The Bristol Magazine November 2015

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THE

Issue 137

I

NOVeMBeR 2015

MAGAZINE

WWW.THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

£3.95 where sold

PARTY PLANNER THE BESTIVE EVENTS FOR YOUR DIARY

SPACE ROCKS METEOR SHOWERS AND ASTEROID COLLISIONS

BRISTOL

AFTER DARK LET US ENTERTA

IN YOU

BRISTOL BLITZ THE CHANGED FACE OF THE CITY

JUST RELAX RETREAT TO BAMFORD HAYBARN

COMPETITION WIN TICKETS TO THE PANTO

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

SOFAS IN 2/3 WEEKS

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Curtains and Blinds Sofas and Fabrics Bespoke Cabinet Furniture and Wardrobes

All types of reupholstery Traditional to comtemporary styles Antique and Vintage pieces

Sofa and curtain delivery time 2/3 weeks Bespoke Cabinet Furniture 3/5 weeks We have the largest selection of fabrics in Bristol and any sofa can be made in any fabric

FABRICS

terms and conditions apply

We are just past Clifton Down Shopping Centre 56/60, Whiteladies Rd, BS8 2PY Mon-Sat 9.30 - 5.30/Sun 12 - 5

TEL: 01173 292746

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THE | CONTENTS

NOVEMBER 2015

86 52

42 76

34 14 ZEITGEIST

58 ARTS & EXHIBITIONS

5 things to do this month in Bristol

16 THE CITYIST

Winter colours in the galleries

64 BRISTOL AT WORK

My Bristol, book review and the buzz

18 BARTLEBY

Richard Smith at Studio 7

66 FOOD & DRINK NEWS

It’s a dog’s life

Tasty titbits from around the city

20 SOCIETY

68 RESTAURANT REVIEW

The city’s social scene

Indian cuisine at Romy’s Kitchen

24 STREET STYLE

70 BRISTOL HISTORY

It’s all in the jeans

Remembering the blitz

34 BRISTOL AFTER DARK What to do when night draws in

42 WHAT’S ON

76 FAMILY FUN Fun and games for November

78 FREELANCE MUM

November events for your diary

50 COMPETITION

WIN

Tickets to see Snow White

52 WINTER WONDERLAND Forward-planning for Christmas

56 FACE THE MUSIC With author and journalist Simon Barnes

Get fit together

80 EDUCATION NEWS News from Bristol schools

86 WRITTEN IN THE STARS Learn more about asteroids

88 FIT & FAB Get glowing

Even more great content online: thebristolmag.co.uk 6 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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NOVEMBER 2015

Follow us on Twitter @thebristolmagazine

94 BEAUTY REVIEW Blissful Bamford Haybarn

98 OUT AND ABOUT Stone circles at Avebury

100 PROPERTY PROFILE Beside the seaside

102 INTERIOR IDEAS Snuggle down for winter

106 GARDENING Escape to the shed

110 CITY PROPERTIES Beautiful homes to buy or rent

ON THE COVER

Doug Francisco, Ringmaster of The Invisible Circus, is set to entertain you at new venture, The Loco Klub, opening this month. Find out more on p. 34.

Image © Paul Blakemore

Like us on Facebook.com/ TheBristolMagazine

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THE | EDITOR

EDITORS PICKS GIG Andreya Triana at The Lantern I’ve beenn listening to her new album, Giants, on repeat, and can’t wait to see this soulful songstress in The Lantern on Saturday 14 November

EXHIBITION Death: The Human Experience at Bristol Museum What better way to get a new perspective on life? Exhibition runs until 13 March 2016

BOOK The Woman Destroyed

by Simone de Beauvoir Beautifully written, thought provoking short stories from the queen of existentialism – the perfect winter read

from the

EDITOR

WISHLIST

“How did it get late so soon?

It’s night before it’s afternoon” – Dr Seuss

T

he clocks have changed, and an extra hour of night has fallen over the city. Some people rue this loss of daylight as they leave work in darkness each evening, but to me it signals the start of the best season of the year.

Under the veil of night, we can cast off the masks we wear during the day and embrace some seriously pleasurable after-dark activities. So what floats your boat? A decadent night of cocktails and cabaret? A chance meeting with a stranger at a dinner party? Or perhaps your ultimate indulgence would be watching your favourite movie in your own private cinema? Well, good news. Our wonderful city has it all, and much, much more, as you’ll discover on p. 34.

We sometimes forget, but Bristol itself wears a mask. The buildings we see in Broadmead and the Centre are mere plasters over the deep wounds suffered by the city 75 years ago this month, when the Bristol Blitz ripped through its beautiful medieval heart and altered it’s face irreparably, as James Russell discovers on p. 70.

And now readers, you must forgive me for using the C-word in November, but it really is time to start thinking about Christmas. Don’t worry, we’ve eased you in gently with a roundup of all the enchanting events that’ll be turning the city into a winter wonderland over the coming weeks, on p. 52.

And that’s just the frosty tip of the iceberg when it comes to all the delights we’ve crammed inside this issue – including an interview with renowned journalist and author Simon Barnes (p. 56), a peek behind the door of musical repair shop Studio 7 in Bristol at Work (p. 64), as well as all the regulars you know and love.

So without further ado, I’ll let you dive in. Happy reading!

JENNY HAYES EDITOR

@thebristolmag

8 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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NOVEMBER 2015

www.thebristolmag.co.uk

Having spent all month writing about parties and events in November, I can’t help but wish for the perfect outfit to wear to them all. And I think I’ve found it in this tiered Alexandra McQueen dress, £2,995 and these Alexandre Birman sandals, £445, both from Harvey Nichols.

Well, you can’t blame a girl for dreaming...

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JAPANESE RESTAURANT

SUSHI • GRILL • TEPPANYAKI

We bring you authentic Japanese cuisine prepared by our highly trained chefs Mini Rolls Uramaki Rolls Temaki - Hand Rolls Nigiri Gunkan

Sashimi Teppanyaki Side Dishes Donburi - Rice Dishes Sushi - Set Meals (18 - 63 pieces)

Student private booking for restaurant downstairs with karaoke Take away and delivery for BS8 BS6, BS2 & BS1 available

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Failand Beautifully secluded farmhouse (5,085 sq ft). 4 reception rooms, kitchen, 5 beds, 5 baths. 2 bed cottage (1,166 sq ft), office complex (1,081 sq ft), outbuildings, stables, garaging. About 89 acres with further land available.

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EXCEPTIONAL PROPERTIES IN BRISTOL To find out how we can help you please contact us

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Guide price: ÂŁ565,000

Sneyd Park A generous 3 bedroom upper maisonette enjoying beautiful views. Drawing room, kitchen, dining room, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, dressing room/sun room, roof terrace. Private parking. EPC E.

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Guide price: ÂŁ525,000

Redcliffe Immaculate and spacious 1st floor apartment with balcony and river views. Drawing room, kitchen/breakfast, utility, master suite, guest bedroom, guest shower room, parking, balcony, river views. EPC F.

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BE sEEn in 370 offiCEs in 55 CountriEs to find out how we can help you please contact us

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Guide price: £900-£950,000

Easton in Gordano Excellent edge of village home (2,187 sq ft) set in approximately 5.5 acres with rural views.

2 reception rooms, kitchen/dining room, 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms. Extensive stabling, menage and outbuildings. EPC D.

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Guide price £675,000

Congresbury Charming family home (2,779 sq ft) with views to three sides. 3 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, 4/5 bedrooms, 2 shower/bathrooms.

Garage, parking, enclosed gardens. EPC E.

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

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

0117 295 0425

Guide price: ÂŁ785,000

Old Sodbury A well presented family home (3,826 sq ft) situated in the heart of the village with south facing garden.

3 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Garaging. EPC D.

KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

nTheMarket.com

Guide price ÂŁ1,150,000

Chew Magna A charming former mill (3,698 sq ft) with a 2 bed annexe (1,026 sq ft) in a beautiful setting. 3 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, 2 WCs. 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Garden, paddocks, stables, garaging. In all 3.99 acres. EPC F.

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ZEITGEIST

The top

5

things to do in NOVEMBER

LEST WE FORGET

R

emembrance Sunday, which falls on 8 November, is a day for the nation to remember and honour those who have sacrificed themselves to secure and protect our freedom. There will be a Remembrance parade and service at the Cenotaph in the city centre, organised by the Lord Mayor’s office and the Royal British Legion (troops, band and cannon), and will include two minutes silence at 11am. More details to be announced soon. Keep an eye out for the Poppy Appeal sellers on the streets of Bristol over the next few weeks too.

Brief Encounter

TISSUES READY AFRIKA EYE

The British Film Institute is promising to warm the hearts of audiences this autumn by celebrating love on screen with a season of romance at a number of locations across the UK – including Clevedon’s Curzon Cinema. On 28 and 29 November enjoy a cinema experience complete with dancing, music and food, as you are transported back to 1945, with a screening of the timeless classic, Brief Encounter (1945), on its 70th anniversary. Other films being shown include Rebecca (1940), cult American movie, True Romance (1993) and Dr Zhivago (1965) and there will also be a tea dance event with live music and scones. For more information and tickets visit: www.curzon.org.uk or tel: 01275 871000.

BACK WITH A BANG

Afrika Eye, the south west’s biggest celebration of African cinema and culture, returns to the Watershed from 13 to 15 November with a 10th birthday edition, offering new and classic film screenings, talks, family-friendly arts and crafts workshops and live music. An event for all to enjoy is on Saturday 14 November at 11am, when you can join Senegal’s Amadou Diagne and Bristolbased Celestine Walcott-Gordon at this family-friendly session sharing and teaching some of the songs, rhythms, dances and games that are part of everyday life for children in Senegal.

Promises to be lots of fun. For a full programme of events or to book, visit: www.afrikaeye.org.uk.

Thomas P Peschak, The shark surfer Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2015

Bristol Old Vic is welcoming the return of the ever inventive Kneehigh with Dead Dog in a Suitcase (and other love songs) from 17-21 November, following its sell-out run last year.

Based on the Beggar’s Opera, John Gay’s classic musical satire is busting with wit, wonder and weirdness. An extraordinary Kneehigh cast of actor musicians shoot, hoot and shimmy their way through this twisted morality tale of our times. Trip hop combines with folk, Renaissance polyphony with psychedelia, ska with grime and dubstep to create a powerful musical mix. Box office tel: 0117 987 7877 or visit: www.bristololdvic.org.uk

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR

Dead Dog in a Suitcase © Steve Tanner

14 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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NOVEMBER 2015

The world-renowned exhibition from the Natural History Museum returns to M Shed from 28 November – 10 April with 100 breath-taking images that showcase the natural world’s most astonishing and challenging sights; from fascinating animal behaviour and wild landscapes, to relationships between humans and the natural world. Open 10am – 5pm. Tickets: adult £5, concession £4, under 16s free. Free day: Wednesday 9 December. For further information visit: www.bristolmuseums.org.uk

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ist

THE CITY THE BUZZ The Lodge at Bristol Zoo

My BRISTOL We ask Louise Masson, general manager of Harvey Nichols Bristol, what she’s doing this month...

What brought you to Bristol?

I moved here three years ago to take up my current job.

What are you reading?

A friend recommended The Girl on the Train, which I have just started. I am also dipping into the Dress of the Year book, following an event in store in association with The Fashion Museum Bath, with Richard Lester and Rosemary Harden.

Wild nights Eating breakfast with the gorillas, taking a behind-the-scenes twilight tour among the animals and being cooked for by a private chef are just some of the perks of staying at The Lodge – Bristol Zoo’s new luxury accommodation. And this overnight stay is as much about the animal experiences as the boutique accommodation, as guests are taken behind-the-scenes to meet some of the animals when everyone else has gone home. Located behind the zoo’s Zona Brazil exhibit, The Lodge can accommodate up to four adults and two children. Bookings are now being taken. Prices start at £125 for six people. For more information visit: www.bristolzoo.org.uk

Swapsies Bristolians are currently hosting strangers in their homes from all over Fancy a free stay in Florence? the world, not in return for money but in return for nights, through a new scheme called NightSwapping.

The name says it all: home owners, tenants and roommates can stay for free at someone else’s place for their vacation, whatever the destination. Receive nights each time you host a member and use your nights to stay for free at any member’s place whenever and wherever you want. There are three ways to night swap: stay with a member while they are at home; stay at a member’s place while they stay at yours; or stay in a member’s place while they are away. For further information and to get swapping for a Christmas getaway visit: www.nightswapping.com

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NOVEMBER 2015

What’s on your MP3 player?

I love music and will listen to anything really.

Classical, my favorite is Rachmaninov Symphony No 2; current, John Legend or Ed Sheeran. My most recent concert was Burt Bacharach at the Colston Hall.

Which café or restaurant takes your fancy?

I am regularly spotted in our own Second Floor Restaurant & Bar. The set menu changes every month so there is always a reason to revisit.

And of course we have an amazing range of cocktails, so many to try.

Evening in or evening out?

Definitely evening out. I have made lots of friends in the Bristol area and really enjoy the diversity of culture in the city.

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

I do love cinema and have recently seen The Martian in 3D at Cinema de Lux in Cabot Circus.

Which museum or gallery will you be visiting?

When I have friends or relatives down from Scotland I always go along to the MShed, which is a great way to get to know Bristol history. And I cannot not mention the most inspiring exhibition at the London V&A… Alexander McQueen which was the MUST see for anyone in the Fashion industry.

What hobbies or interests will you be pursuing?

I enjoy cycling and have cycled many parts of the south west. Recently I was in Wales, having cycled across the old Severn Crossing.

Favourite local walk?

A walk up to Blaise Castle or Tyntesfield, and you cannot go wrong with a wander through Leigh Woods.

Any projects/work in progress?

We are of course in full swing getting ready for the Christmas season. We will have our Christmas window reveal on the 6 November.

Keep an eye out...

BOOK OF THE MONTH...

Crossroads by Tal Ronnen £25, hardback (Artizan Books) As World Vegan Day is on 1 November, it seemed rather fitting to think about eating leaner, and cleaner, over the month ahead.

Who better to show us the way than guru of plant-based cuisine and founder of the acclaimed vegan restaurant Crossroads in LA, Tal Ronnen. If you are unfamiliar with Tal’s story, it makes for interesting reading at the start of the book, not least because it offers a very different mindset to approaching vegan food to most – and one that is far more accessible. This becomes even more apparent when you delve into the recipes themselves, which offer rich Mediterranean and North African flavours, and whose accompanying pictures look so enticing you want to lean in and lick the page. What’s more, they are easy to follow, don’t require a cupboard full of fancy ingredients, and cover everything from snacks to desserts. Available from most good bookshops and online, visit: www.artizan books.co.uk

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THE

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

Doggy style

I

saw a UFO once, in Leigh Woods. It was very small and flying only a couple of feet off the ground. At the time I was riding my bike along a path, wishing I had set off earlier because it was now quite dark. I was riding along fairly slowly, peering into the gloom to left and right, when a strange green light appeared to my left. Roughly semi-circular and glowing eerily, this light floated unevenly towards me, now pausing, now leaping ahead. I stopped as it approached, rather unnerved, then a whistle came out of the dark and a cry of ‘Here, boy!’, and I realised that my UFO was a dog, with a luminous collar.

Yes, a dog. I’ve resisted for several months, but now that the nights are drawing in I’m afraid I must return to the subject. To recap: life at Bartleby Towers changed forever in the spring when others wiser than myself decided we needed a puppy. Enter Jarvis Cockerpoo, a small black ball of fur with teeth and a waggy tail. Now fast forward six months and guess what? The tail is still wagging, but the teeth are much larger. As indeed is the whole dog. In fact, the small portable mutt we were promised has morphed, Hulk-like, into a large, boisterous mutt.

Educationally, Jarvis has so far had a mixed career. He will sit patiently waiting for his dinner, until instructed to eat, but will, given the slightest hint of opportunity, steal any food he can get his paws on. He has also learned to open a pedal bin by lifting the lid with his nose, and has thus found a whole new range of (to him) comestible delights.

❝

LIFE AT BARTLEBY TOWERS CHANGED FOREVER IN THE SPRING WHEN OTHERS WISER THAN MYSELF DECIDED WE NEEDED A PUPPY

❞

Out in the world, meanwhile, he’s acquired some interesting prejudices.

Generally he’s concerned with dogs rather than people, and ignores anyone who doesn’t seem intent on making friends/providing food. One class of park users he does take issue with, however, and that’s the groups of young adults who get together of an evening to be tormented in boot camp-style exercise sessions. Perhaps this is a prejudice he has learned from me, because as he woofs at these groaning, grimacing masochists I rather wish I could join in.

Otherwise, most of his energy is devoted to the time-honoured dog pastimes of sniffing about, chasing squirrels and stealing balls from older, slower dogs.

The social behaviour of these familiar but alien animals is fascinating and often surprising. A muscle-bound bull terrier comes trotting along, with matching human in tow, both exuding menace and machismo in equal measure, and Jarvis bounds up to give the beast a friendly left hook with his paw. No reaction. OK, I think, time to move on, but Jarvis goes again, this time with both paws. Now the behemoth takes notice and, as the black fluffball bounces away, trundles off in pursuit. They end up playing for ten minutes at which point they are interrupted by a small, insignificant-seeming mongrel. It trots over, growls, and Jarvis immediately lies on his back with his paws in the air.

There are large dogs that are complete wimps, tiny dogs in yapping packs, weird dogs that all the others seem to adore and handsome hounds that they ignore. Some are so obsessed by squirrels that they will stand immobile under a tree for an hour, others equally fixated on tennis balls. There is a dog who tries to chase the moon and another, melancholy creature who spent too much time alone with a previous owner and, having only had his shadow for company, is now interested only in chasing shadows.

But to return to the UFO story. It’s getting dark in the evenings now, and Jarvis is invisible once the light fades. Time to get him illuminated, with a hi vis jacket maybe. Or one of those headlamps people wear camping. Now that would be something. n 18 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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Co-Editor Tel: Email:

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

Co-Editor Tel: Email:

Sam Coleman 0117 974 2800 sam@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 & LAUNCHES IN THE CITY

NEW VISITOR EXPERIENCE

T

he first businesses to back a major project at the ss Great Britain were brought together for an after hours experience on board the mighty ship last month. Being Brunel is the latest venture for the ss Great Britain Trust, which will create a national centre for excellence for the life, work and mind of one of Britain’s greatest enginers. It is one of the largest and most exciting projects the organisation has undertaken since the salvage of the ss Great Britain.

The event, which marked the first gathering of the Being Brunel Corporate Club, gave the businesses who have supported the project the chance to see the plans of the initiative.

Becoming a member of the Corporate Club gives businesses the opportunity to invite guests and employees to come on board the ship after the crowds have gone home through a series of exclusive events leading up to the museum’s opening, as well as giving them recognition within the museum, which is expected to attract more than 200,000 visitors each year.

Businesses that have joined so far include Renishaw, Arthur J Gallagher Insurance Brokers Ltd, Hollandia UK Ltd, SMC Global Ltd, Wapping Wharf and Stannah.

Work is set to begin in 2016 on enhancing dockside buildings within which the new museum will be housed, recreating the look of the Victorian harbourside of Brunel’s day and paving the way for his legacy to be protected and harnessed for future generations. More information about the Being Brunel project can be found at: ssgreatbritain.org/beingbrunel

Daryn McCombe, regional driver manager at Great Western Railway and Peter Rignall, regional retail manager for Network Rail

Frances Wang and Katie Hibbitt

Louis Arron, development manager, Wapping Wharf with Jerry Arron, founder of Mud Dock

David Brown, COO, The Bristol Port Company and Andrew Ord, commercial director, The Bristol Port Company

Award given on tv

T

he team behind the success of Future 4 Me, a project run by Bristol-based charity 1625 Independent People, picked up their National Lottery Award for Best Voluntary/Charity project at a star-studded ceremony which was broadcast on BBC One on Monday 21 September. Staff and volunteers from 1625 Independent People rubbed shoulders with a host of celebrities such as John Barrowman, Rachel Riley and Julian Clary as they hit the red carpet to accept their honour. The project was recognised for its work helping 365 young people in the West of England get their lives back on track after they have left care and custody.

20 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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NOVEMBER 2015

L-R: Rachel Riley, Paul Cousins, Jamie Gill, Tyler Renwick, Sophia Tuplin, John Barrowman, Fern Busuttil, Dom Wood, Michaela Strachan

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BRISTOL | SOCIETY

Chief exec of Bristol Music Trust, Louise Mitchell launching 45k for 45m

Transformation campaign

L

ast month, ambassadors representing entertainment, education and enterprise launched the 45k for £45m campaign at Colston Hall, aiming to show high levels of support for the Hall’s redevelopment that will finish the ambitious scheme that was started in 2009 with the opening of the new foyer. The £45 million transformation appeal, Thank You for the Music, was launched in September 2014 and since then, a third of the money has been raised following commitments from the Government and Bristol City Council. Colston Hall is now calling on 45,000 people across Bristol, the region and the country to support its £45 million transformation.

At the media launch there was an introduction from chief executive of Bristol Music Trust, Louise Mitchell, who said: “We want to illustrate how important Colston Hall’s transformation is for Bristol and the south west. Our plans echo values that we hope the public will share; three simple aims for education, entertainment and enterprise.

“The redevelopment will touch tens of thousands of lives. They could be one of the 300,000 people in our audience each year, or one of the 20,000 children we educate. A transformed Colston Hall will also stimulate arts enterprise in a growing south west economy. By attracting more people to the venue, we estimate that we’ll boost the local economy by £100 million over the first five years.

“45,000 people is ambitious. But we believe in our plans to become one of the best arts and learning facilities in the country and we hope the public will come on board and show their support too.”

Big names who have already shown support for the campaign include: educator and music producer Tony Briscoe; singer, songwriter and rapper, Bristol-born Tanya Lacey; and digital music expert and head of product and design at MixRadio, Mark Wheatley.

Showing support is easy, you can sign-up to the campaign using one of the social media channels via: www.colstonhall.org/45kfor45m.

The team behind the Colston Hall 45k for £45m campaign

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Tony Briscoe, Louise Mitchell, Tanya Lacey and Mark Wheatley

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BRISTOL | SOCIETY

Chief exec of Bristol Music Trust, Louise Mitchell launching 45k for 45m

Transformation campaign

L

ast month, ambassadors representing entertainment, education and enterprise launched the 45k for £45m campaign at Colston Hall, aiming to show high levels of support for the Hall’s redevelopment that will finish the ambitious scheme that was started in 2009 with the opening of the new foyer. The £45 million transformation appeal, Thank You for the Music, was launched in September 2014 and since then, a third of the money has been raised following commitments from the Government and Bristol City Council. Colston Hall is now calling on 45,000 people across Bristol, the region and the country to support its £45 million transformation.

At the media launch there was an introduction from chief executive of Bristol Music Trust, Louise Mitchell, who said: “We want to illustrate how important Colston Hall’s transformation is for Bristol and the south west. Our plans echo values that we hope the public will share; three simple aims for education, entertainment and enterprise.

“The redevelopment will touch tens of thousands of lives. They could be one of the 300,000 people in our audience each year, or one of the 20,000 children we educate. A transformed Colston Hall will also stimulate arts enterprise in a growing south west economy. By attracting more people to the venue, we estimate that we’ll boost the local economy by £100 million over the first five years.

“45,000 people is ambitious. But we believe in our plans to become one of the best arts and learning facilities in the country and we hope the public will come on board and show their support too.”

Big names who have already shown support for the campaign include: educator and music producer Tony Briscoe; singer, songwriter and rapper, Bristol-born Tanya Lacey; and digital music expert and head of product and design at MixRadio, Mark Wheatley.

Showing support is easy, you can sign-up to the campaign using one of the social media channels via: www.colstonhall.org/45kfor45m.

The team behind the Colston Hall 45k for £45m campaign

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Tony Briscoe, Louise Mitchell, Tanya Lacey and Mark Wheatley

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BRISTOL | FASHION

Name: Kimberley Age: 18 Occupation: Student

Name: Isaac Age: 21 Occupation: Musician

Name: Katya Age: 25 Occupation: Freelance photographer

“My jeans are from Topshop, the top is Zara, bag H&M, the shoes from Primark and my hat is New Look.” We have serious hat envy! Floppy hats are huge this season, as is burgundy – double fashion points.

“My jacket is from M&S, the scarf from Debenhams, shoes and jeans from River Island, and the top is an old one from H&M.” Take note, this is how to create an edgy look from classic high street staples.

“My tie-dye scarf is handmade, the trousers from Label, bag Fila, top Primark, the shoes are Vans, and my jacket is from H&M.” Denim doesn’t have to just mean jeans, as Katya proves with her cute jacket.

...

O WT

HO

Name: James Age: 19 Occupation: Architecture student at UWE

Name: Caleap Age: 34 Occupation: Just visiting Bristol

“My jeans, jacket and turtleneck are all from River Island, the scarf is from H&M, and my boots were a birthday present.” James shows the gents how to rock a cropped mac.

“My jeans are from Met, my trainers are Nike, and I just bought this jumper from Apricot.” We love the colourful trainers, and the on trend ripped jeans.

