The Bristol Magazine July 2015

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THE

Issue 133

I

JuLY 2015

BRIST O L THE MAGAZINE FOR THE CITY OF BRISTOL

MAGAZINE £3.95 where sold

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

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THE | CONTENTS

JULY 2015 ISSUE 133

36 46 64 28 56 FOOD & DRINK

14 ZEITGEIST 5 things to do this month in Bristol

All the latest foodie news

58 BRISTOL AT WORK

16 THE CITYIST My Bristol, the buzz & the book review

Can you take the heat at Grillstock?

60 BRISTOL UPDATES

18 BARTLEBY

Local business news

Moving on up

64 SHAUN IN THE CITY

20 SOCIETY The city’s movers & shakers

Our woolly friend comes home

67 FREELANCE MUM

22 STYLE FILE Harriet de Winton packs for her hols

28 BRISTOL EXPLORERS Meet our city’s adventurers

86 PROPERTY PROFILE A Hy point

90 OUT IS IN Top products to help you make the most of your garden this summer

92 SEEDS OF HISTORY The Arnolfini Ballast Garden

94 GARDENING Life’s a bed of roses for Margaux Speirs

Finds her post-baby style

70 FAMILY FUN Things to do for the whole family

72 JENNY DARES

36 PURE GOLDIE Talks music, art, and loving Bristol

ON THE COVER

Abseiling the Avon Gorge

74 WRITTEN IN THE STARS

40 WHAT’S ON July events in and around the city

Goldie returns to Bristol to perform Timeless with The Heritage Orchestra.

Image © Leonie Blue

On a mission to Pluto

78 FIT & FAB

46 GET ON UP Upfest returns to Bedminster for 2015

50 ARTS & EXHIBITIONS The best shows to catch this month

Must-have holiday essentials

84 WALK A stroll round Laurie Lee’s Slad

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

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Clifton Charming Grade II Listed property (2,627 sq ft) with 2 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, master bedroom suite, 4 further bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Off-street parking, garage, enclosed gardens.

Guide price £1,195,000 Sneyd Park Immaculate period family home with gardens and parking. Drawing room, dining room, study, kitchen/breakfast room, 5 bedrooms (one with ensuite shower), family bathroom, parking and gardens. EPC D.

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Guide price £1,500,000 Lower Langford A detached 8-9 bedroom family house (9,133 sq ft) with wonderful views towards the Mendip Hills. The property benefits from large level gardens, tennis court, swimming pool, as well as pasture. In all about 2.07 acres.

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Guide price £995,000 Chew Magna Stunning detached house (3,718 sq ft) a short walk to the centre of the village. 2 receptions, kitchen, utility, 5 double beds (4 ensuite). Sun terrace, enclosed and mature gardens, integral double garage. EPC B.

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Guide price £985,000 Falfield A unique and spacious barn conversion (3,542 sq ft). Kitchen/breakfast room, 4 Reception rooms. 5 bedrooms (3 ensuite), family bathroom, galleried reception. Lawns and triple garage (948 sq ft). EPC E.

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Guide price £1,300,000 Lydart, Monmouth Stunning contemporary house (4,187 sq ft) with break taking views.

6 reception rooms, kitchen, 6 beds, 5 bath/shower rooms. Office, outbuildings, garaging, tennis court, gardens. In all about 8.6 acres. EPC G.

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I

t’s a big claim to make, readers, but I think this may be my favourite issue yet. This month, the magazine is jampacked with stunning features that capture the fearless attitude that lies at the heart of our city, and that of the brave people in it that dare to do things differently.

Take, for example, the group of Bristol explorers that our roving reporter Hannah Stuart-Leach met up with this month (p.

28). From traversing the Mongolian desert in an old banger, to cycling halfway across the world, to circumnavigating the UK in a tiny sailboat, these men and women epitomise the adventurous spirit for which Bristolians have long been famed.

You don’t have to travel the world to appreciate that there is something special about our city, though. All you need to do is look around you as you walk through the streets, and you’ll realise that you live in one of the largest free, outdoor art galleries in the world. And certainly one of the first. Graffiti put Bristol on the cultural map over 30 years ago, and from that movement was born an arts scene that is today one of the city’s greatest exports.

So it’s no wonder that Bristol is home to Europe’s biggest graffiti and street art festival. And after a year off in 2014, Upfest makes a much anticipated return this month, bringing with it 250 of the best local and global artists. From Saturday 25 – Monday 27 July, you’ll be able to watch these talented individuals paint live, transforming the streets of Bedminster and Southville – and our everyday urban landscape – in the process. I caught up with organiser, Steve, and a couple of the artists involved to find out what the festival means to them, and to the city (p. 46).

There’s another famous graffiti artist coming to Bristol this month, but when he does he’ll be wearing a different guise. Whether you recognize him as the godfather of drum and bass, the maestro, the artist or the movie icon, you’ll definitely know our cover star, Goldie. Ahead of the performance of his seminal album Timeless with The Heritage Orchestra on Saturday 25 July, I caught up with him to talk music, art, and why this city is so important to him (p. 36).

If you didn’t manage to buy your tickets to the gig before they sold out, don’t despair. On Wednesday 1 July we’ll be running a competition online that offers two lucky readers the chance to win a pair of tickets to watch Goldie perform, and then attend the after party in the Colston Hall. To enter, visit: www.thebristolmag.co.uk These events are just the tip of the iceberg of what you’ll find inside this issue, and of all the things you can do in Bristol this month. If you’re a culture vulture, then head to the Harbourside Festival (Friday 17 – Sunday 19 July); if you’re up for a laugh, the Magners Comedy Garden is for you (Wednesday 8 – Sunday 12 July); or if food is more your thing, better snap up some tickets to Grillstock sharpish (Saturday 11 & Sunday 12 July).

But remember, wherever you go and whoever you see that inspires you – whether it’s a heroic adventurer, an incredible artist or an outstanding musician – they are all just regular people who simply chose to stand up and do what they believed in. That attitude, to me, is Bristol through and through. And that’s why I love this city…

Happy reading!

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ZEITGEIST

The top

5

things to do in JULY

Laugh a minute

F Get your pride on

rom Wednesday 8 – Sunday 12 July, the magnificent Magners Bristol Comedy Garden is taking over Queen Square. As well as a legendary line-up of comedians appearing in the Big Top, you’ll also find even more comedy in the new Apple Top venue. You can satisfy your comedy cravings on a feast of shows from the likes of Stewart Lee, Adam Buxton, Mark Watson, Sean Lock and Nina Conti. There’ll also be bars, live music, street food, a Cajun inspired pop up restaurant and lots more besides. Ticket prices vary, for more information visit: www.bristolcomedygarden.co.uk

On Saturday 11 July Bristol Pride returns to Castle Park. An exciting outdoor music and arts event, Pride Day features entertainment from the best local talent, as well as international artists, cabaret, dance and roaming performances across the festival site. There’s also a family area and lots of food and market stalls to explore. Around Pride Day is a week long festival, running from Saturday 4 – Sunday 12 July during which there will be a range of events taking place all over the city, including a comedy night, theatre with curated performances, LGBT history night, and the return of the much loved Pride dog show. For more info visit: www.pridebristol.co.uk

Make a splash Grab your sou’wester – two blue whales are swimming in to Millennium Square this month!

From Friday 17 July, you’ll be able to see this beautiful art installation that is one of several Arts Council supported projects to mark our city’s year as European Green Capital. Representing the beauty of ocean life – and the growing human threats to it – the sculpture has been created from sustainable Somerset willow and will swim in an ‘ocean’ of 70,000 plastic bottles collected from sources across the city. You can also record your very own virtual message in a bottle about your hopes for the future of the oceans, that will be played in the digital ocean for all to hear, at: bit.ly/bristolwhales

Mark Watson

Yee-haw

Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell © David McLister

St George’s Bristol and Bristol Music Trust present the Bristol Americana Weekend, from Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 July. The festival will present some of the best roots artists touring today, including Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell, Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham, Larking Poe, and Police Dog Hogan. So what are you waiting for? Zip up your jeans, pull on your cowboy boots, order a bourbon at the bar and kick back with some great music. Tickets are available from St George’s box office on tel: 0845 402 4001 or visit: stgeorgesbristol.co.uk, or from Colston Hall box office on tel: 0844 887 1500 or online at: www.colstonhall.org

Bristol Harbour Festival 2015

Artist’s impression of one of the whales

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The city’s biggest free festival is set to transform the historic harbourside from Friday 17 – Sunday 19 July. Wander down the cobbled streets and enjoy over a mile of entertainment including dance, music, kiddies’ activities, circus performances and on-water stunts. Visit the festival markets in Queen Square and do your shopping to the soundtrack of live world music, amuse your little ones in the dedicated children’s area on College Green, or watch some dance in the amphitheatre. For more information, visit: www.bristolharbourfestival.co.uk

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ist

THE CITY THE BUZZ

My BRISTOL We ask Nicola Masters, director at Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal what she’s doing this month...

Bristol’s Sports Day On Saturday 1 August College Green will be transformed into a hub of sporting activity. Race your friend in a traditional egg and spoon race, or challenge your family members to some football skills. There’s also basketball, cycling, individual fitness challenges, Stand UP Paddleboarding, golf, lacrosse and body balance. The event is free to attend and open to all of Bristol’s community. It will focus on health and wellbeing and aims to encourage a healthy and active lifestyle.

Surrounding the sports day activity space will be a variety of trade stands from local businesses, offering healthy food and drink, sportswear and various other sports and health services. For more information visit: parkstreetevents.com

The dog days are over...

The National Theatre’s multi award-winning production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is coming to Bristol Hippodrome from Tuesday 4 – Saturday 8 August. It tells the story of 15 year old Christopher, who finds his neighbour’s dog dead after being speared with a garden fork. He records each fact in the book he is writing to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington. Until now, he has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched and he distrusts strangers. But his detective work, forbidden by his father, takes him on a frightening journey that upturns his world.

Tickets: £11.90 – £38.90, available from the box office on tel: 0844 871 3012 or visit: www.atgtickets.com

What brought you to Bristol?

I’m a proud Bristolian, born and raised in Redland and although work took me away from the city for a few years, I couldn’t wait to come back.

What are you reading?

To Kill a Mockingbird (well, actually re-reading) a classic that never fails to grip me every time I read it.

What’s on your MP3 player?

A mixed bunch which changes all the time, currently Lily Allen, Ellie Goulding, Maroon 5, Basement Jaxx.

Which café or restaurant takes your fancy?

Our office is in central Bristol so we have lots of restaurants within a short walk – Rosemarino, Zero Degrees and Colston Yard. But you can’t beat Hart’s Bakery at Temple Meads.

Favourite watering hole?

In the summer, the view from terrace at the White Lion Bar at the Avon Gorge Hotel looking towards the Suspension Bridge is amazing.

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

Film. We have a fantastic local independent cinema close by, The Orpheus – which is always a firm favourite with the family.

Which museum or gallery will you be visiting?

My annual favourite in Bristol is the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the Mshed.

What local event will you be attending?

After the Shaun in the City trail this month, I’m looking forward to The Great Sheep Round Up which runs from 12 – 20 September at the Mall Cribbs Causeway. It will be the only opportunity in Bristol to see all 120 Shaun in the City sculptures together before they are auctioned in aid of sick children in hospital.

Favourite local walk?

I live in north west Bristol so we have some lovely parks nearby, Redland Park and Cotham Gardens. I’m lucky enough to have the Downs just a stone’s throw away, so I love exploring all the Downs has to offer, from the goats to the peregrines at the Sea Walls.

Any projects/work in progress?

As with Gromit Unleashed, Shaun in the City keeps me pretty busy and is a great project to work on, but doesn’t leave much time for special projects… until we think about our next trail that is!

For further details visit: shauninthecity.org.uk or: www.grandappeal.org.uk

BOOK OF THE MONTH...

A Song for Ella Grey by David Almond £6.99 (Hodder) This is the most beautifully-written, haunting book for young adults that I have ever read. In part an exquisite retelling of the myth of Orpheus and Euridyce, in part a very modern love story, it has much to say to readers of all ages. Claire and Ella are seventeen. They are grappling with A levels and “the delightful trouble of growing up”. Their story, recounted by Claire, is a poetic evocation of this time: of relationships with friends and family, of the city of Newcastle, the wild Northumberland coast, studying and partying. Told with honesty and immediacy, this is a book to make you believe England’s “far-flung” North can really become Italy and Greece. With summer holidays on the horizon, this book is top of my list of recommended reading for the long, lazy days ahead. Reviewed by Kathryn Atkins of the Durdham Down Bookshop, tel: 0117 973 9095 or visit: www.durdhamdownbooks.co.uk

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THE

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

A roof of one’s own

I

might have mentioned before that in the ten or more years we have lived at Bartleby Towers, scaffolding has been an almost constant presence. I don’t mean at our house, thankfully, but somewhere on the street. It isn’t a particularly long road, either, which suggests either that the whole street was neglected for many years, or that the current occupants feel the investment in new roofing is worth it. Or both.

Chances are all the roofs were fixed last during the previous period of relative prosperity – whenever that was – so that they’re all starting to leak at the same time. But that’s how life goes, through cycles of decline and renewal. Come to think of it there are four new babies within a hundredyard radius of BT, and what with their caterwauling and the roofers’ singing (they’re a few doors down at present) there’s quite a hubbub. I like that – it shows the place is alive – and I’ve become quite a connoisseur of scaffolding too. There’s something pleasing about a simple scaffold, usually with a rope and pulley for bringing up tiles – a design used since anyone can remember.

This is a purely subjective observation, but scaffolders seem to communicate only by shouting, which perhaps has something to do with working outdoors. They work incredibly fast but with immense care, and when a scaffold is finished it looks as though it could stay there forever. I did once fantasise about getting one of those tremendous ‘up and over’ scaffolds put on top of the house, then using it as a spare room – a tent in the sky.

In domestic terms, those are the most impressive examples of the genre, the expanses of white sheeting like sails billowing above the street. But they do have the unfortunate effect of concealing the work that is going on.

❝

I DID FANTASISE ABOUT GETTING ONE OF THOSE TREMENDOUS ‘UP AND OVER’ SCAFFOLDS AND USING IT AS A SPARE ROOM

❞

Like putting up scaffolding, replacing a roof is I think an underappreciated activity. We all need a roof, like we need drains, but perhaps resent spending money on something so unglamorous. Yet I have nothing but admiration for anyone who will willingly spend the day thirty feet off the ground, working with heavy, awkward materials in all weathers. I was once showing a roofer a broken tile, via a skylight, when he suddenly jumped through the window and went trotting around the roof (which is about fifty feet up at the back of the house) – wearing the world’s oldest pair of Dunlop plimsolls.

The men working down the street at the moment have a similarly devilmay-care attitude. Like the scaffolders they are quite shouty, and with their loud singing and multitudinous tattoos they look and sound a bit like a crew of pirates repairing their vessel before setting out on a voyage.

I was thinking about this on my way to the Watershed the other day. It was one of those classic Bristol Saturdays, with the Harbourside covered in marquees and gazebos for some event, and thousands of people milling about. There had been a lovely old Cornish fishing boat moored outside Arnolfini for a while, but that was gone, and with all the people eating ice creams it was hard to imagine the old port beneath the modern tourist destination.

Then a family came along, dressed to the nines as pirates. Actually Dad looked rather more like Adam Ant as Dandy Highwayman, but Mum was a perfect swashbuckler. There was a little boy who may or may not have had a toy flintlock pistol, and even a baby in a black piratical pram. So over-thetop was this whole parade that I half expected Johnny Depp to come leaping off the deck of the MV Balmoral. But the truth is, most pirates looked nothing like pirates. They were just sailors trying to make a living in difficult times, men with tattoos and loud voices, who went about their work and were unafraid. n 18 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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Acting Editor Tel: Email:

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

Deputy Editor Email:

Georgette McCready georgette@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Website Editor Email:

Lauren Morris lauren@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Production Manager Email:

Jeff Osborne production@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Publisher Email:

Steve Miklos steve@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Advertising Sales

Kathy Williams Sue Parker Liz Grey

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

Jane Miklos jane@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

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

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

THE

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

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BRISTOL | SOCIETY

PEOPLE & PARTIES Snapshots from events, parties and launches in the city

Reach for the stars

E

xecutive Search Firm Moon Consulting were joined by 90 business leaders from across the South West and Wales to celebrate their 15th Anniversary at the newly renovated 3D Planetarium in Bristol.

Moon Consulting, who recruit board level candidates and provide strategic consultancy services into some of the region's top businesses, treated their guests to a powerful presentation by VIP speaker Monty Halls, a former Marine and leadership specialist as well as a 3-D tour of our solar system and some of its amazing constellations, moons and planets. www.moonconsulting.co.uk

L_R: Bill Heaney, Rebecca Gripton, Jane Aggio and Darren Eyles

An electric evening

A

ward-winning housebuilder Crest Nicholson has raised over £39,000 for Variety at its bi-annual South West charity ball.

The evening took place on the Grand Pier in Weston Super Mare with over 600 attendees from businesses and organisations across the region, and featured exciting performances from Impact Artists, as well as live music from Hot Chocolate, and a number of fundraising activities, including a charity auction hosted by local comedian Andy Ford to raise much needed funds for Variety. www.crestnicholson.com Vanessa Moon, director of Moon Consulting

Time well spent

M

etcalfes Solicitors raised a toast when Kay McCluskey and Anthony Heath, both partners, and Rachel Eyers, senior legal executive, celebrated 25 years at the firm.

All three were presented with engraved silver pens and Fortnum & Mason hampers. David Boniface, senior partner, said: “It is great to see three such dedicated, expert lawyers choosing to stay at Metcalfes for so many years. It shows it’s a brilliant place to work.” www.metcalfes.co.uk

Celebrations at the Zoo

T

he Lord Lieutenant of Bristol, Mrs Mary Prior, has become the first patron of Ablaze, the Bristol education charity, which is driven by business volunteers to raise aspirations and skill levels to promote social mobility in young people in local schools.

Ablaze was honoured to receive the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service which is the equivalent of the MBE for individuals. The Lord Lieutenant announced the award at a special 10th year anniversary celebration event at Bristol Zoo. www.ablazebristol.org Anthony Heath, Kay McCluskey and Rachel Eyers

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A Silver and Tiger Eye Torque Collar designed

by Per Davik for Alton, Sweden, 1975, £245

JOHN

KELLY

1880+

John Kelly 1880+ in association with Dragon Workshops, Clifton, presents a selection of Post War British and Scandinavian silver and jewellery from Wednesday 1st of July until Saturday 1st of August.

A Silver and Enamel Brooch,

by David Lawrence Silverware, Birmingham 1963, £160

A celebration of modernist design and the rise and influence of the Scandinavian ‘look’ from the 1950’s through to the 1970’s will be on display and for sale at the Dragon Workshops.

This is an opportunity to acquire pieces by some of the most significant and desirable designers and artisans from the second half of the 20th century.

E mail: johnkelly1880@yahoo.co.uk • Web Site: www. johnkelly1880.co.uk Or contact the Dragon Workshop, 47 Princess Victoria Street, Clifton, Bristol @johnkelly1880 Tel: 0117 973 2656 John Kelly 1880+ Open hours Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm

Engagement Rings Wedding Rings Wedding Gifts

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

History, Tradition & Quality the only Kemps Jewellers since 1881 9 Calton Court, Westbury on Trym, Bristol, BS9 3DF

www.kempsjewellers.com

0117 950 5090 WWW.THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

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BRISTOL | FASHION

No one wants to stick out like a tourist when abroad

Harriet wears: Nathalie Vleeschouwer dress, £171; rafia wedges, £160.

Both available from Grace and Mabel, 17 Regent Street, BS8 4HW. Visit: www.graceandmabel.co.uk Main image © Amanda Thomas, www.amandthomasphotographer.co.uk, taken at St Vincents, Clifton, www.stvincentsrestaurant.com Hair: Ella Hawkey at Atelier, www.atelierclifton.co.uk Makeup: Shari Knowles, shariknowles84@hotmail.com 22 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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BRISTOL | FASHION

STYLE FILE Heading off on your summer hols? Harriet de Winton is on hand with tips to stay on trend in any destination

T

cigarette pants, pumps, a breton top, red lipstick and a healthy dose of ennui.

Nowadays European style is as eclectic and wild as it is refined and elegant, giving you plenty of choice for your holiday wardrobe.

I found this outfit at Clifton boutique Grace and Mabel. Run by three sisters with an eye for design, it is a must visit for exciting designer labels and creative independents. The light and airy interior is a wonderful blank canvas for the pops of colour and detail on its exquisite items. The retro nuance of the blush red and pale blue on this outfit sum up gloriously sunny palettes and remind me of The Italian Job boiler suits, and Summer Holiday’s preppy ensembles. And of course, you’ll need a pair of sunglasses. If you’re anything like me, you’ll get through a few pairs a year: lost, scratched etc. Therefore I don't tend to spend a lot on sunglasses, but I’ve got a fantastic fashion fix to turn a pair of basic sunnies into a covetable Euro-chic accessory... n

he Summer Holidays are a time to relax and kick back. Us Brits have got ourselves a rather poor sartorial reputation across Europe for our inclination to relax a bit too much and let the style stakes slip in the heat and humidity. Although we Brits are Europeans, when I think of ‘European style’ I look to France, Spain, Italy and Denmark for a taste of that quintessential savoir faire.

No one wants to stick out like a tourist when abroad, a little research into local fashion can go a long way to blending in with the locals. It just so happens that my current style crushes are Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday and Gwyneth Paltrow in The Talented Mr Ripley. Both are natural beauties with a crisp retro holiday style, who strike a smart balance between classic tailoring and casual resort wear.

Traditionally, this kind of Parisian chic was confined to a uniform of cropped

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Striped dress, £19.99, H&M www.hm.com

5 Floppy hat, £19.95, GAP ww.gap.co.uk

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Rucksack, £29.99, Zara www.zara.com

Khakis, £39.95, GAP www.gap.co.uk

3 Sandals, £35.99, Mango www.mango.com

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Emily & Fin dress, £68, Amulet www.amuletboutique.co.uk

5 MINUTE FASHION FIX

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

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

Super-cool sunnies With many sunnies adorned with pineapples, flowers and diamante peace signs this summer, I decided I'd still like to see out of my lenses so looked elsewhere to get some individuality and flex my crafting muscle. A little less in your face, this sunglasses personalisation will stay in fashion for more than the summer holiday season.

To decorate the sides of your sunglasses in a chic, sleek way, choose a patterned paper or stickers. Stickers work well as you don't have to get messy with glue and you can trim off the edges with a scalpel. I got a fabulous vintage travel sticker set from Father Christmas this year but I've been wondering how best to use them. I think I've cracked it with these sunnies – stylish and well travelled in one!

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BRISTOL | FASHION

Pack up

FLORAL SEPARATES Bold blooms are a big trend for Summer 2015, with designers like Henry Holland and Victoria Beckham showing top-to-toe floral looks on the catwalk. On the high street, Oasis and Warehouse both have extensive collections of prints to choose from – invest in separates, which you can then combine with plain block colours, whites or clashing prints, as well as wearing as matching sets on holiday. Speziale dress by Per Una at Marks & Spencer £99

ANDGO

The Mall at Cribbs Causeway’s stylist shows you how to make holiday packing easy

Whether you’re living it up in Ibiza or chilling by the beach in Greece, we’ve got your summer holiday capsule wardrobe sorted. If you’re one of those people who regularly goes over their baggage allowance, or has to sit on a suitcase to zip it, listen up! While it’s tempting to try and cram in all your favourite items, with a bit of smart shopping you can make sure you have a complete set of looks to take you through your holiday without packing your whole wardrobe.

A good rule of thumb is that to earn its place in your suitcase, each item should be able to be worn at least three different ways. To get you started, here are the key items that should make up your capsule wardrobe…

Hothouse floral crop top £30 from Oasis

BEACH BAG You might think you need 100 handbags, but in actual fact the one you’ll probably wear for most of the holiday is your beach bag, so why not invest in a pretty one that works as a handbag as well?

