Food/Arts/Entertainment/Shopping/Property ISSUE 215 / AUGUST 2016 / £3
THE BRISTOL
A LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE CITY
ISSUE 215 / AUGUST 2016 / INDIES ROCK AND ROLL
MASSIVE BRISTOL MASSIVE
SUMMER (OF MUSIC)
IT’S A COOL, COOL
INDEPENDENT SPIRIT
B R IS T O L’ S U NIQUE S H O P P IN G S C ENE
WILD THINGS
H A P P Y B IRT HDAY B R IS T O L Z O O
WHERE THERE’S A W IL L S WE ME E T GR E AT G E O R GE
EDITOR’S LETTER / ISSUE 215 / AUGUST 2016
25
BEAT SURRENDER Some of the best music coming your way this year
Time out (-ish) After what felt like the busiest Bristol July ever, August may feel like a comparatively quiet affair; sure, there’s the Balloon Fiesta, and plenty of school holiday and community activities going on, but a bit less of the ‘huge hordes gather at Harbourside’ stuff that’s defined the summer so far. Mostly, you get the impression that the city’s taking a bit of time out, and gearing itself up for autumn. So while we’re all on a brief festival sabbatical, it may be a good time to reacquaint ourselves with some of the people and places that make Bristol such an appealing place to live in all year round. Near the top of the list are the independent shopkeepers, selling everything from cider to sideboards; we’ve featured just a few of these retail all-stars on pages 8-15. And as the world and his wife and kids prepares to spend at least one day at Bristol Zoo, we meet two members of the team, and ask: what’s in it for the animals? Answers to this, and many other searching questions, on the following pages. Deri Robins, editor Twitter @BristolLifeMag
REGULARS / ISSUE 215 / AUGUST 2016 M EET T H E T EAM
THE ARTS
Editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash.co.uk
17 Arts Intro Great art doesn’t have to be contained inside a gallery
Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Graphic design Megan Allison Cover design Trevor Gilham Contributors: Seb Barrett, David Flatman, Vel Ilic, Roseanne Dias
18 What’s On A bit less than usual, to be honest with you
Advertising manager Steve Grigg steve.grigg@mediaclash.co.uk Account manager Emma Stroud emma.stroud@mediaclash.co.uk Account manager James Morgan james.morgan@mediaclash.co.uk Commercial director Steve Hawkins steve.hawkins@mediaclash.co.uk
31 The Verdict A pair of post-punksters and a vivid exhibition of Jamaican art
33 Film What did Roald Dahl ever do for the movies?
SHOPPING 8 Indies rock’n roll
8
Meet some of Bristol’s most independent-minded shopkeepers
35 Shopping Intro Yes, we like fairy lights, too - but other al fresco illuminations are also available
36 Editor’s Choice Strip back the colour; we’re headed for a total white out
FOOD 40 Restaurants Greek tapas in Clifton
TIME OUT 44 Portishead Marina; what are these strange enchantments that start whenever you’re near?
48 Day Tripper When elephants walked through Clifton
53 Try Five Fancy learning a new skill?
48
NICE WHEELS
PROPERT Y
54 Need for Speed
68 Property Showcase
David Flatman’s saving up for the new Audi R8
A terraced home on the outskirts of Montepulciano. Oh, OK, it’s in Sneyd Park
A MAN’S WORLD 57 Seb Barrett We need to talk about Baz . . .
BUSINESS
DEPARTMENTS 7 58 82
Spotlight Snapped! Bristol Lives
Production and distribution manager Sarah Kingston sarah.kingston@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy production manager Christina West christina.west@mediaclash.co.uk Production designer Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk
Bristol Life, MediaClash, Circus Mews House, Circus Mews, Bath BA1 2PW 01225 475800 www.mediaclash.co.uk @The MediaClash © All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without written permission of MediaClash.
About MediaClash We’re a Bath-based publisher, creative agency and event organiser Magazines Our portfolio of regional magazines celebrates the best of local living: Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter and Salisbury. We also publish foodie mag Crumbs. (www.crumbsmag.com, @CrumbsMag) and wedding title Vow (@VowMag). Agency From the design and build of websites to digital marketing and creating company magazines, we can help. Events We create, market, promote and operate a wide variety of events both for MediaClash and our clients Contact: info@mediaclash.co.uk
61 Business Insider What does cricket have to do with a career in wealth management; a new shop called Strange; the kind of parkour you don’t wear to a Mod convention, and how to maintain a family business
On the cover Massive Attack: coming your way very soon (page 25)
44
PHOTO BY WWW.KHALIPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
“Wandering Star?” “No Adrian, it’s just one of them bloody Chinese lanterns”
COMMUNITY
BEDMO, NOT RIO Forget Rio; head to Bedminster on 7 August for the Bedmolympics – an ‘epic day of alternative entertainment’, and part of the Make Sunday Special initiative. Street games, art and crafts, picnic benches, street theatre, buskers, frog racing (we’re just quoting the press release here), a giant football table– you get the gist. The headline event will be the Bedminster Bobsleigh race through lower North Street, while wannabe street artists will be able to try their hand at graffiti. Kids’ crafts will be hosted along North Street, and The Old Bookshop will host a ‘Caribbean style extravaganza’. Other local businesses such as Margot May, The Steam Crane, Bedminster Pharmacy, Hungry Caterpillar Play Café are all involved too; it’s basically one gert lush, South Bristol community event. Volunteers and ideas from the public welcome; see contact below. For more: markets@bedminster.org
ARTS
TAKE ME TO CHURCH Adrian Utley of Portishead and the equally renowned John Parish are collaborating on a ‘Trinity Anthem’ to support the arts centre’s Notes for Notes fundraising appeal. The new track is designed to help Trinity raise funds towards £0.5m essential repairs. “Trinity’s been on the scene as long as I’ve lived in Bristol,” said John. “I remember the first show I ever saw here, which was Magazine in 1980 – astonishing gig. Astonishing atmosphere. Quite violent, but it was an amazing gig. Now my daughters are coming to shows here. “It’s part of the fabric of the Bristol music scene; the community work they do is also amazing. It’s vital that we hang onto artistic and cultural spaces, because that’s what
makes a city valuable; without those, the heart of the city will die.” Adrian recalls performing in the converted church in the mid 1990s. “Playing here with Portishead in the very early days was completely wicked. I’ve been coming for years.” Adrian and John have worked together, but never written music together before. Their Trinity Anthem will celebrate the venue’s rich 40-year musical heritage and be the impetus to drive donations toward the Notes for Notes appeal; each £5 raised represents one virtual musical note; when 4,000 notes are reached, the track will be released for download. For more: www.3ca.org.uk/renovation
AMD are an award winning firm Visit our website for details at www.amdsolicitors.com
INDIES SPECIAL
INDIES ROCK’N ROLL They typify everything we love most about this city – the unique, creatively-minded, independent-spirited shop owners who defy the blandness of the chains and offer something that you can’t quite find anywhere else By DE R I ROBI NS
WE HIRED A VAN AND DROVE
AROUND SOMERSET BUYING CIDER AND THOUGHT ‘IF WE SELL IT, WE SELL IT; IF WE DON’T, WE’LL JUST HAVE TO DRINK IT!’ PETE, BRISTOL CIDER SHOP
8 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
INDIES SPECIAL
I
f any single word sums up the Bristol spirit, it’s ‘independence’. The benefits of patronising a local indie are pretty obvious: whether dining out at your favourite restaurant or shopping in a local boutique, you’ll get a highly individual experience, and a choice that’s a world away from the predictable offering of the high-street chains. But the benefit to the community is even more profound. According to the kind of financial experts who study this kind of stuff, each pound spent with a local retailer selling local produce puts twice as much cash back into the local economy as a pound spent at a local chain. You’re sure to know some of the shops we’ve featured below – if not, where have you been? – but maybe a few of them will be new to you. Seek them out! Shop indy . . .
AMULET
Owner: Hemali Modha Where? 39A Cotham Hill In her own words: We sell unique boutiquebrand clothing and accessories to women who love fashion, but aren’t a slave to it. Ethos: We love supporting British brands, and brands that care about the world we live in. On top of that it’s got to be individual, wearable and affordable. In the beginning: I started on a market barrow inside a shopping centre selling jewellery. What’s new, pussycat? We’re expanding our underwear offering to include a great organic Slovakian brand called Colorio Organics. Favourite Bristol indie: Papadeli on Alma Road, and Pawson Fruit and Veg on Gloucester Road. Surprise us… I once asked a regular customer of ours if he worked as a cameraman when he told me he was off to do some filming. Everyone glared at me: turns out he was a really well-known actor. What can I say? I don’t watch much TV . . . www.amuletboutique.co.uk
BRISTOL BLUE GLASS
Owner: Jim Adlington Where? 357-359 Bath Road In their own words: We make hand-made glass – our classic Bristol Blue collections, jewellery, corporate engraving, trophies and awards, etc. We also run courses (see page 53). Ethos: Keeping it local means an awful lot to us. What’s new, pussycat? We have a new jewellery designer who is currently making some bigger and bolder pieces, as well as our in-house designer who is getting inspired by the Blues and adding twists to classic pieces. Surprise us: Every single piece is unique. www.bristol-glass.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 9
INDIES SPECIAL Christmas Steps. www.bristolcidershop.co.uk
BRACEY INTERIORS LTD
Owners: Ben and Alison Bracey Where? 15 Waterloo Street, Clifton In their own words: We’re a family business that’s been offering an interior design service for 50 years. Ben joined the business at 16, and the rest is history. What’s new, pussycat? With new collections arriving twice a year, our showroom is constantly changing, so there’s never a chance to get bored. Looking forward to: The new collections, which are just arriving. By September our showroom will be alive with colour and design, and the new range of accessories will be on display. Favourite Bristol indie: Belle de Jour for the most amazing floral displays ever, and Grace & Mabel for their quirky fashion collections. Surprise us: No matter how far we travel, there always seems to be a connection – no matter how vague – that links everyone back to Bristol. www.braceyinteriors.co.uk
CIDER SHOP
Owner: Pete Snowman Where? Up until recently, Christmas Steps – but soon at Cargo, Gaol Ferry Steps, Wapping Wharf. In his own words: We sell over 100 types of award-winning cider, and hold regular cider tastings and events. Ethos: We only sell ‘proper’ full-juice cider made by small independent producers within 50 miles of Bristol. In the beginning: We hired a van and drove around Somerset buying cider and thought, “if we sell it, we sell it; if we don’t, we’ll just have to drink it.” What’s new, pussycat? We’re moving into a shipping container at Wapping Wharf in September. Looking forward to: We’ve got lots of events lined up for autumn, including after-work tastings on Fridays, cider and food-matching evenings, ‘meet the producer’ sessions and lots of parties. Favourite Bristol indie: Source in St Nick’s. Surprise us: The shop is run by Mr Snowman on 10 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
Owner: Danny Maddocks In his own words: An online shop promoting art, homeware, gifts and more by Bristol-based independent suppliers. In the beginning: We launched in January 2013 after 11 months of planning and preparation. At the launch evening at the RWA we had our first sale – a piece of jewellery by Bristol designer Elsie Belle, just 15 minutes after we launched. What’s new, pussycat? Bristol Bluebells candle by Scarlet & Nell. We have a never-ending supply of creative talent in Bristol, so can add new products on the first of every month – there’s plenty more to come. Looking forward to: Working with Bristol-based musical artists on a charity single; we’re really looking forward to that being finished. Favourite Bristol indies: Everyone on The Bristol Shop – but my Minirig portable speaker is used every single day, so I’d have to say Minirig. Surprise us: We were the first online business to accept Bristol Pounds (£B) at checkout, which I’m very proud of, but we do get a few people from abroad trying to use our local currency without having a clue what it is . . . www.thebristolshop.co.uk
CLIFTON ROCKS
Owner: Clare Chandler Where? 31 The Mall, Clifton In her own words: A modern, friendly, contemporary jewellery shop in the heart of Clifton Village, with an on-site workshop specialising in commissions, repairs and weddings.
Clockwise from top left: Alison can’t wait for the autumn collections to roll into Bracey Interiors; Danny at the Bristol Shop was the first to accept the £B online; Jim Adlington used to play in a band before starting Bristol Blue Glass; Hemali rocking one of her trademark pretty frocks at Amulet Boutique. Opposite: Diana Porter PHOTO BY JON CRAIG
PHOTO BY JON CRAIG
THE BRISTOL SHOP
INDIES SPECIAL
WE DON’T SELL THEIR
WORK
UNLESS WE REALLY LOVE IT
www.cliftonrocks.co.uk
DIANA PORTER CONTEMPORARY JEWELLERY
Owner: Diana Porter Where? 33 Park Street In their own words: Contemporary jewellery gallery showcasing the work of over 70 top designers as well as Diana’s own collections. We specialise in bespoke wedding and engagement rings, and can rework customers’ existing jewellery. Ethos: We make all our pieces in the workshop behind the shop in Fairtrade and recycled gold. What’s new, pussycat? Our new ‘Endless’ collection has recently launched, along with our
summer exhibition ‘Infusion’. Favourite Bristol indie: We love popping in to the Gallimaufry on Gloucester Road, both for the food and the fantastic art work they showcase. Surprise us: We always try to take on every commission, and requests come in all sizes and shapes. Right now, we are currently working on a diamond-set snake bangle; previous commissions have included a platypus charm. www.dianaporter.co.uk
HIDDEN
Owners: Susie Michelson and Chris Kendall Where: 8-10 The Clifton Arcade, Boyce’s Avenue In their own words: Hidden is a unique gallery selling work by the major artists of the 20th and 21st centuries: Picasso, Dali, Warhol, Miro, Hockney, Banksy etc – alongside the best contemporary local artists. Ethos: We only work with artists and art we love, whether it’s local artists exhibiting for the first time or one of the world’s greatest artists; we don’t sell their work unless we really love it. What’s new, pussycat? We’ve been selected to show at The Affordable Art Fair in Bristol from 9-11 September, at Brunel’s Old Station. Favourite Bristol indie: The Lido for cocktails for a little bit of relaxation after a hard day’s work. Surprise us: One customer who had just popped w
PHOTO BY JON CRAIG
CHRIS, HIDDEN
Ethos: I wanted to open a small intimate shop and workshop that allows the customer to be involved in the design process – from initial sketches to finished piece. I also wanted to create a space to showcase many of the talented jewellers we have in this country. What’s new, pussycat? We love our new designers in our summer showcase exhibition. Looking forward to: Working with Fairtrade gold and ethically mined gemstones this year. Favourite indie: Spicer and Cole in Clifton. Surprise us: After spending a day setting tiny diamonds into a ring, while I was eating dinner that evening I found a stray diamond in my mouth.