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FIND THE PERFECT PAIR OF JEANS

We all know what it’s like to mourn the loss of that perfect pair of jeans that once graced our wardrobe. You know the ones – they hugged in all the right places, yet didn’t dig in; the denim was firm enough to ensure no VPL, but not so stiff it was like wearing cardboard… only more uncomfortable. And yes, they even lasted years, until they finally got a hole where there shouldn’t be, and had to be binned.

Since then, finding an equally great pair has felt harder than the quest for the Holy Grail. But don’t despair, just follow these three simple rules, and the perfect jeans will be yours: 1. Take a variety of styles and shapes into the fitting room with you – you might be surprised which suits you best 2. Try different sizes – they vary from shop to shop, and cut to cut, so it’s worth focusing more on the look than the label 3. If you want your new jeans to last the distance, steer clear of trendy embelishments and stick to classic stitching in a colour you like.

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STREET STYLE Jenny Hayes pounds the pavements in search of fashion inspiration from you stylish Bristolians

E

ach month, TBM hits the streets in search of style inspiration from you gorgeous Bristolians. So far, we’ve seen you showcase a range of sartorial hits – from crisp whites, to summer brights, to the cosy colours of autumn. This month, however, you threw us a curve ball and embraced an altogether more humble theme – denim.

Whether wearing it as jeans, or switching it up as a jacket, you proved that anyone can stamp their signature style on this everyday, highly wearable fabric.

Jeans are the perfect item to take you from daytime to evening with minimal fuss, as this month’s capsule collections show. Ladies, take as your base the staple skinny jean that, despite other styles vying for the limelight, remains your core shape for AW 2015. Invest in a quality pair in black, like these from Oasis (1), or grey, such as this Topshop pair (2), to add another dimension to your wardrobe, and then build your look around them.

For the office, team your skinnies with a smart blouse. You can make a statement with a pretty pattern, like these butterflies from Oasis (3), or

For the girls

3

unusual tailoring, as on this Topshop blouse (4), to create a pretty yet professional outfit. Then, if you’re heading out for the evening, swap your blouse for an elegant top like this gorgeous photographic print one from Oasis (5), and accessorize with this luxurious stole from The White Company (6) to add a touch of glamour. A great pair of boots in brown or burgundy, this season’s hottest colour, will go with everything and also take you from day to evening effortlessly. The ones pictured are both from Topshop (7).

Guys, a burgundy boot is also a must-have item for you this season, and we love this suede pair with brogue detail from Topshop (4). It may seem like a bold choice in the shop, but actually the colour is as versatile as black or brown, and goes with anything. To make them really pop, however, team them with darker items, such as this cosy black hoodie from North Face at Marks and Spencer (1), black and white check shirt from New Look (2), and black straight leg jeans from Topshop (3). n Thanks to all our Street Style participants. Shots taken at Cabot Circus and all are © Amanda Thomas, www.amandathomasphotographer.co.uk

1

Butterfly blouse, £38 from Oasis

North Face pure cotton hooded fleece, £59.50 from M&S

6 Mongolian curly stole, £189 from The White Company

4 Pleated detail top, £60 by Boutique at Topshop

GET THE LOOK

5 Photographic floral top, £36 from Oasis

2

4

1

3

Black Jade stretch skinny jeans, £32 from Oasis

7 Huskie fringe boots, £72, and Harper buckly boots, £72, both from Topshop

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Black and white check shirt, £19.99 from New Look

Black jeans, from a selection at Topshop

Burgundy brogue boots, £60 from Topshop

2 Grey Leigh jeans, £38 from Topshop

For the boys NOVEMBER 2015

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BRISTOL | FASHION

BRISTOL FASHION WEEK AW15

Grey Pointed Shoe Boots £19.99 New Look

Earthy tones and sophisticated greys lead the way on the catwalk at Bristol Fashion Week as we prepared for a whole new season of style, says The Mall Cribbs Causeway’s stylist There’s a chill in the air and the leaves are starting to fall, but luckily for us this season’s fashion is both pretty and practical. Layering is big news right now, and we saw models walking the runway at BFW with polo necks under shirts and gilets on top of dresses – all good news for when the weather gets colder.

One trend that isn’t going away any time soon is the 1970s inspired nomadic traveller look. Ponchos, blanket wraps and trilby hats are the among the items you’ll need to recreate this style on the high street, but keep the colours simple and muted to avoid overkill. Marks & Spencer have gone especially big on this trend, with a wide variety of textures and patterns that mix and match perfectly for this boho style. Suede and fringing will continue to dominate the high street this season. Look for fringed bags and boots, which will offer an instant update to any look right now.

In sharp contrast, YSL-style suits and tailoring are big news this winter. Monochrome is of course a perennial favourite, but if you want to keep it fresh diversify your look with grey and white this season. Jigsaw has an array of quality grey wool separates which make great investment pieces, while for guys Moss Bros offers some sharp suiting at great price points.

Finally, remember that this season’s hot looks are all about the detail – the right accessories can really make an outfit. If you’ve been in doubt about wearing a hat, now’s the time to do it. Trilby, fedora or floppy – whatever the style, give it a go! Likewise, a pair of suede boots is a musthave right now – look especially for fringing, buckles or over-the-knee styles if you’re feeling brave.

Dune - Sheena Rust £75 Dune

Tan Premium Suede Stud Fringe Trimmed Boots £99.99 New Look

Best of British Coat £299.00 Marks & Spencer

Indigo Collection Fedora Hat £25.00 Marks & Spencer

AW15 Mens Office

*Please note that some items shown are taken from current stock, while others are taken from forthcoming Autumn/Winter collections and all are subject to availability.

Limited Edition Poncho £45.00 Marks & Spencer

AW15 TOP TEN MUST-HAVES 1. A metallic/sequin top or dress for party season 2. A sharp, tailored suit 3. A blanket wrap for that nomadic, 1970s look 4. Hats - trilby or fedora, you decide 5. Monochrome graphic prints 6. Tweed - jackets, skirts or accessories 7. Dark, opulent florals 8. A good quality wool jumper 9. Belts - time to cinch in those waists 10. Noir - lace, velvet, whatever the fabric, make it black

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Indigo Gilet £69.00 Marks & Spencer

Limited Edition Hat £25.00 Marks & Spencer

AW15 Mens shoes Office Autograph Supima Cotton Tailored Fit Abstract Print Shirt £39.50 Marks & Spencer

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KEMP J EWELLERS

1881

THE

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Stunning Engagement rings,Wedding bands and tailor-made rings Beautiful Gift Ideas for the bridesmaids, mother of the bride and for the groom A 10% discount on any pair of rings purchased & off any further gifts for your wedding when you mention The Bristol Magazine

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History, Tradition & Quality - the only Kemps Jewellers since 1881 9 Calton Court, Westbury on Trym, Bristol, BS9 3DF • www.kempsjewellers.com • 0117 950 5090

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A WINTER WONDERLAND The magic of Christmas comes alive in the Georgian city of Bath, with plenty of festive fun for all the family to enjoy

B

ath is a magical place to visit as the excitement builds to the Christmas festivities. Glittering lights, a Christmas market unrivalled for its beautiful location, shops brimming with unusual gifts and a host of activities to share with family and friends all contribute to making Bath at Christmas a very special place to visit. This year’s highlights include skating at Bath on Ice, The Holburne Museum’s lantern procession and the grotto in SouthGate.

New for this year is a virtual trail around the World Heritage City and visitors are invited to take photographs on their smartphones against a Bath backdrop to find out which magical character appears with them, sharing with friends using #BathMagicalTrail.

Dates for your diary: The Holburne Lantern Procession, 19 November A delightful spectacle with hundreds of children and their families parading hand-crafted lanterns along Great Pulteney Street. As the procession passes through the city centre the illuminations will switch on.

Bath on Ice, 20 November – 3 January Skate on the real ice rink located in the beautiful setting of Royal Victoria Park. The adjacent mini golf course will also be transformed into a glow-inthe-dark mini golf course with luminous balls.

Bath Christmas Grotto, 21 November – 24 December Meet Santa and his elves in a traditional log cabin that has landed in the SouthGate shopping area.

Bath Christmas Market, 26 November – 13 December More than 170 decorated wooden chalets around the abbey, selling beautifully crafted handmade gifts and tempting festive fare with a background of carols from local choirs. Don’t forget to stop by The Lodge; a rustic restaurant from Bath Ales serving warming food and local tipples.

Bath Abbey Shoppers’ Carols, 28 November, 5 & 12 December at 1pm, 2pm and 4pm Find respite from shopping at the carol services at Bath Abbey open to everyone.

For more details about what’s happening in Bath over the Christmas period visit: www.BathAtChristmas.co.uk. To find out about the additional Park & Ride services that are operating at the weekends, go to: www.visitbath.co.uk

Gold & Platinum Studio

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

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All pieces individually designed and hand made on site by Mike and his team

19 Northumberland Place, Bath BA1 5AR | Tel: +44 (0)1225 462 300 www.goldandplatinumstudio.co.uk | email: mike@goldandplatinumstudio.co.uk 32 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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Colourful Toys & Beautiful Clothes for BOYS & GIRLS between 0-8yrs

Pop in & say hello!

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9 Canford Lane, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, BS9 3DB T :0117 950 5953

E: hello@picklesandpoppets.co.uk W: www.picklesandpoppets.co.uk Twitter: @picklesnpoppets

Village Green is a boutique where ladies can buy beautiful pre-loved designer labels at affordable prices.

From Prada, Gucci and Joseph to Reiss, Hobbs and Ted Baker.

5 The Mall, Clifton, BS8 4DP 0117 9706776

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NIGHT | LIFE

BRISTOL

AFTER DARK

Under cover of night, a whole new set of characters come out to play in the city.

Jenny Hayes finds out how you can join them...

30 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 34

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NIGHT | LIFE

N

ight falls early in November, and you can feel a distinct change in atmosphere settle over the city as she draws her inky mantle around us.

This cover of darkness shades us from the glare of self-consciousness, and releases us with the freedom of anonymity.

You must have noticed it in the air as you leave the office each day and step out onto the shadowy streets? It’s faint, but definite. The tingle of anticipation that comes with the knowledge that, somewhere in the city, secret shenanigans and clandestine gatherings are afoot.

And isn’t it tempting to seek them out and join in? To shake off the shackles of your day job, don a new guise and immerse yourself in a decadent evening of entertainment and frivolity? My willpower quivered at the thought of such pleasures, so I decided to give in altogether and abandon myself to the unknown in pursuit of discovering Bristol after dark.

It’s enough to send a shiver down your spine, isn’t it? But rest assured, although I stumbled across the unexpected, the unconventional, and on occasion the slightly bizarre, I unearthed in the process three treasures that sparkled with the brave and imaginative spirit that defines our city.

The first lay right beneath my feet as I walk to work each morning. Loco Klub is the latest venture from the everinventive Invisible Circus, which has been transforming abandoned and unloved buildings across the city since it arrived in 2005. This time, the troupe of talented artists and performers has transformed the derelict tunnels beneath The Passenger Shed into a splendid social club, programming a dazzling array of theatre, cabaret, dance and music. Laced with the signature style and insouciance of the Invisibles, Loco Klub is set to ignite Bristol nightlife.

A knock on the door of an inconspicuous-looking house was all it took to reveal another undercover world within.

Clandesdiner, brainchild of accomplished chef Rachel Bull, is one of several secret supper clubs that have sprung up across the city for the last few years. Offering the ultimate in indulgent dining, these intimate occasions are run by accomplished cooks who enjoy the thrill of opening their doors to the people of Bristol and inviting them in to eat, meet, and mingle.

Finally, as I scoured every nook and cranny of the city, I stumbled upon a tiny, private cinema in the heart of Christmas Steps Arts Quarter. The Flicks Kino sits at the back of 20th Century Flicks, a gem of a shop in its own right, and offers movie buffs the chance to enjoy a very exclusive night at the cinema. Set behind heavy, red velvet curtains and complete with nostaligic plush seats, the whole experience evokes distant memories of that happy time before the multiplex goliaths trampled over independent cinemas.

Intrigued? Well read on to find out more about these ventures, and the brilliant people who dreamt them up…

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NIGHT | LIFE

LOCO Klub DOUG FRANCISCO, RINGMASTER The Invisible Circus and Loco Klub Could you tell me about the origins of The Invisible Circus?

It all began with the momentum that started towards circus in the free festival/squat movement of the early 1990s, which had a lot to do with the rave culture of the time meeting the travelling community and the creativity that flourished in those years. Free events, involving a lot of performance and artistic activity, sprang up to inhabit a space that traditional circus had occupied in the past. It was the evolution of a very old tradition; a reaction to the fairly bland, prescriptive and uninspiring culture that was on offer at the time; and the birth of a new creative era, in many ways.

Of course, the authorities were none too happy with this new era so free festivals and parties were outlawed, with quite brutal force and at a staggering cost to the tax payer. And yet, as with most such things that begin in quite revolutionary roots, it becomes more sanitised and appropriated by mainstream culture as time goes by, so now radical techno beats sell trainers and there are hundreds of commercial festivals each year.

I had been part of that movement and experienced the positivity and creative explosion, as well as the clampdown and the negative repercussions that came with it. I was involved in occupying spaces and working on the décor side of things for events, which is where The Invisible Circus was born as a concept. I got into street performance when I was travelling in Europe, working with other people I met along the way, and the name The Invisible Circus stuck. Our aspiration grew into wanting to become a bigger company and produce large scale events in which people could gather in free association, to 36 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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celebrate together and be inspired to action.

What brought The Invisible Circus to Bristol in 2005?

We’d been busking internationally for about a decade, and it felt like we needed to come back to our home country if we were going to make the transition from street performance to bigger shows and staged work. Bristol came about by chance because we’d met a lot of good crew who were based here. We got back from a crazy summer season in 2005, and a friend was driving from London to Cardiff so we decided to hitch a lift with him and give it a try. We arrived with little more than a few old suitcases of costumes and a broken guitar.

We didn’t plan to stay this long, but we discovered a really big creative community here, which was one of the main reasons it became home. There were also a lot of empty spaces in the city back then. When we got the ball rolling in terms of starting to occupy them there was a lot of support, people wanted to get involved, and even the council arts team were really positive. So it kind of snowballed from there – and suddenly 10 years has gone by!

Why do these abandoned spaces appeal to you?

I’ve always been intrigued by old spaces and buildings. Maybe growing up in the fading glory of a seaside town is where it began; clambering around derelict funfairs and decaying hotels.

I also believe that art and culture should not be confined to, and defined by, only cultural institutions and events. Our society, and especially our physical environment, is defined by purely

Previous page: The Invisible Circus in gangster guise © Spencer Dixie This page: An altogether different style of performance © Spencer Dixie

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NIGHT | LIFE

❝

WE ARRIVED WITH LITTLE MORE THAN A FEW SUITCASES OF COSTUMES AND A BROKEN GUITAR

❞

commercial activity; the movement of goods, and people to consume them, determines the way we view and interact with a city. To gather in free association is actually a human right, in my opinion, and something sadly missing from our modern culture where everything is prescribed, commercialised, regulated and controlled. So within these transitory spaces we attempt to reinvent that old school, anarchic, creative community element.

How did you come across the venue for Loco Klub?

I put in a proposal for an arts commission, based around Temple Meads, and found out that the council were temporary guardians of the site until The Passenger Shed is turned back into a train station in a couple of years’ time. I fell in love with it as soon as I got in there, but it’s been a massive challenge getting it ready to be opened to the public.

Part of this site was formerly the GWR social club, and for me that essence is still at the heart of Loco Klub. It’s a social space for the creative community to explore and engage with audiences – a bar, cabaret venue and performance space all rolled into one, and one of the most inspiring places I’ve come across. When you get a few people inside it really starts to glow, so I’m looking forward to seeing more crowds breathe life back into the space again.

How has the space inspired the atmosphere inside Loco Klub, and your programming of acts?

One of the beauties of this space is that it’s already oozing atmosphere. The shadowy former ash pits in the tunnels, the flock wallpaper still clinging to the walls of the old social club – it all WWW.THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

denotes a certain style that we are of course playing to. But it is also a very versatile space that can accommodate a lot of different styles of show.

We try to remain really open to proposals and creative offers, while some acts work to themes for certain events better than others, I’m really interested in putting on performances that push boundaries. I don’t want things to become formulaic; it’s good to mix things up. Beauty, comedy, serious, funny, sad, and so on – art takes many forms, and I commend anyone who is putting themselves on the line and expressing or exploring this bizarre gift that is human existence in a creative way.

What have you got planned for the opening month of November?

It has been an epic mission getting the space up and running, and we still have a lot of work to do. So we are planning to run the upper level of the venue three nights a week, with Thursday being variety night – so comedy, magic and performance art – Friday for music events, and Saturday as a regular Cabaret Klub, presenting some off the wall experimental acts as well as cabaret classics.

Our plan is to then carry on fundraising and get the tunnels section of the site more fully opened in 2016. n The Loco Klub would like to thank The Island/Artspace Lifespace and The Invisible Circus, whose support has been instrumental to the establishment of the venue, as well as all the supporters who have helped fund the project this far. If you’d like more information about the venue, including forthcoming events, location and ticket prices, visit: www.locobristol.com NOVEMBER 2015

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NIGHT | LIFE

CLANDESdiner RACHEL BULL, CHEF Clandesdiner Secret Supper Club

What inspired you to establish Clandesdiner?

My brother-in-law used to tell me about a man in Paris who had a restaurant in his home. He said that this man was such a good cook, in the end he had a waiting list of people who wanted to visit his home and eat his food. I thought it all sounded so glamorous I decided to try it for myself, so I set up Clandesdiner two years ago.

Do you have a background in the food industry?

I’m also a chef at Wallfish Bistro here in Bristol, and I’ve cooked in many places before that, including restaurants, celebrity homes, and even on a theatre ship. So I have a lot of experience cooking for events and extravaganzas, which I can bring to both the food and the staging of Clandesdiner events.

I bet, once the wine gets flowing, everyone lets their hair down a little. Do you have any memorable stories that you could share?

There are some great moments at every supper club, but I’m sworn to secrecy. What happens in the club, stays in the club!

Understood. But could you tell us a little about what we can expect from a Clandesdiner event?

Each of the monthly supper clubs is a unique and colourful occasion, because I want to provide people with a one-off dining experience that offers great food and a sense of celebration.

There’s always a touch of theatre, and a little taxidermy, but that’s all I’m saying.

Of course, good food is a guarantee. I offer diners seven courses, made from the best ingredients, and using local produce as much as possible.

How would you describe your cooking?

I draw on quite an eclectic range of influences – the flavours of France and Italy, brought together with the style and panache of the theatre, which was my other career.

So when can we come along?

I host events every 4 – 6 weeks, and the next is on Saturday 7 November.

What do you think it is about the secret supper club scene that appeals to the people of Bristol?

I think they are very receptive to different dining experiences. I have a wide variety of people at each of my monthly supper clubs, and some come with friends, others alone. The environment at each Clandesdiner evening is very relaxed and welcoming, so people feel comfortable here. They’ve all been brought together under my roof from a love of food, so all share common ground.

In return for a splendid, seven course feast, Rachel asks for a donation of £40. She is happy to cater for all dietary requirements provided she is made aware of them in advance. Clandesdiner also provides a bespoke event catering service, so you can enjoy the experience in your own home, or at any other location, to celebrate a special occasion. For more information, visit: clandesdiner.com

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Main image: A special dining experience with a touch of sparkle © Hans Engbers

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NIGHT | LIFE

FLICKS Kino

TARA JUDAH, CO-DIRECTOR 20th Century Flicks Main image: 20th Century Flicks has more than 19,000 titles in its rental collection, so you should find something you want to watch in the Kino © Paul Green

Where did 20th Century Flicks begin?

Well, it’s a tall tale. Legend has it that we began as a very small video store in Redland in 1982. It was on a hot summer night that two young hopefuls set their sights on a video odyssey. These were the original owners, Nigel and Jonathan, who found success quickly and so, with a number of enthusiastic new staff in tow, moved the whole operation to Clifton.

The store became a cave of curiosities, annexed next to Clifton’s then-thriving wine bar. At a time when video rental was an actual industry – with studio reps and cardboard cut-outs galore – the shop was booming, collecting pounds and rewinding magnetic tape with gusto. The store survived well into the 90s and early 00s. Mainstream film and what was then called ‘Watershed type movies’, now labelled Art House, were popular among students, Cliftonians and movie buffs from all walks of Bristol life. So by the time those of us who now co-own and run the shop had come on board, 20th Century Flicks was already a Bristol institution.

And how did you guys get involved?

It was 2012 and Nigel was the sole owner, as Jonathan sadly passed away in the 80s and none of us got the chance to meet him. All us co-owners – me, Dave, Dave and Adam – had worked for Nigel, and the store had made its way into our hearts. So when he decided to move overseas and sell up, keeping it alive was important to everyone. I was actually living back in Australia at the time, but the two Daves and Adam decided to take it on and run it like a co-operative, of sorts. Thanks to their tireless efforts, it made its way from the red to the black.

So why did you move from Clifton to Christmas Steps?

It was because of Dave Taylor’s vision to have not just a video shop, but also a tiny cinema. Why can’t we all watch great old movies on a big screen?

So in late 2014, with the help of an army of lovely volunteers, the two Daves and Adam moved the whole operation to Christmas Steps. They built all the shelves and the Kino from scratch. Fuelled by filmic love and with a feather in their caps, they created what we now have. It’s been a year in our new premises, and it’s amazing. We have such a strong sense of community here – from both customers new and old, and also the local businesses in the Christmas Steps Arts Quarter.

It sounds like you’re very happy there?

We all feel so lucky to have what we consider the best job in the world. We work for ourselves and each other. Sadly, Adam left us earlier this year because he had family commitments, and a

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considerable travel to work each day when he moved out of Bristol. So now we’ve also got one member of part-time staff, Becca, and she’s fantastic.

We also have what I like to think of as ‘the Flicks’ family’, where ex-staff drop in and continue to do great things with us.

They include Will (who co-hosts our monthly film quiz in the Christmas Steps pub), Jonathan (who co-hosts the quiz and also co-curates our monthly film nights at the Cube, complete with video essay), plus Ben (who co-hosts our Made in Bristol TV film review segment). Not to mention Jo (Dave T’s sister), Becky, Kelly, Brett, TJ, Marian and a tonne of others who just love the shop and help out.

For my part, Flicks is my home – and not the ‘away from home’ kind. Working in the shop is like watching movies while doing a little admin in my living room. I drink a lot of tea and I never have to up-sell. I just be myself and tell people about good movies.

Which we can then watch in the Flicks Kino?

Yep. You can select any movie from our catalogue that’s around or under two hours duration – so Tarkovsky or Satantango would require booking multiple spots! – and that’s included in the hire fee. If you wish to watch a film we don’t have in our collection, of around 19,000 titles, then you are of course welcome to bring your own. We sell chocolate, popcorn, crisps, tea and coffee in the shop, but you can bring other refreshments with you, and have pizzas delivered to the store.

And, finally, is it tough, keeping afloat as a video rental shop in today’s climate?

At the start of the year, there were at least two rental suppliers in Bristol. Now there is one. Us. We are in a corner, but we’re fighting it well. The industry has all but evaporated, and even my boyfriend has Netflix. Still, we are here because we believe in community. We want to help you find great movies. Come visit us and we will.

The Flicks Kino seat 11 people, and can be booked daily between 12–2pm, 2.30–4pm, 5–7pm and 7.30–9.30pm. Hire is £50 evenings and weekends, £30 Monday – Thursday before 5pm (excluding holidays). There is a 20% discount Monday to Thursday for students, registered carers, regular film groups and NHS staff. Full fee is payable on booking. For more information about Flicks Kino, or 20th Century Flicks, tel: 0117 925 8432 or visit: www.20thcenturyflicks.co.uk NOVEMBER 2015

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ARTS | & EXHIBITIONS

Other After Dark activities...

Planetarium Nights, At-Bristol, Thursday evenings in November, 7pm & 8.15pm Explore one of the city’s premier attractions after dark, when no kids are allowed. Take your brain to another dimension as you soar through the solar system and beyond, exploring the wonders of space in glorious, mind-blowing 3D. It’s the closest you’ll ever get to being an astronaut. Tickets: £3.50 – £8, tel: 0117 915 0000 or visit: www.at-bristol.org.uk Tigers by Rupert Dean

Late Night Swimming, Clifton Lido, open daily from 9am – 10pm There’s no better time of year to plunge into the heated waters of the Clifton Lido than in winter, when plumes of steam rise enticingly from the surface, and the warmth of the hot tub beckons – if you can just brave the chilly run over from the pool. Swimming at night makes it better yet, as you can enjoy the beautiful illuminations around the pool as you work up an appetite for dinner in the restaurant afterwards. For further information, prices and details of offers and vouchers, tel: 0117 933 9530 or visit: www.lidobristol.com

▲ Showstopper Cocktail Masterclass, Harvey Nichols Tuesday evenings in November, 6pm – 8.30pm Where better to learn the art of mixology than in the oplent surroundings of the Harvey Nichols Second Floor Bar? You’ll enjoy a detailed exploration of the cocktail bar alchemy and learn some insider tips, before you get a chance to put the tricks of the trade to good use as you create your own cocktail combinations. Mix it, shake it, make it, then sit back and enjoy drinking it as you bask in the golden glow of your surroundings. Tickets: £25, to book tel: 0117 916 8899 40 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

A visit to Bristol Shopping Quarter is a must this Christmas

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roadmead, St James Arcade, Cabot Circus, Quakers Friars and The Galleries boast the biggest and best selection of shops in the South West with designer brands, high street fashion, and a great selection of independent shops, all brimming with special gifts for all.

