’s been built and planted in such a short space of time, after being bought by South African billionaire telecoms magnate Koos Bekker and his wife Karen Roos in 2013.

Or perhaps ‘recreated’ is more accurate, as there is a long tradition of fine, innovative gardening on the 800-acre estate. Formerly Hadspen House, built in the late 17th century, it has been home to seven generations of the Hobhouse family, most recently garden writer and designer Penelope Hobhouse. The gardens she created were the subject of her book The Country Gardener, published in 1976. During the 1990s it was redesigned by Canadian couple Nori and Sandra Pope and for them it was all about colour, with vast flower beds featured in their Colour by Design book and inspiring gardens the world over, including the borders in my parents’ garden, which run from one colour through to another.

Now renamed The Newt, the hotel in the main house opened at the

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end of August, along with a restaurant headed by former River Cottage chef Ben Bulger, and the gardens have been open to the public since the spring. In true Somerset tradition, this estate is all about apples. It’s also a working cyder farm (yes, that’s cyder with a ‘y’), and there are orchards with more than 3,000 trees stretching to the horizon. There’s a cyder press, cellar, farm shop and café to explore, with cyder tours run daily – and, of course, the 30-plus acres of formal gardens completely replanted and redesigned by Taravella over the last five years.

I like the fact there’s a logic to this garden. Created in one sitting, rather than having evolved, it feels ordered and has meaning. The main focus and masterpiece of the estate is the walled Parabola Garden, originally created in 1790, but totally restored and replanted with a maze of paths and apple trees. Although still in its infancy, with the trees due to take perhaps another 15 years to reach the tops of the pergolas, it’s a beautiful piece of architecture and design with low, honey-coloured, curving limestone walls laid out in baroque style.

The apple trees are organised and arranged according to their county of origin, and trained every which way – cordons, espaliers, step-overs, spiral supports twisting up, around orbs and over pergolas. There are waterfalls and secret areas to discover, quirky topiary and meandering paths, all with order and form. The ambition is to have the best-trained fruit in the country, if not further afield, and to gain National Collection status, with 267 apple varieties in the Parabola garden alone.

“If you throw an apple, the shape it makes through the air is the basis for the Parabola Garden,” says gardener Dean Parsons, who showed me around one sunny autumn day. “It’s all about gravity – swirls, spirals

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GARDENING

and orbs. And we are constantly manipulating gravity and the capilliary action in the trees as we train them. Weaker branches are tied upwards and the stronger branches are tied down to even out the growth.”

Swathes of green underplant the trees. “The planting is kept very simple to really showcase the apples,” says Dean. Plants that would have been found in a 17th-century garden have been used. Santolina, chives, rosemary and thyme feature heavily, planted in large blocks to create green carpets that spread below the apples and overhang the walls. Wall space is maximised both within the Parabola Garden and on the outer perimeter, where more fruit trees including medlars, cherries, figs and blackcurrants are carefully fan-trained at regular intervals.

Although these gardens are brand new in their current form, history is key, with each area carefully planned and designed with a period and style of gardening in mind, so it feels like a journey through the ages. The new Victorian-style glasshouse is filled with citrus, cacti, ferns, proteas, bird of paradise and other tropical delights, and is a tribute to the great plant hunters of the time. There is also a Victorian Garden, which had recently been cleared when I visited, but will contain seasonal bedding plants again in spring. The Colour Gardens pay homage to the Popes and Penelope Hobhouse, while the Cottage Garden, complete with 200-yearold thatched cottage is inspired by Gertrude Jekyll, with a diverse blend of flowers and plants celebrating the Arts and Crafts movement.

My favourite area was perhaps the Cascade Garden, modern in style, with water flowing from a huge lily pond down through rills and over falls to a spot where a giant toad and her babies lurk. Watch out for these fun sculptures though, or you could get wet legs if you stop too close to their mouths. “For me this is the happiest garden, as there are always shrieks of laughter to be heard from visitors here,” Dean laughs.

Beyond are swathes of grasses to extend the season, again in a modern style, and looking particularly beautiful in the October sunlight on the day of my visit. The grass beds lead to the vegetable gardens in one direction and, in another direction, an enormous cloud-pruned yew hedge, which was brought in on 17 artic lorries and planted in three weeks last autumn.