www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 11
INDIES SPECIAL In their own words: A little shop, showcasing talented artists from Bristol and beyond, with limited-edition prints, paintings, ceramics, jewellery, greeting cards, fabrics and more. What’s new, pussycat? Every three months we rotate the artists and have a party to welcome them. It keeps the shop fresh and exciting, and we always go to town decorating the space. Looking forward: We’re having a party to celebrate our new set of artists this month, so pop in and see our new collections. Favourite Bristol indie: That Thing on Stokes Croft is a firm favourite. They support really cool independent designers, sell vintage clothes and their own creations. The window displays are tip-top, too. Surprise us: The bunnies in the murals outside the shop are based on real-life rabbits, named Bruno and Preston. www.lucas-antics.com
MON POTE
Above: Amber and Alex at their adorable Little Shop; right, Anna, one half of the Mon Pote team
out to get his daughter a pair of shoes was distracted by our window. Much to his surprise he left us having bought a signed Matisse from 1947. We don’t know whether she got the shoes. www.myhiddenworld.co.uk
IVORY FLOWERS
WE STOCK A RANGE OF HOMEWARE, STATIONERY AND GIFTS TO ENRICH YOUR ALREADY LOVELY LIFE! ANNA, MON POTE
Owners: Anna Clements and Natalie Eddins Where? 177 North Street In their own words: A lifestyle shop based in Bedminster. We stock a range of homeware, stationery and gifts for grown ups and children to enrich your already lovely life! In the beginning: We started out with an online offering and popped up at markets in Somerset and Bristol, including our local: the Tobacco Factory Sunday Market. We learnt what our customers were looking for, what sold well and what was considered a fair price. What’s new, pussycat? At the moment we’re loving the trend for Scandinavian interiors. Favourite indie: Oskars on Whiteladies Road. Surprise us: The name Mon Pote means ‘my pal’ in French – we met at school. There would be no businesses without ‘mon pote’. www.monpote.co.uk w
Owner: Xanthe Ivory Where: 228 North Street In her own words: A bespoke florist based in Southville, making seasonal bouquets, wedding arrangements and sympathy flowers. In the beginning: I started the business around six years ago, at the Tobacco Factory market. Ethos: We love all things natural and like flowers to look like flowers. Think seasonal, English country garden. What’s new, pussycat? We’ve just launched our new website, which will be able to take online orders soon. Favourite Bristol indie: Mon Pote– the most gorgeous shop selling homeware. Surprise us: We share the shop with an artisan chocolatier, Zara’s Chocolates – you can treat yourself to some chocolate whilst you wait for your bouquets to be made. www.ivoryflowers.co.uk
THE LITTLE SHOP
Owners: Alex Lucas and Amber Elise Where? 125 Cheltenham Road www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 13
COME AND MEET Frederick Augustus the cat..............at
OLD BANK ANTIQUES CENTRE 16-17 Walcot Buildings, London Road, Bath BA1 6AD
Tel. 01225 338813
The largest antiques retailer in Bath
& voted in the top 50 antiques shops in Britain, by the Independent on Sunday
No, he’s not stuffed... Maybe even find time to look at some antiques... we’ve got everything from 17th century furniture to 1970s retro and kitchenalia, spread through lots of showrooms. We’re on the A4, London Road, near Morrisons. About 15 minutes walk from the bottom of Walcot Street.
We’re open 10-6 Monday to Saturday. 11-5 on Sunday. We have our own parking at the rear, accessed via Bedford Street.
alexatmontague@aol.com / www.oldbankantiquescentre.com
INDIES SPECIAL OSKAR FURNITURE
3D FROM
MASSIVE ATTACK BOUGHT A DONNA WILSON FOX
SCARF . . . FIONA, SOMA GALLERY
Owner: Marie Harz Where? 47 Whiteladies Road All about: We specialise in designer lighting, contemporary furniture and accessories from all over Europe, and offer a lighting advice service. Ethos: Choose wisely and go for good quality and timeless design. What’s new: One of the latest fun products is the Lamzac air bag – a type of bean bag, but filled only with fresh air. Looking forward to: All the upcoming trade fairs – checking out what’s new, and getting ready for Christmas. The next trip will be to Paris. Fave indie: The Italian ice cream produced and sold by Swoon Gelato (Baccio is my favourite). Surprise us: The name comes from our family – all the men from my father’s side were called Oskar. www.oskarfurniture.co.uk
PAPERSMITHS
Fiona among her colourful prints and objéts at Soma Gallery
Owners: Sidonie Warren and Kyle Clarke Where? 6A Boyce’s Avenue, Clifton Village In their own words: We sell design-led stationery and paper goods; from notebooks to pencil sharpeners and scissors. What’s new, pussycat? Our best-selling Kaweco fountain pen is now available in a poppy red. We’ve also extended our range of greetings cards massively. Looking forward to: New ceramics arriving from the States this summer. Favourite Bristol indie: Hus womenswear in Clifton, Hoko for menswear. www.papersmiths.co.uk
POD
Owners: Sian Barker and family Where: 24 The Mall, Clifton In their own words: A design-led gift and lifestyle store with an emphasis on colour, style, and humour. Ethos: It’s definitely OK to buy gifts for yourself. What’s new, pussycat? Blue & White porcelain from Tokyo, new Korean range of beauty products, and LSA’s new iridescent glass stemware. Favourite Bristol indie: 18 in The Mall www.thepodcompany.co.uk
SOMA
Owner: Fiona Hamilton Where? 4 Boyce’s Avenue, Clifton, In her own words: A shop and gallery selling work by printmakers, illustrators and designers. What’s new, pussycat? We’ve got new things coming in all the time, but we’ve just started selling Daisy Hirst, a children’s book author and illustrator. We’ve got some great screen prints from her. Favourite Bristol indie: Bauhinia Pan Asian restaurant over the road on Boyce’s Avenue Surprise us: 3D from Massive Attack bought a Donna Wilson fox scarf! www.somagallery.co.uk
ZARA’S CHOCOLATES
Owner: Zara Narracott Where: 228 North Street In her own words: An artisan chocolate shop and kitchen, with seasonal chocolates, and chocolatemaking parties Ethos: It’s all about the quality. What’s new, pussycat? We have a new summer truffle range at the moment, with flavours including passionfruit and raspberry, and coconut caramel. Favourite Bristol indie: Rhubarb Jumble on North Street – fabulous vintage finds Surprise us: We created a giant ss Great Britain out of chocolate last year, which the late Sir Terry Wogan helped make when he visited us for Terry and Mason’s Great Food Trip.
PHOTO BY JON CRAIG
www.zaraschocolates.co.uk
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Music/theatre/film/more
A FANTABULOUS NIGHT On the whole, Bristol Balloon Fiesta is reassuringly predictable. Mass ascents. Night glows. Traffic gridlock on Coronation Road. This year, however, there’s a new element. Innovative, multi-disciplinary artist Luke Jerram – the nearest thing Bristol has to a Leonardo da Vinci – has created an installation called The Museum of the Moon: a giant, helium-filled replica of our lunar neighbour, using NASA imagery to replicate the surface. The Moon will float over all four days of the Fiesta, playing a big part in the Night Glows, when festival-goers will be encouraged to ‘moonbathe’ beneath its otherworldly radiance. Far out. Bristol Balloon Fiesta is at Ashton Court between 11-14 August; www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk
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29 July – 29 August 2016
O U R T O P S U GGES TI ON S FOR YOU R MON TH
Tatterdemalion at Wardrobe, Jamaican Pulse at RWA, and guess who’s playing The Downs . . .
Exhibitions UNTIL 30 JULY
SUMMER EXHIBITION New work by Yara Damián, John Evans, Cate Inglis, Henry Jabbour, Alexander Robb DA and Vivienne Williams, at Lime Tree; limetreegallery.com UNTIL 6 AUGUST
APSÁALOOKE A solo exhibition by emerging Native American artist Del Curfman; rainmakerart.co.uk
UNTIL 11 SEPTEMBER
JAMAICAN PULSE Exhibition bringing both classic and Jamaican art to the city, curated by Kat Anderson and Graeme Mortimer Evelyn; at RWA; rwa.org.uk MOVING TARGETS In Punk’s 40th anniversary year, a new exhibition at Arnolfini draws on Bristol’s independent spirit and explores punk as an attitude that has more than one history and meaning; arnolfini.org.uk
COLOUR IS LIFE Paintings and pastels by Lynn Golden at Clifton Contemporary; as you’d guess from the title, Lynn’s latest work fills the gallery with bold, seasonal colour; cliftoncontemporaryart.co.uk
UNTIL 25 SEPTEMBER
THE STORY OF CHILDREN’S TELEVISION FROM 1946 TO TODAY Your inner seven-year-old can wallow in nostalgia while your actual seven-year-old looks at old footage of, say, Little Weed, and asks, Dad, wtf? At M Shed; bristolmuseums.org.uk 5-10 AUGUST
UNTIL 18 SEPTEMBER UNTIL 12 AUGUST
the multiple strands of this artist and photographer’s work; at spikeisland.org.uk
XAVIER ANTIN: THE ETERNAL NETWORK The first solo UK exhibition of the French artist, with works based on the publishing house Beau Geste; spikeisland.org.uk STUART WHIPPS: ISLE OF SLINGERS Exhibition drawing together
18 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
CARDBOARD GALLERY An exhibition born out of ongoing questioning around how to exhibit art today; centrespacegallery.com 6-21 AUGUST
108TH ANNUAL OPEN EXHIBITION . . . for Clifton Arts Club; who else? Over 400 pieces of affordable art at Undercroft Gallery;
cliftonartsclub.co.uk 6-27 AUGUST
LET ME ILLUSTRATE IV The return of this popular large group exhibition showcasing the works of many artists, demonstrating many genres and styles; grantbradleygallery.co.uk
Plays/Shows UNTIL 30 JULY
FERMENT Step outside your comfort zone, and see work-in-progress from South West theatre folk – the first public stage of a creative process, and a chance to see what ideas look like on their feet; bristololdvic.org.uk 30 JULY
TATTERDEMALION A one-man show of puppetry, physical comedy and mime,
W H AT ’ S O N
presented by Flabbergast Theatre; at The Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com 1-6 AUGUST
FOOTLOOSE Pop Idol’s Gareth Gates joins a Nolan (Maureen) in this revival of the dancetastic ‘80s musical most closely associated with Kevin Bacon; at The Hippodrome; atgtickets.com 1-13 AUGUST
GOLDILOCK, STOCK AND THREE SMOKING BEARS Hoorah, it’s back! Who says you can’t stage a Christmas show in August? Not that there was anything particularly festive about this tale of silver-tongued Goldie, a bunch of bears, and gangsters Barry and Harry. We loved this; don’t miss it; thewardrobetheatre.com 4-6 AUGUST
UNDER A CARDBOARD SEA In a nameless city, there is a theatre; a little kingdom of its own, where secrets are hidden and lies are told. . . The awardwinning Bristol Old Vic Young Company celebrate the theatre’s 250th birthday with their blend of performance, music and dance; bristololdvic.org.uk 9-13 AUGUST
THE MOUSETRAP Is there anything new we can say about theatre’s most enduring murder mystery? Can there be anyone out there who doesn’t know who dunnit? If that’s you, or if you’ve forgotten, head for the Hippodrome; atgtickets.com 30 AUGUST-3 SEPTEMBER
THE SOUND OF MUSIC Lavish new staging of the muchloved Von Trapp saga; we defy you not to sing along. At The Hippodrome; atgtickets.com
Music 30 JULY
TURIN BRAKES One of the finest indie bands of the last decade comes to Bristol Zoo; bristolzoo.org.uk 7 AUGUST
THE ILLEGAL EAGLES The world’s best Eagles tribute band bring you the likes of Hotel
ARTS
California, Take It Easy, Take it to the Limit, Lyin’ Eyes – boy, those guys had trouble with women. This tour contains a special tribute to Glenn Frey. At the Hippodrome; atgtickets.com 8 AUGUST
THE ELO EXPERIENCE Tribute-band August continues with this reproduction of the music and light show that made Electric Light Orchestra so popular. At the Hippodrome; atgtickets.com 10 AUGUST
ANNABELLA’S BOW WOW WOW TOUR Want candy? Fancy going wild in the country? Head to the Fleece to see the child punkster, now all grown up; thefleece.co.uk 27 AUGUST
BLOOM PRESENTS A new collective of musicians present the second night of experimental new music at The Wardrobe; thewardrobe.com
Comedy ONGOING
CLOSER EACH DAY ‘Bristol’s only ongoing improvised live soap opera’ plays every other Monday at The Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com 30 JULY
DOUBLE DECKERS The latest collection of new double-bill solo stand-up shows being previewed for this summer’s Edinburgh Fringe; tonight Geoff Norcott gives us his Conswervative and Zoe Lyons her No Gods, No Golf; at Comedy Box; www. tobaccofactorytheatres.com 31 JULY
GIGGLE COMEDY NIGHT Explore Bristol Zoo grounds after hours and then settle down on the main lawn under a large undercover canopy to watch some of the best comedians around; bristolzoo.org.uk
Film UNTIL 31 JULY
CINEMA REDISCOVERED A new international archive film event that puts great films back w
Rasta Mouse at M Shed’s Story of Children’s TV exhibition, lift-off at the Balloon Fiesta, and Goldie’s in trouble again at The Wardrobe
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W H AT ’ S O N
ARTS
The Rivals at Bristol Old Vic, Richard Herring’s standing up for Slapstick at Colston Hall, and the best in contemporary illustration at Grant Bradley
on the big screen for audiences to revisit classic cinema and for new generations to discover it for the very first time; at Watershed; watershed.co.uk
at Clifton College, from Top Gun to Dirty Dancing, Star Wars The Awakening and Pulp Fiction (nothing terribly taxing, then); www. wegottickets.com/cultscreens
DURING AUGUST
Other
ROALD DAHL ON FILM AT THE WATERSHED To coincide with Roald Dahl 100 and the release of Spielberg’s The BFG, Watershed is screening adaptations of the Welsh wizard’s most popular works from Fantastic Mr Fox to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Gremlins; watershed.co.uk (see feature page 33) 20 AUGUST
CUTTHROAT ISLAND The latest offering from Bristol Bad Film Club is “a one-of-akind, full-steam-ahead practical pirate event bolted together with minimal attention to thespian proficiency”. All profits to Friends of VPAG. At Victoria Park; bristolbadfilmclub.co.uk. 24-28 AUGUST
CULT SCREENS Classic outdoor film screenings
ONGOING
THE TINKERING SPACE/ MEET THE ROBOTS At-Bristol launch two new hands-on exhibitions just in time for the summer holidays; at-bristol.org.uk
6 AUGUST
REDFEST Heady mixture of film, music, art, cabaret and family stuff, all served up with a strong community feel; at St George’s Park; redfestbristol.co.uk BIG GORGEOUS One-day festival in Clifton, with an eclectic mix of music, performance, food and drink; all in aid of Cancer Research; facebook.com/ biggorgeousfestival 7 AUGUST
30 JULY
BRISFEST Explore over 15 independent music venues, discover the hottest new acts from the region, ones to watch across all genres. From rock bands to reggae, hip hop to hardcore, folk to funk, it’s about exploring the current Bristol sound and representing the city’s current musical landscape. Day and night, indoors and outdoors, one wristband for all; brisfest.co.uk
MAKE SUNDAY SPECIAL . . . in Bemmie (see page 7) 11-14 AUGUST
BRISTOL INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FIESTA You know the drill: four days of free inflatable fun within Ashton Court Estate. New up for this year is a giant waterslide – yes, even bigger than the Park & Slide one – and The Museum of the Moon, Luke Jerram’s beautiful new installation (see page 17); bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk
Coming soon 3 SEPTEMBER
MASSIVE ATTACK The local heroes play the home turf (literally) on The Downs; Primal Scream and Skepta support. This sold out within hours, so we bet you’re pretty damn chuffed if you got tickets. www.gigantic.com 9 SEPTEMBER - 2 OCTOBER
THE RIVALS Sheridan’s enduring 18thcentury comedy of manners (it’s set in posh Bath) in a major new production directed by Dominic Hill; top cast includes Maggie Steed and Desmond Barrit; bristololdvic.org.uk 14 SEPTEMBER
STAND OUT STAND UP FOR SLAPSTICK Not one but two events this year to raise funds for Bristol’s beloved Slapstick Festival; luminaries flocking to the autumn gig include Jack Dee, Richard Herring, Susan Calman and Jason Manford; at Colston Hall; colstonhall.org
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MUSIC PREVIEW
ARTS
FEEL THE BEAT Local legends Massive Attack (oh yes!), out-and-out pop, eclectic electronica, jazz mash-ups and even a bit of Bowie – when it comes to live music, Bristol’s got it all going on w By V E L I M I R I L IC
MASSIVE ATTACK’S FIRST HOME GIG FOR OVER TEN YEARS PROMISES TO BE ONE HELLUVA DAY
www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 25
ARTS
MUSIC PREVIEW
B
ristol’s thriving arts and culture has been lavishly documented each month in the pages of this magazine; with cutting- edge music at its beating heart, and cool, unusual venues in which to see it, no wonder so many touring acts want to head west. Here’s our pick of what’s coming up over the next few months– we’ll certainly be getting down the front for this little lot . .