The Christmas Light Switch On will take place on Friday 6th November, starting at 4.45pm when a choir will sing in The Galleries before joining a beautifully lit procession to Cabot Circus where from 6pm there will be spectacular entertainment culminating in the big switch on.

The event coincides with the opening of the ever-popular German Christmas Market with its wooden chalet-style stalls full of unique gifts plus the Hannover beer garden, located at The Podium, and The Moose Bar near Cabot Circus.

The Local Christmas Market, offering handmade gifts with a Bristol twist, will run from Friday 4th December. The German Market will be open until Tuesday 22nd December while the Local Market will continue to welcome shoppers until Wednesday 23rd December.

Santa’s Grotto will open on the ground floor of The Galleries at weekends from Friday 6th November and every day from Monday 23rd November until Christmas Eve. To find out more visit www.galleriesbristol.co.uk.

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BRISTOL SHOPPING QUARTER - DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Friday 6th November Christmas Lights Switch On; German Christmas Market opens; Santa’s Grotto opens in The Galleries Thursday 12th November St James Arcade Christmas Lights Switch On St James Arcade will also be busy over the festive season, hosting late night shopping on Thursday 12th November when its Christmas lights will be switched on and Harry Potter’s Sorting Ceremony on Saturday 5th December.

Visit www.stjames-arcade.co.uk for further information.

Getting to Bristol Shopping Quarter couldn’t be easier. It’s accessible by car, bus and park and ride with affordable parking located at The Galleries and Cabot Circus.

Many stores will offer late night shopping over the Christmas period but please check with your favourites before you visit.

Saturday 5th December Harry Potter’s Sorting Ceremony in St James Arcade Friday 4th December Local Christmas Market opens

For further information visit www.bristolshoppingquarter.co.uk.

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WHAT’S | ON

CULTURE BOOK Have your diary at the ready...

DON’T MISS THROUGHOUT NOVEMBER

A variety of workshops, Windmill Hill City Farm Fancy knowing more about the fascinating world of fungi? Or how to grow your own mushrooms? Are you interested in animal husbandry? Or perhaps you’re inspired to make some handmade gifts for loved ones this Christmas? Whatever you’re looking to learn, theres something for you at this series of workshops, hosted by Windmill Hill City Farm. For more information, visit: www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk 1 NOVEMBER, 8PM

Rich Hall, Bristol Old Vic 3:10 To Humour is the latest show from this critically acclaimed comedian, whose grouchy, deadpan style has established him as a master of absurdist irony and the king of rapid-fire wit. Ages 14+. Tickets: £16 from the box office on tel: 0117 987 7877 or visit: www.bristololdvic.org.uk 3 – 7 NOVEMBER, 8PM

The Witch of Walkern, Tobacco Factory Theatres This is the world premiere production of BAFTA-winning writer Rebecca Lenkiewicz’s new play. Jane Wenham: The Witch of Walkern is a gripping and haunting play about sex, fear, religion and magic, inspired by one

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Exultate Singers, St George’s

Witch of Walkern, Tobacco Factory Theatres

Rich Hall, Bristol Old Vic

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of the last major witch trials in England, in 1712. After decades free from witch hunts, Jane is blamed for a tragic death – and charged with witchcraft. A terrifying ordeal begins, as the village is torn between those who want to save her life, and those who claim to want to save her soul. Tickets: £14, £10 concs from the box office on tel: 0117 902 0344 or visit: www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com

beguiles and inspires the listener.

Herbert Howell’s a cappella Requiem is one of the most beautiful and moving works in the English sacred musical canon, and his majestic anthem Take him earth for cherishing exhibits music of astonishing depth, colour and imagination. Tickets: £10 – £20, £5 concs. To book, tel: 0117 214 0721 or visit: www.bristolbach.org.uk 7 NOVEMBER, 7.30PM

5 NOVEMBER, ALL DAY EVENT

Soil Symposium 2015, At-Bristol To celebrate International Year of Soils and Bristol European Green Capital 2015, Soil Association is hosting an evening event bringing together everyone who shares a passion for food and farming.

Kerry McCarthy, Shadow Environment Secretary will be speaking. There will be an organic feast showcasing the fantastic food and drinks that licensees produce, followed by music and lots of dancing. Tickets: £25 – £60 (some tickets include a meal and evening entertainment). For further information visit: www.soilassociation.org 7 NOVEMBER, 7.30PM

Bristol Bach Choir, St Mary Redcliffe In the season of Remembrance, Bristol Bach Choir proudly presents an evening of comfort, consolation and hope. Faure’s incomparably beautiful Requiem

NOVEMBER 2015

Exultate Singers, St George’s Bristol Exultate Singers reveal visions of heaven in this Remembrance weekend concert. The first half includes transcendent works by James MacMillan, William Harris and Samuel Barber’s Agnus Dei – his own arrangement of his Adagio for Strings. For the second half, the choir is joined by trumpets, shofars, harp, cello and percussion to perform James MacMillan’s Seven Angels. Tickets £12 – £24, concs £4. Call the box office on tel: 0845 402 4001 or visit: www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk UNTIL 10 NOVEMBER, 7PM

The Madame MacAdam Travelling Theatre, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School Set in 1943, this comic and touching tale explores what happens when a travelling group of English actors run out of petrol in an Irish town. In their search for black market petrol, the troupe encounter a power-crazed army

reserve sergeant, love-struck teenagers, a doctored greyhound and a dodgy member of the Garda.

Tickets: £15, £10 concs from the box office on tel: 0117 987 7877 or visit: www.bristololdvic.org.uk

FROM NOVEMBER 14 14 NOVEMBER, 10.30AM

Organ Elevenses, WOT Parish Church Organist Joachim Schwander gives this month’s popular Organ Elevenses recital at Westbury-onTrym Parish Church. Coffee and cakes will be served from 10.30am and the 40 minute recital gets underway at 11am, with a largescreen projection of the organist.

Suggested donation £5 on the door, in aid of the Organ Fund, registered charity no: 1128488.

14 NOVEMBER, 3.30 & 6PM

Prospero, Duke of Milan, Bristol Old Vic Firebrand Theatre present the story of Prospero and his daughter, Miranda, before they arrive on the island where Shakespeare’s The Tempest takes place. Stemming from exploratory workshops last year, this play is a great introduction for younger audiences to Shakespeare’s play. Firebrand Theatre is a group of experienced disabled performers who tell universal stories with personal resonance and theatrical imagination. Tickets: £5 from the box office on tel: 0117 987 7877 or visit: www.bristololdvic.org.uk

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14 NOVEMBER, 7.30PM

Bristol Phoenix Choir, St Mary Redcliffe Bristol Phoenix Choir perform great choral classics, including Parry’s I was glad, Hanel’s Zadok the Priest, and Mendelssohn’s Hear my prayer. Conducted by Paul Walton, and accompanied by David Bednall and soprano soloist Madeleine Lloyd. Tickets: £12.50, £5 concs, under 16s free. Available from: Opus 13, St Michael’s Hill, tel: 0117 923 0164 or email: tickets@bristolphoenixchoir.org.uk 14 – 21 NOVEMBER, 7PM

Dracula, Arnos Vale Cemetery Critically acclaimed Red Rope Theatre Company perform Liz Lochhead’s adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. In this tragic tale of power and redemptive love, the lines between the sane and the insane become dangerously vague as the eternal battle between faith and reason, madness and sanity, love and terror plays out in the beautiful surroundings of Arnos Vale Cemetery. Tickets: £10, £8 concs, email: info@redropetheatre.co.uk 16 NOVEMBER, 7PM

And Then There Were 9, Alma Tavern Theatre The world of sleep is a dark and mysterious place. Who knows where we go? Who knows who we are? When our eyes shut, the games begin. You're in for a rough night... Company 9 present to you an intimate collection of short stories, performed through the use of both speech and movement, in a contemporary and dynamic setting. Tickets: £6.50, £5 concs.

Tel: 0117 973 5171 or visit: www.almataverntheatre.co.uk 20 NOVEMBER, 8PM

Sporting Legends Dinner, Bristol Grammar School The Guild of Friends of the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children has been working to support the

hospital since 1948. This month, it is hosting a Sporting Legends Dinner in the Great Hall at Bristol Grammar School with two of the finest rugby speakers in attendance, Willie John McBride MBE and David Duckham MBE. The dinner is being organised to raise £20,000 to buy a specialist portable ultrasound machine for the children's physiotherapy department. For more information on how you can get involved, or to book tickets, email: info@bristolchidrenshospitalfriend s.org.uk

FROM NOVEMBER 20 Dreadzone, The Fleece 20 NOVEMBER, 7PM

Dreadzone, The Fleece Dreadzone have been building an impressive body of work since they broke onto the scene with the unique, genre-busting album Second Light, which drew on dub, folk, electronic and dance inspirations. The band are now an intrinsic part of UK music heritage, and where better to see them than in Bristol’s iconic music venue, The Fleece? Tickets: £15, visit: thefleece.co.uk 21 NOVEMBER, 7.30PM

City of Bristol Choir, St George’s Bristol One hundred singers from City of Bristol Choir perform Rachmaninov’s choral masterpiece, the All-Night Vigil (also known as the Vespers).

Virtuoso pianists Olena Shvetsova and Richard Johnson perform music by Rachmaninov and César Cui. Tickets £10 – £20, concs £5, available from the box office on tel: 0845 402 4001 or visit: www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk 21 NOVEMBER, 7.30PM

Treasures of Baroque, Trinity-Henleaze URC Treasures of the Baroque period pack this programme, including Bach’s glorious Brandenburg Concertos, numbers 3 and 6, and his Violin Concerto in A minor,

together with Vivaldi’s sparkling Flute Concerto and Telemann’s vividly descriptive Don Quixote Suite. Tickets £16 (under 25s £5) from: Opus 13, 14 St Michael's Hill, tel: 0117 923 0164, or visit: www.henleazeconcertsociety.org.uk

Bristol Phoenix Choir

25 NOVEMBER, TBC

Colin Pillinger Memorial Talk, Bristol University Bristol-born scientist Colin Pillinger, best known for leading the Beagle 2 mission to Mars, is to be remembered with an annual talk for the public. The University of Bristol is working with his family to host the first Colin Pillinger Memorial Talk on 25 November, featuring leading speakers from the world of space exploration and astronomy.

Speakers include impressionist, comedian and amateur astronomer Jon Culshaw, and public astronomer at the Royal Observatory, Dr Marek Kukula.

For more information, visit: www.bristol.ac.uk 26 NOVEMBER, 7PM

Comedy Night, River Cottage Canteen Chase away the winter blues with a night of comedy from the renowned comedians Yianni Agisilaou and David Tsonos. The restaurant’s mezzanine floor is transformed into a comedy club, at

which you can enjoy side-splitting stand-up and a slap-up meal from the seasonal and delicious a la carte menu. Tickets: £12. For information or to book, tel: 0117 973 2458 or email: bristolcanteen@rivercottage.net UNTIL 28 NOVEMBER, 7PM

Mary Poppins, Bristol Hippodrome The stage production of Mary Poppins originally opened in 2004 and ran in the West End for three years and over 1,250 performances. During this time it won the Olivier Award for Best Theatre Choreography and Best Set Design as well as the Evening

EDITOR’S PICK...

28 NOVEMBER, 7.30PM

Hackney Colliery Band, Christmas Spiegeltent

Hackney Colliery Band, Christmas Spiegeltent

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Hurray! The Christmas Spiegeltent has returned to the Harbourside, bringing with it lots of brilliant events including this night of brass, beats and bass from London’s hottest brass band outfit. Hackney Colliery Band have been brassing up classics such as Inner City Life, Common Decency and No Diggity since 2008, mining nuggets of funk, hip-hop and high-octane rock from the musical coalface and throwing in a few chunks of Balkan brass, ska and jazz for good measure. Tickets: £16.50.

To book, visit: christmasspiegeltent.co.uk

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WHAT’S | ON

14 DECEMBER, 7.30PM

17 DECEMBER, 7PM

Bristol Cabot Choir, Bristol Cathedral

The Soldiers’ Charity, Clifton College Chapel

Bristol Cabot Choir present the Gloria from Bach’s B Minor Mass, Haydn’s Te Deum, Morten Lauridsen’s O Magnum Mysterium, and Christmas music for choir, brass and audience.

Conducted by Rebecca Holdeman, with the wonderful Bristol Brass Band Consort and Joachim Schwander on organ. For more information, visit: www.bristolcabotchoir.org

Tickets are now on sale for the annual Christmas Carol Service and Curry Supper organised by ABF The Soldiers’ Charity. Lesson readers include Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Bristol, Mrs Mary Prior and Bristol’s Lord Mayor. Music is led by Bristol Cathedral Choir, conducted by Mark Lee. Admission to the carol service is free, tickets to the curry supper afterwards: £25. For more information, call Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Eskell on tel: 0117 968 3998 or email: candreskell@btinternet.com

17 DECEMBER, 7.30PM

The Bootleg Beatles, Colston Hall The Bootleg Beatles, Colston Hall

Standard Award for Best Set Design and the Variety Club Award for Best Musical. It has subsequently enjoyed success on Broadway and across the world, so book your tickets now for this feel-good family spectacular.

Tickets: £22.50 from the box office on tel: 0844 871 3012 or visit: www.atgtickets.com

This film narrowly missed out on the coveted Palme D’or prize at this year’s Cannes Festival.

Internationally acclaimed director Yorgos Lanthimos brings together an all star cast in this blackly funny love story set in a near future where finding love is a matter of life or death. Tickets: £5 – £6.80, tel: 01275 871 000 or visit: www.curzon.org.uk

29 NOVEMBER, 11AM – 5PM

Christmas Makers Market, Freemasons Hall, Park St, BS1 5NH Come along and find unique gifts for all your family and friends.

There are 50 artisan stalls selling handmade artwork, photography, prints, candles, woodwork, glassware, jewellery, bags, needlecraft, knits, stained glass, cushions, toys, T shirts, upcycled vintage, furniture, artisan beers, coffee, sauces, preserves, and more. Refreshments and cakes available in the lounge bar.

Tickets: £2. For details, email: anniehawksley@blueyonder.co.uk 29 NOVEMBER, 4PM

Bristol Ensemble, St George’s Bristol

29 NOVEMBER, 7.30PM

The Lobster, Curzon Cinema

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UNTIL 31 DECEMBER, ALL DAY

We Are Moved By War, Bristol Cathedral As part of its First World War centenary commemoration, Bristol Cathedral is hosting this exhibition from Glenside Hospital Museum, which explores the lives and stories of those who were admitted to Glenside during its time as a military hospital from 1915–1919.

Admission to the Cathedral and the exhibition is free. Visit: www.bristol-cathedral.co.uk

5 DECEMBER, 7.30PM

Bristol Concert Orchestra, St George’s Bristol Two masterworks by Sibelius – the Karelia Suite and Fifth Symphony – bookend this concert celebrating composers born in 1865. Also on the Bristol Concert Orchestra’s programme is Nielsen’s Helios Overture, Glazunov’s Violin Concerto with Eloisa-Fleur Thom, and Duka’s Sorcerer’s Apprentice. Conducted by Stefan Hofkes. For details or to book tickets, call St George’s on tel: 0845 402 4001 or visit: www.bristolconcertorchestra.org.uk 6 DECEMBER, 7.30PM

Star violinist Charlie Siem joins the Bristol Ensemble to perform Max Richter’s Four Seasons Recomposed, a re-imagining of Vivaldi’s famous work, together with Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending and the world premiere of TreeSong, a new work by William Goodchild. Tickets £10 – £20 (under 18s £5), from the box office on tel: 0845 402 4001, or visit: www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

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BOOK NOW FOR...

Formed from the original cast of London’s West End hit show Beatlemania, The Bootleg Beatles have become an institution in their own right thanks to their noteperfect recreation of hits from every era of the world’s most famous songbook. Since their inception in 1980, the band have performed hundreds of gigs across the globe, earning themselves an excellent reputation along the way.

Tickets: £28.50 from the box office on tel: 0844 887 1500 or visit: www.colstonhall.org

Vocal Works Gospel Choir, St George’s Bristol Handel’s Messiah is given a soulful and exciting interpretation by one of the UK’s leading gospel and rock choirs, with musical director Tim King and the VWGC band. As well as including classic Messiah favourites such the Hallelujah Chorus, And He Shall Purify and For Unto Us, the concert also features other uplifting and soulful classics. Tickets: £14, £10 concs from the box office on tel: 0845 402 4001 or visit: www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2015

Masquerade Ball, Paintworks

Masquerade Ball, Paintworks, Tuesday 24 November, 7pm – 1am A night of indulgence, illusion and intrigue awaits you at the Paintworks, when the venue comes alive with living statues and Venetian street theatre. Enjoy a drink from one of the intricately carved stone feature bars while you enjoy pre-dinner performances, and then take your seat for a sumptuous four course dinner at tables set with beautiful Venetian masks and illuminated by candelabras. Throughout the meal is entertainment from fabulous singers and dancers, interwoven with thrilling displays of acrobatics. Then, after dinner, you can slip back your mask, head to the casino, and dance the night away. Whether you’re looking for a night out with friends, work colleagues, or just as a couple, this is set to be an unforgettable night. Tickets: from £37.50. For more information or to book, visit: www.bestpartiesever.com

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Andrew McNeile ‘In the Quiet of the Day’ (£1950) 26” x 34” (framed)

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The Art Gallery, Tetbury home of ArtGallery.co.uk

Spencer House, 34 Long Street, Tetbury, Gloucestershire GL8 8AQ Tues-Sat. 9.30-5pm. Tel: 01666 505152 help@artgallery.co.uk artgallery.co.uk

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Member Gallery

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CHRISTMAS | CHEER BRISTOL | EXPLORERS

FESTIVE SPIRIT Get ahead with your Christmas shopping this year at St Peter’s Hospice Christmas Market

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he annual St Peter’s Hospice Christmas Market is the perfect place for all your Christmas shopping. The popular event takes place from 10.30am on Saturday 28 November at Bristol Grammar School, where the impressive Great Hall is transformed into a magical market full of special gifts, cakes and crafts. You’ll be spoilt for choice in your search to find the perfect presents and stocking fillers for everyone this Christmas. All proceeds from the market will go directly towards supporting the work of the Hospice in caring for patients and their families in Bristol and the surrounding area.

Stalls will be brimming with everything from jewellery to jams, bakes to ceramics. Local favourites The Cowshed will be returning with a farmers’ market style table offering a selection of tempting sausages and steaks, alongside all the condiments that accompany them. You will also be able to place an order for your Christmas day turkey or meats. In the spirit of Christmas and keeping things local, Jack Bones will be donating one hundred percent of the sale of its lovingly crafted, handmade wooden toys to the Hospice. The unique and stylish ceramics of local artisans Buddy Bird from Pear Tree Arts and the work of Eva Pollard from Glass Designs will also be featured. Well-loved Pieminister will be selling their wonderful pies ready to take home for supper that night.

In addition, Grey Gable Designs are returning again with its popular bird boxes, planters and slate products. Zara’s Chocolates, which was awarded Best Local Confectionery at Bristol Good Food Awards 2015, will be selling tasty biteboxes with flavours ranging from sea-salted praline, tangerine and pistachio, to lemon and blackcurrant. Corks of Cotham will be selling a varied and highly sought after range of wines, British ales, world beers and an array of spirits.

St Peter’s Hospice’s own stall will offer a selection of fine clothes and jewellery, and a fantastic range of Christmas cards. There will be a wide selection of other Christmas goods including quality decorations, wrapping paper and lights donated by Almondsbury Garden Centre.

There will be plenty for children as well, including face-painting, a magician and toy stalls.

Back by popular demand, Knitivity, the life-sized nativity scene, will be on show throughout the day. Knitivity was created by Knutty Knitters Alison Spurrell, Jean Richards, Anne Iles, Eileen Agnew, Pat Dardis and Julian Worth in memory of their friend Christine Walsh, who died at the Hospice in December 2011. Since its creation, Knitivity has been featured on BBC’s The One Show and in Hello magazine.

In between browsing the stalls, let the smells of mulled wine and mince pies lure you into the market’s cosy tea room for a welcome opportunity to relax and refresh. A delicious selection of cakes and sandwiches will be provided by the St Peter’s Hospice Clifton fundraising group.

Several raffles will run on the day of the market, with generous prizes donated by local businesses. Tickets for the Grand Christmas Raffle can be purchased for £1 each, giving the opportunity to win a cash prize of £5000. Other fantastic prizes include a meal for two at the Michelin starred Pony and Trap, a night’s stay at the Avon Gorge Hotel (with dinner for two), a Morgan car for the day, and a family pass for Bristol Zoo. All proceeds from the sale of the raffle tickets will go to the Hospice. Bristol Quilters, who have supported the Hospice for many years, will also be holding a raffle for a chance to win one of their beautiful handmade quilts.

“We’re really looking forward to the day,” says event organiser, Louisa James.

“There will be lots of great stalls full of wonderful goods, so it is a perfect opportunity to do your Christmas shopping early while enjoying a day out in the beautiful setting of the Great Hall. And every single present that is bought will benefit a patient this Christmas and make their last months, weeks and days as comfortable as possible.”

So head down on with family and friends to indulge in the festive fun, and know that your Christmas shop this year will make a difference. n Bristol Grammar School is located on University Road just off the Clifton Triangle. Wheelchair access and free parking are available. St Peter’s Hospice is Bristol’s only adult hospice, caring for over 2,500 patients and their families each year. For further information, visit: www.stpetershospice.org.uk

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WIN FAMILY TICKETS TO THE PANTO We’ve got two sets of family tickets to see Snow White at Bristol Hippodrome up for grabs

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here’s little more festive than heading to the panto with the family, and this year everyone’s favourite Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs is coming to Bristol Hippodrome.

Starring film and television star Warwick Davis, Cbeebies presenter Andy Day, theatre star Kim Ismay and panto legend Andy Ford, this production is set to be hilarious and heartwarming in equal measures. There’s also a guest appearance from one of Bristol’s most loved local characters – Shaun the Sheep, who’ll be baaaa-forming his way through the pantomime alongside this talented cast.

The story of Snow White and her adventures with her plucky companions the seven dwarfs is a time-honoured classic that appeals to all the family. No one, young or old, can fail to be swept away with the story – and it’s always great fun to have a good boo at the nasty wicked queen, cheer for Snow White and the dwarfs, and cross your fingers that true love’s kiss will save our poor heroine from a nasty fate.

This production features all the ingredients required to make a rip-roaring Christmas pantomime, including sensational songs, sparkling costumes, a live band, dazzling dance routines, side-splitting slapstick, bags of audience participation and a stellar cast. All within the beautiful setting of Bristol Hippodrome.

For your chance to win one set of family tickets, all you need to do is tell us: What are the names of all seven dwarfs?

Email your answer with your name, address and contact number to: competitions@thebristolmagazine.co.uk, making sure to write ‘Snow White’ in the subject line, by Thursday 26 November. Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs is at Bristol Hippodrome from Saturday 5 December to Sunday 3 January. Prize tickets are for Sunday 3 January at 5pm. Tickets are available from the box office on tel: 0844 871 3012 or visit: www.atgtickets.com

Quarterly Specialist Sale of Antiques, Fine Art & Collectors’ Items

Cartier Brooch, sold for £2,950

Thursday 19th November At 10.30am On view:

Cartier Suite of Jewellery (Four separate lots – combined estimate)

Tues 17th November 2pm – 5.30pm • Wed 18th November 10am – 7.30pm Sale day from 9am

£8,000 - £12,000

Bid live on-line

Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers The Auction Centre, Kenn Road, Kenn, Clevedon, BS21 6TT Tel: 01934 830111 Fully illustrated catalogue from 7th Nov. at

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FEELING | FESTIVE

GET SET FOR BRISTMAS It seems to come earlier every year, so here’s our guide to the unmissable festive events to be booked and put in the diary now...

Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum, 27 November – 20 December (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) from 5pm The spectacular illuminated trail through the trees at Westonbirt Arboretum is a magical experience for the whole family at Christmas.

Pushchair and wheelchair friendly, the enchanting walk features interactive displays, entertainment and festive goodies along the way.

There will be carols, stilt walkers, a traditional children’s carousel, craft activities, stalls, plenty of festive fayre – and of course, Father Christmas and his elves. Mrs Christmas will also be joining the festivities and will be keeping little ones entertained with storytelling. Get friends together and enjoy a woodland walk in the chilly night air as you admire the beauty of Westonbirt when it’s illuminated. Visit: www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt-christmas for prices and to book.

