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This month..
Mikes letter
8, November Horoscopes
Welcome to this weeks magazine!!
6. End Child Poverty
10. Your Garden in November 12. 1.5 Million 16. Puzzles 18. Bristol Hoteliers 28. Recipe of the month 34 10 Things 36 Bristol City Center The team EDITOR Michael Davies WEB DESIGNER Matthew Clarke JOURNALIST Lisa Davies PROOF READER Elisabeth Davies Advertising sales Tel: 0117 3258029 Mobile: 07500 017236 Email: info@directlocalonline.com Distribution: Direct Local South 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
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! Bonfire night is one of my favourite times of the year as I love the bright colours and seeing the kids smile. unfortunately fireworks celebrations will be a bit different this year so stays safe and socially distant.
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End Child Food Poverty
‘The Liberal Democrats exist to build and
safeguard a fair, free and open society, in which no one shall be enslaved by poverty, ignorance or conformity.’ This is part of the preamble to the constitution of the Liberal Democrats and the reason so many of us were angry this week when MPs at Westminster voted not to offer free school meals to vulnerable children during the school holidays. Andrew said, ‘As a recipient of free school meals when I was younger, I know what a difference it made to my mum, who was struggling to raise three kids on her own’. Jos added, ‘It’s truly shocking that in the 21st century, we still have millions of children living in food poverty’. Following the vote in Parliament, the Bristol Liberal Democrats wrote to Mayor Marvin Rees imploring him to explore the possibility of Bristol City Council paying for free school meals for poorer families instead. Many local councils around the country have already stepped forward to stop child holiday hunger by funding free school meals themselves, including Kensington & Chelsea, Wigan, Liverpool, Greater Manchester, Redbridge, Southwark, Rochdale, Royal Greenwich, Portsmouth and many more. Bristol has 10,835 school children who are eligible for free school meals. 6
We want to stop them from going hungry over the holidays and if the government refuses to
uphold its moral obligation to feed hungry children, the Bristol Lib Dems believe the duty falls to the Council. Cllr. Tim Kent, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson on Education and Councillor for Hengrove & Whitchurch Park wrote, “Dear Mayor Rees, I am sure you share my disappointment in the Government and their voting down of the reasonable proposal that children entitled to free school meals should continue to receive a free school meal over the holidays during the pandemic. We are all aware of the issue of child poverty, including food poverty, and although food poverty amongst children is unfortunately not new the pandemic has made the crisis much worse. It is an absolute travesty for children to go hungry, on any day of the year. The absence of any support equivalent to free school meals in the holidays is a long overlooked anomaly, and now families face the threat of future lockdowns too. The government spent £100M’s on the Eat Out to Help Out scheme in August - which many people took advantage of. But the far lower cost of feeding our most vulnerable has been shirked.
I know some local councils are considering stepping in. We have over 10,000 children who receive free school meals in our city - we should not let them be punished by a Government more interested in political fights rather than doing the right thing.
All the best, Tim Kent Lib Dem Education Spokesperson�
Rather than wait for the Council to respond, many local businesses have taken it upon themselves to provide free meals for children instead. Here in Brislington West the Lodekka I note that this policy of expanding free Pub on Bath Road and Crispin’s on Sandy school meals over the holidays is supported Park Road are both offering to help and we by the Child Food Poverty Task Force, supwould like to express our sincere gratitude ported by Marcus Rashford and many leading for their generosity, especially as many in the food suppliers and producers. hospitality and catering sector have already had a difficult year. Ultimately though, the Can I ask you to urgently consider stepping responsibility for helping the poorest and in and pledging that Bristol City Council will most vulnerable in our society should fall on provide these free meals (or vouchers) over the government and not church groups, charithe holidays if the Government will not? ties and private businesses. I hope you will consider this matter urgently and demonstrate to the Government what compassionate leadership looks like.
By Jos Clark, Liberal Democrat Councillor (Brislington West) Email: cllr.jos.clark@bristol.gov.uk Mobile: 07584 370429 & Andrew Varney, Liberal Democrat Councillor Candidate (Brislington West) Email: andyvarney@hotmail.com Mobile: 07544 667968
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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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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. 10
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£1.5m raised for good causes
A regional co-operative is marking the success of the carrier bag levy five years after it came into force in England on 5 October 2015. Southern Co-op's customers have cut their use of single use plastic bags by millions whilst also raising more than £1.5m for good causes across the south. Back in 2015 the independent retailer initially set a goal of reducing single-use plastic bags by at least 50% across all of its stores based in Berkshire, Bristol, Devon, Dorset, East Sussex, London, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Kent, Somerset, Surrey, West Sussex and Wiltshire. This target was smashed within a year and the downward trend has continued into 2020. It was estimated that 29 million single use plastic bags were used in 2014 which has been reduced by 78% in 2019.