Waterproof fabric is a musthave, and leather handles will make it look less ‘beachy’ and more handbag-like when you do want to wear it in town.

Rita tote bag £́69 by Fiorelli at John Lewis

SHINY CLUTCH As well as your beach bag, you’ll need something smaller for the evening. We suggest a metallic clutch – it’s small, easy to pack and will work with lots of different colours, so you’ll only ever need one. Belissimo clutch £59 from Dune

METALLIC FLATS If you really want to make the most of your baggage allowance, the first shoe in your case should be a super comfortable pair of jewelled flats. They’re a fabulous day-to-night shoe and will go with just about any outfit you can think of.

Karper sandal £65 from Dune

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THAT’S A WRAP Pashmina might sound like the name of someone from Made in Chelsea, but actually it’s what we call a simple wrap of fabric.

This can be worn as a sarong over your bikini on the beach, or as a scarf on the plane, and if you learn the right technique, you can even wrap it into a halter top to wear over shorts.

Multi-purpose chic for every occasion. Pom Pom sarong from Phase Eight £39.00

ASIAN FLAVOUR This season’s must-have cover up is a kimono.

They’ve got a slight 70s vibe about them, which offers an instant SS15 update to any holiday look you’re working.

Wear it over a bikini and shorts in the day, or on top of a simple dress in the evening for added ‘wow’ factor. Monochrome embroidered kimono £39 from Accessorize

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BRISTOL | FASHION

Get the look from Accessorize with Balinese print beach wear

SUNNIES SIDE UP You can’t go on holiday without a pair of statement sunglasses.

They can totally transform a holiday outfit.

Find a patterned or coloured pair that you love and work it! Nadine square glasses £15 from Accessorize

BIKINI MIXERS You don’t necessarily need to pack a bikini for every day you’re away. Instead, why not choose two that work well as separates to mix and match? Choose one patterned and one plain bikini in a contrasting colour and you’ll actually have four swimsuits. Ali set in red £64 from Phase Eight and Nautical metallic bandeau top £́15 and brief £14 from Accessorize

GOLDEN RULE A good rule of thumb is that to earn its place in your suitcase, each item should be able to be worn at least three different ways. If you can’t combine it that easily, ditch it for something that does.

Bon voyage!

BLOCK HEELS If you’ve only got room for one pair of dressy shoes, make it a block heel. This season is all about the 70s trend, and block heels are a comfortable and chic way to style up your maxi dresses and LBDs for the evening.

Pure £60 from Office

DENIM JACKET AND SHORTS

TRILBY Miranda Kerr is a big fan of trilbys and wears hers with just about every outfit combination imaginable, from maxi dresses, to shorts and T-shirts. This is a great holiday staple that’ll keep the sun off and mix well with all your outfits. Trilby £9.99 from New Look

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Denim shorts and a denim jacket are both great things to have in your holiday suitcase, since they work well with lots of items and, because this season is all about double denim, you can now wear them together too.

Denim Jacket £30 from Next, Shorts £17.99 from New Look

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BRISTOL | EXPLORERS

GET OUT THERE Three Bristol explorers share their expedition stories and thoughts on the power of adventure, by Hannah Stuart–Leach

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hen John Cabot set off in The Matthew from Bristol in 1497, embarking on a quest to find Asia, he set the bar high. Like any great expedition the tale of his treacherous journey across the Atlantic was full of highs and lows, but it also had unexpected discovery at the end – North America.

No doubt he would be proud to see his adventurous spirit alive and well in the city today – at every level. From headline hitters such as Andy Torbet, who is known for taking on some of the most extreme challenges around including a HAHO (High Altitude High Opening) jump from 28,000 feet above the Arizona desert, to ordinary folk just looking to push personal boundaries.

Here three local adventurers tell us about their inspirational experiences and explain what adventure means to them...

DAN WEDGWOOD Dan is managing director of Bedminster-based thrill-seekers, The Adventurists. They run old school adventures, rallies and races in ‘a bid to make the world less boring’. His expeditions with them include driving a Nissan Micra from London to Ulaanbaatar as part of the Mongol Rally.

Who are The Adventurists?

We run adventures ranging from the Mongol Rally, driving tiny cars from the UK to Mongolia, through to the Rickshaw Run, in tuk tuks across India, and our newest edition, the world’s longest paramotoring race along the west coast of the USA. We believe the world has become sanitised – guide books have taken the mystery out of adventure. Because the maps don’t have edges anymore and you can find so much information from your armchair before you leave, you have to make life difficult to find proper adventure these days.

What made you set up shop in Bristol?

My girlfriend was visiting me at Swansea University, saw the pastel houses of Bristol from the train and decided that was enough information to come and study here. I quickly realised Bristol was a far better choice than London as a place to live, moved here and met the founder of The Adventurists – Tom Morgan – who was about to turn his hobby into a company. I quit my sensible job and agreed to help him.

Tell us about your most epic adventure to date…

My friend Ben and I did the Mongol Rally back in 2005 when it had just started. We drove a 1 litre Nissan Micra from London to Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, over 28 days via Kazakhstan. We drove over 7,000 miles in 28 days through some really random places and on some of the worst roads in the world at that time. Most of Western Mongolia was dirt tracks and is by far the best place for a road trip on the planet – no bitumen road or mountain pass matches up to driving across the steppe out there.

What does fear mean to you?

Anyone who says they’re fearless is lying. Fear keeps you alive when you get cocky, over confident or make stupid decisions.

Main image (overleaf) and all those on this page are from Dan’s adventures on the Mongol Rally

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YOU HAVE TO MAKE LIFE DIFFICULT TO FIND PROPER ADVENTURE THESE DAYS – DAN WEDGWOOD

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Where does the inspiration for your trips come from?

We try and create a modern version of walking off the edge of the map.

Our adventures are all dangerous, there’s no getting round it, and the running theme is glorious chaos. They’re either very long, physically gruelling or downright ridiculous.

What do you think makes a good Adventurist?

We look for people who get excited by the unknown and like the idea of setting off with no plan. The kind of people who enjoy not knowing what will happen next, where they’ll sleep or if they’ll even reach the finish line of the adventure.

How can people in Bristol join in the fun?

We’re just about to run our first ever sea-going adventure, racing traditional Ngalawas up the coast of Tanzania – there are spots available for 2016. Closer to home we’ve got our own bar in our warehouse in Bedminster and we’re going to host Friday after work beers at the end of each month - anyone in Bristol who fancies a bit of adventure or just wants to meet other adventurers is welcome. www.theadventurists.com

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BRISTOL | EXPLORERS

BELINDA KIRK Belinda broke a world record with her all-women team, circumnavigating Britain non-stop and unassisted in a rowing boat over 52 days. In 2008 she set up Explorers Connect, a community for adventurers that now has over 20,000 members.

What brought you to Bristol?

I went to school here, and after travelling extensively returned to work for the BBC NHU. I love this place; it’s one of Britain's adventure capitals with such a wide range of wilderness so close, from climbing in the Gorge to caving in the Mendips.

What inspired your circumnavigation of Britain?

I decided to do it because I knew next to nothing about being at sea.

I had done expeditions all my adult life but wasn't feeling challenged.

I knew I needed to step outside my comfort zone.

Was there a time you thought you couldn't achieve your goal?

There were quite a few times I thought we might not achieve it – but that was the point. The worst bit was when I realised just how invisible we were to other boats, and we nearly got run-down on a couple of occasions. We had to cross huge shipping lanes day and night, like a tortoise trying to cross a motorway.

How did you feel when you finished?

Completely alive. There’s this pretty unattractive photo of me on the boat with my gob wide open screaming in delight as we row in under Tower Bridge, the end point (for some reason it looks like I’m missing teeth – I mean it’s really unattractive and I do have all my own teeth).

But it sums up that moment completely.

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ADVENTURE IS A RIGHT, AND WE NEED IT AS MUCH AS WE NEED FRESH AIR TO BREATH – BELINDA KIRK

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Main image: Belinda and her team meet a giant cruise liner off the coast of Orkney Inset: Tower Bridge marks the end of an epic journey

What motto do you live by?

Dare to fail. I think life is most exciting when you are pushing yourself beyond what you know. That is when you feel most alive, win or lose.

If you never try you have lost already.

Have you always been adventurous?

Growing up on Alderney Island until I was 10, I was allowed to run free – and I did. The word my parents used was ‘feral’! That’s why I’m so passionate about helping kids, young people, everyone get outdoors. Adventure is a right: we need it as much as we need fresh air to breathe. Risk, failure, adventure – it’s what makes us all feel alive.

How can new explorers get started?

Join Explorers Connect – www.explorersconnect.com. It’s free to join and is a good first step if you fancy going on an adventure but are not sure where to start. We have monthly social events in Bristol where you can meet adventure-minded people and listen to amazing expedition stories by guest speakers. There’s also Base Camp Festival (www.basecampfestival.co.uk) in September, Britain’s first over-18s adventure festival. You can try new outdoor adventures then dance under the stars to live music.

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BRISTOL BRISTOL || EXPLORERS EXPLORERS

NATHAN JONES Nathan travelled from Bristol to Tokyo by bicycle – a 13-month long journey via Europe, the Balkans and Central Asia.

Please introduce yourself.

Hi, I’m Nathan. I went to school in Bristol and, after being away for a decade, returned a couple of years ago to study nursing.

Have you always been adventurous?

I’ve always had energy, so I think I was pushed towards activities such as scouts to help burn some of it off, which in turn nurtured any adventurous spirit.

Why did you decide to ride to Tokyo?

I always wanted to travel under my own steam from my front door, to see a slow change in culture, feel the gradient of the earth, the seasons on my body and meet people who live in the places in between – the towns and villages that are not famous or large tourist destinations. On a bicycle you are not a great display of wealth, nor are you intimidating, if anything you are quite vulnerable so people approach you.

How did friends and family react when you announced you were setting off?

I think people were excited about having the excuse to come and see me in countries they would not have visited otherwise.

How prepared would you say you were?

Not very – I left a year before I originally intended and it was my first cycle tour, so I had a lot to learn on the road.

What was the most challenging point of the journey?

The physical and mental challenge of riding through my first desert – the Kyzylkum in Uzbekistan. The large distances, poor quality roads, headwinds and visa deadlines made it a great, but exhilarating challenge.

And your most treasured moments?

Watching a Buzkashi match in the mountains of Tajikistan. A game that sees two teams of men on horseback play a game that is part polo, part rugby, part Lord of the Rings, using a dead goat as a ball.

What was the most important life lesson the trip taught you?

There are good people everywhere, do not listen to the scaremongers.

What would you say to any would-be adventurers?

A great adventure is on your doorstep. It will never be the right time to begin, you will never have enough experience, money or time in which to do it. If you feel intimidated by what you want to do, that is a good sign. It does not mean you are weak or afraid, it means you are thinking of a real adventure for you.

Images document Nathan’s incredible cycle from Bristol to Tokyo, passing through every terrain from forest to snowcapped mountain

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BRISTOL | EXPLORERS

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IF YOU FEEL INTIMIDATED BY WHAT YOU WANT TO DO, THAT’S A GOOD SIGN – NATHAN JONES

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THE | INTERVIEW

THE ALCHEMIST Ahead of performing his seminal album Timeless with the Heritage Orchestra on 25 July, Goldie talks to Jenny Hayes about music, art, and creating a legacy

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THE | INTERVIEW

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oldie is a creative shape-shifter, a man composed of many elements – the artist, the TV personality, the movie star, the DJ and, of course, the musician. And he can mutate with ease between them all. As a musician, we’ve watched him transpose from drum and bass trailblazer to classical maestro, gaining widespread critical acclaim in the process.

Now the alchemist is adding a drop of classical magic to his seminal drum and bass album, Timeless, bringing together the two genres and bulldozing through traditional boundaries in the process. Bristol is the only city outside London where he’ll be performing this landmark collaboration with The Heritage Orchestra, so TBM caught up with him to find out why...

JH: Hi Goldie.

G: Yo! Hello.

JH: Thanks for chatting to TBM this month. We’re really looking forward to watching you perform Timeless with The Heritage Orchestra, and seeing how you’ve brought together classical music and drum and base.

G: For me, that was always the main objective of this project. Because when you look at something like Timeless or Mother, they are classicist impressionisms of things that could be.

JH: I can see that. Timeless is as complex and multi-layered as a classical symphony. But didn’t you write it before you’d had much contact with classical music?

G: That’s a misconception. Björk had introduced me to Gorécki, Dudamel and Japanese composers way before, and that stuck within me and within my music. I’ve always been familiar with Judie Tzuke’s Stay With Me ‘Till Dawn, which has an amazing string section at the back, and listened to people like Emerson, Lake and Palmer, so I already had that aspect of music. I only imitated what I’d picked up, whether it was Steel Pulse for the reggae influence, or sound systems, or B-Boy breaks from Kool G Rap and Polo. That’s what alchemy does, it takes ingredients and turns them into gold.

I think that you have to go back to go forward with new music genres if they are going to stand on any kind of foundation. If you are playing from legacy, subconsciously you will create legacy. In doing that, Timeless was far ahead of its time. And it lends itself to a type of performance that can be expanded in notation far more than anything else that’s come out of drum and bass, to be honest, purely because of the amount of musicality that it has.

This project is about notation. It’s about spreading the music thoroughly through the orchestra and having people understand how to play differently so that the whole becomes something that is far more powerful.

JH: And how has that process of orchestrating Timeless been for you?

G: It’s very easy to get the string section of an orchestra to play anything, and it sounds great. That’s why, nine times out of ten, when you orchestrate an electronic piece most of the orchestra will be idle. This project is about working with the whole orchestra and experimenting with what we can get it to do.

JH: So it was pure experimentation that determined what each instrument could bring to Timeless?

G: Well, Chris Wheeler is a bit of a boy genius in himself, so between him and Matt Calvert we kind of knew what would sound good. So I’d give them the nod and say ‘I want to make sure the brass section is really going at it in this piece of music’, or with another track say ‘I want it to be really string heavy’, or ‘I want a flautist within that’. That’s what I like about this project, the inversion and the way it’s about looking at what else we can do with the music and the orchestra.

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THE | INTERVIEW

Both images © Chelone Wolf

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THE | INTERVIEW

❝ IT’S IMPORTANT FOR US TO UNDERSTAND THE WRITTEN WORD. I WRITE MY OWN LYRICS. I WRITE MY OWN SONGS. I WRITE MY OWN SHAPE ON A PIECE OF PAPER

❞ JH: How has that transformed the original album for you?

G: The only difference is that Timeless was a 3mm thick piece of cylindrical steel, laid flat on a piece of paper with a blueprint on it, and now it’s a cloned sphere reflecting lots of different colours of light. That’s the analogy I have as an artist. It has a different sound to it – of course it does – but it’s just expanding, and it can keep on expanding.

JH: It must feel incredible to see it evolve in this way, and continue to grow as a piece of music?

G: Definitely, and it’s looking now like the Arts Council want to back it next year as a learning tool. We want to workshop it with young kids and say ‘Look, this is notation’. I still can’t read music, but I can see the top section of the orchestra in the high bars, the mid range in the middle, and I can see the bottom end. I can see those block patterns. It’s like stepping back from a Matisse piece – I can see the patterns and understand it more. And then I know how the patterns fit together and work.

So I can create and use these blocks in my music. The detail is down to the notators – that’s engineering and I don’t need to do that. What I need to be able to do is go ‘Right, I want to do this’, sing it to the player so they know what to do, and then say ‘Can we put that in some notes, please? Thank you’. It’s about saying ‘Let’s try this, because I think it’ll work’.

Usually, it does, because I understand what the dynamic of sound travelling through the air does now. When I was working on Evolution with Roger Wright, I understood very clearly that in the places where I had six drums going at it, when they were playing in a rehearsal they were obliterating each other, but that in the Albert Hall they wouldn’t. So I know how we can make sound in a room by allowing it to hit itself in the air, and so avoid filling the space up with too much. I very quickly adapted to the scenario and learnt less is more.

And when I go into a studio, I always have a sketchbook. It’s a type of dyslexia, a type of attribution that works for me. It’s important for us to understand the written word. I write my own lyrics, I write my own songs. I write my own shape on a piece of paper.

JH: Does that stem from your roots as an artist? It sounds like creating art and creating music go hand in hand for you.

G: Most definitely. They have to. I’ve been painting from a very early age so my way of expressing is very dynamic – I put paint to canvas. Both art and music are about drawing shapes, so for me the two processes go very much hand in hand. Very much. I wouldn’t make the music I make unless I’d been a painter for 30 years, I wouldn’t have been able to.

JH: In your work as both an artist and a musician, you’ve been a key figure in bringing the underground movements of graffiti and drum and bass to a more mainstream audience…

G: Isn’t it funny, one of my friends said the same thing to me yesterday, so I’m going to finish your question. People have to understand that I’ve created so many choices in my life, and – to use a phrase I saw written on a postcard – I’ve learned so much from my mistakes, I’m thinking about making a few more.

I have chosen two of the most underground genres to work with, and they’ve made my life difficult. But I’ve chosen them to champion who I am. Both were misunderstood, and I had that a lot in my own life, so I attracted myself to the two forms through which I could express my life. It made my journey a lot harder because the roots that grew with these choices had to spread a lot further WWW.THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

than others might, but if my journey had been short do you think my music would sound the way it does now? Do you think my paintings would be as acute as they are?

JH: Definitely not. And is that what you mean when you talk about yourself as an alchemist – that you draw on all these elements, all these experiences, and that’s what makes your work accessible? That there are things within it that a range of people can identify with?

G: You’ve got it in one. And that’s the difference of what’s missing in so much nowadays – the magic is missing, we’re losing that. We’ve all got out of touch.

We’re connected with technology, yet we’re out of touch. We’ve lost the human element of applying ourselves. Even if you’re at a disadvantage, being able to sing about it into a microphone, being able to record it, you can make it creative.

So much of electronic music nowadays is kids pushing buttons and following a formula, because that’s what they think fame is. But what you do today creates tomorrow, and what I’m saying is that we need to push the boundaries of the technology we have. The equipment is there, but you’re supposed to joyride it.

JH: That’s a sentiment that I guess applies to both your approach to music and, as a graffiti artist, your approach to art?

G: In the same way that drum and bass music has contributed to world music, so has graffiti to the art world. It’s turned it on its head. It’s that simple. Graffiti is a massive part of my heritage, and it is why my music is sculpted by what I see visually.

JH: Graffiti is also a big part of Bristol’s modern heritage as is, increasingly, street art. Can the two co-exist?

G: Graffiti is the application of a medium to a surface. If it looks beautiful it gets adulation, but if it’s something people don’t understand they get scared.

That’s always been graffiti’s problem. At the source, it’s pure, but then it’s misunderstood. I’ll name you something else that is very similar – drum and bass music. It always has to be watered down for people to get it.

But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Gentrification is inevitable. It’s part of the process. The more we adapt, then the more the path cleared by it works in our favour. That’s what’s happened with Timeless – it’s now this big show with the Colston Hall, but integrally it remains as underground as you can get. But it’s evolved and that’s how it should be. I’m glad of that.

And because of the way Bristolians feel, and the way Bristol has always embraced the underground scene, the tickets for the performance here have sold out before those in London. That, to be honest, is down to the ley lines – Bristol’s a massive part of my culture.

JH: Is that why you chose it as the only city outside London to perform Timeless with The Heritage Orchestra?

G: Yeah. And that’s my way of saying thank you, really. Bristol was a massive learning curve in my life – the graffiti show at Arnolfini with 3D and The Wild Bunch back in 1985, the Moon Club – they’re a major part of my heritage. So this is my thank you to the city. n Tickets to see Goldie and The Heritage Orchestra have now sold out. For more information about Goldie and his work, visit: www.goldie.co.uk JULY 2015

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WHAT’S | ON

CULTURE BOOK This month’s events and entertainments Mrs Shakespeare, Alma Tavern

The Accidental Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Alma

De la Soul play Grillstock

DON’T MISS

Wild Productions presents Mrs Shakespeare, Alma Tavern Theatre, Tuesday 30 June – Thursday 2 July, 8pm

The Accidental Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Alma Tavern Theatre, Tuesday 7 – Saturday 11 July, 8pm

William Shakespeare finds himself reincarnated in the present day as a woman, which makes it all more difficult to convince people he is the Great Bard. Tickets: £10 tel: 0117 973 5171 or visit: www.almataverntheatre.co.uk

When Sherlock Holmes unknowingly murders his own client, the game is on to track down the criminal mastermind who did it – Holmes himself! Has this case been secretly planned by a narrative genius? And could Moriarty’s hunger for new detective fiction fuel a global terror plot of unimaginable proportions?.

Tickets: £8 (£6 concs) from the box office on tel: 0117 973 5171 or visit: www.almataverntheatre.co.uk

Pink Mist, A Bristol Old Vic Production, Wednesday 1 – Saturday 11 July, 7.30pm Pink Mist tells the story of three young Bristol men who were deployed to Afghanistan, who are returning to the women in their lives must now share the physical and psychological aftershocks of their service. Tickets: £22.50 – £17.50 from the box office on tel: 0117 987 7877 or visit www.bristololdvic.org.uk

Jean-Guihen Queryas & The Chemirani Brothers, St George’s, Thursday 2 July, 7.30pm The highly versatile cellist Jean-Guihen Queyras explores the hypnotic and spellbinding music of Algeria and the Mediterranean with the Iranian Chemirani brothers. Tickets: £25 – £5, from the box office on tel: 0845 402 4001 or visit: www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

People of Note Community Choir: Big Summer Concert, St George’s, Saturday 4 July, 8pm Celebrating 15 years of singing together, People of Note is one of Bristol’s longest established open-access community choirs. An entirely new repertoire of songs of astonishing variety including popular music form the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, contemporary choir compositions, and songs from around the world. Tickets: £7 (£6 concs) from the box office on tel: 0845 402 4001 or visit: www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

Instant Wit present Quick-Fire Comedy, Alma Tavern Theatre, Saturday 4 July, 8pm The best in improvised comedy-sketches, songs and general silliness, all of it based around audience suggestions. And if you’re too shy to shout anything out you’ll have the chance to write things down (anonymously!) in the interval. Tickets: £10, from the box office on tel: 0117 973 5171 or visit: www.almataverntheatre.co.uk

Floating Cinema On Tour, Bristol Harbour Monday 6 – Saturday 11 July The Floating Cinema is UP Projects’ extraordinary mobile arts venue and departed London in June, touring around the West. The free programme of film screenings, performances, talks and events will be shown at the harbour on the floating structure. Most events are free, but do book in advance. Visit: www.floatingcinema.info 40 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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Magners Bristol Comedy Garden, Queen Square, Wednesday 8 – Sunday 12 July The mighty Magners Bristol Comedy Garden returns this July with another five nights of comedy goodness. The tranquil lawns of Queen Square in the heart of the city will once again be transformed into a comedy wonderland.

Visit: www.bristolcomedygarden.co.uk

Meadow Medicine Walk, On the Downs, Wednesday 8 July, 6.30pm – 8.30pm Meander through the meadows on the Downs with herbalist Max Drake.

Discover a whole host of rustic remedies and the traditional, medicinal uses of the plants that grow here. Tickets £5. Book with the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project at Bristol Zoo on tel: 0117 903 0609 or e-mail mleivers@bristolzoo.org.uk

What the Frock!, Bristol Improv Theatre, Clifton, Wednesday 8 – Sunday 12 July, 8pm Every August all of the finest comedians head up to Edinburgh to spend a month performing at the worlds biggest arts festival. And What the Frock! are bringing a hand-picked selection of those acts to you right here in Bristol... a whole month before Edinburgh sees them. Four nights of double bills! Tickets: £5. Visit: www.wegottickets.com/whatthefrockcomedy

FROM JULY 11

Larkin Poe & Police Dog Hogan, St George’s, Saturday 11 July, 7pm Georgia’s Larkin Poe are a kicking Americana roots-rock band fronted by Rebecca and Megan Lovell, who with their sister Jessica performed as The Lovell Sisters before going on to work with Elvis Costello, Conor Oberst and T-Bone Burnett. Tickets: £20 from the box office on tel: 0845 402 4001 or visit: www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

Grillstock, Harbourside Ampitheatre, Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 July Music, meat, mayhem. Grillstock delivers what it promises, which proves a successful recipe as it is one of Bristol’s most anticipated festivals year on year.