© Forestry Commission, Westonbirt Arboretum

At-Bristol Ice Rink, 7 November – 5 January

The Harbourside Christmas Market, weekends from 28 November – 20 December

After the success of the At-Bristol’s ice rink last year, it’s back again outside the science centre under the dazzling Planetarium. Again this year, there will be special disco evenings, complete with lights and music, as well as little boots morning sessions just for under eights. Tickets: £6.50 children, £7.50 concessions, £8.50 adults (group rates and online discounts apply), available to book soon at: www.at-bristol.org.uk

This is THE place to head if you’re looking for Christmas gifts that are artisan, handmade, slightly quirky or surprising. And you can actually enjoy shopping for them too – no hot, busy shops playing cheesy Christmas music here – wander at your lesiure with a mulled wine in hand and soak up the friendly atmosphere.

All around the harbourside, from the cascade steps to Millennium Square, will be stalls selling food, gifts, crafts and all manner of lovely things.

At-Bristol ice rink © Joe Meredith

Bristol German Christmas Market, 6 November – 22 December Okay, so we know that it’s a bit tacky – but it’s still good fun.

And we guarantee you’ll have a smile on your face (and rosy cheeks) after a few glasses of gluhwein in the pop-up beer garden while you listen to the Bavarian sounds of Der Alpen Klaus. Around Broadmead there will be traditional chalets decorated with festive greenery and colourful lights, as well as the Christmas nativity pyramid and giant advent calendar. On sale will be traditional German Christmas decorations and gifts, and festive food and drink including bratwurst, waffles and stollen cake.

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FEELING | FESTIVE

CHRISTMAS AT THE SPIEGELTENT 27 November – 19 December

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hen Steve Meadows started Christmas at the Spiegeltent in 2012 he had no idea that it would become firmly established as one of Bristol’s festive institutions. Now in its fourth year, it’s bigger and better than ever, offering a whole month of Christmas parties, live music, artists, cabaret, comedy, fine dining and craft beer – all delivered with super glamorous sparkle in the magnificent pop-up venue on the harbourside. This year welcomes the arrival of the Paradiso Spiegeltent, fresh from it’s stint as part of London Wonderground. With a larger capacity, more booths and a bigger bar, it retains all the splendour and grandeur you’d expect from a Spiegeltent, with intimate boothed seating, cut glass mirrors, stained glass windows and an incredible draped ceiling.

Al Murray: The Pub Landlord’s Spiegeltent Saloon, Sunday 13 December Britain’s favourite publican is joined by a live band and a host of special guests where comedy, music and variety are all on tap.

The line up includes:

There are more events still to be announced, including a craft beer festival, so keep an eye on the website – www.christmasspiegeltent.co.uk – for the latest updates and to book tickets for events.

White Minks Electro Swing Speakeasy, Friday 27 November Return of the Electro Swing party starters White Mink with a line-up of live bands, dancers, walk-about performers, DJs and projections.

The Masquerade Ball, Saturday 19 December A huge festive party where anything goes. Live music, DJs, weird and wonderful cabaret acts and lot of dressing up.

Spiegeltent Christmas Parties, 3/4/10/11/12/17 & 18 December A night of fine food, cabaret, music and dancing. Tickets have been booked since February and key nights are almost sold out, so be quick.

The Puppini Sisters

Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band & The Rutles, Wednesday 2 December Musical comedy mayhem from the original members of the Bonzo’s, who are celebrating their 50th anniversary.

The Puppini Sisters, Wednesday 9 December Sweet retro harmonies from the delectable trio who return for the fourth year running. Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without them.

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FEELING | FESTIVE

Winter Wonderland at The Mall at Cribbs Causeway, 15 November – 10 January Winter Wonderland is back for another Christmas, offering festive family fun for all ages. Not only will you find the south west’s largest outdoor ice rink, there’s also a smaller nursery rink for younger children and novices, Santa’s enchanted ice castle, Christmas train rides inside The Mall and a selection of festive foodie treats to enjoy too, all set against a background of twinkly lights and seasonal music. Tickets can be pre-booked online at mallcribbs.com or purchased on the day. Ticket prices: adult peak £8.50, child (under 12) peak £6.50, dult off peak £6, child (under 12) off peak £5. On Thursday 12 November, boyband Blue will be switching on the The Mall’s Christmas lights and headlining a charity concert in aid of The Grand Appeal. The Mall will be giving away 10,000 free tickets in exchange for a £2 suggested donation per ticket, with proceeds going to The Grand Appeal. Tickets will be available on a first come, first served basis from The Mall’s Information Desk during opening hours.

Boyband Blue will be switching on the lights

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Bristol Hippodrome, 5 December – 3 January

Cabot Circus Christmas Lights Switch-on, Friday 6 November

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without pantomime and at the Hippodrome this year, it’s the age-old tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, brought to life with lots of laughter, dazzling costumes, catchy songs, live music and a stallar cast including TV and film star Warwick Davis, CBeebies’ Andy Day, panto comedy favourite Andy Ford and Bristol’s very own Shaun the Sheep. Book tickets at: www.atgtickets.com or call the box office on tel: 0844 871 3012.

Head to The Galleries for 4.45pm to see a choir kick off the evening’s festivities, moving into a beautifully lit procession that will pass through Broadmead heading towards Cabot Circus for the big switch on at 6pm.

Special guests include actor Warwick Davis and comedian Andy Ford, who are starring in the Bristol Hippodrome’s pantomime, Snow White.

As well as illuminating Bristol city centre, the event will feature exploding confetti ballons, tightrope walking and more exciting spectacles to get you in the festive mood – more details to be announced on the website soon: www.cabotcircus.com.

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Sleeping Beauty at The Bristol Old Vic, 27 November – 17 January Bristol Old Vic presents much-loved director Sally Cookson’s fun-filled fairy tale Sleeping Beauty, brought bang up to date with a new spellbinding story. In true Sally Cookson style, the roles are reversed and a sleeping prince and a girl on a quest are thrown together on a hilarious adventure of magic and mayhem. Set to continue its tradition of presenting imaginative, entertaining and festive musical theatre at Christmas, The Bristol Old Vic’s Sleeping Beauty will be a rite of passage adventure for all the family to enjoy. Book tickets (£7.50 - £34) on the box office tel: 0117 987 7877 or visit: www.bristololdvic.org.uk. Family and group tickets available.

Floodlit Swan Feeds at Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Saturday 5 December – Sunday 3 January On Saturday and Sunday evenings, enjoy the magical winter spectacle of thousands of wild birds and Bewick’s swans wintering on a real life Swan Lake in floodlight. Listen to the warden’s commentary from the heated comfort of the observatory and discover how to identify each Bewick’s swan individually. Arrive at 6.15pm for 6.30pm feed. Tickets: adults £6; Children £4. For further information visit: www.wwt.org.uk

Carnival Christmas at The Passenger Shed, 23 November – 20 December Hype Agency is bringing a month-long carnival party to The Passenger Shed this Christmas for an exciting and lively festive experience. From the moment you arrive, you will live and breathe the essense of carnival through fire eaters, drummers, mesmerising costumes, vibrantly dressed tables and a procession of colourful acts and spontaneous bursts of dance. Tickets cost from £35 (minimum booking of eight guests, so perfect for a family, work or friends celebration) and includes a sparkling wine reception and a two or three-course meal. After dinner fun will feature the ever popular photobooth, a DJ and for the first time, dodgems. There will also be a Copacabana bar where you can knock back a tropical cocktail or two. Visit: www.hypeagency.co.uk or tel: 0117 971 0320 for more information or to book.

A Hype Agency Christmas party is always a night to remember

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FACE | THE MUSIC

CALL OF THE WILD Jenny Hayes meets journalist and author Simon Barnes to find out why he’s in Bristol this month, and the ten tunes that make his heart roar

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FACE | THE MUSIC Main image: Simon on one of his many adventures, this time tracking bears in Canada in 2009

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efore you read another word, put this magazine down and locate your diary, because something is happening this month that you won’t want to miss. Acclaimed former sports columnist for The Times and long-time nature lover, Simon Barnes, is returning to his home town of Bristol to talk about his life, his writing, his escapades in the natural world, and how all three have come together in his new book, Ten Million Aliens.

“I was born in Bristol,” says Simon, “in the old maternity hospital on the Downs. But my family left a few weeks later, as my father was in theatre at the time and much on the road. I spent most of my childhood in London, but when I was considering where to go for university there seemed something appropriate about returning to Bristol.

“So I looked at the prospectus for Bristol University, and the English course was so thrilling I had to take part. Looking back, I don’t suppose it was radically different from any other, but the idea of coming to Bristol to read all those wonderful books was intoxicating. And so were other things, once I got there.”

It sounds like you have very happy memories of the city. Do you enjoy coming back nowadays?

“Yes, I do. It was the city in which I attempted to build my own bridge across the great Avon Gorge that separates boyhood from adulthood. I think I succeeded. Well, sort of. I still have a few old friends here, as well as a raft of memories in a great city.”

Following on from your university years, you pursued a career as a journalist and went on to become chief sports writer at The Times. Had you always wanted to work in that area?

“No, it was a result of desperation. I needed to escape a bullying editor, so I wangled a move into the sports department and found a great boss, and a great subject.”

Your other passion is nature. How did your interest begin?

“David Attenborough, when asked that question, responds: ‘How did you ever lose yours?’ Nature is our birthright; we are born loving it. We humans are animals, part of the wide world, and when we are away from it we are diminished. We are getting more and more used to being diminished, but we don’t have to accept that.”

Where has this interest taken you over the years? You must have seen some incredible places, and had a few hairy encounters?

“I’ll tell you my lion story at the talk. It takes a while, but it’s all true. And, as you can see, I survived. In terms of places, Zambia is special to me, and so are all rainforests. Also, though I hate boats, I love whales and dolphins, and have put up with an awful lot for their sake.”

It’s clear that it isn’t only on water that you’re are willing to go the extra mile in your pursuit of understanding and protecting the natural world, as you are also involved with several conservation charities. What drew you to each?

“I am a council member of the World Land Trust because it is all about partnership – the charity finances the purchase of important chunks of land on behalf of highly-motivated but cashstrapped NGOs in the developing world. I’m a patron of Save the Rhino because it acts to protect an animal that is likely to go extinct because people believe in magic potions. And I’m an honorary vice-president of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust because the loss of bees is important, not least because it has caught the public imagination.”

You’ve done a great deal to engage people with the nature that surrounds them, not least writing a number of books documenting your adventures in the wild. You’ll be talking about your latest one, Ten Million Aliens, at Bristol Grammar School this month. Can you give our readers a bit of a preview?

“It is a book about the entire animal kingdom, and a reckless voyage into dangerous waters – though I took Charles Darwin and James Joyce to guide me through. The animal kingdom is not about what separates Wonderful Us from everything else; it’s about what unites us. We’re part of it, you and me – and we would be better people if we were more like vampire bats, and we would have more fun if we had sex like slugs.”

Well, that statement certainly poses a few questions! And if you’d like to hear the answers, then make sure you book to see Simon talk at Bristol Grammar School at 6.30pm on Wednesday 11 November.

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Tickets to this event: £7, including live music and refreshments.

Advance booking is advised, visit: www.bristolgrammarschool.co.uk. For more information about Simon Barnes and his work, visit: www.simonbarnesauthor.co.uk

Simon’s top 10: ❶ The Goldberg Variations by JS Bach If I were only allowed one piece, it would be this: as perfect as a growing crystal, but a crystal with a living soul. The Goldbergs is a great voyage and return. I first heard it in Manor Hall in Clifton when I was here as a student and I have been faithful ever since. At least to the music. ❷ A Very Cellular Song by Mike Heron/ The Incredible String Band Is acid-folk the only genre that has never come back into fashion? It never went out with me: the String Band’s mystical nonsensical glorious inconsequential profound life-affirming songs still bring me delight beyond the nostalgia of 1970. ❸ Nightingale song – any recording will do Birdsong is not so much a pleasure as a reason for existing. The nightingale is the great rockstar of the undergrowth. A top class nightingale has a repertoire of 250 phrases put together from 600 sound units, and uses them to create a song of desire and triumph, virtuosity and musicality. ❹ The Cello Suites by JS Bach I love music pared down to the bone, clearing away all clutter till what is left is pure and perfect. The six cello suites, preferably played by Yoyo Ma, distil song and dance and celebrate them with the most mellow of instruments. ❺ Visions of Johanna by Bob Dylan Dylan is to songwriters as Shakespeare is to playwrights, and this is one of his greatest songs, some say the greatest of all. It has many interpretations but it seems to me that it’s about seeking a disastrous consolation during the absence of the genuine beloved. But it’s your call. ❻ Catalogue des oiseaux by Oliver Messaien Messiaen said he was a better ornithologist than any other musician and a better musician than any other ornithologist.

This sprawling series of keyboard works is filled with the sounds of birds and the landscapes that produce them. My favourite is la fauvette des jardins, the garden warbler. ❼ No Woman No Cry by Bob Marley For a while I lived on an island in the South China Sea and this song became a kind of national anthem for the travellers who washed up on its shore. In this time of travel and boozy nights I met a girl, and I married her. Everythin's gonna be all right... ❽ B Minor Mass by JS Bach I know Bach is a bit of repeating theme here, but if you have the best, why bother with the second best? When Carl Sagan wanted to fire Bach music into space to tell distant civilisations about the earth and its culture, one biologist objected. It would be showing off. ❾ Big Yellow Taxi by Joni Mitchell Mistakenly viewed as trivial and sentimental because she is female, Mitchell is one of the greats. Her eco-anthem – which subverts itself into a final verse of personal woe – is a classic.

Don’t it always seem to go, that you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone? Conservation in a line. ❿ Eden by The Count Here is some big guitar stuff and a slightly spooky vocal coming together to make a really rather nice lovesong. In private life The Count is my son Joseph; you can find the song by asking YouTube for The Count Eden. Good to have real live music sounding through the house all day, I can tell you, even on the days when it’s mostly scales and arpeggios. n NOVEMBER 2015

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ARTS | & EXHIBITIONS

CITY GALLERY

Rupert Dean, Paper Arts Gallery, Tuesday 10 – Monday 16 November The debut exhibition of Somerset photographer Rupert Dean’s acclaimed wildlife images showcases over 40 original pictures taken during his extensive travels to some of the world’s most remote places in Africa, South America and the Indian subcontinent. Paper Arts, 51–53 Merchant St, BS1 3EE. Visit: www.paperarts.org.uk

Tigers by Rupert Dean

Small is Beautiful, Cube Gallery, opening Saturday 7 November

Engraving by Trevor Haddrell, RWA

For the November show, Cube Gallery charged a selection of artists to produce a series of artworks around 30 x 30cm in size and priced at under £500. The result is over 36 pieces that sit alongside the larger works currently on display, perfectly demonstrating that inspiration is not limited by scale. The artist’s involved are Katie Allen, Rogan Brown, Karen Edwards, Jack Frame, Paul Giuffrida, Anna Masters, Peter McGrath and Rose Vickers. Cube Gallery, 12 Perry Rd, BS1 5BG. Tel: 0117 377 1470 or visit: www.cube-gallery.co.uk

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Moonfleet by Peter Wileman

2D/3D, Guild Gallery, until Sunday 22 November

A mixed media work by Rose Vickers

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Showcasing relief engravings, drawings and paintings by Trevor Haddrell – many inspired by Bristol; strikingly colourful pots by ceramicist Nicola Mortimer; and quiet, contemplative sculpture by Jo Jones. Guild Gallery, 68 Park St, BS1 5JY. Visit: www.bristolguildgallery.co.uk

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ARTS | & EXHIBITIONS

Cornish Horizons, Sky Blue Gallery, November

Needle felt course, Bristol Zoo Gardens, Saturday 14 November Seascape by Caroline Hobbs

A solo exhibition from Caroline Hobbs, whose work captures the ever changing relationship between sea and sky. Her paintings are mixed media, building layer upon layer of paint, expressing a feeling of immersion within the vast seascape. Sky Blue Framing & Gallery, 27 North View, BS6 7PT. Tel: 0117 973 3995 or visit: www.skybluegallery.co.uk

Discover the joys of needle felting with artist Helen Taylor. After hearing how the Avon Gorge goats are helping to protect the city’s rare plants, you’ll create your very own Gorge-ous goat sculpture back in the warmth of Bristol Zoo Gardens.

Book with Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project, at Bristol Zoo, on tel: 0117 903 0609 or email: mleivers@bristolzoo.org.uk

8mm of Hope, Centrespace, Friday 6 – Wednesday 11 November This striking collection of large scale paintings by Amy Meyer transform a transient memory or emotion into a bold statement. Often based on old family cine films, the works show the struggle to contain the innermost, while the spray painted words and patterned backgrounds add a graphic quality and invite the viewer to join the discussion. Expect a moving, cinematic atmosphere and free popcorn.

Centrespace, 6 Leonard Lane, BS1 1EA. For more details visit: www.amymeyer.info

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Student Exhibition, Folk House Café, until Friday 27 November

This month, the Folk House Café is showcasing work from students attending classes there, including painting from still life, experimental art, watercolour, oils, acrylics and portraiture. Bristol Folk House, 40A Park St, BS1 5JG. Tel: 0117 926 2987 or visit: www.bristolfolkhouse.co.uk

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Designer Calls, Clifton Ceramics, Sat 7 November

Meet a member of the Moorcroft Design Studio at this special event at Clifton Ceramics. Nicola Slaney, famous for her Anna Lily design, is signing purchases and demonstrating the design process of this unique English pottery. Clifton Ceramics, 58 The Mall, BS8 4JG. Tel: 0117 373 0256 or visit: www.cliftonceramics.co.uk

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Spring Flowers by Mats Rydstern

Mats Rydstern, Lime Tree Gallery, Saturday 7 November – Wednesday 2 December Mats Rydstern is a well-known Swedish painter whose work has featured in many important collections in his home country. Since his first exhibition at Lime Tree Gallery in 2007, his work has also become very sought after in the UK due to his considerable versatility and vision. This show comprises mostly his landscapes and beautiful still lifes. Lime Tree Gallery, 84 Hotwell Rd, BS8 4UB. Tel: 0117 929 2527 or visit: www.limetreegallery.com

Bristol Exhibition, Clifton Fine Art, Saturday 7 – Monday 30 November

Toward Avonmouth by Steve Slimm

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Clifton Fine Art’s November exhibition is a celebration of all things Bristol. It features atmospheric bridge paintings by Steve Slimm, colourful and familiar streetscapes by Tom White, and incredible wood painting work by Bristol Pound artist Juraj Prodaj.

And as if that isn’t enough, there are also paintings by Neil Pinkett and Edward P McGuirk on display.

Clifton Fine Art, 8 Perry Rd, BS1 5BQ. Tel: 0117 925 6952 or visit: www.cliftonfineart.com

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Mats Rydstern Solo Exhibition: Nov 7 - Dec 2

Stilleben by Mats Rydstern

Lime Tree Gallery, 84 Hotwell Road, Bristol BS8 4UB

Tel 0117 929 2527

www.limetreegallery.com

&

Clifton Ceramics Fine Jewellery Moorcroft Designer Event Saturday 7th November 11.30 - 2.30 Meet Nicola Slaney from the famous Moorcroft Design Studio who will be demonstrating her design techniques and signing purchases of Moorcroft Pottery For more information and details of our special piece of Moorcroft designed for the day see www.cliftonceramics.co.uk

Moorcroft Pottery, lamps, plaques, limited editions Fine diamond, new and vintage jewellery, hand painted enamels

Clifton Ceramics & Fine Jewellery 58 The Mall, Clifton Village, Bristol BS8 4JG • 01173 730256

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ARTS | & EXHIBITIONS

North Bristol Arts Trail, throughout north Bristol, Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 November If you’re looking for an antidote to Black Friday, then why not enjoy an alternative experience by following the North Bristol Art Trail. This long established trail offers an unhurried opportunity to buy original artwork from local artists, including everything from paintings and prints, to stone sculptures and jewellery, in the setting of their own home or some of north Bristol’s much-loved community spaces.

The areas of St Andrews, Bishopston, Westbury Park, Redland and Montpelier become alive as people walk the Art Trail armed with their trusty trail maps, chatting to neighbours and friends, and even meeting a few new people en route. Don’t forget to stop by venues such as St Bart’s Church and 9 Burghley Road, where you can drop in and enjoy a lively programme of music alongside artists’ exhibitions.

If you’d like more information, or are looking to download your trail map, visit: www.northbristolartists.org.uk

Toad by Mary Collett

Park Flowers by Cath Read

Birds by Jo Whiteland

Choctaw Bond Family IIII by Linda Lomahaftewa

November Show, Coldharbour Gallery, throughout the month New artists such as printmaker Christine Howes and ceramicist Pat Armstrong join regulars such as Abigail McDougall and Jenny Urquhart in the gallery’s autumn show. There is also a wide variety of decorative pieces for the home, if you’re looking for individual gifts this Christmas. Coldharbour Framery & Gallery, 111 Colharbour Rd, BS6 7SD. Tel: 0117 944 6244 or visit: www.coldharbourgallery.co.uk

Native American Portraiture, Rainmaker Gallery, until Saturday 28 November Portraits by eight contemporary Native American artists from eleven tribal nations – including Shonto Begay (Diné), Nocona Burgess (Comanche) and Cara Romero (Chemehuevi) – demonstrate techniques of painting, print making, drawing and photography that show Native artists skilfully embracing styles of European portraiture while retaining traditional narrative elements. Be they photographs of relatives, paintings of fellow tribal members, or biographical representations of historical figures, subjects are never mere subject matter for these artists, who urge us to update our perceptions of Native people and consider the intriguing, often highly politicised place of Native American portraiture. Rainmaker Gallery, 123 Coldharbour Rd, BS6 7SN. Visit: www.rainmakerart.co.uk

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

Meticulous musical instrument repair at Studio 7

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ucked away on Leonard Lane, between the hustle of Corn Street and bustle of Small Street, is music repair shop Studio 7. Established in 1975 by owner Richard Smith, this small business has been offering discreet, quality repairs and servicing on musicians’ most valued possessions for 40 years. And although Richard isn’t one to blow his own trumpet, we here at TBM thought it was an achievement worth making a song and dance about. So where did it all begin?

“A teenage hobby of making guitars and mandolins led me to enroll on a new training course at Newark Technical College when I finished sixth form in 1973,” says Richard. “The course focused on repairing instruments rather than making them, and from there I developed an interest in the double reed woodwind instruments.

“There were about a dozen of us in my year, and we were hugely priviledged to have an ex Boosey & Hawkes oboe maker as our course tutor and mentor. We learned the rudiments of repairing all instruments, from simple flutes through trumpets and violins, to pianos. We also learned the techniques involved in all the tasks of the wind instrument maker’s trade – working with wood, metal and materials such as felt and hide.

“From there I went into instrument repair and have been doing it for the last 40 years, half of that time in Bristol. It was family that brought me here originally, but it’s such a wonderful city that I’ve stayed longer than I’ve lived anywhere else. It’s a long way from my Yorkshire roots, but the south west has beautiful countryside, and Bristol has fabulous artistic connections.

“Here at Studio 7 I work on all types of wind instruments – woodwind or brass – such as the oboe, French horn, clarinet, trumpet, saxophone and bassoon. On a typical day I get in at about 8.15am, check my emails and phone messages, then look over my work from the previous day. Then I make myself a cup of coffee and plan my work for the day ahead. Throughout the day I’ll be meeting and chatting to customers as they collect or drop off their instruments, assessing the new jobs that come in and, of course, repairing instruments!

“Because the shop is part of the artists’ co-operative in Centrespace, we all take time to manage things like building maintenance, so there’s also sometimes a committee meeting or two at lunchtime. I joined the community here back in 2007, moving into studio 7 and hence getting the name for the shop.

“As well as repairing instruments, I used to enjoy playing in a swing band and a small jazz band, but having developed a form of arthritis I can’t play for more than about 20 minutes these days. That leaves out performing, and even practising, but I do still play a little to test each instrument that has been through the workshop.” n

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For more information, visit: www.studio7musicrepairs.com www.charlottestonephoto.com

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FOOD & Drink

TITBITS TO TICKLE YOUR TASTEBUDS THIS MONTH

EAT FRESH, EAT LOCAL

Join the fresh-range.com moo-vement

Why buy food from a supermarket chef when you can get it direct from the source? That’s the question being asked

by Bristol-based online store freshrange.com, which delivers the best in local food to customers across the city.

Ordering from the fresh-range website works in the same way as any other online supermarket, but the difference is, instead of the food being taken off a supermarket shelf, your order is prepared especially for you by your chosen food producers – including Hobbs House Bakery, The Story Organic, Leigh Court Farm and many more. For details, tel: 0117 332 2813 or visit: www.fresh-range.com

WITH A HOP, SKIP & JUMP...

Deliveroo has arrived in Bristol, delivering amazing food from all your favourite local restaurants right to your door. Fancy noodles from Wagamama, a pizza from No. 51, a steak from CAU or a taco from Las Iguanas? No problem – just pop online and place your order at: deliveroo.co.uk – yum!

