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This month..

6. Nov Horoscopes

8. Impact Of Negative Lifestyle 10. Save £270 14. Shire Conservation Area 16. Your garden 20. Recipe Of the Month 22. Puzzles 24. Home Improvements 31. City and Port of Bristol Bowls Club The team EDITOR Michael Davies WEB DESIGNER Matthew Clarke ACCOUNTS Lisa Davies PROOF READER Elisabeth Davies Advertising sales Tel: 0117 3258029 Mobile: 07500 017236 Email: info@directlocalonline.com Distribution: Direct Local North Bristol edition is delivered to 20,000 people each month. Why not subscribe free on our website to receive our bigger and better weekly virtual magazine and be in with a chance to win £100. Its full of local news events competitions and much more

Mikes letter Welcome to this weeks magazine!!

Bristol is officially in Tier 1+, so, what does that mean in reality terms for us Bristolian’s then? Well It seems nothing, as all its created is a task force that can be more en-forceful with the rule of 6 and current guidelines. Do you really think this is going to make a difference to those who do not believe they will catch coronavirus or even think this virus is real! I have visited many places on my rounds in Bristol delivering our magazines and the general feel from a select few people is that the virus is a conspiracy, and that if they catch it they will survive it any as it’s only the elderly and those with underling medical conditions that will be at high risk of a fatality. Whatever your thoughts are on this subject surly the best thing to do is just be mindful of our actions and keep our distance as much as possible. Then maybe just maybe we will stay out of tier 2 and stricter restrictions. Rant over! Halloween this Saturday one of my favourite times of the year as I love the costumes and seeing the kids dressed up in their crazy outfits. My favourite must be the trusty bin liner outfit lol. Anyway, I hope everyone taking part in Halloween stays safe and socially distant.

10.

www.directlocalbristol.co.uk Facebook.com/directlocal Twitter.com/directlocalmag Issue 48 November 2020

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. 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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Emotional Fitness: A-Z for positive mental health “If you live your life on an emotional roller coaster, you may end up not living your life.” Clare Davis We all have ups and downs in life, and we can't merely ‘get over’ our emotions, but we can work on them on a daily basis and learn to take control of them.

Clare developed this book after starting a YouTube channel and pod cast called Mental Health Chats with Australian based Peter Dundon.

“What I have been most amazed about are the comments and messages I have received from people telling me that they’ve never thought of emotional fitness and using In this new book by experienced coach and preventative measures before. People started trainer Clare Davis, there are 26 straightsharing their stories - stories of depression forward ways to increase positive emotions and anxiety, even suicidal thoughts. When I and improve emotional fitness are discussed. asked them whether they’d ever had advice This easy to follow and down-to-earth book about preventative measures, most of them contains plenty of practical activities to help said they were told to ‘get over it’. But we put theory into practice. can’t just ‘get over’ our emotions. We need to work on them on a daily basis and take “If we don’t learn to understand and control responsibility for them. This is where our emotions, our mental health and even our preventative measures and emotional fitness life is at risk. Poor mental health can become are key. “ a downward spiral that affects our relationships, our performance at work, and This book is written as an ‘easy to read and our physical health if we don’t do something use’ book, to help the reader focus and about it. This is why we need to use complete the activities. https://www.amazon. preventative measures.” co.uk/gp/product/B08KM8YV26?ie=UTF8

WHATS DOES NOVEMBER HOLD FOR YOU Aquarius Jan 20-Feb 18 If something seems trickier than at first seemed, don’t get upset or frustrated, just stop and try to see it from all angles. If you have a gut feeling about something, try to follow it at this time as it stands in good stead. Be kind to yourself and be sensitive to your own needs. Keywords. Intuition and be kind to yourself. Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20 You may get some new ideas for ways of sorting out difficult situations. Work with your intuition if possible, try to see other people’s perspectives. Try stepping back from things if they seem a little difficult, sometimes a different view with things make things seem clearer. Keywords. New ideas, intuition and review. Aries Mar 21 - Apr 19 Some changes could be about to come your way. If they’re not really to your liking, try and see them more as challenges, and look for opportunities within them. Remember that you have your own values, and don’t be shaken from these, but don’t be too hard on yourself either keywords Changes and opportunities Taurus Apr 20 - May 20 You may be thinking of starting a new interest. It could be quite a sociable time coming up this month. Trying to be a listening ear, more than giving advice, you will be surprised how much people will appreciate it. Keywords. Study and sociability Gemini May 21 - June 20 There could be some changes on the way, so don’t be surprised if you come up with new ideas, or interests. You may need to be a bit flexible with other people and think before you speak, and try to be sensitive to other’s feelings. Keywords. Changes, flexibility and sensitivity. Cancer June 21 - July 22 There could be some things that feel as though they are being held up right now, be aware and look out for opportunities that may help to sort these hold-ups, so that things will begin to flow freely again. It may also be worth stepping back and looking at the achievements you’ve made this year, and what other things you would like to achieve next. Keywords. Opportunities and goals

