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Mikes letter
Anyone for golf ! Well with some shops being reopened for the first time in 2 months and the government announcing an extension to the Furlough scheme its been a very busy week for some. One thing I am proud of is the fact that we have maintained to support our local businesses with our publications online and in print ready for the easing of the lockdown. A return to work for some of our clients, your grit and determination is inspiring. Doing so we have secured that the public will not forget them when they are needed again very soon and I have to say “thank you” to each and everyone of you for supporting us too. Moving on social distancing and being allowed out more than once is a great move by the government I think, but allowing us to visit parks and beaches again is too soon. As some people will take it too far and push the limits of lockdown. I can see after this weekend a rise in deaths and cases of the virus going up if we do not use common sense people. So please be sensible and stay alert please.
The team EDITOR Michael Davies WEB DESIGNER Matthew Clarke ACCOUNTS Lisa Davies PROOF READER Elisabeth Davies MOB: 07500 017236 Advertising sales Tel: 0117 3258029 Email: info@directlocalonline.com Online Distribution: Direct Local Online now reaches over 20,000 people across Bristol via their inbox and social media each week. If your neighbours don’t receive our weekly magazine please tell them to enter their details on our website to be entered to our monthly prize draws. Facebook.com/directlocal Twitter.com/directlocalmag
Finally to finish on a high I hope everyone has a great weekend.
This week.. 6. Make your on face mask 8. Wyke Farm 13. Labour news ( Avonmouth)
ALLEN STONE ESTATE AGENTS
16. Monday mornings 18.. Accelerating transport plans 26. Southmed Hospital Charity 30. Virtual Festival 32. LA Cinema 33. Sudoku / word search 38. A Quick update from Tony 43. BID call on the government
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5
MAKING AND WEARING YOUR OWN CLOTH FACE MASK The Government is has now advised us that we should aim to wear a facemask or “face covering� as the government has dubbed them in enclosed spaces where social distancing is not possible with others that they do not normally meet up, for example on busses or in some shops.
Its recommended not to touch the front of the face-covering neither should you touch the part of the face-covering that has been in contact with your mouth and nose. Once you have removed it, make sure you clean any surfaces the face-coveringhave been in contact with. You should wash your face-coverings as regularly as possible. You can pop it in with other laundry, using your normal detergent or use a specialist detugent if you wish like Dettol laundry cleaner. Also when wearing a face covering, take care to tuck away any loose ends.
The easing of the rules for lockdown announced on Sunday only covers England, whilst Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland sticking with more strict guidance of stay at home. Studies show that What you will need: homemade face-coverings can help reduce the risk of transmission. However face coverings are not 1. An old T-shirt that you do not want anymore going to help the wearer, but to protect against the (ideally small) transmission of the disease to others if you have it 2. Scissors any symptoms. A face coverings are not the same as a face mask that surgeons have or respirators used as part of personal protective equipment by thw NS or care industry and other workers. These supplies must continue to be reserved for those who need it most. Face-coverings shouldn’t be used by children under the age of two, or those who may find it difficult to manage them correctly, for example primary age children unassisted, or those with respiratory conditions. However It is important to use face coverings properly and wash your hands before wearing one and taking them off. The latest government advice is as follows A cloth face covering should cover your mouth and nose while allowing you to breathe comfortably. It can be as simple as a bandana tor scarf that ties behind your head. Wash your hands or use hand sanitiser before putting it on and after taking it off and after use. You must avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth at all times and place used face masks in a plastic bag until you have an opportunity to wash them thoroughly.
1: Cut a straight line across the width of the T-shirt (front and back) approximately 20cm from the bottom of the T-shirt. 2: From a point 2cm below the top right-hand corner of the fabric, make a 15cm horizontal cut through both sides of the fabric that is parallel to the top of the rectangle. 3: Cut down towards the bottom of the fabric until you reach approximately 2cm above the bottom edge. From here, make another 15cm cut that runs parallel to the bottom of the fabric to make a rectangle that can be discarded. 4: To make the ties, cut open the edge of the 2 long strips of fabric. Unfold the main piece of fabric and place over the mouth and the nose. The 4 strips act as ties to hold the cloth face-covering in place and should be tied behind the head and around the neck.
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82-year-old Martin Pollard describes his long-standing role as ‘dream job' Wyke Farms, the UK's largest independent cheese producer, and producer of renewable energy, celebrates one of its longest standing employee's 33 years' service this month. Martin Pollard joined Wyke Farms in May 1987 as a ‘South West Sales Rep', tasked with developing sales in the area through wholesalers and food services, including schools and colleges. In a pre-Internet era, Martin would source sales potential in his local library using the Yellow Pages and out in the field by ‘van spotting'. He also targeted dairies who still had milk floats and offered farm visits generously so as many people as possible could come to Wyke Farms to experience the cheese making first-hand. His ‘wholesale' and ‘school' business increased and many of the contacts he made all those years ago are maintained today: "Most of my wholesalers are good friends, we support each other," says Martin. "Times and methods have changed; I no longer need to drive so much but relationships are still at the heart of what I do," he continues.
