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24/01/2019 11:54

This Month..

4. Walk around Portishead Lake Grounds 6. Horoscopes 8. Take a break 10. Exposure 15. May the 4th be with you 20. Reflex, empower, grow 22. Your garden in May 24. Bristol’s buoyant economy 26. Countdown to local elections 30. Westlink

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.

Editor Michael Davies Journalist Lisa Davies 10 High Street Shirehampton Bristol BS11 0DP Email: info@directlocalonline.com Website: www.directlocalbristol.co.uk Regular editorials By: Andrea Sexton, Martin Powell Daren Bane Kayleigh Penny kierstan Lowe Corinna Ingram

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. 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.

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WALK LAKE GROUNDS PORTISHEAD The Walk

Start on Portishead’s Esplanade and head south, going up Beach Road West. When the road bends left, turn right towards the picnic benches. Follow the gravel path in to the field and continue straight ahead, keeping to the right side. Mariners’ Pathbegins at the end of the field. Go over the wooden bridge and continue past the golf course.

You will pass Sugar Loaf beach, named after a sugar loaf-shaped rock which stood on the eastern end but collapsed during a severe storm in 1990. Go past the slipway for Portishead Yacht and Sailing Club and just past the club house, bear right to continue on the coastal path. Pass Nore Park Cottage and Black Nore Lighthouse, which was built in 1894. At the crossroads in the path continue along the coastal route. At the top of the hill you will see the former National Nautical School. It opened in 1906 as a school to train boys going into the navy, carpentry or engineering but it now houses luxury apartments.

Continuing on the coastal path,you enter the Redcliff Bay area owned by the National Trust.

At a fork in the path take the left-hand route Leading up to Hillside Road. Head right, past the unusual turreted house, and follow the road as it wind suphill.

Keep right where it meets Pembroke Road, go past The Ship pub, and turn left onto Down Road.Turn right into Valley Road and continue onto Blackberry Lane. A sign states this is a private road but it is also a public footpath. Pass Brockley Cottage and a sign for Middle Hill Common, an area of limes to negrass land. Continue on the foot path and when it forks, take the right-hand path.

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This opens into a grassy area with wide-ranging views across Seven Acre Wood and beyond, with a bench to rest your feet. Veer down the hill, towards the houses. You will come out onto a gravel track, so turn left onto Hill Lane, then left onto the B3124, opposite the White Hart pub.The pavement runs out just after the car garage and the speed limit increases to 50mph, so take care walking on the grass verges. You will eventually come to a short row of houses on the right-hand side. The public footpath starts on the left, opposite the lay-by. Go through the wooden kissing gate and up the narrow path.Turn right at the t-junction in the path.This is the start of Old Black Rock Quarry, part of Weston Big Wood nature reserve.

Take the right-hand footpath, part of the Gordano Round. The path comes to a junction but continue ahead, on the level, which leads into a field. Continue ahead and veer towards the top far corner, where trees have been cleared and a new metal kissing gate installed. Go through here and continue across the next field, towards another kissing gate.

You will come out at a playing field sogo around the equipment, through the gate and left onto Underwood Road. At the end, cross the road into Wetlands Lane, right onto St. Mary’s Road, and up a narrow alley on the left next to a stone house called The Cot Continue to the end, veer right out of The Garstons, and left onto St Peter’s Road. Go past the church and continue a head, going across to Slade Road,over the Cabstand into Battery Road,and then into Rodmoor Road.

This leads back to the Lake Ground.

HOW TO AVOID GETTING HOOKED

BY SCAMS The police are urging people to be vigilant when it comes to suspicious messages to protect themselves from scammers.

Phishing, text messages and emails impersonating well-known organisations remains a common tactic used by criminals. Whether it’s a fake email asking for an individual to ‘verify’ bank details or a text message claiming they have been in contact with someone that has Covid-19, the goal is usually the same – to trick an individual into revealing personal and financial information.

The most impersonated organisations in phishing emails reported last year were the NHS, HMRC and Gov.uk.

As of 31 March 2023, the public has made more than 12 million reports to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service, with the removal of approximately 83,000 scams and 153,000 malicious websites.