Leo July 23 - Aug 22

You may otherwise miss opportunities that could be nearby. It does seem some things will be moving forward even if they have felt on hold for a while. Keywords. Balance and opportunities

Virgo Aug 23 - Sept 22

If Life seems a little trying see if there are other ways of dealing with things, to make life easier. You are often fair-minded with others, but can be quite hard on yourself. Don’t underestimate yourself; value yourself as well as others. Keywords Find easier Ways, and make time for you

Libra Sept 23 - Oct 22

You may have noticed your vitality is little sluggish at the moment, if so, may be time to review lifestyle habits. Any cutbacks are just a little tweak here and there that should make some difference. Try not to let things build up, or take up too much of your time, Try and listen to your intuition. Keywords Changes, intuition

Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21

Relationships seem prominent, along with your home environment. You may find there are some new interests, or ideas that come to mind for you at this time. Be open to other people’s ideas or suggestions, Try to be aware of being calm, and fair-minded in dealing with others. Keywords. New ideas and fairness.

Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21

It would be useful if you pay attention to your intuition, certainly in regards any situations that may be a little difficult. Try not to let anyone sway you from things that you have strong values about, and keep your integrity that there could be some changes on the way. Keywords. Integrity and changes

Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19Home and close relationships are prominent for you at this time. It seems as though there are a lot of things that need to be done, and a lot of people wanting your time and attention. Try and seek balance for yourself. Somethings may not feel that they are running as smooth as they should, try and keep calm, and know that things don’t stay the same, Keywords. Home, relationships and balance. 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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Short film warns youth of the impact of negative lifestyle choices

Newly released and available to stream via Million Youth Media on YouTube, JOY is an emotive short film following the struggles of a single Nigerian mother (played by Jolade Obsasola) as she raises her young son (Reece Badziokila) in inner city London and tries to steer him away from the lure of life of on the streets. Reflecting on how the streets often claim young men for themselves, only to spit them out in the form of prison, death and trauma, the film warns youngsters of the devastating effect their negative life choices can have on those that love them most. Whilst most young men are unwillingly inveigled into a life of crime, how does this affect the ones called to care for them? African woman are often depicted as strong, proud, independent and rigid characters, yet in shining a light on the toll taken on those we perceive as strongest, JOY aims to deter youngsters from pursuing this perilous path.

JOY is directed by the award-winning Sheila Nortley (Night Shift, A Life Lesson), and written by actor Percelle Ascott (The Innocents, Tin Star, Dr Who) and Igor Mongulu in collaboration with Key4Life, a charity which rehabilitates young men in prison or at risk of going to prison, and children caught up in knife crime. Commissioned with the support of Universal Music UK and produced by Wall of Productions, the co-producers behind viral smash hit Shiro’s Story, the launch of JOY also celebrates Key4Life’s 8th birthday. Co-producer and co-writer Igor Mongulu who makes his feature film debut with JOY bringing his personal experience of working with young people and youth offenders to this project, says: “The gang/hood story is one we’ve become all too well accustomed to from film, TV and exposés on the rise of knife crime - the truth of the ‘ends’ is no longer a far unknown world but a stark reality that runs parallel to our daily lives. We see the shocking figures of predominantly young black men stabbed to death in the capital, but a perspective that is seldom shone a light on is how this affects those often closest to them, their mothers.”

