Direct Local Magazine South Bristol February 2017

South Bristol February 2017

@directlocal www.directlocalonline.com @directlocalmg Vapour Nation Friday 3rd February see page 11

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Welcome to February 2017 edition

In this issue 6. Tax up!

10. property cost

Regulars

13. Ask the vet

6. Councillor’s surgery 10. The word on the street 14. Slimming World 20. 1st Gear

14. Slimming World 16. Study at Ashton Gate in September 21. Automotive gem

Categories

22. Top tips to maintain your tyres

Local news

1st Gear

Pet care

Events

Health and lifestyle

Home and maintenance

Senior Editor Mike Davies Proof reader Elisabeth Davies Yate Magazine Benjamin Allen Marketing Manager Lindsey Sage

Telephone: 07500 017236 Email: info@directlocalonline.com

26. Tips for driving in rain 29. Competition 30. Upcoming events 32. Local Jobs (NEW) 34. Deadline has come and gone!

36. Caddy Windows Disclaimer The opinions expressed in Direct Local do not necessarily reflect those of the editor, publisher or their agents. Whilst every reasonable care is taken to ensure the accuracy of information included within this publication, the publisher takes no responsibility for errors or omissions in Direct Local. The content of Direct Local is not to be reproduced in any form without permission of the publisher. Please pass to a friend, recycle or compost after reading.

All adverts designed by Direct Local are the property of Direct Local please contact us if you wish to reprint them in other publications as a small release fee Is applied. Use of adverts designed by us will need written permission first.

YATE AND CHIPPING SODBURY MAGAZINE OUT NOW! TO ADVERTISE IN ANY OF OUR 3 MAGAZINES CALL MIKE FOR SOUTH AND NORTH BRISTOL ON 07500 017 236 OR BENJAMIN FOR YATE MAGAZINE ON 0789 0994 052 WWW.DIRECTLOCALONLINE.COM

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Are you prepared for the winter? Is your heating system working efficiently?

Are you crossing your fingers that your boiler will survive one more season?

At Star Plumbing & Heating Supplies we are able to provide all major brands of boilers.

We can even recommend a Gas Safe engineer to install one for you. If you're not sure, we can recommend a Gas Safe engineer to give your heating system an MOT for your peace of mind.

Contact Rob to discuss your boiler requirements.

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Mayor Rees says the Council will now only focus on core services (whatever that means!) and that other agencies, partners and the voluntary will be expected to pick up the tab for the rest.

GOVERNMENT

Tax Up!!

Council Tax up! Local services cut! Yes Labour are back in power in Bristol with a majority and we all see the consequences for our City already.

Those of you with long memories will remember the last time Labour ran our great City, large tax bills and poor services were the outcome.

Mayor Marvin has only been in office for just over 6 months and already the financial storm clouds have gathered over City Hall, with a nearly 5% rise in Council Tax coupled with cuts to everything from Libraries to the Community meals service. He is proposing that a number of front line services are outsourced to the voluntary sector (ie; sack our librarians and replace them with unpaid volunteers- no living wage here then?).

But I have a real problem with this, the Council has for years worked closely with these bodies and I doubt they have the financial or other capacity to deliver more.

Like the Council they have been subjected to Tory spending cuts as well. The Mayor at some stage needs to stop the hand wringing on this and take a delegation of MP’s and others to London and lobby for a fairer deal for Bristol.

After all did the Government in creating these City Mayors not want a strong local voice that they would support? Well here’s their chance to prove it.

Of course we hear a lot from Labour about standing up against austerity when they are in opposition, but precious little when they are in office. We were all told elect a Mayor and Bristol will move forward, yet here we are again, lack of money and services under threat.

George Ferguson left a 17m blackhole to fill in this years budget alone, which the current Mayor could fill with Council reserves but appears reluctant to do so. Next year they need to make around 100m in savings, but so far have only found £60m.

Article by Cllr Jos Clark Liberal Democrat Councillor Brislington West Ward

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All Sorts Going On At Bristol Libraries Here in South Bristol we have nine libraries, and all of them have lots of regular activities as well as one off events that happen. Some of our most popular activities are the weekly storytime and baby bounce and rhyme sessions for little ones, reading groups, and knitting groups. We’ve also just got going with a really excellent new project with The Reader Org called Bristol Shares Reading, and there are weekly groups on a Thursday at both Bedminster and Hartcliffe libraries.