People are also being advised to take time to consider what you have received and what the message is asking you.

PCC Mark Shelford, national PCC lead for Economic and Cybercrime, said online: “Phishing scams are another example of fraudsters wanting to financially benefit from both individuals and businesses. Please be vigilant of unexpected messages or calls that ask for your personal or financial information.

“If you do receive call or message that you think might be a scam, do not respond to it. Instead, contact the organisation directly using contact information from the company’s official website and not the links or numbers provided in the message.

The Suspicious Email Reporting Service was launched by the National Cyber Security Centre and the City of London Police in April 2020 to enable the public to forward suspicious emails to an automated system that scans them for malicious links.

DS Tom Williams, of the Cyber Crime team said in a statement online: “Many people will recall having received a suspicious link or text, as these phishing scams are among the most common threats we face. It can affect individuals and businesses and have significant consequences on the victim’s financial situation.

“It is important that if you ever receive one of these links that you do not click on it and provide personal or banking information. Instead, forward the message to the text or email reporting system and block the email address or phone number so the fraudsters cannot reach you again.”

“Your bank or any other official source will never ask you to supply personal information via email or text message.

The more awareness this is around such scams, the more people we can protect to falling victim to these heartless scammers.”

Virtually all phone providers are part of a scheme that allows you to report suspicious text messages for free by forwarding it to 7726.

When a text is reported to 7726, the provider can investigate the origin of the text and rearrange to block or ban the sender if it’s found to be malicious.

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H O R O S CO P E S 6

Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18

Taurus Apr 20 - May 20

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

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

Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20

Gemini May 21 - June 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

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

Aries Mar 21 - Apr 19

Cancer June 21 - July 22

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

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

Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21

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

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.

Virgo Aug 23 - Sept 22

Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21

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

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 - Jan 19

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

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

Horoscope by Marie Hayward 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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Take a break and try to solve theses puzzles Here are this months puzzles designed to test your mental skills during your lunch break or after tea.

Good luck!

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SUDOKU

Did you spot the differences last week?

Here is the answers.

5 differences between these two pictures. We will print the answers next month.

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EXPOSURE – THE MAIN ELEMENT OF PHOTOGRAPHY

The photography basics are fundamental for anyone who is beginning to work in photography.

You may be wondering, "How can I improve my photography?" It all comes down to building a strong foundation.

Knowing the basics of photography is key to capturing better images and keeping your skills sharp. Although it can be tough when you're just starting out, there are resources out there that can give you a leg up. In this guide, we cover all the important topics of digital photography in an easy-to-understand way with plenty of examples and helpful cheat sheets. We've broken down everything you need to know about the basics so you don't have to spend hours sifting through articles or trying make sense of conflicting information – this is your one-stop breakdown!

1. EXPOSURE – THE MAIN ELEMENT OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Photography is about capturing light, and exposure is so important because it’s the amount of light collected by your camera.

The photography exposure basics are composed of different elements that we’ll discuss below like the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. The fundamental thing to understand is the effect of exposure, which is to capture the image with a determined brightness (this is also called “Exposure Value”).

Ideally, the image should be correctly exposed, that is, with the perfect amount of brightness where you can see all the detail in the highlights and the shadows. However, in photography exposure there’s no right or wrong, and the artistic choice of many photographers is to capture an underexposed or overexposed image. For now, we’ll focus on the elements to capture a correct exposure.

Exposure is the most important photography basic and the first photography concept that you need to understand.

Exposure basics also has other effects on the final look of the image like the depth of field, the motion, and the digital noise. We’ll also get into this throughout this photography basics tutorial.

You’ve probably heard before the expression “photography is painting with light”, and it’s completely true!

On the next page you can see an image showing the basics with the main effect of exposure.

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Look out for next month for helpful tip on aperture...

11

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WHATS ON AT THE CINEMA THE LITTLE MERMAID The youngest of King Triton’s daughters, and the most defiant, Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea, and while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric. With mermaids forbidden to interact with humans, Ariel makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, which gives her a chance to experience life on land, but ultimately places her life – and her father’s crown – in jeopardy.