An original Victorian bathing pond remains, and five more ponds have been created to provide homes for the thousands of newts that give the estate its new name. Dean explains how they erected ‘newt fences’ during the construction of the gardens, so the newts would follow the fence lines and drop into buckets, from which they could then be added to the ponds. I also learnt that newts have four toes on their front legs and five on their back legs, a fact that’s in evidence on the various newt sculptures around the gardens, even if you don’t get close enough to a live amphibian to check. ■ • The Newt in Somerset, near Bruton, is open all year round with daily garden and cyder tours; thenewtinsomerset.com

Plant of the month: Apple tree Every garden needs a tree of some description to add height, structure and a sense of permanence. An apple tree is a great choice, offering plenty of seasonal interest with blossom in spring, followed by fresh green leaves, plus edible fruits and autumn colour.

Apples are usually grafted on to a rootstock that controls their eventual size, so they are particularly suitable for small gardens where space is an issue, and can even be grown in decent-sized containers. They are also easy to train into different forms such as espaliers, so can be grown flat against a wall. Any time from late autumn to early spring is a good time to plant an apple tree, available bare-root during the dormant season, or containerised all year round. Crab apple, Malus ‘Red Sentinel’, is one of my favourites for its clouds of white blossom in spring and heavy crop of shiny red fruits, while old favourite ‘Cox’s Orange Pippin’ remains top of my list of dessert varieties.

• ellyswellies.co.uk

Create space with a garden room GARDEN OFFICES • LOG CABINS • STUDIOS • SUMMERHOUSES POSH SHEDS • TIMBER GARAGES • OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES

01225 774566 • www.gardenaffairs.co.uk Visit our Display Centre at Trowbridge Garden Centre 288 Frome Road, BA14 0DT THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

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DECEMBER 2019

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THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 89

KF PIF full Page December 19.qxp_PIF Full Page 18/11/2019 12:25 Page 1

BRISTOL PROPERTY | IN FOCUS

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umber 11 Pembroke Vale is a beautifully presented Victorian townhouse less than a mile from Clifton Village and bordering Clifton College, with uninterrupted views across The Close.

There are four floors of accommodation which offer a good deal of flexibility for entertaining guests. On the ground floor there are two reception rooms; an immaculate bay fronted drawing room spanning the width of the building, while the sunny kitchen/breakfast area, complete with bespoke appliances and modern electric Aga leads to a garden room which is fully glazed to one side allowing access to the garden and those College views.

The upper floors consist of five well-proportioned bedrooms with a number of luxurious showers and bathrooms. The chic bay fronted master suite boasts a bespoke walk-in dresser and contemporary bathrooms with his and hers vanity units a separate bath and en suite shower room.

Two more bedrooms can be found on this level with another two guest suites on the top floor.

At basement level, a comfy snug/family room and useful utility room complete the interior.

Outside there is a sunny, easily maintained rear garden overlooking the College playing fields and to the front there is parking for two vehicles.

This impressive, elegant home is for sale with agents Knight Frank Clifton.

PEMBROKE VALE, CLIFTON • 5 bedrooms with impressive master suite • Sunny kitchen/breakfast room with modern electric Aga • Glazed garden room • Views of Clifton College playing fields • Off-street parking for two vehicles

Guide price £1,595,000 Knight Frank, Regent House, 27A Regent Street, Clifton, Bristol. Tel: 0117 295 0425

90 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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DECEMBER 2019

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No 186

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Bristol & Clifton’s premier Commercial Property Agents Keep up-to-date with our latest news, deals, testimonials and market comment at our website: www.burstoncook.co.uk

(0117) 934 9977 255 HOTWELL ROAD

FULLY LET BRISTOL HMO

• Prominent position

• Recently refurbished

• 643 sq ft

• 8 Bedrooms

• Suit shop or office (stp)

• Rent £56,160 pax • Price - £650,000

• New lease – rent on application

BUSY SHOPPING CENTRE RETAIL UNIT

CLIFTON RESTAURANT

• Brimsham Park – serving highly populated residential area • C 500 sq ft • Only £16,000 pax • New flexi lease