Gemma Lacey, Director for Sustainability and Communications at Southern Co-op, said: "As a responsible regional business, it is essential that we continue to move people away from single use plastic so we are pleased to see a continued year-on-year reduction in carrier bag sales. "Whilst we are a convenience store and need to continue to provide customers with a way to carry their shopping home, customers can return these to our store colleagues for recycling. "Customers are also switching to reusable bags as well as compostable bags which we've introduced in stores where the local authority collects household food waste recycling. We hope this trend carries on and continues to make an impact in tackling climate change." For every single use bag purchased at a Southern Co-op store 5p is donated to good causes. Since 2015, the donations total more than £1.5 million.
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Holly Bramble, Community and Campaign Co-ordinator at Southern Co-op, said: "£1.5m is a huge amount of money and so many small groups have benefitted. In the beginning, we partnered with the Wildlife Trust, Solent Mind, Stand Against Violence and Scope - all of which made a huge impact in their local communities. "Since then the funds have supported hundreds of small local charities and good causes via Love Your Neighbourhood, our community programme which aims to create greener, safer, healthier and more inclusive neighbourhoods. "These causes are selected by our local stores and funeralcare branches and range from primary schools PTAs and food banks to hospitals and homeless charities. Each one means something special to our colleagues and their communities." The carrier bag levy is just one part of Southern Co-op's community contributions which are accumulated from a wide range of activities including cash donations, fundraising events, product donations, hours spent volunteering and other fundraising activities. In 2019, a total of £1.43m was contributed to local communities which includes a direct investment of £513,974 from Southern Co-op and £387,992 from the carrier bag levy. To find out more about Southern Co-op's community fund, visit https://www.thesouthernco-operative.co.uk/love-your-neighbourhood.
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Gambas Spanish inspired tapas restaurant is located in one of the old shipping containers on Wapping Wharf. It looks out across the street at the M-Shed. We arrived and took a seat outside. Our waiter presented us with the menu and we ordered some water for the table. When the waiter returned to take our order we had the following: king prawns in chilli and garlic, olives, patatas bravas, boquerinos, Russian crab salad, calamari and baked tortilla with aioli. So let’s start with the prawns. They where juicy and flavourful but I’d have liked a little more garlic and chilli. Never the less they where nice. Olives are olives. The calamari was really good, they where cooked beautifully. The patatas bravas where delicious. In fact they where the star of the show. Really crunchy and golden brown and lacquered in this beautiful tomato and cheese sauce. Onto the boqueronis. They went down well. The final two dishes where the crab salad and the tortilla. The salad looked like baby food and didn’t taste much better either. The baked tortilla, when it first came to the table I thought it was a quiche! It was a wedge of I honestly don’t know what, served cold with aioli. I began to tuck in and it didn’t taste awful but it didn’t really taste of anything. It tasted interesting but I don’t know if that is good intersecting or bad interesting? 14
Put it this way to make it tase of anything you has to slather it in this garlic mayonnaise. I was expecting something totally different to what I got. I was expecting something new, fresh, tasty, vibrant and exciting. What I got was a cake like wedge of cold stodge! Overall not what I was expecting but not completely horrendous. I wouldn’t rush back purely because I think you can get more of that authentic Spanish feel elsewhere? I wouldn’t recommend this place either for the same reason. For me this place was just not good
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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.”