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During Martin's time at Wyke Farms, his daughter Sarah also joined the team. This is not unusual for the company where many generations of the same family can be found; 15% of the Wyke Farms work force also have a relative working in the business and over one third of employees (34%) have been with the company for over 10 years. At 82 years old, Martin has no plans of retiring and this month secured his 10,000th cheese order. He will be officially celebrating his success with Wyke Farms after social distancing measures are relaxed. "When we interviewed Martin, it took me less than five minutes to decide he was the one for us! An exceptional salesperson, and a fine man to boot," said John Clothier, Chairman, Wyke Farms. Wyke Farms' cheese and butter is made with the milk from their cows grazing the lush pastures of the Mendip Hills in the centre of the Cheddar making region in Somerset. Wyke Farms products are available in selected Lidl stores and in South West UK ASDA, CO-OP and Tesco stores. All products are available online at: www.wykefarms.com/shop
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SPACES FOR PEOPLE
Keen cyclists Jos and Andrew are calling on the mayor to temporarily widen pavements and create pop-up cycle lanes to aid social distancing and keep people safe.
Jos and Andrew, together with their colleagues in the Bristol Liberal Democrats, have recently launched a petition requesting the Labour mayor, Marvin Rees, and his administration temporarily widen pavements and create ‘pop-up’ cycle lanes in order to aid social distancing and improve safety for key workers and people taking daily exercise during the Coronavirus COVID-19 global pandemic. This is already happening in many cities across the UK and around the world. Unfortunately, similar measures have not taken place in Bristol. In large parts of the city, pavements are extremely narrow and it is impossible to adhere to the 2-metre social distancing rule without stepping into the road, which poses a serious risk for pedestrians. Furthermore, there has been a significant increase in the number of people who have started cycling either for their daily exercise or to commute to and from work. Unfortunately, Bristol lacks a fully segregated, joined up cycling network and many people feel intimidated and unsafe when cycling on the road.
There are also reports of an increase in driver speeding, which of course is a huge danger to people on bikes. In the last month, traffic volumes across Bristol have greatly reduced as people have been furloughed, or are working from home, or are self-isolating. This means there is a lot of spare capacity on our normally congested road network. We propose that in several locations around the city, pavements could be safely, easily and cheaply widened and cycle paths created by using traffic cones, barriers and mobile signage for example. As a starting point, we would like to see one of the traffic lanes in front of the busy and crowded Bristol Royal Infirmary converted into a widened pavement and cycle lane. Other suitable locations include Gloucester Road and other local high streets across the city, Avon Crescent, Prince Street Bridge, The Portway and The Downs. Andrew said, ‘It is likely that social distancing will be in place for quite some time to come. It is also likely that public transport use will remain low after lockdown as people worry about the risk of infection. Therefore, to avoid total gridlock on our road network, it is imperative that the council take steps now to enable as many people as possible to walk and cycle’. Jos added, ‘Bristol is supposed to be the UK’s ‘Cycling Capital’, but we are being left behind by many other cities, who started implementing changes weeks ago’. If you would like to sign our petition, please click on the following link: http://www.bristollibdems.org/ spaces_for_people By Jos Clark, Local Councillor (Brislington West) & Andrew Varney, Local Councillor Candidate (Brislington West) Email: cllr.jos.clark@bristol.gov.uk Mobile: 07584 370 429
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Labour News
AVONMOUTH & LAWRENCE WESTON WARD
AFFORDABLE HOUSING SPORT AND FUN FOR ALL FOR LOCAL PEOPLE Many of you will have seen the new BMX track in Our areas needs lots more social housing and the priority for this should be given to local people through a Local Lettings Policy. What are we doing about this? The council is building houses at Little Mead, Commonfield and Capel Road in Lawrence Weston to add to our new ones at Deans Mead. Social housing is also already underway at Henacre, Astry Close and Corbet Close. In Avonmouth we hope to bring in Article 4 Directions to stop the conversion of more family homes to HMO’s.
Lawrence Weston and we expect that this will soon be followed by a Family Cycling Centre and closed loop circuit. The Port Communities Resilience Fund has spent £1m in our area and we’ve been able to help Twyford House Cricket Club (also Shire FC), Avonmouth FC and Avonmouth Old Boys RFC with grants to improve their facilities. If you prefer a quiet read then our libraries are open and thriving. GET IN TOUCH WITH US Don Alexander Ward Councillor @bristolDon Cllr.donald.alexander@bristol.go.uk Tel: 07914 385321 I live in Sea Mills and so this area is home for me. In my spare time I keep two allotments. I’m also an expert on local buses and trains! Facebook: Avonmouth & Lawrence Weston labour councillors
We know that the most serious problem in this area is the lack of affordable housing.
RECYCLING CENTRE In line with our commitment to the environment we now have the best recycling facility in the city. We have some remarkably beautiful countryside here and we’re going to protect it. Meanwhile the challenge of climate change is foremost in all of our minds and consequently we’ve given £100,000 to Ambition Lawrence Weston’s community wind turbine project which will help to fund their work as well as being a further source of green energy in the area. The new station at the Portway park and Ride will help to take many cars off our city’s streets. By now we hope that you will have visited the newly re-opened reuse and recycling centre and perhaps even volunteered to work in the shop there!
Daphne Chikwere Candidate for May 2020 @chikwere_daphne contact@daphnechikwere.com Tel: 07561 712434 I am a Lawrence Weston resident with background in Physics, Environmental Management and Nursing and I work in healthcare. I’m passionate about affordable housing and reliable transport. Jo Sergenat Ward Councillor @joshop68 Cllr.jo.sergeant@bristol.gov.uk Tel: 07584 370416 Having worked in the local library service for many years you will not be surprised to hear that I want every community to have access to a good library.
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Britain's largest housebuilder set to restart on construction sites in South West from 11th May Barratt Developments, parent company of Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, is set to start a phased re-opening of its construction sites in the South West from next Monday 11th May.