GLUTEN-FREE GLEE

TOP THALI TURNS 15

Those following a gluten free diet can now enjoy sweet and savoury treats from Bristol based Fusion Cakes & Bakes. Founded by Rosa Crespo-Sergio, the company offers a range of healthy, delicious gluten free cakes, bites and breads that are sensitive to a wide range of dietary needs. Visit: www.fusioncakesandbakes.co.uk

Bristol’s award-winning Indian street food institution The Thali Cafe is celebrating 15 years in the city with a new menu and the launch of its very own craft lager. Autumn comfort food is about to get a lot more interesting! Thali Cafe has various restaurants across Bristol. For more information, visit: www.thethalicafe.co.uk

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Fusion cakes & bakes is a home bakery based in Bristol that combines the finest, organic ingredients and innovative flavours to deliver great tasting and naturally healthy gluten-free cakes and bakes that are also sensitive to a wider range of dietary and free-from needs.

Our range includes chestnut and pear chocolate frangipane, lime and matcha madeleines, orange and polenta cake, chocolate and chai macarons, ginger and cardamom cookies, Tiramisu, Rosemary & smoked Himalayan salt focaccia, as well as a range of vegan and raw desserts.

Let us focus on the free-from elements; you just focus on the taste.

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Check out our full range at www.fusioncakesandbakes.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2015

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REVIEW

ALL THAT’S NICE Jenny Hayes enjoys heartening flavours, and a dash of spice, at Romy’s Kitchen

D

usk was falling on the pretty market town of Thornbury as my husband and I parked up on Castle Street. The street lamps overhead glowed amber, casting our shadows long over the quiet street as we wrapped our scarves round our faces against air that nipped with the first bite of winter.

An idyllic autumn evening, I hear you thinking, and indeed it was. But it was about to get even better, for we’d made the 30 minute pilgrimage from our usual inner city stomping ground to the outskirts of Bristol to sample the celebrated cooking of Romy Gill at her eponymous restaurant, Romy’s Kitchen.

And how apt the name is. From the moment we stepped inside the gorgeous old building – which itself has considerable curb appeal – we were welcomed like members of the family. Greeted by name on entry by our waiter, we were led through the cosy, low ceilinged front area of the restaurant to a vibrant green room, complete with glossy wood floors and chunky dark beams, and over to our table.

I would, at this point, usually say something along the lines of ‘we took a minute to settle ourselves at the table’, but that simply wouldn’t be true because at Romy’s Kitchen I’d been at ease from the moment we walked in. And, if the easy conversation and relaxed manner of my fellow diners was anything to go by, it seemed I wasn’t the only one feeling right at home. Even Romy and her sous chef, who I could see working in the kitchen from our table, looked calm and cheerful as they prepared covers for a full restaurant.

But enough of my surroundings, you want to know what the food was like. Well, dear readers, it was wonderful – fresh, clean, and authentic – and every dish I tasted from the selection, chosen for us by Romy herself, was a delight.

To start, hubby and I enjoyed a platter of dense, meaty crab cakes, golden vegetable samosas, spicy Bengal balls, rich Sheekh kebabs and zingy chilli paneer, served with a trio of chutneys that collectively offered fruit, spice and freshness.

Yet these delectable nibbles proved to be a mere warm up act for the splendor of the main curries. These were a feast – for the eyes, the mouth, and the soul. Spread out across the table in front of us, the shades of these dishes spanned the full colour wheel, as did the flavours that burst forth beneath them.

So let’s start with the accompaniments, consisting of a cool 68 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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white pineapple raita that remarkably managed to complement and enhance the array of flavours across each diverse dish, a soft yellow, beautifully spiced chana dal, and a fluffly golden naan.

Then, we move into the mains, and with them the mellow ochre of the velvety chicken makhani, followed by the vibrant orange of the sweet butternut squash curry that sang with the warmth of ginger and five spice.

From there, we hop one colour on the wheel and into a whole new realm of flavour with the first of the two excellent lamb dishes. The vivid sienna splash of the shahi gosht matched the bright, fruity qualities of the lamb that were brought out in this curry, while the deeper hue of the achari gosht took us down into darker flavours. It is testimony to both Romy’s talent as a chef and her knowledge of spices that she can create two such different dishes, which between them celebrate everything that lamb has to offer.

Coming in from the opposite side of the colour and flavour palette was the dark green of the haryali murg, in which succulent chicken was offset with an intense burst of iron from the spinach, then both brought together with a swirl of cream.

Now we get to the final dish, which hovered at the darkest end of the spectrum – both in its intense, earthy colour and because I feared it would push me to the edge of my culinary comfort zone.

Kosha mongnsho, you see, is a Bengali goat dish, and my relationship with the produce of this animal had, thus far, extended no further than trying a sip of its milk and feeling like I’d just imbibed the riper areas of a farmyard. So you’ll understand that, despite the virtuosity displayed in the other dishes, I was hesitant to try this one. But, by god, it was a revelation! The meat must have been slow-cooked for hours as it dissolved on impact with my tongue and, far from the ‘distinctive’ goaty flavour I’d dreaded, the dish was dark, hearty and deeply nourishing.

It was a dish that exemplified the unifying theme at Romy’s Kitchen – the sense of comfort, and that you are being truly looked after. From the staff, to the food, right down to the décor, the warmth that extends throughout the restaurant comes right from the heart. n Starters from £5.50, mains from £10. Romy’s Kitchen, 2 Castle Street, BS35 1HB. For more information or to book a table, tel: 01545 416 728 or visit: www.romyskitchen.co.uk

Images: Bright spices warm Romy’s delicious dishes; Romy Gill; beetroots picked fresh from the garden

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HISTORY | REMEMBERED

A CITY UNDONE As we remember the Bristol Blitz 75 years on, James Russell takes a look at the legacy it left

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time traveller from the 1930s would find Bristol familiar in some ways, and in others perplexing, to say the least. If they arrived by train they might at least recognise Temple Meads, but drivers would scarcely be prepared either for the volume of traffic or the soaring lanes of the M32. There are no longer ships carrying timber or French wine moored in the city docks, and below the cathedral the gasworks and associated gasometers have been replaced by office buildings. All this one might comprehend – people in the 1930s knew all about change – but other evidence would be more troubling. Why is Temple Church a ruin? And why is there a park in what used to be the bustling heart of the city?

As a busy port serving southern England and the Midlands, Bristol survived the slump of the 1930s relatively unscathed. At the outbreak of war there were over 2,000 factories representing 300 industries, with chocolate, cigarettes and sherry being particularly popular among the list of exports. Although the docks at Avonmouth had been growing in importance for some years, the city and the port were still – as the emblem of ship and castle suggests – intimately connected, and when Hitler sent the Luftwaffe’s bombers to attack Britain in the autumn of 1940, the port’s success became the city’s undoing.

On the night of 24 November 1940, bombers sent to destroy the docks instead devastated the city itself, as a sustained barrage of high explosive and incendiary bombs transformed the streets north east of Bristol Bridge into a raging inferno that could be seen a hundred miles away. Today Castle Park is a pleasant oasis, a nice spot for a lunchtime sandwich and a gathering ground for young people, while Broadmead has been there so long that it 70 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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seems, in comparison to Cabot Circus, rather old-fashioned.

Yet Broadmead was built after the war to replace the vibrant district full of shops, cafés and cinemas – a full quarter of the medieval city – that was destroyed. So what was lost? Among the much-loved buildings to suffer destruction that particular night was the Dutch House, a splendid half-timbered edifice which stood on the corner of the High Street, just up from Bristol Bridge. Built in the 17th century and in spirit somewhat resembling the Lllandoger Trow pub, this was a landmark dear to

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WHEN HITLER SENT THE LUFTWAFFE’S BOMBERS TO ATTACK BRITAIN IN THE AUTUMN OF 1940, THE PORT’S SUCCESS BECAME THE CITY’S UNDOING

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Bristolians. It was not quite so popular with the City Council, which had tried to have the building demolished for a roadwidening scheme earlier in the century, only to have its plans scuppered by the Lord Mayor’s casting vote.

Main image: The view from Bristol Bridge prewar

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HISTORY | REMEMBERED

This page, clockwise from left: the Dutch House pre-war; Castle Park today and the ruins of St Peter’s Church, preserved as a memorial to the many people who died in the Blitz

In 1940 the Dutch House was home to an up-market clothes shop, while neighbouring businesses on the High Street included other clothes shops, stores selling hats, shoes, books and even pianos, and a range of pubs, cafés and restaurants. This was where Bristol people came to spend their leisure time. Back in 1934 dramatist JB Priestley had visited the city on a nationwide tour to assess the condition of England, and had found the place prospering on the back of its popular industries.

As he described it, ‘the smoke from a million gold flakes solidifies into a new Gothic Tower for the university; and the chocolate melts away only to leave behind it all the fine big shops down Park Street, the pleasant villas out at Clifton, and an occasional glass of Harvey’s Bristol Milk for nearly everybody.’

It was to the streets around the historic centre of the city, particularly the High Street, Wine Street and Union Street that people came to enjoy themselves, and those who didn’t fancy sherry could visit the new Milk Bar on the High Street, where the staff wore American-style uniforms and served those modern culinary wonders: milk shakes and donuts.

Despite the loss of numerous buildings, the High Street itself survived the war. Not so Peter Street, which ran through what is now Castle Park, parallel to the Floating Harbour. All that is left today is the shell of St Peter’s Church, preserved as a memorial to the many people who died in the Bristol Blitz; we have to use our imagination to picture the ancient and impressive St Peter’s Hospital, which stood between the church and the water, and was for more than half a millennium one of the city’s most important buildings.

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Originally built in 1402 with three bays and gables, it had been extended in the 17th century and converted into a sugar refinery, at which point the Tudor building with its decorative façade became known as the Sugar House. At the time sugar refining was hazardous and caused numerous fires in wooden buildings, but this one survived, becoming the city’s mint and then a notorious poor house. Eventually, in the 20th century (by which time it had been standing for six hundred years), it became an administrative centre, housing the city’s Record Office and Registry Office.

One can imagine the horror and consternation felt by Bristol people as they emerged on the morning of 25 November 1940 to find this timeless edifice – a building almost as old as the cathedral – reduced to ashes, and the church next door a shell.

Not that damage was restricted to this district. Aerial bombardment is imprecise, and while this and subsequent raids failed to disrupt activity in the city docks – or, more importantly, to breach the Floating Harbour – there was barely a street in the city that did not suffer some damage. Park Street, the Cabot Circus of 1930s Bristol, was badly affected, as one can see from the number of new buildings; it never did quite recover its prewar glory.

In our daily lives we all pass places where a bomb fell, destroying a home or business. Most of the gaps have been filled in, but here and there a vacant lot remains. The churches, meanwhile, serve as a permanent memorial: Temple Church with its leaning tower; the shrapnel-scarred walls of St Nicholas; the solitary tower of St Mary le Port; and St Peter’s, in its island of green. n NOVEMBER 2015

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BRISTOLUPDATES NEWS AND HIGHLIGHTS FROM ACROSS THE CITY

FINAL WAVE OF FUNDRAISING

Luke Jerram is back...

An artist’s impression of Apollo in situ in the new extension of St George’s Bristol

St George’s Bristol has secured the support of two world leading artists to create a unique 3D glass sound wave sculpture as the focus of attention for the final stage of its major development project, Building a Sound Future.

Commissioned by St George’s, the sculpture, titled Apollo (for the Greek God of music), will hang as the centrepiece of the concert hall’s new extension. Designed by internationally recognised Bristol based installation artist Luke Jerram (of Park Street slide fame) and based on a musical score by world leading contemporary composer Philip Glass, Apollo consists of 100 glass roundels, each one associated with an individual donor to St George’s capital appeal. The three-metre tall piece will be suspended in the foyer of St George’s new extension when it opens in the autumn of 2017. For further information visit: buildingasoundfuture.co.uk

NEW LIFE FOR OLD BUILDING

SANTAS ON THE RUN FOR CHARITY

PROVIDING FOOD FOR THOUGHT

A NEW SPACE TO EAT AND MEET

The formal gateway lodge into the Ashton Court Estate, which has been derelict for more than 10 years, is being fully restored and turned into a heritage hub, thanks to a new project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Architectural Heritage Fund, Historic England, The Mercers’ Company and Bristol Visual and Environmental Buildings Trust.

Set to open in autumn 2016, the Lower Lodge building will be available for use by schoolchildren for educational activities and music performances, as well as the general public for venue hire, meetings and events.

Join hundreds of Santas on Sunday 13 December at the Harbourside for a fun 2k dash around the city to help raise money for local charity, Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW), which has a hospice just outside Bristol. Registration is now open for the Santas on the Run event and entry costs £12 per adult, £6 for under 16s and under 3s go free. Family and team tickets are also available.

Entry includes your Santa suit, medal and festive treats. For more information or to sign up online visit: www.chsw.org.uk/santas

Bristol’s first International Peace Café opens on Saturday 21 November, from 12pm – 2pm, at The Kitchen on Silver Street.

The project aims to introduce people to the real food and flavours from our diverse communities across the city.

Providing a relaxed space to talk and hear stories from people from different backgrounds, its aim is to build greater understanding between different cultures. The first pop-up café will showcase the incredible flavours of Syria, Sudan, Russia and Iran among others. For more details, visit: www.91ways.org

The team behind the Canteen, No.1 Harbourside and The Harbourside Market are collaborating with The Wardrobe Theatre to renovate the old Empire Theatre on West Street, and create a new space to eat, meet, work, mingle, dance and play. The Old Market Assembly is set to open at the end of the month and will contain a theatre, bakery, bar and kitchen headed up by the Canteen’s executive chef. The original Victorian features in this former bank lie at the heart of the new venue, which also boasts a mezzanine level and roof terrace.

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The ladies teams of Long Ashton Golf Club make history F

or the first time since forming 101 years ago, both of Long Ashton’s Bristol & District Ladies A, and B Alliance league teams have been promoted in the same year!

The ladies A team won Division Two and the Trill Cup and have been promoted to Division One, and the Ladies B team also won their division and are promoted to Division 4 and with it are also the proud holders of the Bath Salver. All this despite not being able to call on Bethan Popel, their England International golfer and Gloucestershire County youngster Alex Giles for all the fixtures due to their representative duties.

To continue this success, Long Ashton are looking to build their membership by attracting both experienced players and those looking to take up a new sport. To do this they have launched a ‘Get into Golf’ campaign which

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consists of a series of small group coaching sessions aimed at ladies returning to golf or for those wishing to take up the sport and meet new friends and hopefully eventually become the next team players!

These lessons tie in with their starter Academy membership packages which are tailored to suit each individual.

Group Get into Golf coaching sessions are just starting and will run throughout the winter using Long Ashton’s excellent short, game area and the floodlit covered driving range. They will be run by Assistant Professionals, Roy Holland and Tom Widley.

These popular courses start from £25 for 5 lessons and can easily be tailored for groups of friends, sports clubs or local businesses.

Alternatively you can book your space on one of the group dates already available.

If you are interested in joining the friendly ladies section at Long Ashton Golf Club call Danielle on 01275 392229 option 4 or email danielle@longashtongolfclub.co.uk

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FAMILY | WHAT’S ON

FAMILY TIME All you need to plan entertaining days out that will amuse little ones and big ones alike

Toddler Takeover: Colour Spectacular, At-Bristol, Friday 20 November, 10am – 4pm

For tiny tots

Stimulate little senses with light and colour themed activities during this fun-filled day devoted exclusively to the under fives. The tiniest of explorers can discover twinkly lights and shadows and make lots of mess with autumn leaves. Or join Ursa and Leo for an interactive story called Lights On, Lights Off, all about a camping adventure. You can even take a trip to the stars in the Space Explorers Planetarium show, especially for under 6s. As well as reduced entry, there are lots of toddler-friendly facilities, including: high chairs, an indoor picnic area, buggy parks, nappy changing and bottle warming facilities. Tel: 0117 915 1000 or visit: www.at-bristol.org.uk

CHILDREN’S THEATRE Bristol Festival of Puppetry on Tour in Clevedon, Saturday 7 November Puppet Place, which brings us the Festival of Puppetry, is collaborating with the Curzon Cinema and The Theatre Orchard in Clevedon to present a family programme outside of the city featuring artists who appeared in this year’s festival. At the Curzon Cinema at 2pm see Continental Kids (suitable for ages 4+) – a colourful selection of old and new films which offers up enchanting and funny stories about friendship in a 3D world. This European showcase is packed full of mischievous characters, brave friends and magical tales that are sure to entertain all the family. Book tickets (£5) on tel: 01275 871 000 or visit: www.curzon.org.uk Continental Kids at Curzon Cinema

At the Theatre Shop at 10.30am & 12.30pm see Tessa Bide’s The Tap Dancing Mermaid (suitable for ages 3+) – a magical story about a tip-top tap dancer. Marina Skippett creeps down to the boardwalk every night to shuffle and stomp to the sounds of the sea. She can’t tap dance at home since her evil aunt banned it. But then, one moonlit night, Marina meets a mysterious, 76 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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watery boy and her life is never the same again.

Tessa Bide brings you stunning puppets, original live music and tap dancing that will make you want to join in. Tickets (£8/£6) from tel: 01275 400225 or visit: www.theatreshop.org.uk

The Night That Autumn Turned to Winter, Bristol Old Vic Studio, 26 November – 10 January The studio is once again transformed into a wintry wonderland for younger audiences to enjoy, as the brilliant Little Bulb Theatre (Antarctica, Orpheus, Crocosmia, The Marvellous and Unlikely Fete of Little Upper Downing) takes you on an adventure armed with songs, instruments, puppets and plenty of wintry surprises. Winter is on its way, and deep within the wild wood animals of all shapes and sizes are busy getting ready for the cold season ahead.

Meet the mice, find the fox and hear the hares on the night that their world turns into a magical snow shimmering wilderness.

Additional woodland creatures are very much invited! Suitable for ages 0–7. Under 2’s go free.

Tickets: £13 from the box office on tel: 0117 987 7877 or visit: bristololdvic.org.uk

The Light Princess at Tobacco Factory Theatres, 26 November – 10 January In a kingdom far away, lives an extraordinary princess – a princess with no gravity. Her windows are forever closed, she can’t run free and light-hearted, and she can never take anything or anyone seriously. Especially not the prince who falls in love with her... The theatre space will be transformed into an immersive, intricate traditional fairytale world with castle turrets, green grass and fluffy clouds. As the princess flies and swims, her world is quite often completely upside down. Alongside the impressive visuals will be a beautiful a cappella soundscape for the show too. Suitable for ages 6+. Box office tel: 0117 902 0344 or visit: tobaccofactorytheatres.com 

The Light Princess

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FAMILY | WHAT’S ON

Low-noise fireworks at Bristol Zoo

IN OTHER NEWS...

Big move for children’s choir

FIREWORK DISPLAYS Low-noise fireworks at Bristol Zoo: 5, 6 & 7 November Bristol Zoo’s animal and toddler friendly fireworks are specially designed to avoid the loud bangs that might frighten delicate little ears. There will also be musical fun and games for all ages. Doors open at 5pm, with the display at 5.45pm. Tickets cost £8 for adults and £6 for children. Advance booking is essential, tel: 0117 974 7300 or visit: www.bristolzoo.org.uk

Out There Music Bristol Children’s Choir, which has been running for eight years, has recently moved to Cotham School and the new space is helping to build the choir into something quite special. Founded by local musician Tom Jones, the choir is open to children aged 7–13 from any school in Bristol.

They sing songs that children love and they always have fun. The choir meets every Wednesday in term time in the performing arts studio at Cotham School, from 4.45pm – 6pm.

If your child loves singing and would like to do more, this could be what they are looking for.

They can pop along to a free taster session before deciding whether to audition. For more information tel: 07866 587424 or visit: www.outtheremusicbristol.co.uk

Downend Round Table fireworks: Friday 6 November This promises to be a great night with live entertainment, a fairground, food, drink, a children’s show and the main launch event at 8pm. Gates open 5.30pm. In aid of the Jessie May Trust. Tickets £4.50 in advance or £6 on the day, children £5, under 3s free. On sale in local shops and schools or online at: www.downendrt.co.uk Canford Park charity fireworks fiesta, Westbury-on-Trym: Saturday 7 November An exciting fireworks display presnted by The Bristol Round Table and Rotary Club of Clifton, in aid of local charities. Gates open at 6pm and the display begins at 7pm.

Tickets £5, under 3s free, available from local schools and St Peter’s Hospice shops.

Visit: www.fireworksfiesta.co.uk for further information.

Puxton Park, near Weston Super Mare: Saturday 7 November A huge fireworks extravaganza will light up the skies around this family attraction, where there will also be a bonfire, outdoor stalls and a fairground. Puxton Park will close its doors at 4pm and reopen at 5pm, with the display starting at 7pm. Tickets cost £6 in advance, or £7 on the door and children under 18 months go free.

Call: 01934 523500 or visit: www.puxton.co.uk

An exciting display at Puxton Park

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Christmas adventures for Bristol giants Following the enormous success of Goram and Ghyston, The Bristol Giants, local author Oliver Rigby has released a follow up book called The Bristol Giants Save Christmas, with wonderful illustrations by Tom Bonson. It tells the story of how the Bristol Giants, Princess Avona and Digby the Dragon are called upon to save the day when Father Christmas has the flu and needs help delivering presents. Carnage ensues as the giants try to out-compete each other and deliver more presents. It is only when they start to work as a team that things improve. The book is on sale from Room 212 on Gloucester Road (which will also be showing illustrator Tom Bonson’s paintings) and through the website: www.bristolgiants.co.uk. For every copy of the book sold, a free book will be given to someone that might need their Christmas brightening up, thanks to a partnership with Bristol’s Children Appeal and Martha Care charity to deliver books to disadvantaged children in Bristol and children in hospitals.

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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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By Dr Andrew Daniel, Headmaster of Monmouth School

SUCCEEDING THROUGH SPORT According to the outstanding exam results achieved by rowers, taking up the sport at school has proven to be a real stroke of genius.

I firmly believe that striking a balance between sporting ambitions and academic work teaches pupils invaluable time management skills, which are key when it comes to revising.

Over the years, boys at Monmouth School and girls at its sibling, Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls, have consistently demonstrated a strong connection between success on the water and top results in the classroom.

And this year was no exception.

Over at Monmouth School, rowers in the 1st VIII were awash with A* and A grades at A level.

Freddie Dewey, who joined Monmouth in sixth form on a rowing scholarship, has just started a degree in medicine at UCL after achieving two A*s and an A at A level.

And Deputy Head Boy and 1st VIII rower, Jamie Brown, has taken up his place at King’s College, Cambridge to study English after achieving three A*s.

Jamie told me that the qualities learnt on the river are transferable to what pupils do in school.

“Our sport psychologist used to talk to us about ‘habits of mind’,” he added.

“He meant that the competitive mind-set we needed for rowing had to become second nature to us, and that meant applying it to everything we do.

“Rowing teaches you that the small margins count.

“In the same way, spending an extra half an hour on every essay that you do to make it polished, or revising a little bit more effectively each day, adds up over a term.”

But it’s not just rowing which can have this positive effect.

Rugby is another sport which successful pupils have excelled at throughout the years.

Old Monmothian Hallam Amos is a shining example.

At just 21, he has played for his country in the Rugby World Cup whilst also studying for a degree in medicine.

Monmouth School and HMSG both offer sports scholarships and bursaries, and there is always plenty of support on offer when it comes to balancing academic work with training. *The Schools have an established bus route covering the Thornbury area.

For more information, visit habs-monmouth.org, call 01600 710433 for Monmouth School or 01600 711104 for HMSG. 78 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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here’s a funny shift that happens when you become a parent. Suddenly statistics and headlines stop becoming statistics and headlines, and start feeling like reality instead. There’s no longer a detachment when reading about these things, because you realize they could start to have an impact on your children and the next generation unless you do something.

This is exactly what happened to Fit4Tots founders Lesley Waldron and Sarah Dineen. Concerned at hearing headlines about children being overweight and not reaching a certain level of fitness before starting school, they set out to do something.

And so Fit4Tots was born, offering exercise classes for pre-school and school children, delivered in a fun and enjoyable way. As personal trainers, nutritionists and mums their goal is simple – reinforce healthy habits for young children through fitness, sport and play.

At the time, Lesley was working in public policy, but felt it was time to be out there and taking action for herself. As a mum to a 3 and 5 year old, she was no stranger to the demands of young children. Let’s face it, it can be a tricky task capturing a child’s attention – much less getting them to listen to a set of instructions and participate in an activity. But Lesley understood this, and devised classes that © Nicola Jane Photography would keep children engaged all the time, without much standing still time.

I recently had a taster class from Fit4Tots, aimed at mums and their pre-school children, and it was a great way to get mums and children exercising together. We started with simple stretches – trying to touch both sides of the wall with our arms out as far as possible – followed by squatting down low, then leaping up like a frog. All simple stuff, but really entertaining for mums and their children.

We finished off with the balloon game – which is pure silly fun – getting into teams and seeing who could win at passing the balloon up and down the their line, going over heads and through legs. Although on the face of it, it all sounds pretty simple – it’s the basics of developing the skills for sports, or the ABC – agility, balance and coordination. It gets your heart racing, takes you a moment to recover and you have to listen to a set of instructions before starting out again.

Fit4Tots try to give simple exercises for mums to practice with their children at home, so they can keep building on the exercises and making them part of everyday life. For Lesley, it’s about giving children the opportunity to experience as many different activities as possible – the point being to try your best at whatever you do.