There’s loads more happening on a regular basis and you can call your local library to find out what’s going on.

Over the next few months we’ve got lots of exciting events and activities that you can get involved in.

At Marksbury Road Library there will be storytelling with seed bomb making, puppetry and comic drawing on the 4th, 11th and 18th of February, and following on from that we’ve got Window Wanderland crafting running for three weeks from the 25th February.

We’ve also got some Window Wanderland craft sessions at Bedminster Library during half term, so come down and help us decorate our windows and be part of the map!

Crafting not your thing? How about coding?

Head over to Stockwood Library on the 16th February for ‘Tech Takeover’! An afternoon of Minecraft, Code Club, robotics, and more!

If you’d like to run an activity at one of the libraries, please do get in touch with Francesca Rolle, Library Development Officer on francesca.rolle@bristol.gov.uk.

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Writing a will probably isn’t top of anyone’s list of New Year’s Resolutions – who wants to start 2017 with such a grim project?

Indeed, according to a 2011 poll in the US, 60% of Americans would rather undergo root canal treatment, do their taxes or abstain from sex for a month than set down their final wishes. However, a US psychologist has suggested that we’re all lying to ourselves by procrastinating over writing our wills; instead, sitting down and planning our estates could empower us...

Considering death is one of the few certainties of life, why do so many of us put off writing a will?

Apparently, it’s all to do with the very human instinct to deceive ourselves. In doing so, we avoid uncomfortable realities – a coping mechanism that Dr. Cortney S. Warren, a psychologist at the University of Nevada, covers in her book Lies We Tell Ourselves: The Psychology of Self-Deception.

“Humans are masters of self-deception,’ Dr Warren writes. ‘We don’t like to think of ourselves as liars; it hurts us too much to admit.

So, we lie to ourselves about that, too.

As a clinical psychologist, I am frequently confronted with the fact that we all lie to ourselves.

I believe that it is our biggest obstacle to living a fulfilling life.” According to Warren, avoiding writing a will is a good example of us lying to ourselves. By the very act of writing one, we are acknowledging something we find very difficult to face; our own mortality. In an article for Psychology Today however, Warren does highlight the feeling of empowerment which writing a will provides us with. “The main reason to write a will is to give yourself a voice,” she says. “It is actually a wonderful gift to those you love to have a will in place so that they can celebrate your life after you die—not become engrossed in legal battles over your stuff.

Maybe it’s time to rethink your New Year’s Resolutions list for 2017 – and add writing a will to the top of it. To stick to resolutions, psychologists advise breaking goals into small steps.

Take the first one today by speaking to your local will writing experts at Legally Secure Ltd, where the cost of writing a will starts at as little as £135.

For more information, and to start 2017 with a little of the self-empowerment which writing a will can bring, call Legally Secure on 0117 322 6322 or email info@legallysecure.co.uk.

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Property Costs in Bristol Are Rising Faster than London Well, what we all suspected and a regular topic of conversation in pubs and coffee bars across the city from Hengrove to Henbury, Avonmouth to Brislington has been confirmed, property in Bristol is rising faster than any city in the UK. In 2016, the average rise in Bristol across the board according to Hometrack was 9.6%; in London, yes the mighty metropolis, 7.3%. That is big money. It affects all sections of the city, except the very rich.

Those of us who have property and are getting along may feel a warm glow that our house, or in my case flat, certainly isn’t losing money and indeed is an increasingly valuable asset.

But what are families who are not so well off to do?

What about our young people in the city? Are they to be forced into the cheaper areas and worst housing?

He is encouraging developers to start building and to stop land –banking, holding sites empty. The City Council has started building council houses again and is supporting Housing Associations to build by freeing up land. This is bound to be controversial in some locations like the edge of Hengrove Park, but I would appeal to those comfortably housed to think of those trying to set up home.

Other helpful solutions are for “empty nesters” to downsize; as your house or garden becomes too big to manage, free it up for a family. I can personally recommend it, having done so a few years ago and never looked back. It freed up so much of my time to do other things I enjoy and money as my flat is easier to run and better insulated – I do appreciate paying less to greedy fuel companies!

Modern system –built ‘prefabs’ are well insulated, quick to put up and are fairly common in Europe.

The old post-war prefab estates were very popular, with people objecting to them being demolished, despite their faults. They could be another answer to this problem.