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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
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NEW BOOK LIFTS LID ON BRISTOL COUNCIL AND GOVERNMENT A Bristol City Councillor has written a book lifting the lid on local and national politics, concluding that government is broken. Clive Stevens, who has represented Clifton Down as a Green Councillor for four-and-ahalf years gives an insight into how political decisions are made in After The Revolution, published by Bristol independent publishers Tangent Books. In over 400 pages he sets out lessons from local government on designing a dynamic democracy and along the way gives the inside story of many council decisions over the last five years. The work has had ringing praise even from his political opponents with Labour’s Councillor Paul Smith, who has just stepped down as housing chief on the council saying in an online review: “It is a telling study of the limitations and possibilities of local government in Britain today, the role of elected councillors, how to navigate the system and importantly how it could be changed to work better for the people. An essential read for any in local government and anyone trying to work with it (or battle against it).” Clive, who has worked in business and academia and been involved in local activism, introduces “the mathematics of power” which he says is driving politics at this time. This is the fact that to gain and stay in power political parties only have to keep 30% of the population on board and have fallen into a system where they spend their time in power repaying those 30% rather than always acting for the greater good. Clive says rewarding self-interest groups to the detriment of broader society is sadly not new. “We get the behaviour from politicians we deserve if we are content with them gaining and keeping power when voted in by as little as 30% of the electorate,” he added. “Our leaders have to favour those who have put them into that position – whether it be the CBI or the unions – and will ultimately have to pay them back (with our money). 20
“Sadly, that means other groups don’t get their share of the funding as a result.” Clive believes as we take stock of a postCovid world, now is the time to insist on proportional representation to restore and enable new thinking about democracy. The book has numerous examples from local and national government which support his theory. “Voters need to see what’s going on, care about it, and be involved with finding the solutions. “That starts with openness of information, scrutiny and selecting a representative selection of citizens to be involved in local and national decision making. “We will still need elected representatives, but in addition the public will be involved in citizens’ assemblies discussing the huge questions of the day. “The public will help determine local issues too. They will be selected to reflect all demographics and be paid for their time.” After the revolution: lessons from local government on designing a dynamic democracy is available from Tangent Books www.tangentbooks.co.uk £20 (ISBN 978-1-910089-94-1). Contact: richard@tangentbooks.co.uk
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Microsoft updates app to enable iPhone and iPad users to play Xbox games Microsoft has released a new version of its Xbox app for the iPhone and iPad which will allow Xbox gamers to play their consoles remotely. Unlike the xCloud games streaming service - which only works on Android devices - the Xbox app allows phone users to stream games which are playing on their own console. Microsoft's xCloud, which lets gamers stream games from Microsoft's servers, has been prohibited from the App Store as Apple says the service does not follow its normal review guidelines.
Apple currently does not allow users to use their devices to play games using cloud computing - having the games run on hardware the phones are connecting to remotely - which would give gamers the ability to play higher-quality games on their mobile devices. Microsoft has criticised Apple for not allowing its users access to the xCloud games streaming platform, as well as Google’s cloud gaming service Stadia. Microsoft said Apple “stands alone as the only general purpose platform to deny consumers from cloud gaming and game subscription services like Xbox Game Pass”.
The Xbox app is similar to the PS4 Remote “[Apple] consistently treats gaming apps Play app developed by Sony, enabling PlayStation users to stream their games to an differently, applying more lenient rules to non-gaming apps even when they include Apple device over WiFi. interactive content,” Microsoft added. However the Xbox app doesn’t depend on It comes ahead of Microsoft releasing two both devices being on the same WiFi network, allowing users to stream their games new Xbox consoles in November, and Apple releasing four 5G-compatible iPhone 12 even when they’re not at home - as long models. as the device is on and both have a decent connection.
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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. 25
New plans submitted for residential-led redevelopment of St Catherine's Place Bedminster New plans to kick start the long-awaited regeneration of East Street, Bedminster and deliver 180 much-needed new homes have been submitted to Bristol City Council for approval. St Catherine's Place Shopping Centre and its East Street home have long been in need of refurbishment and investment but proposals for a full-scale mixed-use redevelopment of the site, along with 205 new homes, were rejected in January this year.
Designed by Bristol architects Stride Treglown, the development will offer a full range of one, two and three-bedroom homes in three new buildings on the site, including a 14-floor building on the corner of Dalby Avenue. This is three storeys lower than the previously proposed building, smaller in footprint and set further back from the road. The height of the adjacent building to the rear is also stepped down to match the level of the existing Catherine's House. The new pedestrian Mill Lane Greenway will reinstate a historic route through the site. Designed to celebrate the area's industrial heritage, it will include planting, cobble stones and historic mill stones recovered during archaeological investigations on site.