Co-producer and co-writer Percelle Ascott, adds: “This has been a profound year that threw unprecedented challenges as we tackled the impact of a global pandemic and the global call for racial justice and equality for black people. Now more than ever, we’re responsible and accountable about how we represent the underrepresented in our community and that is often the black matriarch.” As an African mother, director Sheila Nortley resonates with the mother’s predicament in JOY. “Many black mothers relate to the struggle of trying to keep their son whole emotionally, mentally and physically in a world where from nursery they are seen as a threat,” she says. Joivan Wade, co-founder of Wall of Productions and producer of JOY, says: “It’s been amazing to collaborate with so much talent both behind and in front of the screen for this short, as well as working with Key4Life who are doing life- changing work with young people, and Universal Music UK who’ve supported us in bringing this project to life.”

With the number of recorded offences involving knives in England and Wales reaching 45,627 in 2019 - the highest on record - JOY was part inspired by the experiences of many of the young men that have been through Key4Life’s training programmes who’ve been involved in knife crime, risking their lives and the lives of others, and often losing friends to this tragic way of life. Former offender, Renardo Henry aka Creepa, now an emergent rap artist, who runs music workshops and is a caseworker for Key4Life’s rehabilitation programmes is one example of this. Creepa, says: “My personal experience of being involved in knife crime led to a huge amount of suffering for myself, my family and many people. I’ve witnessed two friends of mine die from stabbing injuries, and that made me leave that life behind and come to Key4Life, who helped me turn my life around. I truly hope JOY will provide a powerful deterrent to any youngsters tempted by the trappings of the destructive path of knife crime.”

ENERGY CUSTOMERS CAN SAVE £270 A YEAR WITHOUT CHANGING SUPPLIER SAYS BRISTOL’S FLIPPER BOSS

Millions of gas and electricity consumers cut could their bills by almost 25% without changing their energy supplier, according to Mark Gutteridge, boss of Bristol-based energy switch site Flipper. He says data from Ofgem shows the best deals available from the Big 6 suppliers are 24% cheaper than the average cost of their Standard Variable Tariffs (SVT). It means 11 million UK households currently on an SVT could each save around £270 just by moving to their current supplier’s best deal. Nailsea-based Mark, said: “Sadly, while many shops and supermarkets do reward you for loyalty, the same is not the case with energy firms. “If you’ve been with your current supplier for more than 12 months, it’s almost certain you’re on their standard tariff which will be one of the most expensive they offer. “Ofgem requires energy companies to put a message on your bill if you can save money by switching to another one of their tariffs, but unless you read every page of your bill in detail – and who does – you’re unlikely to spot this.” Flipper check the market for their members every month and switch them every time a saving of £50 a year is found – even if that’s to a new deal with their current supplier

.“It means we spot if their current supplier has introduced a new tariff that is cheaper than the deal they are on, then we switch them over straightaway.” Mark says almost 30% of Flipper customers have been ‘flipped’ to a better tariff with their current provider so far this year. “We’ve had a lot of feedback from people who are really surprised, but very happy, that we’ve saved them money without switching them to a new supplier. “It’s really important that people understand finding a better deal doesn’t have to mean moving to a different provider. “And as energy usage will increased dramatically over the next few months as winter approaches, so it’s crucial you check you on a good value energy deal now.” Unlike comparison sites who get paid commission by the energy providers for switching people to them, Flipper don’t take money from suppliers. Members pay an annual fee of £30 when they are switched for the first time; tariffs are checked every month and customers are automatically moved to a better tariff if they can save £50 a year.

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PLANNING A MEMORIAL WOODLAND RESTING PLACE An increasing number of people are buying burial plots in the South West so that they know where they will rest after death and be assured that their demise will not damage the environment.

Said Chris Baker: “Most people think we are running out of room for burials in the UK but that is just not true. There is a real desire to create new woodland habitats to replace those that have disappeared over the years and doing that through burial grounds, as we are doing, is a way to finance their creation.

Bristol Memorial Woodlands in South Gloucestershire, which is creating a 100-acre woodland burial ground just north of Bristol, “It also means that there are people with an say family plots have become popular once interest in maintaining those woodlands and again in a way not seen since Victorian times. their families rest there and that future generations will have a stunning, natural Chris Baker, founder of Bristol Memorial place to go to remember their ancestors. Woodlands said: “Greater environmental awareness seems to be driving a new desire “The local council crematorium is often very for people to be buried, rather than be functional and busy and not a place to sit and cremated. Burial is traditional and natural and remember loved ones. We also find that many returns a body into the ground without using people like the idea of knowing where they fossil fuels and without emissions from a will be buried – whether that is their body or chimney. an internment of ashes. “We are now finding people buying burial plots for family members as gifts and whole families wanting to be buried together and know that future generations will be able to gather there beneath the trees and remember them.” Traditional burials went into decline in the UK as a result of village churchyards becoming full and in the 20th century cremations became the norm for many communities. Changes in the way people mourn and look at death have seen a shift in attitudes.