Whatever we do, it is good that this is the City Council’s priority; our citizens must have a decent place to live.

Article by Eileen means

Since the Council elections last May, increasing the range of and supply of accommodation has been Mayor Marvin Rees’s top priority.

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How can I hep my pet lose weight?

It doesn’t have to be difficult to help your pet lose weight. Here are some of our top tips for weight loss: Weigh out your pet’s food – rather than guestimate how many kibbles to put in your dog’s bowl, weigh it instead so you can monitor how much food they’re eating.

No more ‘tit-bits’ – Your dinner is for you and your pet shouldn’t be sharing it. Many high fat foods will lead to painful pancreatitis and certain foods can’t even be digested by animals.

Tactical treats – if you are going to give treats to your dog, why not use treats that are good for them? There are plenty designed to be low-fat or to help their health in other ways e.g. to clean their teeth. Speak to a member of the team to see which treats we recommend.

Regular exercise – A quick walk around the block is better than nothing. Long leisurely walks at the weekend will also be fun for both you and your pet.

Use a weight loss food – there are many pet food diets that are proven to help your pet lose weight without them going hungry. Speak to vet or nurse to find out which foods are most suitable for your pet.

According to recent veterinary research, one in three dogs, one in four cats and one in four rabbits in the UK are overweight. Much like in humans, obesity in pets can lead to many debilitating health issues such as diabetes, heart and kidney disease, arthritis, high blood pressure and even forms of cancer.

If you’re struggling to help your pet lose weight, sign them up to one of our FREE weight clinics with a veterinary nurse. The nurse will be able to tailor a diet and exercise plan to your pet and can schedule regular weigh-ins to monitor their progress.

Contact Brislington Veterinary Surgery on 0117 971 5115 to find out how we can help your pet lose weight.

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SHOOT FOR THE MOON IN 2017!

Local Slimming Expert says aiming high and getting support is the key to success.

A local expert is urging people starting a weight loss programme this year to have faith in aiming for their ideal weight, after a study found that people who set ambitious targets lose almost twice as much weight in 12 months*.

Sarah Bryant a Slimming World Consultant for the Hengrove and Whitchurch groups, is preparing for a busy February as many people vow to turn their New Year’s resolutions to make this the year that they achieve their dream weight.

She says the latest research conducted by Slimming World shows that people in Bristol shouldn’t feel limited by past weight loss attempts and should instead aim high for weight they would love to be, and get the support they need to achieve it. The national study of 24,457 people with a BMI (body mass index) in the obese category looked at the impact of target setting, and found that the more ambitious the target, the more weight people lose – regardless of their starting weight.

Sarah says our Slimming World groups are the best place to get motivational support along with care and camaraderie to learn to make simple, healthy changes to lose weight and keep it off. She says: "No dream is out of reach at Slimming World. Whether it’s to lose ten pounds or ten stone, fit into a size 12 dress or a suit you’ve grown out of, run around with the kids or run a 10k race – together, me and the members of our Slimming World groups can help to get you there!

"I know what it’s like to struggle with your weight and, having lost 2st 7lbs as a Slimming World member myself after joining in 2008, I also understand what a huge difference understanding how slimmer's feel and offering the right kind of support can make to your chances of achieving your weight loss goals.

"It’s my dream to see my members achieve their dreams. In my group, members set targets, share recipes, challenges and solutions and celebrate success together, which is so important to a successful journey.

It’s all about support, care, encouragement and fun – and I firmly believe that’s why we regularly see members achieve their weight loss dreams too. In group they learn that slimming down doesn’t have to mean giving up any of their favourite foods, and in fact they can fill up on healthy, hearty, delicious meals just by making small changes to the way they are cooked and prepared.

Many also find they have so much more energy, and become much more active by starting small and finding something fun – whether it’s walking the kids to school, a dance class or washing the car – it all absolutely counts!"

To join a local Slimming World group, which are held every morning Monday - Saturday and every evening Monday-Thursday, either pop along or give Sarah a call on 07879 443888.

"We never tell members what they should weigh, and so all new members chose their own target weight when they join.

However much you’d love to lose, we know how much more motivating it is when you're aiming for a weight you dream to be rather than a weight you're told you should be or think is easily achievable – and now we have the research to prove it!