Classes are taught in the community and through pre-schools and nurseries, giving children the opportunity to enjoy good, fun fitness from an early age and develop those positive experiences.

My own memories of PE classes as a child aren’t fond ones. It wasn’t through lack of activity, more not finding the right exercise for me. Now as an adult exercise is my escapism, the thing that keeps me in check. I’m so pleased that Fit4Tots is making exercise more accessible and paving a positive way for the next generation. n For more information, visit: www.fit4tots.com www.freelancemum.co.uk

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EDUCATIONNEWS UPDATES AND HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE CITY’S SCHOOLS

Former pupils on stage

DOUBLE TAKE Two former Redland High pupils will be performing at St George’s Bristol on Saturday 14 November with the Bristol Metropolitan Orchestra. Twin sisters Charis and Kirsten Jenson both attended Redland High School and have since gone on to have successful musical careers in the UK and abroad; Charis as a violinist and Kirsten as a cellist. Music at Redland High School is at an outstanding level and the school's musicians are regularly invited to perform at prestigious local and national venues. For the concert at St George’s, the Bristol Metropolitan Orchestra, who regularly rehearse at the school, will be performing Brahms’ Double Concerto with the Jenson twins. Conductor William Goodchild has been a Governor of the school for many years and wrote the school anthem for its 130th anniversary. Visiting mornings at the school are on Friday 6 November & Tuesday 1 December. To book tickets for the concert, visit: stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

The Jenson twins

FUTURES’ ADVISORS NAMED

CELEBRATING GOOD WORK

SCHOLARSHIP RETREAT DAYS

HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR VISIT

Two specialist advisors have been appointed as the first staff at the new Bristol Futures Academy, which will open in east central Bristol in September 2016. Jason Clarkson and Evelyn Cohen will be providing a new approach to learning for pupils aged 14 to 16 who have been unable to engage in education. The advisors will work with pupils on an individual basis to develop personal programmes aimed at enabling them to re-engage with education, and progress into a meaningful college placement, apprenticeship or job.

Last month, Clifton High School held its third annual Marquee Week celebrations, bringing together the whole school community, including pupils, parents, staff, friends and governors, to showcase the outstanding work of Clifton High pupils. The week saw themed days and activities and the school also welcomed inspiring guest speakers including clinical anatomist, author and broadcaster, Dr Alice Roberts; BBC auctioneer Thomas Plant; and author Tanya Landman, who did some storytelling.

Boys on the Scholarship Programme at QEH boys’ school, have started the year with a series of retreat days in the Brecon Beacons and Mendip Hills exploring the themes of inspiration and creativity and readiness and civilisation. The Scholarship Programme at QEH aims to encourage independence of learning, ensuring that students are prepared for success.

QEH entrance examinations are held on Saturday 9 and 16 January 2016. Entry to the programme is offered to boys who score exceptionally high.

Lessons learned from the Holocaust were brought to life at Red Maids’ school last month when it welcomed Berlin-born Rudi Oppenheimer, now 84, who came share the real-life happenings he experienced with his family. Rudi’s visit coincided with the Holocaust Educational Trust’s (HET) nationwide scheme which aims to ensure that the stories of those affected are never forgotten, which the school was inspired to take part in thanks to the efforts of Year 13 history students Clarice Montero and Jess Bates.

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SCIENCE | ASTRONOMY

WRITTEN IN THE STARS Jenny Hayes returns to At-Bristol Science Centre to find out more about asteroids

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SCIENCE | ASTRONOMY

Main image: Asteroid collision © NASA/JPL Caltech This page: A picture of Vesta taken from the Dawn spacecraft on 18 July 2011 © NASA/JPL Caltech

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xactly a year ago this month, I started writing this feature. On a crisp autumn morning, I stepped into the gleaming globe that is At-Bristol’s Planetarium and met super stargazer Lee Pullen, who introduced me to the wonders of astronomy. Since then, with every visit, another mind-blowing mystery of the universe has been unlocked for me, and over the course of this last year I’ve come to a simple, if somewhat unscientific, conclusion – space rocks! So, if you’ll excuse the pun, it seemed rather fitting this November to talk about exactly that. Space rocks.

If they don’t sound particularly exciting, then I urge you to cast off the vision you have of everyday terrestrial rubble and instead picture the beautiful, alien form of an asteroid floating weightless in space. Better? It’s only going to get more so when I tell you that the rock that you are envisaging is one of those that makes up the main asteroid belt that lies between Jupiter and Mars in our solar system, and that’s what this article is all about.

The discovery of the asteroid belt in 1801 was an indirect result of the work of astronomer Johann Daniel Titius of Wittenberg. In 1766, Titius noted an apparent pattern in the orbit of the six known planets – Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn – that each adhered to provided a ‘gap’ was accounted for between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. But why, wondered Titius, should there be this gap?

It was a conundrum that was confounded in 1781 when William Herschel discovered Uranus, whose orbit matched the Titius-Bode law almost perfectly. This led astronomers to believe that there must be a planet, as yet undiscovered, that lay between Mars and Jupiter.

Never ones to shy away from a challenge, 24 plucky members of the astronomical community of Europe formed the Celestial Police, whose mission was to scour the skies until they found this missing planet. Unfortunately, the honour of solving the scientific puzzle did not fall on them, but on a Sicilian astronomer named Giuseppe Piazzi. In 1801 he found a tiny moving object in an orbit exactly matching that predicted by the Titius-Bode law.* He named it Ceres after the Roman goddess of the harvest and patron of Sicily, and now classified as a dwarf planet within the asteroid belt at over 900km across. Shortly after, fellow astronomer Heinrich Wilhelm Matthias Olbers found two other objects – Vesta and Pallas – in the same region.

But were any of these celestial bodies the lost planet? Under closer scrutiny, it became apparent that they weren’t, for, unlike the other planets, they did not resolve into a disk under telescopic magnification. Instead they remained pinpricks of light, just like stars, hence they were given the name asteroids from the Greet asteroeides, meaning ‘star like’. Over the next 50 years, hundreds of other objects were found in the region, so it became known as the asteroid belt.

Nonetheless, 19th century astronomers were determined to solve the riddle of the missing planet. Olbers proposed that these asteroids were fragments of a planet that had once occupied the region but was destroyed due to an internal explosion or cometary impact. Nowadays, as astronomers have learnt more about the mass and contents of the asteroid belt, this hypothesis seems unlikely. Instead, it’s believed that these asteroids were in fact never part of a planet at all.

As we’ve discussed in previous articles, the planets were formed during the first few million years of the solar system’s history.

Dust and particles from a collapsed nebula cloud began to amass under the influence of gravity to form planetesimals and, as this gravitational accretion continued, larger planets. But the planetesimals that would have formed within the asteroid belt region would have been too strongly disrupted by gas giant Jupiter’s gravity to form a planet. Instead they would have merely continued to orbit the Sun, occasionally colliding with sufficient velocity to shatter back into their prior state as either space dust or smaller rocks, resulting in the existence of the asteroid belt.

Yet some of these ancient planetesimals have survived. The large asteroids of Ceres, Vesta, Pallas and Hygeia – which together account for half the belt’s total mass – are living relics of this formative time. And this month, if you train your binoculars on the tail of the sea monster Cetus in the night sky, you’ll be able

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to spot one of them.

Vesta is the second largest asteroid in the main belt after Ceres, at approximately 530km in diameter, and the last remaining rocky protoplanet of the kind that formed the terrestrial planets.

Its size and high albedo makes it the brightest asteroid visible from Earth. Nonetheless, you’ll need a little help spotting it so it’s a good idea to use an online sky chart, such as Stellarium – www.stellarium.org – that will be able to give you Vesta’s exact location in the sky.

Then, when you stand outside late on a chilly November night, armed with your sky chart, blanket and thermos of tea, I bet you’ll look up at that 4.5 billion year old remnant of astronomical history and think exactly as I do – space rocks… n *In 1876 the Titius-Bode law was discredited with the discovery of Neptune, whose orbit didn’t follow the pattern. There has been no explanation found for it to date, other than pure coincidence.

With thanks as always to Lee Pullen for sharing his time and expertise. If you’d like to find out more about what you can see in the skies over the next few months, then book in for the Autumn Stargazing show (2D or 3D) at the Planetarium – and prepare yourself for a breath-taking journey through the cosmos.

Tel: 0117 915 1000 or visit: www.at-bristol.org.uk

Look out for...

The Leonids meteor shower will peak just before dawn on Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 November. The shower is caused by the Earth passing through the debris left behind by the comet Tempel-Tuttle and, as the name suggests, its radiant lies in the constellation of Leo. As the Leonids are one of the most prolific of the meteor showers throughout the year, you should be able to spot up to 20 each hour if the night is clear.

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HEALTH | & BEAUTY

BEAUTY NEWS ■ 7 Freestyle Disco Dancers from Precision Dance Academy came home from the Wessex Freestyle Championships with a whopping 32 trophies. The dancers, aged between 5 and 15, battled against dance schools from across the country in the three day long event, and every student brought home at least one trophy. Principal Carly Williams, who runs the academy alongside Siana White, said: “The dancers have had been training extremely hard in the run up to the festival. It was a massive competition and we are super proud of all the dancers’ professional attitudes, which led to their fantastic results.” Precision Dance Academy holds classes weekly across Bristol, and is always on the lookout for potential dance stars. Call Carly on: 07733 321168 or visit: www.precisiondance.co.uk

FIT & FAB Ideas and hints to keep you well this winter

Top tips for a winter glow Keep your skin nourished with these four simple steps

■ If you’re looking to pamper yourself before the Christmas party season kicks off, why not head to Perfected Hair and Beauty in Filton Park. It is the only stockist of luxury skincare range Beauty Time, as well as Dermalogica, O.P.I, Shellac and St. Tropez – to name just a few. Owner Ange, said: “We are very proud of our beautiful salon, and pride ourselves on offering our clients the best of what the industry has to offer at an affordable price. So why not treat yourself to a facial, manicure, pedicure, or maybe even all three! For more information, tel: 0117 969 4857 or visit: www.perfectedhairandbeauty.com ■ Cadbury House Health Club has installed the very latest swimming technology, providing pool users with a unique way to track their progress while they swim.

Swimmers wear passive wrist bands, which are free to use and can be picked up from the club’s reception, and these record a variety of statistics during the swim, including total distance, calories used, time, and average pace. They are even clever enough to record the type of stroke you’re using. Jason Eaton, group general manager at the Cadbury House Health Club, said: “Swimming is a fantastic exercise and uses all major muscle groups.

Apart from counting lengths, up until now it has been relatively difficult to track things such as calories burned, so this technology is great news for guests and members.” For details, tel: 01934 834343 or visit: www.theclubandspabristol.co.uk

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• The only place for any good skincare routine to start is with a great cleanser. This Rose-Hydrate Miracle Makeover Facial Oil, £14.99, penetrates deeply to loosen ingrained oil and unclog pores. Available at Boots • Next, moisturise the delicate eye area, banish dark circles, and tackle fine lines and wrinkles head on with Filorga’s Optim-Eyes contour cream, £38. Available at Marks & Spencer • Then, treat your skin to an instant boost with this Soil Association certified organic, peptide-packed Frankincense Intense serum. Soothing, rejuvenating, and from made from sustainably sourced ingredients so it’s as good for your conscience as it is for your skin, £65. Available at Neal’s Yard, Whiteladies Road • Finally, hydrate your skin and protect it from the harsh winter elements with this deeply nourishing Frankincense Intense Age-Defying Cream, £55. Available at Neal’s Yard, Whiteladies Road

IVF refund package at Bristol IVF Increasing numbers of couples are opting to have their IVF treatment privately but struggling to find the funds. Bristol IVF Centre is offering patients the opportunity of a money back guarantee on their treatment. If you are paying for the treatment yourself and with no guarantee of success this makes private IVF treatment more cost effective and less financially risky. By working with Access Fertility, patients are offered the option of either an IVF refund package or IVF multicycle package. Access Fertility has selected some of the best clinics in the UK to work with and Bristol IVF Centre, who are part of Bath Fertility Centre, is proud to be the only one in the South West of England to offer these packages. If you’d like more information, or to discuss your options, contact Bristol IVF Centre on tel: 01761 434464 or visit: www.bristolivfcentre.com

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Jane, Diane, Liz and Margaret have a combined 70-years of service between them

The Chesterfield celebrates 2nd birthday

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uffield Health Bristol Hospital, The Chesterfield, has celebrated its second anniversary since opening its doors to patients in October 2013.

Bringing patient service to a new level, its team of 110 members of staff have welcomed over 6,000 patients, served 115,584 cups of coffee and provided more than 9,500 healthy and nutritious meals over the past 24 months.

Located on Clifton Hill in Clifton Village, the hospital represents a £20 million investment in Bristol’s wellbeing, and the safeguarding of local jobs.

It was redeveloped from the former Chesterfield Hospital, which was first set-up in 1961, and incorporates the sympathetic restoration of a Grade II listed Georgian Merchants house, which now fronts the site and houses administrative support for the hospital.

The 30-bed hospital boasts leading-edge clinical facilities, including three digital theatres and a critical care unit - complete with the latest technology. It is also a state-of-the-art digital facility and a Centre of Excellence for minimally invasive keyhole surgery.

Consultants at The Chesterfield are surrounded by the latest medical technology providing care

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ranging from cosmetic surgery, orthopaedics, sports and exercise medicine to men’s health and urology, dentistry, women’s health and fertility as well as ophthalmology and spinal and neurosurgical treatments.

The most common surgical procedure performed over the past two-years has been cataract surgery, and this is thanks to a new high-tech vision system which provides revolutionary treatment for patients suffering from the most complex of eye conditions.

The Chesterfield is also home to a top-of-therange diagnostic centre including a 128-slice CT, digital mammography and MRI. The patient journey at the hospital is akin to a five-star experience, with private rooms and clinical staff available around-the-clock to ensure all needs and requirements are met with the highest level of care and understanding. All rooms include en-suite facilities, direct nursecall systems, free Wi-Fi, direct dial telephones as well as a TV and radio. There is also free patient parking at the hospital.

Hospital Director, Sheryl Krause, explained: “We are all thrilled to be celebrating our second year in Bristol, consistently offering the highest level of care to our patients from their first enquiry to being discharged after treatment.

“The aim from the offset was to create a hospital which would offer truly inspiring and innovative patient care where patients would receive a warm welcome. We look forward to making their visit as comfortable as possible, from spotlessly clean rooms to nurses who have the time to talk to you as a person, and the same Consultant throughout your time with us.

“Our patient feedback is always extremely complimentary, with many explaining that they have never been in better hands, and this is a result of us constantly developing our services to ensure the finest quality treatment, always!”

Earlier this year, the hospital joined forces with the gym at Clifton Pavillion to launch a unique recovery programme for surgical patients, covering 30 major operations.

Recovery Plus provides patients with a personal recovery programme, health check, exercise and diet advice, together with a 3 month membership at the Nuffield Health Fitness & Wellbeing Gym with their own recovery coach – all at no extra cost.

The hospital also holds regular ‘Meet the Experts’ evenings, providing the opportunity for people considering treatments, or with any concerns about their healthcare, to come along for a free consultation to discuss the best pathway of care for them.

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We spoke to three key members of staff who play important roles in the patient journey at the hospital

LIZ BATES LIZ BATES Ward Sister , Ward Sister Liz has worked for Nuffield Health for 15 years and looks after a team of 11 at The Chesterfield Hospital.

The best part of my job is being able to give patients the care they deserve. I get great satisfaction in seeing a person leave in comfort, especially after having been in pain or discomfort prior to their operation. It is rewarding when patients tell us they feel they have received brilliant care and felt their wellbeing was of top priority. The ‘little things’ that we do for our patients makes this place special.

MARGARET BROWN

SIMON GEORGE SIMON Catering GEORGE Manager , Catering Manager Simon George, is Catering Manager at Nuffield Health, working for Sodexo. He joined Nuffield Health as a ward host supervisor in Bournemouth, and was promoted to his role in Bristol last year.

The best part of my job is that I get to taste all the lovely food that gets served up to patients, staff and visitors. I’m in a really lucky position in that I get to work with everyone on site.

My team likes to accommodate each person’s special preferences. For example, if a patient wanted a specific brand of cereal we would make every effort to find it.

An average day tends to involve visiting each area of the hospital, making contact with key staff members, speaking to patients and ensuring the food that leaves the kitchen is of the highest standard. We start at 7am with breakfast and finish at 9pm with bedtime drinks.

All staff at The Chesterfield work very closely together and it’s that special bond between colleagues and the hospital that I believe makes patients feel at home when they come here.

Nuffield has a broader field of vision with regards to health now than ever before.

Our development chefs take into account nutritional content for each dish, with an emphasis on healing and a healthy lifestyle the key philosophies for both Sodexo and Nuffield Health. Our menus change twice a year, these being Spring and Summer and Autumn and Winter, and consist of a daily menu, light bite/snack menu and specific vegetarian, gluten free and children’ s menus.

We also visit patients as necessary and create bespoke dishes for those who require them.

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Nuffield Health always puts patient care and safety at the forefront, ensuring patients have a positive experience.

The Chesterfield Hospital is a very friendly place to work; the hospital is relatively small so we know everyone. There is great camaraderie and you feel supported by your team. I have a wonderful team of 11 staff nurses and four healthcare assistants, who are not only extremely professional but they also have years of experience and knowledge.

An average day for me starts at 7.15 am. I make sure staffing is adequate for the day. We have a handover from the previous shift and nurses are allocated their caseloads. Patients will arrive in the morning, we make the necessary assessments, put them at ease and prepare them for their procedures.

I have certainly seen changes during my fifteen years in the role, mainly a result of fantastic technological developments. Not only are we now seeing patients receiving treatments in the morning, and then leaving at the end of the day – speeding up recovery time - but they are also being treated in a state-of-the art theatre by some of the top Consultants in the country.

MARGARET BROWN, Pharmacy Manager Pharmacy Manager Margaret has worked in pharmaceuticals for 25 years and moved to The Chesterfield Hospital when it opened two-years ago.

The best part of my job is interacting with patients as well as staff and consultants on a daily basis. I ensure the safe and effective provision of our pharmacy service throughout the hospital, which includes dispensing of prescriptions, to both in and out-patients, and efficient supply of medicines to departments. We also supply medicines to all Nuffield Health and Wellbeing sites across the country.

My role involves undertaking a clinical pharmacy ward round, preparing discharge medication to patients prior to their discharge as well as meeting preparation and on-going audits.

The Chesterfield Hospital is a very unique place to work. Many of our staff have worked within the hospital for many years, which speaks volumes in itself. We have a great team spirit and are there to support one another.

To find out more about Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital, The Chesterfield visit www.nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/bristol or call 0117 906 4872

Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital The Chesterfield, 3 Clifton Hill, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1BN Tel: 0117 906 4872 • www.nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/bristol

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CITY | BEAUTY

Beauty

LAURA MERCIER GLAM TO GO TRAVEL CASE, £35

NOTES

A complete look in one convenient compact, Laura Mercier’s double decker Glam To Go Travel Case features the ultimate classic colour essentials for on-the-go glamour

EYEKO SKINNY LIQUID EYELINER, £12 Eyeko's easy-to-apply, Skinny Liquid Eyeliner pen allows you to create a thick feline flick or fine defined lines to accentuate your eyes

FESTIVE GLAMOUR Party season is upon us – from the office Christmas party to celebrating with friends and family, things are about to get very festive. This is the perfect time to experiment with new make-up looks, adding a little more drama and that extra touch of glamour. Louise Masson, General Manager of Harvey Nichols Bristol, picks the products that will take you from desk to dance floor in style.

NARS VELVET SHADOW STICK, £20 A silky soft shadow available in a range of sumptuous shades, NARS Velvet Shadow Stick is perfect for layering under and over, blending and setting, and creating sleek and sophisticated looks

All products are available from Harvey Nichols Bristol or via Collect in Store from HarveyNichols.com SHU UEMURA FALSE EYELASHES, £23.50

BENEFIT BADGAL PARTY MASCARA, £18.50

Shu Uemura creates beautiful, high quality false eyelashes that help emphasise the eyes for a dramatic, high-impact look. The Farfallina False Eyelashes are made with triple layers of brown and black tones, different levels of curl and longer lashes towards the outer edge to provide a natural, delicate look and add ideal volume on the lash

Presented in a fun and flirty gift box, the set contains a full size and mini mascara to-go, so you can get thick, voluminous lashes anytime, anywhere

CHELSEA BEAUTIQUE SEMIPERMANENT BROW KIT, £35

SISLEY PHYTO-TOUCHES BRONZING POWDER, £66.50

Chelsea Beautique's amazing eyebrow kit will give you perfectly precise brows in seconds with its smudgeproof, water-resistant powder.

It glides on easily on both hair and bare skin

Virtually imperceptible, Sisley's Phyto-Touches are a duo of fine powders, miel and cannelle, to apply on certain points on the face for a sun-kissed, radiant glow. With their extremely fine texture, they glide on easily, defining and/or highlighting key areas of the face

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN LIPSTICK, £60 Possibly the most glamorous lipstick ever created, Christian Louboutin’s Rouge Satin shade adds just the right amount of drama to the festive season

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DEBORAH LIPPMANN NAIL LACQUER – RED RUBY SLIPPERS, £18 This luxury, treatmentenriched nail colour contains biotin, green tea extract and aucoumea, along with just the right amount of glitter to create nails that will standout throughout party season

STARSKIN AFTER PARTY BRIGHTENING MASK, £8.50 This After Party Brightening Mask intensely energises skin for a visibly brighter and more radiant complexion. Formulated with naturally fermented, vitamin-rich coconut juice, it revives and conditions the skin and works closely to deliver a powerful complex of vitamin C and a proprietary herbal medley, which works to reduce visible dark spots and even improve skin tone

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REVIEW

PARADISE ON EARTH Jenny Hayes experiences a blissful spa day at Bamford Haybarn in the Cotswolds

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e’ve all done it, haven’t we? Gone to bed after a hard day at work, expecting to drift off into a long, well-deserved sleep, only to find you spend the night tossing and turning as thoughts pound through your head like a pneumatic drill. And then, the next morning, you wake feeling like death and with a shooting pain down one side of your neck because you’ve been so tense all night.

Ah, ok, that last part might just be me, but I know you understand what I’m talking about. So, you’ll also appreciate that, when I woke up one Thursday morning in the not too distant past after just such a night, I was tired and understandably grumpy that I couldn’t turn my head more than 20° to either side. Not an auspicious start to the day. But there was yet hope, for, by timely coincidence, this was the very day that I was due to go for a pampering at Bamford Haybarn in Gloucestershire.

The drive over takes about 1.5 hours, and is not only very easy, but highly pleasurable. As I drove through beautiful countryside and under canopies of trees whose leaves were turning vivid shades of yellow, orange and red, I swear I felt my soul untwist somewhere deep inside me. For the first time in weeks I was alone, with nothing but my own thoughts and these glorious views to enjoy. And I felt like I was actually able to breathe again.

This sense of freedom and wellbeing increased when I arrived at the Haybarn, in all it’s golden, Cotswold stone glory. And, stepping inside, I wondered if I’d died and gone to heaven.

Smiling staff in robes of white exuded both serenity and such a glow of health that, for a wild but happy moment, I thought I might have passed into the hands of angels.

Not so far from the truth, for I was probably the closest it is possible to get to celestial perfection here on Earth. Interiors of clean white wood, natural stone and pale driftwood were illuminated with gently flickering candles. The main waiting area was not so much that but a haven, complete with vast windows that offered views out to the pretty apple orchard beyond and day beds on which to stretch out and enjoy them. And, as I sank back onto one of them, I was bought an individual pot of warming herbal tea to enjoy before heading off to my first activity of the day.

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This was a beginners’ yoga class, taught by resident yoga master Sri Swamisatchidananda, Vettri Sulvan, which took place in the vast, airy yoga studio. Now, I must confess that although I’ve dabbled with the discipline in the past, I’ve never quite got to grips with yoga. I’ve always felt awkward as I contorted myself into various uncomfortable poses, gasping for air as a string bean of an instructor exhorts me to ‘breathe’.

Vettri’s class, however, was a completely different experience.

His instructions were clear and precise as he led us through an hour of simple postures, and I actually felt deep yet comfortable stretches taking place throughout my body. He also talked us through the correct sequence of inhalation and exhalation with such consistency that I soon understood the principles, and incorporating the breathing began to feel like a natural and intrinsic part of the practice of yoga. Finally, I got it.

Next on my indulgent agenda was a deep tissue massage with lovely therapist Maria. She took me through to a peaceful treatment room, discussed the massage with me, and then offered me the choice of three divine smelling oil blends to choose from.

Then she helped me settle down onto the wide, comfy massage table and got to work.

Oh, what bliss! Her skilled hands worked methodically over the tangled muscles of my back, gently coaxing them out of their highly-strung state until they yielded willingly to her touch. She did the same over every area of my body, soothing the muscles until I was left with wonderfully heavy limbs, and in such a spororific state I doubted I’d ever be able to get up.

Clearly this is the effect Maria’s magic hands have on everyone, as she said she’d leave me for a few minutes so I could come round in my own time. And, sure enough, as the minutes passed I began to feel renewed energy flood my body and a welcome freshness of mind. And yes, the shooting pain in my shoulder had completely vanished.