Chris Burton, regional managing director for the West region at Barratt, said:
“Our first priority is the health and safety of our employees, sub-contractors and customers. We Initially 20 sites across the region (see table below), have created a detailed set of working practices including developments in Gloucestershire, Bristol, and protocols for employees and sub-contractors to ensure that we can reopen our construction sites Wiltshire, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, will be safely, in a phased and measured way, which re-opened, with work being prioritised on already minimises risk. In line with our commitment to sold plots at advanced stages of construction. put our customers first, we will be prioritising the completion of those homes that our customers have In line with the lockdown retail regulations, the company is not reopening its sales centres or show already exchanged or reserved. homes yet, but will continue to look after its “I would also like to thank our employees who have customers remotely. Anyone looking to buy a new been fantastic during this challenging time, both home at their developments can still do so by getthose who have worked hard to get us ready to ting in touch with Barratt Homes. restart and our employees who are not currently working. A detailed set of working practices and protocols has been developed by Barratt so that its Chris Burton continues: “As a business committed construction sites can operate safely and in line to doing the right thing we have been supporting with the latest guidance from Government, Public Health Authorities and the Construction Leadership the NHS and our communities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We have donated PPE to Council. This includes changes to signage, site local NHS services and defibrillators to St John’s welfare facilities and compounds, site access and Ambulance from our sites across the region and walkways. These measures have already are working with charities and organisations to help successfully been implemented on one of its sites local communities. We are also encouraging staff as a pilot. A nominated Social Distancing Marshal to volunteer and use their time to do whatever they will also be present on all sites to ensure compliance and the company will provide induction, can to help people during this difficult period.” training and support for its employees and subcontractors. Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes Sites Opening 11th May Developement
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Monday morning, long weekends and we all could do with a change of scenery Do you remember the days that we wished that Monday morning would not come and the weekend would last forever……..now we fight over who’s taking the bins out (just to have a change of scenery).
By the time you read this we will no longer be limited to once a day exercise and will within reason be able to drive (avoiding Wales and Scotland) further afield. Garden centres are open, click and collect services are operational – who knows you might even be able to get an online supermarket delivery slot! Quizzes are more popular than ever and who knew we would be connecting with our loved ones via Zoom. I was listening to an interview with Jenny (The Vixen) from ITV’s The Chase , when asked why she thought quizzes where so popular she said that with a quiz there is always a right answer and in these uncertain times it is good to know that are still able to provide an answer to a question.
Our employment status and our own thoughts will be as unique as our fingerprints as we are all facing our own personal challenges through lockdown. Some may still be going to work , some may be working from home – possibly home schooling or being the primary carer of a family member, some shielding, some may be furlough and some may be employers trying to look at practical measures to get things moving again. With every new Government announcement new questions are bound to spring to mind , regular communications between employer and their teams , seeing how you are all doing , can anyone do with some support ,helping coming up with ideas on how to work safely together and planning for when we do have to get up on a Monday morning and actually go out of our front gates to get to work. Stay safe, look after yourselves and keep talking to each other. Article by Chris Sheppard Colmers HR Solutions Email :chris.sheppard@colmershr.co.uk
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Accelerating our transport plans The Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown are having a dramatic effect on Bristol’s transport network, challenging deeply ingrained travel patterns and behaviours in a way that we’ve never seen before. It is important we harness these changes to improve the way people move around the city forever. We welcome the Government’s commitments – and cash – for cycling and walking in response. They have now released information and guidance for operators and passengers, which I would encourage people to take a look at here. The advice is that if people cannot work from home and have to travel for work, they should first consider alternatives to public transport. Those driving their own cars have been asked to avoid busy areas. In Bristol, today we are sharing our plans, as we have previously announced, to improve the central areas for both people and commuters. Our plans to pedestrianise the Old City and close Bristol Bridge and Baldwin street to through car traffic is a real step forward to cleaner air and improved public realm and we have accelerated those plans while the travel patterns have changed. These changes will be made by the end of the summer as an experimental traffic order, and we will use that as a bridge to consult fully on more permanent changes. This is a key element in delivering the bus deal, with more buses and the longer term mass transit proposals through the centre, while providing opportunities for significant walking and cycling enhancements. And we are going further, with new cycle lanes in central areas, including Marlborough Street, Park Row, Victoria Street, Lewins Mead and the Clifton Triangle. We know that to make walking and cycling an inclusive and accessible option for as many Bristolians as possible, we have to go beyond the centre and shift focus to other areas of the city. So we are also announcing measures in many other areas such as pavement widening in Bedminster Parade, Stapleton Road and Henbury to make these as safe to use and provide local shopping options for people, supporting our local high streets. These changes will take just a matter of weeks to implement. Many of the schemes announced today are already mapped out through the £400m infrastructure programme in the West of England Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan.