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MONDAY

St Peters Church Hall School Room, Church Road, Bishopsworth BS13 8JR 5.30pm and 7.30pm Tina: 07841 974 661

TUESDAY

Hengrove Community Centre Fortfield Road Hengrove, BS14 9NX 9:30am Sarah: 07879 443 888

WEDNESDAY

The Sartan Club Queens Road Bishopsworth BS13 8LF 9.30am, 11.30am, 5:30pm & 7:30pm Vicky: 07999 617 075

THURSDAY

Christ The Servant Stockwood Road Stockwood BS14 8SP 5pm and 7pm Vicky: 07999 617 075

TUESDAY

THURSDAY

Hengrove Community Centre Fortfield Road Hengrove, BS14 9NX 5:30pm and 7:30pm Emma: 07976 230 391

Bridge Farm Primary School East Dundry Road, Whitchurch, BS14 0LL 7:30pm Chantelle: 07986 276701

WEDNESDAY

NEW GROUP! THURSDAY

Bridge Farm Primary School East Dundry Road, Whitchurch, BS14 0LL 5:30pm and 7:30pm Sarah: 07879 443 888

The Sartan Club Queens Road Bishopsworth BS13 8LF 9.30am, Vicky: 07999 617 075

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STUDY AT ASHTON GATE IN SEPTEMBER Bristol City Community Trust is giving post-16 students the chance to enrol on to one of six education courses ahead of the 2017/18 academic year.

Through its continual growth in strength and capacity, the Trust now has the appropriate sport structure to enable learners to develop life skills, maximise career choices and opportunities through carefully designed qualifications, no matter what their academic or practical level.

Such a structure sees the Trust attract and accept a variety of students on to any of the following exciting courses, which range from post-16 college to degree level: - Level 2 Diploma in Football in Community Settings - Boys BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport (Futsal Pathway) - Girls BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport (Futsal Pathway) - LTA BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport (Tennis) - Foundation Degree in Community Football Coaching and Development - BA (Hons) Sports Business and Entrepreneurship

With each course based at the newly-redeveloped Ashton Gate Stadium, where purpose-built facilities are evident, the Trust’s culture of valuing education is bolstered by the learning environment, which inspires an attitude to drive education, personal and social progress, without the fear of failure.

The Trust’s ability, passion and drive to deliver the highest level of education, assists in positive levels of success attained through personalised learning.

Lecturers stay with the same group of students throughout the completion of their respective course, which reiterates the genuine care about personal delivery, allowing for a personalised academic experience where no student is left behind.

Each of the above factors contribute to what is a fantastic and unique education experience for prospective students looking to kick-start their career within the sports industry.

The education programmes always prove popular and have limited spaces. If you are interested in enrolling on to one of the Trust’s courses, express your interest as soon as possible by calling 0117 963 0636.

Alternatively, the Trust is hosting an education open evening on Monday, February 27th (7pm) at Ashton Gate. To book on to this event and hear an in-depth talk on each available course, emailemily.cleaves@bcfc.co.uk.

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Bristol’s Hidden Automotive Gem!

www.vehicle-accessories.net Vehicle Accessories Limited has been trading since 2003 carrying out installations for many main dealers and private individuals throughout the southwest, and nationally thanks to a network of expert engineers being located up and down the country.

We want to inform you of our hidden gem in the automotive industry located in Bristol; in 2015 due to continued growth we opened our Installation Centre to offer customers the ability to bring their vehicles in for work to be completed.

Following great success, we are entering 2017 with 5 experienced engineers in; mechanics, electrics and carpentry meaning the busy workshop will continue to carry out an array of jobs on client’s vehicles daily. With 2 precision CNC machines we produce high quality ply lining kits and high quality ply wood racking for storage of parts and tools in commercial vehicles, we can also manufacture bespoke racking to customer requirements. Not to mention the endless variety of vehicle accessories we can install including hands-free car kits, locks and many more.

Our bespoke van conversions are second to none.

Whether it’s as simple as seats and windows being installed or a full-blown work van to camper van conversion; we’ve got it covered.

Our favourite conversion from 2016 was a VW Crafter which belonged to a builder who needed his work van converted to enable him to work further distances and therefore sleep on site. As he still needed it for commercial purposes and a home from home our experts designed a conversion that would cater for both. The shell of the van was ply lined, insulated and carpeted for warmth and then carpeted plywood was used to create sections for work equipment storage space and a bed base. A kitchen unit including a stove, sink and storage space was installed along with electrics, windows and even mounting solution for an ipad to watch the box! The result was spectacular and the client couldn’t have been-happier!

