The Bristol Six + Eight Magazine - December 2019

The Bristol Six + Eight Magazine

BS6+8

Issue 60 - December 2019 12,000 copies delivered free across Redland, Cotham, Kingsdown, Westbury Park and north Clifton

1

You may be concerned that increasingly, solicitors’ practices are becoming ‘law firms’ with a solicitor meeting the client, taking on a matter and then supervising paralegals and legal executives to carry out the work. Corfield Solicitors does not operate in this way; we simply offer three fully qualified solicitors, personally dealing with your matter from start to finish.

Deciding to leave his city centre firm, Jonathan Corfield established his own practice in Sneyd Park in 2009 where he and his wife have lived for many years and raised their family. Charles Corfield joined the practice later that year after graduating from Bristol University with a Masters in Law and both were later joined by Stuart Corfield when he also qualified as a solicitor.

Our fees are set in order to make a living rather than a fortune. No ‘extra costs’ are added for home visits.

No additional ‘out of hours’ charges are made.

Fixed Fee Conveyancing House sale or purchase Flat sale or purchase

£1,000 £1,000

Our fixed fees for conveyancing do not apply to new build or off plan purchases, or properties priced in excess of £900,000.

Wills

Single Will Joint (Mirror) Wills

£195 £295

Probate

Charged at usual hourly rate with no additional percentage of the value of the estate added.

No extra charge for home visits or evening appointments 2

Lasting Powers of Attorney

One type of Both types of LPA LPA Individual £400 £600 Couple £600 £900

Hourly Rate

For work carried out on a timed basis, our hourly rate for all three solicitors is £195. All prices exclusive of VAT.

Residential Conveyancing & Property Issues • • • • •

Purchase & Sale Freehold & Leasehold Remortgage Retirement property purchase Probate property sale

Commercial Property

• Purchase, Sale & Lease • Renewal, variation or surrender of leases • Rent Deposit Deeds & Rent Reviews • Licences to Assign • Local Authority planning agreements • Preparation of auction documentation • Options, conditional sales and pre-emption

Services for the Elderly and Carers

• Home visiting • Nursing home & hospital visiting • Residential, Nursing care provision & funding issues • Retirement property purchase • Wills & Powers of Attorney

Wills Probate and Trusts • • • •

Joint & Single Wills Codicils & updates Provision of Executor services Immediate assistance when a loved one has died • Probate & Administration • Trust administration assistance • Declaration of Trust

Powers of Attorney

• Lasting Powers of Attorney • Registration of Enduring Powers of Attorney • General Powers of Attorney • Appointment of a Court of Protection deputy

Telephone:

0117 968 8890 Office: 2 The Avenue, Sneyd Park, Bristol, BS9 1PA

Email: info@corfieldsolicitors.com

Or visit our website: www.corfieldsolicitors.com

Honest, down to earth fixed fees and hourly rate 3

FYDJUJOH DPOUFNQPSBSZ XBZ 0WFS XFFLT ZPV XJMM MFBSO B OFX TUJUDI FBDI XFFL GSPN UIF TJNQMF UP UIF FMBCPSBUF CVJMEJOH ZPVS TLJMMT UP EFTJHO BOE DSFBUF B MBSHF TDBMF QJFDF

The Editor’s Small Piece

Would you like to make "MM NBUFSJBMT JOTQJSBUJPO BOE SFGSFTINFOUT beautiful hand XJMM CF QSPWJEFE embroidery?

Hello there and welcome to the last Bristol Six + Eight of 2019. Fourteen years I’ve been doing this and it still brings me pleasure putting the two magazines together and getting them out to you.

FNCSPJEFSZ BU 5IF 'PML )PVTF #SJTUPM BOE 1SFNB "SUT 6MFZ Each week of this beginners course you will 
 FME $PNNPO BSFB XJUI be taught BNQMF QBSLJOH 'JOBM WFOVF UP CF DPOm new B TVOOZ SPPN JO UIF )PSm groups of stitches.

These range SNFE XIFO from the OVNCFS PG QBSUJDJQBOUT JT LOPXO NBYJNVN

simple to the elaborate, building 
 5JNF BOE EBUFT 8FEOFTEBZ QN your skills, knowledge and conÞdence.

UI "QSJM .BZ OE BOE +VOF UI +VMZ SE +FNJNB -VNMFZ IBT UBVHIU DSFBUJWF IBOE

While I remain a one-man-band here in the office the whole operation would subside very quickly without the terrific help I get from a number of people. Regular contributers - Duncan (on music), Nicky (pets), Russ (IT), Julian (history), Bruce (books), Chris (films) and Hilary (gardening) provide much of the written input - thank you all folks - and my team of deliverers (currently numbering 15 in BS6+8 and a further 38 in the sister BS9 magazine) do a fabulous job in all weathers (glad they’re not out today) pounding the streets of north west Bristol very month. And support from the family at home who don’t see much of me in print week, and probably too much of me the week after.

Learn in a relaxed setting with a 5IJT DPVSTF JT TVJUBCMF GPS QFPQMF XJUI CBTJD FYQFSJFODF PG IBOE TUJUDIJOH small group under the experienced 1MFBTF HFU JO UPVDI UP CPPL B QMBDF PO UIJT DPVSTF guidance of teacher Jemima Lumley.

UIFSF T MJNJUFE TQBDF TP EPO U EFMBZ b QFS UFSN DMBTTFT

All PS FNBJM KFNJNBMVNMFZ!NF DPN materials, worksheets, patterns

and refreshments are provided.

2020 courses start in January, April and September and run for 10 weeks. Price £180.

Email jemimalumley@me.com, or visit jemimalumleytextiles.com for more details or to book your place.

The front cover this month is of the new mural at the end of the platform of Redland railway station. Nice and cheery - unlike the paintings at Montpelier which I find a bit sinister.

Peter Wyatt Painter & Decorator Domestic & Commercial No job too large or too small Specialist wallpapering Free estimates & friendly advice Fully insured & reliable BS6 references available

I hope you enjoy the magazine this month and that you find something to interest / amuse / challenge you. By the time you read this the new magazine website will be up and running - www.bcmagazines.co.uk - where you can find all you need to know about advertising in the magazine, as well as firing up back copies, a bit more about it all started and how to get in touch. Please do have a look. In the meantime I hope as many of you as possible have a happy and healthy Christmas, and all the best for 2020.

Cheers. Andy

Tel 07950 496039 or 01934 625782

JSH PLASTERING All types of plastering: No job too small

Walls and Ceilings - Internal and External Local, reliable work from qualified and experienced plasterer.

Get In Touch Tel 07845 986650 / 0117 259 1964 Email andy@bcmagazines.co.uk Write in to 8 Sandyleaze, WoT, BS90 3PY

Call John on 07967 697 361 or jshoggett@outlook.com 4

Care Homes

The St Monica Trust offers award-winning nursing and dementia care in a range of settings across Bristol and the South West. Get the very best out of life and enjoy exceptional personalised care.

Call us to find out more

0800 952 0300 carehomes@stmonicatrust.org.uk

www.stmonicatrust.org.uk

Registered Charity 202151 | Model used for illustrative purposes only

St Monica Trust

Inquire PERSONAL TOURS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE

See our website for details

Junior School Open Morning

Monday 13 January, 9.30am

0117 962 9451 5

redmaidshigh.co.uk

Useful Information Contact Numbers

Bristol City Council

Gas Emergencies 0800 111 999 Electricity Emergencies 0800 365 900 Water Emergencies 0845 702 3797 Avon & Somerset Police Non-Emergencies 101 (new no.)

Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 Southmead Hospital 0117 950 5050 Bristol Royal Infirmary 0117 923 0000 Bristol Children’s Hospital 0117 342 8460 NHS non-emergency 111 Bristol Blood Donation 0117 988 2040 The Samaritans 08457 909090 Alcoholics Anonymous 0845 76975 55 ChildLine 0800 11 11 National Rail Enquiries 08457 484950 Telephone Pref Service 0845 070 0707 Mailing Pref Service 0845 703 4599 West of England Care & Repair - help, advice & info 0300 323 0700

The Council website offers residents information about BCC services including council tax, bins & recycling, schools, leisure, business, streets and parking. Visit www. bristol.gov.uk or contact the General Enquiries switchboard on 0117 922 2000.

Trains to / From Temple Meads Trains currently depart from Redland Station to Temple Meads at the following times Monday -Friday 0628, 0645, 0744, 0819, 0852, 0932, 1019, 1052, 1133, 1219, 1251, 1333, 1419, 1451, 1534, 1619, 1650, 1732, 1819, 1914, 1948, 2019, 2154, 2235, 2319 Saturday

Postal Services Cotham Pharmacy & Post Office 9 - 6 Monday to Friday 9 - 1 Saturday

0650, 0733, 0819, 0850, 0932, 1019, 1051, 1134, 1219, 1250, 1334, 1419, 1451, 1534, 1619, 1650, 1734, 1819, 1931, 2012, 2154, 2234, 2319

Whiteladies Rd Post Office 9 - 5.30 Monday to Friday, 9 - 13.00 Saturday

Sunday 1011, 1107, 1207, 1307, 1407, 1507, 1607, 1710, 1809, 1837

Gloucester Rd Post Office 9 - 5.30 Monday to Saturday

Trains depart from Bristol Temple Meads to Redland at the following times -

Late Post - there is a late post box at the main Post Office sorting depot on the A38 at Filton.

Currently the late post is at 7pm.

Monday - Friday

Local Libraries

0514, 0548, 0630, 0703, 0803, 0836, 0916, 1003, 1034, 1116, 1203, 1234, 1316, 1403, 1434, 1516, 1603, 1635, 1713, 1803, 1847, 1933, 2034, 2137, 2216

Redland - tel. 903 8549 Mon closed, Tues 11-5, Weds 11-7, Thurs-Sat 11-5

Saturday

Henleaze - tel 0117 903 8541 Mon-Tues 11-5, Weds 11-7, Thurs 11-5, Fri 1-7, Sat 10-5

0603, 0634, 0716, 0803, 0834, 0916, 1003, 1034, 1116, 1203, 1234, 1316, 1403, 1434, 1516, 1603, 1634, 1716, 1803, 1903, 2034, 2140, 2216

Waste & Recycling

Sunday

The Household Waste and Recycling Centre on Kingsweston Lane, Avonmouth for pretty much everything. Due to redevelopment and upgrade work the Avonmouth centre is now open to domestic visitors on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only, from 8am to 4.15pm until the end of the year.

0908, 1023, 1123, 1223, 1323, 1423, 1523, 1623, 1652, 1753 Note - a new timetable come into force 15th December 6

Property fraud – are you protected?

any sale or mortgage on your property unless a conveyancer or solicitor certifies that the application was made by you.

Josephine Tasker of AMD Solicitors considers how you can protect your property against fraud.

The Land Registry’s Free Property Alert Service The Land Registry offers a free ‘Property Alert Service’ for properties registered in England and Wales. This is an essential tool that should be considered by anyone wishing to take steps to protect a registered property from risk of fraud.

Millions of pounds are lost each year to Property Fraud in the UK, which unfortunately is a serious ongoing issue with fraudsters continuing to target property owners regardless of whether owners are individuals or companies, and leaving you to deal with the consequences.

To sign up, all you need to provide is a valid email address and the postcode or title number of the property(ies) you want HM Land Registry to monitor (can be up to ten properties). Once you have signed up to the service, you will receive email alerts from the Land Registry when certain activity occurs on your monitored properties, allowing you to take swift action if these activities are suspicious. The alert will signpost you to who to contact in this event.

The most common types of frauds are typically where criminals steal a property owner’s identity and then attempt to sell or mortgage their property by pretending to be them.

In particular, fraudsters are more likely to target properties where: • the property is rented out • the property is empty • the property is not mortgaged • the property is not registered with HM Land Registry • you live oversees

Keep your contact details up to date!

Please remember to update the Land Registry in writing if your contact details change while you own the property to ensure you receive any such correspondence. For added peace of mind, the Land Registry can hold up to three contact addresses for you, including an email address and an address abroad.

To protect your property place a restriction on it!

You can instruct our Conveyancing Team to put a ‘Restriction’ on your title.

What if my property is unregistered?

If you have a property which you rent out, a second home or live somewhere else for all or part of the year, you should consider registering a Restriction against the property.

The benefit of taking this additional step means it will prevent the Land Registry registering

If your property is not registered at the Land Registry, you should consider making an application for voluntary first registration because it helps protect against fraud, gives you proof of ownership and makes it easier to buy and sell.

Your local award winning law firm

If you are unsure whether your property is unregistered or would like to discuss making a voluntary application, our experienced Conveyancing Team will be able to assist you.

If you would like any advice or assistance in connection with the above, please get in touch by emailing info@amdsolicitors.com, calling our Conveyancing Team on 0117 973 5647 or pop in to one of our four Bristol offices.

Wills Probate Family Property Commercial

Call us: 0117 962 1205 or visit: www.amdsolicitors.com

7

Dr Anjali Hariharan BHMS, ND, YIC, PgDGC, PgNAHI

A Homeopathic Doctor with over 15 Years of experience in Holistic Health Care. With extensive knowledge of Complementary medicine and Qualified in Naturopathy, Reflexology & Yoga, combining them to give you an individualised treatment plan.

CORNICE, CEILING ROSES ETC. CORNICE MADE TO MATCH RESTORATION WORK

Your journey to optimum health

PAINT REMOVAL FROM EXISTING CORNICES PLASTERING AND RENDERING

The Yew Tree Clinic

LIME PLASTERING OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE

The Holistic Wellness Clinic

56 Stoke Lane,

2 Queen Street,

Bristol BS9 3SW

Bristol BS2 0JB

Tuesdays 6pm-8pm

Mon - Fri 11.30am-7pm

FREE ESTIMATES AND ADVICE

Call now to make your appointment

PLEASE CALL 07970 278 028

0117 925 2251 or 07737 453471

Redland

Electrical Services

▪ Addi�onal lig��ng � sockets ▪ Fuse board upgrades ▪ Rewiring ▪ Home security ▪ �nspec�on � tes�ng

24 hour call out / no job too small ELECSA approved contractor �art � �uilding Regula�ons approved ��t� Edi�on �S����

John Chambers

07734 326915 / 0117 924 6154 info@redlandelectricalservices.co.uk www.redlandelectricalservices.co.uk

8

Giant Christmas Quiz Time - answers on page 60 A bumper range of quiz questions for you this month - a veritable pot pourri of topics and trivia. Good luck.