3 SEPTEMBER Unsurprisingly, tickets for Massive Attack’s first home gig for over a decade sold out just hours after being released. Following their recent wellreceived Ritual Spirit EP – featuring old mucker Tricky, rapper Roots Manuva and Mercury Prize-winning hip-hop trio Young Fathers – and the promise of another EP and an album later this year (we’ll believe that when we see it), there should be heaps of new-ish stuff to enjoy, alongside career-defining nuggets such as Unfinished Sympathy and Safe From Harm. With Primal Scream and Skepta also on the bill, plus more acts TBA, it’ll be a helluva day. No ticket? If ever there was a time to beg, borrow, blag or steal, this is surely it.
THE INVISIBLE
8 NOVEMBER Driven by frontman Jason Williamson’s shouty, spittle-flecked invective, ‘rapped’ in an East Midlands accent over sidekick Andrew Fearn’s stark, chugging beats, the controversial punk-hop duo reflect the “restlessness of the disaffected masses”, as Williamson rages at the system, spitting out incendiary epithets like grenades. Uncompromising, thrilling and seriously compelling, they truly sound like no-one else. 02 Academy; academymusicgroup.com
MASSIVE ATTACK
The Downs; massiveattack.co.uk
SLEAFORD MODS
THE HUMAN LEAGUE
30 NOVEMBER Since 1977, Sheffield’s iconic synth-pop outfit have sold more than 20 million records, inveigling themselves into the nation’s consciousness with landmark 1981 album Dare and dancefloor classic Don’t You Want Me, a UK and US chart-topper. You’ll know more of their hit singles than you think (Love Action, Mirror Man, (Keep Feeling) Fascination, and Human – another US number one), and after almost 40 years in the biz, they’re still a major influence, packing audiences in year-on-year. Little wonder they’ve been dubbed the ‘electronic Beatles’.
IF THERE WAS A TIME TO BEG, BORROW, OR STEAL A TICKET, THIS IS SURELY IT
Colston Hall; colstonhall. org
A CELEBRATION OF DAVID BOWIE
27 SEPTEMBER In a career already garlanded with critical praise, the London trio – Dave Okumu, Tom Herbert and Leo Taylor, go-to musicians for the likes of Adele, St Vincent, Yoko Ono and Hot Chip – have just made Patience, their most life-affirming album to date. Featuring Jessie Ware and Anna Calvi, it’s a heady melange of art-rock, funk and Afrobeat vibes, tailor-made for summer escapades. Go see.
10 DECEMBER Following his acclaimed headlining slot at Glastonbury, conductor du jour Charles Hazlewood, with 42-piece orchestra in tow, brings his bewitching Bowie project to town. Based on eminent American composer Philip Glass’s symphonic re-imaginings of Bowie’s seminal Low and Heroes albums – the great man himself cited Glass as a huge influence – it promises to be an emotional and fitting tribute to rock’s ultimate chameleon.
The Louisiana; thelouisiana.net
Colston Hall; colstonhall.org
GOGO PENGUIN
KATE RUSBY
8 NOVEMBER Described by Gilles Peterson as “one of the most formidable three-piece groups in the world”, the Manchester trio are at the top of their game right now. Their trademark mash-up of minimalist piano, bass, jazz and electronica-inspired acoustica saw them shortlisted for the Mercury Prize, and they’ve even signed a multi-album deal with Blue Note, the most famous jazz label on earth. They’re pretty exhilarating live, too. Better book early. St George’s; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk 26 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
11 DECEMBER Of all the stars in folk music’s dazzling firmament, few shine as brightly as Rusby. A remarkably interpretive singer, with a bawdy Yorkshire wit to boot, she has that rare ability to transport audiences and stir their emotions. Joined on stage by her trusty band, she’ll be performing a selection of classics from her back catalogue, alongside new tracks from her forthcoming studio album, due for release in October 2016. Colston Hall; colstonhall.org
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VALLEY FEST 2-4 SEPTEMBER
Taking place on an organic farm in the heart of the Chew Valley, the hills are set to come alive for three days of entertainment, topnotch, locally-sourced food, street art, kids workshops and more. The music line-up looks great: Bristol’s high-energy Cousin Kula fuse psychedelia, Afrobeat, jazz and indie vibes to scintillating effect, while festival faves Tantz deliver hip-twitching, Easternflavoured beats to liven up even the sleepiest of summer days. Another must-see are The Emily Portman Trio, featuring the titular BBC Radio 2 Folk Award-winning singer – Jarvis Cocker and Mark Radcliffe count themselves as fans. And, drawing on the highenergy folk music of Europe and beyond, you can always depend on Bristol’s chief music mayhem-makers Sheelanagig for a rollicking good time. Craig Charles, The Blockheads and Stereo MCs will be there, too. See you in the pit… Denny Lane, Chew Magna; valleyfest.co.uk
SIMPLE THINGS 22-23 OCTOBER
With a strong line-up of contemporary and diverse music culture, this Bristol-based festival is once again set to take over the city’s most innovative gig spaces. Headliners are LA indie outfit Warpaint, who’ll bring their shoegazey psych-rock to Colston Hall’s main stage, and go-to electronic DJ/Hessle Audio label founder Ben UFO, sure to drop another captivating, eclectic set. There’s a slew of other acts worth catching, too, including indie troubadour Steve Mason, techno queen Helena Hauff, New York DJ Veronica Vasicka and the epic, atmospheric electronica of Rival Consoles. But the real jewel in the crown is the festival finale, featuring legendary horror soundtrack composer John Carpenter (23 October, Colston Hall). Accompanied by a full live band and spectacular visuals, it’s a unique opportunity to experience the great man’s pioneering work in a live setting. Various Bristol venues; simplethingsfestival.co.uk
MUSIC PREVIEW
ARTS
(Clockwise, from top left) David Bowie’s landmark Heroes album gets a symphonic makeover; Rival Consoles; The Invisible; Sleaford Mods frontman Jason Williamson (pic by Arne Mueseler), GoGo Penguin and local mayhem-makers Sheelanagig
www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 27
Gary Numan: “My early success was so massive that it overshadowed everything else I tried to do”
EVERYDAY
ROBOT
After almost 35 years in the business, GARY NUMAN is recognised as a real innovator, one of electronic music’s true originals. Ahead of his forthcoming ‘classic albums’ show at Motion in Bristol, he talks about new music, his struggle with Asperger’s and how ‘retiring’ almost destroyed his career overnight By V E L I M I R I L IC
28 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
MUSIC PREVIEW
T
hese days, Gary Numan is a man in demand. Name-checked by some of the world’s bestknown musicians – from Prince to Lady Gaga, Jack White to Nine Inch Nails – the influence of the electronic/industrial music pioneer stretches far and wide. Back in the late 1970s, his groundbreaking singles Are ‘Friends’ Electric? (with Tubeway Army) and Cars kickstarted the synth-pop era, and his last album, 2013’s dark, dystopian Splinter (Songs From A Broken Mind), is considered by critics and fans alike to be one of his most accomplished releases to date. Now permanently located in sunny LA, he’s the subject of a new documentary, Android In La La Land – focusing on ‘music, madness, love and loss’ – and is about to head out on tour, playing cuts from his classic early albums. That’ll keep the army of Numanoids happy… So, you’re coming to Bristol in September, playing cuts from your defining albums Tubeway Army, Replicas, The Pleasure Principle and Telekon – why have you decided to revisit them now? I’ve always had a huge problem with retro/ nostalgia. I felt my early success was so massive that it overshadowed everything else I tried to do for decades afterwards. With Splinter, reviews talked about it being one of the best albums I’d ever made, and it was followed by [various] awards for inspiration and innovation. With all that, I finally felt like I’d moved out from under a shadow, and it allowed me to think again about playing more older stuff – something I was reluctant to do for such a long time. Back in the late ’70s/early ’80s, you were a real trailblazer, one of the first artists to actively use synths and bring electronic music into the mainstream – at the time, did it feel like you were changing the face of music? When I first stumbled across a synth, I did believe that it would change music, and I wanted to be a part of making it happen, but I didn’t specifically set out to do that. I was just making the music I wanted to, within the limits of the technology around at the time. I was lucky enough to have the first big number one electronic single and album, something that has since earned me the credit of being a pioneer, but in truth there were quite a few people out there doing it – I just seemed to get it right first. More luck than judgement, to be honest.
ARTS
Musically, who do you rate at the moment? I can’t claim to be up to speed on what’s around now – I very rarely even listen to music, haven’t for years. I do like Losers, though, and Officers. I’m also a big fan of IAMX, and Nine Inch Nails remains a long-time favourite. It’s well-documented that you suffer from Asperger’s syndrome – does that still dramatically affect how you work? It makes me obsessive, highly-focused and driven, and helps me cut through bullshit – all good things in the music business. It helps me that I see the world a little differently. A huge misconception about Asperger’s people is that they don’t feel as much as ‘normal’ people, that they lack emotion. I believe we feel things more deeply, but we lack the ability to express those feelings. This creates tensions and fears, a desire to avoid emotional experiences, [because of] the misunderstanding and hurt that so often follows. The tension affects how I work and how I see things, but I would never choose to live my life without it. I see it as a very positive thing – it has given me strengths that other people don’t have. You’re the subject of a new documentary, Android In La La Land, which explores life with you and your family as you set up home in California and record your Splinter album – why did you want to do it? It was a chance meeting at a UK festival with the director that put the idea on the table. A light conversation about what I was doing in the future, which happened to be emigrating to America and starting a new life and a new album, got the ball rolling. I hated the first versions of it, to be truthful, but after a lot of effort and arguing, we now have a version which is acceptable and reasonably close to the true story – people seem to like it.
ASPERGER’S MAKES ME FOCUS AND HELPS CUT THROUGH
BULLSHIT – A GOOD THING IN THE MUSIC
To our ears, Splinter is a wonderfully dark and atmospheric record, one of your best; we hear you’re working on a follow-up – how’s that going? I loved Splinter. Although I will never be truly satisfied with an album, that came pretty close. I think my songwriting was strong, and [sidekick] Ade Fenton did an amazing job on the production. For the next album, I’ve deliberately tried not to write with any particular direction in mind, but to see where it takes me. Unfortunately, I’m a bit behind as things have happened… I started to manage myself about the time I started to work on the album and I was very unprepared for the sheer amount of work that would involve. Then I toured the US, and as I got home from that, my mum became very ill and died – that really knocked me sideways – so I spent a lot of time in the UK with my family. I also had a three-week holiday booked with [wife] Gemma and the children, which my dad insisted I still take, so I’ve only just got back from that. The end result is that I’m probably a good four to six months behind schedule.
BUSINESS
Looking back, is there anything you’d have done differently? I announced I was retiring from live shows in 1981, which was actually a very sensible thing to do as I needed to hide away and get my head together after the early success, but I went about it all wrong. That decision, or the way I did it, pretty much destroyed my career overnight and it took me a while to claw my way back to somewhere vaguely acceptable. Many acts have cited you as a major inspiration – do you see any of your influence coming through in music today? I don’t even try to look for it. I’m so flattered that artists talk about me [in that way]. I’ve been covered by and talked about by bands and songwriters that I admire enormously. To have their seal of approval is such a big deal to me – it means the world.
Any ambitions left to fulfil? My one major outstanding ambition is to finish and publish my first novel. I’ve been working on it for quite a while, but struggle to find the time to properly get on with it. I really would love to get that out by the end of 2017.
Gary Numan plays Bristol Motion on 25 September, and Android In La La Land is showing at The Cube in Bristol on 31 August. For more, see motionbristol.com, cubecinema.com, numandroid.com
www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 29
Showroom: Bristol 0117 923 8915
www.wesley-barrell.co.uk info@wesley-barrell.co.uk For our brochure call 020 7629 2019
REVIEWS
The VERDICT JAMAICAN PULSE at RWA until 11 September; www.rwa.org.uk Firstly, I was struck by the sheer magnitude of the exhibition – and then the way I was able to identify culturally with so much of what I saw. In one room, what appeared to be an innocent scene of swimming fish means much more when you looked closer; metaphorically it told the story of colonialism and imperialism in the Caribbean and the Indian Ocean. I was also struck by the boldness and confident nature in which sexuality is portrayed. It’s shocking, striking and provocative. Despite its controversial nature this art is determined and resilient and will without a doubt turn heads. No one can deny that Jamaica’s place in the world is highlighted by the music of Bob Marley and the speed of Usain Bolt; but bringing the largest collection of art by Jamaican artists in the diaspora together in one place in a Bristol gallery is an achievement to be reckoned with. Not just a feather in the cap for curators Kat Anderson and Graeme Mortimer Evelyn, but an eyeopener to the world, who can now have Jamaican art in Bristol at a heartbeat. By Sherrie Eugene Hart Reliving their glory days: the Bunnymen at Harbourside
PHOTO CREDIT CHRS COOPER
July was all about 1980s indie icons and an important new exhibition of Jamaican Art (there’s still plenty of time to catch the latter!)