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In the years since this first use, “May the 4th be with you” has grown rapidly in popularity and use. In 2008, the first Facebook groups appeared to celebrate ‘Luke Skywalker Day’ (Luke Skywalker being the main protagonist in the original trilogy of Star Wars films.)

As you might have guessed, Star Wars Day is a commercial celebration of the Star Wars media franchise. It is held on the 4th of May every year, because it sounds similar to the well-known Star Wars catchphrase “May the Force be with you.” (May the 4th be with you).

In 2011, the first official celebration of Star Wars Day took place in Ontario, Canada. Sean Ward and Alice Quinn produced the event with festivities including an original trilogy quiz, costume competitions, screenings of the films, mash-ups, and parodies. The next official celebration took place a year later on the 4th of May 2012.

WHY SHOULD YOU CELEBRATE STAR WARS DAY?

It’s a fair question, after all it can often seem like there are a lot of causes and celebrations that are a lot more worthy Let’s look at the history of Star Wars Day and laudable than celebrating people waving their hands and swinging floresThe first documented use of the phrase cent swords about.

“May the 4th be with you” was in 1979 when Margaret Thatcher was elected the Prime Minister of the UK. This was 2 years after the first film in the saga, A New Hope, was released.

Her political party, the Conservatives, posted a message in the London Evening News saying “May the 4th be with you, Maggie. Congratulations.” It has subsequently also been used in TV shows and books referencing the film franchise.

But that’s missing the point of what the films, and in fact the celebration itself, are all about. The message behind Star Wars is to stand up for what’s right, that people who come from humble backgrounds can do incredible things, and a belief in the power of friendship and loyalty. It also teaches us to stand up against corruption, persecution and bullies, in whatever form they take.

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CORONATION CHICKEN SKEWERS INGREDIENTS

METHOD

200g 0% fat Greek style natural yogurt

In a large bowl, mix 100g of the yogurt, the lemon juice, 1 1/2 tbsp of the curry powder and the chopped coriander

Juice of 1/2 lemon 2 tbsp mild curry powder

Season, then add the chicken and toss to coat

1 tbsp chopped coriander, plus extra to

Leave to marinate for at least 20 mins

garnish 600g pack chicken breast fillets, cut into 1cm strips 3 tbsp lighter than light mayonnaise 2 tbsp mango chutney 100g mixed leaf salad 1/4 cucumber, chopped 1/2 red pepper, diced

Preheat the grill to high Stir together the remaining yogurt and curry powder, the mayo and mango chutney to make a dip, then spoon into a jar and chill until needed Thread the chicken onto the skewers and spread out on a grill pan Cook for 6-8 mins, turning halfway, or until cooked through

2 spring onions, thinly sliced

Toss together the mixed leaves, cucumber and red pepper

You will also need 8 wooden skewers,

Serve the skewers scattered with the spring onion and extra coriander, with the salad and dip on the side

soaked in cold water 16

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RED, WHITE & BLUEBERRIES TRIFLES INGREDIENTS

METHOD

Make up the jelly according to the pack 135g Pack raspberry jelly, torn into cubes instructions, replacing 50ml of the cold water with 50ml of the summer cup 100ml Summer cup Divide between four clean jars or serv100g Blueberries ing glasses and chill in the fridge for 4 hours, or until set 125g Raspberries Put the berries, mint and remaining sum5g mint, shredded, plus extra leaves to mer cup in a bowl and leave to marinate, stirring occasionally garnish 100ml Double cream 100ml 0% fat Greek style natural yogurt 150g madeira cake, cut into cubes 1 Meringue nest, crumbled

Whip the cream to stiff peaks, then stir in the yogurt until smooth To assemble the trifles, put a few cubes of cake on top of each jelly, then spoon over the marinated berries and juices Top with a couple of spoonfuls of the cream If serving immediately, crumble over the meringue and garnish with the extra mint If packing for a picnic, put the meringue and mint in a separate container and top the trifles just before serving

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20

REFLECT, EMPOWER, GROW How well do we know ourselves and are we being authentic?