Pop Music 1. Name the bands with these lead singers - a) Roland Gift, b) Roland Orzabal, and c) Kevin Rowland.

2. Who had hit singles with a) Honey, b) Sylvia, and c) Bernadette?

3. Who had hit singles with a) Daniel, b) Frankie, and c) Luka?

4. Name the year these events occurred - a) Woodstock, b) John Lennon & Yoko Ono’s “Bed-In” for Peace, and c) Slade first released Merry Christmas Everybody.

5. Which artists had hits with Wake Me Up (2013), Titanium (2011) and Bad Romance (2010)?

Cinema 1. These films won the Best Picture Oscar - true or false? - a) Gravity (2013), b) Braveheart (1995), c) A Passage to India (1984).

2. Elstree Studios is in which UK county?

3. What is the name of the forthcoming Star Wars film?

4. Will Thacker and Anna Scott are the lead characters in which 1999 romantic comedy?

5. Director Steven Spielberg and actor

Richard Dreyfuss worked together on which two classic 1970’s blockbusters?

Literature 1. Who coined the expression “The world is my oyster”?

2. Whose autobiographies are entitled a) Long Walk to Freedom, b) Blowing the Bloody Doors Off, and c) Born to Run? 3. Name the third book of the Christian Bible‘s Old Testament.

4. Name Margaret Atwood’s recent sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale.

5. Name the leading female character in Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations.

Sport 1. Name the sportsmen who have scored most a) rugby union tries, b) cricket runs, and c) football goals for England.

2. Which is the longer distance - a horseracing furlong or the length of the Burnley football pitch from goaline to goaline?

3. Where were the 1972 summer Olympics held?

4. Which has the highest recorded top speed - a racehorse, a race greyhound or Usain Bolt?

5. Robin Dixon and Tony Nash represented Great Britain at which sport in the 1960’s?

(continued on page 12)

Kemps J Est.

“Much more than j

The team at Kemps w all of their customers over the year and wish a readers a very Hap Christmas Opening We open Saturdays in December - 7th, 14th and 21st until 5.00pm, Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th (until 1pm) and then reopen again on Monday 30th.

We are a local family business offering you professional, friendly advice on beautiful gift ideas for ladies and gentlemen.

Kemps Jewellers, 9 Carlton Court, Westbury on Trym 10

Jewellers

1881

just five gold rings�

would like to thank s for their support all Bristol Six + Eight ppy Christmas.

On Saturday 21st December between 11am and 1pm come in and be entertained by our favourite close-up magician while your gifts are being specially wrapped for you.

Congratulations to our November Prize Draw winner Jill Elloway - who wins herself a ÂŁ100 Kemps Voucher

, Telephone 0117 950 50 90 - www.kempsjewellers.com 11

Giant Christmas Quiz Time - answers on page 60 Geography

election campaigns).

1. In which counties would you find the following lakes - a) Lake Louise, b) Lake Baikal, and c) Lake Tahoe?

5. The longest serving Members of Parliament have first choice of the offices overlooking the River Thames - true or false?

History 1. The Spanish Civil War took place in which decade of the 1900’s?

2. In what year did John Cabot leave Bristol aboard The Matthew on his expedition to North America?

2. Into which body of water do the following rivers flow - a) the Danube, b) the Ganges, and c) the Tiber?

3. Bristol’s iconic Temple Way Redcliffe flyover opened and closed in which years?

3. Name the capital cities of a) Turkey, b) Kenya and c) Namibia.

4. Which of these European cities are the most a) northerly, b) easterly, c) southerly and d) westerly - Athens, Warsaw, London and Paris?

4. When was the £1 note withdrawn in the UK? 5.

Archbishop Franz Ferdinand’s assassination, widely recognised as the spark that led to the outbreak of World War 1, took place in which city - and which country is it now the capital of?

5. Which of these three African countries is landlocked - Mauritania, Cote d’Ivoire or Zimbabwe?

Politics

Entertainment

1. Who was the last leader of the Liberal Party?

1. Who played Bianca Jackson (Bianca Butcher) in EastEnders?

2. Name the current Chairman of the Conservative Party.

2. Who hosted on television the first ever National Lottery live draw in November 1994?

3. Who was leader of the Labour Party when their election manifesto was branded as “the longest suicide note in history”.

3. In the 1970’s Jerry Booth, Len Fairclough and Ray Langton were leading characters in which UK soap opera?

4. Since Margaret Thatcher became the UK’s first female Prime Minister in 1979 how many General Election’s have their been? (not including 1979 or the current

4. What is the connection between these 12

(continued on page 14)

November Auction Results

Amethyst bracelet

Pilkington lustre vase

£2,000

£4,800

Ferdinand Priess skater

£8,500

Cantonese Celadon

£4,500

Season’s Greetings to all of our clients

Ming style incense burner

£1,500

Free Valuation Days at the Salerooms 2nd & 3rd and 16th & 17th December 9.30am - 1pm & 2pm - 5pm

Alternatively, email images of items you may be thinking of selling to info@csrauctions.com

Every lot, in every sale, illustrated and sold with live internet bidding Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers The Auction Centre, Kenn Road, Clevedon, Bristol, BS21 6TT Tel: 0117 325 6789 www.clevedon-salerooms.com

Giant Christmas Quiz Time - answers on page 60 6. In what years were the following songs the UK’ s Christmas number 1 singles - a) Mary’s Boy Child by Boney M, b) Reet Petite by Jackie Wilson, and c) A Moment Like This by Leona Lewis.

three English actors?

7. Name the languages used in these Merry Christmas greetings - a) Feliz Navidad, b) Vrolijk Kerstfeest, and c) Nadolig Llawen.

8. What the occupation of Jesus’ father Joseph?

5. Name the last 3 winners of I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here.

Christmas

9. In what year was the Queens Christmas Message first televised?

1. Wenceslas Square is in which city?

2. 12 Days of Christmas arithmetic - (no. of drummers + no. of ladies) divided by no. of swans, plus no. of geese = ?

3. Frankincense and myrrh both come from the husk of nuts from species of north African trees - true or false?

10. How would you know if were visited by a Rangifer tarandus at Christmas?

4. Name the 3 “festive” people shown below.

Mystery Personalities Can you name the people hidden in the frames below?

5. From which Christmas carols do the following lyrics come - a) “Round yon virgin mother and child, Holy infant so tender and mild....”, b) “The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.”, and c) “Pray you, dutifully prime, your matin chime, ye ringers....”?

5. How many calories are there in a Tesco Finest All Butter Pastry Mince Pie?

31 14

FREE Georgia toilet & basin with every bathroom order

Qualified massage therapist, based in the BS9 area

Bathing a problem? – we can help

CHRISTMAS OFFER

£30 for an hour massage

• Wet rooms • Walk in showers and baths • Waterproof wall panelling • Slip resistant safety flooring • Grab rails & shower seats • Zero VAT on disabled bathrooms • Discounts for over 60s SSAFA and Ex Service personnel • Disabled Facilities Grants • Charity work and grants

Why not treat your friends and family with a relaxing massage with new Gift Vouchers available

Please get in touch for enquires Phone- 07717743598

Call for friendly advice and free survey and quote

Email-heather.sportsmassage@gmail.com

01173 226383

Facebook- Heather’s Sports Massage

www.ahminstallations.co.uk

**Loyalty stamps cannot be claimed with this offer

SARAH’S DECORATING SERVICES

Brsitol Mag AHM 65 x 94 v1.indd 1

18/07/2019 07:28

• Painting & Decorating • Any size work undertaken • Free quotations Sarah Partridge 07939 961 707 Sarahsdecserv@gmail.com QUALIT Y WORK AT AFFORDABLE PRICES

A&P Plastering Specialists All aspects of plastering . . .

Skimming over artex * Coving * Artexing Plaster boarding * Small jobs welcome Over 25 years experience and locally based Clean and professional service

Contact - Phil Winter Tel: 0117 969 4874 or 07722 160 270

New & Re-condi�oned Stairli�s & Warranty • Removals & Reloca�ons • Free Surveys & Quotes – No Obliga�on • Rentals for Straight Stairs • Independent, Professional & Friendly Advice • Over 24 years prac�cal experience

Senio r Snippe ts

Independent Stairlift Specialist 01454 413748 07833 318722 www.thornburystairli�s.co.uk

Keeping well in Winter

Welcome to the latest edition of Senior Snippets: the monthly advisory column with the older members of our community in mind, brought to you by John Moore, Director of Home Instead Senior Care in North Bristol.

In this edition we are going to share some very important tips on how to keep well in winter to help you and your loved ones steer clear of germs.

See your pharmacist if you aren’t feeling well. Even if you have just a cough or a cold, your pharmacist might be able to help you prevent it from becoming more serious. If you can’t physically get to a pharmacy, make sure to call them to discuss your symptoms.

Get a flu jab. Everyone over the age of 65, living in the UK is eligible for a flu jab and is encouraged to take up this free NHS service. You can get a flu jab at your GP’s surgery or at participating pharmacies.

Keep warm. During the cold winter months, it is advisable to wear several layers of clothing, rather than one thick layer. Clothes that are made from cotton, wool or fleecy fibres help to maintain body heat, and are better than silky and thin materials that don’t insulate well.

Keep mobile. Try not to sit still for more than an hour at a time. Even simply standing up to stretch your legs for a few moments can help to increase your body temperature. If you have good mobility moderate exercise is a great way of keeping warm when temperatures are low.

Drink warm beverages. When you get up to stretch, why not make yourself a hot drink to help keep you warm? You should also try to eat at least one hot meal a day. Making sure warm foods and drink are going into your system will help to maintain your weight and contribute to keeping your body temperature up.

At Home Instead Senior Care, our wonderful CAREGivers can help older people to stay well and can support with many of the tips mentioned here.

If you would like to speak to someone at Home Instead, please do get in touch. Similarly, if you have any ideas for a future topic, please call 0117 989 8210 or email John.Moore@HomeInstead.co.uk 16

Consistent, thoughtful care.

Tailor made for you. carers “The were very compassionate, when things were sometimes difficult and emotional.

”

● ● ● ●

Companionship & conversation Plan visits, trips and outings Help with travel arrangements Personal care

● ● ● ●

Home help Meal preparation & tidy away Organise wardrobes & cupboards Specialist dementia care

For more information about our service or joining our team please call 0117 989 8210 or visit www.homeinstead.co.uk/bristolnorth We’d love to hear from you!

17

Easy Steps to Reduce, Reuse or Recycle…

the community, bringing with it a sense of pride, value and purpose. The work carried out by companions in our social enterprises brings in 50% of the income required to run the charity. That direct impact can reinstate a strong sense of purpose for someone who may be suffering from the erosion of confidence, dignity and self-respect that can often be associated with becoming homeless.

…and help people who have experienced homelessness to rebuild their lives.

Here in Bristol a staggering 1 in every 170 people are experiencing homelessness right now. That’s almost 5 audience members for every full house at The Old Vic theatre or 159 football fans at a sell-out Ashton Gate match.

Our social enterprises sit high up within the waste hierarchy; so not only do we support people out of homelessness, but we do that by facilitating the reuse of once-loved goods in the city. In 2018/19, charity retail helped to reduce CO2 emissions in the UK by 7 million tonnes (2) and kept 339,000 tonnes (3) of textiles out of landfill.

At Emmaus Bristol, we support people out of homelessness through the provision of a home and community, for as long as it is needed. Because each person’s journey has been very different, we believe there should be no time limit on their recovery process. For some, it’s a few months of stability while they get back on their feet after a relationship break down.

For others, it may take years to address underlying mental health issues.

On joining the community, Companions (residents of Emmaus Bristol) sign off from all benefits, with the exception of housing benefit, and are provided with a living allowance.

By donating quality goods to Emmaus Bristol, you can help us to continue to support people out of homelessness and, at the same time, join in the circular economy, ensuring that we keep quality products out of the waste stream for as long as possible.

Charity shops like Emmaus Bristol are able to reuse or recycle 90% (4) of all clothing and books donated by people just like you.

We sell your pre-loved donated goods to new customers. Some are looking for that perfect vintage piece to compliment their décor, others a thrifty purchase that saves them money. Whether customer or donor you are a vital part of this circular

As well as accommodation, allowance and one-to-one support, Emmaus Bristol offers vital work experience in a social enterprise where each individual effort is essential and valued. This work is cited by 80% (1) of Emmaus companions as being the best thing about being part of 24 18

Quality Serv

L if

If you have unwanted books, CDs, DVDs, clothing, ornaments or crockery, and you’d like them to go to a new home, you can donate them to Emmaus Bristol.

If you’re not sure whether an item is suitable to donate, ask yourself the question “Would I buy this item in its current condition?”

0%

ice

10

economy.

et

im

eG

u a ra nt e e

You can bring donations of small items to one of our shops in either Stokes Croft or Bedminster b e t w e e n 10:00 and 16:30 Monday to Saturday.

For suitable large items, or multiple boxes of smaller items, we offer free collection. You can call our collections line on 0117 954 0886, option 1 or email reuse@emmausbristol.org.uk to check if your donation is suitable and book in a pick up.

You can find our Stokes Croft shop on the corner of Upper York Street/Backfields Lane BS2 8QJ. Our Bedminster shop is at 72 Bedminster Parade BS3 4HL.

• Stylish • Made to Measure • Unique Range • Lifetime Guarantee

Thank You!

0117 370 1594 (1) Emmaus UK Companion Feedback Survey 2016 (2), (3), (4) Top Ten environmental Impacts of Charity Retail 2019, Charity Retail Association

justshutters.co.uk

Your 25 19

local Shutter Specialists

T2791 JS Bristol Property NOV 2019 125x350.indd 1

02/10/2019 11:08

Talking Pets - with the Animal Health Centre intending getting one then ask if the kitten has had any interaction with dogs as again an early happy relationship with a dog will make the kitten more adaptable.

Are you thinking of getting a kitten in the future?

Until now there has been a lot of good advice available for potential puppy owners but very little for kittens. However that is no longer the case.The Cat Group, a respected collaboration of various cat study groups and charities has produced a very informative guide to getting a kitten.

It doesn’t matter if you are looking to rescue a moggy from a local cat rescue or are buying a pedigree cat from a breeder, the new guide will give you help in advising what to look for.

A kitten will be a family member for many years, even up to 20 years in some cases so it is important to ensure that the kitten you chose is right for you and happy and healthy. Where the kitten comes from and how it has been brought up can affect a cat throughout its life, the very early weeks of a kitten’s life from 2 to 9 weeks are all important in socialising a kitten and ensuring it is used to family life and confident with people.