Pump it up: Elvis Costello rocked the Colston Hall at Americana Weekend
ECHO AND THE BUNNYMEN, BRISTOL HARBOUR FESTIVAL 15 July; www.bristolharbourfestival.co.uk “Good venue this, innit?” comments frontman Ian McCulloch as he struts onto the stage at the Amphitheatre. Kicking off Bristol Harbour Festival, the ’80s post-punksters played through an overcast, muggy sunset. Credited with having inspired the likes of Coldplay and The Killers with their distinctive indie sound, these music veterans might be past their glory years, but still put on a bravuro performance. Sporting his trademark sunnies, Ian used the freedom of the outdoor venue as an opportunity to drag on the occasional fag, while Will Sergeant maintained the clear, cutting tone that helped skyrocket the Bunnymen to fame back in the day. Opening with well-known track Rescue and moving on to crowd pleasers such as The Killing Moon and The Cutter, the band relived the peak of their glory days in this hit-filled set. Cheap beer in hand, the crowd, mostly families and over 40s, seemed happy enough with it all. By Jessica Cook ELVIS COSTELLO AND THE IMPOSTERS 17 July, Colston Hall; www.colstonhall.org The audience was demurely seated when he
first strode onto the stage, but Elvis wasn’t having any of it; as the band boomed out the opening chords of Pump it Up he did that arms-raised, palms-upwards thing that has the same effect on a hall full of fans as a similar gesture from the Night King does on the White Walkers. We got up. We all sat down quite soon again though, as Elvis moved onto the country songs that befitted the Americana Weekend that he was closing: Merle Haggard’s Tonight The Bottle Let Me Down and Don Gibson’s Sweet Dreams were highlights. Those yearning for post-punk classic Elvis could probably have done without the cover of She, or the Beatles’ Polythene Pam – we’d have happily traded them for Alison – and we frankly couldn’t wait for the interminable American Mirror (from a new stage musical, apparently) to end – but it was all worth it for the privilege of hearing the spine-tinglingly plaintive Shipbuilding and the high-octane encore that rattled out the likes of Oliver’s Army and (I Don’t Want To Go To) Chelsea. A songwriter who has drawn on so many influences in his time, embracing punk, country music, soul and classical, Elvis brought these and more to the Colston Hall, turning the venue into a cross between a punk mosh-up and a country hoedown. By Mal Rogers www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 31
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FILM
ARTS
Clockwise from left (as if you needed telling): Spielberg’s new The BFG, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, James and the Giant Peach and that Fantastic Mr Fox
MARVELLOUS THINGS WILL HAPPEN; THINGS EVEN YOU NEVER DREAMT OF . . . JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH
DAHL ON FILM • Despite the fact that the likes of Nic Roeg, Henry Selick and Wes Anderson helmed movie adaptations of his books (later, Tim Burton and Spielberg), Dahl was never very keen on them. He especially disliked the 1970s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and refused any more adaptations in his lifetime. Ironically, the Tim Burton version starring Johnny Depp was the biggest box-office adaption of any Roald Dahl book. The chocolate river in the original film, incidentally, was made of real chocolate, water, and cream. • The infamous Child Catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang didn’t featured in Ian Fleming’s book, but was dreamt up by Dahl for the film. • The idea for the 1984 Joe Dante movie Gremlins came from a book Roald Dahl wrote in 1943, called, unamazingly, The Gremlins. • Dahl wrote James and the Giant Peach because he really wanted to write about insects. “There seemed to be jolly little that had not been written about, except maybe things like earthworms and centipedes and spiders,” he said. • In the first draft of Matilda, our heroine was not the sweetheart that we know and love, but a wicked girl who caused havoc at school. • In the stop-motion movie of Fantastic Mr. Fox, the study is a recreation in minute detail of Dahl’s famous writing hut at the bottom of his garden. The film also contains a model set of the Little Theatre in Bath, Somerset. • The BFG was Dahl’s favourite story. He used to climb a ladder outside his children’s bedroom and pretend to blow dreams in through the window, just like the BFG. The film has taken 25 years to reach the big screen. Robin Williams was once tipped for the lead role, but eventually it was Mark Rylance who got to step into the Giant’s shoes.
JUST PEACHY Author Roald Dahl would be 100 years old this year – and Watershed is screening a special festival in the Welsh wizard’s honour By ROSE A N N E DI A S
T
his month, Watershed embarks on a major programme designed to celebrate that most magnificent storyteller, Welsh wizard Roald Dahl, with a packed programme of screenings and workshops that culminates with the centenary of the author’s birth on 13 September. The festival spans four decades, from 1970s cult classics such as Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory to this year’s latest release The BFG. The latter marks the first meeting between two giants who have overshadowed the childhoods of anyone born since 1960: Dahl, whose sharp, darkly funny tales for children have sold some 200 million copies, and director Steven Spielberg, whose sweetly funny films have grossed more than £6 billion. Starring the brilliant Mark Rylance as the Big Friendly Giant, this is an absolute must-see this summer. Look out, too, for the special Matilda ‘Scratch + Sniff’ screenings in August (smell your way through the film with specially commissioned cards!), and fire up the engines for a screening of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the end of the month. Dahl helped adapt this fantasy from a book by his friend Ian Fleming, and we’re delighted to present this remastered version for you all; prepare to be
spooked once again by the Child Catcher in all his dark glory. One of my favourites is The Witches; with the help of brilliant movie magic from Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, Nicolas Roeg’s dark and witty retelling puts disturbing flesh on Dahl’s fantasies like few other adaptations. Children may want to hold an adult’s hand through some of it – grown-ups get notoriously nervous. In our book den in the café/bar, there’s a cosy relaxed reading space where we’ll be hosting a variety of free Dahl-related activities for families, from illustration to finger puppets, costume making and a very special – in fact, totally unique! – Illustrating with Chocolate workshop. What better way to celebrate Roald Dahl’s lifelong obsession with chocolate and his enduring links with inky illustrator Quentin Blake than a fantastical workshop uniting the two? And it’s free… See you all down at Watershed, human beans.
Roald Dahl season runs 1 August-1 September at Watershed www.watershed.co.uk/dahl
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is now available to download. www.mediaclash.co.uk
Fashion/gifts/stores/more
FANTASTIC FOUR Look, we have nothing against fairy lights. Nothing at all. But sometimes, a patio or verandah is just so damn cool and sophisticated that you need lighting to match; something like these TXL lights, for example. They come as a family of four – £995 for the large suspended lights and £895 for smaller ones – and emit a warm light, just like an indoor lamp. There’s a tough and impressive-looking floor version, too.
From Oskar Furniture, 47 Whiteladies Road; www.oskarfurniture.co.uk
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WHITER shade of PALE WE FEEL COOLER, CALMER AND CONSIDERABLY MORE COLLECTED JUST LOOKING AT THESE IMAGES
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1. CAPTAIN HOOK
2. ANGLE-OMANIA
3. ALL WHITE ON THE NIGHT
4. COOL FOR CATS
5. BEST IN GLASS
Umbra Buddy hooks (set of three), £14.95 Designed as coat hooks, but we’re not sure we’d have the heart to cover them up From Kitchens Cookshop 167 Whiteladies Road www.kitchenscookshop. co.uk
Vintage Anglepoise lamp, £130 Restored and rewired, and fitted with a squirrel-cage bulb; your very own Pixar hero, right on your desk From Ablectrics 131 Gloucester Road www.electricsandlighting. co.uk
Follow Me light, £139 Rechargeable LED light by Marset, complete with USB cable and plug; you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it From Oskar Furniture 47 Whiteladies Road www.oskarfurniture.co.uk
Yves Saint Laurent square-frame sunglasses, £215 Less minxy than cats’ eyes, with a cool, preppy, vintage style that we really, really like From Harvey Nichols Cabot Circus www.harveynichols.com
Spot tumbler, £6.95 (15% off if you buy six) Looking for all the world as if you’ve just swirled a healthy shot of milk round the glass (while secretly containing your favourite post-work tipple) From Howkapow www.howkapow.com
36 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
5 ED’S CHOICE
SHOPPING
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6. GLAZE LIKE THESE
7. BRUSH WITH SUCCESS
8. TEARDROP EXPLODES
9. PITCHER PERFECT
10. CAT’S WHISKERS
Ceramic vase, £24
Annie Sloan chalk paint in Pure, £18.95 Miraculous stuff that needs no undercoat, just a clean dry surface, and leaves a high-quality, chalky finish. From My English Home 1-2 Boyce’s Avenue www.myenglishhome.co.uk
Rodgers & Rodgers earrings, £74 We covet the whole range of R&R’s distinctive earrings, which manage to be coolly contemporary without being too out-there From Pod Company 24 The Mall, Clifton www.thepodcompany.co.uk
Shropshire costrel, £110 We didn’t even know what a costrel was until we saw this one, but now we do, we want it. By potter Isatu Hyde; mugs and jugs available, too From Midgley Green www.midgleygreen.com
Donna Wilson ‘Mog’ plate, £24 Admittedly looking not much like the beloved tabby of the same name, but a lot less distracting to eat off From Soma Gallery 4 Boyce’s Avenue www.soma.gallery
Inspired by PVC pipework and handmade in Amsterdam, this vase has an inner and outer transparent gloss glaze on white pottery From Between Dog & Wolf www.betweendogandwolf. com
www.mediaclash.co.uk II CLIFTON BRISTOL LIFE LIFE II 37 www.mediaclash.co.uk 69
An exciting and new restaurant situated in the heart of Bristol! Just 2 minutes walk from Cabot Circus Shopping Centre, ground floor of the Hilton Hotel on Bond St. Specialising in Pan Asian cuisines from the Far East. Us ing only the freshest locally sourced ingredients and cooked to order straight from our kitchen to your table guaranteeing perfection every time.
IF YOU’D RATHER.... WE OFFER STEAK ON A ROCK. A delicious and healthy interactive dining experience that allows you to cook your own steak at the table to your personal taste whether it’s rare, medium or well done.
Find us on Facebook. Pan Asia, York House, Bond St, Bristol, BS13LQ. Tel: 01179 428462
For more information or to check out our menu visit www.panasiabristol.com
Treat yourself to a free consultation and meet my friendly, knowledgeable team. Dr Simon Lee MBBS MSc FRCS FRCS(plastics)
Talk in confidence with my registered nurses
Set in our beautiful Clifton clinic, we offer the world’s best technologies and treatments, including: ● Ultrasound face lifting ● Fat removal by freezing Skin rejuvenation by radiofrequency ● Laser skin resurfacing ● Pain-free laser hair removal ● Injectable relaxants and fillers ● Medical micro-dermabrasion ● Skin peels ● Micropeels ● A range of skin care products
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Simon Lee, Aesthetic Medical Clinic 3 Whiteladies Gate, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2PH Telephone 01173 292027
40 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
R E S TA U R A N T
FOOD
New Moon Café If it’s a new moon, there’s a new cuisine on offer at this charming tapas bar on The Mall By DE R I ROBI NS
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t’s an idea that could easily go wrong: changing not just your menu every month, but your entire cuisine. The concept all sounds a bit Za Za Bazaar, as well as being vaguely reminiscent of the US chain Round the World in 80 Meals which, to the best of my knowledge (ie Google) never managed to make it to these shores. The mall-type outlet served dishes from Mexico to Mumbai with all stops in between, and all as bland as anything you’d be served on a cruise ship. But the New Moon has got a version of this concept entirely right. First of all, it should be pointed out that the à-la-carte tapas menu remains steadfast no matter what the time of year – the patatas bravas with sun-dried tomatoes remoulade, or chicken mini-fillets in white wine and Stilton cream sauce type of thing; or you could go for a full-English breakfast or even the home-made burgers. But it was the special menu that was our target – the ‘Cultural Cuisine Tour’, which changes with every new moon. A specific country is chosen – French, Russian, Japanese, Spanish or wherever takes chef Takvor Teriemezyan’s fancy. And the redoubtable Takvor – whose other professions have included being a goldsmith and army cook – chooses judicially. TK, as he is usually known, weighs up many factors, such as which vegetables are in season, the availability of the best meat or fish, even what the weather outside is likely to be (that’s probably the hardest bit to guess). The meals are then served up, small-plates style. The day we fetched up fell during Greek month. Magda, the charming and very on-it manager, fixed us a couple of elderflower fizzes – prosecco, elderflower, fresh mint and lime – which hit the spot on the hottest Bristol day of the year. I’m not usually keen on anyone messing with my prosecco, but this was a crazily refreshing combo. The cool interior proved an ideal place to linger; it’s all very informal and relaxed. It’s spread over two floors, and festooned with vintage furnishings and modern paintings – a good fit for a city in which nature, art and graffiti co-exist so harmoniously.
YOUR MAN,
WHO NEVER MISSES A CHANCE TO FLAUNT HIS SUPERIOR EDUCATION, RATHER
SHOWILY
VENTURED HEXADECIPUS
If you haven’t got time for the aforementioned lingering, or the weather is such that you fancy heading to Brandon Hill to picnic, TK will sort you out with a hamper – some half-dozen tapas dishes including the likes of belly of pork Asian style, or garlic, Pernod and pesto rosso king prawns, or Rioja style chorizo – you get the drift. With prosecco, bread, homemade elderflower lemonade and pud, this should see you through till tea-time. But we weren’t in the mood for for dining and dashing. Our leisurely lunch began with grilled aubergine rolls filled with molten goat’s cheese, sun-dried tomatoes and basil. Next up was a plate of feta fingers, visually resembling the Cap’n Birdseye favourite, but actually made from seasamecoated bars of tangy cheese, with a honey, watermelon and chilli salsa. A pair of seared scallops followed, and went down in indecent haste. The well-dressed elderly chap dining at the next table had just polished off a sizeable paella, and decided to order another round. “I’m being awfully greedy, aren’t I?” he said. We thoroughly disagreed, ploughing happily into a dish of charred octupuses – or is that octopi? Your Man, who never misses a chance to flaunt his superior grammar school education, rather showily ventured hexadecipus. These were tenderly marinated in balsamic olive oil and basil, all of which soaked into a beautifully soggified garlic bruschetta. A mackerel plaki put a piscine spin on the more familiar lamb version, in which the meat (or fish) is oven-baked with potatoes, which greedily soak up all the flavour; TK throws in witchery tomatoes, onion, white wine, lemon and walnuts for good measure. The final dish (and at this point, even our dining neighbour started to look askance) of glazed lamb cutlets offered another Hellenic hit; we might have been sitting outside a taverna on the edge of the Ionian Sea, discussing Grexit (time moves slowly in Greece). After this baronial meal, the Galactobureko – layers of golden brown crispy phyllo filled with creamy citrus custard to you – was a dessert stretch too far; maybe we’ll take a hamper with us next time. The New Moon started out on the Gloucester Road, and brings a dash of international BS7 quirk (and affordability) to Clifton Village. Magda tells us that they’re doing very well in their new home, and we can see why that should be: TK combines the ever-popular small plates format with just a hint of fine-dining élan and genuine originality – and it really works.