For more info and to buy tickets visit: www.grillstock.co.uk

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RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day, RNAS Yeovilton, Saturday 11 July, all day event

RNAS Yeovilton Air Day, RNAS Yeovilton

The intensity, drama and spectacle on offer makes this an experience not to be missed.

The award-winning airshow will return this summer with an action-packed day out for all the family. Over 5 hours of thrilling flying displays will include favourites such as the Black Cats, Red Arrows and Vulcan Bomber as well as other military fast jets, warbirds, helicopters and aerobatic display teams. There’ll be plenty of ground attractions too!

Tickets: from £6. Visit: www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday

Backwell Festival, Backwell Junior School, Saturday 11 July, from 12.30pm There are lots of family workshops, Michelin star chefs giving food demos and Fun Lovin’ Criminal Huey Morgan to make your Saturday one to remember. Tickets: £17.50, visit: www.backwellfestival.co.uk

Butterflies of the Downs Walk, The Downs, Sunday 12 July, 2pm Join Timothy Dowling, from the Friends of the Downs and Avon Gorge, on a Sunday afternoon stroll along Zoo Banks. Along the way, learn to identify butterflies and find out more about the lives of these lovely insects. Tickets: £4. Book with the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project at Bristol Zoo on tel: 0117 9030609 or e-mail: mleivers@bristolzoo.org.uk

Saban and Sarah Do Stand Up, Alma Tavern Theatre, Sunday 12 July, 6pm

Butterflies on the Downs, Bristol Zoo

In this preview of their debut show, this deadpan duo discuss their distinctive life experience. Saban’s Turkish-Cypriot dad who still doesn’t know he does stand-up; Sarah’s Czech grandmother who knows she does it but doesn’t know what it is; reckless life choices, trying to buy a piece of toast, hoovers, and how children’s books can ultimately ruin your life. Tickets: £3.50, tel: 0117 973 5171 or visit: www.almataverntheatre.co.uk

Ministry of Entertainment’s The Very Thought of You: Songs and Souvenirs of Al Bowlly, Tobacco Factory Theatre Tuesday 14 – Saturday 1 August, 7.45pm In his heyday, Al Bowlly sold more records in the UK than Bing Crosby. In this musical play by south west author Tony Staveacre (Jigsy), Al’s second wife conjures up memories of the heart-throb crooner through the songs he made famous before he was tragically killed in an air-raid in 1941. Tickets: £12 (concs £9) from the box office on tel: 0117 902 0344 or visit: www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com

Exultate Singers Sing For Nepal, St James Priory, Wednesday 15 July, 7.30pm Exultate Singers are performing a wonderful selection of choral works at their concert in aid of the charity PHASE Worldwide. Tickets: £12 (£10 concs) from Opus 13 Music Shop on tel: 0117 923 0164 or visit: www.exultatesingers.org

Larkin Poe & Police Dog Hogan, St George’s

Bristol Harbour Festival, Bristol Harbourside, Friday 17 – Sunday 19 July

The Exultate Singers, St James Priory

This three day cultural spectacular on the harbourside is the city’s biggest free event.

Visitors can enjoy a huge variety of entertainment, from the upbeat world music and festival markets in Queen Square to the dedicated children’s area on College Green and the dance stage in the amphitheatre. Visit: www.bristolharbourfestival.co.uk

Heretical Productions present The Heist, Alma Tavern Theatre, Friday 17 – Sunday 19 July, 8pm Marmaduke Blennerhasset, masterful thief and intrepid adventurer becomes entangled in the affairs of evil megalomaniac Antonio Superyacht (proud owner of the worlds largest superyacht), Marmaduke finds himself torn between the love of his life and his own irrepressible urge for stealing. Tickets: £8, tel: 0117 973 5171 or visit: www.almataverntheatre.co.uk

Spandau Ballet

EDITOR’S PICK...

Forest Live, Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire Friday 10 July – Sunday 12 August Each summer, open spaces within our forests are transformed into fantastic concert arenas. You can experience the unique atmosphere of these concerts at one of our stunning forest venues.

This month at Westonbirt Arboretum, you can see Robert Plant and The Sensational Space Shifters, the magnificent Spandau Ballet, and Mcbusted at this brilliant venue.

Ticket prices vary, book to avoid disappointment: box office on: 0300 0680 400 or visit www.forestry.gov.uk

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FROM JULY 17

Speciality Garden History Tour, Goldney Gardens, Sunday 19 July, 10.30am With extensive knowledge of Bristol’s history and with an MA in Garden History join Angela Nutbrown, your guide for the day and take an in-depth look at the history of the house and garden including the site of the original flag garden. Tickets: £10 and admission must be prepaid. Contact nicolette.smith@bristol.ac.uk for more details

Why Garden? Wills Conference Hall, Sunday 19 July, 11am & 2.30pm

Bristol Proms, Bristol Old Vic

Bristol Proms, Bristol Old Vic, Monday 27 – Saturday 1 August, times vary Now in its third year, Bristol Proms is back, continuing its tradition of inviting world-class artists to explore the classical repertoire in an informal, accessible atmosphere, and embracing the intimacy and unparalleled acoustics of Bristol Old Vic's Theatre. Artistic Director Tom Morris has secured another phenomenal line-up and features today's most celebrated performers including Daniel Hope, Milos Karadaglic, Alison Balsom, Hakon and Mari Samuelsen and Pumeza Matshikiza. Composer and choral legend John Rutter will appear in a very special on-stage interview with Classic FM's John Suchet, discussing his life and work.

Tickets: £34 – £5 from box office on tel: 0117 987 7877 or visit: www.bristololdvic.org.uk/proms2015

Organised by the Botanic Garden, Monty Don, renowned television presenter and gardening writer, will be sharing his passion for the pleasures and rewards of gardening. You will have two chances to hear Monty's talk, first at 11am and then 2:30pm, which lasts one hour with a brief question and answer session at the end. Contact the Botanic Garden on tel: 0117 331 4906 or email: botanic-gardens@bristol.ac.uk

Cider House Rising Festival, The Trinity Centre, Friday 24 - Saturday 25 July, time varies Bringing great cider and beer to the masses for two days over three sessions and put against a backdrop of street food and great music. If you like the Craft Beer Rising events, you’ll love this! Tickets: £12 visit: www.billetto.co.uk

Foot Stomping Jazz Picnic, University of Bristol Botanic Garden, Saturday 25 July, 7pm Over the years the Blue Notes has developed its own unique style and repertoire encompassing traditional, swing and mainstream jazz. There will be a tour of the garden at 4.30pm. Bar available from 6.00pm, bring a picnic, rug and umbrella if wet. Tickets: £10 in advance (£12 at the gate), tel: 0117 331 4906

Royal School of Needlework Hand Embroidery Classes in Bristol • Join us for fun Day Classes: beginners and all levels welcome • Learn traditional embroidery techniques to a high technical standard on the Royal School of Needlework Certificate and Diploma Venue: 38 Old School House, Kingswood Estate, Britannia Road, Kingswood, Bristol BS15 8DB

© Yasmin Little

Learning in the field Every year, Bristol businesses open their doors to Clevedon School sixth form students, so they can gain valuable skills and industry knowledge

For more information visit www.royal-needlework.org.uk Contact Anne Butcher - T: 020 3166 6937 anne.butcher@royal-needlework.org.uk

Students who worked at EMO, a marketing company, had the task of rebranding and selling a given service. For those interested in law, Bond Dickinson allowed them to gain knowledge surrounding a commercial law firm and the situations faced by those who work there. Aspiring engineers visiting Mott McDonald, a design company, were thrown in the deep end with the hypothetical scenario of designing a water tower to supply a town. Laura Hart’s, owner of Hart's Bakery, Temple Meads Station, helped students understand and experience the reality of a job in the food industry, and running a business. Those looking for a more hands-on experience visited the likes of Bristol Zoo, where they worked with animals, the Tobacco factory for interested in drama and theatre, and Bristol City football club, where students planned and executed a coaching session.

Finally, at the end of the day, students met at The Station youth centre, where some had worked all day with young adults and those in charge of the facility.

RCN 312774

Written by Clevedon School students Nick Bray, Georgia Earle, Rosie Foley, Gabby Wood and Chris Colbourn. For more information, visit: www.clevedonschool.org.uk

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Music From The Movies, Bristol Zoo

Music from the Movies, Bristol Zoo Gardens, Wednesday 29 July, 8pm Some of Hollywood’s most famous film scores from motion pictures such as Gladiator, Lord of the Rings, Dances with Wolves, Titanic and Star Wars will be performed on the evening. Music from the Movies kick-starts ‘big tent’ week, in which a series of exciting events take place undercover, on the Zoo’s main lawn. Tickets: from £22.50 or visit: www.bristolzoo.org.uk

Bootleg Beatles, Bristol Zoo Gardens, Thursday 30 July, 8pm Formed from the original cast of London’s West End show Beatlemania, The Bootleg Beatles have become the most successful and longest surviving tribute band in the world with their note-perfect re-creation of hits from the world’s most famous songbook. Tickets: £30 (£25 for Zoo members) visit: www.bristolzoo.org.uk

BOOK NOW FOR...

Redfest, St George’s Park, Saturday 1 August A not-for-profit arts festival run entirely by volunteers, Redfest is a family friendly community event that takes place every year. There’s an eclectic range of local music acts, including folk, rock, jazz, reggae and world music, as well as film screenings and other entertainment. Visit: www.redfestbristol.co.uk

Zoo Pride, Bristol Zoo Gardens, Saturday 1 August Bristol Zoo Gardens has just announced a joint partnership with Bristol Pride to host Zoo Pride, the first event of its kind in the UK. Entertainment includes a silent disco, comedy from the Short & Girlie Show, live music from Wildflowers and Best Supporting Actors, a burlesque show as well as stilt walking, juggling and more by Circus Uncertainty. Tickets: £15, visit: www.bristolzoo.org.uk

Balloon Fiesta, Ashton Court Estate, Thursday 6 – Sunday 9 August Up, up and away! The city’s skies are once again set to be full of colourful balloons. There are 6am morning flights for early birds, the night glow at 9.15pm, and all sorts of entertainment in between to keep you occupied – expect breathtaking aerial displays, fairground rides, delicious food stalls and bars, and a local music stage. Visit: www.bristolballonfiesta.co.uk

Valley Fest, Chew Valley, Friday 28 –Sunday 30 August Grab your wellies, because whatever the weather you’re going to need them at this festival on an organic farm in the heart of Chew Valley, Somerset.

There is a craft and healing valley, kids valley, open mic folk cafe, cabaret valley, green valley, main stage and tipi valley – so really a valley to suit you all. Visit: www.valleyfest.co.uk ■

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STREET | ART

Bristol is poised for the return of Upfest, which transforms Bedminster into a blank canvas for some of the world’s most talented graffiti and street artists. Jenny Hayes met up with a few of the guys involved to find out what’s in store

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STEVE HAYLES, FOUNDER OF UPFEST www.upfest.co.uk

How did Upfest start?

I’ve always had an interest in art, but about nine years ago I started doing a bit of painting myself. I thought I’d try and get a few of the people I’d met out painting together to have a paint session. So, with support from one of Upfest’s original founders, I approached the Tobacco Factory and told them I had loads of great artists who wanted to come and paint at their place… then I spoke to the artists and told them I had a really great venue for them to paint. Neither was strictly true at that point, but luckily it all came off within a week and one Sunday afternoon in October 2008, 15 artists got together to paint underneath the car park area of the Tobacco Factory. And it just grew from there.

What did you want to achieve with the festival?

Although we do have the elite painting here, Upfest is really about giving opportunities to artists and making it accessible to everyone. So the problem when it becomes so popular is that you have to start selecting, which goes against our philosophy. We keep to a minimum standard, but at the same time there are emerging artists who may not have all the skills but who have potential and are coming up with lots of great ideas, so we try and give them opportunities.

Upfest celebrates both graffiti and street art. How do the two relate?

People sometimes have the misconception that graffiti artists have turned into street artists, which is not the case. Graffiti artists are the writers who will paint their name in an artistic form, sometimes spending days doing one piece. Alongside them are a group of old school muralists who tend to do more cartoon-like characters. These are the guys who’ve been painting for the last 30 years.

Street art is a new genre that has appeared in the last decade or so, and consists of a variety of artists – fine artists, illustrators, contemporary artists, abstract artists, and stencilists – who see the benefit of painting big, and painting on the street where everyone can see their work.

Why did you choose My Dog Sighs to do the branding for this year’s festival?

Each year we commission a different artist to do the branding, and up until this year we’ve always used Bristol artists – like Cheo and Andy Council. My Dog Sighs is an artist who has been with us pretty much from the start, and we really like his stuff.

So we felt he could represent what the festival is about.

What other projects are going on that we can look forward to?

As 2015 is the 25th anniversary of the Berlin Wall coming down, we’ve been working with the languages department at Bristol Uni on an outreach programme in which kids from 10 different local schools paint their own 10 x 8ft panels to create one long wall at St Francis Church. We’ve also invited Thierry Noir, the first artist to paint on the Berlin Wall, to take part in the festival. And there’s loads of other things going on too – as well as the live painting there’s music, activities and stalls to look round.

© Paul Box

All that must attract quite a variety of visitors?

It does! We find it quite easy to engage a younger audience, which traditional art forms sometimes find difficult to do, so that’s really good. Lots of families also come to the festival as there are workshops for kids and open spaces, and because it’s so transient if there’s a busy area you can just walk on.

Then there’s the die hard graffiti and street art fans who’ll travel from across the UK, and even the world, to come to the festival. And, we get big buses of older people who come especially to see the street art – which is unexpected, but great.

There’s expected to be 25,000 visitors this year – that must take a lot of organising?

The whole festival does! Because our budget is really limited, we only have a small core team – who work for free – and then rely on volunteers as the festival gets closer.

About 40 come from our partner charity, NACOA, but we always need a lot more.

So if anyone’s interested – please get in touch.

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STREET | ART

MY DOG SIGHS, STREET ARTIST mydogsighs.co.uk

What attracted you to being a street artist?

I tried and failed as an artist in my 20s, so kind of gave up on the whole painting scene, got a proper job, got married and had kids. And then I stumbled across a couple of Banksy pieces, and it was that idea that there was somebody interacting with the public without some curator telling them how to work and what to produce that I really liked. I also liked that it gave people the chance to interact with art ouside the white cube of a gallery, which can be really off-putting. This art is completely open to everybody, and they can like it, or they can hate it.

That sentiment runs through your Free Art Friday work. How did that start?

I’ve been doing that for about 12 years now. I’d seen the street art, but at that stage I wasn’t a scruffy teenager wanting to mark my territory, so it would have been hypocritical of me to start going out and having a go at other people’s property illegally.

My way round that was to produce my work at home – in my nice, warm, cosy studio – and then take it out and leave it on the street. Then, when you’d walk back past that spot at the end of the day and it would be gone, you’ve got in your head this fantastic story of a person walking along the street, stumbling across the piece and experiencing some confusion – what is it? Why is it here? Can I take it? – I like the idea of that little internal struggle. And there’s also something quite cathartic about working really, really hard on something and then having to say goodbye.

Those pieces – the can men – give a different perspective to the term street art, which generally conjures up thoughts of big murals on walls.

Definitely. It’s a very one-to-one experience. There aren’t a huge number of people who’ll see my work because it isn’t there for very long, and so there is that nice interaction between the work and that one person. I think that’s why my pieces have developed with these melancholic faces – I try to ingrain in them something that will tug a heartstring on the person walking past. I give them all the ammunition they need in order to capture someone’s attention to take them away.

There’s very much a parallel with walking past someone who’s homeless, who’s not making eye-contact with you. With a little bit of love, a little bit of attention, those people would have the opportunity to be valued in society, just like the old tin cans I paint can become something people want again.

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Since you were running Free Art Friday in isolation of the street art scene, how did you get involved with Upfest?

By coincidence, I started to talk to street artists the year of the first Upfest.

They were guys that were using cans to spray walls – the usual kind of street art – and they said ‘you’re doing street art too, you’re just doing it differently. Why don’t you come down to the festival and paint a wall?’ So I did, and that’s how I kind of fell into that wall painting scene, and my focus of the eyes on the cans turned into the eyes on my murals.

The eyes that are the branding for this year’s Upfest...

Yes, and the red spray tag behind the eyes is the festival logo.

So, what is it that appeals to you about painting eyes?

It’s the reflection of the eyes that are the thing that really fascinates me, so I try to make them site specific, or use them as a narrative in the story. For example, you can just see the Clifton Suspension Bridge in the Upfest eyes.

You have to make a conscious effort to look to see it, but I like the idea that the reflection tells a part of the story.

That’s what’s great about artwork on many levels. You see it once and see it one way, and then you either spend a bit more time looking at it, or listen to people talking about it, and you start to discover these other elements. It’s the onion thing, isn’t it? You start to uncover the layers that, as artists, we spend hours and hours and hours beating ourselves up about to figure out how to create them. But that’s our job!

What is it about Upfest that makes it such an important festival?

What’s unique about Upfest is that it provides a real opportunity for people who are in the early stages of being street artists to produce work in the public domain. I’ve been painting for a long, long time, but I like having a wander round and bumping into these new people. It’s really nice to see other people getting started at Upfest like I did in those first few years.

Since us artists usually follow a fairly high maintenance, hibernating routine – huddled over our sketchbook with our pens, in our studio – it’s also great to get to meet up and have a few beers. And there’s nothing better than stepping back from your wall at the end of a really intense day and just thinking, ‘yes, I’ve nailed it’. It doesn’t always happen, but when it does it’s the ultimate buzz.

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SPZERO76, STREET ARTIST AND ILLUSTRATOR spzero76.com

How did you get into the street art scene?

I came to UWE to do illustration, so that was my introduction to Bristol and the graffiti and street art scene. After uni, I worked as a freelance illustrator and moved to Manchester to take up a job with a games company. I’d always thought that if you didn’t have a job doing illustration for a company, or if you didn’t have an agent, you hadn’t quite succeeded. But then I realised it just wasn’t what I wanted to do. So I came back to Bristol and started focusing on doing my own stuff, in my own style.

Because of that, I didn’t actually pick up a can until three or four years ago, so I’m late on that. I was friends with all the guys that used to exhibit back in the day, but I never actually went out and picked up a can. That only came later when I was doing legal walls and things.

So I’ve never been illegal like graffiti writers – I want to create a piece of art, but I don’t want to have to run from the police. I want to be able to finish the piece in my own time, so I guess that makes me a street artist.

That was a brave move, but it seems to be working out well – haven’t you worked with some big clients over the last year or so?

Yeah, this year I’ve done things for Lambourghini, Samsung, the BBC, a new beer brand – it’s been really good. But it isn’t all my crazy stuff with the skulls and everything, it’s more sensible.

Is the skull your signature motif?

I think because I’ve really been pushing as a street artist over the last three years, he was initially a character that people could recognise. At first I found him really hard to paint, but he’s quite easy now. I don’t use him as much as I did, but I still like to pop him in every now and again. And there are plenty of other bits to look out for – little crosses in belly buttons, and the SP with a love heart that’s kind of my tag – just to confuse things even more.

So what inspired your name, SPZero76?

It stands for Solo Production Zero Talent since 1976. It stems from back in the late 90s, when I’d first moved to Bristol. I was friends with the artist China Mike, and started getting to know all the street artists – Inkie, Jago, Dicey – and everyone had a tag. So back before I was even spraying I wanted a tag, but Solo was gone, and then I wanted my email address to be SPZero, but that had gone, and SPZero1, and so on, so I had to be SPZero76. If I WWW.THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

could I’d change it, as when people ask me my tag I’ve usually lost them at ‘SP’, but I’ve had it for about 16 years now so it’d be too confusing! It’s also ironic, because I’ve been crewed pretty much since I started spraying walls.

How did your crew, Lost Souls, come about?

Well the four of us – Si Mitchell, Squirl, Captain Kris and me – all come from different cities, and we wanted to get a group of artists to meet up one day and paint in London. We did invite other people, but it was just the four of us that turned up so we figured we’d keep it like that.

What’s it like working collectively with them?

It’s good, because if we’ve done a wall and I’m not particularly proud of the part of it I’ve done, I can still walk away happy because I really like all their artwork. Except one wall, which I still hate...

When did you start attending Upfest?

I’ve been involved for quite a while. Ages ago I used to run a project called Collaberation Nation on Facebook, which was a network tool for artists. I then approached Upfest, who gave me a whole room, and I invited down as many Collaberation Nation artists as I could to do a massive collab.

What’s so special about the festival?

It’s great to have both Upfest and See No Evil in Bristol, but See No Evil is more about big artists coming from out of town. Upfest has a lot of smaller, local artists so every time you go back you bump into more and more friends.

The team behind the festival put a lot of hard work into it too, and I don’t think people always realise that. But because I’ve spent quite a lot of time down there over the years I think, ‘wow, the amount of work that goes into prepping and organising this event.’ As an artist, you just turn up and paint – and I definitely appreciate that. n Upfest supports local charity NACOA (National Association of Children of Acoholics). As well as providing a number of services to children across the UK, they operate a free helpline, tel: 0800 358 3456. For more information about the charity, visit:www.nacoa.co.uk and for details about this year’s Upfest, or to volunteer, visit: www.upfest.co.uk

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CITYgardens

ARTS | & EXHIBITIONS

JULY GALLERIES

Green Piece, Clifton Fine Art, from Saturday 4 July Clifton Fine Art kicks off its summer exhibitions with Green Piece – a mixed show of its own artists and pieces submitted to its Open Exhibition. They are turning the gallery green to reflect Bristol’s status as European Green Capital. Exhibiting artists artists include John Piper, Tom White, Steve Slimm, Rowdy and Sophie Howard. Clifton Fine Art, 8 Perry Road, BS1 5BQ. Tel: 0117 925 6952 or visit: www.cliftonfineart.com

Shadow

Peter Randall-Page & Kate MccGwire, RWA, Saturday 20 June – Thursday 10 September Two internationally renowned British artists are brought together for this striking exhibition, exploring an environmental theme for Bristol’s year as European Green Capital. Through 2D and 3D work, both artists explore natural phenomena, patterns and repetition, utilising natural or found materials within which to reflect the rhythms of nature. MccGwire’s work hints at the hidden, while Randall-Page’s work is both organic and geological. RWA, Queen’s Road, BS8 1PX. Tel: 0117 973 5129 or visit: www.rwa.org.uk

▲ Clifton Arts Club, Open Exhibition, 10 – 25 July

Hasp (detail) by Katy MccGwire

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Forward thinking, modern and with an illustrious history, Clifton Arts Club is one of the oldest and finest in the country. This open exhibition includes paintings, prints, ceramics and sculpture selected by Academicians to offer original, affordable art to suit every taste. Open daily 10am – 4.30pm. The Colston Hall Vaults, Colston Street, BS1 5AR. Visit: www.cliftonartsclub.co.uk

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ARTS | & EXHIBITIONS

And Then We Pulled the Words Apart, Arnolfini, Thursday 2 – Saturday 5 July Young artists from Bristol, Birmingham and Swansea are taking over the ground floor gallery, collaborating to create experimental work in which each piece is conceived and delivered collectively, exploring the cross-pollination of style and medium. Arnolfini, 16 Narrow Quay, BS1 4QA. Tel: 0117 917 2300 or visit: www.arnolfini.org.uk

New Visions, Grant Bradley Gallery, Saturday 6 June – Saturday 1 August The gallery’s annual open exhibition represents a broad cross section of the current arts scene in Bristol. The result is a show that reflects contemporary thought and offers an exploration of beauty. GBG, Bedminster Parade, BS3 4AQ. Visit: www.grantbradleygallery.co.uk

Botallack by David Mason

Out of the Blue, Bristol Guild Gallery, until Saturday 4 July Large-scale abstract paintings sit comfortably alongside figurative photographs, expressive ceramics, subtle drawings, vibrant digital images, celebratory illustrations and narrative glasswork in this exhibition from The So What Art Collective. The collective comprises artists who met in 2009 at the Bristol School of Art, and who wanted to continue to share work and ideas after they had finished their studies. It is also open to other like-minded artists and designers. Bristol Guild Gallery, 68/70 Park Street, BS1 5JY. Tel: 0117 926 5548 or visit: www.bristolguild.co.uk

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Reto Pulfer and Patrick Staff, Spike Island, from Saturday 4 July Self-taught artist Reto Pulfer uses painting, drawing, music and found objects to create complex artwork.