But you don’t have to take my word as testament to the healing properties of Bamford Haybarn, readers. In fact, I’d suggest that you don’t – it’ll give you the perfect excuse to go and try it all for yourself. n Bamford is a British brand that uses only the highest quality natural and organic ingredients in their products. The deep tissue massage costs £80, and there are a range of other treatments and packages on offer. Visit: www.bamford.co.uk

Images: The calming environment of the main waiting and relaxation area; deep stretching and focused breathing in the expansive yoga studio; the Haybarn also offers a range of delicious snacks and lunches, should you get peckish after your pampering

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A different approach to Acupuncture A unique naturopathic approach to Acupuncture, taught by CNM (College of Naturopathic Medicine), adds an extra dimension to the effectiveness of this age-old therapy and offers benefits for both clients and practitioners, explains Amanda Hair, CNM’s Course Consultant in Bristol.

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cupuncture continued to be developed from around 100BC as an integrated healthcare system along with herbs, massage, diet and moxibustion (heat). As much as the Acupuncturist was interested in how signs and symptoms manifested, it was the cause of the disease which was of most interest: ‘Why is this happening?’

Understanding why our health has become imbalanced gives us knowledge, not only as to how to make deep and tailored changes but also to ensure that we can prevent it from happening again, or at least to be able to reduce the severity of any future symptoms.

Identifying the cause of health imbalance is fundamental to the naturopathic approach taught at CNM, and is the reason why CNM developed ‘Naturopathic Acupuncture’. CNM Diploma Courses elaborate on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to give Students a thorough grounding as to why disease occurs, as well as the tools to educate their client in self-care. Client education and empowerment covers dietary and lifestyle advice, tailoring a support package specific to each individual.

Re-acquainting the client with what best suits their body, promotes the body’s ability to heal itself using food. In fact, the type of foods, how we eat, even in what mood we eat and when, contributes to the development of our ‘Qi’, which is a concept translated from TCM as our vital force or energy. A CNM Student of Naturopathic Acupuncture learns, for example, why for some people, eating cold fruit such as pears, could be detrimental for their health.

CNM’s Diploma Course in Naturopathic Acupuncture starts

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with the study of Biomedicine, as it is important to have a grounding in a subject which applies both biological and other natural-science principles to clinical practice. Naturopathic Acupuncturists need to know, for example, how Diabetes manifests and how it is treated from a Western perspective as well as how it is approached from a TCM perspective.

Studying Biomedicine in the first year of the Course underpins the Eastern knowledge that is taught in the following years, and ensures that Students are able to compare and contrast Eastern and Western theory.

Our health in modern life is very different to that of the Chinese in the 15th Century, so CNM Students also learn how the body can be overloaded with toxins, both from the external environment and from what we put into or onto our bodies. Examples of toxins include pharmaceutical as well as recreational drugs, caffeine, alcohol, processed foods and toxins from within the environment. Helping clients detox from these substances is all part of being a Naturopathic Acupuncturist. For example, dry skin brushing can support elimination of toxins through the skin as well as taking an Epson Salt Bath.

By using a combination of Acupuncture and diet to increase the effectiveness of detoxification organs, the body can help facilitate its own recovery to good health. Naturopathic Acupuncturists can see the further benefits when their client’s diet and lifestyle is addressed, optimising their own effectiveness as practitioners.

CNM’s Naturopathic approach to Acupuncture is specifically designed to combine ancient Chinese principles with the needs of today’s society, to produce maximum health benefits for all. Instead of settling for getting rid of symptoms, the aim of Naturopathic Acupuncture is to promote a feeling of true wellness and vitality from a totally holistic perspective. Naturopathic Acupuncture offers a highly rewarding career choice and the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives.

Amanda Hair

Attend a FREE CNM Open Evening in Bristol Thursday 12th November 2015 7pm-9pm

Thinking of becoming a Nutritional Therapist?

Thursday 19th November 2015 7pm-9pm

Thinking of becomingGeoff an Don Acupuncturist?

(Live Acupuncture demo).

Please reserve your free place for either event on line.

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

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Heart Health Cardiac surgery and cardiology at The Heart Centre, the Glen Spire Bristol Hospital

Clinical quality through service standards: Dedicated nursing staff work closely with consultants, cardiac technicians and specialist physiotherapists to deliver patient-focused excellence in cardiac and critical care, with exemplary results.

All consultant cardiac surgeons and consultant cardiologists have high standards to meet, from specialist NHS posts to proven expertise in complex cardiac surgery and interventional cardiology. The theatre, ward and intensive care nurses are also trained to a level where their specialties reflect those of the consultants.

This means the Centre can provide a quality service, driven and delivered by experienced consultant cardiac surgeons and consultant cardiologists whose day-to-day work requires them to treat critically ill patients. The excellent results achieved at the Glen are a direct result of the dedication of consultants and the specialist team that works with them.

Following discharge from the hospital, your follow-up care will be second to none. The same specialist teams who treated you as an in-patient will be available on the phone 24 hours a day to answer any questions, solve minor issues or arrange early follow up if required.

What the Centre provides:

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he Heart Centre at the Glen, Spire Bristol Hospital, is the only private facility in the South West to offer high quality, complex cardiac surgery and associated cardiology. The Centre prides itself on providing the highest quality specialist care – from the first moment you are in touch with them through to the completion of your treatment and aftercare – so you can feel confident that the treatment you receive is of the highest standard.

Spire Bristol’s consultant cardiac surgeons, consultant cardiologists and specialist clinical staff are at the top of their profession, are passionate about what they do and have met stringent national standards in clinical quality, education and research.

As the only private hospital in the South West with an Intensive Care Unit, the team at Spire Bristol are able to perform complex cardiac surgery, giving vital reassurance to patients.

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In addition to the specialist care from your chosen cardiac surgeon or cardiologist, the Heart Centre offers: • Your choice of consultant surgeon if you need cardiac surgery. This will include critical care facilities • State-of-the-art cardiology equipment to enable the clinical team to assess your condition thoroughly before surgery • Blood tests and the latest diagnostic imaging on a 24 hour basis, as well as blood bank facilities for transfusions in the unlikely event it is needed • A critical care outreach team, which consists of a team of intensive care nurses who will follow up your progress from intensive care to the wards, to ensure you are recovering as planned • Readily available consultants for cardiology, respiratory medicine and associated specialties as well as specialist cardiac anaesthetics.

If you’d like any further information tel: 01454 456 500 or visit: www.spirespecialistcarecentre.com

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GARDENING OUT | AND ABOUT

WALKING IN CIRCLES This month, Andrew Swift takes us on a walk through the mystical area of Avebury

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his month’s walk explores the area around Avebury, which for many is the most important prehistoric site in Britain. John Aubrey, who first realised its significance in the seventeenth century, declared that it ‘does as much exceed in greatness the so renowned Stonehenge as a cathedral doeth a parish church’. Sadly, many of the stones which characterised Avebury in Aubrey’s day have since been broken, buried or removed, and the present appearance of the site is largely due to Alexander Keiller, who excavated and re-erected many of them in the 1930s.

November is a good time to visit Avebury, as the tourist hordes have departed, and, although some of the paths alongside the River Kennet may be muddy, this five-mile walk, which takes in the major monuments of this sacred landscape, avoids the worst of them.

There is no parking in Avebury itself, but there is a large car park just west of the village on the A4361 (SU100696). All-day parking costs £3 during the winter months, but is free to National Trust and English Heritage members.

Having parked up, most people head for the exit in the northeast corner leading to the village and stone circle. We, however, will head in the opposite direction, leaving the stones as the grand finale to our walk. ● Head back to the car park entrance and take a path to the right.

Turn right along the road for a few metres before crossing and going through a gateway with a blue arrow and a White Horse Trail (WHT) waymark. Carry on through a handgate with another WHT waymark to follow a path beside the fledgling River Kennet. ● As you continue along the path, Silbury Hill comes into view ahead. Believed to have been built between 2400 and 2300BC, the reasons for its construction remain as obscure as they were in Aubrey’s day. There are, however, a myriad of theories to 98 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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account for it, and, as you walk along, glimpsing it from different angles, you may well feel moved to concoct one of your own. ● Carry on through two handgates, ignoring a turning to the right. Follow the path through another handgate, and, at the main road, cross, turn left and then right through a kissing gate (KG) following a sign for West Kennet Long Barrow (SU104684). ● Follow the path as it bears left through a KG. After another 50m, the main track bears right uphill (SU105682). Although there is no waymark to indicate it, the public footpath carries straight on beside a fence. That is the way you want to go, but first make a detour up to the right to visit West Kennet Long Barrow. This extraordinary communal tomb, high on the downs, predates both Silbury Hill and the stone circle at Avebury, and provides a superb vantage point over the World Heritage Site. ● Head back downhill, turn right along the path and, at the end of the field, cross a stile and carry on. When you come to a lane, cross a stile to carry straight on with a fence on your right. After 350m follow the fence as it bears right. Just before the end of the field, cross a stile and carry on along a narrow path. At a T junction, turn left, and after a few metres turn right (SU114678). ● When you come to a broad track bear left along it. Follow it as it swings left towards the spire of East Kennett church. This bucolic village – population 84 – with its thatched cottages and time-worn redbrick buildings, nestling in the willow-fringed valley of the Kennet, is a striking contrast to the prehistoric sites on the bleak downs above. ● Continue along the lane past the church and the Manor Farm, turning right at the end by a phone box. When the wall on the left ends, turn left along a footpath by Manor Cottage. Turn left at

Main image: The impressive row of standing stones that make up The Avenue

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OUT | AND ABOUT

This page: A view of Silbury Hill through the trees

the end, and, after a few metres, when the lane forks, carry straight on alongside a wall. After passing the Manor House, where a bridge takes you across the Kennet, the going can get muddy. Follow the bridleway as it curves onward and upward, ignoring turnings to right and left. This rutted track leads up to the A4 (SU119681), where you will see a group of tumuli across the road and the Lansdowne Monument of 1845 on the western horizon. On the left is the site of the Sanctuary – a stone circle once linked to Avebury by a ceremonial avenue. Still intact in Aubrey’s day, it was destroyed in 1723, and the position of the stones is now indicated by concrete slabs. ● Cross and carry on along the Ridgeway for 700m, before turning left along a grassy byway (SU119688). After 200m, follow it as it curves right past a beech-covered tumulus (don’t take the permissive path branching off to the left). After 400m, carry on past a turning to the left with a ‘no public access’ sign, but, after another 400m, when you come to a crosspath (SU113698), turn left down a broad grassy track. ● After 700m, when you come to the road, cross and turn right through a gate to walk up what survives of the avenue that linked the Sanctuary with Avebury. The sinuous course of the avenue, with lost stones indicated by concrete slabs, swings right, where the road now slices through it, before curving back to the left as the village of Avebury and the mighty henge – or rampart – around the stone circle comes into view ahead. ● A handgate leads onto a road, where another handgate leads through the henge to the stone circle. The site is divided into four quadrants by the two roads that slice through it, with the way back to the car park over to the left. Before heading back, however, there is much to see – including a museum housing Keiller’s archaeological discoveries and a sixteenth-century manor house (open from Thursday to Sunday during November and December).

There are also tea rooms, shops, a pub and the inevitable gift shops. n

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FURTHER INFORMATION... n

Distance: 5 miles

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Time: 2.5 – 3 hours

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Level of challenge: Generally straightforward but muddy in places with three stiles and two road crossings

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Map: OS Explorer 157

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HOMES | ON SHOW

A WORK OF ART Marianne Swinkels finds a glorious Georgian property in Clevedon, and enjoys the delights of this beautiful seaside town

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t has nothing at all of the Dismaland about it. Many thousands of curious folk who either queued outside for hours or hovered online to grab instant ‘sold-out-inseconds’ tickets, headed straight for Weston-super-Mare during the summertime tourist boom frenzy to view Banksy’s pop-up bemusement park.

In the desire to experience an artsy and anarchic ‘take’ on a British seaside theme park funday out, few will have given a passing thought to a neighbouring resort. Some may even have deliberately by-passed this other coastal town which, though just a few miles further along the road – and even closer to the Bristol home base of the elusive street artist – exudes an altogether different atmosphere.

Because this is the land of very few amusement arcades, brash funfairs, crazy golf, or the fish ‘n’ chip ‘n’ burger outlets so beloved by visitors who readily head for the ever popular family holiday destination that is Weston. So let’s hear it, for those not in the know, for cool Clevedon. Same coast, different planet.

Each to their own, let’s happily say.

It may well not be Banksy’s cup of tea for there is nowt dismal happening here. Far from it: there’s an air of charm and

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elegance, of grand Victorian architecture, leafy hills and Gothic villas. A famously restored Grade 1 listed pier graces the seafront, a pebbled shoreline invites coastal strolls along wildlife rich tidal bays and splendid sunsets are easily viewed from this Severn Estuary vantage.

But let this refinement not fool you, as I discovered en route to view a new-to-market home in Clevedon’s prestigious Hill Road. This is no stuck-in-the-mud resort town, if you’ll pardon the pun, and though only 20 minutes drive to Bristol centre, has its own rich cultural and property scene. Highlighted in the Sunday Times this year as one of the UK’s best seaside towns, it’s also hot on many home buyers’ radars given its easy proximity to the city.

Think Clifton-on-sea as you drive into this particular street which has become a magnet for lovers of food, craft and vintage markets, artisan outlets, stylish eateries, bars, boutiques and independent emporiums.

And if I’ve set out to ‘sell’ you Clevedon, it’s because this gorgeous Georgian residence can simply sell itself. Especially when it comes to location and price. Where can you buy a five bedroomed home with all this living room, family room, dining

Main image: The striking Georgian facade complete with panelled sash windows

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HOMES | ON SHOW

PROPERTY PROFILE Where: Hill Road, Clevedon, BS21 What: Spacious Grade 11 listed Georgian house in elevated position off prestigious Hill Road with all local amenities. Five bedrooms, three receptions. Period features throughout.

Rear tiered gardens offering exceptional coastal and town views.

Guide price: £725,000 Agent: Mayfair Town & Country (Clifton) www.mayfairproperties.net Contact: T: 0117 906 4050 or e: clifton@mayfairproperties.net

This page, clockwise from top: one of three spacious reception rooms; a view of the pretty garden; another spacious reception room; the wellappointed kitchen

room, open plan kitchen, gardens et al space in a posh city postcode for a £725,000 price tag?

Discreetly accessed off the main street, in an elevated position behind a gallery, this splendid lavender coloured house is in the epicentre of where ‘it’s at’. Frankly you need never venture far from this character Grade 1 listed home. From the lofty height of this quintessentially stylish period property and the rear terraced gardens which rise ever upwards, you can take full advantage of the Clevedon panorama – a vista which spans the shore, the teensy islands of Steep Holm and Flat Holm and way, way beyond. The world it seems is at your feet – or rather, right on your doorstep.

Built in 1727, if you’re a fan of the Georgian era you’ll be in your element here. For in marked contrast to either George I, the Hanoverian who reluctantly took to the throne in 1720, or the largely unadmirable string of disinterested, mad, dissolute or disliked monarchs who followed on until 1830, the popular architecture of the time was all about proportion, order, stability and classical-inspired simplicity.

Grand, tall, flat-fronted Georgian houses with strong kerbside appeal, strict symmetry of sash windows and doors, and well

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proportioned rooms were then in vogue for folk on the up. And, it’s fair to say, that’s still the case today. There’s a healthy market for these good solid properties and it’s right and proper to have a sense of history if you take the tour of this airy home, not least because of the many fine original features it still obviously retains, including the panelled sash windows, wood shutters and floors, cornices and coving, handsome stairwell and fireplaces throughout.

Then along came the Victorians, who knew what they were doing when they followed on to develop this genteel little resort and left their own rich building legacy. Small wonder then that Hill Road was chosen as the High Street for the gripping TV drama series Broadchurch, and many of the scenes in the fictional Dorset town were filmed on location in Clevedon – now highlighted in a popular Broadchurch trail walk.

So, is this classy house in cool Clevedon stuck in some sort of tranquil time warp I hear you ask? It certainly is – and definitely is not! Where else can you promenade along a Victorian pier before nipping up the road to do a serious Cribbs shop?

I for one, love the whole winning and best of both worlds combo… just don’t spread the word. n NOVEMBER 2015 | THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 101

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INTERIORS | INSPIRATION

WINTER WARMERS As the nights draw in and the temperature drops, our instinct is to hunker down and hibernate. So this month, we’ve put together some gorgeous ideas for interiors that will make you feel as snug as a bug in a rug 102 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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1 Sheepskin throw, £125 from Bo Concept, Broadmead, www.boconcept.com

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INTERIORS | INSPIRATION

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s winter takes hold, the hearth becomes the heart of the home. So make sure you choose a stove that is as stylish as it is serviceable, and make sure you do your research before investing.

Fireplace specialist Pinckney Green, based in Wick near Bristol, offer two top tips to make sure you find the right one – know your room size so you can work out the kilowatt output your stove should produce; and choose your type carefully, although wood burning stoves are cheaper and have bigger viewing windows, multifuel stoves offer the flexibility of using coal or wood. Then, once you’ve found the perfect centerpiece for your cosy living room, all you need to do is complement it with items in soft, neutral colours, lush textures, and tactile natural materials.

Main image: Stovax Stockton 5 multi-fuel stove, £799, from Pinckney Green, tel: 0117 937 2555 or visit: www.pinckneygreen.co.uk

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Dartington Crystal Little Gem Urn, £20 from John Lewis

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Goatskin cushion, £59 from BoConcept; Rhythm teal cushion, £30, and Stag’s Head cushion, £20, both from John Lewis, www.johnlewis.com

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Dark brown leather pouffe, £120 from John Lewis

Copper Satellite table lamp, £379 from BoConcept

6 Large Major Comfort sofa, from £2,245, from Sofa Workshop, Whiteladies Road, www.sofaworkshop.com

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LIMITED OFFER ORDER ANY SIX CHAIRS AND ONLY PAY FOR FIVE

CHOOSE YOUR FAVOURITE WEGNER CHAIR Carl Hansen & Son presents a unique and special promotion.

Offer applies to any chairs or stools designed by Hans J Wegner and you can mix and match. 6 for 5 Offer runs until 10th December.

S annon F U R N I T U R E LT D

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Contemporary interior furniture and lighting from Carl Hansen and Son, Fritz Hansen and Swedese. Homewares from Marimekko, Iittala and Arabia with fabrics, and throws from Finland and Sweden.

68 Walcot Street Bath BA1 5BD 01225 424222 www.shannon-uk.com

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GARDENING GARDENING

HIDING OUT This month, our garden expert Margaux Speirs builds a room of one’s own in the garden

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t’s November and who wants to think about gardening at this time of year? But how about planning a cosy garden room and getting it built and painted one fine autumn day, ready to enjoy in the spring? We joke about ‘man caves’ but I think lots of people would delight in a little, sheltered, outdoor space where they can go to pursue simple pleasures – reading, writing, a glass of wine. My sister has a shepherd’s hut in her garden which she calls her “Scribiculum” in anticipation of the day she sits down to write a novel. Even though she has yet to set pen to paper it’s furnished with diminutive arm chairs, desk and tea making area. It’s just a fun and delightful place to get away from some of the more mundane and pressing things that otherwise bear down on one in the house. It also looks ornamental in the garden, giving a focus to the area around it. That would be my guiding principle in choosing a garden building: it needs to be attractive to the eye at all times of the year, whether it is a focal point or tucked away in a quiet corner for peace and privacy.

I am not talking about the timber shack you need to store the lawn mower and garden tools. If you have to have one of those the idea is to try to hide it away with careful planting and a twist in the path to it so you don’t see it until you are right outside. (Even this can be improved on by, for example planting clematis up the side on attractive trellis.) My preference is that even the most basic functioning garden shed should be lovely to look at – in my view better no garden building than an ugly one – and actually it’s not that difficult or expensive to achieve.

If you already have an unlovely garden shed then think about what you could do to improve on it: could you paint it in a 106 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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couple of pastel colours, for example pale blue with white window and door frames to give it a beach hut makeover? You will need to use a paint formulated for rough sawn timber which is UV resistant and intended for garden fences and buildings.

Cuprinol makes a nice range of garden paint colours which allow the texture of the wood grain to be seen. You would need to repaint every 5 years but the job is made easier with a gadget incorporating a sprayer and paint brush. With an apex roof shed, could you add a new, more interesting roof such as composition shingles which look like slate, topped with a row of baby ridge tiles? Even just hanging an attractive decoration on the shed wall, such as an outdoor lantern surrounded by a twig garland, can really lift the look. I have seen a dreary shed transformed into a charming arbour simply by removing the doors and front wall and putting a painted bench inside.

If you are splashing out on a new garden building then the size will be dictated by the available space and your budget as well as its proposed purpose, but beware of making the building too small and apologetic. To some extent the building is a flight of fancy, an expression of your individuality, and if you are too timid it will spoil the effect.

It’s best not to buy online – you need to see what you are getting, make sure you can stand upright in it and that the only light you see from the inside is through the windows, for example. You are most likely to be buying a wooden building so here are some hints about what to look for to ensure durability and value for money. Sheds are still manufactured in feet and inches, the most popular sizes being 6 x 8ft and 8 x 10ft. It’s likely to be made of softwood, usually pine (referred to in the

Main image: A summerhouse can be just as beautiful in autumn, and even winter © Richard Evans

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GARDENING

trade as redwood or red deal) or spruce (white deal). Redwood retains some of its sap, giving it a slightly waxy feel and making it last longer than whitewood. Ordinarily you will need to treat the wood every year with a wood preservative (which may be tricky if the building is against a fence or wall). The best softwood for outdoor use is cedar which doesn’t need regular treating but it’s twice as expensive as pine, and if the pine has been tanalised or pressure treated it can also go 15 years without further coating. Use the suppliers’ length of guarantee as a guide to the quality of the wood used in construction – usually 5, 10, or 15 years – but remember terms and conditions may make the guarantee less useful than it first seems. Avoid chipboard in the construction as it’s not sufficiently weatherproof and look for chunky timber frames (supporting timbers of at least 2 x 2in). The method of cladding is to some extent a question of taste – the most rustic look is the traditional ‘feather edge’ where the planks are thicker at the bottom than at the top: budget sheds will economise on the size of the overlap. The stronger finish is shiplap which has better resistance to rain. The variation ‘loglap’ gives a curved profile to the planks. If the intention is to paint the building then choose a planed, smooth finish. Normal shed roof shape is either pent (single pitch) or apex (upside down V shaped). Remember that the silhouette of the building will be seen at a distance against a background of shrubs, trees and sky and it’s very difficult to get excited about the outline of a single pitch roof! My favourite shape is an elongated hexagon, with a sloping cedar shingle roof, but at £3000 for a 6 x 8ft shed you would have to love it…

You will need to build a base for the shed, so cost that in when you are working out the budget: the simplest are treated wooden beams on hard-core or shingle, followed by interlocking plastic sections laid on firm level ground then concrete slabs on sharp sand and (usually most expensive) concrete on hard-core. Don’t forget to find out if you need planning permission before you start. n Margaux Speirs is a pre-registered member of the Society of Garden Designers and runs her business, Margaux Speirs Garden Design, from her home in Bristol. For further information, tel: 07903 779910 visit: www.margauxspeirsgardendesign.co.uk

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PLANT OF THE MONTH: Mahonia x media ‘Charity’, commonly known as the Lily of the Valley bush, has attractive evergreen foliage and stalks of bright yellow, fragrant flowers from November to March. The cultivar ‘Charity’ has the added attraction of deep purple berries after flowering and red leaf colour in autumn. It’s easy to grow and happy in shade or partial shade reaching. Keep it small by pruning after flowering or let it reach its full height of 2.5m. If the fact that it is spikey puts you off then look out for the new cultivar Mahonia ‘Soft Caress’ which flowers slightly earlier but is less fragrant: it won the coveted Plant of the Year at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2013.

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INTERIOR | DESIGNS PROMOTION

INSPIRED KITCHENS Wren kitchens launches a new and exclusive range by Linda Barker

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ren Kitchens has launched an exclusive range of kitchens in collaboration with interior designer Linda Barker. Their new Linda Barker Range incorporates all the thoughtful finishing touches you'd expect from an experienced interiors specialist.

The collaboration began back in 2012 when Wren Kitchens donated a kitchen to a family of flood victims, which was shown on a programme that Linda was presenting. Wren started talking to Linda and it soon became clear that they shared the same values; Wren are a family-owned business, with roots in Yorkshire where Linda herself is also from. Linda admired Wren’s ambition to completely transform the UK kitchen market, and the collaboration blossomed from there, with Linda becoming Wren’s ‘Creative Director’. They soon began working on an exclusive kitchen collection which would provide consumers with the biggest choice of kitchen door styles and colours in the UK. And all manufactured here in the UK at Wren’s own factories in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. This Collection was a year in the making, and was launched to the UK-wide market at the end of 2013.

There are eight door styles to explore and 40 sumptuous shades chosen exclusively by Linda herself for her Collection each available in a gloss, eggshell or matt finish. Traditional dovetail jointing on solid oak drawer boxes reflects the level of quality: another opulent feature unique to the Linda Barker collection, which comes with a lifetime guarantee.