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Regular check

Tips to maintain your car tyres First of all! You need to know how to pick tyres for yourself. Because there’s a lot to choosing tyres than you think there is.

First of all there are three price ranges on tyres that are known as premium tyres, mid-range tyres and budget tyres. These ranges depend upon the quality of tyres. Premium tyres are the best in class when it comes to quality, performance, comfort, safety and fuel efficiency.

These tyres do more miles than others tyres. As the price drops so does the quality. But all the tyre brands that enter the European market are tested and have to pass and receive EU certification before they can be sold in the European market. So they are all safe. But the question is what you can do to get the maximum miles from tyres. Well here are some things you can;

A regular check on tyres is very easy there are only a few things that you need to keep in mind and sure enough it will help you improve your tyre life and vehicle performance. Here are some points;  Keep the tyre pressure in check. Less pressure or high pressure can both lead to blowouts, faster wear and uncomfortable ride quality.  Keep in mind that tyre pressure may decrease or increase in different climatic condition as a result of air density. As the air expands in summer and compresses in winter.  Keep the wheel alignment in check and do get the wheel balancing done as well. These both can prevent uneven wear.  Always use summer tyres in summers and winter tyres in winters. Because they perform better in their environments.

Wheel alignment Wheel alignment is done when your wheels are not aligned properly. It could be vertical misalignment or horizontal alignment. Both are bad not only for the tyres but for the car as well. Misalignment can damage the suspension and it can lead to bigger problems. But the tyres suffer the most if the wheel alignment is out. Misalignment can cause uneven wear.

And uneven wear can lead to weak spots in the tyre meaning increased chances of a blowout or a puncture. And if the tread on a tyre is uneven than it can cause other problems like less control on wet pavements and longer braking distance and trouble making sharp turns on high speed. So it is really important to keep the wheel alignment in check.

You can tell when the wheel alignment in out because if it is than the car will start pulling itself in one direction under a soft steering hold.

Do not run on illegal tread depth. The legal tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm , a person driving on tyres below 1.6mm is punishable by 3 penalty points on the license and £2500 fine per tyre.

Regardless of that it is also a fact that tyres loss their braking ability after 3mm of tread. And they also loss their water dispersive capabilities. So it is dangerous to drive on tyres that have tread less than 3mm.

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Keep distance from other cars

Tips For driving in Rain!

Many people do not realize this, but the driving in the rain could be more dangerous than when driving during a snowy day. The reason is that many people would be careless during the rainy season and just think it is okay. The winter season would have more people being extra careful so as not to cause accidents.

Over the years, more statistics show that more people end up with accidents during the rainy season in the various countries. If you learn more about how to drive safely during the rain, then some of these accidents can easily be averted.

Let us get to check out some of the common safety methods for you to use this rainy season.

Keep the car well maintained It is the simple things you do that can save your life during the rainy season. Some of the simple stuff you could do for maintenance include checking your oil level, and the tyre treads. If you have to change the oil, consider using the best 5w20 synthetic oil. It can work great for such rainy conditions.

The tyre tread is quite important at all times for those looking to have an easy time driving in the rain. The tyre tread should be enough, according to the various road authorities in your country. In most cases, having 2/32 of an inch of the tire tread remaining will be unsafe for the rainy conditions.

Even when it is not raining, you would want to keep a safe braking distance from the car ahead.

You should double that distance as many people always panic in such weather where they cannot see clearly. It is possible that during such weather conditions, you will always get more traffic on the roads because of accidents sometimes. You can be cautious and get home late, or be fast and end up in an accident.

Turn on your lights Turning on your lights is something basic that driving schools teach when training you for a driving license. As much as that is the case, people often find themselves forgetting to do it. The lights help other people see you during the rain due to increased issues with visibility.

The other drivers will now know that another car is coming behind them or in front of them. It is not just for the other drivers; you too could benefit from seeing clearly in the rain thanks to the light.

As you can see, driving safely in the rain will always get you to your destination. Whether it takes to have the right 5w30 oil or simply making sure that your brakes are working properly, they are all important to keep you driving your car safely in a rainy season.