Patrick Staff presents his new film installation, The Foundation, which explores queer intergenerational relationships. Spike Island, 133 Cumberland Road, BS1 6UX. Tel: 0117 929 2266 or visit: www.spikeisland.org.uk

Severn Bridge by Denise Howe Golden Dusk by Ron Bolt

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Summer Exhibition, Mendip Calligraphy Group, Saturday 18 July – Saturday 1 August

Ron Bolt, Sky Blue Framing & Gallery, throughout July

A beautiful exhibition showcasing the intricate, timeless work of the Mendip Calligraphy Group. Wells and Mendip Museum, Cathedral Green, BA5 2UE. For more information visit: mendipcalligraphy.wordpress.com

Bolt observes the degradation and destruction of the environment. His work is an act of preservation, to preserve a language of the wind and shifting light, of stillness, silence and space. His signed limited editions are highly detailed, capturing the wild places as a living record. Sky Blue Framing & Gallery, 27 North View, BS6 7PT. Tel: 0117 973 3995 or visit: www.skybluegallery.co.uk

Wetlands and Wild Places, Slimbridge, until Monday 13 July

Path Through Daisies by Rosalind Wise

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Rosalind Wise has dedicated her life to painting wild and untouched places, and she has found inspiration for her most recent series of landscapes at Slimbridge. The large canvasses she has created capture the seasonal beauty of the trees, the water, and the splendour of the habitat. Slimbridge, Glos, GL2 7BT. For more information, tel: 01453 891 900 or visit: www.wwt.org.uk

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Consigned from the Cayman Islands

Sold at Clevedon Salerooms Specialist Sale In June for

£32,000 Beryl Cook (1926-2008) Oil on board ‘On the Sun Deck’ 75cm x 59cm

Interiors, Antiques, Collectables & Jewellery Auction Thurs 2nd & Thurs 16th July at 10am On view day before, 10am – 7.30pm and sale day from 9am to start of sale

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FREE VALUATION DAYS at the Salerooms 6th, 7th, 8th & 20th, 21st, 22nd July

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9.30am – 1pm and 2pm – 5pm

The Auction Centre Kenn Road, Kenn Clevedon, BS21 6TT Tel: 01934 830111 www.clevedon-salerooms.com

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ARTS | & EXHIBITIONS

Nocona Burgess, Rainmaker Gallery, Thursday 16 July – Wednesay 30 September In this solo exhibition Nocona Burgess presents strikingly modern depictions of men and women from the tribal Nations of the Southern Plains. By fusing bold colour and abstract shapes with crisply outlined facial features and distinctive dress, he explores the statuses, stories and identities of each sitter. Even the most traditionally-inspired portraits are given a modern slant, as it is the notion of the modern Indian that Burgess seeks in his work and recognises in himself. In this way, he expresses pride in his heritage, whilst celebrating ever-evolving Native identities. These paintings inspire and educate through their unusual techniques and positive dialogues between past and present.

The portraits mix careful research with first hand knowledge and raw passion to explore the intriguing and often highly politicised place of Native American portraiture today.

Nocona Burgess is a member of the Comanche Nation and the greatgreat grandson of Chief Quanah Parker, one of the most revered Native American leaders. Rainmaker Gallery, 123 Coldharbour Road, BS6 7SN. Tel: 0117 944 3101 or visit: www.rainmakerart.co.uk

William Hogarth, Painter & Printmaker, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, until Monday 31 August From portraiture to satire to history painting, this exhibition is the most comprehensive show of this iconic artist’s work ever in the South West, combining both work from the museum’s permanent collection and oil paintings on loan from Tate Britain. Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, Queens Road, BS8 1RL. Tel: 0117 922 3571 or visit: www.bristolmuseums.org.uk Tavern Scene by William Hogarth © Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives

Ship Ahoy!, Room 212, throughout July This month’s theme ties in with Bristol’s nautical history and the Harbour Festival. Artists are showing work inspired by boats (such as Bristol Belle by Jenny Urquhart and Shipshape & Bristol Fashion by Fiona Willis) and marine life (including Suzanne Clasby’s divers and corals and Linda Loftstand’s whales). Also in the shop are Wanda Sowry’s beautiful wooden automata sailing boats and paper models by Sue Bowen. Room 212, Gloucester Road, BS7 8NU. Tel: 0117 330 2789 or visit: www.room212.co.uk

Daisies by Jane Kite

▲ Summer Exhibition, Lime Tree Gallery, until Tuesday 28 July A wide-ranging, strong and vibrant exhibition for the summer months, with new works from Judith Bridgland, Parastoo Ganjei, Alison McWhirter, David Smith, Graham Weber, Peter Wileman, Vivienne Williams and more. Also introducing Bristol based artist, Jane Kite. Lime Tree Gallery, 84 Hotwell Road, BS8 4UB. Tel: 0117 929 2527 or visit: www.limetreegallery.com

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SS Great Mermaid (detail) by Jenny Urquhart

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ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

THE WAY FORWARD Network Rail is taking a significant step towards electrification of the Great Western Main Line this summer between 18 July and 31 August

W

e recently spoke with Andy Haynes from Network Rail, programme director for the West of England, to find out more about the Great Western Route Modernisation Programme and the electrification preparatory works taking place around Bath this summer.

So, Andy, what are you doing and why?

We are modernising and transforming Brunel’s railway from London Paddington to Swansea to make it fit for the 21st century. Part of these works is the electrification of the line which will pave the way for a fleet of brand new greener, quieter trains with more seats. This summer, we will be working around Bath to prepare the line for electrification. The benefits of this programme will be seen for generations to come.

What do you need to do to electrify the line?

We need to make enough space under each bridge and tunnel for the new trains and the new overhead electric equipment to fit under and through. As you might expect, this involves completing a number of complex work activities to create what we call the kinematic envelope.

WWW.THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

Can you give us more details of what you are doing this summer?

During the six weeks this summer we will roll out a programme of track lowers and track renewals, and other associated works. More than 225 engineering trains will remove somewhere in the region of 100,000 tonnes of spoil between Box Tunnel and Sydney Gardens. We will renew four miles of running rails in Box Tunnel, lower the track at five locations (including at Sydney Gardens) and completely rebuild Bathampton Junction. Huge care will be taken to ensure that the electrified rail route protects the special status of the City of Bath and its listed buildings, while specially designed electrification equipment will be installed in Sydney Gardens, in recognition of its unique status as a World Heritage Site.

Bathampton Junction is closed and a very comprehensive rail replacement service will kick in.

All services from Bath and Bristol will be routed to London Paddington via Bristol Parkway for the entire six week period. We encourage everyone to stay on public transport as it will still be the quickest way to get to Bath.

We realise that this work will cause disruption to rail users and we have been working closely with local Councils, First Great Western and other local organisations to minimise that disruption.

I would encourage everyone travelling between 18 July and 31 August to check before they travel either at www.nationalrail.co.uk or www.fgw.co.uk/Bath2015 For more information about our programme do have a look at our dedicated website: http://www.networkrail.co.uk/great-westernroute-modernisation Andy, thank you very much. ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||

What effect will this have on people travelling to and from Bristol?

It is important for people to know that Bristol and Bath will still be open for business, with trains calling at Bath Spa station throughout the six weeks, so they will still be able to commute to Bath or to visit the city and enjoy the attractions which it has to offer.

For the first two weeks, there will be minimal difference whilst we work at Box Tunnel and trains are diverted via Westbury. In August,

CONTACT DETAILS: Network Rail, 1 Eversholt Street, London NW1 2DN www.networkrail.co.uk/great-western-routemodernisation/ Tel: 03457114141 Twitter: @networkrailgwrm

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FOOD | AND DRINK

WINING & DINING news and reviews Good Food Awards

The royal seal of approval HRH The Princess Royal visited Wansdyke Primary School in Bristol to launch the British Nutrition Foundation’s Healthy Eating Week, accompanied by Professor Judy Buttriss, director general of the British Nutrition Foundation. Over 7400 nursery, primary and secondary schools from across the UK participated in the week, which aims to educate school-aged children (and their teachers and parents!) about the value of healthy eating, home cooking, food provenance and physical activity. For details, visit: www.nutrition.org.uk

Zara from Zara’s Chocolates © Charlotte Stone

■ It’s that time of year again, the Bristol Good Food Awards have announced their winners, recognising and rewarding the very best of all the great cafés, restaurants and producers we have in the city.

Bristolians from across the city have been voting for their favourite foodie places, creating a shortlist from which the discerning panel of expert judges choose their final winner.

This year, among the local producers honoured with an award were Zara’s Chocolates for best local confectioners, Rare Butchers of Southville for best local butcher, and the mighty Pieminister for best local pies. The best restaurant went to Casamia, and – important to note – best wine list to The Library. Best newcomer went to No Man’s Grace on Chandos Road, so book a table while you can. For the full list of awards and winners, visit: www.bristolgoodfood.co.uk

The fantastic sausage selection at Rare Butchers

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Grill academy The Weber Grill Academy is coming to Hobbs House Bakery this summer, so if you’re looking for some inspiration and new ideas then why not try the day course? You’ll learn how to create a delicious four course meal, while picking up essential hints and tips about technique, equipment, and achieving that perfect BBQ flavour. The course costs £100, and you’ll learn to cook on both gas and charcoal, so you know how to control the temperature on each, and get the most out of using the heat and space. So go on, book in and impress your friends this summer!

For more information, visit: www.grillacademy.co.uk or: www.hobbshousebakery.co.uk

Step back in time...

The Historical Dining Rooms is a revelation in British dining, showcasing a range of seasonal tasting menus and fine dining dishes from as far back as the 12th century, in a grand Regencystyle dining hall. The chef proprietors are Leigh Pascoe, Tim Denny and Matt Duggan, the team behind the renowned Star and Dove.

Leigh Pascoe said of the new restaurant: “It is about historical British inspiration, not replication. We have been working with experts such as Bristol-based forager Andy Hamilton, herb farmer Jekka McVicar, and food and dining historians who have been massively influential and supportive in fuelling our obsession with constantly seeking out great forgotten dishes of times past.” The Historical Dining Rooms, Windsor Terrace, BS3 4RY. Tel: 0117 972 0366 or visit: www.historical-dining-rooms.co.uk

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

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

T: 0117 973 4183

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

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ON OUR FACEBOOK &WEBSITE

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

RARE BUTCHERS OF SOUTHVILLE

250 North Street, Bristol. BS3 1JD. Tel: 0117 966 3593

Two years on the trotter!!!

Rare Butchers of Southville have just been voted Best Butcher in the Bristol Good Food Awards 2015

WWW.THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

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

Dan of Grillstock

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eat, music, mayhem. That’s the Grillstock ethos, and it’s one that has gone down pretty well with us Bristolians. As the city looks forward to the famed festival taking over the Harbourside Amphitheatre from Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 July, manager of the smokehouse in St Nicks Market, Dan, tells us about what he does, and what it is about Grillstock that makes meat taste magic.

“Grillstock originally began as a Bristol based BBQ and music festival, and right from then it was a hell of a lot of fun. It’s run

by Ben Merrington and Jon Finch, who absolutely love BBQ and everything associated with it. I think that really comes through, and that’s why its become so popular that there are now festivals in Manchester and, for the first time this year, London too.

“The BBQ restaurants evolved out of Ben and Jon’s passion for US style pit-smoked barbecue food and, er… bourbon, and beer! I opened the first Grillstock here in St Nicks Market in September 2012, so I’ve worked here for almost three years now.

‘Before that, I worked in London for over 20 years, in the City.

But I’ve always loved food, cooking and eating out – that’s my real passion. So I started working in the food industry when I moved to Bristol five years ago.

“One thing I’ll never tire of in this job is walking into work first thing in the morning, turning the corner near the restaurant, and getting an instant thwack of the barbecued meat that’s been cooling in the smoker all night. It fills the whole street. And it’s absolutely gorgeous.

“That’s what’s great about the restaurants. They give diners the chance to experience meat cooked as it should be – on site, overnight, and smoked in hickory. On top of that, it’s fun and the portions are huge. So come hungry. Personally, I’m an absolute brisket fiend. We’re getting USDA beef from the States at the moment – it’s some of the best you can get anywhere and it’s incredible.

“Working in St Nicks is also fantastic. Apart from the fact that its lovely to look at, there’s an incredible hustle and bustle at lunchtime, with customers queuing at various food stalls. It’s cracking.

“I should be kept busy at this year’s festival too, as I’ll be judging the core meat rounds in the BBQ competition. Then, apart from watching De La Soul and eating my own bodyweight in meat, I’ll be hanging out with my mates in the sunshine (hopefully!) and drinking a few beers in the Brewdog bar.

“So head down – after all, can anyone really get enough barbecued meat in their life?” n

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For more information visit: grillstock.co.uk www.charlottestonephoto.com

WWW.THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

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WHAT’S | NEW

Treat yourself to something Sumptuous Nestled on Princess Victoria Street, in the heart of Clifton Village, Sumptuous Designerwear is celebrating it’s first birthday. If you are looking for an eye-catching outfit for that special occasion, or just to add a little glamour to your everyday wardrobe, then you can snap up new and preloved designer pieces here at a fraction of their original cost. A rummage through the rails will unearth treasures from designers such as Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Mulberry, Gucci, Versace, Temperley, Jovani and many more, as well as luxurious high street names like Ted Baker, All Saints, Reiss, LK Bennett and Hobbs. Owner Cathy handpicks all the items in her boutique, and can help you find exactly what you are looking for. She is also always on the look out for more gorgeous items for the boutique, so if you have something you’d like to sell, do get in touch. Tel: 0117 329 2900 or visit: www.sumptuousdesignerwear.co.uk |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||

BRISTOL UPDATES

Change of address

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Last month, Bristol Rovers FC players visited a local community facility to show their support for a DIY makeover carried out by local young people, thanks to home improvement specialist Wickes and social initiative VIY (Volunteer It Yourself).

The local young people, including Bristol Rovers Academy players, boosted their DIY skills at Golden Hill Sports Fields on Lime Trees Road, a site shared by the academy, Bristol Rovers Football in the Community and Redland High School for Girls. They carried out renovation work, refurbishing and painting the main reception hall and changing room/shower area.

For further details, visit: www.wickes.co.uk or www.volunteerityourself.org

■ Brunswick Square is home to a number of organisations working to make our world a better place for the future. And supporting them are over 200 volunteers. So, as part of International Volunteers’ Week, Bristol Drugs Project (BDP) hosted a special event in the square to celebrate all the fantastic volunteers who contribute to these local services. Seven other charities attended – African Initiatives www.african-initiatives.org.uk, Developing Health and Indepedence www.dhibristol.org.uk, Bristol Women’s Voice www.bristolwomensvoice.org.uk, Second Step www.second-step.co.uk, Tree Aid, www.treeaid.org.uk, MIFUMI www.mifumi.org and Oxfam www.oxfam.org.uk. Speakers included Maggie Telfer, CEO of BDP, and Thangam Debbonaire, MP for Bristol West, with entertainment from The Mandalas Duo and Tom Fryer. For more information about Bristol Drugs Project, visit: www.bdp.org.uk

Shh... it’s a secret ■ Over 250 original small-scale art works – many by internationally renowned artists - were auctioned off anonymously as part of a special event held at the Royal West of England Academy (RWA). Thanks to the generosity of many of the country’s leading artists, the event raised over £30,000 for the RWA, an independent charity dedicated to inspiring creativity and bringing great art to Bristol. The sold-out event attracted over 300 people, many of whom walked away with a fantastic bargain, with most of the lots going for under £100. The lots included works by artist Grayson Perry RA, Ken Howard RA RWA, David Inshaw RWA, Anne Magill and Sam Toft, and perhaps the easiest to spot – a drawing of The Amazing Morph by his creator, Aardman Animation’s Peter Lord. For more information about the RWA, visit: www.rwa.org.uk

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Bristol Zoological Society has officially opened its new Institute of Conservation Science and Learning – the first of its kind in the UK. The Society normally teaches 40,000 pupils a year. With the new £2.3million world-class facility, it will reach over 45,000 pupils and 400 university students.

The Zoo’s education and conservation science teams have been delivering high quality education for over 25 years. The teams collaborate with a number of universities and other educational institutions including the University of the West of England, the University of Bristol and South Gloucestershire and Stroud College, to co-deliver degree courses for their students.

For details, visit: www.bristolzoo.org.uk

Let’s get physical ■ Last month, experts from around the world gathered at the Watershed for a summit addressing the economic advantages of being an active city. Bristol was chosen as the venue because so many residents now walk or bike to work, as well as enjoying a variety of active pursuits in their spare time, making it a shining example of how physical activity can be successfully embedded into development strategies for cities. The summit was hosted by Sustrans, Bristol 2015 European Green Capital and Nike. Mayor George Ferguson also attended, and said: “New research highlights how vitally important it is to promote walking and cycling for shorter journeys in and around the city. Not just for environmental and health reasons, but because cities that make it easier for people to travel like this have proved to be more economically competitive and offer a better quality of life for their residents.” For more details, visit: activelivingresearch.org

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Reduce your Capital Gains Tax liability on jointly owned property When you and your spouse sell a property that you jointly own and that doesn’t qualify for private residence relief, any profit you make on the sale will be subject to capital gains tax.

You might expect the profit to be shared equally between you for tax purposes, but it’s possible for one spouse to make a gift of part of their share to the other spouse to maximise tax efficiency – and a tax saving can easily be made if, for example, only one spouse is a higher rate taxpayer.

Having the income from the property split in unequal proportions can also save income tax.

This tax planning opportunity is not complicated and can be achieved quickly; you are welcome to discuss it with us.

For tax saving tips contact us – call Marie Maggs, Mike Wilcox or Hannah Bratten on 01225 445507 for a NO-OBLIGATION MEETING. We look forward to meeting you - and see our website for more, including FREE download guides

Businesses delay capital investment Philip Barry, partner at Hollingdale Pooley Chartered Accountants review some of the latest data by the ICAEW on how much businesses in the UK are investing.

Almost two thirds of UK businesses generated a cash surplus in the last tax year, according to research by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).

The survey of 500 businesses found that 62% made a cash surplus last year while 69% expect to make a cash surplus during the current tax year. Despite this, many businesses are delaying capital investment until they feel assured about the direction of the economy.

The ICAEW found: • 24% of businesses are holding 20% or more of their annual turnover • 70% are not confident enough in their business prospects to invest • 52% are unsure about the economy’s long-term prospects.

The ICAEW’s latest Business Confidence Monitor showed that 17% of businesses felt less confident about their prospects in Q1 2015, up from 7% in the same period in 2014.

The Annual Investment Allowance

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Boost your profits - Reduce your tax Maximise your wealth

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The AIA is available for most plant and machinery expenditure. This includes machines, office equipment, certain building fixtures, vans and lorries. However, certain expenditure such as cars, buildings and land do not qualify.

The Chancellor announced during Budget 2015 that the allowance will be reviewed at Autumn Statement 2015, disappointing some business leaders who wanted to see an extension to the current £500,000 allowance. The AIA limit is scheduled to fall to £25,000 after 31 December 2015. However, although its future remains uncertain, businesses still have at least 7 months to take advantage of the current allowance.

If you would like to know more please contact us on 0117 973 3377 or visit our website at www.hollingdalepooley.co.uk

Call Marie Maggs, Mike Wilcox or Hannah Bratten on 01225 445507 to arrange a no-obligation meeting WWW.THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

Hollingdale Pooley Bramford House, 23 Westfield Park, Clifton, Bristol BS6 6LT Tel: 0117 973 3377 www.hollingdalepooley.co.uk

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ABOVE | &| EXPLORERS BEYOND BRISTOL

LIFE IS GOLDEN Above & Beyond has nearly reached its £6 million Golden Gift Appeal target, and you can help raise the final funds

H

ospital’s charity Above & Beyond has now raised £5 million for its Golden Gift Appeal, launched less than two years to raise the money needed to transform Bristol’s hospitals for generations to come. The charity launched this appeal, its biggest ever, with help from teams of hospital staff, community fundraisers, former patients whose lives had been saved by our hospitals, and Mayor George Ferguson.

By way of thanks for his support, Above & Beyond presented the Mayor with a pair of gold trousers at the appeal launch in June 2013. Since then, his trademark red trousers have turned gold whenever the appeal reaches an important milestone – from its first million in October 2013 to raising £2.2 million for the region’s first adult Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Unit.

In May this year, Above & Beyond announced that it had raised an astonishing £5 million. To mark the start of the final countdown, George Ferguson launched the charity’s annual Bristol to Paris Cycle Challenge, which saw 70 intrepid cyclists – including many local business teams – pedal 430km

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across the channel and into the French capital. With typical humour, he commented that: “I was a bit sceptical when the charity said they would raise £6 million in 3 years. But I do like it when people do what they say they will.”

This achievement is thanks to the incredible support of local people and businesses that have cycled, run, baked, abseiled and walked to raise money for Above & Beyond. Not to mention the amazing Bristol University students who have lifted weights, rowed and played football, hockey and netball among other sports for their Ignit10n fundraising event. The Appeal is already making an incredible difference to patient care in our city.

And the results of such endeavours are clearly visible in Bristol. As well as the opening of the BMT Unit last year, the Golden Gift Appeal funded individual hi-spec isolation rooms, a patient lounge and a bright welcoming day unit, bringing together treatments for patients with cancers and blood conditions previously delivered at up to four different hospitals.

There are lots of ways that you can help Above & Beyond raise that last £1 million – read on to find out how.

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ABOVE | & BEYOND

Get involved...

Above & Beyond is now looking to raise the last £1 million for the Golden Gift Appeal, which will fund projects in Bristol’s hospitals that the NHS is simply unable to. These include: World-class technology for intensive care The Intensive Care Unit at the Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI) is where any of us who became critically ill in the city would be treated – that’s what happened to mum of two Lucy Silverthorne in 2011. On the way home from a girls’ weekend in London she became ill and needed to be rushed into the ICU at the Bristol Royal Infirmary where an expert team headed by Dr Sanjoy Shah fought to save her life.

Lucy who has fundraised for the Golden Gift Appeal herself since her recovery says: “I’ve lived in Bristol a long while, and I’ve walked past that hospital a lot. Now, when I look up at those windows, I remember that there are people fighting for their life. You never know if it will be you or a loved one – and if it was, you’d want the very best care.”

Individual rooms for the most vulnerable patients The Golden Gift Appeal is also raising funds for additional new individual rooms to give younger patients with life limiting cystic fibrosis and older patients including those needing end of life care greater privacy and dignity.

Family rooms in hospital so relatives can stay close by Relatives of patients in intensive care especially those travelling from further afield need to be close to their critically ill loved ones. That’s why the appeal is raising funds for two family rooms in hospital just minutes away from the Intensive Care Unit to support families through this difficult time.

There are hundreds of ways that you can get involved and help raise these much-needed funds, ranging from the sporty, to the foodie, to the silly. So here’s a few ideas to get you thinking...

Volunteer at Bristol International Balloon Fiesta from 6 – 9 August 2015 Above & Beyond is the official charity of the Fiesta, so why not join the lovely volunteer team and be part of the magic of this iconic event?