DINING DETAILS The New Moon, 9 The Mall, Clifton, BS8 4DP; 0117 239 3858 Opening hours Monday 5-11pm; Tuesday-Thursday lunch 12-3pm, dinner 5-11pm; Friday & Saturday 12-11pm We visited Wednesday lunchtime Prices dishes from £4 – a full meal is likely to come in under £20 (excluding wine); hampers £46-£55 Disabled access one of the dining areas and loos on ground floor Atmosphere casual, informal Service friendly, knowledgeable Vegetarian choice extensive Wine list Good geographical spread, with gems from Bulgaria to Chile 2012. Expect to pay around £20 for an excellent vintage
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a d v ertisi n g feature h e a lt h & b e a u t y
the jet set MR ANTHONY MACQUILLAN introduces BodyJet, a revolutionary new procedure that removes fat with minimal downtime
Y
ear on year, liposuction remains one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures for both men and women in the UK. It’s an effective way of removing fat from the body, but never forget it’s a surgical procedure that involves a lengthy downtime and carries the risk of complications. Patients are now demanding a more sophisticated approach to fat reduction and revolutionary new device BodyJet delivers. This latest development in technological innovation allows surgeons to now perform liposuction with minimal downtime while still delivering fantastic results. It can even be performed under local anaesthetic – a true walk-in-walk-out procedure. Bristol-based cosmetic surgeon Mr Anthony MacQuillan is delighted to be able to offer BodyJet (www.BodyJet.co.uk) to his Bristol and South West patients.
“LESS INVASIVE PROCEDURE MEANS MUCH SHORTER RECOVERY TIME” BodyJet Liposuction is fast overtaking traditional liposuction thanks to its minimally invasive, gentle technique. It is designed to help eliminate stubborn areas of fat that remain resistant to exercise and a healthy diet. Also referred to as ‘water jet liposuction’, this technique can also be used to more accurately sculpt the body. Many patients are put off having liposuction as they want to avoid having to stay overnight in hospital and the significant post operative swelling and bruising. BodyJet is an excellent alternative. The patient is able to continue with their normal routine just days after the procedure. One of the biggest advantages of BodyJet Liposuction is that it doesn’t take the body long to recover. The procedure is incredibly gentle; it targets the fat cells alone without damaging the surrounding tissue or nerves in the treatment area. Also, as local anaesthetic is used, the patient doesn’t need to stay in hospital overnight. After a day’s rest, people can return to their normal activities and even go back to work if required.
MR ANTHONY MACQUILLAN
Mr MacQuillan has a well-established cosmetic surgery practice in central Bristol. “We’re thrilled to be able to offer our clients the BodyJet procedure in Bristol and the South West. This is a state-of-the-art process that makes a liposuction procedure faster and recovery quicker, compared to traditional methods. It has you back on your feet in no time.”
For more information visit the website www.BodyJet.co.uk or call our Bristol Office on 0117 322 6105
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OUT OF TOWN
ESTUARY ACCENTS
It could have been left to languish as a post-industrial wasteland, or become a soulless dormitory satellite to Bristol; instead, Portishead is one of the fastest-growing towns in the UK, with a vital new character of its own
By L I SA WA R R E N Photo s by A L E X A N DE R JA M E S
H
ere are a few things you probably knew about Portishead. It’s a seaside town, at the Bristol Channel end of the north Somerset coast, but it doesn’t have a beach. A renowned trip-hop band famously named themselves after it, but equally famously claimed to dislike it. It was once a busy port, but the dockyards closed in 1992 after its power stations were hit by the oil crises of the 1970s. With its railway station having fallen prey to the Beeching Axe, the town was in danger of becoming little more than a dormitory satellite to Bristol, as the industrial boom of the 20th century limped to a close. And yet today, Portishead – once in danger of becoming a clapped-out industrial area dominated by a retired population – is now vital and booming. So what’s happened? One word: regeneration. Portishead hasn’t been tweaked, gentrified or smartened up; we’re not talking a bit of a facelift here. It’s as if some celestial town planner has reached down, crumpled up what remained of the abandoned docks, and thrown back down a glittering, brave new world of colourwashed cuboid town houses and a marina bristling with sail masts. The only industrial rumblings you’re likely to hear today come from gurgling cappuccino machines in one of the many cafés that have sprung up in the area, and as for the local Waitrose – ever a reliable gauge of an area’s swankiness – it’s bigger than Bristol’s. The town is upwardly mobile – quite literally, stretching into posh skyline apartments; if a yuppie (remember them?) was a town, it would be Portishead. Notable efforts have been made to avoid soullessness. The Mirage apartment block at the foot of the marina has been designed to look like a cruise liner in dock; a little further up near the 44 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
pier there’s been a largely successful attempt to capture the feel of a Cornish fishing village, with small pedestrianised passageways winding between pastel-coloured houses. New developments have aspirational names that promise not merely a new home, but a lifestyle. Azure. Mariner’s Reach. No wonder the population has jumped from 17,000 to 22,000 in the last ten years. And it’s not all about the shock of the new. Up on the hill, enclaves of leafy Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian terraces are all designed to maximise those estuary views, with the Severn bridges and the mountains of South Wales a hazy backdrop. There’s the old Victorian high street, too, packed with independent specialist shops, from life’s essentials to luxuries, and a great tapas bar in Venga. There’s a nature reserve, one of the UK’s last surviving lidos at Battery Point; and the picturesque Lake Grounds with its marine lake and tennis courts. Summer’s the perfect time for a visit – and it’s just half-an hour’s drive away.
THE ONLY INDUSTRIAL RUMBLINGS YOU’RE LIKELY TO HEAR TODAY COME FROM GURGLING CAPPUCCINO MACHINES
There are two Portisheads: the genteel old-school Victorian part of town, and the brave new world of the glittering marina. And those views across the Channel never get old . . .
OUT OF TOWN
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SUMMER SALE
NOW ON
www.flagshipboutique.co.uk FREE NATIONWIDE DELIVERY 52 High Street | Portishead | Bristol | BS2 6EL. Tel: 01275 843061.
A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E S H O P P I N G
CELEBRATE THE SUMMER OF SPORT Inspired by the Euros, Wimbledon, Rio 2016 Olympics and the Tour of Britain, BRISTOL SHOPPING QUARTER is to host its own Summer of Sport, bringing Broadmead alive with sporting activities from 1st to 27th August.
T
he month-long programme is designed to introduce shoppers and their families to the wide variety of sports available in and around the city, allowing them to try new things and have fun – with all activities completely free of charge. From 1-14 August there will be two Foosball tables outside The Arcade, home to several of Bristol Shopping Quarter’s most unique independent retailers and looking very smart following a recent rebranding. Shoppers will be able to play against family and friends or take part in an organised tournament. On Saturday 6 August there will be a climbing wall on The Podium while the following weekend there will be BMX stunt shows and 'have-a-go' workshops. On 20 August shoppers will be able to channel their inner beach boy (or girl!) on a surf simulator and on 27 August Broadmead will welcome two sporting look-a-likes, offering plenty of photo opportunities, while children will be able to decorate new PE bags, ready for their return to school. Throughout the month local clubs, groups and organisations will be visiting Broadmead,
KEY DATES: 1-27 August – Summer of Sport
showcasing their activities, teaching new skills, and promoting classes and events. Look out for fitness challenges, cheerleading, hula hooping, handball, Jiu Jitsu and much more. The Galleries, which has recently welcomed several new stores including The Entertainer, Boswells Coffee Shop, Wed2B, Slaters, Shaw Trust, The Fragrance Shop and Bonmarché, will be taking part in Bristol Shopping Quarter’s Summer of Sport too, with sporting activities on the ground floor each Wednesday from 3-31 August and a beach on the middle floor where children will be able to build sandcastles while mums, dads, nans and grandads take a break! From 20-27 August the Broadmead BID team will join forces with PureGym to host the very first Tour of Broadmead, a static cycle challenge emulating the Tour of Britain, which visits Bristol on Saturday 10 September. This ambitious fundraising event will benefit eight different organisations – Linkage, Daz’s Rock4Charity, Headway, Creative Youth Network, St Mungo’s, Southmead Hospital Charity (NICU), t1diabetes.info and the West of England Centre for Inclusive Living (WECIL) – with retailers and shoppers alike invited to get on a bike and pedal for charity!
23 July to 31 August – Beach, middle floor, The Galleries 1-14 August – Foosball 3-31 August (Wednesdays) – Sporting activities, ground floor, The Galleries 6 August – Climbing wall 13 August – BMX stunt show with Matti Hemmings 20 August – Surf machine 20 - 27 August – Tour of Broadmead 27 August – Sports look-a-likes & decorating PE bags
For further information visit bristolshoppingquarter.co.uk ba x @BristolShopping
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48 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
A GRAND D AY O U T Bringing up baby: lowland gorilla Afia made national headlines when she was born by rare caesarian section this year at Bristol Zoo
WILD THINGS Bristol Zoo is celebrating its 180th birthday this summer – we know it’s great for visitors, but what’s in it for the animals?
A THE ZOO HAS A LONGESTABLISHED
TRACKRECORD FOR BREEDING ENDANGERED ANIMALS
By L I SA WA R R E N
sk the kids to choose a summer holiday treat, and we bet they’ll name Bristol Zoo. It’s easy to see what’s in it for them – cuddly critters, bags of space to run about in – the gift shop! – but what’s in it for the animals? The simple answer is that the Zoo has long been at the forefront of conservation campaigns, and has a long-established track record for breeding endangered animals. As for the creature comforts, you won’t find any of the larger beasts like elephants, bears, giraffes or ’roos here any more, while many of the smaller animals have positively boutiquey accommodation; the Penguin and Seal Coast is an especially lovely award-winning example. As the Zoo celebrates its 180th anniversary, we meet two key members of the team, and find out why there’s a lot more to it than a fun day out for homo sapiens. Meet . . . JOHN PARTRIDGE, senior curator of animals John’s been at Bristol Zoo for 41 years and worked with the elephants for 20 of them. He has especially fond memories of the gorillas Samson and Delilah, who produced Daniel, the first baby gorilla to be successfully reared in the UK, back in 1971. John has also helped to plan and develop
some big changes at the Zoo, such as the opening of the nocturnal house, the Seal and Penguin Coasts, and sister attraction Wild Place. “Change never stops here, and we are always planning exciting new projects for the future,” he says. What was your first job at Bristol Zoo? I was 20 when I started working for the Zoo, and my first job was with the apes – there were families of gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees and gibbons at the Zoo at that time. Was the Zoo very different back then? Yes, there were still a lot of old, Victorian-style enclosures and a lot of large mammals including elephants, giraffes, rhinos, bears and zebras. Many of the enclosures have been changed and improved, and there was a big renewal programme, especially during the 1990s. What would you say to those who still don’t like zoos? Good zoos make sure that standards of animal welfare are very high, and there is legislation to ensure that is the case. Taking up a career with zoo animals is a vocation. Dedicated animal staff will work until they drop to care for their animals; that will include staying up all night, if needs be, caring for a sick or young animal and working all the unsociable hours if that’s what it takes. How important are good zoos to conservation? Zoos are very important for both in-situ and
w
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A GRAND D AY O U T ex-situ conservation, through breeding endangered species and also for teaching people the importance of conserving natural habitats. Good zoos help people develop an emotional connection to wildlife. Bristol Zoo also has a large teaching facility on site, our Conservation Education Centre, with full-time teaching staff. Which animals are happiest in zoos? Animals will be content as long as they are given the correct facilities: the right enclosure/ habitat, diet, and companions (or not, if they are naturally solitary) are just some of the important requirements. Before bringing a species to a zoo, the needs of that species must be researched thoroughly and staff trained accordingly. Is there a reason that the Zoo no longer has elephants? Elephants require a lot of space, and we don’t have that in the five hectares in Clifton. Do you have a favourite animal? That’s a difficult one, but elephants, pygmy hippos and orangutans are special to me. My first job with apes included a family of Sumatran orangutans, including several youngsters. Their father was a large male called Henry, an immensely strong and intelligent animal. I learnt a lot from him. Working with the elephants Wendy and Christina was also very special. They were so strong, and yet could be very gentle. It took quite a long time to earn their trust, but once you had it, they would be your friends forever. I once hand-reared a pygmy hippo and that taught me a lot about animal care, routine, patience and how to work without much sleep. What are your standout memories from your years at the Zoo? Some of the many important animal births; the most memorable was watching a giraffe being born. Other fond memories include taking Wendy the elephant for walks around the zoo in the 1990s, and coming into the Zoo to see the animals on Christmas Day when it is completely empty and quiet. Meet . . . CHRISTOPHER SCHWITZER, director of conservation at the Zoo. “Good zoos celebrate the diversity of wildlife, inspiring visitors with first-hand experiences of the beauty of both the animal and plant worlds,” says Christopher. “Our animals are ambassadors for their threatened counterparts in the wild. Not everyone can afford to see exotic animals in the wild, and a visit to the Zoo often leads to a life-long positive commitment to protecting the natural world for future generations. “Bristol Zoo is recognised as having some of the highest standards of animal welfare, education and conservation in Europe, as well as world-class 50 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
in-house veterinary care. We are proud of the work we do to help safeguard threatened species and of our involvement in vital breeding, field conservation and education programmes.” Tell us a bit about the Zoo’s breeding programme history In the 1960s, Bristol Zoo Gardens was a founding member of a consortium of zoos that worked together to set up a captive breeding programme for okapi, which were, and still are, a very endangered species. This was the first conservation breeding programme, and a real innovation at the time. Since then we have continued to be part of many breeding programmes, successfully breeding some of the big, well-known animals such as gorillas, lions and pygmy hippos, to smaller and less well-known species, such as Desertas wolf spiders, Lord Howe Island stick insects and white-clawed crayfish. What have been Bristol Zoo’s biggest success stories? We have had some great breeding successes recently, such as Afia the baby gorilla at the zoo, and Ruby the okapi calf at Wild Place Project. We’ve also bred, reared and released various endangered UK native species such as whiteclawed crayfish, along with rare native plants. Outside the Zoo, we have 15 projects in the UK and abroad that conserve and protect some of the world’s most endangered species. One project that I am incredibly proud of works to protect lemurs and their habitats in Madagascar. We are directly responsible for the protection of four lemur species in the wild.