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Because of this, these interventions are evidence-based, building on the work we have already done. We have taken time to explore potential unintended consequences on people shielding, their deliveries, or requirements for disabled access and the safety of junctions. We have to be mindful of the effects on emergency vehicles and displacement of traffic that these interventions have, so we will be watching the impacts (especially on air quality) closely. To cope with the need for more social distancing, and also proactively approach the challenge our network will face as more people start to move around the city, we are bringing forward additional measures. We are starting from a better point than other Core Cites and we are committed to build on it. Our cycling figures are usually the best of the core cities. For instance four times as many cycling trips per population compared to Manchester, or that we have four times as many miles of segregated cycle-ways as Cardiff. The road to recovery is difficult to predict, but it is clear that our public transport will be heavily impacted. Operators are experiencing a steep drop in demand, but also a significant change in their capacity as social distancing means buses take reduced number of passengers. We are committed to supporting our bus operators as part of the combined authority, and through the City Office by helping co-ordinate plans for returning to work. Surveys by Transport Focus have shown that while many people will consider walking and cycling as options to get to work in future, even more will look to use private cars. It found that while 51% of people would be ‘more’ or ‘very likely’ to cycle or walk more often, 60% are also ‘likely’ to take more car journeys. In a city like Bristol, with congestion, clean air issues and a historically neglected transport network, that is a huge challenge. We’ve always known that people need to have realistic and reliable alternatives to private car travel – we cannot simply force them out. This is why we’ve led on work with our bus deal, and will still work towards the mass transit system Bristol so clearly needs. Our bus network is vital for people, and we need it to succeed in the long term if we are to reach our air quality and carbon neutrality targets. Finally I want to thank everyone involved in keeping Bristol moving, especially when recent government figures show that it is our taxi, bus and coach drivers who are disproportionately affected by the virus. We are committed to working together with operators and the public to make sure everyone in Bristol feels safe on their way to, from and at work. Article by Cllr Kye Dudd
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Your Garden In May
Spring is well under way now. The spring bulbs are fading and the herbaceous border is growing in leaps and bounds. The May days are longer and warmer and the risk of frost should have gone by now. The idea of getting out in the garden during the fine weather and ‘ticking things off the list’ becomes much more appealing. Spring flowering bulbs and plants will need clearing in preparation for summer bedding, and its promise of colour to come. But don’t get overwhelmed by those seemingly endless list of gardening jobs – here are our three most important… Plant summer bedding May is the month to get your summer bedding started in borders and containers. If planting borders lift out old plants run a fork through the soil and add a good fertilizer before replanting summer plants.
Remove around a third of the oldest flowering stems – this will make the plant look better and encourage new growth to create a good display next year. Be sure to check large shrubs and hedges for nesting birds before you start chopping!
Try to fill pots and containers in the position they are going to stay – they can become heavy when filled! Water retaining crystals will help to reduce the amount of watering and keep the compost moist during warmer periods. Don’t forget to feed with fertiliser during flowering period.
Plant out young veg Marrow, courgette and sweetcorn are all ready to be sown in the greenhouse. The likes of brussel sprouts, kale, peas and swede should be okay covered outside.
Prune evergreen hedges and spring flowering shrubs There’s no better time to give evergreen hedges a trim to get them looking neat and tidy. Smaller hedges can be tackled with a pair of shears, but you may need a hedge trimmer for larger bushes. Prune any shrubs that flowered in spring as soon as they have finished flowering. Broom, forsythia and ribes all need pruning now.
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If you have already grown tomatoes, move them outside to harden them off. Keep them outside during the day and bring them back inside at night for two weeks to acclimatize them. If you have potatoes that are starting to emerge, pull a few inches of earth around the plant with a rake to give the plant more soil to grow.
Enjoy your garden!
Looking good this month... Geranium Why should you plant them? Geraniums make popular bedding plants – either in the garden or in pots and hanging baskets. They thrive outdoors in the summer but are also great for using a houseplant. They look good planted in a group in a flowerbed all by themselves or mixed in with other annuals – the perfect plant for any spot that calls for a splash of colour throughout the season. How should you plant them? Geraniums need to be grown in well draining soil or if planting in pots a good quality free draining compost. They should be located in a bright spot in the garden that gets plenty of sunshine. Soil should be allowed to dry between watering to avoid root rot.
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MAY HOROSCOPES Aquarius Jan 20-Feb 18 With things going on at present, you may be feeling quite down. Remember you are not the only one feeling this way. This could be a good time to reflect and try new hobbies, maybe read a book you have never picked up. When communicating with others, they may be feeling similar so bring your sensitive side with you. Use some of this time for yourself, and remember not to be too hard on yourself or others. Keywords. New things and sensitivity
Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20 Through the challenges we have at the moment, you may be finding it hard to keep calm and in balance. Maybe take time to give yourself a breather, and try and see things in another light. It may be an idea to start thinking of new ideas and projects to begin at this time, that you could continue when things begin to ease. Keywords. Re-view and re-new Aries Mar 21 - Apr 19 We are all facing obstacles at the moment, and staying in touch with your loved ones and friends is important, but remember there are many ways now through ordinary phones and modern technologies. Remember to use your intuition at this time, as it seems to be very important to follow your inner guidance. Keywords. Intuition and communication Taurus Apr 20 - May 20 Someone new may need your help and support, but you may have a few things of your own to deal with right now, if so try and just be flexible and sensitive in regard to speaking to this person. This could be a good time to have a reflect on those practical things as well as some of those inner turmoils we sometimes have, and see what things would help to sort them out, to ring back your balance. Keywords for stop sensitivity and balance Gemini May 21 - June 20 Although it may seem a struggle at times, there will be some new changes for you, and a sudden realisation will dawn on you. This realisation maybe something you need to explain to someone and this should clear the air if there were some difficulties. Remember also to be kind to yourself, and stay calm, Maybe read that book you’ve been putting off, I try a new recipe, find something new. Keywords. Realisation and communication Cancer June 21 - July 22 There could be some new ideas for projects, and this could be a new interest a project or something totally new. Communication is something very valuable in general, but even more so now. Stay in touch with people who are important to you, and also give yourself that time, to read the book you have been putting off, or something you have not finished. Do you line keywords communication, and projects