“Some of the enquiries we are getting are from people who are just being practical and knowing that we all have to face death some time. Others are from people with a faith that requires them to be buried and they want to buy plots for their whole family.” Many faiths have always favoured burials and Bristol Memorial Woodlands has created a sacred Jewish burial site and a Muslim burial ground, designed under the guidance of religious community leaders. Information on Bristol Memorial Woodlands can be found at www.memorialwoodlands. com

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Council launches consultation on extending Shirehampton Conservation Area Bristol City Council has completed a review of Shirehampton’s historic character, which looks at how a specific conservation area has evolved over time. The Shirehampton local conservation area was originally established in 1975 and last reviewed in 1993. A reassessment of the boundaries and the town’s special character was long overdue, and has helped to provide a basis for change in the area, while still respecting the historical significance and uniqueness of the area. Following the review and engagement with the local community, the authority has launched a public consultation to extend the boundaries of the local Conservation Area to include areas that are important to the visual and historic character of Shirehampton. The new areas being proposed are; Passage Leaze, Springfield Avenue and around the Bristol Garden Suburb, Priory Road, Walton Road, Bradley Crescent, Bradley Avenue, and an extension to include much of Station Road to the south of the Public Hall. Councillor Nicola Beech, Cabinet member for Spatial Planning and City Design, said: “Shirehampton has such a unique history, and we hope that the new consultation can help us develop a shared understanding of what makes the area special, and ensure we can protect it for the future, for everyone.

Reviewed by food critic Peter Abraham

We recognise that the area has lost a lot of character and interesting buildings over the years, even with the Conservation Area in place, but we hope that this first reappraisal in almost thirty years can mark a new beginning, and empower people to take a role in championing it.” As well as the review of the existing boundaries, the Council’s draft Conservation Area Character Appraisal provides new insight into the local area and a new understanding of its history and development. The review of Shirehampton’s historic character ensures features that are valued, or are under threat, are properly considered and that the proposed boundaries extend to cover as much area of local value as possible. The public consultation closes 23 November 2020. Following feedback the Council hopes to adopt the new appraisal and Conservation Area extension by December 2020. To find out more and share your views, visit: www.bristol.gov.uk/shirehamptonCA If you would like a paper copy or the information in an alternative format please email conservation@bristol.gov.uk or call 0117 3521 128.

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Your Garden In November The garden begins to wind down in November as deciduous plants enter dormancy. leaves are falling rapidly and wind and rain are on the increase.

Tie in all the plants and secure structures an important winter job is to stake tall plants, climbers and young trees to protect against strong winds. check that existing ties are not cutting into stems of plants that have grown over the summer. Structures such as arches, pergolas and fences should also be checked and ideally treated with preservatives. If repaired now there is less potential damage in high winds.

Whilst most of nature is hibernating in the colder months, winter is the ideal time to get new trees into the ground. trees are best planted in the late autumn when the soil is still warm but not too dry, giving roots time to acclimatise before the harsher temperatures of winter arrives. whatever your plan to do outside in Nonmember, take time to enjoy the garden as it fades, leaving structural plants LOOKING GOOD THIS MONTH...TREES and evergreens to take centre stage. PROTECT TENDER PLANTS

Why should you plant them?

the weather is turning so its time to get those plants protected - frost can do serious damage to tender plants. frost tender plants in pots should be moved to the greenhouse, conservatory or porch. Exotic plants such as palms or tree ferns should be wrapped up for the winter with frost protection material.

Trees add structure to gardens and landscapes. As well as being used as a focal point for the garden they also make good hedges and screens. they come in a huge number of varieties, shades and position. Whilst most trees are grown for there foliage or flower, some are praised for their bark and branch shapes. Some trees look fantastic in spring while full of flower and other burst into vibrant colour in the autumn.

LIFT AND STORE CORMS AND TUBERS

Lift and store plants such as dahlias and tuberous bedding begonias that have been hit by bad weather. store in a dry, frost-free dark place ideally in a layer of sawdust. check oc- How should you plant them? casionally over winter to ensure they are dry and rot free. remove any that look suspicious Young trees should be staked diagonally. to prevent the risk of further infection. This protects them from strong winds and ensures the roots do not get damaged. Most varieties of trees will have specific planting instructions. There is a tree that will thrive in all soil types from wet soil to poor dry land and everything in between.