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Last year Linda had her own Wren kitchen installed in her beautiful Yorkshire home. Linda wanted to make the most of her space, while creating a social environment where she could entertain her family and friends, incorporating the panoramic views through her floor-to-ceiling windows of the Yorkshire countryside. She chose the Sculptured door style with complementary colour palette, combining Gullwing, Royal Purple and Damson to great effect.

“All the internal fittings are beautifully lined in oak, which means I never worry about my cupboard doors being left open.

The design maximises the space available and although no structural changes were made I feel as if I have a much bigger, more efficient kitchen with infinitely more storage space.”

Linda is now heavily involved with Wren’s Kitchen Designer training at their head office, ‘The Nest’ in North Lincolnshire.

At the end of the designers’ 2-week induction, Linda provides a specialist interior design session, encouraging them to experiment with colour and offering advice on everything from kitchen layouts to the latest appliances and trends. Linda has become a part of the Wren family, and she is more than just the ‘face’ of Wren, it’s a synergy that is cemented in her passion for interiors and love of the brand.

To view the entire range and book a design appointment, visit wrenkitchens.com or one of the two Bristol showrooms at Imperial Park, BS13 7TJ or Cribbs Causeway, BS34 5UD n

Style and substance.

The new range by Linda Barker for Wren kitchens features beautiful finishes and quality designs

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BRISTOL PROPERTY | IN FOCUS

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ailand Farm is a wonderful Grade II listed farmhouse situated at the end of a pretty no through lane. The house has a southerly aspect and is surrounded by its own land, surrounded by farmland and woodland, yet within easy reach of Clifton Village. Inside, the property is bursting with period farmhouse features, including beamed ceilings, a flagstoned reception hall, and cosy fireplaces. The accommodation is over three floors and briefly comprises: Ground floor: Reception hall, drawing room, sitting room, formal dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, second dining room, study/bedroom 5, utility room, 2 cloakrooms, cellar. First floor: Principal bedroom with fitted dressing room, second bedroom, 2 bathrooms. Second floor: 2 bedrooms with en suite bath/shower rooms.

In addition to the main farmhouse there is a detached two bedroom cottage, a further outbuilding with home office/games room, shower room and bedroom, a triple garage, summer house and other modern agricultural buildings. In all the property amounts to approximately 98 acres. This idyllic country farmhouse, land and buildings would suit a variety of uses and should be viewed to appreciate the many options available. Agents are Knight Frank.

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

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FAILAND FARM, FAILAND NORTH SOMERSET • 4/5 bedroom period farmhouse • 2 bedroom detached cottage • Detached home office with shower room and bedroom • Modern agricultural buildings • Hugely flexible accommodation .

Guide Price £2,800,000

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

(0117) 934 9977

FOR SALE (MAY LET) OFFICE HQ – WORLE PARKWAY

BEDMINSTER – TO LET

Modern office HQ of 4,575 sq ft + 26 car spaces –

C 3,500 sq ft + stores of c 3,500 sq ft –

Good quality offices –

New lease –

Only £395,000!

Rent on application

*FOR SALE*

INVESTMENT FOR SALE

WESSEX HOUSE

Bristol City Centre bar / restaurant –

Modern detached office building –

Fully let on FRI lease –

3,143 sq ft – Excellent parking –

Rent £28,119 pax / Price £325,000

Price on application A3 CAFÉ / RESTAURANT

INVESTMENT – BRISTOL LET TO CO-OP

Fully fitted – 1,560 sq ft –

* Rent £38,000 PAX

Busy city centre site –

* High Street Location

Ready to walk in & trade –

* £465,000

Only £15,000 pax – Premium offers

12D & 12E COTHAM ROAD, BRISTOL FOR SALE

WHITELADIES ROAD SHOPS TO LET

A substantial detached property with existing D1 day nursery use & development potential –

Shop option 1 – 750 sq ft

LARGE UNIT ALSO SUIT OFFICE USE Shop option 2 – 1,750 sq ft + Basement sales of 760 sq ft

PRICE ON APPLICATION

NEW LEASE – Rent on application

OFFICES TO LET – PORTLAND SQUARE AREA

JUBILEE HOUSE BS1 Detached office building close to Queen Square and the waterfront. C. 1,800 sq ft

Two interconnecting period office buildings fitted to a contemporary standard – 3 car spaces + courtyard garden – From C 2,400 sq ft to c 5,200 sq ft –

New lease only £13.50 per sq ft.

NEW FLEXIBLE LEASE – Rent O/A

Julian Cook FRICS

Jayne Rixon

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MRICS

Charlie Kershaw MRICS

Finola Ingham MRICS

Tom Coyte BA Hons

• • • • •

Sales / Lettings Acquisitions Valuations Landlord & tenant Auction Sales

• • • • •

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

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

New residents move into Bristol’s latest harbourside development A new quarter that will complete the regeneration of Bristol’s iconic floating harbour is coming to life as new residents make a home for themselves at Wapping Wharf.

W

apping Wharf – which is reaching the end of its first phase of development – offers a city-centre location, close to the heart of Bristol’s leisure and cultural core, combined with a slice of tranquillity that comes with being positioned on the edge of the city’s glistening waterfront. With many of the apartments boasting sweeping views and the site offering easy access not just to the city centre, but to trendy quarters such as Southville and Spike Island, it is no surprise that buyers have been snapping up these high quality homes fast.

CGI to reflect computer generated images for illustrative purposes only.

Many of the apartments have been bought by buyers in Bristol and the South West, paving the way for the growth of a new community-focused neighbourhood for the city. As part of the wider Wapping Wharf development, which is expected to be complemented with independent restaurants, cafes and shops, an important new connection between the south of Bristol and the city centre is being created. Gaol Ferry Steps, which will be tree-

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Show apartment, not actual property for sale.

lined, will run through from Gaol Ferry Bridge to the new public square. Landscape works to the route are progressing well, with it due to open in the coming weeks.

Stuart Hatton, director at Umberslade, the developers behind Wapping Wharf, said: “Wapping Wharf sits at the very heart of the city’s cultural and leisure hub, with major landmarks and important cultural venues and events on its doorstep, so it’s an excellent location for those looking for a home that is both stylish and convenient in a part of Bristol that offers easy access to some of the most vibrant parts of the city.”

Wapping Wharf is expected to feature 600 apartments, with phase one of development including 168 apartments. Around 90% of apartments in the first phase have now been sold or reserved. Prospective buyers can sign up to register their interest in the next release of properties by emailing sales@wappingwharfliving.co.uk or calling 0117 930 5678.

The next release of apartments will include seven two-bed penthouse apartments, offering a haven of tranquillity up in the skies above Bristol.

Many of the penthouses, which are on the fifth floor, include views looking out across either the Cumberland Basin and rolling Mendip Hills

beyond, or over the harbourside with views across the city from the Clifton Suspension Bridge on the left, Cabot Tower and the Wills Memorial to St Mary Redcliffe on the right. Some of the penthouse apartments have dual balconies, offering views on both sides, and most two-bedroom penthouses will benefit from two parking spaces.

Wapping Wharf benefits from being positioned in an area steeped in history; the new quarter will indeed retain and restore several key listed buildings and the old gaol gates to enhance the City Docks conservation area. In a nod to the area’s former trading heritage, the apartments have been designed with an urban dockside character and feature pitched roofs mirroring the shape of the wharf buildings that traditionally lined the docks.

Wapping Wharf is being developed by Umberslade in a joint venture with Muse Developments and is one of the most significant new schemes in the city.

To see the plans or to find out more, prospective buyers should visit the development’s Marketing Suite at the Mud Dock Deli which is open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm, or visit www.wappingwharfliving.co.uk.

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City & Country launch historic harbourside properties in former hospital’s octagonal tower, as restoration to the Ogee Dome begins

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

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

Bristol’s Biggest Magazine

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NOVEMBER 2015

s the remarkable transformation of Bristol’s former General Hospital continues, City & Country has launched an exclusive collection of ingeniously designed homes situated in the hospital’s most iconic element, the octagonal tower.

The tower is currently undergoing full restoration and these new properties will occupy a prime location overlooking the harbour with the higher level homes boasting views to the Somerset countryside. The main living spaces are located in the unique octagonal tower with light pouring in from all angles.

Some of the properties will feature spiral staircases and spacious waterfront facing terraces.

The octagonal tower, and the original Ogee Dome that proudly sat atop it, suffered severe bomb damage during World War II. At this time the original mansard roof and ornate dome over the tower were completely destroyed, resulting in its removal and replacement with an asphalt roof.

Now City & Country is fully reinstating the French Châteaux style mansard roof, as well as the Ogee Dome, which is to be replaced with a zinc clad replica to take pride of place once again above the octagonal tower returning the hospital to the proportions, scale and appearance of its original W.B Gingell designs of 1853.

Suzanne Aplin, Sales & Marketing Director at City & Country, believes these new homes will be some of the most sought after properties for sale within the city. She comments: “We are entering an incredibly exciting phase at The General with the restoration of the octagonal tower. The apartments sited within the tower will possess majestic views of the harbourside and beyond to the countryside, providing a unique combination of period history with contemporary design flair and style which will be very hard to match.”

Historic features of The General already reinstated include a beautiful Victorianera stone fountain, which has been restored to full working order in the central courtyard complete with an ornate fish sculpture that stood within the fountain bowl. Period details of the properties include roof lanterns, timber sash windows, metal Crittall windows and existing listed ornate wrought iron gates and railings.

Internally, the homes provide luxurious specifications that include matt handleless linear kitchens from Ballerina, Neff stainless steel appliances, luxurious bathrooms by Laufen, brassware from Crosswater, heated towel rails and porcelain tiles. Oak engineered brushed flooring features in most living areas, and 100% wool carpets have been laid to bedrooms to offer a luxurious finish. Most properties benefit from views of the waterside, a pretty internal courtyard and fountain, or the beautifully landscaped grounds.

Properties in the octagonal tower are currently available off plan and prices start from £750,000. Across the whole development properties range from £295,000 to £810,000. The Sales Suite, open daily 10am to 5pm, is located in The General’s courtyard accessed from Guinea Street. Interested parties should call 0117 92 55 333 or visit: www.cityandcountry.co.uk

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

www.cjhole.com Is it just me or has Bristol City Centre suddenly sprung to life?

Regeneration has largely concentrated on the Harbourside in the last twenty years with all the interesting developments clinging to the water. Yet all of sudden (why does it always appear that way?) Bristol’s old commercial centre is buzzing with energy, cash and a new lease of life. With an integrated transport plan underway, and a council demanding a leaner, greener, healthier place to live and work, the Old City feels as though it really is now on course to become Bristol’s ‘Covent Garden’. With an influx of students, first time buyers and young professionals in this cultural and historic centre comes a thirst for quality

accommodation as well as cafes, restaurants and independent retail, like our vibrant and European style St Nicholas’ market. Cabot Circus and the Shopping Quarter are enjoying continued growth and there is no doubt that these new neighbourhoods around the High Street, Wine Street and Castle Park will seamlessly connect the city across to the waterfront.

Exciting times for Bristol. Don’t you just love this city?

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

Central Southey House has been elegantly converted into a selection of 33 brand new studios, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments. The light modern interiors have a fresh, contemporary feel and extremely high quality finish, every design detail has been carefully considered. The open plan living/dining/kitchen space forms a chic heart to these stylish apartments. Apartments on the 2nd and 7th floors have private terraces with views of the City. EPC’s Various.

Price on application

Cotham A simply stunning first floor apartment set in a gorgeous detached Grade II listed building in Cotham. The property consists of: Lovely lounge with a feature Victorian style fireplace with a gas fire, large kitchen/diner, two generous double bedrooms, a main bathroom and a separate shower room. The property also has the bonus of a rear garden area mainly laid to lawn plus a patio area and comes with a garage. EPC D.

SSTC

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Stoke Bishop

Cribbs Causeway

Westbury-on-Trym

Superbly presented detached five bedroom family home with a bespoke kitchen/dining room, three individual reception rooms; front with bay, fireplace and interconnecting door to the formal dining room, separate office/ playroom, integral double garages and landscaped family garden.

EPC D.

A substantial detached family home positioned within a 49m x 44m mature private garden. Three/four receptions, four double bedrooms, two en-suites, kitchen/ breakfast room, separate utility, downstairs cloakroom/WC, ample and secure parking.

EPC E.

Characterful three storey Victorian family home with four bedrooms, front reception with bay and fireplace, opening into dining area, third reception to lower ground floor, Westerly facing garden, kitchen/breakfast room with dual aspect and solid wood worktops.

EPC E.

Guide £750,000

£700,000 - £725,000

£450,000

Henleaze

Henleaze

Westbury Park

19m south-south-westerly facing garden, open plan living/dining area with period fireplace and kitchen with island, separate living room with bay and wood burner, four double bedrooms, and further single bedroom/office.

EPC E.

A substantial three storey period family home with five bedrooms, two bathrooms, two receptions with period fireplaces; one with French doors to bay which overlooks and leads to garden and kitchen/diner with granite worktops.

EPC E.

A beautifully presented 1930’s four bedroom family home with an open plan lounge and dining room with French style patio doors leading to a south facing family garden and contemporary kitchen/diner with dual aspect windows and doors.

EPC D.

£735,000

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Guide £650,000

Guide £600,000

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Redland £334,500

Hampton Road – Three bedroom flat

Clifton Office 0117 946 6007

A very attractive garden flat close to Whiteladies Road and offering exciting potential. Private entrance, generous room sizes, large dining hall, separate kitchen, off street parking space for one car, and private lawned rear garden. Offered to the market with no onward chain. EPC - D

Westbury-on-Trym £450,000

Westbury-on-Trym Office 0117 962 1973

Trym Court Cottages – Three bedroom house The original elements of this historic and stunning family home are believed to have been built circa 1780, with recent extensions in 2008. Nestled at the end of a pedestrian cul-de-sac only accessible from Chock Lane which winds into the historic village centre of Westbury-on-Trym. EPC - TBC

oceanhome.co.uk

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Redland £785,000

Cranbrook Road – Five bedroom house Located in the highly sought after catchment of Redland Green School is this deceptively spacious family home providing over 1800sqft of accommodation. Three reception areas, fitted kitchen, large utility room, large garden and ample off street parking.

EPC - E

Sneyd Park £320,000

Woodland Court – Three bedroom flat Perched at the end of one of Sneyd Parks most prestigious tree lined cul-de-sacs Woodland Courts elevated position on the edge of the Avon Gorge overlooks the river Avon and Leigh Woods.

This three double bedroom apartment is located on the top floor optimising the breath taking views. EPC - C

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www.maggsandallen.co.uk

0117 949 9000

Lettings & Management

60 Northumbria Drive, Henleaze, Bristol, BS9 4HW

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WESTBURY PARK

£1,350.00 pcm

** NOW LET, SIMILAR REQUIRED ** Edwardian house located in popular Westbury Park, within easy reach of shops, schools etc. The property comprises spacious entrance hall, two large reception rooms, large kitchen which leads onto a breakfast room with views of the pretty, enclosed rear garden. Upstairs there are two double bedrooms, a further good sized single bedroom and a recently refitted bathroom with a shower.

WESTBURY PARK

£1,850.00 pcm

** NOW LET, SIMILAR REQUIRED ** Double bayed 4/5 bedroom house, well located within the favoured Westbury Park school area, Large entrance hall leading to large reception room with stripped wooden flooring and bay window. Downstairs shower room, second reception with patio doors leading out onto the rear garden. The kitchen is a very good size with utility room. There is also a downstairs WC.

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Here are a selection of properties we have LET within the last six months.

CLIFTON

£1,600.00 pcm

Urgently seeking similar properties to meet demand.

** NOW LET, SIMILAR REQUIRED ** Detached house situated in one of the most desirable locations in Clifton within walking distance of Clifton Village, Whiteladies Road and Durdham Down. The accommodation comprises of open plan living areas with separate kitchen/breakfast room with granite work tops and integral appliances, downstairs w/c. To the first floor, 3 double bedrooms, master with ensuite shower room.

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If you’re thinking of letting your property call now to arrange a market appraisal.

WESTBURY PARK

0117 949 9000

£1,850.00 pcm

** NOW LET, SIMILAR REQUIRED ** Fantastic four bedroom home with accommodation comprising to the ground floor entrance hall, downstairs WC, living room, open plan kitchen/dining room with utility. To the first floor are 3 beds and family bathroom (mains shower cubicle and freestanding bath). On the top floor is a further double bedroom with ensuite shower room.

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WESTBURY ON TRYM

£1,275.00 pcm

** NOW LET, SIMILAR REQUIRED ** An impressive semi-detached family home situated in a quiet residential location close to Canford Park with level garden backing onto local allotments. The accommodation comprises living room, dining room, newly fitted to the ground floor. On the first floor are 3 bedrooms and bathroom suite.

Estate Agents

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Lettings & Management

Maggs & Allen Letting November.indd 1

£1,375.00 pcm

** NOW LET, SIMILAR REQUIRED ** Larger than average unfurnished semi-detached home. The accommodation comprises three/four bedrooms, pleasant entrance hall, living room with separate dining room, modern kitchen/breakfast room, separate utility with downstairs cloakroom, modern bathroom with shower and bath, westerly facing rear garden with a wider than average side plot with detached garage and off street parking.

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HENLEAZE

£1,800.00 pcm

** NOW LET, SIMILAR REQUIRED ** Spacious detached family home. The unfurnished accommodation comprises sitting room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room. On the first floor are 5 bedrooms (master with ensuite shower), bathroom and additional WC. Further benefiting from south facing rear garden, off street parking and garage.

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HARBOURSIDE

£1,300.00 pcm

** NOW LET, SIMILAR REQUIRED ** This stunning Harbourside apartment is offered on a furnished basis with balcony overlooking the ever popular Bristol Harbourside. 2 double bedrooms, master with ensuite shower room, kitchen leading to the reception room where access to the balcony is provided via double sliding doors.

Further benefiting from secure underground parking.

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REDLAND

£2,000.00 pcm

** NOW LET, SIMILAR REQUIRED ** This charming, light and airy, 4 double bedroom period terraced house has been modernised.

This comprises of hall, sitting, dining room with French doors to rear garden, fitted kitchen to utility room and downstairs WC. The first floor benefits from 3 double bedrooms one with ensuite shower room. To the top floor is a further double bedroom, study and bathroom.

Auctioneers

HENLEAZE

Commercial/ Investment

Chartered Surveyors

NORTH SOMERSET

£2,000.00 pcm

** NOW LET, SIMILAR REQUIRED ** This remarkable house boasts 3557 sqft with country views. The well designed property has accommodation comprising 4 double beds, 2 ensuites & bathroom. A wonderful main reception room leads to a rear balcony. Large kitchen/dining room, study, utility room & cloakroom. The garage has space for a workshop to the rear with a large room above, cloakroom & kitchen.

Land/New Homes

Energy Assessors

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Richard Harding Chartered Surveyors • Estate Agents • Auctioneers • Valuers

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BEACONSFIELD ROAD, CLIFTON Guide Price Range: £1,000,000 - £1,100,000

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CANOWIE ROAD, REDLAND Guide Price Range: £925,000 - £975,000

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LOWER REDLAND ROAD, REDLAND Guide Price: £1,100,000

Can we help you too?

The fine family houses shown here are just some of those we have sold at optimum prices having received multiple offers.

There is a shortage in all Bristol’s prime areas, and we have many ready, willing and able buyers registered with us who are prepared to offer complete flexibility in respect of timescales in order to purchase their next home.

If you are considering selling in the near future or in 2016 please contact one of the partners on 0117 9466690 to discuss and plan the most advantageous strategy to suit your particular circumstances.

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CLARENDON ROAD, REDLAND Guide Price: £985,000

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WOODSTOCK ROAD, REDLAND

FLORENCE PARK, WESTBURY PARK

RICHMOND PARK ROAD, CLIFTON

Guide Price Range: £935,000 - £985,000

Guide Price Range: £795,000 - £825,000

Guide Price Range: £925,0000 - £995,000

Professional, Reliable, Successful

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

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Cadbury Camp Lane, Guide Price £2,499,000

Bridleways is situated at the pinacle of one of North Somerset’s most prized roads and enjoys an open canopy, rarely seen in this location. It offers an exceptionally generous footprint of over about 9685 sq ft, predominantly laid over three floors. EPC Rating: E

Wedmore, Guide Price £1,350,000

A truly unique 1.6 acre lifestyle property within the prestigious village of Wedmore. A hidden gem offering privacy without isolation, magnificent views of open countryside, and yet within 400 yards of the bustling village centre with its eclectic mix of shops, cafes, restaurants, delis & pubs.

EPC Rating: C

Hamptons Bristol

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

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Sneyd Park, Guide Price £1,450,000

Set in just under half an acre, this distinguished home exudes quintessential 1930s elegance and charm and is proudly situated in one of Bristol’s most sought-after locations. 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, 0.48 acres. EPC Rating: E

Redland, Guide Price £935,000

A handsome 5 bedroom, 3 reception room semi detached Edwardian residence positioned on a sought after tree lined road in Redland. The property offers an abundance of space and character with off street parking for 2 cars. EPC Rating: E

Hamptons Bristol

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

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CLIFTON | BRISTOL

GUIDE PRICE ÂŁ1,750,000

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

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

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BITTON | BRISTOL

POA

A fabulous period farmhouse presenting an exceptional lifestyle opportunity, equidistant between Bristol and Bath. This superb property is located along a private no-through lane and bordered by its own circa 10 acre paddock, incorporating a small copse. In addition, the house has an outstanding fully converted party barn, attached indoor swimming pool and a range of useful outbuildings including garaging, workshops and store rooms. EPC: G.

fineandcountry.com

Redland - Guide Price £800,000

Redland - £585,000

This attractive Bath stone fronted Victorian four bedroom family house is positioned in a quiet side road within 5 minutes walk of Whiteladies Road. Two reception rooms, lovely kitchen and a fantastic enclosed south west facing rear garden. Off street parking to the front. Offered for sale with no onward chain. EPC - D

Style, space and location - this superb detached 3 bedroom house with garden boasts a smart contemporary theme and is located within the catchment for desirable Redland Green School.To say that this one is deceptive would be an understatement as the exterior leads you to believe that it is a bungalow. EPC - D

City Centre - Guide Price £395,000

Redland - Guide Price £675,000

AN EXCEPTIONAL CITY PAD! More akin to a rooftop townhouse than a flat this unique 2 bedroom, stylish development of duplex apartments with secure parking, private balcony and outside terrace is arranged around a central courtyard and sits on the rooftop of a modern office building situated in a convenient location within 5 minutes walk of Temple Meads. EPC - B

An impressive 5/6 bedroom, 3/4 reception, Victorian period family town house offering extensive and adaptable accommodation with south westerly facing rear garden. Comfortable and spacious accommodation is arranged over 3 full level floors, with a range of period features. Offered with no onward chain. EPC - D

Redland - Guide Price £625,000

Clifton - £325,000

A stunning extended 4 bedroom 1930’s family home with good size rear garden and off street parking situated in a quiet residential road. The house enjoys an elevated position with a pleasant outlook from the terrace area to the front of the house. EPC - D

A 2 double bedroom modern Mews cottage, with garage and courtyard garden that has been built in the site of the former Clifton quarry. The property is located in Clifton, just off Whiteladies Road close to the Downs. Offered with no onward chain. EPC - D

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Stoke Bishop - Guide Price £675,000

Westbury-on-Trym - Guide Price £700,000

We are delighted to offer this large & very attractive 1920’s 5 bedroom semi-detached family home which is presented in good condition throughout yet retains much of its original charm. There is a circa. 80’ level lawned rear garden, has ample parking to the front and there is an integral garage.

It is neatly set back in this popular Stoke Bishop Road, an early viewing is strongly advised. EPC - E

A fabulously large 2500 sq. foot 1930’s detached family home with 4 reception rooms, 4 double bedrooms, front, side and rear gardens as well as a graveled driveway with parking for several cars. Within Bristol Free School catchment area. EPC - D

Sneyd Park - Guide Price £575,000

Westbury-on-Trym - Guide Price £375,000

A stunning detached 3 bedroom mews house which offers a lovely contemporary feeling throughout with a garage, parking space and a wonderful landscaped garden. There is a lovely neighbourly spirit amongst the small community of houses within Chancel Close. EPC - C

A beautifully appointed, spacious and luxurious 3 bedroom townhouse situated in a lovely tucked away cul-de-sac in the desirable Royal Victoria Park development. It is a property of character situated over three floors offering a good size south west facing landscaped rear garden a garage and off-street parking. EPC – C

Westbury-on-Trym - Guide Price £335,000

Stoke Bishop - Guide Price £385,000

A 1950’s traditional 3 bedroom semi-detached house with no onward chain providing a manageable rear garden with southerly aspect, garage and off street parking situated within five minutes level walk of Westbury village. EPC - D

A 1950’s 3 bedroom semi-detached family home enjoying the benefit of a lovely large rear garden. The property is within reasonable walking distance to the ever popular Stoke Bishop Primary School and also Sea Mills train station. EPC - D

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