Leo July 23 - Aug 22 We are in trying times at present, and things can sometimes seem bigger than they actually are. Keep lines of communication open with your friends and family, there are many ways And technologies as well as good old fashioned phones. Maybe take some time to sort a few things out in your home environment, or at least have a think of new ideas and things you can change, refresh, or find new interests. Keywords. Communication and changes Virgo Aug 23 - Sept 22 We are well into spring, if you haven’t already done some clearing it could be a good time now to do so. If you have a tendency to overdo things, or take too much on, remember to slow down at times and give yourself a breather and try and bring some calming balance back into your life. Keywords clearing, balance, and new things. Libra Sept 23 - Oct 22 Trying to keep balance in your life at the moment isn’t easy, with all these strange challenges. Relationships are important to you even more now,It is just important to find other ways to stay in touch with people. Try and find new interests, and try to keep calmness and balance in your life. Keywords communication and balance Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21 If you have things you need to change, it may be a good idea to do so round now. Although actually socialising together with people is not viable at the moment, through different technology it is possible to still have some sort of social life. If all else fails the good old telephone is as good as anything. Relationships mean very much to you more so at the moment but stay in touch with people in the safest ways possible. Keywords. Relationships and communication. Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21 There may be things you really don’t want to deal with but it is best if you do it especially at this time. If you can do some clearing, in which ever areas you feel needed most, it would then be an idea to step back metaphorically speaking, and review situations, and things you are thinking of changing. Keywords deal with things and overview Capricorn Dec 22 0 Jan 19 It seems as though balance in fairness are important to you at this time. There does seem to be quite a few things in the way and as well it’s all the challenges we are all facing there may be some personal ones for you. Keep the lines of communication open and try to find ways to change things in your life to make things easier. Keywords balance and changes Want to find out more about what’s in store for you this month! Contact Marie on: 07949 800354 Disclaimer This zodiac is for entertainment purposes only please do not take the predictions seriously Marie take no responsibility for your actions
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SOUTHMEAD HOSPITAL CHARITY RECEIVES £20,000 DONATION FROM BRISTOL- BASED ALD AUTOMOTIVE Southmead Hospital Charity, the official charity for North Bristol NHS Trust, has received a generous donation of £20,000 towards its Coronavirus Appeal, from Bristol-based car leasing company ALD Automotive. The money will be used to support the NHS on the front line at The Trust which operates Southmead Hospital, Cossham Hospital community health services and the new, temporary UWE Nightingale Hospital.
“ALD’s gift has come at a time when the NHS is facing the largest health crisis ever known. Each and every one of the North Bristol NHS Trust’s dedicated staff are working tirelessly to care for all our patients during this pandemic and it is support like this which makes them feel appreciated and valued at this difficult time.” As well as the donation of £20,000, ALD has donated 4,000 protective seat covers for use by Community Health Teams, to protect them and their patients and help prevent the spread of the virus. Sarah continues: "The additional donation of 4,000 seat covers for our community health teams will help them to stay safe as they continue the excellent care they are giving to patients in the community. Although we are in uncertain times, it has been humbling and heart-warming to see how communities and businesses like ALD Automotive have really come together to support the NHS and the work that we do as the official charity for North Bristol NHS Trust."
The donation from ALD for the Coronavirus Appeal will support staff by providing care and welfare packages, as well as funding access to specialist counselling and psychological support. In addition, the charity is also providing financial support to the bereaved families of staff who have sadly lost their lives to Coronavirus. Sarah Harrison, Director of Southmead Hospital Charity, commented: “We are very grateful for the wonderful donation from ALD Automotive which will allow us to continue our work in supporting patients and staff at the forefront of fighting Coronavirus at North Bristol NHS Trust.
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Tim Laver, ALD’s Managing Director, commented: “We are privileged to be in a position to help our local NHS heroes. We know that the money will be used locally in Bristol, including to support the new Nightingale Hospital, set up specifically for Covid-19 patients. Because local NHS managers will determine where their money is spent, it will have the greatest impact to support healthcare in the community.”
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Join UK Tourism’s Biggest Virtual Festival One of the biggest virtual tourism festivals in the UK, created by two regional British tourism boards, will take place on Friday 15th May from 3:00pm. As part of an ongoing Somerset Day celebration, two regional tourist boards - Visit Exmoor and Visit Somerset - will be hosting their first ever virtual tourism festival that will include music, culture, food, drinks and hiking via Zoom and live-streaming on the Visit Somerset Facebook page. The biggest ever virtual tourism experience will showcase the best of the county and will take place on Friday 15th May from 3pm to 6pm. Some of the region’s biggest ambassadors including Yeo Valley, Thatchers, Brean Holiday Park and Bridgwater Quayside Festival comprise a stellar line-up of Friday afternoon entertainment and insights. The festival aims to showcase why the region is such a special place to visit, offering an insight into its vibrant culinary scene and why it remains a must-visit destination for UK travellers once lockdown restrictions are lifted. Streamed live via the Visit Somerset Facebook page, Thatchers open the festival at 3pm with a tour of their orchards and a very special ‘Knowing Your Cider’ experience. This will be followed by food demonstrations and tips from Yeo Valley and Porlock Oysters. Other live experiences will include an Exmoor from your doorstep walking tour from Wild About Exmoor, dancing from Bridgwater Quayside Festival, a Magic Show by Brean Unity Holiday Park and a musical performance by Kitty Macfarlane. So be sure to tune into the live stream from 3pm on Friday via the Visit Somerset Facebook page.