The revised scheme will offer larger areas of public open space including a new pocket Since then, Bedminster-based owner and depark on Mill Lane, providing accessible green veloper Firmstone has worked with an entirely space to rest, play and socialise. There will be new team of Bristol architects and planning increased private amenity space for the new consultants along with local stakeholders homes including a new courtyard garden. to design and develop new proposals that directly address the concerns of planners and A new and inviting public entrance into St a group of local residents. Catherine's Place will be created. The East Street shops will be replaced with new, The new proposals will deliver 180 new modern shops and the historic faรงade homes, newly-refurbished retail units on refurbished or rebuilt, breathing new life into East Street and increased public open space the area and marking the start of the area's including a new, landscaped walking and retail revival, particularly given the increased cycling route through from Dalby Road to Mill footfall to and from the new development. Lane.
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Once this first phase is complete, Firmstone will continue with the Mill Lane and Dalby Avenue buildings whilst refurbishing the retail units inside the shopping centre. Outline planning permission is also being sought to potentially convert the redundant vacant retail units in the centre of the site for alternative uses including residential in the longer term, should retail demand continue to decline. This will ensure any additional homes are effectively integrated in the wider design and regeneration. Bedminster BID, which represents 350 local businesses, has also expressed its strong support for the proposals Simon Dicken, chair of Bedminster Business Improvement District (BID) said:
Francis Firmstone, director of Firmstone said: "Bedminster is a hugely popular, vibrant and exciting area of Bristol but it is in dire need of new homes and investment. Within walking distance of the city centre and home to a diverse community of residents and businesses, it is an important gateway to the wider Bedminster Green area, long earmarked for regeneration and development. "Our proposals for 180 much-needed and thoughtfully-designed new homes, along with the development's newly-refurbished retail units and shopping centre entrance, will help return East Street to its former glory, making it a thriving area for shopping, leisure and hospitality as we have seen on nearby North Street.
"We are very grateful to residents from the local area who have helped us to shape these new proposals. We have significantly reduced the height of the tallest building, moved it back from the road and added lots more public green space including a pocket park and courtyard garden. We're particularly excited about the newly-revived Mill Lane "As well as rebuilding or refurbishing the East Greenway which will create an attractive, Street shops and shopping centre entrance, landscaped traffic-free route through the development connecting East Street with the the scheme will also deliver much-needed wider Bedminster Green area and further new homes and bring additional footfall to Bedminster's businesses. The new Mill Lane increasing footfall." Greenway is a really exciting way to better connect East Street with the wider area, and The proposed scheme is in line with the parameters set out in the Bedminster Green along with the pocket park, will encourage Framework which was supported by Bristol people to spend time here." City Council's Cabinet in March 2019 and identifies St Catherine's Place as a site for new homes, including a tall building, to help solve Bristol's housing shortage. "The long-awaited redevelopment of St Catherine's Place is crucial to the wider regeneration of East Street and Bedminster. These proposals will help make this a thriving, vibrant shopping and leisure area once more, close to the city centre and serving the local community.
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White chocolate & salted caramel fudge cake
Ingredients 150ml Co-op sunflower oil, plus extra for greasing 170g Co-op self raising flour 30g Fairtrade cocoa powder 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 75g Fairtrade caster sugar 75g Co-op Fairtrade light brown soft sugar 2 tbsp golden syrup 150ml Co-op whole milk 2 large Co-op British free range eggs, lightly beaten 1 tsp vanilla extract 100g Co-op Irresistible fudge, crumbled, to decorate
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For the caramel 25g Co-op Fairtrade light brown soft sugar 50g Co-op set honey 100ml Co-op double cream 15g Co-op unsalted butter Pinch of sea salt For the buttercream 3 large Co-op British free range egg whites 200g Fairtrade caster sugar 325g Co-op unsalted butter, cut into 2cm cubes 200g Co-op Fairtrade white chocolate, melted and cooled Feeds 12 Ready 1 Hrs 5 minutes
Method Preheat the oven to 180°C/fan 160°/Gas 4 Grease and line two 20cm cake tins Combine the flour, cocoa, bicarb and sugars in a bowl Make a well in the centre and add the syrup, oil, milk, egg and vanilla Beat together until smooth Divide the mixture between the tins and bake for 25-30 mins, until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean Leave to cool in the tins for 10 mins, then turn out to cool completely For the caramel, combine all of the ingredients, apart from the salt, in a saucepan and place over a low heat Stir until the sugar has dissolved, then turn up the heat and bubble for 4-5 mins, until golden and syrupy Add the salt and leave to cool completely, stirring occasionally.