Register now for the Bristol Bake Off in September Roll up your sleeves to help make some dough for Bristol’s hospitals – contact Above & Beyond for your free Bristol Bake Off pack with bunting, cake labels and all you need to help your bake off rise to the occasion!

You can also run for the appeal in the Bristol Half Marathon Or row for the city’s hospitals with Above & Beyond at the Fundraisers Dragon Boat Festival both taking place in September. n For further information about any of the events above, or to find out more about the charity, visit: www.aboveandbeyond.org.uk, or contact the friendly team on tel: 0117 370 0485 or email: hello@aboveandbeyond.org.uk

Opposite: Bristol University students raise money through ther Ignit10n initiative; former BMT patient Lisa Nelson ‘bakes a difference’; the Bristol to Paris Cycle Challenge. This page: Lucy Silverthorne with her ‘hero’, Dr Sanjoy Shah; trampolining for Ignit10n; Lucy with her family; giving it everything for Ignit10n

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SHEEP | SPOTTING

WHAT THE FLOCK? Ahead of this month’s stampede of sheep through the city streets, Lauren Morris chats to two of the artists involved with the Shaun in the City trail

Some of the Shaun and the City sculptures brighten up the harbourside

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o you remember the gorgeous Gromit sculptures that adorned the streets of Bristol for 10 weeks in the summer of 2013? Not only did they highlight the incredible local design talent, but they also proved just how much the city has to offer with our local landmarks. From all over the world, people came in their droves to get a glimpse of these larger than life pups. Data suggests that during Gromit Unleashed, 1.18 million people visited the trail, spending an estimated £77 million and adding an extra £123 million to the local economy. Just over half of Gromit Unleashed trail visitors hailed from the Bristol area, whereas a staggering 44% visited from elsewhere in the UK or overseas.

And now another charismatic creation of Bristol’s Aardman Animations is on his way to make this summer one to remember – Shaun the Sheep. Seventy beautifully designed sculptures will be dotted around the city from Monday 6 July. As you may know, the Shaun in the City trail has already run in London (March – May) and had huge support from artists and designers alike. Fifty sheep have had the pleasure of being decorated, painted and designed by the talents of many celebs and designers such as David Gandy and Zandra Rhodes. London’s flock was certainly above Baa and I’m confident that Bristol’s is set to be even better.

Bristol has previously been home to some of the most creative outdoor giant sculptures and in 2011 it was the playground for 61 life-sized fibreglass gorillas with 90 mini ones dotted around Bristol shops. These were auctioned off to raise money for Bristol Zoo Gardens and Wallace and Gromit’s Grand

Appeal. It was the latter that our dearly beloved Gromits raised money for, and it truly was an incredible success with £2.3 million raised at the auction and in total £4.5 million was raised for the campaign. Here’s hoping Shaun the Sheep can do even better this year for the Grand Appeal and to help sick children in hospital throughout the UK. The Bristol flock will happily be here until Monday 31 August, and you’ll be able to see them chilling out all over the city. You can catch Shaun queuing for a show at the Bristol Hippodrome or having a swim at Bristol South Swimming Pool. See him gazing at the stars near Clifton Observatory, chatting up the other sheep at St Werburgh’s City Farm, or having a cheeky nibble at the University of Bristol Botanic Gardens.

And before it all kicks off, I was lucky enough to have the chance to meet two of the artists and chat about their Shaun’s and their extraordinary designs…

Cast your mind back to Gromit Unleashed. Do you remember Gromberry?

Well Simon Tozer has done it once again and has created something magical in his depiction of Shaun. Simon is a print designer who uses animals to depict human dreams, fears and frailties, yet his Shaun was a far cry from his usual designs. When asked how this felt to step away from his norm he fizzed with excitement: “It’s been great! It’s been a big change from making prints, as they are a much smaller scale and use smaller brushes. But for Shaun the brushes were big, and I’d forgotten how nice it was to work with paint.” Simon found that he worked with Shaun’s shape to create Jarsberry Ram, a strawberry sheep.

He used trompe l’oeil, a popular optical illusion technique that he also used

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ANOTHER OF AARDMAN’S CHARISMATIC CHARACTERS IS ON HIS WAY TO MAKE THIS SUMMER ONE TO REMEMBER

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SHEEP | SPOTTING on his raspberry Gromit in 2013. This method meant that the seeds look real, and only when centimetres away can you tell they are painted. The bright colour is incredibly eye-catching and Simon said: “It’s what I enjoy doing. I used his shape, just like I did with Gromit, I wanted it to be like a sheep in a costume”.

Simon first got involved with these giant sculptures when he helped work on one of the Gorillas and designed another. Through that he was contacted to submit a design for Gromit and Shaun. After a background in painting and a degree in fine art, Simon started a print-making course in Oxford, where he then went on to finish an MA at Chelsea College of Art. Living in London, Simon worked on murals for exhibition and construction design and worked on many children’s shops such as Mothercare and Disney. This is where he met his wife, Katie Wallis, who has also designed and painted a Shaun the Sheep. After learning a lot in London, Simon started his business with his wife and moved to Bristol, where he now lives and works. You can purchase Simon’s art in Made Just So in Clifton and Makers in Colston Street as well as online on his website and in the Rostra Gallery in Bath.

And if you are interested in learning how to screen-print, Simon runs an introduction from Rostra in Bath and also in his workshop in Bristol.

Susan Taylor, originally from Porthcawl, is the artist behind Alright Me Babber?, a beautiful blue, lime and white rendering of all that Bristol has to offer – from the speech bubble with ‘Gert Lush’ brandished on Shaun’s side, to the balloons floating over his head. You can see Concorde shooting over Shaun’s forehead, and sail away on the ss Great Britain. Transport yourself to Avon Gorge and scale the rock face (otherwise known as Shaun’s tail) and be truly in awe of the vibrant, eye-catching palette inspired by Susan’s range of tea-towel prints. Alright Me Babber? will be located outside Temple Meads Station and is set to become an icon of the city.

Speaking to Susan about how she got involved with this campaign, she told me that she loved finding all the Gromits with her children back in 2013 and so when asked to submit a design for Shaun in the City, she jumped at the chance. Her fantastic Bristolian Shaun wasn’t the only design she entered, however. Coming from an advertising background in Brighton, Susan had some brilliant ideas such as Shearlock Holmes, a detective sheep with monocle and deerstalker hat and Gordon Ram, a possibly badtempered chef. But of course as Alright Me Babber? is so quintessentially Bristolian, it was immediately accepted.

After finishing an art foundation course in Cardiff and moving to Brighton to complete her degree in graphic design, Susan worked in advertising in Brighton, London and Bristol. She worked on designs for BA, Virgin and Mattell. After having her second child, Susan decided to take the plunge and go it alone with her own designs. She specialises in typographical gifts and created some exquisite yet playful pieces for the births of Prince George and Princess Charlotte. Having a mother who is an architect has influenced Susan’s trademark graphic style, as seen on her prints and artwork, and the strong lines and colours make her work memorable, fun

Susan Taylor and Alright Me Babber?

and creative. Her pieces can be found in some of the larger tourist information stores up and down the country (London, Liverpool, Bristol) and also can be found in the Tower of London Exhibition Centre. You can visit her website and also visit Bristol Guild and M Shed to purchase a little piece of Susan Taylor Art for your home.

With 2015 being the Chinese Year of the Sheep as well as the release of Shaun’s new movie, it is surely going to be one to remember for these welldeserving charities and a whirlwind adventure for each and every Shaun.

We simply cannot wait to get involved, pack our rain mac and get hunting for these gorgeously vibrant soon-to-be icons of Bristol. n To view more of the featured artists’ work, visit: www.susantaylorart.net or www.simontozer.co.uk, and for more information about Wallace and Gromit’s Grand Appeal, visit: www.grandappeal.org.uk

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Simon Tozer’s Jarsberry Ram meets his woolly brothers © Matt Cardy

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

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s a mum, it’s very easy to put yourself at the bottom of the list. The kids come first, the cooking, the house, tending to your partner, extended families, birthdays, the list goes on, before finally – if you’re lucky, you might make a little time for yourself.

That’s not a hard done by story, just the reality of bringing up small children.

‘Me time’ takes on a whole new meaning. Once it might have been a spa day with friends, now if you’re lucky, it’s a child-free trip to the supermarket. And within all of that, you’re going to toddler groups and introducing yourself to new people on the ‘baby circuit’ when you hardly even know yourself.

A key part of that identity is what you wear. While it might sound superficial, if you feel good on the outside, it makes you feel good on the inside. Or, put another way – look good, feel good, feel good, look good. More to the point, most women change body shape after they have children and typically have a wardrobe full of working clothes they never wear.

Which is where Karen Lowe comes in – she’s an image consultant who loves helping women to be the best version of themselves. I first met Karen earlier this year when she was guest speaking at a networking event. She was amazing. A down to earth Liverpudlian, who can make you look great, even if you have champagne taste and lemonade money.

I know what you’re thinking – what exactly does an image consultant do? Is it just a lot of shopping? Well, in part yes – but for Karen, she helps give people back their confidence, while creating a capsule wardrobe which is current and relevant. It’s more than just clothes shopping – it’s about helping women enhance their beauty, express themselves and making it effortless for them.

I need Karen.

As a mum to an 8 year old, Karen knows the score when it comes to getting ready in the morning and looking after children. The mornings are all about them. Her first tip is simple – take 10 minutes every evening to plan what you’re wearing the next day. Think about what you’re doing, where you’re going and put it all together. If you haven’t got time for hair and make up, at least you feel good in your clothes. Happy mum – happy children.

With both my girls at pre school age, my life is all about chasing after them – there has to be an element of realism when it comes to getting dressed. Jammy finger marks are an accessory to most of my outfits and I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to wear ground-in Weetabix with style. When I met up with Karen over coffee, she was brimming with advice – you can be clever with texture and colours, which help to camouflage no end of smear marks.

Not only is she stylish, but practical too. I think one of my favourite ‘Karen catch phrases’ is, when it comes to clothes shopping: “Unless it creates three new outfits from your existing wardrobe, don’t buy it.” That way you can be mindful with the choices you make and buy classics, rather than trend led pieces, and get off the merry go round of shopping each season.

We haven’t been clothes shopping yet, but we’ve had a great consultation. I can’t wait to give my wardrobe the overhaul it needs and feel the best version of myself again. n For more info about Karen Lowe, visit: www.karenl.co.uk www.freelancemum.co.uk

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FAMILY | WHAT’S ON

ACTIVITY PLANNER Entertaining events and news for all the family this July

Family activities on the Downs

Hetty Feather at Bristol Old Vic

Mars Lab, until Wednesday 8 July, AtBristol, 10am – 4pm term time weekdays, 10am – 5pm weekends and holidays Discover more about the planet Mars using remote-control rovers and real lab equipment; design your very own ‘Mars Rover’, test it out on the Martian landscape and gather rock samples to take to the lab for analysis. What will you discover about the Red Planet? Free with standard admission (£12.60 adult, £8.10 child). For more information tel: 0845 345 1235 or visit: www.at-bristol.org.uk

crash lands her shuttle in the shop, the race is on.

Will they be able to help the space adventurer back on her way? Will they save the shop from the clutches of Ms Barnet? Tickets: £7 each or £25 for a family of four, available from Tobacco Factory Theatres box office on tel: 0117 902 0344 or visit: www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com

Out There Music Bristol Children’s Choir taster session, Cotham School, Wednesday 15 July, 4.45pm – 6pm Founded by local musician Tom Jones in 2008 and open to children aged 7–13 from any school in Bristol, Out There Music Bristol Children’s Choir is now recruiting. From September it meets every Wednesday at Cotham School, so why not come along in July and see if it’s something you’d like to try. For more information contact Holly Shannon on tel: 07866 587 424, email: admin@outtheremusicbristol.co.uk or visit: www.outtheremusicbristol.co.uk

Monkey Trousers Theatre Co, © Joanna Beard

months to four years old to make melodious music on the Downs. Decorate and play a shaker, sing, dance, join in with action songs and meet some wildlife puppets with Fiona from Music with Mummy (daddy, granny or any other responsible adults are also allowed.) Tickets: £4 per child, available from the Avon Gorge and Downs Wildlife Project on tel: 0117 903 0609 or email: mleivers@bristolzoo.org.uk

Hetty Feather, Bristol Old Vic, Friday 17 – Sunday 19 July, evening and matinee shows available

AN UNFORGETTABLE ADVENTURE...

Roll up and join Hetty on her escape from the Foundling Hospital. Tremble as she faces Matron Stinking Bottomly. Thrill as she discovers the squirrel house and Tanglefields Travelling Circus.

Gasp as she endures a night locked in the attic.

Quake as she braves the scary streets of Victorian London and cheer as she overcomes all in the search to find her real mother and a true family of her own. With an original musical score by Benji Bower, circus skills and a huge heart, Hetty Feather is a terrific adventure story, perfect for the whole family. Adapted from the work of Jacqueline Wilson by award winning script writer Emma Reeves and Bristol Old Vic’s own Sally Cookson. Tickets: £10 – £27.50 from the box office on tel: 0117 987 7877 or visit: www.bristololdvic.org.uk

Around the World in 80 Days, Tobacco Factory Theatres, Wednesday 1 – Saturday 18 July, 1.30pm, 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Blue Marvel (3D), from Tuesday 21 July, At-Bristol, shows throughout the day

The Snot Rocket, Kelvin Players Studio Theatre, Gloucester Road, Sunday 5 July, 10.30am, 1pm & 3.30pm After its sell out opening show, Monkey Trousers Theatre returns to Bishopston this summer with another sensational children’s show. Want something? Need it from outer space? Well, you’re in luck – Mr Gotalot’s Gotalot Shop is going interstellar as it launches The Snot Rocket. Inside the magical Gotalot Shop, you can buy everything and anything from Mr Gotalot and his eager shop boy Sidney. But the conniving landlady Ms Barnet is determined to shut them down. So when Captain Andromeda, professional space explorer

Based on Jules Verne’s famous novel and combining clowning, live music and storytelling, this July at Tobacco Factory Theatres, Around the World in 80 Days takes you on a high speed, mad-cap, transcontinental, race against the clock. Join Phileas Fogg and his faithful servant Passepartout in their audacious plan to navigate the globe in just 80 days. With only a bag full of money, a pocket watch and a wager to win, Fogg sets out on the most celebrated literary journey of all time. One policeman, two comrades, three cab rides, four continents, five trains, six ships, and just 80 days to get back home. Tickets: £13/£9 available from the box office on tel: 0117 902 0344 or visit: www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com

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Music with Mummy, Avon Gorge and Downs Wildlife Project, the Downs, Friday 17 July, 10am – 11am This family event encourages children from 15

Explore our world in a whole new light at this phenomenal 3D Planetarium show. Created to celebrate Bristol’s Green Capital Year, Blue Marvel will reveal our glorious planet like never before. Discover how space exploration inspired the environmental movement and led to a deeper appreciation of our world.Tickets: £3 per seat in addition to standard admission (£12.60 adult, £8.10 child). Ages 6+ only. For more information tel: 0845 345 1235 or visit: www.at-bristol.org.uk

Family Survival Day, Leigh Woods, Thursday 23 July, 10.30am – 3pm If you go down to the woods today... you’re sure to be in for an adventure. Over the course of the day, you’ll learn various survival skills including fire lighting, cooking on an open fire and den

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FAMILY | WHAT’S ON

TIME FOR TEA

We Are Family at Arnolfini

Starry Skies Family Camp, South Wales, Wednesday 22 – Sunday 26 July

building. But remember to bring some waterproofs and a woolly, it can get cold in the heart of the woodland. Suitable Get back to nature with your family in the for 5–16 year olds, all adults must stunning setting of the Monnow Valley. Starry be accompanied by a child. Tickets: Skies provides a huge range of activities for families £14 adult, £12 child. Booking is to reconnect with nature and the great outdoors. With essential, tel: 0844 249 1895 or visit: a working farm, miles of rolling meadows, rivers and www.nationaltrust.org.uk streams, ancient woodland, mountains and hills to

explore, it's the perfect place for a Famous Five style adventure! Children of all ages can take part in something and adults can relax knowing their kids Join Arnolfini’s learning team to are in safe hands. Brought to you by the team explore the exhibitions and events behind family-friendly Shambala Festival, Starry through exciting and engaging Skies has a petite capacity of 250 families. activities for families to do together.

Tickets: £139 adults, £29–£39 children.

Get creative with the We Are Family For more information visit: workshop and join in with engaging, fun and practical activities and games. Drop in and www.starry-skies.net We Are Family, Arnolfini, Saturday 25 July, 1pm – 5pm

see what fantastic creations you can make. The day is most suitable for ages 5+ but all ages are welcome to have a go. There are also plenty of other family activities running at Arnolfini throughout the month. Admission is free but donations are welcome. For more information tel: 0117 917 2300 or visit: www.arnolfini.org.uk

VYBE Festival, The Station, Saturday 25 July, 2pm – 9pm VYBE is Bristol's biggest youth arts festival for and by young people bringing together well known headliners with emerging young talent that Bristol has to offer. This day festival will be jam packed with stalls, workshops and performances over three main stages including acoustic acts, open mic sessions, DJ’s and live music. It’ll also have a hip hop dance battle, fashion show with Bristol’s hotest young designers, exhibition of artwork and a secret pop up

Good VYBEs at The Station

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stunt for everyone to get involved in (remember last year’s powder paint fight? Think that but bigger...) Open to families and young people, this year is set to rock. Tickets: £2.50, for more information visit: www.thestationbristol.org.uk

Minibeast Magic with Avon Gorge and Downs Wildlife Project, the Downs, Thursday 30 July, 10am – 3.30pm Join us on a minibeast safari spotting the little creatures that live on the Downs. In the afternoon, get crafty as you create a marvellous minibeast pop-up book. Tickets: £10 per child, booking essential and children should bring their own packed lunch. Available from the Avon Gorge and Downs Wildlife Project tel: 0117 903 0609 or email: mleivers@bristolzoo.org.uk

Fundraisers at Jessie May, the local charity which cares for terminally ill children at home, are encouraging people to hold tea parties this summer to raise money and awareness for the cause.

Following the success of the first Time for Tea campaign last year, which raised £10,000 in just one week, the charity has decided to extend the event and hold a summer-long campaign which will see supporters holding tea parties or just sitting down with a cuppa and friends to back the charity.

Jessie May head of fundraising and communications Julian Withers said: “Funds raised throughout the campaign will go towards ensuring that every child in the area who is not expected to reach adulthood receives nursing care within the home.

“We facilitate home care so that the children can be comfortable, happy and surrounded by loved ones. Many of the children we care for have long-term degenerative illnesses so we support the families throughout the care process.”

If you’d like to take part, all you need to do is sign up for a special pack and then host your own tea party with friends, family or colleagues at any time during the summer.

Schools and businesses can also join in with cake sales and their own tea parties.

Jessie May provides care to families in Bristol, North Somerset, South Glos and Bath. It costs around £820,000 for the charity to provide this care yearly and it is almost entirely dependent on public support. To get involved visit: www.jessiemay.org.uk

Minibeast Magic with the Avon Gorge and Downs Wildlife Project

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JENNY | DARES

CLIFFHANGER Jenny Hayes finds herself between a rock and a hard place as she abseils down the Avon Gorge

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JENNY | DARES

ON THE EDGE Main image: abseiing down the iconic Avon Gorge Clockwise from above: Iain shows me the ropes; he’s also on hand to offer much needed advice and encouragement throughout my descent; perfecting my technique; looking confident and relaxed – because I’m nearly at the bottom.

All images © Will Dodd

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rowing up in Bristol, one of my earliest memories is of my mum holding me tight as I clambered up on the small wall that circumnavigates the Sea Walls to peer down through the netting into the deep ravine of the Avon Gorge. Even as an adult who should know better, I can’t resist climbing up and hanging over the top of that net to soak in the stunning view, and it still gives me the same nervous thrill as it did when I was just four years old.

Which got me thinking. Isn’t it time I met that fear head on and did what my body screamed for me not to do? What could be greater than challenging that childish anxiety and stepping over the safety barrier? Nothing, I decided.

Which is why, two weeks later, I found myself clutching to a rope for dear life as I dangled over the edge of the mighty Gorge.

Fortunately, that rope was attached to both a sturdy-looking tree and Iain Afshar, an experienced instructor and allround daredevil who established the Adventurous Activity Company back in 2004.

You see, readers, when I decided to abseil down the Avon Gorge I wanted to make darn sure I was in the best hands, and since Iain and his team at AAC have been offering a huge variety of exciting outdoor pursuits across the West Country for over a decade, I figured he was my man.

I wasn’t wrong. When we met up on a sunny afternoon in June I was a jangle of nerves, which manifested in nonsensical prattling interspersed with bouts of nervous laughter. But it didn’t faze Iain, who has the kind of unflappable demeanour you can only ever truly appreciate when fuelled with the level of adrenalin that occurs moments before you plan to launch yourself off the top of a cliff. And appreciate it I did. As he showed me how to harness up, then ran through the technique of abseiling, his calm manner managed to settle my racing brain just enough for me to take in the basics before I started my descent. As did his showing me the safety rope that he’d be holding throughout my abseil, so that if I totally lost my grip (on the rope, or on reality? both felt like a distinct possibility), I wouldn’t plummet to my death. In fact, I’d barely fall an inch – phew!

Despite this reassurance, all logical knowledge of my safety deserted me when I found myself precariously perched above the precipice five minutes later. I was left with a mind wiped blank by terror and a distinctly wobbly pair of legs. Only one piece of Iain’s advice remained in my head – don’t look down.

So I didn’t. Instead, I focused on Iain’s clear instructions as I took my first baby steps over the edge. And I have never, ever been so terrified in all my life.

Suddenly the ropes that held me looked like string, the tree they were secured to a mere sapling, and the soles of my trusty trainers seemed to be covered in ice. To compensate, I adopted a vice-like grip on the safety rope and froze in my tracks – a common technique for beginners, apparently, but not one that is particularly conducive to making it through an abseil. So, with infinite patience, Iain coaxed me into transferring my grasp from the safety rope (where it was somewhat of a hindrance) to my harness (which, incidentally, I still clutched as though my life depended on it). Then, with quiet words of encouragement, he managed to get me to continue – tentatively.

As I gained ground, though, something clicked into place and I began to move more fluently down the rocks. The disorienting rush of blood in my ears surged down into my heart, delivering a mighty kick of courage. My jelly legs grew cores of steel and I became more sure-footed, my confidence growing as I navigated overhangs and slippery sections of rock. And lucky it did, because halfway down I couldn’t hear Iain any more – it was just me vs. the cliff.

So I channelled my inner action hero (don’t laugh, I have one), ignored my burning muscles and concentrated on completing the final stretch.

I was so in the rhythm of the abseil – and, yes, even enjoying myself – that when my feet hit solid ground it actually felt strange. And amazing. After all, I’d just abseiled down the Avon Gorge! I stood back and gave a thumbs up to Iain who was still way up at the top, and noticed he was signalling something to me – what was that? Come back for another go? Well, he didn’t need to ask me twice. Within the space of 30 minutes I’d transformed from wibbling wreck to Sylvester Stallone, and I was back up that Gorge and attached to my ropes for a second descent before you could say Cliffhanger. n

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ONLY ONE PIECE OF ADVICE STAYED IN MY HEAD – DON’T LOOK DOWN

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As well as abseiling, the Adventurous Activity Company offers a variety of other adventure and team building activities – including canoeing, climbing, mountain biking and orienteering – as well as skills and first aid courses.

Activity prices start from c. £37.50 per person (based on a group of 6–8), but will be higher for smaller groups or individual sessions. For more information tel: 01275 394 558 or visit: www.adventurousactivitycompany.co.uk JULY 2015

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SCIENCE | ASTRONOMY

WRITTEN IN THE STARS This month, an incredible space mission is unfolding in the depths of our solar system.