Above: the Zoo has recently released previously unseen archive footage, including these shots featuring former head keeper Don Packham Below: shenanigans with Johnny Morris on Animal Magic
YOU WOULDN’T SEE ELEPHANTS BEING LED THROUGH THE STREETS OF CLIFTON TODAY
POTTED HISTORY (AND A FEW STATS) Bristol Zoo opened in 1836 after being established by a group of eminent local citizens; even Brunel bought a share. Since then it’s welcomed six generations of visitors, established over 30 conservation and research programmes, showed 40 million school children the value of nature and given more than 90 million visitors a great day out. The Zoo has been home to tens of thousands of animals over the years, with some, such as Alfred the Gorilla and the various elephants becoming Bristol legends. Rosie gave around 80,000 rides to children in her lifetime, while in recently released footage from the archives, Wendy and Christina can be seen lumbering up Whiteladies Road to be weighed at the public weighbridge. “You certainly wouldn’t see elephants being led through the streets of Clifton today,” points out the voiceover guy. Many of the Zoo’s inhabitants became TV stars through Johnny Morris BBC TV series, Animal Magic, which was broadcast from the Zoo during the 1960s. The Zoo opened its sister attraction The Wild Place Project in 2013; a 55-hectare park with an emphasis on protecting threatened habitats on our doorsteps and around the globe.
Do zoos have an important role to play in conservation? Absolutely yes, by the nature of what we do – we are experts in the species we look after, we have studied and researched them, we know how to care for them and breed them so we are perfectly placed to play a role in the conservation of these species in the wild. We are also in a unique position to be able to engage our guests in conservation, to educate and inspire them with a love for the natural world and to promote positive behaviour change towards wildlife-friendly actions. Bristol Zoo is a conservation and education charity and relies on income from visitors and supporters to continue this important work.
What are the best enclosures at the Zoo? I have always loved the town house exhibit at the end of Twilight World for the way it really immerses guests in the enclosure. Our new gorilla house is also tremendously impressive, with its reinforced glass ceiling which allows you to watch gorillas walking overhead. Lemurs are my favourite animals and so I particularly like their walk-through enclosures at Bristol Zoo and Wild Place Project.
Watch archive footage at: www.bristolzoo.org.uk/latestzoo-news/180-years-old For opening times and prices: www.bristolzoo.org.uk
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TESTING, TESTING
FIVE BEST of the
School’s out – but that doesn’t mean that the learning has to stop. If you’re unencumbered by tiny children or have reasonably adequate childcare, why not take time out and master a new skill this month – or indeed, plan ahead for the autumn?
1. Blow a bauble At Bristol Blue Glass, the glassmaker prepares the molten glass for you to blow, and will give you step-by-step instructions to make your own bauble. You can also take the full beginner’s glass-blowing course, in which you’ll master basic techniques and fashion molten glass into beautiful objects such as drop hangers, flowers and a paperweight. The bauble-blowing costs £17.50 (book ahead, its very popular), the glass-blowing course £400. • Bristol Blue Glass, 357-359 Bath Road; www.bristol-glass.co.uk
2. Writing therapy From October, Portland Clinic is holding a creative writing course for over-55s to explore their wellbeing through creative writing. It offers a chance to look at themes of later life using creative writing, conversations and other creative approaches, playfully and seriously, in a supportive environment. They’ll also offer a mindfulness class, designed to help with stress-reduction. Both run over eight sessions. The creative writing course costs £160; the mindfulness course is tbc but likely to be around £250.
3. Make chocs, not war Zara’s Chocolates will teach you the art of piping and decorating truffles by hand, while the chocolatetempering masterclass gives you the know-how and hands-on practice. They also run seasonal figure-moulding workshops where you can decorate and hand-mould your own chocolate figures. With a maximum group size of four, the two-hour workshops are very hands-on, but require no prior experience; you’ll even learn how to package your creations ready to take home. Workshops costs £50pp or £95 for two spaces booked at once. • Zara’s Chocolates, 228 North Street www.zaraschocolates.co.uk
• Portland Centre Integrative Medicine, Litfield Place, Clifton www.portlandcentrehealthcare.co.uk
4. Unleash your inner artist Bristol School of Art runs degree courses in fine art, art history, graphic design and fashion and textiles; students study with specialist staff in bespoke studios and become part of a community of professional practitioners who will encourage and challenge you to reach your artistic and academic potential. These programmes can be undertaken on a full-time or part-time basis, and there are also a variety of leisure courses aimed at students of all levels. Daytime and evening courses both available. Contact the school for more details and prices. • Bristol School of Art, Queens Road www.sgscol.ac.uk
5. Do the floral dance Ivory Flowers run hand-tied bouquet workshops, teaching spiralling, flowerconditioning and the use of different foliages and blooms. They also run flower crown workshops, and festive wreath-making workshops at Christmas. Workshops are £45pp or £40 if you book two spaces at once. • Ivory Flowers, 228 North Street www.ivoryflowers.co.uk
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MOTORING
CAR REVIEW
NEED for SPEED Earning its ‘everyday supercar’ stripes, the Audi R8 is a sophisticated and safe little number By DAV I D F L AT M A N
54 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
T
he lovely chaps at Bristol Audi did their very best to show me every inch and every control inside the new R8 V10 when I went to collect the keys, but my childishness eventually overcame their professionalism. It was their fault, though. They wanted to teach me how to use the sat nav and the Bluetooth, but they did so having already started the engine to let me hear the exhaust note. Too late. Just give me the keys and let me loose. I’ve no doubt that they said some very useful things and that, had I changed a lifetime’s habit and listened properly, I might have been rewarded further by the experience, but I was gone to the noise. I think they were still talking as I pulled gingerly out of the car park, but who knows. The thing with an Audi R8, they say, is that one can reasonably use it as an everyday vehicle. Well, let’s talk about that for a minute. Without even driving the thing, it’s clear that this excruciatingly lustful object isn’t going to be much good at transporting labradors, popping to the tip, or doing the big shop at Sainsbury’s. Sure, it might be easy enough to operate and manoeuvre, but even my Land Rover’s boot heaves at my appetite.
CAR REVIEW
NOTHING HAS EVER FELT AS REAL-WORLD QUICK AS THIS
And the only people willing to get dog hair in an R8’s cockpit by letting Fido ride shotgun are rappers, who don’t count. As it happens, it is an utter cinch to drive about the place. It’s small enough to whack into the tiniest Clifton RPZ space without a worry, the double clutch gearbox removing the need for a third pedal and, despite being more powerful than Barack Obama, its docility around town at low speeds is genuinely granny-friendly. In fact, it was so docile that I began to wonder whether or not it would produce the goods once the roads freed up and the opportunity came to (safely) kick it in the guts. It rapidly transpired that my worries were somewhat misplaced. Now, I am lucky enough to have driven many fast cars over the years. I’ve gone quickly in Porsches, Lamborghinis, Ferraris, and even a £1.6m Pagani in rural Italy. However – and I say this with no hint of hyperbole – nothing has ever felt as real-world quick as this. By ‘real-world’, I mean country roads in Chew Magna, dual carriageways in Surrey and A-roads in the Midlands. I like my children and didn’t want to die in a horrible car accident, so I wasn’t an idiot, but I did, being totally honest, boot the thing when it felt safe to do so. And sweet Jesus. This car is rabidly, breathtakingly accelerative. It is so fast that speed ceases to be the main event, giving way in the driver’s mind to the sheer technological expertise that prevents something so ballistic ever feeling ragged or lethal. It just feels sorted. Missile-quick, but safe. This planted feeling is doubtless to do with Audi’s famous Quattro four-wheel drive system,
MOTORING
and this is an interesting conversation in itself. So many car enthusiasts bemoan anything that isn’t rear-wheel drive, declaring it impure, and ultimately too helpful. But I’m not down with this. I can drive a bit, but I’m not a racing driver and I’m on public roads with other non-racing drivers. I don’t want to power-slide in Westbury, or kick the back out in Southville. I want to feel safe, to sit somewhere beautiful, to love the accompanying soundtrack (oh god, that soundtrack), and go quickly for fun when I can. This R8 V10 is a masterpiece because it delivers all of these wants. Something this comprehensively engineered ought surely to feel mechanical and unengaging, but nope. It can chill out when you want it to, for sure, but when one feels the urge, this car can take its driver somewhere otherworldly. And it can do it any time, any place. Looks are subjective, of course, but I happen to think this car looks close to perfect (a bit more mud would complete the aesthetic), but its capability, I think, cannot be argued. Built like a tank, as light as a feather, comfortable, supersonically quick, tactile and adjustable on the limit, with a bark more penetrative than the local hardnut’s Rottweiler, this is a seminal piece of equipment. You should get one. Or, if you can’t, just pretend you might and take it for a test drive. You’ll never forget it. Don’t forget to listen to all the sat nav instructions, though. Ruddy useful, all that. More info: www.bristolaudi.co.uk
AT A GLANCE Audi R8 V10 Prices From £119,500 on-the-road Under the bonnet 532bph, naturally aspirated 5.2 V10 petrol engine Performance Punchy, doing 0-62mph in 3.5 seconds and topping out at 198mph Dealer Bristol Audi, Lysander Road, Cribbs Causeway
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A MAN’S WORLD
NOTHING ELSE
SEB BARRETT
SUGA SUGA Student life was a bit of a drag for Baz, to be honest, but he’s over it now. Until the Sugababes come on the radio . . .
U
nless you’re one of a handful of people in this world, hearing Sugababes’ seminal electropop classic About You Now probably won’t hit you in the chest like an electric jolt. When the opening beats of the song entered my ears this month for the first time in years, it felt like the air had been sucked out of the room. I was transported back to a simpler time: when tinder was just a dry, flammable material, a grinder was for coffee beans, and our country hadn’t been carelessly flicked onto a political roulette table. My halcyon university days, to be specific. As students, ‘The Five Pound Challenge’ was our gift to society. We September Millionaires, so-called because of our fiscally frivolous behaviour when our student loans came in (shortly followed by having to live on 8p noodles for the rest of the term), would give each other a limit of five pounds to go into a charity shop and find the ugliest dress possible to wear out that night. As with most
addictions, this started out as bit of fun but soon turned into something far more serious. Picture Supermarket Sweep meets My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding. Take a while to marvel at that image. We got to know the dear old women working in the many charity shops in our university town so well that we soon had carte blanche to explore their mythical ‘downstairs storeroom’ (this is not a euphemism). If charity shops are your thing, that’s like Richard Gere in Pretty Woman handing over his credit card to go shopping in Beverly Hills. We tore gleefully into binbags full of the most colourful, sparkly, itchy and downright fabulous clothes that West Wales’s charity scene had to offer. The gaudier, the better – that was our motto. There was something potent about the juxtaposition of us young bucks wearing clothes worn by people who, had, probably, died in old age. The booze we consumed added to this already intoxicating celebration of life. Wankers or visionaries? I’ll let you
MATTERS WHEN YOU’RE YOUNG AND DRESSED IN A PENSIONER’S FROCK AND CRUSHED VELVET TROUSERS
decide, but please do so in the knowledge that we somehow fared better with the ladies when we were dressed as Worzel Gummidge’s tacky sister than if we were bedecked in our distressed Levi’s and Giorgio Armani t-shirt that came free with the aftershave . One night, we were reaching the apex of our enjoyment together in a club, draped in British Heart Foundation’s finest secondhand garb, when the DJ started spinning the latest tuneful offering from Keisha Buchanan, Amelle Berrabah and Heidi Range (aka the Sugababes collective – Mutya Buena was long gone by then, you’ll remember). How we rejoiced! At this unique moment in time, none of us had any idea what the future held for us: we were too busy living in the now, dancing to the ‘babes and loving the feel of our conversation-starting dresses against our clammy torsos to worry about tomorrow. Nostalgia: it’s one hell of a drug. Doesn’t everyone have a carefree period in their lives they still yearn for? Nothing else matters when you’re young and dressed in a pensioner’s frock and crushed velvet trousers. In place of that beat my heart skipped on recently About You Now was a twinge of sadness for a time long gone, infused with a scintilla of joy at the memories that now tie a group of us together thanks to the ‘The Five Pound Challenge’. ‘Can we bring yesterday back around?’ the song asks, with a tragic sense of hope. So long as I’ve got a fiver in my pocket and a charity shop within walking distance, I’m up for giving it a go if those boys are. Seb Barrett works in sports communications. Follow him on Twitter @bazzbarrett
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Adventures in party-going
SNAPPED! AC ROS S B R IS TO L , O N E S H I N D I G AT A T I M E
DON’T LIKE JAMAICA...