I’m sure that many of us reflect on a regular basis. We often use societies view to ask ourselves questions and compare: What do I need to change about myself? How much weight did I put on over the last 6 months? How much cash did I spend? What are my goals for this year?

Normally we take this time to reflect in January when we are probably feeling overwhelmed, miserable, tired and skint. Why wait until January to ask ourselves these questions, wouldn’t it be easier to regularly check-in with ourselves?

We are very quick to book in holidays, trips, social events and much more but how many of us book a check-in day? Most people have a phone with a calendar function on it, why not set yourself a regular check-in appointment (once a month for example) - a chance to be honest, self-critical, and vulnerable.

There are many resources available that we can use to take a holistic view of ourselves. We have created a very simple one for you to be able to use in the middle of this article.

This simple example can be used to take a snapshot view of yourself at any given time.

Here is a list of instructions of how to complete this: Number (1 to 10 with 1 being most important and 10 least) the areas in order of importance to you (there is right and wrong here) To complete the pie, simply trust your gut feeling and shade in each slice of the pie. The more shaded, the more content or fulfilled you are within that area. The less shaded, the less content or fulfilled you are within that area.

The chart allows a visual awareness guide to be able to put things in place to increase those other areas of our lives that aren’t so complete.

The allocated time then provides an I’d love to see some of these. Keep an opportunity to be authentic and look both eye out for the next one to see how we physically and metaphorically in the can self-invest! mirror.

Take care and look after number 1!

For those that like to be philosophical or look deeper - A chance to explore our Warm regards own soul.

James

Do you want to find out more about how counselling can be an integral part of a new world for you? visit https://www.rippleswellbeing.co.uk/affordablecounselling to see if Ripples Wellbeing can help.

21

Your Garden In May

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 beforereplanting summer plants.

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.

PRUNE HEDGES AND SPRING FLOWERING SHRUBS

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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.

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!

LOOKING GOOD THIS MONTH...GERANIUM WHY SHOULD YOU PLANT THEM?

Geraniums make popular bedding plants – either in the garden or in pots and Marrow, courgette and sweetcorn are all hanging baskets. They thrive outdoors in ready to be sown in the greenhouse. The the summer but are also great for using a houseplant. They look good planted in a likes of brussel sprouts, kale, peas and group in a flowerbed all by themselves or swede should be okay covered outside. mixed in with other annuals – the perfect plant for any spot that calls for a splash If you have already grown tomatoes, of colour throughout the season. move them outside to harden them off.

Keep them outside during the day and HOW SHOULD YOU PLANT THEM? bring them back inside at night for two Geraniums need to be grown in well weeks to acclimatize them. draining soil or if planting in pots a good quality free draining compost. They If you have potatoes that are starting to emerge, pull a few inches of earth around should be located in a bright spot in the garden that gets plenty of sunshine. Soil the plant with a rake to give the plant should be allowed to dry between watermore soil to grow. ing to avoid root rot.

PLANT OUT YOUNG VEG

23

BRISTOL’S BUOYANT ECONOMY

One of the questions that we get asked a lot, is why Bristol is such a buoyant market, rarely affected by events (political or otherwise) going on in the rest of the country. One of the many reasons (and a short trip to the city will highlight lots of the others), is Bristol’s thriving economy and the many employers who choose to base themselves here. Let’s take a brief look at a handful of them.

Bristol is home to a diverse range of industries and businesses. From cutting-edge technology firms to traditional manufacturing companies, the city has a lot to offer those looking for employment opportunities. One of the biggest employers in Bristol is Airbus. This international aerospace company has a major presence in the city, with over 4,000 employees working at its Filton site. Airbus designs, manufactures, and supplies aircraft, and is one of the world’s leading aerospace companies. With a reputation for innovation and quality, Airbus is a great place to work for those with an interest in aviation and engineering.

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Another major employer is the University of Bristol itself. This prestigious institution is one of the top universities in the UK, with students coming from across the world to study here and it’s also home to around 6,000 staff members. With a range of faculties and departments, the University of Bristol offers a diverse range of employment opportunities. Whether you’re an academic, researcher, or support staff member, there’s sure to be a role for you at this world-class institution.