Jenny Hayes went along to At-Bristol Science Centre to find out more

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SCIENCE | ASTRONOMY

Main image: Artist’s impression of a Kuiper belt object © NASA This page: Pluto © ESO/L. Calçada

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uckle up, readers, because this month we’re travelling right to the outer reaches of our solar system, following New Horizons on its mission to Pluto. Launched on 19 January 2006, the NASA spacecraft will be the first to visit this distant world, providing scientists with an incredibly detailed view of the mysterious dwarf planet. The spacecraft is due to make its closest approach – just 12,500 km from Pluto – at 11.50 am on Tuesday 14 July, and the images it captures will be beamed back to Earth within a matter of hours.

The probe will map large areas of Pluto and its largest moon, Charon. It carries a number of specialist instruments that will measure the chemical composition of the surface of each body and their atmospheres, including RALPH – a visible and infrared spectrometer that will provide colour, composition and thermal maps, and LORRI – a long range reconnaissance imager (telescopic camera) that will provide NASA with high resolution geological data of both the dwarf planet and its moon. After leaving Pluto, New Horizons will continue travelling out into the Kuiper belt to study the icy objects that are relics from the formation of the solar system 4.5 billion years ago.

It’s interesting to note that when New Horizons launched, Pluto was still classified as a planet. But why the change? Well, it all began in 2003 when US astronomer Mike Brown discovered a new object beyond Pluto that was larger than the so-called ‘ninth planet’. This object, named Eris, gave astronomers pause to consider what makes a planet, well, a planet. As the International Astronomical Union drew up new guidelines, it became apparent that Pluto was too small at only 2,300 km across, and its eccentric orbit very different to

the roughly circular ones of the other planets. The high percentage of ice in its composition (about 30%) further distinguished it from both the inner terrestrial planets of Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars, and the outer gas planets of Saturn, Jupiter, Uranus and Neptune.

Lying on the outer reaches of the solar system, the temperature on this icy dwarf planet is about –400°C and it gets little light from the Sun, making the name Pluto – after the ruler of the underworld – rather apt. It has five known moons, named Charon, Kerberos, Styx, Nix and Hydra in keeping with the Greek mythology. The latter two were only discovered by astronomers in 2005 through images beamed back from the Hubble Space Telescope, which just goes to show how much we still have to learn about this strange world.

The New Horizons mission will help us do just that in discovering how Pluto, its moons and the other icy bodies in the Kuiper belt have evolved over the last few billion years, while also allowing us to gain a greater understanding of their relationship to the main planets. In doing so, the data the spacecraft transmits back to us here on Earth is expected to finally complete the incredible story of the origin of our solar system. So watch this space... n With huge thanks to Lee Pullen for sharing his time and knowledge. If you haven’t experienced the wonders of the new 3D Planetarium At-Bristol yet, then book your ticket now for Blue Marvel, launching on 21 July. This stunning show invites you to discover how space exploration inspired the environmental movement and has led to a deeper appreciation of our own planet. Be prepared to see your home as you’ve never seen it before! Tel: 0117 909 2000 or visit: www.at-bristol.org.uk

Look out for...

The Kuiper belt

The Hercules Globular Cluster (M13), which is also known as the Great Cluster because it is considered one of the finest star clusters of its kind in the Northern hemisphere sky. It is about 25,000 light years away from Earth, and contains over 5000 stars. No one is sure of its exact age, but with estimates of between 11.7 and 14 billion years, it is likely that the stars found here were some of the very first formed in the universe. If you reach for your binoculars and look for Hercules, who is almost directly overhead in the July night sky, you will be able to spot the cluster as a fuzzy orb. And if you have a telescope, you should even be able to resolve a few of the stars themselves.

The Kuiper belt, named after astronomer Gerard Kuiper, is a region of the solar system beyond the planets. It is similar to an asteroid belt, but more than 20 times wider and far more massive. Unlike asteroids, which are made of rock and metal, the small bodies found in the belt are composed of volatile frozen elements such as methane and ammonia (termed ‘ices’) and are remnants from the formation of the solar system. The origins of the Kuiper belt and its structure are still being investigated by scientists, but it is believed to consist of planetesimals – fragments from the protoplanetary disc that originally existed around the Sun – that failed to amalgamate into full planets.

WWW.THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

JULY 2015

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CITY | BEAUTY

Beauty

DR JACKSON'S SKIN CREAM 01 50ML, £80

NOTES

Dr Jackson pays its dues in furthering natural product science. A percentage of all sales contributes to this through a research foundation.

O'RIGHT RECOFFEE MOISTURIZING SHAMPOO 400ML, £20 O’right is determined to make the world a greener place, so much so that once you’ve finished your shampoo, you can plant the bottle in your garden and watch it grow into a tree!

LAURA MERCIER LIMITED EDITION LIP GLACE, £19.50

MORE THAN SKIN DEEP There is only one thing better than highperforming beauty products that enhance our natural beauty, and that’s brands with a conscience says Rachelle Howells, Beauty Manager Harvey Nichols Bristol. From a commitment to the environment to supporting a charity, a selection of our favourite products go further than making you feel good – they help you give back.

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

LUCY ANNABELLA ORGANICS ARGAN & BERGAMOT TREATMENT OIL 125ML, £38 Lucy Annabella's zero carbon footprint has won it accreditation with the Soil Association and the Aromatherapy Trade Council.

TRILOGY ROSEHIP OIL ANTIOXIDANT+ 30ML, £26.50

Laura Mercier launched a selection of products to support the The Laura Mercier Ovarian Cancer Fund, founded in September 2012. Its mission is to raise awareness and fund research and educational efforts that will help diagnose, treat and support women with ovarian cancer.

Trilogy was the first New Zealand skincare brand to achieve carbon neutral certification. They take responsibility for how the products are bought, used and disposed of.

DERMALOGICA ULTRA CALMING CLEANSER 500ML, £48 Dermalogica is so passionate about empowering woman, it set up a foundation to direct loans to women entrepreneurs in 57 countries.

DR HAUSCHKA ROSE DAY CREAM 30ML, £29.50

Dr Rudolf Hauschka’s goal has always been ‘to support the healing of humanity and the earth’ from their ecologically conscious methods of sourcing ingredients to its fair trade initiatives.

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CRÈME DE LA MER WORLD OCEANS DAY LIMITED EDITION MOISTURISING CREAM 100ML, £300 With the sea at the core of Crème de la Mer's inspiration and products, it's no surprise that the limited edition jar pays homage to the 'Blue Heart', the need to protect and explore the ocean.

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HEALTH | & BEAUTY

HEALTH UPDATES ■ If you’re a mum, or soon-to-be, you’re probably putting a great deal of energy into looking after your little one which leaves you with little time for pampering yourself. But finding a moment that’s just for you is important, something that Star Neffendorf from Mama Me Time Massage knows all about. As well as being a mum herself, she provides therapeutic pregnancy and post natal massage treatments for women in Bristol. “I’ve always been driven by a desire to help people,” she says, “and after travelling around the world and experiencing first hand the benefits of traditional holistic massage, I decided to train and become a therapist.” As well as offering home treatments for busy mothers, Star also offers Mama Meet Up Massage for NCT groups so that mums can enjoy a 30 minute massage while their baby is being looked after in the room next door by familiar friends and faces.

For more details, or to book an appointment, tel: 07837 080 711 or visit: mamametimemassage.wordpress.com

FIT & FAB A few ideas to help you survive the stressful school holidays

Don’t forget to pack...

Essential items for your summer hols

• Makeup meltdown? No sweat. All you need is a slick of this fabulous They’re Real! mascara, £19.50 by Benefit. Heatproof and waterproof, you’re guaranteed big, bold, sexy lashes – whatever the weather.

Available from Boots and House of Fraser, Cabot Circus, or visit: www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk

■ Approximately 200 Spire employees from across the UK, including Spire Healthcare CEO, Rob Roger and three employees from Spire The Glen Hospital Bristol, took part in the hospital’s second annual charity cycle challenge. In total, the team pedalled over 720km from Manchester to London, stopping at Blackpool, Leeds, Bristol, Southampton, Portsmouth, Cheam, Norwich and Cambridge along the way. Stepping up to the saddle from Spire The Glen Hospital Bristol were Alan Shepherd, chief engineer, Jennifer Hoffman, receptionist, and Paul Davies, technician. This year’s event raised money for Harrison’s Fund, a charity working to find a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

For details visit: www.spirehealthcare.com or www.harrisonsfund.com

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• You don’t have to limit yourself to just eating tasty tropical fruit while you’re away, you can wear it on your nails too. A Different Nail Enamel, £12 by Clinique, comes in a variety of mouthwateringly zesty colours.

Available from Boots and John Lewis at The Mall, Cribbs Causeway, or visit: www.clinique.co.uk • Flip-flops are a must-have holiday item, but are prone to flip-flop right off your feet after a margarita or two – ooops. There’s no danger of that with these Freedom sandals, £26, though, so strap them on and enjoy yourself. Available from the Havaianas Pop-Up Kiosk in Cabot Circus, or visit: www.havaianas-store.com • Now all you need is a stylish washbag to hold all these goodies. This large one, £34 by Orla Kiely, is complete with handy zip pockets and a hanger for no fuss, easy access, wherever you may be... from John Lewis, Cribbs Causeway, or visit: www.johnlewis.com

Can you beat the block?

Urban Fit, a Bristol based not-for-profit group that engages and empowers young women in the city through fitness and lifestyle workshops, is challenging people to run up and down eight tower blocks in a unique fundraising event.

The Block Run event is on Saturday 18 July, and starts at 11am from Bristol Boxing Gym, Lower Ashley Road. People of Bristol are being encouraged to get involved by either running individually or as a team, to see if they can beat the block.

There is an entrance fee of £15 for over 18s, £10 for under 18s, and entrants will be given a race number, medal and goody bag with the added incentive of a tasty BBQ afterwards.

Urban Fit is run by volunteers and the money raised will provide exciting free sessions to young women aged 13-21 to inspire their confidence for a more positive future. For more information email: urbanfit@hotmail.co.uk

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Nutritional help for Endometriosis

By Shila Mistry for CNM (College of Naturopathic Medicine).

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ndometriosis is a painful condition of the abdomen which involves the endometrium cells, which are usually found in the lining of womb, growing in the wrong place. Instead of staying in the womb where they belong, these rogue cells respond to hormones that control the monthly menstruation cycle in the same way as the womb lining does, by shedding blood. However, there is no exit for this blood and hence it can cause abdominal pain, inflammation, and is often linked to infertility.

It is the second most common gynaecological condition and an estimated 2 million women in the UK have endometriosis. The exact cause is unknown but the disorder is dependent on the female sex hormone, oestrogen, and how well it is excreted via the digestive system.

Although conventional medicine can support and suppress the disease with the use of drugs and surgery, there is no cure, and research indicates that after treatments stop, recurrence of the condition is high, returning within 2 years for many women.

Research has shown that lifestyle changes, such as eating a diet low in oestrogen has helped other oestrogen related disorders. But before this can be effective it’s paramount that the gut and liver are working well, which ensures foods are broken down properly and good absorption of nutrients occurs. Without this, body cells struggle to function well or to heal, as they may not get adequate nourishment. The gut is also home to microbiota which contains tens of trillions of bacteria – ten times more cells than body cells. This mircobiota is responsible for keeping the immune system healthy and strong.

Eating nutrient dense, good quality, organic and non genetically modified foods to help limit toxins, (hence supporting liver detoxification), and to give vitamins and minerals to the body, enables cells to function well. Check out PAN UK for the best and worst food list of pesticide residues.

Increase the intake of liver supporting foods such as broccoli, cauliflower, onions, beets, lemons, and garlic. Good liver function is vital in order for proper digestion and absorption of nutrients to take place. It is responsible for producing digestive and pancreatic enzymes and along with the skin and lungs, is one of the main detoxification organs, responsible for the excretion of oestrogen, too.

Consume an anti-inflammatory diet. Any WWW.THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

condition that involves pain means that the body is inflamed. A diet rich in nature’s antiinflammatory foods will help with lowering pain, and support repair and healing. Eat a handful of raw nuts and seeds, as both contain good fats as well as providing protein and minerals. Good fats are needed for cell membranes, hormones and brain cells.

Include a good amount of fibre in the diet such as fruit, vegetables and lentils. This helps to reduce oestrogen levels as fibre acts like a sponge absorbing and carrying oestrogen out of the body. Also reduce the consumption of animal products such as diary and meat, to lower oestrogen.

Limit your intake of gluten containing foods, such as wheat, rye, cous cous and barley, as gluten can disrupt hormones and cause inflammation. Opt for whole foods, such as nuts, seeds, lentils, quinoa, millet, rice, amaranth and buckwheat.

Shila Mistry

Shila Mistry is a Nutritional Therapist who graduated from CNM (College of Naturopathic Medicine).

Attend a FREE CNM Open Evening in Bristol Thursday 16th July 2015 7pm-9pm to find out about training with CNM Bristol for a career in Naturopathic Nutrition or Naturopathic Acupuncture.

Please reserve your free place on line.

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

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Sunny side up Dr Giles Dunnill, consultant dermatologist at Spire The Glen Hospital, explains how to protect yourself against harmful UV rays this summer

2015, from 7pm – 8pm, about the dangers of increased contact with UV rays.

Hosted by the hospital, the event will also provide guidance on how you can enjoy the sun whilst protecting your skin from deadly UV rays.

Here, he gives his top tips for enjoying the summer without risking your skin’s health: Avoid sun exposure when the sun is at its highest point – The sun is at its strongest when it’s at the highest point in the sky which can be the most dangerous time of day to sunbathe. Take yourself indoors or into the shade from 11am until 3pm to avoid this time of day.

Wear a sun lotion with the right amount of UV protection for you – Make sure the SPF in your sun cream is high enough for the level of exposure you will get – the fairer your skin the higher level of protection you will need.

Factor 15 should be the absolutely minimum anyone should use.

Apply your sun lotion frequently – Your sun cream can wear off throughout the day. Make sure you apply it frequently and definitely reapply after going in water – even if your lotion is water resistant!

See your doctor if you’re concerned about a skin lesion – If you have any unusual skin lesions – particularly ones that change colour, bleed, are painful, flake or generally feel abnormal – that you’ve had for four weeks or more, book an appointment to see your GP. Not all cases will be skin cancer but it’s best to get checked out just to be sure.

S

kin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world, most usually caused by over-exposure to sunlight. UV light damages the DNA in our skin cells, resulting in skin cancer.

When we get sunburnt, the top layers of skin release chemicals that make blood vessels swell and leak fluids. The skin turns red and feels like it’s burning. In severe cases of sunburn, the skin can swell and blister. Even though the symptoms fade after a short while, long-lasting damage may have been caused.

Dr Giles Dunnill, consultant dermatologist at Spire the Glen Hospital Bristol, is holding a free patient information evening on Thursday 16 July

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Wear a hat – As well as reducing your chances of suffering from sun stroke, a hat will also protect your scalp from getting burnt. Not many people think of their heads burning but as it can be tricky to apply sun cream to your head, it’s even more important to keep it covered up.

Cover up – Keep yourself covered up when the sun is at its strongest, especially on your shoulders which are particularly susceptible to sun burn.

To book your free place on the patient information event, contact Spire The Glen Hospital Bristol on tel: 0117 980 4080 or email: info@spirebristol.com For further information visi:t www.spirehealthcare.com/bristol

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CARLO hair &beauty M

MOROCCANOIL ®

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

Removal of moles, skin tags, cysts and other skin lesions If you have been thinking about getting rid of an annoying or unsightly skin lesion that is not covered by the NHS then we can help you

• Removal of single or multiple skin lesions • • Simple, surgical procedure using local anaesthetic • • Delivered by doctors experienced in minor surgery • • Convenient ‘one-stop’ appointment including consultation and procedure • • Easy-access clinics in BANES with free parking • Please contact us or visit our website for further information including details of clinic locations and prices for this private service

GREEN KITE HEALTHCARE

Registered with the Care Quality Commission (ID: 1-1603137933) www.gkhealth.co.uk 82 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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• Email: info@gkhealth.co.uk • Tel: 0333 332 1491

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BE CLEAR ON CATARACTS

O

ne of the most common causes of blindness in the world, a cataract is an eye condition that causes the lens to become cloudy and your vision to blur, and if left untreated, it can lead to complete sight loss. Generally associated with the natural ageing process, we’re all at risk of developing cataracts at some point but those with diabetes or on steroid medication, and people who have suffered trauma or who have a genetic pre-disposition, may find themselves experiencing the condition at a younger age than expected.

While this might all sound like doom and gloom, all is most certainly not lost. Cataract surgery is now common place and great strides are being made in the field when it comes to more complex cases involving refractive problems such as long and short sightedness or astigmatism.

Mr Mo Majid and Mr Rafik Girgis are two of the leading Consultant Ophthalmologists in the country. Practicing at Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital, The Chesterfield, the surgeons both specialise in cataract surgery, among other acute eye conditions, and have carried out over 9,000 procedures between them.

Rafik Girgis, said: “Cataracts Cathy Austin and Mr Rafik Girgis can be really debilitating, preventing people from reading, driving and doing the normal day-to-day activities they enjoy. Through a very quick operation under local anaesthetic we can correct all this and have people back home the same day. For those with serious conditions it can be truly life changing.”

Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a new clear lens, one eye at a time. While the qualifying criteria for cataract treatment through the NHS has become quite restricted due to budget restraints in recent years, at The Chesterfield patients can be treated at all stages of the condition and they won’t have to join a long waiting list.

Rafik Girgis, continued: “Those suffering with cataracts in both eyes can experience an imbalance in their vision following treatment on the first eye, leading them to feel unstable on their feet and making them vulnerable to falls and accidents which can ultimately result in broken bones. Here, we’re able to operate on the second eye within two weeks on average.

“As a highly experienced team, we’re also able to offer advanced surgical techniques to help improve the sight of cataracts’ patients who have WWW.THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

historically worn glasses. We can have lenses tailored-made to the needs of a patient allowing both near and distance objects to be seen in clear focus and potentially eliminating the need for glasses altogether.”

The introduction of a new state-of-the-art vision system Mr Mo Majid at The Chesterfield is also proving revolutionary for patients suffering from the most complex eye conditions.

Mo Majid, said: “As a Vitreoretinal Surgeon, as well as cataract surgery, I specialise in eye problems affecting the retina, macula, and vitreous fluid including retinal detachment, floaters, macular hole and complications related to cataract and diabetes.

“With the new vision system, I can retrieve cataracts that were previously unable to be removed, implant customised lenses and perform many other complicated procedures to repair the eye that are otherwise impossible.

“I can’t tell you how important this development is for local people who are suffering from acute sight issues; who may have previously been told there is no hope of recovery and who are living in fear of going blind.”

Cathy Austin underwent cataract surgery at The Chesterfield, after her optician advised she was at risk of losing her sight completely. “The care and support I received from Nuffield Health was absolutely wonderful, I was in and out of the hospital within a few hours and by the morning my sight was better than it has ever been.”

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

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OUT | AND ABOUT

THE CIDER TRAIL This month Andrew Swift takes us on a walk through the charming village of Slad, and into the heart of one of the nation’s favourite novels

T

his month we travel by train to visit the Gloucestershire village of Slad, celebrated by Laurie Lee in Cider with Rosie. The Slad valley is not only remarkably unspoilt, its scenery is very varied.

This walk takes you through beech woods, along green lanes, down hidden valleys and across high hills, as well as featuring some splendid seventeenth and eighteenth-century buildings.

As well as looking out for places featured in Cider with Rosie, you will also encounter a series of wooden posts, set up in 2014 to mark the centenary of Laurie Lee’s birth. Each bears one of his poems engraved onto Perspex, so that it can be read against a backdrop of the landscape that inspired him. ● The walk starts at Stroud station – the closest the railway ever got to Slad.

Head along Station Road, turn left into Russell Street and right into King Street. Carry on through the pedestrian area and past the Greyhound into Lansdown. By the School of Science & Art, turn left down Locking Hill.

At the bottom turn right, cross over and head up Birches Drive. After 120m, when Birches Drive branches right down a cul-de-sac, carry on up the main road – known as Folly Lane. ● After 900m, when the road curves right, bear left to continue up Folly Lane. After passing Worgan’s Farm, the tarmac ends and you continue along a rough track. At a T junction (SO868076), carry straight on along a narrow path beside a barbed-wire fence for 250m before following a broad path through Frith Wood Nature Reserve. ● After 850m, you come to the first poetry post. A little further on, when you reach a busy road, cross and carry on along it in the same direction. This is Bull’s Cross (SO877087), the haunted crossroads celebrated in Cider with Rosie. After passing another poetry post at the end of the lay-by, carry on for 50m before turning right to follow a footpath sign down a green lane.

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● This leads to Deadcombe Bottom. Gloomy at the best of times, it is easy to imagine how sinister it was the night Laurie discovered his uncle hanging from a tree – but still very much alive! – after losing his job as a bus driver for drunkenness. ● After 500 metres the path bears right and, after levelling out, curves left. When it forks, follow the footpath sign down to the right.

After passing a large pond on the left, carry on across a broad track to head up a rough, steep path.

At the top, turn right along a green lane (SO886086). After going through a gateway, carry on, with tarmac underfoot, passing Down Farm, with a striking circular window in its pediment. A little further on is Steanbridge Mill. Sixpence’s cottage, featured in Cider with Rosie, stood across the road on the right. ● As the lane levels out, it passes the duck pond where Fred Bates found Miss Flynn floating among the reeds and where, in the depths of winter, the villagers turned out to skate. A little further along, hidden amid trees, is the old squire’s house, where young Laurie went carol singing.

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OUT | AND ABOUT ● Follow the lane as it swings left past Laurel Court and, at the main road, you will see Laurie Lee’s childhood home, now called Rosebank, down to the left. A little further on, just past the church and nearly opposite the school, is the Woolpack, a superb, traditional pub with local beer and cider, where lunch is served from 12 to 3. ● Carry on along the road for 800m, and, after passing Woodside House, you will see a cottage behind high gates on the right. This is the old Star Inn, which closed in 1978.

Turn left down a narrow path opposite (SO870067), and, after crossing two stiles, turn left along a lane past Vatch Cottage and Vatch House. Behind the houses on the right once stood Vatch mill, six storeys high, topped by high chimneys and surrounded by ancillary buildings. ● Follow the lane uphill past a turning to Slad Lane and, when it swings right, carry on along a restricted byway. Cross a stile beside a gate on the right and continue across a field. Cross another stile and carry on through a meadow. After crossing a stile, the path leads past a pond, and another stile brings you to a poetry post. n ● Bear right to follow a track up the field. Cross a stile and follow a path up between trees. At the lane turn right uphill, turning right at a T junction (SO878070). After passing the hamlet of Elcombe, steps on the left lead into the Laurie Lee Nature Reserve. Follow the path uphill and, after going through a handgate, turn left past a gate into Swift’s Hill Nature Reserve. Keep alongside the wall as it curves right, before following a barbed wire fence along the lip of the quarry, with views across to the Severn and the Welsh mountains. ● When the fence ends, follow an indistinct track ahead and, when you see a gate below, head down to it (SO875066). Bear left along a lane and at the junction turn left along Slad Lane. After 1500m you reach the outskirts of Stroud. After another 1000m, bear right at a T junction past the Cross Keys (SO857051). ● After 50m, just before the Cotswold Theatre, cross and turn left down Wood Street.

Just after it curves right past an old school, turn left down an alleyway by the scouting centre, and turn right along Middle Street – one of the most historic parts of Stroud – at the bottom. Carry on as it curves into Nelson Street at the end, cross the zebra crossing by the roundabout and carry on along High Street, turning left along King Street at the end to return to the station.

WWW.THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

FULL OF CHARACTER: main image: Laurie Lee’s house; inset: path down to The Vatch; this page: Slad c.1920

FURTHER INFORMATION...