Touch of Class DJ
Mayor Marv
...oh no; we love her! Among those taking the pulse of the Jamaican Pulse exhibition preview at RWA (see what we did there) was mayor Marvin Rees and curators Kat Andersen and Graeme Mortimer Evelyn. See our review on page 31 Photos Simon Galloway www.simongallowayphotography.co.uk
Curators Kat Anderson and Graeme Mortimer Evelyn
Artist Lawrence Graham-Brown and Sophie Bristol
Peaches Golding MBE Beverly Forbes and Lal Bullimore
Councillor Asher Craig 58 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
SOCIETY
NICE WHEELS Swish motors and posh frocks at the Only Connect summer party This summer’s Only Connect party was held at Brasserie Blanc’s Cutlers Hall, with guests including the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Bristol. The event was sponsored by Rybrook Specialist Cars – which is why everyone is gathered around an especially swishlooking motor on the right. Photos by Dianna Bonner www.WorldVisionPhotos.co.uk
Sponsor Rybrook Specialist Cars and co-hosts with McLaren and Bentley
Only Connect’s Jamie Breese with Georgina Fell of Run Events and Mark Ashton of Bristol City Footbal Club
Sian Holdway (left) and friends
Sophie Heponstall of Rybrook with Lady Mayoress and Lord Mayor of Bristol
Steffen and Maria Paessler of Attvance and guests The team from Stark Fitness
The Only Connect hosts
Paul Burdern, Lauren Couch of Royal Bank of Scotland and Christina Cooke
www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 59
Watch out for our fishtank balloon. Tweet us a picture @fishtankteam
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BRISTOL | CLEVEDON | WEDMORE | WESTON-SUPER-MARE | YATTON
Steve Grigg 01225 475800
Shake-ups/launches/intel/promotions
B R IS TO L G E T S S ER I O US
THE BIG STORY
FROM LBW TO LGT Matt Windows went from playing cricket for Gloucestershire to a career as a wealth manager – and there are surprising similarities, he says
‘‘
M
y passion for cricket developed at Clifton College, where I was part of the academy at Gloucestershire County Cricket Club,” says Matt, who later continued his studies at Durham University, cutting his teeth in a team that included such cricket legends as Andrew Strauss and Jeremy Snape. After leaving university, Matt returned to Gloucestershire as a professional, making his first team début in 1992. He toured Zimbabwe and South Africa with the likes of Michael Vaughan, Andrew Flintoff, Graeme Swann and Steven Harmison, who went on to become the backbone of the winning 2005 Ashes team; finally, he hung up his boots in 2006. Today, Matt channels the commitment and precision he learned on the pitch into a career as a wealth manager at LGT Vestra, which recently opened an office in Bristol. “Some may question the similarities between facing balls hurtling towards me at 90 mph as a professional cricketer, and working in wealth management, but there are a surprising number of parallels,” he says. “Both roles involve making the right choices in often difficult environments, so my time at the crease has turned out to be invaluable when making investment decisions. I was a top-order batsman, and high-pressure
situations came as part of the job. I learned to adapt to challenging situations and take measured risks, while also understanding when to be cautious. “This experience is reflected in my approach to wealth management in many ways. I am prepared to take risks where necessary; equally, I will also be cautious when I feel it is called for. Anybody can take a risk and have it pay, but a well-calculated, rationalised, intelligent risk is a very different ball game. “On the day when the EU Referendum result was announced, LGT Vestra’s portfolios had a strong day despite chaos all around. What better way to demonstrate how a well-thought-out and long-term approach can soften the blow in even the most dramatic circumstances? “In wealth management there are always opportunities if you’ve made the right preparations. This has seldom been truer with the instability following the Brexit vote. The key is being able to adapt and adjust to changing conditions for the benefit of my clients. Sometimes you need to dig in and protect your wicket, but you also need to be alive to all possibilities and be ready to clear the boundary when the opportunity presents itself.” For more: www.lgtvestra.com
QUOTE OF THE ISSUE
“BRISTOL IS ONE OF THE COOLEST CITIES IN EUROPE” What do you mean, ‘one’ of? More on page 62
1895 THE BIG NUMBER
Who has been going great guns since the late 19th-century? Find out more on page 64
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BUSINESS INSIDER
SPORT
ALPHA DOGS Anyone thinking of launching a sports centre could learn a lot from the fastgrowing Freedog brand . . .
F
reedog’s about having fun. “It’s an Urban Activity Centre where everybody can escape into one vast high-energy playzone or try something new and cool,” say co-directors Fari, Paul and Alex. “We also have the largest Parkour Academy in the West, where you can learn parkour, tricking, trapeze, wall running and a whole load of other activities” – and the coffee’s seriously good, too . . . What was your experience of opening the first branch in Swindon? It was a whirlwind! We went from pitchbooks and cheesy grins, through seed funding to the launch of Freedog Swindon in seven months, launching in July last year. Finding a huge, empty warehouse in the South West willing to have a start-up as a tenant was tough. Why choose Bristol for the second branch? Bristol’s one of the coolest cities in Europe: the urban culture here hums with alt/edgy energy and diversity and we thought Freedog’s Urban Activity Centre concept would be a hit. The Temple Meads area is attracting large-scale investment and our proximity to the train station and city-centre neighbourhoods and business hubs gives us a huge local market. What’s special about Freedog? Unlike most trampoline parks we’re really into showing our customers how to turn on the skill. Our Parkour Academy is staffed by champion gymnasts, British Olympic trampoline athletes and some awesome parkour practitioners. Also, as parents we were thoroughly sick of the awful food and vile coffee on offer at most leisure centres. Our pizza restaurant uses allorganic, locally sourced ingredients and the end product puts high-street brand pizzas to the sword. Our coffee is Freedog’s own brand Direct Trade, grown in Columbia and freshly roasted in Bristol exclusively for us. Lessons learned along the way? You’d think investing to bring a new leisure attraction and over 50 jobs to an empty warehouse in Swindon would get a positive response from planners, but bureaucratic neglect in the planning process nearly strangled the company at birth. Fortunately, the people of Swindon turned out in huge numbers and saved the day. Early interaction with planners is an absolute must. We believe you have a very community-minded approach to recruitment, is that right? Absolutely. We had fantastic support from JobCentre Plus to support and train young unemployed people 62 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
Left to right: Fari Nejad, Paul Fisher and Alex Withe
locally, some of whom had challenging personal situations including homelessness. We are also very proud to recruit ex-Armed Services personnel – that’s a no-brainer, they’re great! Can you tell us how you financed the business? We raised most of the initial £1m equity from friends and family – the government’s EIS and SEIS schemes really – and the balance was from our personal savings. The high street banks haven’t been much help. Our lead investors are Gina and Alan Miller who run SCM Capital. We really admire their determination to challenge poor ethical and business standards in the financial services and charitable sectors. What have you found to be the best tools for growth in your business? Listening to your customers; increased interaction through all forms of digital media, consultations with local groups and organisations to develop long term partnerships and improvements to our business. How much time do you spend on marketing, and what’s the most effective method? We have a full time marketing team that tackle everything from social media to product designs and launches. There is no secret and nothing overly complicated about delivering effective marketing. It is very simply; coherent message delivery, a striking call to action and thorough communication. With those three things you will always find responsive consumers. What advice would you give to new companies? Take a good long look at what everyone else is doing, then do it differently! Be bolder, think bigger – why blend in when you can stand out? Make cash flow planning your priority and always keep spare capital and sufficient liquidity to cope with the unexpected. Where would you like to be in five years time? Our future plans are under development in Freedog’s very own Area 51: ‘Project Futuredog’. We will grow to 8-10 locations over the next two years and fully roll out our Urban Activity Centre concept, constantly bringing in new leisure activities at our locations and filling out the Freedog brand. We may also extend the brand to kit and clothing and launch internationally. For more www.freedog.com
BRISTOL’S URBAN CULTURE HUMS WITH ALT/ EDGY ENERGY AND DIVERSITY
RETAIL
STRANGE DAYS Meet Jane and Gavin Strange; a pair of Bristol creatives who have chanelled their passion for design into the kind of shop that we love . . .
J
How have you been marketing the company? Gav: It’s part and parcel of what we do, I think. We’re both big users of Instagram and Twitter, so early on we set-up social media for STRANGE and we’ve been using those channels to share how the company is developing. I’m also a fan of subversive adverts, I like the confidence of when marketing contains the absolute minimal it needs. That’s why we tend to simply use the silhouette of Arnie as much as we can, to be confident in the aesthetic side of things.
ane Strange is a jewellery designer, selling online and through galleries and exhibitions; Gavin Strange is a senior designer at Aardman Animations, though by night he goes under the name of ‘JamFactory’, indulging his passion for side-projects, from illustration to filmmaking, photography to toy design. Together, they are STRANGE (they seem quite keen on the upper-case spelling): a new online shop filled with lovely things. How have your other careers helped in launching Strange? Jane: We’re both really passionate about good design and craftsmanship. Working as a designer maker has exposed me to such a large variety of incredible work and makers, I have made endless notes over the years of designers whose work has really stood out to me. I also have experience of working in a large contemporary gallery and an independent jewellery shop/ workshop which has allowed me to gain valuable knowledge of the behind the scenes and daily runnings of a business. Gav: I’ve been a designer for over 15 years now, so aesthetics has always been at the core of my career. Jane and myself really appreciate beautiful things made well, so this is our chance to make and sell the things we believe in. What does Strange offer Bristol that it doesn’t have already (or could do with more of?) Gav: Bristol’s got such a great scene of independent stores, you can never have too many! I think people really enjoy shopping at a place that’s curated and cared for by people who love the products. We’d love STRANGE to join those ranks of indie stores with a strong heart. Jane: STRANGE will offer an interesting mix of Gav’s graphic design influences intertwined with my contemporary craft background. We have a handpicked range of products that will appeal to both men and women with the emphasis being on high quality craftsmanship and stunning, unique aesthetics. You’re opening with a pop-up – do you hope/ plan to establish a permanent shopfront? Jane: My dream has always been to have a bricks and mortar shop one day but we also love the idea and freedom of pop-up shops. I think it will be a natural progression and we will see what feels right for the business as it develops.
Do you have a five-year plan? Jane: I think because we both already have jobs that we love, we are just really enjoying developing STRANGE at this point and making it a reality, it has been our dream for such a long time. We have big plans and ideas for more of our own STRANGE products, and there are so many designers we would love to work with and collaborate with in the future.
The STRANGE logo is the silhouette of their rescue greyhound Arnie: “He always manages to appear in our work,” says Jane
AS LONG AS WE’RE MOVING FORWARDS, SMILING, MAKING THINGS WE BELIEVE IN, THAT’S WHAT COUNTS
Pick a few products that you’re excited about Jane: That is really tricky as we have hand-picked designers whose work we have admired for a long time, but we’re excited about our first collaboration STRANGE x Ruth Pullan. Ruth makes beautiful, hand made leather bags, purses and accessories and we have worked together to create a bespoke STRANGE range. Gav: I couldn’t pick a favourite, but having the work of my friend and inspiration Dan Christofferson aka BeeTeeth is brilliant. He’s an artist from Salt Lake City with a unique folklore-inspired style – we’re excited to bring that to Bristol and beyond. What was the best bit of business advice that you’ve ever been given? Jane: I think it was realising that you shouldn’t wait for that perfect time/ place/ moment and if you feel passionate about something you should go for it. I also like the idea of not being afraid of failing, I need to stop being a perfectionist and make things happen! Anything you’d have done differently so far? Jane: So far no… Gav: Nope, not at all! You’ve got to work with everything you have, good or bad. As long as we’re moving forwards, smiling, making things we believe in, that’s what counts. For more www.facebook.com/strangebristol
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BUSINESS INSIDER
INTERIORS
SOFT TOUCH
Joanna McKerlie, marketing manager of Wesley Barrell, reveals the secret of maintaining a lasting family business
W
esley Barrell began as a family affair in 1895, with a store in the market town of Witney, Oxfordshire. The family began making upholstered furniture at their own workshop, with each and every piece made by skilled craftsmen. This tradition and expertise continues in the workshop at Ducklington, Witney to this day; fortunately for Bristol, it has easy access to the products at the company’s Whiteladies Road showroom.
How many people does the Bristol branch employ? There are currently three people managing our Bristol showroom. What have you found to be the best tools for growth in your business? It is important to ensure that the company continues to talk to customers, to make sure we are providing the products and styles they are looking for – our team of specialist retail staff are all capable of finding exactly what customers are looking for, so we can be confident that they will love and enjoy their new Wesley Barrell purchase for many years to come.
What kind of services and products do you offer? Bespoke, hand-crafted upholstered furniture, along with hand-crafted wooden furniture. There is also a renovation and repair service so customers may update older models with new fabrics and restored upholstery. What’s the secret of handing a business down the generations? The key to any successful business is maintaining the core values that made it a success initially – not just quality of product, but quality of service and integrity of the brand. Wesley Barrell staff are all extremely proud of the products they make and sell, with many of the teams working for the company for several decades. Is there a Wesley or a Barrell still in charge? The Barrell family stepped down from the business two years ago when a new family bought the company. It is still very much a family business, but now supported by other companies within the group. The product and brand values remain true, however, and production continues as it always has done. When did the Bristol branch open? Wesley Barrell have had a showroom in Bristol for over 25 years. What’s the most popular product and style? The Hinton and Clanfield sofas are always very popular with our customers, but all our classic ranges sell well – sometimes with a contemporary, cutting edge fabric twist as well as with the more traditional fabric choices. Bristol isn’t short of sofa and upholstery shops – what makes WB stand out from the crowd? Over 121 years of British manufacture and a skilled team of craftsmen ensure that anyone purchasing a Wesley Barrell product will be able to bequeath it to the next generation (perhaps with a new fabric choice by then!) – not many, if any, modern sofa retailers can stand by this in terms of product longevity and quality. 64 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
Joanna, and some of the heirloom pieces that make Wesley Barrell products such a sound investment
ANYONE PURCHASING A WESLEY BARRELL PRODUCT WILL BE ABLE TO BEQUEATH IT TO THE NEXT GENERATION
How much time do you spend on marketing, and what’s the most effective method? We have a fully employed marketing team at our offices in Witney who engage with the public across all types of media. Marketing is no longer just about putting adverts in magazines or on bill boards – today we need to engage with consumers digitally, using email, online advertising, online videos, social media and even mobile telephone, as well as the more traditional advertising in magazines and with brochures; there are always opportunities for radio and television advertising too. We explore all means of communicating with a public hungry for new ideas supported by traditional values. What advice would you give to other new companies who want to reach the same level of success? Wesley Barrell is a hard act to follow as it has a rich pedigree going back to the 1890s. The key is to set your products at the right quality level for your market and then maintain your core-brand values consistently so you can build trust. If your products are good then you should, with the help of a focused and well targeted marketing and sales plan, be able to grow your business successfully. Do you have plans for future branches? Naturally we are always looking at more ways to grow our business and it may be that we look to opening more branches in the future. For more www.wesley-barrell.co.uk
PROPERTY
SHOWCASE
Is this the best view we’ve ever showcased on these pages? Is there even any competition? By L I SA WA R R E N
68 112I I BRISTOL CLIFTONLIFE LIFEI Iwww.mediaclash.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk
SHOWCASE
PROPERTY
www.mediaclash.co.ukI ICLIFTON BRISTOLLIFE LIFE I I 113 69 www.mediaclash.co.uk
PROPERTY
SHOWCASE
I
f you can’t stretch to a second home in Tuscany – and in the wake of the referendum, you might hesitate, even if you could – we’ve found you an entirely wonderful alternative at Avon Heights, right here in leafy Sneyd Park. You had us at ‘topiaried sun terraces and swimming pool gazing over the Avon Gorge’ – and it’s impossible to divorce the appeal of the house from the astonishing grounds and views that it’s been specifically designed to maximise. There’s no sophistry in its name; as you’d hope, every important room, along with one or more minor ones, are positioned to let this star attraction take centre stage; the 30ft living/dining room, kitchen, family room, master bedroom and the three other bedrooms all face firmly Gorge-wards, while eclipsing them all is the wide decked terrace shown above; we’re going to come right out and award it the best view ever featured in the property pages of Bristol Life magazine.