Once you visit your potential new kitten the guide again has plenty of questions for you to ask and things to look out for. See how confident the mother cat is to interact with you and her kittens, a confident mother cat is likely to bring up confident kittens. Is the kitten confident in being handled by you at the end of your visit or is he hiding or hissing? Is the mother cat healthy?

An unhealthy mother is likely to pass on disease to her kittens. Ask about the food that the kitten is eating as well as treatments given for fleas and worms and whether vaccinations have been given.

The guide also encourages you to think very carefully about whether the kitten you are viewing is right for you, for you to be ruled by your head and not your heart. Don’t forget, this kitten will be a part of your family for a very long time to come and you need to make sure he will fit in happily. The guide is available at http://www. thecatgroup.org.uk/pdfs/The-Kitten-Checklist. pdf

The guide has questions to ask even before you visit your potential new kitten regarding its health and upbringing. You need to check the age of the kitten, a kitten should not be homed before it is 8 weeks old. Ask if the kitten is friendly. You should be able to see the mother to assess how friendly she is and if at all possible ask to see the father too as friendly fathers are more likely to produce friendly kittens. If you have a dog or are

At Animal Health Centre we are also very happy to give pre-purchase advice to you so please give us a call or come in and see us for any help you may need. We look forward to meeting your new bundle of fluff.

Nicky Bromhall, Veterinary Sugeon - Animal Health Centre

20

LEK TRIX

LTD

ELECTRICIAN QUALITY ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS FROM YOUR LOCAL WHICH? TRUSTED TRADER CONSUMER UNIT UPGRADES (FUSE BOX / BOARD) How old is your current consumer unit?

Bring your installation up to current regulations.

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION CONDITION REPORT (EICR)

NEW LIGHT FITTING / LED CONVERSIONS

Selling your home?

Just moved in?

When was the last time your electrics were checked by a registered electrician?

Install new energy efficient LED downlights.

Upgrade your costly halogen downlights to LED. Decorative light fitting installation.

NEW PROJECTS / HOME IMPROVEMENTS

FIRE AND CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS

From minor works to a full re-wire we can help.

Safeguard your home and your family with mains wired interlinked detectors.

For more information and advice please visit our website or call to speak to us:

0117 902 0171 info@lek-trix.co.uk | www.lek-trix.co.uk 21

Good Reads - Bruce Fellows’ book recommendations West Berlin, 1989, and Ralf is enjoying a final summer with his friends before university. Then he meets Oz and his life turns upside down as a childhood game of observing a neighbour and pretending he’s a spy suddenly seems to become reality. Ben Fergusson’s enthralling novel, An Honest Man takes us deep into Ralf’s life and into the lives of his family and friends and none are what we first think they are. We get a vivid portrait of Berlin at the time the Wall fell and a gripping, emotional and tense love story with a shocking climax leading to a present day conclusion.

Autumn in Venice by Andrea di Robilant tells us how Ernest Hemingway fell for a teenage girl in 1948 and how their platonic ‘romance’ became the basis of his least successful novel. The book gives us a full background to Hemingway and brings in wives and sons and friends. He comes across as sometimes unpleasant, sometimes delightful and Venice and its hinterland are wonderfully evoked: mist on the marshes as duck shooting begins; tours around the alleys and canals of Venice; grand ornate interiors of palaces.

It grips like a novel and you feel for the protagonists but most of all for Ernest’s wife, Mary.

PD James’ The Misletoe Murder and Other Stories is an excellent collection of four tales of detection involving deaths in the festive season. The title story is a classic: a country house, a snowfall, a locked room, a pool of water, a chief constable. The second is less salubrious: a man views a house empty for several years and the story emerges. In the final pair, Adam Dalgleish solves the crimes and he doesn’t disappoint. Written over the years for magazines that wanted a Christmas bon bon, each one is a cleverly plotted, ingeniously contrived mystery not to be missed by lovers of the genre.

A gang of American kids from largely dysfunctional families; they call themselves The Gunners, the name on the mailbox of the abandoned house they play in as children and the title of Rebecca Kauffman’s warm, insightful and very human novel. Then Sally stops talking to the others and they all grow apart. In adulthood though, Sally jumps off a bridge and they come together again and share their secrets. But who was it caused Sally to go silent? As you get inside their characters, this is a book you simply can’t put down. It’s friendship and love that carry them through. It’s a great read.

Could you become a spy to keep your country safe from foreign plotters?

Maggie is a very unlikely candidate but when Harvey turns up at a lakeside café, she accepts the challenge and very soon a nail biting mission follows that finds her running to a safe house for refuge. Mick Herron’s terrific suspense novel This Is What Happened takes us into the minds of Maggie and Harvey and examines their thoughts and motivations. But who knows she’s there? Is everything what it seems? Why can Maggie never go out?

Read this and be very careful if you’re ever approached to be your country’s saviour.

Bruce Fellows - December 2019 22

The secrets of the world await

23

On This Day in Bristory News

place on the site of a house from the 15th century BC, were children’s bones that appeared to have been cooked with edible snails. The details were announced during a lecture at the British School of Archaeology.

26 December 1682 The infamous pirate John “Calico Jack” Rackham was born in Bristol. Earning his nickname due to his fondness for brightly coloured clothes made from Indian Calico cloth, he is mostly remembered for his “Skull and Cross Swords” Jolly Roger design and the fact that he allowed women to join his crew, notably Anne Bonny and Mary Read. Rackham was hanged in Port Royal on 18 November 1720.

Sport 13 December 2008 Bristol Pitbulls ice hockey team held a trial match at the Bristol Ice Rink against Vectis Tigers, to test the viability of running a senior team on the rink. In front of a crowd of 350 people, The Pitbulls won the match 13-9 against the side from the Isle of Wight. The Pitbulls were vying for a place in the English National League Division Two. They played their first match in the division in September 2009, beating the same opposition (renamed the Wightlink Tigers)

8 December 1864 Clifton Suspension Bridge opened with a ceremonial parade, complete with magnesium flares (which were blown out by the wind) - 111 years after a bridge at the site was first planned, and more than five years after the death of designer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Major revisions had been designed by William Henry Barlow and Sir John Hawkshaw which made the bridge much sturdier.

11 December 2009 Bristol boxer Lee Haskins added added the Commonwealth super-flyweight title to his British crown after outpointing Don Broadhurst over 12 rounds in a bout fought in Newport.

Haskins received a unanimous verdict from all three judges, this was Broadhurt’s first defeat.

Haskins also held the IBF bantamweight title from 2016 to 2018, and the IBF interim title in 2015. His most recent fight was a victory against Sergio Gonzalez in October of this year.

8 December 1965

Music 16 December 1912 Bristol Hippodrome, built for Oswald Stoll and designed by renowned theatre architect Frank Matcham, opened with a Variety Bill headed by Eugene Stratton and a melodrama called ‘The Sands O’ Dee’, a water spectacular featuring 100,000 gallons of water and diving horses, the production ran successfully until January 1913.

The venue was constructed on the site of the former Smith & Co Furnishers shop.

Largely due to the impact of the The Bristol Bus Boycott of 1963, which arose from the refusal of the Bristol Omnibus Company to employ nonwhite people in the city’s bus crews, The Race Relations Act received Royal Ascent. Brought in by Harold Wilson’s government, the act banned discrimination in public places and in employment. The Act also created the offence of “incitement to racial hatred” and was eventually replaced by the Race Relations Act of 1976

4 December 1968 Having played at the London Palladium the previous day, The Beach Boys performed two shows at Colston Hall as part of their European tour. Classic tracks featured on the setlist included Wouldn’t It Be Nice, California Girls, God Only Knows and Good Vibrations, as well as songs from their recently released Friends album.

17 December 1980 Professor Peter Warren of Bristol University revealed details from an archaeological dig on the island of Crete which suggested the Minoans may have practised ritual cannibalism.

Discovered during the excavation, which took 24

The IT Surgery - Russell Isaac Fun Tech Stocking Fillers For Under £25

high-tech wine stopper that has its own inbuilt pressure gauge. Pump out any oxygen in the bottle to keep it from going bad, and the wine should last much longer than usual.

With the dreaded C-word nearly upon us, here’s a few fun ideas for hi-tech gifts/stocking fillers which are infinitely more interesting (well, I think so!), than socks or bubble bath.....

USB rechargeable AA batteries - £12.99 simply plug them in a laptop USB socket and after five hours they’re fully charged.

Muji cardboard speakers - £19.95 – Collapsible cardboard speakers to play music from your or mobile/tablet via a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Suzada Electric Socks (yes, really!) £23.99 – battery powered socks that will keep your feet toasty for a whole day!

Griffin AirCurve mobile speaker- £19.99 You don’t need to plug this speaker in or buy batteries for it, with the coiled centerpiece acting as an amplifier for whichever iPhone model is docked. The music is much louder and clearer than anyone would ever expect.

I still don’t think you can top the Bluetooth woolly hat for winter tho (from £6.99). Pair it to your phone and listed to music / make calls as you keep your ears warm this winter – happy xmas all!

Russell Isaac can be contacted on 0774 775 3764 or via www.ithomehelp.biz

V-Gauge wine preserver - £21.99. A

25

5 Ways to Reduce Your Inheritance Tax

Michelle Rose

With careful planning, it is o�en possible to significantly reduce your estate’s inheritance tax bill.

1. Gi� small sums each year

3. Create a Life�me Trust

You can make gi�s of up to £3,000 to anyone you choose, each tax year without IHT being charged. This is your annual allowance and it can be carried forward for one tax year

Trusts give both control and flexibility. They are par�cularly suitable for benefi�ng children or young adults, where outright gi�s (and what they may be spent on!) may be a concern. A Trust allows you, to maintain control of who receives the money from the trust, and your assets are removed from your estate for IHT purposes a�er seven years from the crea�on of the Trust.

This means that if you did not make any gi�s in the 2018/2019 tax year, you can make gi�s of up to £6,000 in the 2019/2020 tax year and con�nue to make gi�s of up to £3,000 each subsequent tax year.

2. Give Away Surplus Income If your net income exceeds your annual outgoings, you may be able to give away the surplus income without any nega�ve IHT consequences. This is a valuable (and o�en overlooked) exemp�on, which, unlike the annual allowance of £3,000, is only limited by the amount of your surplus income.

To benefit from this exemp�on you must be able to show a clear pa�ern of giving and demonstrate that the gi�s were made from surplus income. Good record-keeping is vital.

If the condi�ons for this exemp�on are met, qualifying gi�s out of surplus income are immediately exempt from IHT and there is no need to survive seven years.

26

Trusts created during a person’s life�me are subject to a separate tax regime. IHT may be charged when the trust is created, on each 10 year anniversary of its crea�on, and when assets are removed from the trust.

Trusts and their tax treatment can be complex and anyone wishing to set up a trust should take professional advice.

4. U�lise Your Pension Pensions remain one of the most flexible and tax-efficient vehicles for passing on wealth.

To be exempt from IHT, you should ensure that your pension passes outside your estate.

The effect of this is that your pension fund isn’t payable to your estate: the trustees of the pension scheme have discre�on as to who benefits (though in most cases they will follow the wishes expressed in any nomina�on

form that you have completed during their life�me).

Changes to the law now mean there are no nega�ve IHT implica�ons when a pension scheme member does not take up their pension benefits. However, IHT can arise when pensions are transferred and the pension holder dies within two years, or if a pension scheme member increases their contribu�ons when in poor health.

5. Purchase IHT-Efficient Investments In addi�on to family-owned businesses, certain shares traded on the Alterna�ve Investment Market (AIM) and Enterprise Investment Schemes (EIS) may be exempt

from inheritance tax a�er you have owned them for at least two years. Whether the shares in a par�cular company will be exempt from IHT depends on the nature of the company.

To avoid these poten�al pi�alls, many investment managers offer specialist AIM and EIS por�olios, which specifically include investments that will be exempt from IHT.

To discuss how you can reduce your potential IHT charges, please contact Michelle Rose at mrose@vwv.co.uk or on 0117 314 5246.

Need Legal Advice?

We offer a personal service to meet your needs: • Buying or selling a house • Estate administration • Family, divorce & children

• Lasting powers of attorney • Personal injury • Wills & inheritance tax

Contact Michelle Rose at mrose@vwv.co.uk or on 0117 925 2020.

vwv.co.uk

27

At the Cinema - with Chris Worthington Official Secrets (Certificate 15) Directed by Gavin Hood Starring Keira Knightly, Matt Smith

in a difficult position. Should she admit her guilt out of loyalty to her colleagues who are all under suspicion or keep quiet? She confides in her Turkish husband, Kamal Ahmed, who at first is angry and can hardly believe the gravity of what she done. When he calms down he says that she must keep quiet and it will all blow over. With internal security at GCHQ on the case that is not going to happen and Katharine admits that she leaked the memo.

Official Secrets is an excellent docudrama about whistle blower Katharine Gun who leaked an email from GCHQ in the run up to the second Iraq war. The email contained damning evidence that the US National Security Agency were planning to blackmail six of the nations in the United Nations Security Council to get their support for the UN resolution to go to war.

She is arrested, questioned by detectives and spends a night in police cell where the duty solicitor admits that he is out of his depth.

Kamal is also arrested and the government attempt to deport him illegally. He is saved at the last minute when Katharine arrives to rescue him at Heathrow Airport. Katharine contacts Liberty, an organisation that provides legal support in human rights cases.

At first her lawyer Ben Emmerson (played by Ralph Fiennes) and the director of Liberty, Shami Chakrabati, were not optimistic.

Katharine has breached the Official Secrets Act and their advice is to plead guilty to get a reduced sentence. However her defence team eventually agree that she could plead that she acted to prevent imminent loss of life in a war that she considered illegal. They asked the government for the records of legal advice about the lawfulness of the war but these were not released.

The film opens at GCHQ where Katharine works as a translator, it’s another day at the office until Katharine reads the email. She makes a paper copy and takes it home. After agonising for several days, well aware that she is breaking the law, she decides to give it to a friend who is in the anti - war movement and is in contact with journalists.

The case came to trial months later in February 2004 but the charge was dismissed when the crown offered no evidence. It was widely believed that the case was dropped when the prosecution realised that evidence would emerge that British government lawyers believed that the war was unlawful at the time when the memo was leaked.

The email is leaked and the film moves on to the office of The Observer newspaper where the editorial team have the difficult task of deciding if it is genuine. They set to work to investigate the story and the source. The editor, Roger Alton, is torn between getting the news scoop of the year and being taken in by a clever fake. After several robust exchanges with very considerable use of the “f� word, Martin Bright, the investigating journalist has gathered enough evidence to publish. The article creates a sensation but the government are closing in on the source of the leak.