• Clifton Village

35 OAKFIELD ROAD, CLIFTON

CLIFTON OFFICES THE MALL

• Ground floor office suite

• Two suites to rent

• Landmark corner unit

• Fitted and ready to trade • 1,400 sq ft • Only £26,000 pax

• Suite 1 – 336 sq ft Suite 2 – 1,627 sq ft

• 817 sq ft

• New lease – rent on application

• 2 car spaces • New lease ‘WAPPING WHARF BS1’

HARBOURSIDE – BS1

• Office floor to let

• Co working space in Grade A prime office

• 8,153 sq ft + 7 car spaces

• 20 / 25 desks

• Open plan

• Min 6 months

• Close to Wapping Wharf

• ‘Everything a business needs on tap’

PODVILLE OFFICES

‘CLIFTON / REDLAND’ OFFICES’

• A hub of 12 high spec shipping containers

• New contemporary studio style office suite • 1,635 sq ft + 5 car spaces • Light, bright space New lease – rent on application

• Each 4 – 6 desks • All inclusive • Ready to occupy

Julian Cook FRICS

Jayne Rixon MRICS

Burston Cook December.indd 1

Charlie Kershaw MRICS

Finola Ingham MRICS

Tom Coyte MRICS

Holly Boulton BSc(Hons)

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

• Rent reviews • Property Management • Investment Sales / Purchase • Development & Planning • Dilapidations Advice 20/11/2019 11:53

PRIME CITY BARS & RESTAURANTS THE RAM, PARK STREET, BS1 • Late 2.00 am alcohol licence

• Opening hours to 2.30 am

• Recent full top quality refit • 2,726 sq ft

• 2 bar areas + brasserie area • New lease

• Sensible rent

• Premium only £25,000!!

1 REGENT STREET, CLIFTON VILLAGE • Prominent corner position

• Close to Pizza Express, Bosco & Bar 44 • C1,500 sq ft

• Perfect for Bistro/Brasserie • Only £26,000 pax rent • No premium!!

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cjhole.co.uk

GRANGE PARK, HENLEAZE

PEMBROKE ROAD, CLIFTON

Positioned within the prestigious Grange Park, this substantial detached family home has recently been renovated to a very high specification with designer chinaware, Porcelanosa floor and wall tiles, underfloor heating and Sonos home entertainment system. Five large double bedrooms, three with en-suites. EPC C

A delightful hall floor apartment located in an enviable location in Clifton.

Conveniently situated, this apartment offers traditional 3m high ceilings, floor to ceiling sash windows and a number of period details throughout and makes an ideal purchase for professional and investment buyers alike.

EPC D

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5

GUIDE PRICE £1,450,000

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£250,000

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WOODLAND GROVE, STOKE BISHOP

SOUTHDOWN ROAD, WESTBURY-ON-TRYM

A well cared for and spacious five bedroom detached family home situated on the desirable Woodland Grove. Benefits include three individual reception rooms, lawned 22m family garden, off-street parking and is situated within close proximity to the shops and amenities of Stoke Lane and Westbury-onTrym. EPC E

A superbly presented four bedroom detached family home positioned on a quiet side road within Westbury-on-Trym. Benefitting from a dual aspect living room with bi-fold doors leading to garden, a delightful landscaped westerly facing family garden, integral garage and off-street parking for several vehicles. EPC D

3

2

5

£825,000

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GUIDE PRICE £700,000

NEW Clifton Office

Henleaze Office

Westbury-on-Trym Office

161 Whiteladies Road Clifton, BS8 2RF

108 Henleaze Road Henleaze, BS9 4JZ

25 Canford Lane Westbury-on-Trym, BS9 3DQ

Tel: 0117 962 9221

Tel: 0117 950 0118

Tel: 0117 435 1867 Clifton@cjhole.co.uk

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westbury@cjhole.co.uk

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Clifton, Bristol | Guide Price ÂŁ1,495,000 A fabulous Clifton townhouse of Georgian perfection; complete with superb period features, enclosed rear garden and off-street parking.