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We are delighted that Exmoor is taking part in the Somerset and Exmoor Livestream Festival. The line-up features some amazing businesses and profiles the beautiful areas on Exmoor and across Somerset. We want to thank visitors for not coming to Exmoor at this time and this festival is the perfect way to do this. We are bringing a little bit of Exmoor to our audience in their homes and we look forward to welcoming visitors back to the area when it is safe to do so. Emma Thomasson, Director of Strategy and Operations, Visit Exmoor.” Emma Thomasson, Director of Strategy and Operations, Visit Exmoor. John Turner, CEO of Visit Somerset said: “We are really excited to be co-hosting the Somerset Day Virtual Festival – the first of its kind. The line-up looks fantastic and for the County of festivals, it is a great way to remind people what we have to offer so that we are right up there at the top of the list for visits when the time is right. We can’t welcome people in person yet but we can whet their appetites as we share some of what makes this area so special.” The Full Line Up - Somerset Day - Visit Somerset & Exmoor Tourism Festival 15:00 - Thatcher's - Drink - Knowing your cider 15:20 - Wild About Exmoor - Outdoors - Hiking & Foraging 15:45 - Dulverton Farmers Market - Food - Market inspired meals 16:00 - Allerford Village - Area Guide - Meet the Locals: Exmoor Village Tour 16:15 - Yeo Valley - Food - From farm to table: YeoValley Dishes 16:25 - Bridgwater Quayside Festival & Fuse Somerset Outdoor - Arts. Arts / Culture - Cultural performance 16:35 - Porlock Oysters - Food - Dive into seafood 16:50 - Exmoor Magazine - Media - Behind the Cover: Treasures of Exmoor 17:05 - Homewood - Food & Drink - Flavours of Somerset: Cocktails & Cheese 17:35 - Brean Leisure - Magic. More information: - https://www.visitsomerset.co.uk https://www.visit-exmoor.co.uk The live festival URL:- https://www.facebook. com/events/1648564908600537/
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Summer Berry Pudding Ingredients
300g strawberry 250g blackberry 100g redcurrant 500g raspberry OR 1¼kg/2lb 12oz mixed berries and currants of your choice 175g golden caster sugar 7 slices day-old white bread, from a square, medium-cut loaf
Bring out the juices: Wash fruit and gently dry on kitchen paper – keep strawberries separate. Put sugar and 3 tbsp water into a large pan. Gently heat until sugar dissolves – stir a few times. Bring to a boil for 1 min, then tip in the fruit (not strawberries). Cook for 3 mins over a low heat, stirring 2-3 times. The fruit will be softened, mostly intact and surrounded by dark red juice. Put a sieve over a bowl and tip in the fruit and juice. Line the bowl with cling film and prepare the bread: Line the 1.25-litre basin with cling film as this will help you to turn out the pudding. Overlap two pieces of cling film in the middle of the bowl as it’s easier than trying to get one sheet to stick to all of the curves. Let the edges overhang by about 15cm. Cut the crusts off the bread. Cut 4 pieces of bread in half, a little on an angle, to give 2 lopsided rectangles per piece. Cut 2 slices into 4 triangles each and leave the final piece whole. Build the pud: Dip the whole piece of bread into the juice for a few secs just to coat. Push this into the bottom of the basin. Now dip the wonky rectangular pieces one at a time and press around the basin’s sides so that they fit together neatly, alternately placing wide and narrow ends up. If you can’t quite fit the last piece of bread in it doesn’t matter, just trim into a triangle, dip in juice and slot in. Now spoon in the softened fruit, adding the strawberries here and there as you go. Let flavours mingle then serve: Dip the bread triangles in juice and place on top – trim off overhang with scissors. Keep leftover juice for later. Bring cling film up and loosely seal. Put a side plate on top and weight down with cans. Chill for 6 hrs or overnight. To serve, open out cling film then put a serving plate upside-down on top and flip over. serve with leftover juice, any extra berries and cream.
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It seems more important than ever to give people a chance to talk through their thoughts and feelings as they relate to death, dying and bereavement. With the coronavirus pandemic making it impossible to come together in person, Memorial Woodlands have commissioned Mireille Hayden from Gentle Dusk to facilitate a virtual Death Cafe to enable local residents to come together to talk about death and dying without euphemism or embarrassment; to share feelings and to reflect on their personal thoughts and experiences. If you would like to register for the Virtual Death Cafe please contact ella@memorialwoodlands.com
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L A Cinema ‘Film Quiz’ Now in it's seventh week, the quiz is completely free and fun and aims to test your knowledge on world cinema.
The quiz comprises of five rounds and a total of fifty questions. Topics covered so far have included war films, movies from specific decades, dialogue / quotes, movie taglines, Marvel films, the director Martin Scorsese and famous film props. As part of the quiz, L A Cinema recommend films and television serials watched during the lockdown and consumed on Netflix, Disney Plus, Mubi, Amazon Prime and DVD and Blu-Ray. Recommendations so far have included the documentaries Tiger King, Wild Wild Country and Evil Genius, the new Star Wars TV serial The Mandalorian and the films Uncut Gems, Night Moves, Network, Field of Dreams and Come and See.