■

Distance: 10 miles

■

Time: About 5 hours

■

Map: OS Explorer 179

■

Level of challenge: Fairly easy, with seven stiles, some climbing and possible muddy stretches

■

Pit stop: The Woolpack at Slad is open all day, and serves lunch from 12–3pm daily, thewoolpackslad.com

JULY 2015

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HOMES | ON SHOW

LIVING THE HY LIFE Marianne Swinkels discovers a right royal treasure in the shadow of the Blaise Castle Estate

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t’s fair to say I was left in a bit of a ‘two and eight’ (aka a right old state) when the call came in. An invitation to view the right royal Highgrove House no less! Moi? Given I’m more of a serf than a seasoned socialite and cannot distinguish a cucumber from a courgette (answers please anyone?) why would Charles and Camilla want me to take the tour of their splendidly palatial pad and organically gorgeous gardens.

Personal panic soon somersaulted into flattery. And flipped into fantasy: ‘Bristol Magazine honoured by HRH after global search for property writer’. And then anxiety. Can one wear jeggings? How does one address the two Cs? Must one refuse or graciously accept elevenses or other proffered refreshment?

But then I clocked the postcode. A leafy location in evocatively named Coombe Dingle, reassuringly Wikipedia listed as ‘’a desirable area to live”. So there you have it.

I dropped the ‘igh’ and put in a ‘y’ and happily hot-footed it to Hygrove House in a well regarded street adjoining the 650 acre parkland of the Blaise Castle Estate. Now this I thought, as I meandered en route down the nearby wooded limestone gorge accessed by walkways and bridle paths, a verdant semi-rural setting within easy reach of Westbury-on-Trym and little more than a trio of miles from Bristol centre, really was my cup of tea. You can even stroll your way 86 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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to Clifton from here. Sublime. And Charles and Camilla will simply have to wait….

This Hygrove would have greatly pleased a real, if short-reigned, monarch. Built in 1906, right in the middle of King Edward VII’s time on the throne, it is a splendid example of Edwardian architecture. The housing boom at that time, sparked by a rise in the new middle classes, led to a demand for airy, large homes on generous plots on the outskirts of towns and cities. Gone was the need for servant quarters and the ornate and fussy details so loved in the Victorian era. Long hallways, wide staircases and larger, lighter, well-proportioned and simpler designed rooms were the order of the day. New found affluence allowed for elaborate external decoration: multi-paned sashes and casements with stained leaded glass, carved woodwork, balconies, verandas and porches, large panelled painted doors, sweeping gables.

These were – and still are – generous, confident homes which well reflected that untroubled slice of time between the death of Queen Victoria in 1901 and the outbreak of the First World War. Many would say that this was the era that produced Britain’s highest quality homes. A time when domestic architecture was arguably at its very best and which, more than a century on, remain desirably hot on the property market.

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HOMES | ON SHOW

PROPERTY PROFILE Where: Hygrove House, Grove Road, Coombe Dingle, Bristol, BS10 7RH What: Detached 5 bed Edwardian family house in private third of an acre gardens neighbouring Blaise Castle estate. Orangery/conservatory circa 1,000 sq ft. Double garage, summer house.

Guide price: £1,595,000 Agent: Hydes of Bristol (Clifton Office), www.hydes.co.uk Contact: Email: post@hydes.co.uk, tel: 0117 973 1516

Hygrove can easily boast these handsome Edwardian credentials. And offer a whole lot more besides. History hasn’t messed about with this multireceptioned, five bedroomed home and over the years previous owners have extended and altered the house with great sympatico and sensitivity. It’s what ticked all the boxes for the current vendors who moved here six years ago, ending a long search for their perfect property. They were smitten by the space, light and flow of the place and its landscaped gardens, its wrap around flagstone terrace and wisteria clad balcony accessed from the master bedroom. Hot tub, veg patch, BBQ patio, large summer house, dovecote, boules area, ample driveway parking and double garage behind electrically operated hardwood entrance gates… Need I say more about a Hygrove which lends itself to large scale entertaining, and peace and tranquillity in equal measure?

Oh yes I must. From the second you enter, the residence oozes culture,

character and charm. Acquired from the couple’s extensive travels, the home provides a showcase for numerous objects d’art, artefacts, trinkets and instruments gathered from all over the globe. It is this rich and eclectic collection of craft from Columbia, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Nepal et al., which lifts the period property, already boasting a wealth of original features, right onto the next level. A superb mix of features, funk and functionality. What a winning combination.

And nowhere is this better evidenced than the capacious, colonial style conservatory, cum orangery, cum all in one dining/ sitting/gym/entertaining room – a vast 1,000 sq ft of spread of glazed, open plan yearround leisure and living space which connects to the adjoining and amply AGA’d terracotta tiled kitchen/living room like a dream.

Talking of which, I’m off to kiss a few toads so that I might live happily ever after at Hygrove with my own charming, and highly obedient, prince. n

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FROM THE SECOND YOU ENTER, THE RESIDENCE OOZES CULTURE, CHARACTER AND CHARM

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and may more!

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CITY | LIVING

Outdoor NOTES

THE GARDEN ROOM Seize the sunshine and embrace the great outdoors

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Good garden design can transform a tired space, as shown in this vibrant garden by Tim Lawrence, POA, www.timlawrencegardens.co.uk; take your kitchen outside and invest in a Kamado Joe ceramic cooker that can smoke, bake, sear, grill, roast, cook pizza and more – available at Embers Bristol, from £380, www.embersbristol.com; then accessorize with these Weber premium BBQ gloves, £29.99 from John Lewis, www.johnlewis.com. Create an outdoor dining space, or just a shaded seating area, with a pergola – this larch one from Rooted Furniture comes with handy built in storage, POA, www.rootedfurniture.co.uk; enjoy your favourite summer playlist in 360° sound with the A2 bluetooth speaker from Bang & Olufsen, £299, www.bang-olufsen.com; while your guests relax in their deckchairs, £15 from John Lewis.

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GARDENING

SEEDS OF CHANGE Find plants from across the seven seas in the Ballast Seed Garden at Bristol Harbourside, says Alice Maltby

© Max McClure

W

hen British merchant ships arrived safely back home in Bristol laden with treasures from the four corners of the globe, little did they know that down in the holds, they were also transporting botanical gems that now entertain and educate visitors in a unique project.

This story is now being told on a disused grain barge in the heart of Bristol.

Seeds of Change is the overall title of an ongoing ballast seed garden project with Brazilian artist Maria Thereza Alves. When ships came into port in Bristol they were weighed down with ballast (earth, sand, rocks, etc) which they unloaded onto designated ballast dumps. In this ballast were seeds carried from the far flung ports and regions. The great discovery was that these seeds could lie dormant for hundreds of years, then, given the right conditions, could germinate and grow.

Working with the University of Bristol Botanic Garden, the Arnolfini and Bristol City Council, Maria Thereza Alves has created a Ballast Seed Garden on Bristol’s Floating Harbour, populated with a variety of non-native plants, creating a living history of the city's maritime past. As Alves explains: “The plants I researched did not storm in in a combative theft and pillage mode, they arrived usually by accident in ships’ ballast. I hope my project allows the viewer to consider how human activity has affected the landscape, from

economic policies to river and land trade routes, and subsequently, how this has influenced the ‘look’ of the English landscape.”

The Botanic Garden is home to the largest collection of documented plant species (circa 4500) and educative plant displays in the Bristol area. This coupled with expert staff in the field of botanical horticulture and a strong and diverse volunteer base enabled the project to be strongly supported in horticultural training, growing facilities, volunteer practical help, advice and interpretation. A trial display of Ballast Seed Garden plants was planted at the Botanic Garden in 2010 from which plants could be assessed as to their suitability for establishment on the Ballast Seed Garden.

Known aggressive weeds and highly toxic plants, while documented as ballast species, have been omitted to reduce the risk to the environment and public safety. A more extensive range of Ballast Seed Garden plants are growing in a display at the University of Bristol Botanic Garden.

Staff and volunteers from the Botanic Garden’s Royal Horticultural Society courses raise the young plants at the Botanic Garden and plant the display.

With no vehicle access all materials, people and plants have to be transported to the barge by boat. Nick Wray, the garden curator, explains: “This project, now in its fourth year, aims to highlight the links that Bristol has had with other ports around the world and the fact that plants have been transported

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THE 2015 PROGRAMME IS BIGGER THAN EVER, WITH BOAT TOURS, TALKS, WORKSHOPS AND EVENTS FOR ALL AGES

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around the world in the ballast of ships’ holds, an often overlooked fact which has taken place since man first took to the water.”

The public trips to the barge lend themselves to a wide variety of activities including storytellers exploring plant-related fairytales, talks on plant photography, historical voyages, experimental art performances, exotic foods and travelling musicians.

Most of the floating Ballast Seed Garden species have been grown by human agricultural systems for thousands of years. The planting design, conceived

by Nick Wray, serves to reflect this. Each plant species is grouped in informal swathes across the barge in natural flowing shades interleaved with neighbouring plantings. The result is a semi-natural display that nevertheless places the plants in a domesticated context. Bold plantings of each species are used so individual plant shape, colour and texture can be appreciated by visitors viewing the barge from Castle Park some 10m above. By grouping plants in this way visitors to the barge can feel they are in a traditional field full of wild flowers. This is particularly evident when sitting in the barge’s two sunken wells, surrounded by plants at eye level. Visitors experience the planting’s movement as plants sway and move in the wind.

A large number of species found in ballast seed dumps are annual plants or ‘ephemerals’ which complete their life cycle from germination to flowering, setting seeds and finally seed distribution within one growing year. They are nature’s opportunists and some like the marigold Calendula officinalis have been growing alongside man’s cultivated crops for thousands of years.

Others like mullein Verbascum nigrum are biennial and produce no flowers in their first year, but grow rapidly storing food reserves before producing a tall flower spike in their second year.

This rapid growth and flowering exhausts biennial plants that die after flowering. The squirting cucumber, Ecballium elaterium produces trailing leafy stems. After its bright yellow flowers are pollinated it develops swollen bristly fruits which when ripe break off and squirt their seeds far away from the parent. Native to the Mediterranean region it thrives in sunny positions, but is killed by winter frosts. The common fig, Ficus carica is the only shrubby species to be planted on the grain barge this year. A magnificent specimen has been growing for many years out of the base of a wall supporting Castle Park just a few metres from the ballast grain barge.

Nick Wray explained: “This year’s new guest species have been added to the Ballast Seed Garden planting which includes corn marigold and blue pimpernel. The concept behind the guest species mirrors the guests that will visit Bristol this summer as part of the European Green Capital celebrations.

The guest species list has been produced by Botanic Garden researcher, Cathy Lewis and a full list of ballast seed species is available on the Botanic Garden’s website.”

To mark Bristol's year as Green Capital, the 2015 programme is bigger than ever, with special boat tours, talks, performances, workshops and events for all ages. Highlights include: Professor Nigel Dunnett, one of the principal planting design and horticultural consultants for the London Olympic Park; the Floating Cinema on tour; the female duo Eyes for Gertrude, the Kew Millenium Seed Bank Tour and in September, a rare boat trip and talk with the Brazilian artist, Maria Thereza Alves and Nick Wray. n www.bristol.ac.uk/botanic-garden WWW.THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

Top: Curator’s tour © Alice Maltby; middle: view of the garden from Castle Park; this image: exploring the garden

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COMING UP ROSES This month our garden expert, Margaux Speirs, shows you how to incorporate roses into your garden design

R

oses are an essential ingredient in any garden. It’s not just that their flowers are fascinating and beautiful but they come in such a myriad of colours and shapes that they lend themselves to any sort of colour scheme and design, whether cottage, Mediterranean, minimalist or English estate garden. They will grow in most soils as long as it is not waterlogged and once they are established they are relatively drought tolerant. We usually think of them in a mixed flower border but for almost every design requirement there will be a rose which will work.

Border roses: First decide what height you want the rose to grow to – larger and upright shrubs should be at the back. A metal frame or wooden obelisk works well to keep the growth of a rose within a confined area and standard roses (stems with a head of growth at the top) give height without bulk. If you want to cut the blooms and bring them in for flower arranging then choose hybrid tea shapes or rosette rather than cup shaped heads. When selecting colour, red sounds romantic but it attracts so much attention that it dominates the outlook so it is better limited to an enclosed area, along the edge of the house, for example, rather than included within a vista. Remember that bright colours advance towards one and appear to shorten distances. For this reason pastel colours are better suited to path edges as they make paths seem wider than bold colours would. Beware of the rather stiff habit and fierce colours of some of the modern cultivars – I prefer the subtlety of English Roses (hybrids bred to combine the elegance of Old Roses and the colour range and repeat flowering of Modern Roses). David Austin is a huge supplier of roses and their website is a great resource to help you choose the right rose. As a starting point type ‘Award of Garden Merit’ in the search engine and you will immediately reduce the choice to those tried and tested by the RHS for health, robustness, length and reliability of flowering. Shrub roses lend themselves 94 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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well to under planting so you can have two tiers of foliage and flower, while at the same time suppressing weeds and extending the time the garden is in bloom.

Pergolas and arbours: Here you want a plant that blooms along the stems, climbing up the vertical supports and continuing to bloom along the horizontal, which doesn’t snag with nasty thorns, offers fragrance and a long flowering period. Match the ultimate size of the rose you choose to the overall distance it has to grow from ground level to tip. Every gardener has their own favourite but my recommendations are: banksiae Lutea, Mme Grégoire Staechelin, Madame Alfred Carriere, Gloire de Dijon and Alchemist.

Trellis: Most of the above climbers would be too big for a trellis so choose something smaller, again matching the rose’s ultimate size to the dimensions of the trellis, such as: R. Aloha: A tall shrub or short climber which grows to 7 or 8 ft, has double pink flowers from early summer to early autumn, is fragrant, recurrent and mildew resistant; R. Constance Spry: David Austin Roses describe this as “one of the most superb of all climbing roses. A beautiful rose with magnificent, clear pink blooms of true Old Rose form. The flowers are exceptionally large, with a luminous delicacy that is hard to compare with any other rose.” It only flowers once in early summer and grows to between 8 and 12 ft; R. Parkdirektor Riggers: Grows to about 12 ft and has simple, deep crimson flowers which repeat flower all summer. The foliage is dark glossy green; R. Zepherine Drouhin: Shade tolerant and although it has a reputation for sometimes succumbing to disease it is beautiful for its masses of rose pink fragrant flowers in early or mid-summer. It grows to about 9 ft.

Pots: Roses with smaller flowers tend to look better than larger blooms in

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planters. R. The Fairy has tiny, soft pink pompon flowers in great quantities, held in sprays. It is a shapely shrub (about 2 ft high) with low arching growth. Flowering starts very late, but continues through the summer, providing flowers when many other roses have passed their peak. The foliage is tiny. It is tough, reliable and disease-free. R. Bianco is also very lovely in a pot. It has pure white, pompon flowers in great profusion and grows to about 1.5 ft.

Hedges: If you have a boring fence to cover up or want a tall, prickly border to discourage intruders consider R. Roseraie de l’Hay which grows to 6 or 7 ft, and has beautiful, strongly scented, purple-red double flowers all summer and into autumn. Its apple green, wrinkled leaves are really pretty. For a breath-taking low hedge the Old Rose, originating from Greek and Roman stock, R. Mundi has crimson flowers striped with white, is tough, fragrant and easy to look after.

Ground cover: A sunny bank looks fantastic carpeted with roses.

Ground cover roses tend to be characterised by smaller flowers and long repeat flowering, and they grow wider than they are high. Sometimes they are semi-evergreen, such as R. Flower Carpet. With the right varieties their growth is dense enough to supress weeds and they can be pruned when necessary with electric hedge cutters. For a large area climber or scrambler roses can be allowed to grow horizontally but for a small area choose less vigorous varieties to form mats, each covering just one or two square metres. David Austin Roses has a list of roses suitable for ground cover – don’t just choose by colour but also look for ‘repeating’ in the description to ensure a long flowering period.

Having whetted your appetite about roses now I am going to disappoint by saying summer is not a good time to buy and plant them; wait until late autumn through to early spring when you can buy them bare rooted and you give them a better chance of survival and health.

Before planting read up how best to plant, feed and prune and make sure you have in stock the appropriate fertilizer. They are hungry plants and flourish best when fed. n Margaux Speirs is a pre-registered member of the Society of Garden Designers and runs her business, Margaux Speirs Garden Design, from her home in Bristol. Tel: 07903 779910 or visit: www.margauxspeirsgardendesign.co.uk

WWW.THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

PLANT OF THE MONTH: It has to be a rose this month and how hard to choose just one but I am plumping for Rosa Mundi as I find its appearance and antiquity fascinating.

Although it is only once flowering, it is a very showy plant, producing a mass of blooms from June to August with a delicious fragrance. Plant in fertile soil in full sun.

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BRISTOL PROPERTY | IN FOCUS

N

umber 29 is a beautifully presented and thoroughly refurbished Grade II listed period townhouse which has been refurbished from top to bottom. There are four floors of accommodation which could be presented in various ways. The ground floor dining room is filled with light from the front facing bay window and leads into a contemporary bespoke kitchen with granite work surfaces and natural stone flooring. Both rooms have lovely sash windows with working shutters. The first floor offers two beautiful reception rooms; the drawing room a library which are separated by double bridal doors. Period features include sash windows, cornicing an original fireplace and excellent proportions. There is an immaculate master suite on the second floor with a contemporary bespoke en suite shower room which is finished to the highest standard. The family bathroom at this level is also equally impressive. There are two good bedrooms and a guest WC on the top floor. Family accommodation continues on the lower ground floor although it can be accessed independently from the front of the property. There are flagstone floors throughout with two separate bedrooms and a WC. One of these rooms is currently used as a home cinema and the other has French doors opening onto a traditional courtyard. The front garden is mainly paved with a grassed area and flowering shrubbery whilst the rear courtyard enjoys afternoon sun and provides a small seating area perfect for tea or evening drinks. Agents for this elegant period home are Knight Frank in Clifton.

29 PEMBROKE ROAD CLIFTON, BRISTOL • Elegant, fully refurbished period home • Contemporary styling with retained features • Master suite plus four additional bedrooms • Flexible accommodation • Independent access to lower ground floor

Guide Price £999,950

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

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

FOR SALE

(0117) 934 9977 CLIFTON - BRISTOL

Prime waterfront café premises in Portishead Marina – Fully fitted to walk in and trade –

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A light and airy refurbished contemporary office suite of c 1,200 sq ft + 2 / 3 car spaces –

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Julian Cook FRICS

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Jayne Rixon MRICS

Charlie Kershaw MRICS

Finola Ingham

• • • • •

Sales / Lettings Acquisitions Valuations Landlord & tenant Auction Sales

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23/06/2015 19:11

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Flurry of interest in new apartment release at vibrant waterside neighbourhood

T Exclusive waterfront apartments for sale on Bristol’s Harbourside

An exclusive new range of luxurious waterfront apartments, including a penthouse, are now for sale at The General on Bristol’s buzzing harbourside.

B

oasting private terraces and views across the harbour, the homes are the ultimate in style and luxury. These new properties form part of the second phase of homes at The General, the restored and converted former Grade II Listed General Hospital in Redcliffe.

One of these homes, a luxurious penthouse, offers 1830 sq ft living space, three spacious bedrooms and a range of period features, and is set to be one of Bristol’s most elite new homes.

Luxury specifications include matt handleless linear kitchens from Ballerina, Neff stainless steel appliances, luxurious bathrooms by Laufen, brassware from Crosswater, heated towel rails and porcelain tiles.

Helen Moore, Managing Director of City & Country, says: “Now in its second phase the truly transformational quality of the restoration at The General can be seen. The Bath and Pennant stone work has been meticulously cleaned and repaired, sash windows have been restored and re-hung and intricate ironmongery is being reinstated. This iconic building is taking its place once again on the Bristol Harbourside.”

Other properties currently for sale in the latest phase feature mezzanine floors and benefit from views of a delightful central courtyard, which has been landscaped and now features a fully restored Victorian fountain.

Vicky Dudbridge, Associate Director at Savills Bristol, expects the latest properties to generate substantial interest. She says: “These waterfront properties promise to be some of the most in demand homes currently on the market in Bristol. They will appeal to a very discerning buyer looking for a truly unique residential address within the city centre. The size of the properties allows buyers looking to downsize the ability to reduce the number of rooms they have without compromising on the quality and size of the space they live in” The General boasts a prime location on the waterfront, a short walk from the city centre and Bristol Temple Meads Station. Following extensive restoration work by City & Country, the former hospital now offers an eclectic blend of period features and contemporary new homes, which combine to provide a range of outstanding new and restored properties.

Prices at The General range from £262,500 for a stylish, one bedroom apartment, to £995,000 for the penthouse.

The Sales Suite, open daily from 10am to 5pm, is located on Lower Guinea Street. Interested parties should call 0117 92 55 333 or visit: www.cityandcountry.co.uk to book their exclusive appointment.

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he news that more twobedroom apartments have been released at Bristol’s Wapping Wharf has been greeted with a flurry of interest from potential buyers, as the city’s newest waterside quarter prepares to welcome its first residents this summer.

A collection of twobedroom apartments, including penthouses offering views of Bristol and beyond, are now available and form part of a vibrant, new quarter that is being created beside the city’s famous and historic floating harbour.

Early releases of the apartments have proved very popular with owner occupiers and three quarters have been bought by buyers in Bristol and the South West, providing a strong base to build a thriving local community.

As the final piece in the jigsaw that will complete the regeneration of the iconic floating harbour, Wapping Wharf is one of the city’s most significant new developments and will feature 600 new apartments. Positioned in an area steeped in history, the new quarter will retain and restore several key listed buildings and the old gaol gates to enhance the City Docks conservation area.

The neighbourhood will include a new tree-lined pedestrian and cycle route linking south Bristol to the city centre and is expected to be complemented with independent restaurants, cafes and shops.

The homes are available to purchase now, and it is anticipated they will be ready for their first residents from summer 2015. This phase of development includes 168 apartments, with prices starting from £295,000 for a two bedroom apartment and from £415,000 for a two bedroom penthouse (price correct at time of publication).

Wapping Wharf is being developed by Umberslade in a joint venture with Muse Developments.

To view the Show Home or to find out more, prospective buyers should visit the development’s Marketing Suite which is open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm, or visit www.wappingwharfliving.co.uk

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Community focus A strong community focus is at the heart of Wapping Wharf’s ethos.

Steps are already being made to develop a thriving community with Wapping Wharf’s very own Shaun the Sheep sculpture arriving on site on 6th July.

The sculpture, sponsored by Wapping Wharf, is part of Bristol’s eagerly-anticipated Shaun in the City charity arts trail, which will ultimately see the full flock of sheep auctioned to raise funds for Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal, the Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity.

Wapping Wharf’s aptly-named “Bahhhbersheep” has been created by Aardman artist Gavin Strange.

Earlier this year, Umberslade, the developers behind Wapping Wharf, also decided to support a local rowing club at the docks, by funding a new boat to add to Bristol Gig Club’s fleet. Wapping Wharf was welcomed onto the water during the annual Bristol Gig Regatta.

And it doesn’t stop there... Umberslade has also provided funding for a new arts project and theatre show created by young people from the acclaimed youth theatres at Bristol Old Vic and Travelling Light. Inspired

by Wapping Wharf’s heritage, A Thousand Seasons Past will be staged on the city’s harbourside from August 5-8. Don’t miss it!

Wallace & Gromit’s Children’s Foundation. Charity no. 1043603 Shaun the Sheep & Shaun in the City ©& ™ Aardman Animations Ltd 2015

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BRISTOL PROPERTY | IN FOCUS

BROADLANDS, RIDGEWAY ROAD LONG ASHTON Price £2million

MAKE SURE YOUR AGENT GIVES YOU 100%

By Peter Greatorex, Managing Director of The Apartment Company

W

e all know impressions count in all businesses; and there is nothing more competitive than a TV advert.

Big brands rely on their creative specialists to produce a memorable experience that will instil customer loyalty all year round.