Elegant five-bedroom Grade II Listed family home of exquisite proportions | Beautifully refurbished by the current owners | Enclosed rear garden, front courtyard garden, canopied balcony & parking | Stunning first-floor drawing room suite & two further reception rooms | Open plan family kitchen and dining room | Five double bedrooms and three bath / shower rooms (two en-suite) | Superb retained period features throughout | Close proximity to several of Bristol’s leading independent schools | Catchment area for Christchurch Primary School | EPC: Exempt |

In all circa 3140 sq. ft (292 sq m.)

REDLAND BS6

SOLD

£1,200,000

CLIFTON BS8

SOLD

£1,200,000

REDLAND BS6

SOLD

£925,000

An exceptional four storey semi-detached Redland property.

Seven bedrooms and five bath/shower rooms, large kitchen breakfast room/conservatory with front and rear garden, outbuildings with light and power plus a converted garage to a home office.

A substantial seven bedroom family home with original charm and character displayed throughout. Views directly towards Durdham Downs with driveway and garage.

A five bedroom family home with period features throughout, private south facing garden and a driveway for two cars with garage.

STOKE BISHOP BS9

CLIFTON BS8

REDLAND BS6

SOLD

£850,000

SOLD

£850,000

A three bedroom detached family home. Light versatile interior with a spacious living space, south facing easy to maintain lawned garden, large driveway and benefits from a double garage with electric doors.

Spacious four double bedroom family home, with accommodation over four floors, within walking distance to Whiteladies Road. South facing enclosed rear garden.

KINGSDOWN BS2

CLIFTON B8

SOLD

£750,000

A four storey period town house offers a versatile and wellpresented interior, excellent central location close to Bristol University, Clifton and City Centre. The house is HMO credited.

0117 923 8238 Howard December.indd 1

SOLD

£675,000

A four storey architect designed home, three bedrooms one with en-suite shower room. Master bedroom featuring a balcony with beautiful views, kitchen/breakfast room, utility area, off street parking and courtyard to front and rear.

www.howard-homes.co.uk

SOLD

£825,000

A bay fronted Victorian house offers a versatile interior, currently arranged as a 6 bedroom home with HMO licence.

Excellent location within close proximity of the University.

STOKE BISHOP BS9

SOLD

£575,000

A three bedroom 1930s family home, two reception rooms plus kitchen/breakfast room, front paved driveway with parking for two cars and fabulous rear garden.

hello@howard-homes.co.uk 18/11/2019 12:53

WESTBURY PARK BS6 GUIDE PRICE £900,000

FAILAND BS8

A substantial Edwardian family home, situated close to the open expanse of the Durdham Downs. Five bedroom accommodation over three floors, highly sought after location. No onward chain.

EPC F

A generous four bedroom bungalow on a good size plot, lounge diner with an open fire, garden, kitchen breakfast room, utility room, parking for several cars and offered with no onward chain.

EPC D

A beautifully presented two bedroom Victorian house situated on the edge of The Downs. Living room with bay window and kitchen/breakfast room, well presented bathroom, utility, plus a cloakroom, attractive enclosed rear garden. EPC E

HABOURSIDE BS1

WESTBURY-ON-TRYM BS9

CLIFTON BS8

GUIDE PRICE

£525,000

A four storey Grade II Listed townhouse by Bristol’s floating Harbour, sitting room to the front plus a separate kitchen diner, three double bedrooms with stunning views from the top floor.

Enclosed rear courtyard garden plus front patio. No onward chain. EPC TBC

KINGSDOWN

TO LET

Three bedroom family home, south facing walled garden, roof terrace, wet room and shower room, allocated parking in a convenient location.

GUIDE PRICE

£600,000

GUIDE PRICE £459,950

A superior three double bedroom Dormer Bungalow, wellpresented gardens both front and rear, extensive driveway and detached garage with excellent cul-de-sac location. EPC D

REDLAND

TO LET

Two double bedrooms, separate kitchen with large diner/living room, amazing views, furnished and available now!

SNEYD PARK BS9 GUIDE PRICE £560,000

GUIDE PRICE

£485,000

A superior Clifton garden flat, with an attractive private walled garden set in Clifton Village with an extensive well-presented interior. EPC D

CITY CENTRE

TO LET

One double bedroom, great location opposite the SS Great Britain, beautiful finish throughout.

203 Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2XT

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