Official Secrets brilliantly portrays the real life drama of a supremely important issue - the legality of the second Iraq war. There is no doubt that the Official Secrets Act is necessary for national security and the work that is done by GCHQ is invaluable. However all of that is debased if the government fails to act with honesty and integrity.

Chris Worthington chrisworthington32@yahoo.com

The investigation at GCHQ places Katharine 28

In both cases, it is essential the gift is of a reasonable value given the size of the person’s estate and that they are acting in the best interests of the Donor. Any large gifts, for instance to carry out some inheritance tax planning, must be authorised by the Court of Protection BEFORE they proceed. Usually the attorney would have to put a case forward to the courts detailing their proposals and reasons behind the gift.

Can you make gifts if you are a Power of Attorney?

The Court of Protection has recognised that under certain circumstances an application to the courts is not required and the guidance given covers the annual inheritance tax exemption of £3,000 and the annual small gifts exemption of £250 per person.

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal process whereby an individual appoints family or friends to manage their money, property and sometimes their welfare. It is commonly used by elderly individuals to enable someone to step in when they are unable to either due to illness, old age or just because they feel unable to manage their affairs. The person they appoint is called their ‘attorney’ and this should be someone they completely trust as at some point they will be managing the individual’s entire assets. It is set up whilst the individual still has capacity and can be used immediately or at some point in the future when the individual is incapable or no longer wishes to look after their affairs.

Richard Higgs, Chartered Financial Planner, provides friendly financial advice in BS9 on a face-to-face basis in a welcoming location at 50, High Street, Westbury on Trym. He specialises in advising retired clients on savings, investments, Inheritance Tax and longterm care planning. You can contact Richard on richard@haroldstephens. co.uk, 0117 3636212 or through the website: haroldstephens.co.uk.

The scope by which an attorney can make a gift is very limited. The law states that an attorney can only make a gift if its either: To a family member, friend or acquaintance of the person on a ‘customary occasion’ like a birthday, wedding or Christmas; or To a charity

29

Prize Wordsearch

This month the prize wordsearch has a festive theme, you are looking for words associated with Christmas. Twenty five festive words or expressions are listed below, and twenty four of them can be found decorating the puzzle grid - running forwards, backwards, up, down or on a diagonal. Just discover the one missing word or expression, let me know which it is, and if yours is the first correct entry out of the hat after the closing date of 31st December you will win yourself a goody bag of all sorts of bits and pieces - that have accumulated in the office here over the last year. These include a nice bottle of white wine in a picnic cooler, a 1,000 piece Winter jigsaw, a copy of Rachel McCoubrie and Robert McPhillips lovely “The Great Alien Cake Off” childrens book, and a £10 Grupo Lounge gift voucher. Entries please by post to 8 Sandyleaze, ____________________________ WoT, BS9 3PY, email andy@bcmagazines.co.uk, telephone 0117 259 1964 or text 07845 986650.

Right - here are the words you are looking for: Ivy

Thank You Notes

Stockings

Yule Log

Three Wise Men

Presents

Goodwill Holly Bethlehem Magic Baubles Stable Turkey

Father Christmas

Brandy Butter

Rudolph

Tinsel Manger Sprouts Celebration Family

Mince Pies

Baby Jesus

Queens Speech

Pigs In Blankets

Date: ___________________ The answer to the September wordsearch competition was “Pasture”, and the winner of the wonderful Alpine cheese assortment provided

by Slate & Wedge, was James Haigh.

O N A T W T F The answer to the Z Y O Q F V T October wordsearch U T T E R G M competition was the J X Y P T H R board game “Risk” P G D T H S L and the winners of J U F H X T S the gaming voucher G T C A M O F to Chance & Counters W A N N I C A were Hattie & James.

X L M K X K M Well done all, your G X V Y L I I prizes are on their way.

U Z Q O Q N L W S Y U E G Y F G C N N S Y W A Q O N W B T W U T O V B N N D E F D F I C P S S V H K K L L Y U S V A P N T Z N X I I Q U W H S B Y V K O A A U E Y L J H Q G S L L R W S G Y L N X X

Christmas 2019

Q N R P I G S I N B L A N K E T S H V Y Y W D K

U Q B M F A T H E R C H R I S T M A S A S N Y O

E H T S M C A X Q T C I B G I I N P M O H C A Y

E P I U E M Q Q G G R E Y I S I R H V L X I D L ivy

N L M L B G G S N N P S L P D O O T A D W T G A

S O I N F G X Q N V R X C E U F H E D P D X C F

S D U H U D L O U Y E B E T B R S U L O B Z K U

P U F R G B C A U B S U S V E R H A H B F L Q R

E R O S I C K L V A E X U E E L A R L U A F A E

E P F P C H E S F U N E W K X H Q T U E Q T Z G

holly

C P B V R L G F J B T I T R I D M E I I S J S N

H U R D O M L D U L S O O V B Y T B N O C N N A

W P A G T H M Y H E A F Y V J A Z U A K N N I M

U H N P Y X G Z M S Y M H N L B B V R S Q F O T

H Z D X U Q S E V R G W X M K U E Y F K H J I P

Z F Y T C M N H I M I N C E P I E S J G E M O Q

H M B H L I V B L B E T H L E H E M W E N Y L T

30 fatherchristmas

celebration

H & P Aerials

Specialist in Digital Technology TV, FM And DAB Radio Aerials Freesat & European Satellite works Supply and Fit TV Mounts and Extra Aerial Points OAP Concessions* Fully Guaranteed Prompt And Efficient Service No Job Too Small

For A Free Quote Call 0117 908 7232 or 07815 029 775 *Please ask for details

REHAB & UNKNOT

with MRS. KEON WILLIAMS

REMEDIAL & SPORTS MASSAGE THERAPIST

Specialising in treating soft tissues – muscles, tendons and ligaments.

This is achieved through massage, which helps to identify overuse and underuse of muscles. If not treated, this can cause imbalances within the body which can cause one to suffer with aches and pains of back, neck, shoulders, etc and even wear and tear within joints.

Along with massage, stretches and rehabilitation exercises are given to clients, which will help to prevent the return of symptoms.

This treatment is for everyone, of any age.

Sessions available at Bristol Natural Health Service, 407 Gloucester Rd, BS7 8TS Core Stability and Correct Posture Alignment class at Gloucester Road Fitness Gym, BS7 8PD. Wednesdays, 9.45–10.45am.

For more info and to book contact Keon:

T: 07796578793 ▪ E: keonwilliams20@gmail.com www.bristol-natural-health-service.co.uk 31

32

33

c

M CLLL

P L A S T E R I N G EST 1976 • OVER 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE • INTERIOR & EXTERIOR • QUALITY WORK • COMPETITIVE RATES CALL: 0117 949 0147 or 07909 937 229 or 07970 596 260 mccallplastering@hotmail.co.uk

34

History Notes - Julian Lea-Jones Number 143 - HMV - Her Majesty’s (Christmas) Voice...

Christmases when television programmes didn’t normally start until the evening and the dinner finished in time for the family to gather around in the parlour to listen to our Queen’s Christmas Day Broadcast: Her Majesty’s Voice.

Of course your family may have been the proud possessor of a television even though the screen was smaller than today’s portable DVD players and the resolution was a fraction of that of a mobile phone, but being able to watch as well as listen to the Queen was considered a thrill.

I have just realised that this will be my one hundred and forty third and the twelfth Christmas article for the magazine, so thought it would be worth considering what delighted our parents and grandparents on Christmas morning.

Nowadays all entertainments seem to be hitech, and even Christmas cards or musical socks have more processing power than the Colossus machine used by the World War II Bletchley Park code breakers. Let’s go back to the 1950s, when mechanical Christmas toys only needed winding up and didn’t need a second mortgage for the batteries. Unfortunately, a sad outcome with many modern toys is that when the batteries run down, they aren’t replaced, and the toy is all too soon discarded. However, I can remember my Dad made many of our Christmas toys, a family tradition that I continued with our children. Although homemade toys were often an economic necessity, there is also the consideration that a handmade present is more precious because it contains something of the spirit of the giver.

Those who had a radiogram would know that the letters HMV on the Bakelite gramophone disc (vinyl’s antecedent), stood for His Master’s Voice, but perhaps without realising the Bristol origin of the trademark. The HMV logo is probably one of the most recognisable, but how did it come about?

As a clue, the statue of a small terrier dog called Nipper, (Bristol’s e q u i v a l e n t to Greyfriars Bobby?) can still be seen above the doorway at the corner of Park Row and Woodland Road.

This and the adjacent commemorative plaque were placed here by the Bristol Civic Society as this is the nearest spot to where the worldfamous dog lived. Nipper, born in 1884 lived at the theatre and was owned by Mark Barraud, a scenic designer at the Princes Theatre that was at the time opposite where his dog’s statue can be seen today (The theatre was destroyed by World War 2 bombing). One day after Mark’s death his artist brother noticed Nipper intently listening to a recording on the wind-up cylinder gramophone of his late master’s voice and decided to paint the

We wouldn’t consider our Grandparents’ Christmases hi-tech, but ‘Gamage’s of London vast 1913 Christmas Bazaar’ catalogue ran to nearly 500 pages and amongst a myriad of toys included ‘electric novelties’ such as bedside clocks which projected the time onto the ceiling, – so nothing new there then. Their Christmas catalogue started off by enticing the parents with stockings pre-packed with “the best of toys – for good boys and girls”.

Theirs was an age when hi-fi meant replacing the steel needles in the wind-up gramophone (like the points used in drawing compasses), with fibre ones sold by HMV or even expensive gold plated needles. The advertising hype for these needles offering a ‘smoother sound’, was similar to todays sales messages encouraging hi-fi purists to fit their systems with unnecessary gold-plated gizmos.

35

(continued overleaf)

History Notes - Julian Lea-Jones scene. In 1899 the Gramophone Company were looking for a easily recognisable trademark and when they bought the copyright of his painting, had an updated painting titled, ‘Dog looking at and listening to a Phonograph’ showing Nipper listening to a more modern disc phonograph.

They also changed the title to the now eponymous ‘His Master’s Voice’®

Paper!) where players aimed to complete a shape of a cardboard cut-out flounder (a conveniently flat fish for a tabletop game). The different coloured fish were in half-a dozen pieces each with dice spots. Players rolled the dice to collect the separate pieces of a fish, the first player with a complete fish of a single colour won. Heady stuff indeed!

Apart from this, what heady Christmas delights followed the Queen’s speech?

The answer for many were “parlour games”, providing fun and skill for all the family. Although Monopoly and Snakes and Ladders are still with us, many others have been lost or consigned to the toy box in the attic. However, I have delved into our archives to bring you some reminders.

I remember my 1953 Christmas present from my Gran in Bermuda who had been granted an engineering patent in 1902, was ‘The Boy Electrician’ manual containing 320 pages of

detailed instructions on how to make things such as radios and motors, (eight sewing pins, a wine cork, magnet and a metre of fine wire). Unbeknownst to her it also contained constructional details for a X ray machine so you could look at the bones in your hand, It advised that a suitable X-Ray tube could be purchased from a electrical supplier for 20 shillings and six pence, (£1.03 in decimal coinage). However, it did warn that you shouldn’t look at it for ‘too long’ (which remained unspecified) as it could cause skin irritation! PS. I wasn’t allowed to make that one, which disappointed this budding engineer!

Amongst a wide variety of card games one of our favourites was ‘Sexton Blake’ based upon the famous detective stories. The 60 cards with pictures of detectives or villains was divided into five suites, four gangs and one detective team led by the indomitable Sexton Blake. Each card had a point value – the objective being to catch the criminals by winning the most tricks.

Another popular card game in the time of post war austerity and a reminder of the black market, was the game ‘Contraband’. Each card featured pictures of what were considered dutiable luxury items; - watches, handbags, cigarettes, gloves and nylons. The objective was to use the paper money to buy the goods and smuggle them through customs. One played the role of Customs Officer. There were also informers and penalty cards which imposed fines on the holder for example, a packet of nylon stockings carried a fine of £30! There was even a diplomatic bag card to smuggle things through duty free. Another well-known game advertised as “Tremendous fun for all the family” was the Merry Game of Floundering, (sounds like a Government White

Nearer to home, and before Health and Safety regulations, a school shoe shop in Clifton had an X-ray machine where the child put their feet in a box and the screen showed if the shoe fitted. I wonder which other readers remember this, or indeed remember when Bristol’s own ‘children magnet’ was Dawson’s toyshop at 96 Whiteladies Road?

I hope that this has brought back memories of Christmases past. Maybe share them with your family this festive period. Happy Christmas. © December 2019 Eur-Ing Julian Lea-Jones, C.Eng, FRAeS 36

37

With more than 30 years of industry experience, the Howard agency is the personal vision of Howard Davis. This professional and truly local property business is born of family values - honesty, trust and loyalty.

The Howard team really cares about the people it does business with and this beautiful area that we all live and work in. The well-liked and respected experts at Howard have decades of combined sales and lettings understanding and exceptional knowledge of Bristol, Somerset and the surrounding

Howard Davis Managing Director

suburbs. For those just starting out to those with large portfolios, the Howard ethos is based on respect, transparency, and the determination to deliver an exceptional and personal service for all.

REDLAND – GUIDE PRICE £355,000 STOKE BISHOP BS9 SSTC £850,000 Two bedroom apartment, internal plus A detached familygarden house offers a light, versatile interiorstaircase and a a south private rear garden lounge plus garden a separate facing lawned garden.entrance, The rear south facing lawned is of a good size offered and offers awith sun terrace adjacentchain. to the house kitchen diner, no onward EPC D

SNEYD PARK KINGSDOWN BS8 – GUIDE PRICE £465,500 SSTC £899,000 Large upper interior floor ismaisonette with offering a generous lounge The versatile set over three floors on the ground diner separate kitchen. good size double leveland an extensive kitchen/living spaceThree with twin doors opening out to the south facing rearbathrooms, walled garden. In addition there is a utility room, bedrooms, three beautiful private internal cloakroom and storage cupboards. staircase, communal rear garden and one FCFS parking space. EPC D

SSTC £475,000 SNEYD PARK BS9 CLIFTON VILLAGE – GUIDE PRICE £495,000 An upper floor maisonette comprises of: a lounge diner, separate A kitchen, delightful garden flat well placed for all the amenities three double bedrooms, a family bathroom, an en-suite ofshower Clifton Village and The Downs, room and a contemporary wet room. and It alsoLeigh benefitsWoods from communal rearthe garden and oneClifton FCFS parking space. is ajust across nearby Suspension Bridge.