The company and customer relationship has never been so transparent, with the surge of social media and feedback sites allowing us to immediately and publicly share our views. As customers we are far more expectant and demand exceptional and consistent service.

With many estate agents in the area how do you choose the right one for you and your property? We all sell property and offer the same service but what sets one agent apart from the other?

Firstly - Do your research; you need to ensure that the agent you choose is the right agent for your home. We would not be the right agent for every home on the market, because we are specialists.

What are the advantages of using a specialist agent, such as The Apartment Company?

• All the clients on their mailing list are seeking a property in their niche.

• Being a specialist means there is nothing they don’t know about their market.

• They know the type of people buying what and where.

• Their service is personally crafted to the specific needs of their specialism.

• Their advice is honest and realistic and specific to you.

Secondly – Interview. Requesting an appraisal on your property is an opportunity for you to interview the agents and challenge them on why they are the best agent to sell your home.

L

ocated four miles south-west of Bristol, Broadlands is the perfect city escape. Set within a plot approaching three acres of parkland, the property also enjoys its very own access to public footpaths and woodland walks. Built around 1924 the house has an Arts and Crafts influence with bay windows, leaded lights and beautiful oak parquet floors in the Grand Hall. The tastefully decorated sitting/drawing room has French doors opening onto the south facing gardens to the front of the house. The equally elegant dining room has high ceilings, stripped floorboards and an open fire with sandstone surround. Bespoke units, granite worktops and an Aga feature in the large kitchen, which leads to a cosy snug with French doors into the garden.

Also on the ground floor there is an additional reception room on the ground floor, currently used as a study, two useful W.C’s and plenty of useful storage. Upstairs the triple aspect master has a high specification shower room and three additional bedrooms are served by an equally impressive shower room. There is a further guest suite with en-suite shower room and another W.C. The triple garage has an annex above which briefly comprises a living room, kitchenette and shower room. The grounds also house a tennis court, machine shed and large greenhouse.

This wonderful rural retreat is offered for sale by agents Roderick Thomas.

Roderick Thomas Estate Agents & Chartered Surveyors, 69 Princess Victoria Street, Bristol, BS8 4DD. Tel: 01179 734464

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• Have they sold similar properties in the area?

• What is the average time from listing to sale?

• How do they proactively attract potential buyers?

• What strategy do they have to market your home?

• Do they have reports and evidence to support the above?

The appraisal is another opportunity to share our knowledge and experience. In effect the appraisal is our advert, our opportunity to make a memorable impression.

You need to be confident that the agent you choose is going to give you 100%. n The Apartment Company Tel: 0117 332 0074

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

www.cjhole.com Summer in Bristol - what’s not to like? The city is quieter than usual as the thousands of students who are normally here in term time disappear for four months. With Bristol a little emptier there’s lots on for those of us enjoying the sunshine.

Shaun the Sheep appears on July 6th and the trail following the colourful sculptures will cover the city until the end of August. Bristol’s Harbour Festival runs 17-19th July celebrating our maritime history with music, dance and family fun. There’s Bristol Balloon Fiesta to come in August and St Paul’s Carnival

in September (postponed from July this year). In the meantime it’s business as usual in the property market. There’s no doubt we have seen price increases due to the lack of stock this year, it may well be that this continues well into the summer months but it’s a delicate balance. Watch this space.

Howard Davis MD Clifton Howard Davis M.N.A.E.A Managing Director - CJ Hole Clifton

Cotham A beautifully presented, spacious two double bedroom lower ground floor apartment, in a grand Victorian building on the Redland/Cotham border with private use of the large rear garden. There are local shops just around the corner and Whiteladies Road is just a short walk away. Centrally located for the University, the BRI and Children’s Hospital. With the added bonus of two vaulted storage areas. EPC D.

£340,000

Redland A beautifully presented four bedroom family home set over three floors complete with a southerly facing rear garden. This stunning property has undergone a full refurbishment and offers contemporary living in a popular residential area of Redland. The property falls within the Westbury Park and Redland Green school catchment areas. EPC E.

Guide Price £635,000

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Blaise

Stoke Bishop

Westbury-on-Trym

An impressive detached family home with ample front and rear gardens, five family bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen/diner, living room, dining room, garden room and single and double garaging. EPC D.

Link detached four bedroom family dwelling, extensive kitchen/diner with granite worktops, central island and a landscaped garden measuring approximately 18m with exotic plants.

EPC E.

Semi-detached, four bedroom family home, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, living room and converted garage. Solid oak flooring to the ground floor and quality period style fireplaces. EPC D.

Price Guide £895,000

£695,000

Price Guide £575,000

Henleaze

Henleaze

Henleaze

Superbly restored family home within the popular Grange Park offering extensive kitchen/lounge/dining area, five bedrooms and three en-suites. Sun all day on the decking or the secluded slate patio area.

EPC C.

A well-presented three storey period family home with five bedrooms, three receptions, kitchen open to breakfast room and access to a level lawned family garden. EPC E.

Substantial four bedroom family home, kitchen/diner with granite worktops, island and dual oak bi-fold doors and two receptions giving access to south facing 21m garden. EPC D.

Price Guide £1,250,000

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£675,000

Price Guide £625,000

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St Andrews

£650,000

Bishopston

£795,000

Set within moments of St. Andrews Park, this highly desirable, substantial family home offers a blend of period style, space and practical family living. The property boasts two impressive bay fronted reception rooms, kitchen with bespoke solid wood units, utility, cloak room, four wonderful bedrooms, refitted family bathroom and separate WC. EPC E

Located on the highly sought after Logan Road and only a short distance from the popular Redland Green School is this spacious Victorian family home. Arranged over three floors, the property is situated in an enviable location boasting open aspects to the front and rear elevations and benefitting from a good sized rear garden and off street parking. EPC E

Bishopston

Redland

£600,000

A unique executive four bedroom detached family home finished to the highest standard and sat in an enviable gated plot located on this popular Cul de sac just off Gloucester Road and within the Redland Green APR. The property boasts a landscaped rear garden with decked area and raised lawn as well as a cobbled drive with parking for at least four vehicles. EPC C

CJ Hole Bishopston July.indd 1

£585,000

A substantial semi-detached four bedroom Victorian property, located on this popular road within the area of first priority for Redland Green School and only a short distance from Gloucester Road. Externally to the rear can be found a landscaped garden, benefitting from secure side access. To the front, a lowered kerb provides off street parking for two vehicles. EPC E

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Clifton £397,000

Clifton £340,000

Just off the Triangle is this 3 bedroom top floor flat with additional study room, large light and airy landing, living room and separate kitchen. EPC - C

A rare Clifton property with sizable level south west facing garden that gets the sun all afternoon, off street parking and a garage. EPC - E

Redland £274,950

Cotham £265,000

Large two bedroom first floor apartment looking towards the downs with a 28’ living room, separate kitchen/diner, single garage, communal gardens and no chain. EPC - C

Two double bedroom garden flat with a spacious living room, separate kitchen, and two bedrooms facing the rear, and a private lawned garden. No onward chain. EPC - C

Westbury-on-Trym £695,000

Westbury-on-Trym £504,950

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

This fantastic four bedroom spacious semi-detached property is within prime crescent of Westbury-on-Trym. It offers off street parking, garage and sizeable garden. EPC - TBC

Westbury-on-Trym £414,950

Westbury-on-Trym £399,950

A Four bedroom home in a perfect family location being approximately two hundred meters from Westbury-on-Trym academy School. EPC - D

The raised position 12 Chock Lane gives an over whelming sense of light and space throughout. And within the Westburyon-Trym C of E Academy schools catchment area. EPC - C

Clifton Office 0117 946 6007

Queens Avenue – Three bedroom flat

Durdham Park – Two bedroom flat

Westbury Road – End Terrace House

Oakfield Grove – Two bedroom flat

Sydenham Road – Two bedroom flat

Cote Park – Semi-Detached

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oceanhome.co.uk

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Clifton £327,500

Redland £310,000

Clifton £295,000

A secluded garden flat set in one of Clifton’s best roads with a 22’ living room, separate kitchen, allocated parking space and lawned rear garden. EPC - D

Well proportioned first floor flat close to the amenities of Whiteladies Road and Cotham Hill. Benefits from period features, and residents parking zone. EPC - D

Two storey property which requires complete refurbishment and redevelopment. Planning consent granted at appeal reference 14-20038-REF.

Cotham £260,000

City Centre £225,000

Cotham £199,950

Sold within first week of marketing. Similar required. Impressive period building, within close walking distance to, Clifton Triangle & Whiteladies Road as well as Gloucester Road. EPC - TBC

A two bedroom city centre apartment in excellent condition with an allocated off street parking space in a great location close walking distance to the hospital. EPC - C

An affordable top floor flat, with an off street parking space and no onward chain. Located at the lower end of Cotham Brow close to all that Gloucester Road has to offer. EPC - G

Stoke Bishop £485,000

Westbury-on-Trym £465,000

Westbury-on-Trym £435,000

Nestled in a family orientated cul-de-sac this beautiful home retains much of its art deco grandeur complemented and contrasted with modern styling. EPC - E

Following a decorative and expansive refurbishment completed with impeccable care, pride and attention to even the smallest of details. EPC - E

Nestled in a prime Westbury-on-Trym Cul-de-Sac this three bedroom semi-detached home has been lovingly restored by the current owners. EPC - TBC

Westbury-on-Trym £399,950

Westbury-on-Trym £389,950

Westbury-on-Trym £284,950

This family home is perfect for those looking to put their own stamp and style on a property sat in Westbury-on-Trym Academy catchment area. EPC - TBC

Anchored in a prime position for schooling and the local village shops, Westover Rise is a Cul-de-sac accessed from a crescent, making it a quiet oasis from traffic. EPC - TBC

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

EPC - E

St Johns Road – Two bedroom flat

Ravenswood Road – Two bedroom flat

Park Place – Development opportunity

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Charles Street – Two bedroom flat

Kingsley House – Two bedroom flat

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Chock Lane – Link Detached House

Haytor Park – Semi Detached House

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Eastfield Road – Detached Cottage

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MANAGEMENT • SALES • LETTING • CONSULTANCY

Bishopston £385,000 You will be "Bowled Over" by this stunning apartment, which really does have the "Wow" factor. Set centrally on the fifth floor you benefit from superb views directly over the County Cricket Ground.

There is a glass fronted balcony across the full width of the apartment, wide enough in part for Al Fresco dining. This well planned and immaculate apartment has two double bedrooms, en-suite shower room plus main bathroom, ample storage throughout and a large open plan living/dining/ kitchen space. There is a lift to all floors and an allocated underground parking space and bike/bin storage. Additional features include the communal viewing terrace accessed from the fourth floor. You are within an easy walk from BS7 Gym, and the local shops, cafes and restaurants along the Gloucester Road. There is also easy access to the City Centre, Bristol Royal Infirmary and the M32. Sold with no onward chain and vacant possession. EPC rating B.

City Centre £399,950

Long Ashton £490,000

This stylish first floor duplex apartment at 10 Unity Street forms part of a grand, Grade II listed building situated in the very heart of Bristol's historic centre, just off Park St, with a wealth of shops, cafes and restaurants on your door step. Bristol University and the teaching hospitals are but a short walk away and Clifton Village, the Harbourside and all major transport links are easily accessible. Accessed via a grand communal staircase this spacious, light and airy modern apartment, built to a contemporary style, is flooded with natural light and incorporates a double height kitchen /sitting room with stairs leading up to two double bedrooms and a shower room. There is a second shower room on the lower floor and a laundry cupboard. The property is being sold with no onward chain and a full rental history is available.

A fantastic three bed family home on a substantial corner plot in Glebe Road, Long Ashton.

This delightful property is accessed through a pretty and secluded front garden, or via a five bar gate to the rear garden, drive and garage. The house has been refurbished to a high standard and offers further potential for expansion. The downstairs accommodation consists of an entrance hall, pretty sitting room with double doors to a dining room and open plan kitchen. There is a separate utility/boot room with guest w.c. and shower and internal access to a large garage. Upstairs, there are two very generous double bedrooms, a pretty single overlooking the garden and a re-furbished bathroom. French doors lead from the dining room to a decked area, perfect for al-fresco dining, and in turn to a large garden, currently a blank canvas, but with huge scope to create your own dream. EPC rating D

21 Princess Victoria Street

Tel 0117 970 6119

enquiries@propertyconcept.co.uk

Clifton, Bristol BS8 4BX

Fax 0117 970 6109

www.propertyconcept.co.uk

Richard Harding fp July.qxp_Layout 6 19/06/2015 13:12 Page 1

Richard Harding Chartered Surveyors • Estate Agents • Auctioneers • Valuers

ABBOTS LEIGH guide £1,800,000

A rare & special residence standing in circa 1.8 acres. A quite exceptional & impressive circa 7,000 sq ft family house more than capable, if required, of comfortably accommodating two households, in informal east & west wings. In a wonderful setting amidst beautiful gardens & grounds with a prime location on the outskirts of Abbots Leigh village. EPC: F

REDLAND guide range £765,000-£795,000

An extended 4 bedroom detached Redland home with an exceptionally large 105ft x 35ft rear garden & fabulous family kitchen & much more.

Located in the heart of Redland, within just yards of excellent schools including Redland Green School & Redland High School, close to Cotham Gardens & Redland Green parks & convenient for access to Gloucester Road, Whiteladies Road & all central areas. A fabulous home with a rather special garden. EPC: D

WESTBURY PARK guide range £795,000-£825,000

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

STOKE BISHOP guide range £1,300,000-£1,395,000

An exquisite & large 5 double bedroom (2 with en suite), 4 reception room detached family residence situated on a highly sought after road close to Durdham Downs, further benefiting from a magnificent 100ft x 80ft level rear garden, further front & side gardens, off street parking for multiple vehicles & a detached double garage. Situated off the upper slopes of Stoke Bishop close to Durdham Downs.

EPC: D

CLIFTON guide range £745,000-£795,000

Ripe for cosmetic improvement & enhancement, a potentially charming & elegant circa 1840 late Georgian style grade II listed period town house with 27ft walled town garden in a superb location just off Christ Church Green. Versatile with 8 main rooms over 4 floors in excess of 2,000 sq. ft. Currently arranged with a separate self-contained 1 bed lower ground floor flat. Ideal opportunity for city business people or families.

COTHAM guide £675,000

In a prime location near Westbury Park Primary School and within circa 700 metres of Redland Green School. A beautifully renovated & extended 5 bedroom Edwardian period semi-detached family house of character circa 2300 sq ft with a stunning thro’ kitchen/dining room & snug opening to a lovely south-west facing rear garden. Of exceptional quality with period features and a wonderful family atmosphere and character. EPC: E

In need of modernisation, this 5 bedroom, 2/3 reception Victorian period semi-detached house is generously proportioned over 3 floors PLUS an additional self-contained lower ground floor arranged as a 2 bedroom flat. Off street parking for 2 cars & 55ft rear garden. An exciting opportunity to restore this attractive property to its former glory.

Located in a pleasant road in a central position. EPC: C

CLIFTON guide £625,000

A charming grade II listed Georgian period detached town house with walled rear garden and fantastic roof terrace. Well-proportioned accommodation over 3 floors with 4 double bedrooms, en suite shower room, 2 further bathrooms, 2 reception rooms and kitchen/dining room.

Excellent central location.

Set behind remote electronically operated vehicular double gates in a select development of just four properties. An attractive and modern three storey town house comprising spacious 4 bedrooms, 2 bath/shower room accommodation, of circa 1304 sq.ft., with secure allocated off-street parking & charming well stocked 37ft south facing garden.

A most appealing, modern & contemporary Clifton Village town house providing a versatile interior. EPC: D

KINGSDOWN guide £575,000

STOKE BISHOP guide £945,000

An outstanding & large, 5 bedroom, 5 reception room, 3 bath/shower room, modern detached family residence in an exclusive location with double garaging, generous off-street parking and a sunny 65ft x 48ft well stocked rear garden. Generous accommodation full of light and space with a lovely atmosphere, prestigious location in a neighbourly community. Easy and convenient access to Whiteladies Road/city centre/Clifton Village and local shops in Stoke Hill. EPC: C

FAILAND guide range £725,000-£765,000

A most appealing, non-listed, Georgian period family house, of circa 2774 sq. ft., offering both stylish and spacious 5 double bedroom, 2 reception room accommodation with vast semi open-plan kitchen/ breakfast/dining room, set within well stocked gardens and grounds and having a tandem double garage, situated in this beautiful semi-rural location just minutes from Clifton Village. EPC: E

WESTBURY PARK guide £650,000

An extremely rare chance to refurbish & possibly reconfigure a substantial detached house which backs onto the Durdham Downs. The house was architect designed in circa 1976, extremely well thought out & planned at the time but now understandably a little dated & requires improvement. 4 bedrooms, 1/2 reception rooms, 2 bathrooms, large kitchen/dining room, study, 65ft x 30ft westerly garden, off street parking for at least 2 cars & garage. EPC: tbc

REDLAND guide £565,000

An incredibly versatile, elegant & large 4 double bedroom, 2 reception room garden maisonette occupying the entire hall floor & lower ground floor of this fine period building. Sought after & popular location, just 500 metres from Redland Green School, Cotham Gardens Park & Gloucester Road. Further benefiting from off street parking & a 28ft x 25ft private rear garden. A smart, roomy and rather grand family sized maisonette. EPC: E

Professional, Reliable, Successful

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Harbourside, Bristol £525,000

Benefiting from unparalleled panoramic views across the water, this home truly epitomises waterside living. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, open plan living place, front and rear terrace and garage. EPC Rating: C

SOLD

Abbots Leigh, Bristol £2,995,000

Keynsham, Bath £1,250,000

This prominent period home is within a charming village situated between Bath and Bristol. The house stands in a beautiful garden with terraces, lawn, pool and outbuildings. EPC Rating: E

SALE AGREED

Abbots Leigh, Bristol £3,350,000

One of the country’s finest Grade II listed estates, offering a 7 bedroom A modern architectural masterpiece, build to a world leading standard main house with independent 2 bedroom coach house spanning over 8,000 similar to ‘Passivhaus’. Over 10,000 sqft with cinema room, leisure complex sq ft in 7 acres. EPC Rating: F and 5 ensuite bedrooms. EPC Rating: A

PROJECT

Cadbury Camp Lane, Bristol £1,395,000

A delightful family house offering 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, leisure complex, home office, double garage, gardens and woodland. In all about 4.4 acres.

EPC Rating: F

Dundry, Bristol £550,000

A period detached house offering endless scope for refurbishment with spectacular views and a variety of outbuildings. 4 bedrooms, 3 reception rooms, parking, outbuilding and 2 acres. EPC Rating: F

Hamptons Bristol

Sales. 0117 322 6362 | bristol@hamptons-int.com

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Portishead, Bristol £1,695,000

Cleeve Hill, Bristol £595,000

An extraordinary bespoke house with 180 degree water views. Kitchen/ A contemporary former Georgian Riding School. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, dining/family room, orangery, dining room, sitting room, study, 5 + magnificent open plan living space, enclosed courtyard and lawned bedrooms, 5+ bathrooms, garden and gated parking. EPC Rating: Awaiting gardens, private gated parking and garage. EPC Rating: Exempt

SOLD

SALE AGREED

Clifton Wood, Bristol £895,000

Leigh Woods, Bristol £1,250,000

Welsh back, Bristol £275,000

Pucklechurch, Bristol £395,000

Spectacular harbour views in a excellent location with large entrance hall, sitting room, kitchen/dining room, 4/5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and allocated parking with tandem integrated garage. EPC Rating: D

Set in the heart of the Welsh Back in the centre of Bristol, this fabulous vessel epitomizes city living at its best. House boat, kitchen/diner, 3 bedrooms, bathroom, snug and drawing room. EPC Rating: Exempt

An, arts and crafts masterpiece, moments from Clifton village. 3 reception rooms, 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 90ft rear garden, gated parking, garaging and gym. EPC Rating: F

A detached 4 bedroomed freehold property believed to date back to the early 18th century. 4 bedrooms, family bathroom, garaging, off street parking and garden. EPC Rating: E

Hamptons Bristol

Sales. 0117 322 6362 | bristol@hamptons-int.com

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FRENCHAY | BRISTOL

GUIDE PRICE £975,000

A beautifully proportioned detached family house, with superb gardens, detached double garage, driveway & generous off-street parking. This superb location offers peace and privacy whilst being just under 5 miles from Bristol city centre. A wonderful opportunity for those looking for a large house, with excellent gardens and good access to Bristol as well as the national rail and motorway networks. EPC: E.

LEIGH WOODS | BRISTOL

GUIDE PRICE £1,295,000

An exciting opportunity to acquire a charming family house in a quiet and sought after location, and to finish the interior to your own specification and design.

Three reception rooms; space for generous family kitchen. Utility & cloakroom. Four double bedrooms – two with access to en-suites. Family bathroom. Two large attic rooms. Extensive storage. Four car garage. Gated drive. Large, fully enclosed garden. EPC: Pending.

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

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SNEYD PARK | BRISTOL

POA

An outstanding family home of superb quality overlooking The Downs; sympathetically refurbished & extended to an exceptional standard. Drawing room, sitting room, stunning Vale Garden House family room and dining room. Aga kitchen. Three bedroom suites. Three further double bedrooms.

Family bathroom. Cellars. Detached garage with hayloft above. In all circa 5970 sq. ft. Delightful landscaped gardens. EPC Rating: D

fineandcountry.com

Clifton - Guide Price ÂŁ1,175,000

A beautiful example of a Victorian family home set well back from the road in central Clifton. The house is both spacious at circa 3000 Sq/ft. and gracious in that it retains most of its ornate period features. It is beautifully presented throughout with high quality fixtures and fittings and benefits from an extremely family friendly layout. The lower floor has been opened up and provides a dual aspect 36 foot long kitchen/dining and lounging area with Limestone tiled under floor heating. There is also a cloakroom on this floor and a door onto the rear garden which is a decent size, level and enjoys a southerly aspect. The hall floor provides an impressive entrance hallway, two grand formal reception rooms, a study and cloakroom. On the first floor are three bedrooms and a sumptuous contemporary family bathroom.The upper floor provides two further bedrooms, both have en suite facilities and dressing rooms.The front garden is a decent size and provides screening from the road. Beyond the rear garden and accessed via a garden gate is a lane via Hanbury Road where a single garage is situated. An internal viewing is highly recommended.

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Stoke Bishop - Guide Price £950,000

A beautifully presented 4 bedroom ‘Stride’ built 1930’s detached house boasting superb period features both inside and out. Set in wonderful mature gardens of circa quarter of an acre with the rear garden being south east facing and of 90 ft. in length. EPC - E

Sneyd Park - Guide Price £900,000

A beautifully appointed 5 bedroom, 4 reception room modern style executive detached family home situated in an excellent position close to the renowned Durdham Downs. The house is set in delightful good size landscaped gardens with a south facing patio to the rear of the house. There is a double garage and parking for several cars. EPC - D

Westbury-on-Trym - Guide Price £550,000

Westbury-on-Trym - Guide Price £545,000

An attractively presented 4 bedroom 1930’s semi-detached family home situated within the 2015 Elmlea school primary admissions area. The house has been improved over the years providing comfortable living space for growing familie. EPC - D

A well-appointed 3 double bedroom 1950’s built detached family house with potential for further extension if desired and retains period features. There is the benefit of uPVC double glazing and gas central heating. EPC - C

Stoke Bishop - Guide Price £289,950

A spacious, well-presented 2nd floor flat with 3 bedrooms, sitting/dining room, en-suite & bathroom. The flat has the advantage of having 2 south facing sun terraces, a garage, plenty of parking and exclusive residents leisure facilities. EPC - D

Leese & Nagle July.indd 2

Knoll Hill - Guide Price £265,000

A stunning first floor apartment with westerly aspect views over the River Avon towards Leigh Woods. This prestigious apartment has 2 double bedrooms with the benefit of its own private balcony. EPC - C

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