Drive slowly As much as many people would not want to drive slowly, it is always important that you get to slow down during the rain. It can be dangerous driving fast in the rain, as it makes the tires lose traction.

The wet road will have less friction as compared to a dry road. With the less friction between the road and the tyres, you can now easily start skidding if you are not careful.

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competition page

Welcome to our Monthly word search.

Cineworld Bristol are giving away 2 tickets to any movie you like.

Draw will take place on the 20th February with the traditional names in a hat and one lucky winner will get 2 tickets to Cineworld Bristol Hengrove

All you need to do is complete the word search above and either scan and email it to us with your details at: info@directlocalonline.com.

Tickets will be sent by post to your address

Or cut out the word search add your name and address Telephone or email and send it to us at:

January’s Winner!

Mr A Clifford

People must be 16 years or over to enter the Competition. Unless parents consent in writing

Direct Local Magazines 7 Hopewell Gardens Shirehampton BS11 0JS

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UPCOMING

EVENTS

SUSAN CALMAN: THE CALMAN BEFORE THE STORM (Tour Show) Event Date: 03 Feb - 04 Feb Description: SUSAN CALMAN: THE CALMAN BEFORE THE STORM (Tour Show) It’s Susan Calman’s tenth year in comedy and she’s back with a brand new show. You may have seen or heard her on shows like QI, HIGNFY, News Quiz, Listomania or Mock the Week, now you have the opportunity to see her in person, life size if you will.

Venue: Tobacco Factory Raleigh Road Southville Bristol Bristol Gin & Vodka Festival Event Date: 03 Feb - 04 Feb Description: LOVE GIN OR VODKA? We have 80 delicious Gins & 40 unique Vodkas to tickle your fancy.

Venue: The Passenger Shed at Brunel’s Old Station Clock Tower Yard, Temple Meads, Bristol JASON AND THE ARGONAUTS presented by Bristol Old Vic Theatre School Event Date: 04 Feb - 11 Feb Description: Meet Jason and the Argonauts – the original superheroes!

Venue: Redgrave Theatre 2 Percival Road Clifton Bristol R PHIL HAMMOND: DR PHIL’S HEALTH REVOLUTION (Tour Show) Event Date: 05 Feb - 05 Feb Description: Phil Hammond - NHS doctor, BBC broadcaster, Private Eye journalist and whistleblowing comic - combines both of his 2016 sell-out Edinburgh Fringe shows in one unforgettable evening. Laugh, sort your life out, stay sane, plan your death and save the NHS - all in only 99 minutes.

Venue: Tobacco Factory Raleigh Road Southville Bristol Bristol’s Affordable Vintage Fair Event Date: 05 Feb - 05 Feb Description: Over 35 stalls packed with amazing vintage!

Venue: Paintworks, Bath Road, Bristol

Russell Howard, Bristol Hippodrome Theatre Event Date: 06 Feb - 10 Feb Description: Join Russell Howard, one of our funniest and most successful comedians, as he tries out brand new material.

Venue: Bristol Hippodrome 10 St. Augustines Parade Harbourside Bristol The Enigmatic Swift (Talk) Event Date: 07 Feb- 07 Feb Description: Swifts spend almost all of their lives in the air - eating, sleeping and mating on the wing. But they’re in trouble, with numbers declining rapidly.

Venue: Bristol Zoo Gardens Guthrie Road Clifton Bristol Historical Walk Floating Harbour Event Date: 07 Feb - 07 Feb Description: Join our Mshed’s expert guides as they take you on a trip into Bristol’s old docklands, pointing out its maritime heritage and supplementing the tour with a wealth of fascinating photographs and maps.

Venue: M Shed Princes Wharf Wapping Rd Bristol St Brendan’s Sixth Form College Open Evening Event Date: 08 Feb Description: St Brendan’s Sixth Form College Open Evening - a chance to explore post-16 options.

Venue: St Brendan’s Sixth Form College, Broomhill Road, Avon, Bristol Scaravelli Inspired Yoga with Kate and Jess Event Date: 11 Feb Description: New Saturday morning Yoga classes at Arnos Vale Cemetery – Extended 2-hour, monthly sessions. Everyone welcome.

Venue: Arnos Vale Cemetery Bath Road Luther Vandross and Soul & Motown Tribute with Harry Cambridge – Valentines 2017 Event Date: 11 Feb Description: Following on from his sale out date in 2016, Harry is back with a Valentines Special in 2017!