When designing this house, the architect clearly bore three essential things in mind: views, views and views
HOUSE NUMBERS
4
bedrooms
1
guest suite
£1.25M price
The large picture windows also mean that all the indoor rooms are light and bright, with a spacious first-floor layout that flows from a large entrance hall into living spaces with killer Gorge views. The sitting room, with a dining area tucked into the ‘L’ bit, has a contemporary open fire, the blond solid-wood flooring that you’ll find in most of the first-floor rooms, and a ‘discreet drinks bar’ 70 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
2
receptions
1
swimming pool
that’s so discreet that we’re having trouble spotting it. There’s a guest suite facing the back of the house (we guess you can’t have everything – but there is easy access to the garden), and a kitchen blends granite work surfaces with neatly concealed top-of-the-range appliances; though frankly we’d be content with a cauldron over an open fire, with that vista to look at. All the above, along with a family room, utility, cloakroom and garage are technically on the first floor, with the hilly configuration meaning that the four main bedrooms are on the ground floor; the master comes with a door to the sun terrace, a large dressing room and an extremely luxurious double-room en-suite. OK, let’s head outdoors, and drink in those absolutely spectacular views from the garden. That decked balcony gets sun practically all day long; from here, steps descend to a succession of bosky, manicured terraces, with box hedging, sun terraces and an utterly charming octagonal summerhouse; if you can’t begin your novel here then maybe it’s time to give up. As for the pool area with its decking and arbour, just add sunshine and a villa holiday in the Med becomes redundant – and yet Clifton Village is a mere three miles away. Knight Frank Bristol, Regent House, 27a Regent Street, Clifton 0117 317 1999; www.knightfrank.co.uk
a d v ertisi n g fe at u re P r o p e r t y
Meet the property agent With Bristol’s property scene booming, there are plenty of homes to be marketed – but each estate agent has their own speciality. So who you gonna call?
Jemma Corbett
Savills Lettings, Clifton Tel 01179 335 813 www.savills.co.uk As an agency, what sets you apart from the others? We are a local agent backed by an international brand which brings a number of benefits, not least the ability to market a property to a wide audience. With access to all the property and consultancy disciplines at Savills in Bristol we can offer clients a full range of property services under one roof. Describe the best client/ project you ever had? Several years ago I was instructed on 26 flats in one building. We managed to let all of the properties with tenants moving in within one month, which resulted in a very happy client. What motivates you? I love the buzz of a deal coming together when you have a happy landlord and a happy tenant. What frustrates you? When clients come to us having had a bad experience with an unlicensed agent. Anyone can set up an agency so our advice would be to work with an agent who is ARLA licensed whose members are obliged to follow a Code of Practice and Rules of Conduct.
Joshua Offer Besley Hill, Bishopston Tel 0117 403 5272 www.besleyhill.co.uk
As an agency, what sets you apart from the others? Me! (and my co-director Danny of course). With us you get the broad marketing of a large firm. However, because we’re an independent business you also get a director to hold your hand from start to finish. Our clients matter deeply to us in a way that larger companies just can’t match. What motivates you? Seeing people move into their dream homes. Moving house is an incredibly emotional decision, not to mention most people’s largest asset. I’m really proud that people trust me to manage something so important for them. Sure it gets stressful but I’m sure my clients never know . . . What frustrates you? Traffic! I love this city but I dread to think of the amount of time I spend sitting in one of our cars. And no, a bike is out of the question. Have you seen Ashley Hill? Where do you see the business in five years? With a full-time driver. I’ll have to run that one past Danny but I’m sure he won’t mind. Think of all the work I could get done.
Suzy Bradley & Sue Sadler
TRACY ROBERTSON
As an agency, what sets you apart from the others? We’ve always been really clear that our point of difference is the service we provide. We go above and beyond for our customers every time. We don’t just help let, buy or sell houses, we will help our customers with all the little extras that matter. If you are looking for an agent that puts you first, we are the team for you.
As an agency, what sets you apart from the others? We’ve been around the block and back again, working successfully through many different markets. We have established knowledge of selling, buying and renting. We can cover most questions across both markets.
Bradley & Sadler Tel 0117 329 4800 www.bradleyandsadler.co.uk
What motivates you? Being able to make a real difference for people. We specialise in working with people who are downsizing their property. We know from experience that this can be an extremely stressful process but as an independent agency with a great range of experience we can take that time to understand, help and advise all our clients. What advice would you give yourself, if you were starting again today? We follow the same ethos we’ve always followed: Do what you enjoy and what motivates you and success will follow. We wouldn’t have believed it if you told us a year ago that in our first year we’d win ‘Best Newcomer’ at the national Letting Agent of the Year awards.
Property Concept Tel 0117 970 6119 www.propertyconcept.co.uk
What motivates you? Seeing people’s smiley faces when they collect their keys, knowing that we have assisted them professionally throughout the process and hoping one day that they will come back and use us again. What advice would you give yourself, if you were starting again today? Surround yourself by a team you can trust, and listen to what they have to say. No business is successfully run by one person and one person alone, so learn quickly to delegate and empower your team. Where do you see your business in five years? In five years time Property Concept will have been established 27 years, so we will be looking forward to celebrating that – we are moving ever closer to our 30th.
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p r o p e r t y a d v ertisi n g fe at u re
DAN HARRIS Savills, Residential Development Sales Tel 01179 100 343 www.savills.co.uk
As an agency, what sets you apart from the others? Our new homes team provides clients with specialist knowledge and services for the consultancy, sales and marketing of newbuild property in the South West. We cover all aspects of the residential development market, from open market sales to investment sales of new homes in the UK and abroad as well as having a specialist residential lettings department. Describe the best client/ project you ever had? Last year, we sold a lovely development at the top of The Promenade in Clifton called Litfield Court by Kersfield, a local developer. The scheme was incredibly well received and we sold entirely off-plan. The building enjoys wonderful views over the Clifton Downs. The same developer is behind the exciting Burwalls development next to the Clifton Suspension Bridge which we are currently marketing. What motivates you? The satisfaction of knowing we have done our very best for our clients and our buyers. Where do you see the business in five years? I hope that we can maintain our position as the agent that developers and buyers come to for sound advice – this comes from the backing of an international brand, expertise in the local market and one of the best research teams in the business.
RUPERT OLIVER Partner, Fine & Country Bristol Tel 0117 973 3081 bristol@fineandcountry.com
As an agency, what sets you apart from the others? Fine & Country is an exciting, growing brand, concentrating on marketing the lifestyle opportunities of a property rather than just the bricks and mortar. What sets us apart is our unique ability to distribute properties digitally across our entire database, reaching some 120,000 buyers every six weeks or so as we showcase our newest instructions. What motivates you? Customer service is key to our industry, and it is not just what sets us apart from our competition but it is what keeps the wheels of business turning as we enjoy referrals from past clients; and although still a new brand to Bristol, repeat business as well. Now, more than ever before we have to distinguish ourselves from both the traditional agent and online competitors, and it is through experience, market knowledge and customer service that we are able to that. Where do you see the business in five years? We are a young, fresh brand with the best office on Whiteladies Road; in five years’ time I see myself leading my exceptional team who enjoy a reputation for putting their clients first and offering a fabulous service, where the best price is consistently achieved through hard work, experience and one of the best estate agency networks in the UK.
76 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
Lloyd Williams
Roderick Thomas Tel 01179 734464 www.roderickthomas.co.uk As an agency, what sets you apart from the others? We specalise in selling interesting properties and displaying them to the market at their full potential but many agents rely on the internet whereas around 20% of our sales are made without properties going online. Describe the best client/ project you ever had? Around Christmas time we were approached by a potential buyer who was looking for a very unique property, after living abroad for around 11 years. He spent most of the time looking on the internet before he came in to see us. Following his visit to us we wrote to around 50 homes that we felt would suit his requirements. He returned to Spain and in January I was asked to value a few homes that may be of interest. After visting four homes we discounted one and showed him three properties in one day. After the viewings we went for a drink and discussed one home of particular interest and a few days later agreed a deal. Our client who sold the property was delighted not to have to go on the market and the buyer was delighted to have bought his dream home! Where do you see the business in five years? We are looking to expand currently. In five years I could easily see us with another three branches!
Jonathan Siggins
Branch Partner Allen & Harris Clifton Village Tel 0117 9731295 www.allenandharris.co.uk As an agent what stands you apart from the others? Listening and understanding my client’s needs to help them achieve their end result, whether it’s selling their home at the best possible price or finding them their dream home. I’m a strong believer that in a time where things are moving more & more online that it’s important to offer face to face service and build a real understanding of the client and their needs. Describe the best client/ project you have ever had? We deal with some amazing local individuals so it’s difficult to pick just one of those, but it has to be Crest Nicholson. Having been chosen as sole agents on their flagship development, Highbrook Park in Stoke Gifford we were able to help sell in excess of 50 houses for them last year which was really exciting. What motivates you? Whether it is in a work or personal environment, I am extremely competitive due to a sporting background. I like to succeed in whatever I do, whether this is getting the best possible price for our vendor, finding a buyer a home or winning a sporting event. I strive to be the best in whatever I do and was fortunate enough to win a place at the company’s annual high achievers trip to Las Vegas earlier this year having achieved record personal and branch results, which was an amazing recognition of the work of the whole team here.
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L E G A L a d v e r t i s i n g f e at u r e
Is it ever ok to sue the NHS? By Katie Reid at Metcalfes Solicitors
T
he NHS is one of our proudest achievements as a nation. Free at the point of need and founded on the principle that a right to life is not based upon one’s ability to pay. So, if something goes wrong with your medical treatment, is it ethical to sue the NHS? Critics will argue that suing the NHS is morally and financially wrong, and that funds are diverted from Trust budgets to meet the cost of insurance. However, if a person is injured and unable to work as a result of poor medical treatment, should the state not support them?
why do people sue the NHS?
Poor or inconsiderate treatment is not enough to warrant a claim being made against the NHS. Treatment must be considered ‘unreasonable and irresponsible’ by a body of medical opinion who are practising in the same field, at the same time, in order to sue. Even if treatment is unreasonable and irresponsible, it must be shown that it has affected the patient in a harmful way. For example, a doctor treating a patient with the wrong drugs, or even leaving something inside a patient (provided that it doesn’t require removal), may not be enough to prove grounds for a claim. Only those injured by unreasonable care 78 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
who have suffered physical and financial loss will be eligible to claim.
What will suing the NHS actually achieve?
Compensation in the UK only aims to put the patient back in the position they would have been in had the accident not occurred. It isn’t awarded so that a person can benefit financially from the accident. Most people who sue the NHS will receive compensation which can for example, pay for someone to learn brail, provide for a state-of-the-art prosthesis or adapt their house for wheelchair usage. In reality, people just want their lives to return to normal and frequently people say that they “just don’t want this to happen to anyone else”. Neither of these things can be guaranteed. Many people also worry about whether the doctor will face disciplinary action if they are sued. The General Medical Council is the body responsible for monitoring whether a doctor is fit to practise and it’s for them to look at the success rates of the doctor against whom a complaint has been made before deciding on whether any action is appropriate.
So, is it wrong to sue the NHS?
There is no easy answer to this question,
but it must be said that medical negligence claims are never brought lightly. Defence of the NHS is vital, but where injury occurs as a result of unreasonable error, it’s important that the NHS also has the framework in place, both to compensate for it and to learn. At Metcalfes, our team of experienced medical negligence solicitors are here to sensitively help guide you through any potential claims you may have. BL
For more information or advice, please contact Katie Reid on 0117 929 0451, or visit www.medical-negligence.uk.com or www.metcalfes.co.uk
BRISTOL LIVES
Q&A
W
e’re all about diversity and inclusivity at Bristol Life. No matter what creed, gender, shoe size or weird taste in pizzatoppings, we want you all on our back page. With this in mind, last Christmas we interviewed an elf; this month, it’s a bell. But not just any old bell: Great George, the 9.5 tonne bell that was installed in the Wills Tower in 1924. You’ve probably heard him; he keeps Bristol to time during the day, and likes to celebrate special occasions. What time do you, ahem, clock on? I am contracted to announce 07:00-22:00 inclusive. Depending on my schedule and to-do list, I usually start work at 06h:59m:56s. How far away can your peals be heard? Do you mean my hour chimes? A lot depends on the wind direction and speed. On a calm day, this is usually just over a mile in all directions. We believe you weigh in at over nine-anda-half tonnes – is that pretty big, for a bell? Fairly big, yes. It puts me firmly in the top ten heaviest bells of the country, out of several thousand. I am the 7th heaviest in the UK. Does size actually matter? Weight isn’t everything. You can have a heavy out-of-tune bell. This would sound horrendous and is a distressing concept in the bell community. You’ve tolled through some of the most significant occasions in recent history. Care to pick a few favourites? In 1925, King George V and Queen Mary came to officially open my house, the Wills Memorial Building, and I rang out a royal salute. I have also been rung for various royal, civic occasions and university occasions, both happy and solemn. My voice is a comfort to many people, so I am told. This is very touching and makes me feel a bit proud. Any 21st-century highlights? I rang at midnight to welcome in the year 2000. There were thousands of people out on the streets below – it was very exciting. Inside, the ringers seemed nervous and had equipped themselves with battery-powered lights. As I understand it, there was an outbreak of a millennium bug. It was obviously a photophobic bug, given all the extra lights for protection. Do you prefer your ding-dong thing to be called a clanger or a clapper? It is not a thing, it is my clapper and integral to my anatomy.
82 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
GREAT GEORGE Well, this is exciting: in this issue, we get to interview a bell. But not just any bell . . .
Big Ben and Great Tom both feature regularly on the BBC. Do you have any ambitions to begin a broadcasting career? I have offered my services. As yet, I am still awaiting a phone call. I don’t actually have a phone, though. This may be a sticking point. Does it ever annoy you that so many pubs are called ‘The Bell’ when practically none of them have one? I see it as an indication of their aspiration. I am not one to quash aspiring bell-owners, so long as they appreciate that owning a bell is a commitment and not just for Christmas. If people are coming to visit you in the tower, should they wear ear mufflers? If they get cold ears, then I think this is a very good idea. Yes. In a recent tweet, you said that you aspired to make it as a supporting act. Who would you ideally like to support? Ringo Starr. I like the name. You also tweeted that a recent nine o’clock peal was brought in association with a peregrine falcon. Are birds of prey regular visitors? Oh very much so. The peregrines are the most frequent, but I have also had a few owls land in the shadows during the night. They know that they are most welcome. #InclusiveBell
Any other non-human visitors up there? I had some handbells visit a few years ago – they were attached to humans, but I firmly believe the bells wanted to visit independently. Visiting moths fly in at night, but they do have a habit of cooking themselves on the floodlights, which leaves a funny smell behind. On a campanology session, do you prefer a full peal, or something a little more modest? As a solo artist, I think it is very important not to overuse one’s voice and so I limit my offering. I rather enjoy listening to other bells across the city ringing full peals, particularly the Cathedral on College Green. If you could be any other bell, what would it be? None. I am 100% committed to Bristol. Do you require much maintenance, or are you a cheap date? I am deeply upset by this question. I have informed my agent. Do you have a favourite tune that can be played from your tower? Anything that has just E-flat in it. I am rather monotonous. Tell us something surprising My clapper is bi-directional. Follow Great George on Twitter: GreatGeorgeWMB
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