At the end of the quiz, I also run a segment called 'Desert Island Flicks' where I choose a favourite film and explain the reason for that choice. I also ask people participating in the quiz to offer their choices of a favourite film by taking part in the live chat. L A Cinema 'Desert Island Flicks' choices so far have included Once Upon A Time In America, Heat and Citizen Kane. It's FREE to participate in the quiz. It takes place every Friday at 20:30pm on the L A Cinema YouTube channel. This can be found by searching L A Community Cinema or going to this link www.youtube.com/channel/UCRWvSeAgX7o1B9-QQao9tsA Please subscribe to the YouTube channel and also follow film updates, news and recommendations on our Facebook and Twitter pages. Facebook www.facebook.com/longashtoncinema/ Twitter https://twitter.com/LAVillageCinema
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Sudoku Puzzles
Word Search RELIEVED SINCERE SMALL SNOTTY STIMULATING TABOO TEN
ABACK ADMINISTRATIVE BASHFUL BENT CERTAIN DREARY DRY
FILTHY FINANCIAL GLOSSY HABITUAL HOMELESS NEAR NOISELESS
NUMBERLESS OAFISH OBVIOUS OCEANIC OVAL POISED QUIRKY
EASY
MEDIUM
HARD Here are this weeks 3 puzzles to test your number crunching skills ranging from easy to medium and hard. Click the download symbol below to download our puzzles and competitions to your phone or computer and complete at your own leisure. Print it or write directly on the PDF its up to you.
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Weekly riddles! 5 Riddles that will stump you every time but don’t worry-we’ll give you the answers Next week. Need a little break to unwind with some fun brain teasers? Check out our list of 5 riddles. They will start off easy this week. However, they will get harder and may require you to be a math whiz. We will even through in some funny riddles to keep you going . But beware: The hard ones will put you to the test!
1. I’m light as a feather, yet the strongest person can’t hold me for five minutes. What am I? 2. I’m found in socks, scarves and mittens; and often in the paws of playful kittens. What am I? 3. Riddle: Where does today come before yesterday? 4. Riddle: What invention lets you look right through a wall? 5. Riddle: If you’ve got me, you want to share me; if you share me, you haven’t kept me. What am I?
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NEW FAMILY LAW PARTNER JOINS CLARKE WILLMOTT’S BRISTOL OFFICE A new family law specialist has joined national firm Clarke Willmott LLP’s Bristol office as a Partner. Clare Webb specialises in divorce and advises on all matters arising from a couple’s separation, including complex financial and children issues. Clare has a particular interest in helping clients with family businesses and properties abroad. She also assists those who wish to protect and preserve their assets prior to entering a marriage or cohabiting relationship. A qualified collaborative lawyer Clare is also a committee member of Bath Resolution, a committee member of Bristol Collaborative Pod and a member of Bristol Resolution. Gareth Schofield, head of the Bristol office family team, said: “We are delighted to have Clare on board. Our family team continues to attract signfifcant work and Clare’s expertise will allow us to continue to provide and expand the services we have become known for. “Clare’s background as a collaborative lawyer is a great asset and her sensitive and pragmatic approach to clients is welcomed.
“A high percentage of Clare’s work arises from referrals from past clients who have first-hand experience of her advice, support and professionalism.” Clare said: “A relationship breakdown is one of the most challenging and emotional times in a person’s life. The way in which separation and divorce is dealt with can have a significant impact on not only the individual client but also the children of the family. “I want to help my clients resolve their issues in a constructive and conciliatory way. I think it’s important to take into account the longterm hopes and aspirations of the family as a whole, whilst at the same time, protecting my clients’ interests. “I strive to help clients reach out of court settlements where possible. I like to empower clients to make their own decisions and help them find creative solutions that fulfill their needs and those of the family.” Clarke Willmott LLP is a national law firm with seven offices across the country in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, London, Manchester, Southampton and Taunton. For more information visit www.clarkewillmott.com
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QUICK UPDATE REGARDING THE FURLOUGH SCHEME The chancellor has announced this week that the furlough scheme will be extended to the end of October. However, from August businesses will have to contribute but there will be greater flexibility, i.e. workers able to work part time. As always the devil is in the detail and I will follow up with more in due course. On another note I know most of our clients have had their furlough grant but some are still waiting. Unfortunately it's not business as usual for HMRC (or us, imagine every customer you have for a year contacting you on the same day and you will have some idea) and so we cannot guarantee if and when HMRC will pay.
At very little cost (we haven't even sent out the invoices for April yet, and at ÂŁ25 plus vat represents one fifth of the average cost of this). We've also had requests for the calculations. This is on top of all of our usual work that we have to do.
For a few clients we have asked to speak to the HMRC technical team and we should hear from them this week. There is no right of appeal but we have asked HMRC to get in touch where there has been an issue to see if we can get them to budge. As you can appreciate, we have furloughed many hundreds of employees for dozens of employers. It's not a simple extension of payroll. We've spent many, many hours on this, and literally worked around the clock to get the claims in.
I understand you may want a swift reply, but in these very unusual circumstances, it just can't be business as usual, but we will give this information when we are able. I hope you understand. We will endeavor to reply to all outstanding e-mails within the next 48 hours. Where HMRC decline a furlough grant, there are other measures such as the bounce back loan and other grants for retailers etc. that I have sent the details on previously.
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SELF-EMPLOYED INCOME SUPPORT It’s now emerged that from August employers may be liable for 50% of the cost. This has yet to be confirmed, but some employer support will be required according to government. Many self-employed workers will have been written to in relation to the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS). This is the scheme whereby a grant is available for self-employed workers. It is a grant of 80% of 3 months profits (based on a 3 year average up to the 18/19 tax year). Although it is taxable income, and so needs to appear on the next tax return, it's a grant an not a loan. if you have haven't been written to yet, please check your address with HMRC is correct. A phone call to 0300 200 3310 should rectify any issue promptly. To apply for the grant there is a new portal that opens today, but your letter should specify when you can claim from. It may not be today. To claim you will need a government gateway ID. if you don't have one you can get one here https://www.access.service.gov.uk/login/ signin/creds. Click on the create sign in details below the green sign in button.