For the buttercream, put the egg whites and sugar in a large heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water Whisk until the mixture is fairly hot to the touch and the sugar has dissolved Take the bowl off the heat and beat with an electric whisk on its highest setting for 8-10 mins, until the mixture has cooled down and tripled in volume Lower the speed of the whisk slightly and start to incorporate the butter, a couple of cubes at a time, until it’s all used up — the mixture should be thick and shiny Mix in the white chocolate To assemble, place one sponge on a stand and top with a thick layer of buttercream, right to the edges Top with the other sponge and spread the remaining buttercream over the whole cake, using a palette knife to smooth Chill for 30 mins Drizzle the caramel over the edges of the cake with a spoon and top with the crumbled fudge to serve
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Path to improved health
Sports drinks are helpful if you’re planning on exercising at higher than normal levels for more than an hour. They contain carbohydrates and electrolytes that can increase your energy. They help your body absorb water. However, some sports drinks are high in calories from added sugar. They also may contain Your body is dependent on water to survive. high levels of sodium (salt). Check the serving Every cell, tissue, and organ in your body size on the label. One bottle usually contains needs water to work properly. For example, more than one serving. Some sports drinks your body uses water to maintain its temperacontain caffeine, too. Remember that a safe ture, remove waste, and lubricate your joints. amount of caffeine to consume each day is no Water is needed for overall good health. more than 400 milligrams. Look to water first You need to drink water every day. Most people have been told they should drink 6 to 8, 8-ounce glasses of water each day. That’s a reasonable goal. However, different people need different amounts of water to stay hydrated. Most healthy people can stay well hydrated by drinking water and other fluids whenever they feel thirsty. For some people, fewer than 8 glasses may be enough. Other people may need more than 8 glasses each day.
Energy drinks are not the same as sports drinks. Energy drinks usually contain large amounts of caffeine. Also, they contain ingredients that overstimulate you (guarana, ginseng, or taurine). These are things your body doesn’t need. Most of these drinks are also high in added sugar. According to doctors, children and teens should not have energy drinks. If staying hydrated is difficult for you, here are some tips that can help:
• Plan water is best for staying hydrated howev er other drinks and foods can help, too. Fruit • and vegetable juices, milk, and herbal teas add to the amount of water you get each day. Even caffeinated drinks (for example, coffee, • tea, and soda) can contribute to your daily water intake. A moderate amount of caffeine • (400 milligrams) isn’t harmful for most people. Here are the caffeine amounts found in popu lar drinks: • 12 ounces of soda: 30 to 40 milligrams • 8 ounces of green or black tea: 30 to 50 milligrams • • 8 ounces black coffee: 80 to 100 milligrams • 8-ounce energy drink: 40 to 250 milligrams However, it’s best to limit caffeinated drinks. Caffeine may cause some people to urinate • more frequently or feel anxious or jittery. Plus, be mindful of what you drink. Some choices may add extra calories from sugar to your diet. Water is also found in fruits and vegetables (for example, watermelon, tomatoes, and lettuce), and in soup broths. 32 Other options
Keep a bottle of water with you during the day. To reduce your costs, carry a reusable water bottle and fill it with tap water. If you don’t like the taste of plain water, try adding a slice of lemon or lime to your drink. Drink water before, during, and after a workout. When you’re feeling hungry, drink water. Thirst is often confused with hunger. True hunger will not be satisfied by drinking water. Drinking water may also contribute to a healthy weight-loss plan. Some research suggests that drinking water can help you feel full. If you have trouble remembering to drink water, drink on a schedule. For example, drink water when you wake up, at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and when you go to bed. Or, drink a small glass of water at the beginning of each hour. Drink water when you go to a restau rant. It will keep you hydrated, and it’s free.
Things to consider If you don’t drink enough water, you may become dehydrated. This means your body doesn’t have enough fluid to operate properly. Your urine can be an indicator if you’re dehydrated. If it’s colorless or light yellow, you’re well hydrated. If your urine is a dark yellow or amber color, you may be dehydrated. There are other signs that can signal you may be dehydrated. They include: • • • •
Little or no urine. Urine that is darker than usual. Dry mouth. Sleepiness or fatigue.