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Shoppers warned to buy early for Christmas or miss out Shoppers are being urged to buy early this year for online Christmas gifts. With only 8 weeka to go before the big day, the online retail industry is gearing up for a huge surge in demand.

So how will retailers and logistics companies manage this huge potential uplift in the run up to Christmas? Top boss at a large delivery service said online: "It's been like Christmas for the last six months for us," said Mike Hancox, the boss of delivery firm Yodel. It is one of the UK's biggest parcel couriers handling more than 150 million packages a year. But it had to adapt quickly in March, even partnering with taxi firms at one stage to help deliver the extra packages.

It's warning that firms may struggle to cope if we leave all our festive shopping till the last minute.

Yodel's now preparing for a period of sustained demand this autumn and winter as shoppers flock online for convenience as social distancing restrictions remain in place.

In A Statement online earlier this week the industry body for online shopping said:

Job opportunities?

"We think the volumes are going to be really very excessive this year," said Andy Mulcahy from IMRG, the industry body for online retailers. "Whilst that in itself is not a problem, getting too much of it too close to Christmas is going to be a bit of a problem," he said. "If you can spread out your shopping and do quite a lot of it in November, maybe even a bit of it now, then that would really help."

It's adding 2,500 self-employed drivers and nearly 500 staff in its sorting centres across the UK to bolter its operations. "We think it will be the biggest online Christmas ever, by some way," Mr Hancox said. "Certainly at Yodel it will be our biggest ever year. We're planning for success and I think every other delivery carrier will be expecting the same." He's planning on handling a million extra parcels in the busiest week.

Even before lockdown, online sales in the first months of 2020 were roughly 5% higher than last year.

But with rising unemployment and uncertainty over future coronavirus measures, many families may feel less able or willing to spend.

No need to panic buy though!!

John Lewis's online Christmas shop opened back in August after a spike in searches by customers.

Since Covid-19 hit, the numbers have soared, with growth rates of around 40-50%, according to IMRG. And they've remained high ever since. "At this point, I think we can expect an increase of at least 30% for the peak festive trading season, but if stores have to close this might push to 50%, " Mr Mulcahy thinks. But he stressed that here's no need for shoppers to panic buy - as there's still plenty of time before the big day.

And it has already seen a surge in sales for some products. The company says sales of trees were up 233% at the end of last week, compared with the previous year. Christmas decorations, meanwhile, were up 156%. Who knows how jolly this festive season will be. But one thing seems clear, it will be the most digital one yet for shopping.

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Sweet potato & spinach korma

Ingredients

Method

1 tbsp vegetable oil

Heat the oil in a large lidded pan and cook the onion over a medium heat for a few minutes to soften

1 large onion, thickly sliced

Add the garlic, curry paste and spices, then cook for 1 minute until fragrant

2 garlic cloves, crushed 180g jar korma curry paste

Pour in the coconut milk, then fill the can with water and add that to the pan, along with the sweet potato

1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground coriander

Bring the liquid just to the boil

400g can light coconut milk 500g sweet potatoes, peeled and diced 3 tbsp smooth peanut butter 400g can chick peas, drained and rinsed 3 x 125g packs baby spinach 3 tbsp desiccated coconut

Feeds 6 Ready 1 Hour

Vegan

Each serving contains Energy 19% 20 1610kj 378kcal

Pour into the pan and stir in, mixing well Bring back up to the boil, then turn down the heat, cover and simmer for 25â€“30 mins, until the sweet potato is tender Stir the chick peas, spinach and desiccated coconut into the curry and heat through

Plain naans, to serve

Vegetarian

Put the peanut butter in a small bowl and spoon over 2-3 tbsp of the hot coconut milk mixture, whisking in, until itâ€™s runny

Season, then serve with the naan breads Gluten Free

Fat Med 29% 7.2g

Saturates High 51% 20g

Sugar Low 10% 11.2g

Salt Low 14% 0.71g

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Home Improvement tips

Tips And Tricks For Successful House Painting There is more to house painting than just slapping up a coat of paint. The job can be messy, amateurish if the homeowner is in a rush or impeccable and of professional quality if he or she will follow a few tricks of the trade.