Extensive master bedroom with bay window, bathroom complete with claw foot bath and shower. EPC D

£675,000 REDLAND BS6 BISHOPSTON – GUIDE PRICE £690,000 extensive double bayed semi-detached five bedroom family home AnAnattractive four bedroom end of terrace Victorian offers a good sized rear garden and detached garage. In brief it offers; family home, over levels. front living room, arranged dining room with accessthree out to the rear gardenThree and reception rooms, two bathrooms, firehouse. places, breakfast room leading though to the kitchen period to rear of the garden, off street parking and use of private square garden. No onward chain. EPC E

and the garden extends around to the side of the property.

0117 923 8238

www.howard-homes.co.uk 38

hello@howard-homes.co.uk

Opening new doors...

With the same trusted team‌ just a new name

27 39

203 Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2XT

Councillors’ Contacts - Your Green Team in Redland Green Mayor’s new Air Quality plans

At a meeting on 5 November the Council approved the Mayor’s Clean Air plans, which include a ban on diesel cars in the city centre between 7am and 3pm. Air pollution is a blight on the city and causes over 300 early deaths per year. However Green councillors think the Mayor’s plans are risky because they rely on government legislation and could face legal challenges. They also aren’t necessarily the fastest way to improve air quality, and aren’t the best option to tackle other types of air pollution such as particulates, or to reduce carbon emissions overall. Councillor Martin Fodor said: “These plans are a missed opportunity – we think the Mayor could do better. Air quality is cutting lives short all over the city and Gloucester road is just one example where local people will have to wait years for air quality to reach legal levels. Instead of banning diesel cars we should look at ways to reduce all private car use in the city centre. This could be the solution to many problems – congestion, air quality, carbon emissions, road safety – at the same time. This plan will also exacerbate the parking problems we’ve been trying to help residents solve as they will add even more pressures from commuters and diesel drivers leaving cars at the streets near the bottom of Gloucester road.”

Keeping you in the know Please email your local councillors if you would like to subscribe to our quarterly e-newsletters to get updates on what’s going on in the ward, consultations you may want to take part in, etc.

Get in touch Martin Fodor (Redland) – cllr.martin.fodor@bristol.gov.uk – 07884 736101 Fi Hance (Redland) - cllr.fi.hance@bristol.gov.uk – 07796 890200

Look after your home - after all, it is your biggest asset Whether you need to maintain things - or are looking to upgrade

GARCIA BUILDING SERVICES

will bring you peace of mind and help you add value to your property Upgrading Extensions Loft Conversions Bathrooms & Kitchens supplied & fitted

Maintaining Boiler Servicing Building Repairs Emergency Call-Outs From Foundations to Roofs

Based & building in BS9 since 1975

GARCIA BUILDING SERVICES

. . . it’s all under one roof 0117 962 2204 07860 301 756 michaelgarciabldr@yahoo.com www.garciabuildingservices.co.uk 40

Music (present, past and future) - Duncan Haskell Album of the Month Wildcard by Miranda Lambert (RCA)

Next Step Golden Hour Nashville)

American country radio might have you believe that the genre is completely saturated by male stars all making similar versions of the same song (featuring feet up on “the dash” and a glass of whiskey in hand), but thankfully there’s plenty of female artists making great music and writing genuinely interesting songs and, with her latest album, Miranda Lambert can go toe-to-toe with any other record released this year.

by

Kacey

Musgraves

(MCA

Rather than send you all the way back through the annals of country music for this month’s next step, we’re only heading to March 2018 and the fourth studio album from fellow Texan Kacey Musgraves.

Like Lambert, Musgraves is also a multi-Grammy winner who knows her way around the top end of the charts.

Perhaps inspired by her recent marriage, Golden Hour felt like it came from a more romantic place than Musgraves’ previous albums. It was an ideal place for her soulful and dreamy vocals, as perfectly demonstrated on songs like Slow Burn, Love Is A Wild Thing and the title track. But just when you felt like the record had settled into its singular groove you’d come across a song like High Horse (a superior version of the type of country disco that Kylie Minogue attempted on her recent album Golden)

Ever since her 2005 debut, Kerosene, the Texan has been blending elements of country, pop and rock - a formula that has helped her sell millions of records and one that she continues with here.

The opening trio of songs, White Trash, Mess With My Head and It All Comes Out In The Wash teem with energy before Settling Down and Holy Water (complete with some fine lap steel) provide a little respite.

One song in particular showcased all of Musgraves’ strengths as a singer and writer and that was Space Cowboy. Away from the glistening sheen of a new love, it was a moment of heartbreak and acceptance, a simple ballad that was quietly devastating. It fully revealed what we’d supposed since her 2013… that she’s a uniquely gifted artist

The album reaches it’s crescendo on Locomotive, a frantic rocker that you can imagine blasting out of honky-tonks across Tennessee. That’s not to say the quality dips thereafter. From heartfelt ballads like How Dare You Love to the dusky road song Track Record, the standard remains high throughout. Perhaps (like so many albums) Wildcard is one track too long, but that’s not to say it outstays its welcome.

Gig of the Month Craig Charles Funky Christmas Party @ O2 Academy, Saturday 21 December

What makes Lambert’s songs about men, drinking and general hell-raising so enjoyable is the snippets of detail scattered through the lyrics.

From singing about “Dog hair on the Restoration Hardware” on the opening track, right through to final track Dark Bars’ Nancy, who is “an old jukebox junkie”, these specific snapshots of life help to make the album more than just a collection of songs that are easy on the ear.

It would be remiss of us not to embrace the festive cheer so, rather than keep it country, we’re heading over to the O2 Academy this month in order to get funky with the 6Music DJ and actor. Joining Charles will be remixer and soul DJ Daytoner, with more names still to be announced. If your work Christmas function didn’t quite go to plan, here’s the chance to make amends.

Duncan Haskell

More than that, they prove that Lambert is not just a wildcard but the ace in the country pack.

41

Children’s Puzzles - answers on page 60 Odd One Out Can you spot the odd one out in these lists?

1

Edward • Anne • Charles • George • Andrew

2. Banana • Pomegranate • Courgette • Gooseberry • Satsuma 3. Somerset • Texas • Wiltshire • Essex • Gloucestershire 4. Shetland • Border Collie • Cocker Spaniel • Dalmation • St Bernard 5. Mediterranean • Adriatic • Baltic • Thames • Caspian 6. Steps • Take That • S Club 7 • Boyzone • Flamenco Name the Animals Can you name the following creatures? There are 3 choices for each one -

Zebra Okapi or Giraffe?

Moose Buffalo or Antelope?

Koala Bear Bush Baby or Red Panda?

Mystery Personalities Can you recognise the three “famous people” behind the frames below?

42

Penguin Magpie or Puffin?

Gorgeous little clothes for gorgeous little people this Christmas

Come and see us in our new “pop-up” boutique 47 High Street, WoT (just past the Post Office).

Open 10am to 4pm, Tuesday to Saturday 43

What’s On & Community News Listings for community events, not-forprofit clubs and charitable activities are free of charge. If you have something of this nature that you would like listed please get in touch by calling 0117 259 1964 or 07845 986650, or emailing andy@bcmagazines. co.uk. Listings must be submitted in Word or text in an email only and be no longer than 75 words to be accepted.

sales and social events. Visitors are very welcome at £2 a visit. For more details please call 0117 967 3160.

The Arts Society Bristol is Bristol’s society for those who enjoy the arts and we welcome new members. Lectures are given monthly on a wide range of subjects by specialists in their field. The lecture on 10th December is “Mad Men and Artists: How the advertising industry has exploited fine art” and on 14th January is “The Art of Industry”.

Lectures are held at 8pm at Redmaids’ High School, Westbury-on-Trym, BS9 3AW. For more information visit our website www. theartssociety-bristol.org.uk

Details shown are accurate to the best of my knowledge, but dates, times & locations may change without notification. So if you are unsure, and to avoid disappointment, please contact the organiser listed to double check.

Babbers Radio Show every Monday from midday to 2pm on Ujima Radio - 98FM. The show is organised and presented by older people for older people with the aim of helping to reduce loneliness and social isolation - although the topics we cover are interesting and relevant to all. For more details - info@ujimaradio.com.

Advent Spiral for Adults at Bristol Steiner School, Redland Hill, BS6 6UX. Join us on Sunday December 1 (6.45pm to 7.30pm) as we create a spiral of light to celebrate and prepare for the coming season. Arrive early for refreshments and singing practice.

For more information or to book, please call 0117 933 9990 or email reception@ bristolsteinerschool.org.

Badminton. Beaufort Junior Badminton Club. Want to play Badminton aged between 10 & 18? Want to join a club with other social, friendly and enthusiastic young people? Then join us on Monday evenings 6pm - 7pm, from September to Easter, term time only at Cotham School Sports Hall, Cotham Lawn Road, Bristol, BS6 6DT. All coaches DBS checked and Badminton England qualified. All abilities welcome with progression through to senior clubs.

Cost £4 per session with free introductory session. Suitable for D of E awards. If you are interested please contact Penny Shears for more information email : pennyshears@ googlemail.com or mobile 07941013514

Aikido for Kids: Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art which draws on fencing (kenjutsu) and wrestling (jujutsu) techniques.

Regular practice develops confidence, flexibility, strength and focus.

Westbury Aikido Club offers lessons for children, Sundays from 10am to 10.45am, during term-time, at the Scout Hall (Northcote), Great Brockeridge BS9 3TY. See www.westburyaikido.club for more detail, or email reenee@westburyaikido. club. The first lesson is free, so come along and give it a try!

Alliance Française de Bristol. Can’t speak French? Or would you like to brush up on it? Talk to us about our courses and cultural events. Learn French with the French! www. afbristol.org.uk

Biodanza Taster Workshop: New Beginnings. An opportunity to enjoy life more. Come and try Biodanza and move your body to beautiful world music, to relax and restore your sense of wellbeing for the year ahead. Sunday 5th January 2-4pm, Westbury Park School Hall, Bayswater Avenue BS6 7NU. £15 cash payable on the

Alpine Garden Society meets on the 3rd Friday of every month at Westbury Methodist Church, Westbury Hill, at 7.30pm.

We have speakers on various topics, plant 44

It’s ok not to be ok.

You’re not alone.

Too many people are afraid to talk about their mental health. Around one in six people in the past week will have experienced a common mental health problem.

Connect to others • listen well • develop a support network • volunteer

Talk to someone

Take care of yourself

• a friend • a colleague • a relative • your GP

• be active • eat well • prioritise sleep • keep learning

Please support us We empower individuals to speak up, promote well-being in the workplace and reduce the stigma of mental health.

www.jonathansvoice.org.uk

@jonathans_voice

Registered charity 1180424

G.R. Knott Decorating Services Established in 1969 - decorating Bristol for 50 years

Geoff & Sandra and the team would like to thank all of their customers, past and present, for their support during 2019, and wish everyone a very happy Christmas and a decorative new year.

•

•

Westbury on Trym Based Private and Commercial Work Insurance work undertaken All our own staff - no work is subcontracted Quality painting and decorating for all types of interiors & exteriors Ring for your local decorating experts 07836 267 952 or 0117 968 8775 www.grknottdecorating.co.uk 45

What’s On & Community News we have a social gathering normally with food. We raise money for charity both locally and beyond through a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. Lots of fun and fellowship raising and spending money for very good causes. For more details of how to apply for assistance with charitable activities in Bristol or to become involved in our activities see Bristol Brunel Lions Club on line or on Facebook or contact our Club Secretary Bill O’Neill at lion.bill@ virginmedia.com.

door. Call Sheila 07731 687 938 to reserve your place.

Biodanza Classes. Enjoy life more moving to world music.

Fun, uplifting and relaxing. Restore your sense of harmony and wellbeing. Biodanza promotes selfconfidence, self-expression, compassion and friendship. Tuesdays 7.45-9.45pm Westbury Park School Hall, Bayswater Avenue BS6 7NU. Parking in playground at rear. Visit BiodanzaNow on Facebook for more information or call Sheila on 07731 697 938.

Bristol Cabot Choir is delighted to welcome new members for all voice parts. Why not come and sing with us for a ‘taster’ rehearsal before a simple audition? We meet at Redland URC on Mondays at 7.30 pm. FFI email admin@bristolcabotchoir. org, visit www.bristolcabotchoir.org or find us on Facebook.

Bristol & Clifton Dickens Society. Meets monthly, Monday evenings at Leonard Hall, Trinity RUH, Waterford Rd, Henleaze,BS9 4BT. Dickens works, Guest Speakers, Costumed Readings, Book Club, Victorian Life etc. Contact us for membership & programme. romahussey@hotmail.com.

0117 9279875. www.dickens-society.org.uk

Bristol Cathedral Choir School Choral Society is delighted to welcome new members. We are a friendly non-auditioned choir who meet at the Bristol Cathedral School on Wednesday evenings. We are currently rehearsing Faure’s Requiem and Haydn’s ‘Nelson’ Mass for our next concert in March 2020. We also sing a programme of lighter music at our popular Summer Pudding Concert. To see if it’s for you, contact Kathy kthygilman@yahoo.co.uk or Geoff 0117 9246587. Do come and join us!

Bristol Astronomical Society hosts a series of astronomical talks, events and activities.

We provide free Saturday observing at our observatory in Failand and often stage Star Parties in and around Bristol. Friday evening talks are held at 7pm at Bristol Photographic Society, Montpelier, BS6 5EE. Details of all events are on our website: www.bristolastrosoc.org.uk - All welcome.

Bristol Bridge Club - new weekly DropIn Wednesday for social bridge, Starting Wednesday 8 January, 2020. Everyone is welcome to play bridge In this new relaxed format. No membership needed - come to play, watch, chat...just drop in with or without a partner. Open from 6 to 11 pm. £3 table money on the night. Licenced bar, hot drinks and bar snacks available.

For further information, email: hello@ bristolbridgeclub.co.uk or phone the bridge club 0117 9291846 - at Oldfield Road, Hotwells, BS8 4QQ.

Bristol Chamber Choir present an afternoon of Christmas Music and Carols, including settings of ‘Hodie Christus natus est’ by Sweelinck, Marenzio, Byrd, and Donati, and carols by Vaughan Williams, Walton, Pearsall and others. Saturday 14th December 2019 at 2.15pm in The Lord Mayor’s Chapel, College Green, BS1 5TB. Tickets £10.00 (Students and Children Free) from Eventbrite (www.eventbrite.co.uk) and Opus 13, 14 St Michael’s Hill, BS2 8DT, or at the door. Visit www.bristolchamberchoir. org.uk for more details or contact 01275 843900 / 07342 954 249.