Venue: Centurys Club, 322 Two Mile Hill Rd, Bristol Valentines Day Dinner at The Walnut Tree Event Date: 11 Feb Description: Join us for a 2 or 3 course Dinner for Valentines Day 11th February and the 14th February Menu’s Available FREE bottle of Prosecco for EVERY Table when pre-booked Venue: The Walnut Tree Winterstoke Road

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Half Term Trains Event Date: 11 Feb – 19 feb Description: Brighten up your February half term holiday with a trip on our heritage diesel train.

Venue: Avon Valley Steam Railway Bitton Railway Station Bath Road Bitton Go Wild in the Woods Event Date: 11 Feb - 19 Feb Description: Discover the Woods of Wild Place Project this February half term from 11th to 19th of February. We have lots of exciting activities throughout the week for all of the family!

Venue: Wild Place Project, Blackhorse Hill, Bristol, World Radio Day 2017: Anti-Valentines Radio Drama Challenge!

Event Date: 13 Feb Description: Script, perform & broadcast your very own anti-valentine LIVE radio drama!

Venue: Foyles, Cabot Circus, Bridgestowe Street Valentines Singles Party Event Date: 14 Feb Description: Valentines Singles Mingle/Singles night for singles ages 25-45yrs Venue: Channings, 20 Pembroke Road, Clifton, Bristol,

February Forest Fun Day Event Date: 16 Feb Description: Forest school fun day is a fun-filled day of trying out a range of nature-inspired activities and games. Learn new skills and discover something new all in our beautiful, outdoor woodland space.

Venue: Arnos Vale Cemetery Bath Road Stand Up For The Weekend with ZOE LYONS & CO Event Date: 18 Feb Description: As seen on Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week and The John Bishop Show, terrifically charismatic Zoe Lyons takes a sideways view of life, picking out the many absurdities and turning them into hilarious routines.

Venue: The Hen and Chicken 210 North Street Bedminster Bristol Chosen Wedding Fair Bristol Event Date: 19 Feb Description: Shake up your wedding and dare to be different!

Venue: Paintworks Event Space Paintworks, Bath Road, Bristol

Valentines Day Dinner at The Walnut Tree Event Date: 14 Feb Description: Join us for a 2 or 3 course Dinner for Valentines Day 11th February and the 14th February Menu’s Available FREE bottle of Prosecco for EVERY Table when pre-booked Venue: The Walnut Tree Winterstoke Road Young Arnolfini Taster Session Event Date: 15 Feb Description: Be Part of Young Arnolfini and create ambitious art projects with other young people from across the city Are you interested in experimental and ambitious art-making? What about cooperative creative discussion and working with other people from across Bristol? Arnolfini are looking for enthusiastic artists and writers aged 16-21 to become part of the Young Arnolfini collective.

This is a great opportunity to shape the future of the arts in Bristol. The group meets once a week on Wednesday evenings from 5pm – 7pm.

Venue: Arnolfini Gallery Tech Takeover Event Date: 16 Feb Description: Try it out! Code Club . Toy Robotics .

Minecraft + More!

Venue: Stockwood Library, Stockwood Road

31. Call Direct Local on 07500 017236 * info@DirectLocalOnline.com * www.DirectLocalOnline com

32. Call Direct Local on 07500 017236 * info@DirectLocalOnline.com * www.DirectLocalOnline com

Local Jobs Experienced Window Fitter Salary £24,000+ Job Location Bristol Employment Status Employed Are you a professional UPVC Window Fitter looking for a stable career in a fast growing company fitting windows & doors with the best in the industry.

We are currently looking for an experienced UPVC Window Fitter. Due to expansion we are keen to hire skilled window fitters with experience of fitting in and around the Bristol area.

Ideal UPVC Window Fitter experience: The ideal window fitter is likely to have extensive experience of fitting windows, fitting doors and fitting conservatories in UPVC. (Ideally but not essential fitting garage doors also).

The ideal Fitter will be trustworthy and able to work on their own initiative when fitting windows and doors on site Health & safety conscious Driving license is essential Window Fitter – Benefits: Good rates of pay depending upon experience + Overtime 28 Days Holiday per year.

Pension Scheme.

Company work wear Up to £24,000 a year The ideal window fitter will be provided with their own Company van.