Some people are at higher risk of dehydration, including people who exercise at a high intensity (or in hot weather) for too long, have certain medical conditions (kidney stones, bladder infection), are sick (fever, vomiting, diarrhea), are pregnant or breastfeeding, are trying to lose weight, or aren’t able to get enough fluids during the day. Older adults are also at higher risk. As you get older, your brain may not be able to sense dehydration. It doesn’t send signals for thirst. Note that water makes up more than half of your body weight. You lose water each day when you go to the bathroom, sweat, and even when you breathe. You lose water even faster when the weather is really hot, when you’re physically active, or if you have a fever. Vomiting and diarrhea can also lead to rapid water loss. Be sure to actively drink plenty of water to avoid becoming dehydrated. 33
10 Things Covid has taught me about the world I was going to write about 10 things that I’ve learned about Covid, but I realise that after 6 months I still know fewer than ten things – and one of those is that it doesn’t affect pubs until after 10am, which now I come to think of it, doesn’t seem that solid an idea to base a national policy upon. But Covid has definitely taught me some lessons about life: 1. People are resilient It is incredible to think of how much is new – how quickly we have got used to things that would have seemed incredible just seven month ago: Most people working from home and never seeing their colleagues except on a screen; not seeing family as often as we used to; regularly tuning in to the TV to hear new sets of national or regional restrictions on our lives and livelihoods. We have accepted things that would have seemed like science fiction early this year. But this doesn’t mean that we’ve accepted them without cost to ourselves. Whether this is trying to cope with home-schooling when a child’s year-group is self-isolating, or if it means living and working alone without seeing friends and colleagues – these are all very difficult things to do, and we should be proud about how well we’ve adjusted, not how little. 2. Closing things is easier than opening them. Starting a lockdown is easy, provided people know why it’s being done. Remember that sense of togetherness – especially on a Thursday evening, when we thanked the NHS as a community. That seems a long time ago now. As cities and businesses try to open up, one national moment is replaced by several smaller questions: How soon is too soon? How safe is safe enough? Is one type of business safer than another? Why are there www.bristol.gov.uk/libraries-archives such different rules in different places? 34
3. We can buy things more quickly that we thought we could My job is buying goods and services for a university. In the past seven months, we’ve bought more masks, visors and plastic sheeting than we’d ever have though possible as well as new – and found it generally easier to do than we’d imagined, as long as we support and encourage our talented colleagues to do so. 4. Family time is precious We can get too caught up in the regular routine of working lives, and of being busy and ‘out and about’. As we’ve been forced back on to simpler, more local patterns of living, the innate importance of family time – whether in the household or in the extended family becomes ever more critical. You miss it when it isn’t there. 5. I miss cinemas I’ve been to the cinema again – to watch Tenet, which I think I need to see again before I understand it. It felt good to do so, and to be honest it felt completely safe and well-managed, but very few other people were there. The experience is lessened when it’s not in a group, which is why it’s doubly sad that our local Cineworld has closed, until at least next year. We need it back.
6. Nature is vital There is nothing better than a walk in a park or in woodland. This is now a more regular part of more people’s lives, partly for want to many other things to do. This will leave a legacy. I do think this will lead to a greater recognition of the importance of open spaces, and people trying to walk and cycle where they can. 7. Poor communications is disastrous Most people respond well to a clear message. This happened in March and April pretty well. But people respond much less well to instructions and requests that are not clear. The more complex a message is (How many people am I allowed to meet inside, outside or in a park?), the more likely it is that people will stop listening.
At the time of writing, we are comparatively lucky in Bristol in not having the sort of local-versus-national conflict that is currently affecting many cities in the North of England, but it feels only a matter of time. 9. People haven’t had enough of experts
There have been some very unclear messages – telling people on a Thursday that the pubs might close on Monday is a particularly stupid thing to do, especially if the pubs don’t actually close on Monday because the message has changed again by then.
One of the most interesting aspects of the debate about Covid is the extent to which people still respect the science. Medical experts are more trusted and held in much higher esteem than politicians, and rightly so. In my most positive moments, I wonder if this might lead to a fundamental shift towards more factual policy discussion, and an end to the face-free Trumpy fantasies that have afflicted political debate for too long.
8. Losing people’s trust is catastrophic
10. I love Brislington people
Dominic Cummings has a lot to answer for. Many of were prepared to put up with a lot as long as we believed that ‘we were all in it together’. The moment this was lost, everything else started to fall apart. The UK has handled trust worse than most other nations.