Bristol Brunel Lions Club - We meet on the first Tuesday of every month at 7 for 7.30. On the 3rd Tuesday of each month

Bristol Chamber Choir. Come and join 46

River Avon Tide Times No record tide times this coming month but I’ve marked the good high ones in red in case you fancy a look. The mornings of 14th, 15th, 28th and 29th look the best bet for a daylight walk alongside a big river. Sadly the Christmas and Boxing Day high tides will be during the hours of darkness.

These tides are quoted in metres, and the high tides on the Avon can range from 9m to upwards of 14m. It’s not a direct comparison but Venice recently flooded with a tide height of less than 2m. Food for thought, and evidence of how fickle and powerful our waters are. .

Date

High

Low

High

Low

Sat 7th Dec

03.06

09.13

15.37

21.51

Sun 8th Dec

04.03

10.25

16.29

22.56

Sat 14th Dec

08.20

15.08

20.45

03.25 (Sun)

Sun 15th Dec

09.01

15.44

21.27

03.59 (Mon)

Sat 21st Dec

02.13

08.40

14.48

21.26

Sun 22nd Dec

03.27

10.00

15.55

22.38

Christmas Day

06.13

12.55

18.37

01.22 (BD)

Boxing Day

06.59

13.44

19.22

02.08 (Fri)

Sat 28th Dec

08.23

15.11

20.46

03.26 (Sun)

Sun29th Dec

09.01

15.44

21.22

03.53 (Mon)

New Years Day

10.30 (approx)

17.00 (approx)

21.00 (approx)

© Crown Copyright and/or database rights. Reproduced by permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office and the UK Hydrographic Office (www.GOV.uk/UKHO).

47

What’s On & Community News 7XB. Tel 07773 258 270 more information or visit www.bgsg.co.uk.

Bristol’s oldest choir (founded in 1837).

Rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings at Redland Park United Reformed Church at 7.30pm. Further details can be found at www.bristolchamberchoir.org.uk.

Please contact our Secretary, Rae Ford, on 0117 939 1685 or Rod Coomber on 01275 843 900 or email rodcoomber@aol.co.uk for more details.

Bristol Humanists is a local group for those who make sense of the world using reason & shared human values, who seek to live ethical lives on the basis of reason, humanity and respect for others, and who find meaning, beauty, and joy in the one life we have. We meet on the first Monday of every month (except BH’s) at central Quaker Meeting House, Champion Square. For more details visit www.bristol.humanist.org. uk or www.meetup.com/Bristol-Humanists.

Bristol Choral Society present a Mini Messiah on Saturday December 21st, at 2.30 and 5.00, at The Red Maids’ School, Performing Arts Centre, Westbury Road, Westbury-on-Trym, BS9 3AW. This is a family focused Mini-Messiah, which offers a taste of the Messiah for all age groups, including very small listeners. At 2.30pm, younger audience members and their families will be able to experience a big choir and full orchestra in an interactive, family-friendly Mini-Messiah. At 5pm, the invitation is extended with a sequel for older children and families who would like a little more information about the work, as well as adults who would appreciate a shorter version of Handel’s Messiah without losing the old favourites. BCS is excited to be joined once again by the Bristol Ensemble for these special pre-Christmas treats. Tickets now available at: https:// www.colstonhall.org/shows/bristol-choralsociety-mini-messiah-2019/ - £7.50, under 14s free, under 25s £5.00 and Seniors 10% discount.

Bristol Libraries are looking for people who’d love reading aloud and sharing literature with others. We run 11 very successful shared reading groups in Bristol Libraries and some of them need an extra reader leader to support them. If you are this person or you think of anyone else who’d love to help, please contact us at libraries.volunteering@bristol.gov.uk or josephineharwood@thereader.org.uk, 07807 106869.

Bristol Male Voice Choir invites new singers. The choir has a broad repertoire, performing not just male voice standards, but songs from musicals, pop classics, spirituals, and classical favourites. You don’t have to read music to join the choir as a tenor, baritone or bass, but you will enjoy learning our repertoire, (re-)discovering the voice you may have forgotten about, and being welcomed into the choir’s friendly social atmosphere. We perform for charity, for weddings and a wide range of events during the year. We rehearse every Thursday from 7.00pm till 9.15pm at St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Gloucester Road, BS34 7PS. You will be made very welcome when you come along to a rehearsal. Also visit our website – bristolmvc.org.uk - to find out more, or phone 0117 968 2223.

Bristol Community Gamelan play the music of Java and are looking for new members for the 2019 season. We meet every Monday evening in the World Music Studio at Cotham School from 6.30 to 8.30 to play traditional & modern pieces. If interested email keithripley27@gmail.com or phone 9444241. They can be seen on YouTube.

Bristol Grandparents Support Group gives support to grandparents who are estranged from their grandchildren due to family breakdown. We give support over the phone, via email, Skype and at our regular meetings held at 9 Park Grove, Bristol. BS6

Bristol Morris Men welcome anyone who wants to try morris dancing. We practise on Thursday evenings in the Sports Hall at QEH School at Berkeley Place, Clifton from 48

Merry Christmas

Bristol Biggest Showroom

and happy new year

from the

Crystal Clear Team

Aluminium, Timber, PVCu Windows & Doors

www.facebook.com/crystalclearbristol

Visit our showroom 24 Emery Road, Brislington, Bristol BS4 5PF

To find out more, call 0117 971 7880 or visit www.crystalclearbristol.co.uk

49

What’s On & Community News about scrabble in order not to be blocked.

Or email nigel.d.sara@btinternet.com.

8 to 10. For more information please visit www.bristolmorrismen.co.uk or call Grant on 0117 944 2165.

Carers’ Support Group (formerly Henleaze Carers’ Group). Would you like the opportunity to share your experiences, relax and make new friends? Then come and join the We meet on the second and fourth Thursday morning of each month, 10 to 12, in Bradbury Hall, Waterford Road, Henleaze. For more information please call Monica Rudston 0117 942 6095.

Bristol Philatelic Society meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month in the meeting room of the United Reform Church at the bottom of Blackboy Hill (Whiteladies Road) starting at 7.30 p.m. Contact 0117 956 7853.

Bristol Playgoers Club is the oldest amateur drama group in Bristol. Members have many opportunities to take part and a chance to see a variety of plays and enjoy a programme of social events. Find us on Facebook and Twitter. A warm welcome is guaranteed to all, newcomers and existing members alike, at Newman Hall, Grange Court Road, BS9 4DR. Our featured play in December is “Lord Arthur Saville’s Crime”

by Constance Cox, on 10th December.

City Voices Bristol is a non auditioning community choir that welcomes new members. Whether you have been in other choirs or haven’t sung since school days, why not come and join us? We are a friendly bunch of people of all ages and love singing both for relaxation and for enjoyment.

We perform two concerts each year at St Georges Hall, with a wide repertoire from Mozart to the Beach Boys and Lady Gaga.

If you are interested, we rehearse on a Monday evening from 7.30-9.30 in the Performing Arts Centre at Red Maids’ High School, Westbury on Trym. Meanwhile if you want to find out more before then, please have a look at our website www. cityvoicesbristol.org and make contact for more information.

Bristol Scrabble Club meets every Wednesday at 7.15 pm at Upper Horfield Community Trust, BS7 0PQ (next to Eden Grove Church). New members welcome first visit free so come and give it a try. FFI contact Sue on 0117 924 7871.

Bristol Shambhala Meditation Group offer an Open House every Wednesday evening from 7 until 9 pm at 17 Lower Redland Road, BS6 6TB with qualified meditation instructors available. Please see our website for further details at bristol. shambhala.info. We also have a rentable large room downstairs suitable for yoga or pilates and a smaller room upstairs ideal for one to one therapies. Please contact Roel at shambhalabristolrooms@gmail.com for further rental information.

Clifton Rotary Club welcomes new members willing to give their time, interested in making new friends, building business contacts and using their skills to help others. We meet Weds lunchtimes at The Redland Green Club (Redland Lawn Tennis & Squash Club). www.cliftonrotary. org or email secretary@cliftonrotary.org The Clifton Singers are recruiting for all voices. We are a small choir of 20-25 voices, where your voice will make a difference. We sing and rehearse mostly unaccompanied, and we try not to spend too much time learning notes, so good reading is desirable.

The music ranges from Renaissance to contemporary. We rehearse in Clifton on Sunday evenings. On Saturday 14 December 2019 we will give a concert at 3pm in St

Bristol University of the Third Age (U3A) scrabble group would welcome new members. We play very friendly and informal games every Friday at the Beehive, Wellington Hill West, BS9 4QY from 2 to 4.

For further info please contact Heddy Sara on 0117 924 1318 and indicate when asked to give your name that you are phoning 50

Hilary Barber’s Top Gardening Tips It’s been such a mild autumn so far (as I write these tips in mid November) so, in our gardens, we are just starting to rake leaves before planting bulbs and mulching. As we seem to be experiencing climatic change, with more extremes of weather, it is even more important to look after our wildlife over the winter as our thoughts turn to Christmas. These are a reminder of my top wildlife tips for the winter.

slow worms and hedgehogs to hibernate. You can also make a bug hotel for the winter, using hollow stems, sticks, dead flower heads, leaves, pine cones etc http:// www.gardenplotters.org.uk/making-a-simple-bughotel It’s great fun!

6. Don’t forget about the bees! There may be solitary bees still in search of food on sunny winter days and so do think about planting some shrubs which bear winter flowers, such as winter flowering jasmine, winter honeysuckle, mahonia varieties and Viburnum bodnantense.

1. Feed the birds! Make sure you consistently top up feeders through the winter, and use seeded fat balls and blocks and other suet based foods to give the birds a real boost in the early mornings. Other good energy rich foods which will help bring in a good range of birds include peanuts, niger seed, black sunflowers, and mealworms. I often hang Christmas presents for the birds from the trees, including popcorn and sultana ‘tinsel’ , apple halves, pine cones stuffed with lard mixed with seed mix, and homemade bird cakes made of seed, sultanas and lard - they love it!

7. If you are planning for next year, start thinking about the kind of plants you might like to add to your garden.

Plants and shrubs which bear fruit, nuts or berries are a great way to give something back to wildlife and they provide all year interest too!. Also, planting plants with hollow stems such as angelica, fennel and plume poppy, and leaving them to stand through the winter will provide a great home for wildlife to hibernate. They also provide a source of nectar for bees in the summer, along with other beautiful flowers and shrubs https:// friendsoftheearth.uk/bees/beefriendly-plants-everyseason

2. Don’t forget water in a bird bath or bowl. Garden ponds can also be an important water source for wildlife, but not just for drinking. If we have a cold winter, it’s important to ensure that pond life is safe too, as the oxygen in a pond can be depleted if it is completely frozen over for long periods of time. To ensure that your pond is healthy and to stop it freezing over , make sure that you have a ball floating on the surface of the pond.

Wishing you all a wonderful Festive Season and a very happy and green 2020.

www.facebook.com/HilaryBarberGardens www.instagram.com/hilarybarbergardens

3. Clean out nesting boxes. Don’t forget to remove old nesting materials from bird boxes to prevent the build up of parasites and diseases, replace the old with a little fresh material, and don’t take them down for long periods as come nightfall many of these boxes will still be in use as birds shelter from the harsh weather. Now is a great time to put up more boxes too, ready for the spring - you might even get some birds roosting in it over the winter. https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-andwildlife/advice/how-you-can-help-birds/nestboxes/

Garden development, Therapeutic gardening and tutoring

4. Hedgehogs should be hibernating by now but if it’s still mild and you are lucky enough to see a hedgehog in your garden, provide a shallow bowl of fresh water and some cat or dog food. Please don’t give them milk as they are lactose intolerant. Do refer to https://www. britishhedgehogs.org.uk/found-a-hedgehog for further information. If you are building a new fence please ensure to leave a little hedgehog ‘door’ at the bottom of one section so that hedgehogs can roam widely 5. Don’t be too tidy! It’s tempting, when plants begin to die back and trees lose their leaves, to ‘have a tidy’ and cut back vegetation. However, leaving seed heads on and not pruning berry laden shrubs will provide much needed natural food sources; and plant stems, and piles of leaves, rocks or logs make a great place for invertebrates such as ladybirds and lacewings, toads, 51

What’s On & Community News Choir, followed by festive refreshments, and Carry on Scrooge starring Sid James as Ebenezer Scrooge, Bernard Bresslaw as Bob Cratchit and Charles Hawtrey as the spirit of Christmas Past, plus many other famous ‘Carry On’ faces.St Peter’s Church Hall, The Drive, Henleaze BS9 4LD. Refreshments £4 Easy access, all welcome!

Paul’s Church, St Paul’s Road, Clifton. The programme will include English part-songs composed during Victoria’s reign, and one or two movements from Rheinberger’s Missa Brevis. Admission is free and there is a retiring collection. Refreshments will be available after the concert. contact@ cliftonsingers.co.uk or www.cliftonsingers. co.uk for more details.

Henleaze Singing for the Brain® brings People Living with Dementia and their carers together in a fun, friendly and social environment. First, third and fifth Thursday of every month, 2–3.45pm. £2.50 charge.

Please contact Sophia Simlat at Alzheimer’s Society to book a place - 0117 961 0693 or bristol@alzheimers.org.uk.

Drop-in Healing Sessions at The Friends Meeting House, 126 Hampton Road, Redland, Bristol, BS6 6JE. Healing is holistic, gentle and relaxing and helps restore balance and well-being. Enhances vitality and resilience and promotes a sense of peace. Recommended for stress.

Run by Bristol Healing Group with trained volunteers and links with the Healing Trust.

Sessions in November and December held on Thursdays from 2.30 to 4.00 pm. Times may change in January. Last session in December on 12th, first session in January on 9th. Please contact Barbara on 0117 9082061 for up to date information.

Henleaze Tennis Club welcomes new members of all ages. We are a small friendly club. Our teams play to a good standard in the Avon leagues and we have a good level of club play for those who wish to play a more relaxed game. Check out more on our website: www.henleazetennisclub.co.uk (or give Heather a call on 0117 924 7441)

The next event for Friends of Welsh National Opera is a Study Day on Verdi’s first grand opera, Les vepres siciliennes, on Saturday 15 February 2020 at Redmaids High School, from 10am to 4pm. Andrew Borkowski will be exploring this dramatic work based on the Sicilian uprising against the French in 1282.There will be a morning break and lunch hour; fruit juice & biscuits provided. All welcome. Bookable in advance by 31 December. Please send cheque for £25 to Owain Jones, 4 Pepys Close, Saltford, Bristol BS31 3 LS, made payable to Friends of WNO.