Hauling out a kitchen chair to climb up on will result in slops and streaks on the unsuspecting furniture. Stir sticks are a must or the colors won’t be mixed properly

Preparation: If the surface is dirty and peeling, it must be cleaned and sanded before a new coat of latex or enamel is This is not a task to hurry through or it will applied. Paints don’t stick to dirt and instead have to be done over again sooner rather of a quick cover-up job, there may be layers than later. Without proper attention, the new coat can flake off in big disappointing peels. Un- of wet muck that fall off before a painter successful painting can mean that the entire knows it. Flakes peeling underneath will task will have to be done over again or that cause a new layer to peel away as well. Prep it will look like a sloppy eyesore for years to isn’t something to skimp on if a topnotch come. Here are some tips for the best results: result is desired. Taping around windows and woodwork is also crucial in order to keep Tools of the trade: Pros take great pride in them neat and spot-free. their tools and for good reason. Having high quality paintbrushes, ladders, stirring stick Color choice: Choosing the color will take and rollers will allow a superior result more a bit of time. It’s not as easy as it may seem. easily. Inferior quality paintbrushes may seem There are zillions of shades of a hue as like a bargain at the cash register but once simple as white. Taking swatches and the painting begins, it may become a samples home from the store will be an different story. Shedding brush-hairs left in important step. Looking at tones next to the path of the shoddy paintbrush will be a existing furnishings, lighting and woodwork pain to pick out of the newly applied layer. will help with selection. Once a hue has been settled upon, painting a sample area and Those crummy brushes will shed more than living with it for a few days will be a good a dog in the middle of summer. Without a idea. This will allow a homeowner to see what retractable ladder, a homeowner will have a it looks like at various times of the day and in hard time reaching various spots. after the certain lighting. can has set for a while. And rollers, like paintbrushes, must be of high quality for When a homeowner decides to do some proper absorption and distribution. house painting, he or she must take the time to do it right. Proper tools , preparation and color choice will be steps on the path to enhanced curb appeal. The interior and exterior of a house can be greatly improved upon with a product as seemingly simple as a can of paint.

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Bristol hoteliers back calls to appoint a Hospitality Minister

Hoteliers in Bristol are adding their names to a petition calling on the UK Government to create a new Minister for Hospitality post to give their struggling sector a voice at the highest level.

“Having someone with specific knowledge about our industry will help the government to truly understand the full impact of the decisions they are making the restrictions they are imposing.

An on-line petition calling for the appointment has attracted more than 20,000 signatories, including members of the Bristol Hoteliers Association (BHA).

“It can be argued that the restrictions are disproportionate at the moment, when you look at Public Health England data for sites of multiple Covid-19 outbreaks over the past four weeks.

BHA Chair Raphael Herzog said: “It’s so important for our voice to be heard because hospitality businesses are always among the first to be shutdown, when more attention should perhaps be focused on other sectors, such as universities.

“This shows that the hospitality sector accounts for just four percent of these outbreaks, whereas the education sector has 36 percent, and care homes have 26 percent.

“Having a Government minister representing our industry could perhaps lead to less damaging restrictions being imposed on us, such as around meetings and events, weddings and the 10pm curfew. “Most hotels have very good practices in place to keep guests and staff as safe as possible from the Covid-19 risk. “We are managing the risk and monitoring it, ensuring they observe the ‘rule of six’ and regulations around face coverings and social distancing. “Many hotel general managers have written to their local MPs asking for more support and for our concerns to be heard.” He said the hospitality sector has been significantly disadvantaged by not having a dedicated voice at ministerial level.

“Yet the restrictions, such as the curfews, seem to be clearly targeted at hospitality businesses, many of which are struggling to survive. “More than 45% of staff in the hospitality sector are still furloughed and we have concerns about whether the new job retention scheme will be enough to protect jobs in our industry. “Under the new three-tier system, people won’t want to travel to hotels in any area designated ‘very high risk’ but the hotels will still be open, with low occupancy, with staff in place, but with the Government only paying 66 percent of their pay. “The UK hospitality industry is the fourth biggest contributor to the UK economy. “It is responsible for around three million jobs nationwide, generating £130bn in activity, providing the Government with £38bn in taxation and yet, unlike the Arts or Sports, we do not have a dedicated Minister. “It’s time for our sector to be treated fairly and given the support we need and deserve during these challenging times.”