We can be proud of how our community has responded. We have helped each other – collected prescriptions, delivered food, kept in contact in various ways, stayed positive. That has made a huge difference. Stay safe, Rob Logan, Brislington West
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Bristol City Centre Business Improvement District (BID) to outline key milestones at annual meeting 7000 hours of additional street cleaning in response to COVID-19 COVID-19 Hub to support businesses and residents New City Centre BID police officer Launch of #BristolTogether supporting businesses as they safely reopen
Bristol City Centre's BID for Covid-19 recovery The Bristol City Centre Business improvement District (BID) will this week host its annual levy payer meeting online, outlining projects and achievements of the last 12 months including its rapid response to the Covid-19 pandemic in order to support businesses in the city centre. Throughout the pandemic, the City Centre BID team has worked to keep the city safer, cleaner and welcoming for all, whilst representing businesses in discussions with the local authority, police and other partners. This week's meeting for the BID's 763 levy payers will provide an update on how funds have been spent to deliver value for Bristol city centre and its businesses. Disinfecting high contact locations to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission has been a key area of activity and resource and saw Bristol attract national media attention as one of the first cities to be actively managing the safety of public spaces. The highly responsive BID cleansing team continues to provide daily cleaning across the city centre. In the last year they have spent over 7,000 hours deep-cleansing pavements, doorways and business frontages, including washing over 170 doorways every day. The team has also recently completed training in the use of specialist chemicals to enable removal of ingrained graffiti from buildings with limestone facades, saving levy payers’ money and improving the look and feel of the area. 36
Bristol City Centre BID this year funded a new, dedicated city centre police officer working to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in the BID area. He is supported by a new streetwise officer who has helped more than 60 people move to a life away from the streets. In addition, the new TAP for Bristol contactless donation scheme raised £30,000 since its launch in September last year to directly support homeless people and those at risk of homelessness. Two safeguarding marshals 1400 hours of patrolling the city centre streets, focussing on unoccupied property during the lockdown period. Alongside Bristol street pastors, who are also supported by the BID, they offer a friendly face and can report issues and incidents to get them quickly resolved. In February, the BID launched Bristol Light Festival - one of the city's most successful events this year. The Festival attracted 100,000 additional visitors to the city centre with an average spend of £59 per person. In total, the campaign reached over 72.1 million people and brought an economic benefit to the city of £5.8 million. Planning is now underway for Bristol Light Festival 2021 with a revised programme taking into account all COVID-19 guidance.
As the city began to safely reopen this summer, the City Centre BID developed and delivered the city-wide ‘Bristol together' campaign which made its name with 374 socially distanced hearts in Queen Square, College Green & Castle Park. The hearts featured in 127 media outlets worldwide and reached over 61 million people. Led by Bristol City Centre BID in partnership with Visit Bristol, Business West, Broadmead BID, the One City Economy Board and Bristol City Council, the campaign continues to support economic recovery through its promotion of Bristol as a safe and welcoming place for all. Ongoing cost savings have been achieved for levy payers through a range of projects and initiatives including the BID's collaborative waste contract with Veolia which has seen increased recycling rates and an average of 31% cost saving for businesses. Speaking ahead of the annual meeting, which is being held online via Zoom on Wednesday 14 October 2020 at 10am, Keith Rundle, Operations Director at Bristol City Centre BID said: "Like the businesses and organisations we represent, this year we have adapted and reacted to the unprecedented challenges brought about by COVID-19 and to support our levy payers. It is now more important than ever that we work together to promote the Bristol city centre as a safe and welcoming place and to encourage people to spend time here.
We continue to build on our ‘Bristol together' campaign along with our key partners to deliver real impact for city centre businesses. We were humbled and delighted by the love shown for our Bristol Hearts - not just here in our great city but around the world. "As Bristol City Centre BID's third year comes to a close, we want to build on the successes so far and continue to introduce creative and exciting initiatives to promote this fantastic city of ours. The Bristol Light Festival was an excellent example of how events can bring more people into the city and we hope to be able to take this on further next year, safely and in accordance with COVID-19 restrictions." Bristol BID is funded by city centre businesses and is one of five BIDs in Bristol and one of 300 across the country. Nationally BIDs generate over £750m which is invested in delivering local initiatives and improvements above those mandated by local authorities. Levy payers of Bristol City Centre BID can register their place for the annual meeting here. Key projects and highlights from the BID's third year are summarised in this short video
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