Hydrotherapy Exercise Sessions – A group exercise in Southmead Hospital’s purpose built pool. Benefits include relaxation, relief of pain & swelling, improved movement, balance & fitness. All ages & abilities are welcome. We are a friendly local team of Chartered Physiotherapists with expertise in a variety of disabilities & medical conditions. For more details please contact Chris & Ali Cowley on 07971 086 628, or email healthyhydrotherapy@gmail.com or visit www.healthyhydrotherapy.co.uk.

Karate Classes on Thursday evenings at David Lloyd Westbury on Trym (no membership required). The evening starts with beginners and advanced classes for children aged 5 and up, followed by a new class for adult beginners. Please contact Trevor on 07921 917 758 for more information.

Frisbee Club. Beginner-friendly ultimate open to all ages and abilities. Come try the best sport you’ve never played. Find us on Facebook - search ‘North Bristol Ultimate’ or email jake.f.waller@gmail.com.

Henleaze Senior Film Club, Monday 16 December at 2pm. A Christmas Celebration!

The afternoon will begin with a sing-a-long of Christmas songs with Henleaze Ladies

Marie Curie fundraising. If you’d like to get more active or involved in your community 52

Empty Promises and Obsolescence next generation. Yes, I’ve been reminiscing about things that I remember well but which todays children will look at with baffled amusement - or amused bafflement.

And that in turn made me think it would be fun to offer this up as a challenge and conversation piece to readers this coming month, especially if at Christmas you have a number of generations spending festive time together.

I must confess that as someone who is at one moment fascinated by, and at the next increasingly cynical of, British politics, the launch of a major party manifesto at the General Election wouldn’t normally be on a list of events to inspire me.

For once though that has happened. The pledge was by one of the parties - and it matters not which party it was, the inspiration they gave me wasn’t political - to introduce free full fibre broadband to everybody by 2030. Eye catching yes, but I suspect like a lot of promises made in the run up to a General Election, ultimately meaningless. At the turn of the 21st century those same politicians could, and possibly did, promise us all free dial up internet by 2010 By 2010 none of us had dial-up, not because of the failure of politicians to deliver on a promise (sound familiar?) but because we’d all switched on to the new fangled broadband that wasn’t even a thing ten years earlier.

So why not take it in turns, as you sit around a plate of turkey sandwiches, slightly stale mince pies and a glass of eggnog (if Advocaat still exists), to name one thing that you remember, fondly or with a grimace, that might mean nothing to the next generation of your family or social group?

And if you are a person so wonderfully young that you have no memory of things becoming obsolete, think about and try explaining something so modern that your parents or grandparents probably wouldn’t use it, understand it or have even heard of it. Like “what is a social media influencer?”

The illustrations here are just a few ideas to get you started - things that popped up from my memory of being a child of the sixties.

The first stemmed from an occasion when I asked our daughter to show me where the Delete button was on an old typewriter we’d spotted in a museum.

Long-term promises are often victims of technology and circumstance, with things changing so fast that for many things in life obsolescence is just around the corner, not well beyond the horizon. As that oft-quoted piece of research says, and I paraphrase, two thirds of children entering education in 2020 will leave school at 18 to take up employment doing jobs that haven’t been invented yet.

So, how come I’ve been inspired by an eye-catching but empty political promise?

Simply that it reminded me that each generation will have things it holds in its collective memories that were linked just to that age, but would mean nothing to the

Right, I’m off now to make a note in my digital diary for December 2030 to research on www.historyonline.com “what was broadband?”

53

What’s On & Community News and BBQ (not included in ticket price) and Christmas party following concert. Retiring collection in aid of Changing Tunes charity.

why not give an hour a week or a day a month and help Marie Curie as we continue to provide care to patients and their families? If you enjoy meeting new people and raising money for a great cause, we would love to hear from you. FFI please contact Helen Isbell on 0117 924 7275 or email Helen.Isbell@mariecurie.org.uk.

OutThereMusic’s North Bristol Community Choir who rehearse every Thursday evening between 7:45 - 9:45 at Westbury Park School, Bayswater Avenue, BS6 7NU. There is no audition and we have an eclectic repertoire with a very warm welcome assured. For more details about the choir please visit www.outtheremusicbristol. co.uk - or just come along to a rehearsal.

Menopause Matters - Getting to know yourself better. Supportive group and course for women going through the menopause and who want help in managing their symptoms. Commencing in June, Monday evenings at the Redland Club Burlington Road. For more information contact Tricia Worthington on 07962 892060 or tricia_worthington@msn.com

Parkinson’s UK - Bristol and District Branch - meets every first Saturday of the month at St Monica’s Trust, Cote Lane, BS9 3UN from 10am till 12 noon. Carers, relatives, spouses and people with Parkinson’s are all welcome for a social and informative get-together, with speakers from a variety of backgrounds with many diverse interests. We also meet at The Eastfield Inn, Henleaze, BS9 4NQ once a month for an informal coffee morning. For details of this and other activities in the area, visit our website. www.parkinsonsbristol.com

North West Bristol Camera Club is an enthusiastic group of amateur photographers who meet each Wednesday at 7:45pm at Westbury Fields. New members of any level of ability are most welcome. For details contact Neville at nevwgoodman@ mac.com.

NotaBene Vocal Ensemble has vacancies in all voice-parts to expand our dynamic a cappella group. Our repertoire includes a range of styles but mostly comprises modern/popular songs. We perform from memory, often incorporating a theatrical performance style (nothing too scary). We rehearse on Monday evenings in Horfield, Bristol. Music-reading ability useful but not essential and entry is via a friendly audition.

Please contact Lisa Smith on 07966 459872 to discuss or email notabenebristol@yahoo. com.

People of Note Community Choir is looking for new members, especially altos.

We are friendly and it’s fun, the songs we sing are very varied, pop, folk, world music, original pieces, but not traditional choral. We meet in Southville on Tuesday and Clifton on Wednesday evenings.

Visit www.peopleofnote.co.uk or email peopleofnote@btinternet.com for more details. Come along for a free taster!

Redland Green Bowls Club welcomes new members , free taster sessions. We have a full programmes of men’s ladies and mixed friendly and competitive matches. Reduced membership offer for the first year (£50).

More information and contact details https://redlandgreenbowls.webs.com

The OutThereMusic Choir Christmas Show 2019 will be at St Alban’s Church, Bayswater Avenue, Bristol, BS6 7NU @ 6pm on Saturday 14th December 2019. Music to include; Elton John, Robin Williams, Marvin Gaye, Frank Sinatra, Lauridsen, Tavener and Christmas Favourites. Tickets are just £10 each (£6 under 18s) and available from admin@outtheremusicbristol.co.uk or on the door (open from 5:30pm). Festive Bar

REMAP - a registered charity that designs and makes custom aids for the disabled. We are on the lookout for volunteers (engineers, craftsmen, DIY enthusiasts etc) who are 54

ALFIE SUTCLIFFE TR EE C ARE 07917 138882 alfie@sutcliffetreecare.com www.sutcliffetreecare.com

Tree pruning Ariel pruning Formative pruning Dead wood removal

Hedge cutting Trimming, reducing & straightening Hedge laying

Tree removal Felling Dismantling

Shrub care Shrub pruning & trimming Rose pruning Mulching

Get in touch for advice and a free quote I take pride in working greenly, cleanly and safely. Tree work operations comply with British Standard (BS3998) NPTC qualified and £5 million Public Liability insurance

THE FILTONES CHOIR

Invites you to share a Festive Evening of Songs and Carols at its

CHRISTMAS CRACKERS CONCERT FRIDAY 13 DECEMBER 2019 At 7.30 pm

EDEN GROVE METHODIST CHURCH EDEN GROVE, HORFIELD BRISTOL BS7 0PQ

8 AT 7.30 P.M.

TICKETS £8 inc. refreshments

IN ADVANCE FROM DOT BRYANT 07870 984760 MEMBERS OF THE CHOIR OR AT THE DOOR Raffle and Retiring Collection EDEN GROVE METHODIST CHURCH inEDEN aid of:GROVE, HORFIELD BRISTOL BS7 0PQ www.thefiltones.weebly.com

55

What’s On & Community News willing give up a little of their time to enable a disabled person to enjoy a better quality of life. If you can help please contact the Chairman at bristol.chair@remap groups. org.uk or 0117 3295183 or visit www.bristol. remap.org.uk.

slippers to wear. Contact Selina on 0117 9466434 for more information.

Shouri Shotoryu Karate Club holds sessions 6 days a week at Henbury, Horfield and Easton Leisure Centres under principal instructor Nick Moller, 6th Dan. Over 30 years Nick has trained many students to 1st and 2nd Dan black belt and beyond, with all welcome from 5yrs and upwards. For more details visit Shouri Shotoryo karate on Facebook, or call 0117 969 5697.

Retired & Senior Volunteer Programme (RSVP). Do you like reading? Do you like helping children? If yes to both, you are just the sort of person we are looking for! If you can spare a minimum of an hour a week to hear children read in a local school you could make a huge difference. Volunteering is a great way to stay active and to feel useful, so if you are interested in joining us please get in touch. Contact Mina on 07860 669 953, or visit RSVP-west.org.uk.

Simply Social Activity and Social Club.

Whether you are single or in a relationship, enhance your social life by joining our friendly social club. We are run by members for the members and enjoy a packed programme of activities including walking, live music, dancing, dining out, badminton, a reading group, weekends away and foreign holidays. There are no age limits although most of our members are 40+. Check out www.simplysocial.org.uk or phone us on 07971 427 766, and come along to one of our Thursday Club nights.

Rotary Club of Bristol meets at the Bristol Hotel, Prince Street, BS1 4QF at 7.00pm for 7.30 pm on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Mondays and at 12.30 for 1.00 on the 2nd and 4th Mondays. Meetings start with a meal and are followed by a speaker. New members are very welcome – for more details see www.bristolrotary.org or contact Martina Peattie at mpeattie@btopenworld.com

Soroptimist International Bristol is part of a global organisation founded in Bristol for women.We meet on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at Long Ashton Golf Club. During the year we support various charities and have an interesting speaker programme. Do look at our website or for more details email: sibristol@hotmail.co.uk (www.sigbi.org/Bristol)

Scottish Country Dancing - come to Dance Scottish with RSCDS Bristol on Thursdays at 7.30pm in term time at Oatley Hall, St Monica’s Trust, Cote Lane, Westbury-onTrym BS9 3UN. New dancers welcome, come on your own or with a friend for fun, fitness and friendship. No need to wear a kilt or a sash! For information contact Alison on 0117 968 4036 or Caroline on 0117 924 9226 or see www.rscdsbristol.info

Stoke Lodge Ramblers. How about joining us for enjoyable 8-10 mile walks on two Sundays per month? Our usual group size is 12-15 walkers. If you are interested please come and give a try. For more details please visit www.stokelodgeramblers.wordpress. com or call our Secretary on 0117 950 0934.

Shibashi-Tai Chi-Qigong. Gentle exercise, standing or sitting, for over 55’s. Slow and easy movements with focus on breathing.

Relaxing and enjoyable. Reduces stress and lifts mood. Improves balance, flexibility, muscle strength, fitness. Beneficial for heart, lungs, chronic pain. Wednesdays 11.00-12.00 from 2nd October at The Redland Club, Burlington Road, BS6 6TN. Drop-in class, cost £3 for over 55’s. Please arrive 5 mins early and bring flat, soft shoes/

Tai Chi = Unlimited Energy. An ancient Chinese system of exercise which develops a sense of harmony of body and mind. The classes are fun and inclusive and provide an encouraging environment in which to practice the flowing movements which 56

Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2019 The world-renowned Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition opened at M Shed on Saturday 23rd November (until 4th May 2020)with 100 new dramatic images.

Tuesday 3 December with mulled wine and exclusive festive offers in the M Shed shop.

To complement the exhibition, M Shed will also display “Ghostnet Dress” by Linda Thomas.

“Ghostnet Dress” is made from old fishing gear – nets, lines, pots and hooks - which has been found discarded in the sea or washed up on beaches.

Internationally 640,000 tonnes of ghostnet is lost each year. It poses a significant threat to marine life including seals, dolphins, turtles and whales that can get fatally trapped.

From vivid landscapes and moving animal portraits, to extraordinary species and endangered habitats, Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2019 showcases the most arresting and spectacular images of our natural world.Visitors will see the beauty and fragility of life on earth and encounter the surprising – and often challenging – stories behind the images during a time of environmental crisis.

Marek Majewicz, Managing Director at Bristol Energy commented: “We’re pleased to be able to support Wildlife Photographer of the Year at M Shed this year. It’s so important that we pay attention to the environment and the world around us and make lifestyle choices which help to build a cleaner, greener, healthier world. Switching your energy supplier to one which provides renewable energy is one of the easiest ways to tackle climate change and protect our amazing wildlife.”

CEO of National Friendly, Jonathan Long said: “We at National Friendly are delighted to be associated with an exhibition that brings to light the beauty of the world’s wildlife, the fragility of the environment they inhabit, and how we must strive to protect it.

We wish the organisers and all the photographers involved the greatest luck and success.”

© Ralph Schneider - Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum in London and sponsored at M Shed by Bristol Energy, National Friendly and Pukka Herbs.Councillor Craig Cheney, Deputy Mayor of Bristol, said: “At a time when climate change, wildlife extinction and plastic pollution are major global concerns, Wildlife Photographer of the Year has never been more relevant. I’m sure its popularity in Bristol is a reflection of the city’s values and ambitions. I would like to thank our exhibition sponsors Bristol Energy, National Friendly and Pukka Herbs for their generous support.”

Tim Westwell, Co-Founder at Pukka Herbs, said: “We’re really excited to be partnering once again with the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at M Shed. We love this exhibition because it highlights the inextricable link between human impact, animal habitat and the world around us in a truly beautiful way. The partnership perfectly aligns with Pukka’s mission to benefit people, plants and the planet and allows us to celebrate the amazing creatures who share it with us.”

Launched in 1965 and attracting 361 entries, today the competition receives 48,000 entries from 100 countries. Winning images are selected for their creativity, originality and technical excellence.