If you’re looking for a career in healthcare, then the NHS is a major employer in Bristol. With several hospitals and healthcare centres, many with acclaimed specialisms, the NHS provides a wide range of healthcare services. From doctors and nurses to administrative staff and support workers, there are a variety of roles and opportunities available within the NHS in Bristol.

www.kpa.co.uk

The financial services sector is also well-represented in Bristol, with several major employers in the city. One of the largest is Hargreaves Lansdown, a financial services company that provides investment management and advice to clients across the UK. With over 1,500 employees in Bristol, Hargreaves Lansdown is a great place to work for those interested in finance and investment.

For those seeking a career in retail, there are some pretty major household names, some very well-known brands and lots of wonderful independent retail outlets all across the city.

Last but definitely not least, Bristol’s food game is very strong, and the food and drink sector is well-represented.

Companies such as Thatchers Cider, Pieminister, and The Bristol Beer Factory all have a presence in the city, along with a range of restaurants and cafes, with an eclectic mix of cuisine from every inch of the globe. With a growing food and drink scene, Bristol is a great place to work for those interested in the hospitality industry.

In addition to these big employers, Bristol is also home to a thriving creative and digital sector. Companies such as Aardman Animations, the creators of Wallace and Gromit, and the BBC’s Natural History Unit have offices in the city, along with a range of digital and tech startups. With a vibrant arts and culture scene, Bristol is a great place to Bristol is a city with a diverse range of work for those with a creative flair and an industries and businesses, providing interest in this sector. a wealth of employment opportunities.

Whether you’re interested in aerospace, Another major employer in Bristol is the healthcare, finance, creative industries, Ministry of Defence. The MOD employs defence, retail, or food and drink, there’s over 5,000 people in Bristol. From sure to be something that appeals to engineers and scientists to administrayou. There’s a good reason that stutive staff and support workers, the MOD dents come to Bristol, to study at one offers a range of career opportunities for of the wonderful seats of learning and those interested in defence and security. stay; it’s a vibrant, culture rich city with a whole wealth of opportunities, why not come and have a look for yourself – just be prepared, it gets under your skin and into your heart quickly and you may not want to leave!

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COUNTDOWN TO LOCAL ELECTIONS With the local elections just over a week away, North Somerset Council is sharing important advice and information for voters ahead of polling day on Thursday 4 May. All 50 seats on North Somerset Council are up for election as well as seats on seven local parish councils.

Anyone eligible to vote in-person at the local elections will receive a poll card by post to let them know the address of their polling station and reminding them about the new requirement for Voter ID.

VOTER ID NEEDED

Polling stations will be open from 7am until 10pm on the day. For the first time, anyone voting in-person at a polling station will need to produce an acceptable form of photo ID before being issued with a ballot paper.

There will be 128 polling stations across North Somerset in venues including churches, community venues and more unique spaces, such as the children’s room at the Black Horse pub in Clapton-in-Gordano and the vestry in St Mary’s Church, Leigh Woods.

All polling stations are accessible. For anyone needing extra help, there are staff at all polling stations who are ready to assist. Alternatively, voters can choose a companion to go with them to the polling station to help them cast their vote. The presiding officers at each station will be able to help with 26

CANDIDATES STANDING FOR ELECTION

Details of all the candidates standing for election are available on the North Somerset Council website - see 'statement of persons nominated'. Many candidates are also delivering election campaign materials door to door and updating information online so voters can read manifestos before casting their votes.

VOTING BY POST

29,000 people have registered to vote by post in North Somerset and will have already received their ballot papers. Although no Royal Mail industrial action has been announced before the elections, the council is still encouraging voters to return their postal votes as soon as they can to ensure their votes are counted in the results. Nick Brain, Returning Officer for the elections said: "If you've received a postal vote for the elections please do make sure you get it back to us in time for your vote to be counted as we cannot include any ballot papers that we receive after polling stations close on Thursday 4 May. The special envelopes mean postal votes are given priority by the Royal Mail."