This is a FULL TIME PAYE career, NOT temporary contract work To apply for this position send your CV to: careers@caddywindows.co.uk

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The Dreaded Self Assessment Deadline Has Come And Gone We specialise in small to medium sized businesses in the Bristol area.

We want to work with people who are looking to grow profitable and sustainable businesses.

People who are passionate about their business and want them to succeed.

We can help businesses with year end accounts, strategic planning or even provide a bespoke Finance Director service. And of course we can look after your tax planning and tax returns. Whatever you need, we have a solution for you.

Want to increase your profits but not sure how?



Preparation of Annual Trading Accounts



Preparation and submission of SelfAssessment Return

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Unlimited telephone and e-mail support in relation to these services



Annual consultation and business review, including a free Business and Financial Health Check

We also offer a range of additional services at fixed fees such as: 

VAT Returns

Want to keep more of the money you earn and pay less to the tax man?



Payroll

Let us help guide you.



Credit Control/Debt Recovery Assistance

If you are Self-Employed then you are probably only too aware that time is money and time spent doing Self-Assessment Returns is time not earning money.



Book Keeping

It can also be time consuming dealing with H.M. Revenue & Customs and deciding which allowances and expenses you can claim. It’s tempting to try and do this work yourself as a way to save money. However, getting it wrong can be a very expensive lesson to learn.

Many accounting services are tax deductible meaning hiring an Accountant may not be as expensive as you think.

We have a competitive fee structure and the guarantee of a fixed fee, combined with the convenience of a monthly direct debit, so why not let us take the pain out of Self-Assessment for you?

For a fixed monthly fee starting at just £40 per month you will receive the services above as standard.

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35. Call Direct Local on 07500 017236 * info@DirectLocalOnline.com * www.DirectLocalOnline com

Caddy Windows is a local family run business founded in 1984 by Graham & Margaret Caddy who understood that when you invest in property improvements, you want them to be of the highest quality; installed to an excellent standard and supplied by a company you can trust.

Over the years, the business has progressed and expanded into the professional window and door installers that we are today. The company directly employs over 20 local members of staff, who together, form a very valued team which helps continue their organic development.

The Showroom contains Bristol’s largest selection of composite doors giving customers the ability to browse the vast range all in one place.

Continuing with their strategy of continual development, Caddy Windows have recently launched a unique design and pricing system on their website. A first for the Window & Door industry, the system allows customers to measure, design and price their own windows and doors from the comfort of their own home.

As well as the selection of doors, the showroom also exhibits a full range of aluminium and Upvc windows, bi-fold doors, sky lights and much more.

Price your windows today by visiting www.caddywindows.co.uk or alternatively call 0117 966 9998

2016 saw big strides forward for Caddy Windows with the introduction of a 3000 square foot purpose built showroom in Hengrove, Bristol.

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Winter

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We are a modern thinking, well-established firm of solicitors with a long and successful history that can be traced back to the mid-19th Century. We're not a corporate law firm and because of that we can offer you an affordable, high quality, personal service.

We understand that when you need a solicitor it is likely to be during a difficult time. We aim to take the stress out of the process by offering constructive advice and answering all your questions. If you need help with a legal matter or simply want to talk to someone about your options, please contact us to see how we can help.

We will talk to you at the outset about:  Who will deal with your affairs  How we will handle your case  The cost of our legal services Our open and friendly service will take the drama out of any legal crisis by getting to the crux of a problem, determining your objectives and explaining the law in clear and simple terms; without the jargon. We will explain the process every step of the way and inform you of the likely costs and timescales so you always know where you stand. We have the expertise to answer most of your queries within the firm, but if we can't, we will refer you within our wide network of trusted contacts.

At the outset, you will be given the name of the person dealing with your work and their assistants, our terms of business and the procedures for dealing with any complaint. We are not a large corporate firm and we believe that our charges are more affordable than many of our competitors, our service more personal and our style more approachable. We hope you will agree! The majority of our new clients come to us by recommendation. We pride ourselves on our good communication and approachability; the standard of service we have always set ourselves is now formulated in the following charter.

We think that being a great solicitor is more than giving great advice, it's about providing great service and support, and as such we promise to:     

reply to your letters and telephone calls promptly send you copies of all important correspondence provide regular progress reports see you promptly for appointments keep any funds, deeds, Wills or documents you entrust to us safe and secure  return any monies to you at the end of your matter or when they are due

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