Chair of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year jury, Rosamund Kidman Cox, said: “When you find a picture that has both remarkable composition and unforgettable drama, it deserves the highest award.

But what all the memorable pictures in this exhibition share is the ability to evoke an emotional reaction.

Some may shock – deliberately so – others sadden, but as a whole they will leave you marvelling at the extraordinary, wondrous nature of life.”

Tickets are on sale now and available at M Shed and bristolmuseums.org.uk. £6 adult | £5 concession | Under 16s Free Includes £1 voluntary donation to Bristol Museums Development Trust (BMDT). Students and 16-25 year olds get free entry on Wednesdays.

M Shed opening times - Tue-Sun: 10am-5pm Closed Mondays except Bank Holiday Mondays and Mondays during Bristol school holidays: 10am-5pm Last entry is 45 minutes before closing.

A range of events will accompany the exhibition, including a chance to see it after-hours for free on 57

What’s On & Community News at Coombe Dingle Sports Complex and Blaise Castle. Training nights Mondays and Thursdays 7pm with additional sessions at Yate track on Tuesday evenings and an informal social run on Saturday mornings.

See www.westburyharriers.com for more information on our events or joining us.

bring a sense of calm. Classes for beginners in Westbury, Southmead and Clifton. See www.taichiworksbristol.co.uk or phone 0117 9424167 for more information.

Treefest is a display of nearly 100 Christmas trees held in the Gothic splendour of St Mary Redcliffe Church. All the trees are decorated or made by individuals, local organisations and businesses, to raise money for charity which this year includes Preludes, a music education charity and St Mary Redcliffe’s Community projects.

It is held from 3rd - 7th December 2019, open 10-5 daily and Thursday 10-8. Free admission and the event is accessible for all. There is a daily music programme and refreshments available in Church. FFI visit www.treefest.org.uk

Westbury Park Orchestra is a friendly nonauditioned orchestra with a repertoire of classical and modern pieces and with an emphasis of having fun. We meet Redmaids’ High Junior School, Grange Court Road, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol BS9 4DP on Monday evenings between 8.00 and 9.30 p.m. (term time only). If you are a string or brass player ideally of a good standard, come along for your free taster session and give us a try. For further information, please visit www.westburyparkorchestra.com or email contact@westburyparkorchestra. com

Venue for Hire. Subud Hall, Wesley Place, Clifton, BS8 2YD. The Subud Hall is an ex Wesleyan Chapel next to the Downs with 2 beautiful, peaceful spaces 7/8 metres for hire. Suitable for rehearsals, choirs, classes etc. Reasonable rates. Please call 07790519683 for more info.

Westbury Park Women’s Institute at Redland Church Halls, Redland Green Road, BS6 7HE. From 7.15 - 9.30pm 1st Wednesday of the month. We are a friendly group, have a full programme with inspiring speakers and activities, theatre trips, book group, outings and extra activities.

Refreshments available, guests are welcome. (Jan 2020 will be on 8th) Email Westburyparkwi@gmail.com or check out www.westburyparkwi.org.uk Find us on Facebook – Westbury Park WI.

Walking Tennis at Henleaze Tennis Club.

This is a slower version of the game and is designed so that anyone with a longterm health condition or who is inactive can participate. It can be enjoyed by many, you do not have to have a health condition to attend! Open to all, members and non-members, sessions take place on Wednesday morning at 9.15am. Cost £5.

Come and try it! Or for more information call 07411 263207.

Westbury Scottish Club country dancing classes are held every Tues 7.30-9.30pm from Sept-April; a fun and friendly way to exercise body and mind. Dress is informal, and no dancing partner needed. Beginners class is at Leonard Hall, Trinity-Henleaze URC, Waterford Rd., Henleaze BS9 4BT; contact Maggie on 01934 838175. More advanced dancers: at St.Peter’s Church Hall, Henleaze BS9 4LD; contact Cheryl on 0117 401 2416. See www.wscbristol.co.uk for details.

Walking Touch Rugby for males and female over 50s. Every Friday 10am to 11.30, Westbury Fields, Cricket Lane, Westburyon-Trym BS10 6TW. A great inclusive sport for all levels of mobility. Come along and be welcomed. Contact Kris Tavender, email ktavender@bristolbearsrugby.com.

Westbury Harriers Running Club is for all ages and abilities, with a variety of different groups and sessions to suit all. Based

Deadline for inclusion in the January 2020 issue - Monday 16th December 58

Cotham Parish Church Inclusive & Open; Contemplative & Creative; Socially & Ecologically Engaged

Cotham Road BS6 6DR

Advent and Christmas December 2019 We look forward to welcoming you 1st

3.30pm & 6pm

Bristol Old Vic Theatre School Nativity Play a wonderful, unique telling of the birth of Jesus

7th

5.30pm

Carols @ Cotham: a diverse feast of Christmas music and readings

7th to 15th

Space to Remember Prayer Stations: Drop in to find sensitive resources to help you reflect on loss and sadness. Weekday mornings 9.30-11.30am

14th

4pm

LGBTI+ Carol Service hosted by Cotham & Christians@Bristol Pride

15th

7.30pm

Beer and Carols hosted by Foundation

24th

4pm

Christingle service for all the family

24th

11.30pm

Midnight Mass

25th

10am

Christmas Day Communion www.cothamparishchurch.org

Foundation is a Christian contemplative and radical community meeting at Cotham at 7.30pm each Sunday (www.foundationbristol.org)

59

Quiz Answers General Knowledge from Page 9 Pop Music 1a) Fine Young Cannibals, b) Tears for Fears, c) Dexy’s Midnight Runners; 2a) Bobby Goldsboro, b) Focus, c) The Four Tops; 3a) Elton John, b) Sister Sledge, c) Suzanne Vega; 4a) 1969, b) also 1969, c) 1973; 5a) Avicii, b) David Guetta ft. Sia, c) Lady Gaga.

Cinema 1a) false, b) true, c) false; 2. Hertfordshire; 3. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker; 4. Notting Hill; 5 Jaws and Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

Literature 1. William Shakespeare (in The Merry Wives of Windsor); 2a) Nelson Mandela, b) Michael Caine, c) Bruce Springsteen; 3. Leviticus; 4. The Testaments; 5. Miss Havisham.

Sport 1a) Rory Underwood, b) Alastair Cook, c) Wayne Rooney; 2. The furlong is 201m, Turf Moor is 105m; 3. Munich, West Germany; 4.the greyhound (46mph) then the racehorse (44mph) and then Usain Bolt (27mph); 5. Bobsleigh.

Geography 1a) Canada, b) Russia, c) USA; 2a) Black Sea, b) Bay of Bengal, c) Persian Gulf; 3a) Ankara, b) Nairobi, c) Windhoek; 4a) northerly - Warsaw, b) easterly – Athens, c) southerly – Athens, d) westerly – London; 5. Zimbabwe.

Politics 1. David Steel; 2. James Cleverly and Ben Elliot; 3. Michael Foot; 4. Nine; 5. False.

History 1.1930’s; 2. 1497; 3. 1968 and 1998; 4. 1988; 5. Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzogovina.

Entertainment 1. Patsy Palmer; 2. Noel Edmonds; 3. Coronation Street; 4. They all played Doctor Who (Tom Baker, Sylvester McCoy, Colin Baker); 5. Harry Redknapp, Georgia Toffolo, Scarlett Moffatt.

Christmas 1. Prague; 2. ((12 + 9)/7)+6 = 9; 3. False – they both come from the sap of specific north African trees; 4. Noel Coward, Noel Fielding, Noele Gordon; 5a) Silent Night, b) O’ Little Town of Bethlehem, c) Ding Dong Merrily On High; 5. 260 calories; 6a) 1978, b) 1986, c) 2006; 7a) Spanish, b) Dutch, c) Welsh; 8. carpenter; 9. 1957; 10. It would have eaten your carrots – it’s a reindeer.

Mystery Personalities (clockwise from top left) Jennifer Lawrence, King Charles II, Delia Smith, Rylan Clark-Neal Children’s Puzzles from Page 42 Odd One Out 1. George – the others are all the names of the Queens children.

2. Courgette is a vegetable, all the others are fruits 3. Texas is a state in America, the others are all English counties 4. Shetland is a breed of pony, the others are all breeds of dog 5. Thames is a river, the others are all seas.

6. Flamenco is a type of dance, the others are all pop groups your parents might have liked Name the Animals Okapi, Koala Bear, Moose and Puffin Mystery Personalities Harry Kane, Basil Brush, Meghan Markle 60

Disclaimer The Bristol Nine is published by Bristol Community Magazines Ltd (Co. No. 08448649, registered at 8 Sandyleaze, Westbury on Trym, Bristol, BS9 3PY). The views expressed by contributors or advertisers in The Bristol Nine are not necessarily those held by Bristol Community Magazines Ltd. The inclusion of any business or organisation in this magazine does not imply a recommendation of it, its aims or its methods. Bristol Community Magazines Ltd cannot be held responsible for information disclosed by advertisers, all of which are accepted in good faith. Reasonable efforts are made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this magazine but no liability can be accepted for any loss or inconvenience caused as a result of inclusion, error or omission. All content is the copyright of Bristol Community Magazines Ltd and may not be reproduced without the prior written consent of Bristol Community Magazines.

61

Index of Advertisers Appliance Repairs

AASP Domestics

Arts & Crafts

Jemima Lumley

Auctions & Sales

Clevedon Salerooms Ltd

Bathrooms & Wetrooms

Bathroom Perfection Bristol Paul Whittaker Bathrooms & Wetrooms

Blinds & Shutters

Just Shutters

Books

Max Minervas

Building Services

Garcia Building Services

Children's Clothing

Cotton Boulevard

Cleaning Services

Home Gleamers Oven Gleam

Computer Services

FAB ‐ IT Rescue IT HomeHelp

Counselling

Jonathan's Voice

Cycle Services

Boing Bicycles

Dental Care

Whitetree Orthodontic Specialist Centre

Electrical Services

Daley Electrical Services Ltd Lek‐Trix Redland Electrical Services

Estate & Letting Agents

Howard Estate Agents

Financial Advice

Cardens Harold Stephens

Garage Doors

Up & Over Doors

Garden Design

Hilary Barber

Garden Maintenance

37

Katherine Vincent

Heating & Gas

4

John Presland

Holistic Therapies

13

Anjali Hariharan

Home Care Services

31 8

Home Instead Premier Homecare St Monica Trust

19

Jewellery & Gifts

Kemps Jewellers Kemps Jewellers

23

Massage

40

Heather Drewe Keon Williams

43

Painting & Decorating

G R Knott Peter Wyatt Sarah's Decorating Services Stephen Carter

49 34 37 25

Plastering

A & P Plastering (BS6) John Boyce Plasterwork John Hoggett McCall Plastering

45 15

Schools

63

Redmaids High School

Solicitors

61 21 8

AMD Solicitors Corfield Solicitors Veale Wasbrough Vizards

Stairlifts

38

Thornbury Lift Services Ltd

Tree Services

64 29

Sutcliffe Tree Care

37

H and P Aerials

TV Aerials

Windows & Doors

51

Crystal Clear 62

31 55 8 17 32 5 10 11 15 31 45 4 15 37 15 8 4 34 5 7 2 26 16 55 31 49

Can Adults Get Their Teeth Straightened?

Invisalign Treatment (aligners)

Adults are increasingly interested in having their teeth straightened. Modern braces and aligners used for adults are more discreet and comfortable than ever before. Greater awareness of these options means people with problems from crooked teeth or an unattractive smile are more likely to seek treatment. Also, dentists may ask us to straighten teeth before other dental work is done.

Adults coming in to see us regularly say they have been upset by their teeth for years, hiding their teeth behind their hands when talking, or not smiling in photos.

It is worth knowing that any good orthodontist is used to putting nervous patients at ease. We have seen the difference treatment makes to patients’ confidence, so we certainly won’t think you’re vain for wanting to improve your smile and we won’t judge you if it is a long time since you last had dental care. If you have questions, why not visit our treatment coordinator? She has the time to listen, talk through options, costs, and what is achievable. We don’t charge for this service and it really helps potential patients decide whether orthodontic treatment is for them.

Teeth can be moved at any age. We usually have several adults in treatment who are over 60, lots in their 40s and 50s and younger adults too. We check that your gums and teeth are healthy enough to have braces or aligners and liaise with your dentist where necessary.

Adults tend to prefer braces which are not too obvious. Specialist orthodontists can use the full range of possible treatment systems and discuss their pros and cons, having undertaken 3 years further training after dental school. You can check the General Dental Council’s specialist register at www. gdc.org if you’d like to know that your treatment will be carried out by a specialist.

Tooth-coloured fixed brace

Treatment may take as little as a few months to correct a minor problem. Longer comprehensive treatments can straighten all your teeth and correct your bite.

Beware of misleading marketing suggesting that a particular type of brace or aligner is best for every situation. Specialist advice will help you get the smile you want with the treatment approach that suits you best.

Hidden (lingual) brace

Please email us if you would like more information or a free chat with Sarah our treatment coordinator:reception@whitetreedental.co.uk

Helen Leach, Specialist Orthodontist,

BDS, FDS RCS, M Orth, MSc

Whitetree Orthodontic Specialist Centre 1-3 North View, Westbury Park, BS6 7PT 0117 973 9397 www.whitetreedental.co.uk reception@whitetreedental.co.uk

♦ A specialist service ♦ Full range of braces and aligners for adults and children ♦ ‘Invisible’ treatments available ♦ Free smile assessments with one of our trained treatment coordinators ♦ Payment plans to make your new smile affordable ♦ Private appointments available on Saturday mornings 63

1993 - 2018

Brilliant Sorters of Financial Stuff Hilary Carden, Managing Director of Cardens

“ Most people spend more time planning a holiday than they do the rest of their life. And that’s not right. ” 1993 - 2018

1993 - 2018

1993 - 2018

If you believe that money is not just for saving, it’s for spending on nice things, family and experiences.

If you believe that life planning comes before financial planning.

If you appreciate the value of refreshingly straightforward advice.

If you want someone alongside you who’s there for the long term.

If you’re looking for someone who is genuinely interested in you, your life and your family.

If you want someone who’ll help you make the right choices.

If a “financial counsellor” might be useful.

And someone who promises you no hard sell. Ever.

1993 - 2018

P P P P P P P P

Then we should talk - call Hilary on 0117 290 0259 or visit our website: Cardens.co.uk 1 Westbury Mews, Westbury Hill, Bristol, BS9 3QA

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority Company Registered in64England no. 04347771

1993 - 2018

1993 - 2018