COUNTING AND RESULTS

As soon as polls close at 10pm, all the ballot boxes will be sent to the count venue and the votes will be verified immediately. This is a legal process where the number of used, unused and spoilt papers is verified.

The count will then get under way at 9.30am on Friday 5 May with the results being declared in all 35 wards for North Somerset Council ahead of the results for the contested town and parish councils.

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CURZON TO SCREEN EUROVISION SONG CONTEST LIVE A North Somerset cinema is to screen the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest live - for the first time in its history. Clevedon’s Curzon Cinema will be bringing all the fun of the contest to life in its auditorium on May 13.

Cinema goers are being invited to dress up as their favourite country or act to get in the Eurovision spirit. A spokesman for the cinema said: "For the first time in the history of Eurovision, cinemas are being given exclusive access to screen the event live on May 13.

This year, the Eurovision contest is taking place in Liverpool and it’s gonna be LIT! “Whilst many people may have missed Hosted by the UK on behalf of Ukraine, out on tickets to see events unfold in winner from last year, you’d better get Liverpool, watching it on a big screen ready for a night full of fun and entertain- with an audience all out to have a great ment. night, has got to be the next best thing.

We're encouraging the audience to come At this screening event, you can check dressed up as their favoured country or out all your fav countries as they battle it act and ready to get in the spirit of the out for the crown! Plus, we’ve got Abba evening.” karaoke at our mini cinema, awesome selfie booth snaps and yummy food. Oh This year, the UK is set to be represented and don’t forget - the bar will be open all by singer-songwriter Mae Muller with the night track I Wrote a Song. The singer-songwriter - whose real name is Holly Mae Muller - is best known for featuring on Neiked's song Better Days alongside rapper Polo G, which was released in 2021. The track charted internationally following its release.

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Come and Dance Amongst A Friendly Lively Crowd. Enjoy A Good Mix of Music, Dancing Thru’ the Decades including some Motown and Soul Favourites. Club times are 9 ‘til 1 (last entry 11pm) – Very Smart Casual NO Tee Shirts or Trainers & Gents are Required To Wear Collared Shirts. Dance adm £8 For more Info call 07860578708 or go to www.mingles.co.uk Facebook: Luv2mingle 29

NEW ON-DEMAND BUS WESTLINK LAUNCHED THIS WEEK The service runs Monday to Saturday 7am – 7pm, except on bank holidays.

The WESTlink on-demand bus service in North Somerset has had its official launch. With a fleet of 30 bright green buses, this is the largest offering of its kind in the UK. Booking your journey is simple and straightforward, with the addition of a telephone number, app or website exclusively for making reservations.

In addition to connecting communities in the West, it also gives those without access to a local public service the ability to get back on track.

This can range from medical trips, small errands or engagements with family and friends. WESTlink paired with existing bus and train services makes sure every individual has their mobility needs met in one convenient place.

The minibuses operate without a fixed timetable or route, instead using an automated system to join up people’s desired journey into one trip to get passengers to where they need to be as efficiently as possible.

The price for a journey is £2 per adult, £1 per child until the end of June, and concessionary bus passes are also accepted. Fares will then be charged at standard commercial service costs, in line with Government guidelines from July.

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Areas are separated into zones, with North Somerset having the largest area including some of Weston and Nailsea, Clevedon, Portishead, Yatton, Bristol Airport and Chew Valley.

To book a journey using the App, download the ‘WESTlink’ App via the Apple App Store or Google Play by searching WESTlink and create an account.

Alternatively, passengers can phone 0117 457 8561. The number is charged at local rates and available now.

For more information about WESTlink, including a map of the zones the buses cover, click www.westlink.app.

The WESTlink service is part of North Somerset’s Bus Improvement Service Plan (BSIP). This will make bus travel across North Somerset faster, convenient, coordinated and better for the environment than running a car.

Following a successful bid to the Department for Transport (DfT), over £105m of Government funding has been allocated for bus improvements, with £48m earmarked for capital improvements in North Somerset alone. £57.5m will be used as a pooled revenue fund with the West of England Combined Authority to enable delivery of the Bus Service Improvement Plan.

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