Clare developed this book after starting a YouTube channel and pod cast called Mental Health Chats with Australian based Peter Dundon.

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IL Gusto Italian Restaurant

For good Italian food, you could trek all the way into town and find a place that serves up a good Carbonara or a decent Lasagne. You could even go further a field to find that extra special Spaghetti Bolognese or mouth watering pizza? However I urge you not to do that, but instead take a trip to IL Gusto Ristorante located at the top of Rounceval Street in Chipping Sodbury. That is where I found myself last Saturday evening.Gusto, is a traditional Italian restaurant serving up all of the traditional classics you’d expect to find on and Italian menu. For me the benchmark for any half decent Italian restaurant has to be their Spaghetti Carbonara. Whilst Gustos Carbonara is delicious, their homemade lasagne is even better. It knocks the spots off of any lasagne that I have ever tasted anywhere else. it is phenomenal! To start though I had their mozzarella Carrozza which is a posh name for a grilled cheesesandwich. It’s nothing special but it’s pleasant enough and not to filling.

My companion had the squid rings and the whitebait. Being a food critic and needing to write a comprehensive review I felt it was my duty to have a nibble at theirs also. Both dishes passed with flying colours. Main course, Lasagne. This bubbling melting pot of stringy mozzarella, chunks of beef steak, perfectly cooked pasta and a seriously divine beef ragu is enough to send you to the next level of food heaven. Woven in between the layers is a delectable , creamy béchamel which compliments the ragu beautifully. I have to admit I was to engrossed in my own meal to sample others on the table. But I am reliably told that the steak, was cooked beautifully, the fish was delicate and flavoursome. And the chicken was clucking great! This is my favourite Italian restaurants, I have eaten here may times and I can’t recommend to highly enough. the service is great, the waiters are fantastic and the hospitality is second to none. You will have to book because this place gets rammed! Visit: www.llgustodellitalia.co.uk

Reviewed by food critic Peter Abraham 29

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CITY AND PORT OF BRISTOL BOWLING CLUB

In a season when it was not possible to welcome other clubs to the green or travel to other greens to enjoy a game of bowls, and renew acquaintances with friends from previous seasons, bowling did take place at the City and Port of Bristol Club. Initially, roll ups in small numbers --- the first one was on June 16th when Charlie Maby and Dave Chilcott took to the green for the first time in 2020. By the end of the season almost twenty bowlers had followed suit ---- some more than others, but importantly --- they came for a bowl. Then --- Lis Davies organised a pairs competition --- choose your partner and bowl against each other pair twice in games of fifteen ends duration. In the last edition the competition was at its half way stage. The second half saw some close and exciting games --- with the eventual winners decided by shot difference after two teams finished equal on points.

The Bristol Ladies and Gents Leagues are planning a full season and fixtures at club level are being made albeit provisionally in the hope that it will once again be possible to play games against other clubs. Both the Winter Bowling Break at the TLH, Torquay in March and the Summer Tour at the Langham Hotel in Eastbourne at the end of August are very much on and being looked forward to. The green is now closed and the green -keeper will be busy carrying out his winter programme of work for the next few months. Maintaining a bowling green to a high standard is a twelve months of the year job. You may have heard of the passing, quite recently of the man whose name became very much synonymous with the game of bowls over a great number of years. David Bryant ---who did once play on the City and Port of Bristol Green --- started bowling at the age of eight with his father at Clevedon. He became outdoor and indoor world champion as well as a medal winner at the Commonwealth Games.

Charlie Maby and Dave Chilcott were the winners with Ken Davies and Bill Hatherall runners up, but importantly two other pairs took part to make the competition possible. Dee and Brian Crawley and Gill and David Hinksman played an important part in what was an enjoyable and worthwhile competition. The City and Port of Bristol Club is looking for young or younger players to come along next season and give bowling a try. Could you Looking forward to next season there is much optimism about a return to competitive follow David Bryant and become a great bowling with both the Gloucestershire County bowler? The club will once again be offering Association and the City and County equiva- trial sessions --- free of charge, and coaching lent already publishing details of competitions ---- free of charge. So --- why not give it a try. For further information about the club, its for 2021. activities and how to come to a trial session call David Hinksman on 0117 9082713.

North Bristol Direct Local November 2020