Don't worry if you haven't received your letter. You can check your eligibility and how to claim here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-a-grantthrough-the-coronavirus-covid-19-self-employment-income-support-scheme. HMRC have stated this needs to be applied for by the tax payer, not the agent. This is an important point to note. We can provide assistance, which unfortunately we would have to charge for, but we cannot apply for you. therefore, I would urge you to pick a quiet hour and just firstly check your eligibility on the link above, and then apply again on the other link if it fits within the timeline HMRC have given you. Today will be a really busy day, for the portal and HMRC, so if you can, wait a day or two to apply. I'll issue a further update on this when we see how well it's working.
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As promised all the answers to all the puzzles and riddles from last week.
Word Search Sudoku
Weekly Riddles 1. I follow you all the time and copy your every move, but you can’t touch me or catch me. What am I? Answer: Your shadow 2. Riddle: What has many keys but can’t open a single lock? Answer: A piano 3.What can you hold in your left hand but not in your right? Answer: Your right elbow 4.What is black when it’s clean and white when it’s dirty? Answer: A chalkboard 5. What gets bigger when more is taken away? Answer: A hole
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Bristol City Centre BID backs call on government to save high street post Covid-19 #RaiseTheBar campaign demands higher threshold for vital Retail, Hospitality & Leisure grant These include popular, highly successful venues in Bristol city centre such as the Milk Thistle on Colston Avenue and No 1 Harbourside, which pay higher business rates as a result of the rateable value of their premises, and are therefore cut off from financial support offered to smaller leisure and With little detail in the Prime Minister's most recent entertainment venues. statements about the potential for shops, cafés, Currently the ‘Discretionary Fund’ announced last bars and restaurants to re-open, the Bristol City week and administered by local authorities is only Centre Business Improvement District (BID) is available to retail, hospitality and leisure businesses backing a new, national campaign calling for vital with a business rates value of up to £51,000. support to be extended. It is joined by some of the city's leading hospitality businesses including 86 MPs have signed the open letter the to the Hyde & Co and The Assemblies Ltd. Chancellor, calling for the rateable value threshold to be increased for the RHLG grant. Bristol City Centre BID has joined a nationwide call on central government to expand the rateable Keith Rundle, operations director at Bristol City value threshold for eligible businesses to access Centre BID says: the £25,000 grant from £51,000 to £150,000. Up to one hundred businesses in Bristol city centre could be saved from the threat of closure due to the coronavirus crisis if the government raises the threshold for its Retail, Hospitality & Leisure Grant (RHLG).
The #RaiseTheBar campaign is warning that High Streets are on the brink of collapse and 54, 638 businesses from pubs to shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, hotels, galleries and gyms are left stranded without support.
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“The government has done a great deal to support business through this torrid time, and few are more affected than the retail, hospitality and leisure sector. This support simply doesn’t go far enough if it means help is out of the reach of some of our most popular and successful venues - which have had no choice but to close their doors for an unknown and significant duration.
"Bristol's night life is one of the great things our city is famous for but it's now under threat like never before. Access to this grant could be the difference between opening again for everyone to enjoy once they can operate safely and closing for good, unable to survive the unprecedented financial battle brought about by Covid-19." Jamie Tuck, partner in The Assemblies Ltd, which runs No 1 Harbourside, commented: "It feels as though we are stuck between a rock and a hard place. Firstly we were given a rateable value and rates bill that is completely disproportionate to our level of trade and the nature of our business and now have the bitter pill of being excluded from the benefits that equivalent businesses in our area are benefiting from...it just seems so unfair. If the "bar was raised" we would have a much higher chance of survival! Let's hope the government is able to listen to the choir of independent businesses that this adversely affects" Nathan Lee, co-founder, Hyde & Co Group, added: "We have eight hospitality businesses operating from properties of differing rateable values. The government grants are a key part of the package to enable us to envisage a future for our businesses when this crisis has passed. Without them we may have just walked away, dealing a sizeable blow to the community, our network of suppliers and our 150 employees. It seems bizarre to me that out larger sites, that employ more staff and contribute more to the economy are penalised by not qualifying for the grant. I am fully behind the campaign to raise the bar."
Set up by Croydon BID (Business Improvement District), leaders of the #RaiseTheBar campaign believe access to the ÂŁ25,000 is the difference between survival and bankruptcy for businesses on High Streets across England and Wales, which have welcomed an outpouring of support from the public during lockdown choosing to support their local communities. The grant will enable businesses to mitigate some of the significant cashflow challenges, including rent, that furloughing does not address. Many businesses are not in a position to take on further debt or have serious misgivings about being able to survive the recovery whilst servicing additional unexpected loans. Other cash pressures include suppliers, service charges and the cost of reopening to repurchase stock and ongoing running costs. Matthew Sims, CEO, Croydon BID and co-founder of #RaiseTheBar campaign added: "Access to the RHLG grant is a ticking time bomb for tens of thousands of businesses on our High Streets and in our local communities. There are just eight weeks until rent is due and the prospect of going under is an uncomfortable t ruth the Government needs to hear and act upon now. The consequences of failing to increase the business rates threshold are to grim to bear." For more information on the #RaiseTheBar campaign please visit https://raisethebarcampaign.com/ For more information on Bristol City Centre BID's support for businesses through the Covid-19 pandemic, please visit https://bristolcitycentrebid.co.uk/corona-virus-covid-19/ 43
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