Clevedon &Yatton
June/July Issue
THE LOCAL MONTHLY MAGAZINE DELIVERED DOOR TO DOOR
HERE FOR THE COMMUNITY
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EDITOR’S NOTE
FIND US ON
Longer days and lighter evenings are with us once again, bringing with them a welcome list of activities and events. While the seasonal calendar might not be as full as in pre-2020 years, there’s still plenty planned for the coming months, including the return of several popular and much-missed happenings, from the Seaside Cinema at Salthouse Fields to Theatre Shop’s fun productions and an all-new series of food and craft fayres. I’m sure I’m not the only one crossing fingers and toes that these much-needed events get the green light to go ahead and I look forward to seeing you at as many of them as possible. A huge thank you to everyone involved in organising anything aimed at bringing a little summer cheer to the
town, including the eat:Clevedon and Clevedon Literary Festival events, both of which were great ways of ushering in summer. June and July are also wonderful months to enjoy the abundance of natural beauty on our doorsteps. If you’re tempted to finally get outdoors after what feels like a lifetime spent staring at four walls, you’ll find information inside on the wonderful maps appearing around town featuring information on Clevedon walks to try and an update on the tidal trail planned for North Somerset. Enjoy your summer, however you choose to spend it. Until next month,
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community news first
New maps take town in the right direction
Finding your way around Clevedon, reading up on local fascinating facts and discovering new walks has become much more fun throughout lockdown thanks to a set of 12 large-sized maps that have been installed at strategic locations across town.
The brightly coloured and highly useful creations are the work of local artist, illustrator and designer Emily Moran. They were commissioned by the Clevedon Business Improvement District (BID), which decided to make improving signage around the town, together with setting up the Discover Clevedon website, among its priorities. “They’ve been a fun job to do,” Emily said. “It’s lovely to see them around town – in fact, it’s difficult to go anywhere without seeing one now!” Installed by North Somerset Council, the maps are located at some of Clevedon’s most popular points, places of interest and locations where directions can be useful, including the bandstand, the bowls club, the skatepark and
St Andrew’s church. Aside from brightening up the town, they include valuable information for visitors, such as how to get from one point to another, and suggested walks, which can also be downloaded free of charge from the Discover Clevedon website. As a Clevedon resident, Emily was able to combine her local knowledge with help from Ordnance Survey and Google Maps to come up with the designs, working digitally with vectors and Adobe Illustrator. While being
familiar with many of the pathways, thanks to her love of walking, she admitted, with a smile, to now possessing something akin to an encyclopaedic knowledge of the town’s roads. Tom Vaughan, Chair of the Clevedon BID said: “We wanted maps that captured some of the character of the town and helped people understand the best walking routes. Emily has done a fantastic job designing these maps, all of which are individually customised for their location.” Asked if she had a favourite, Emily confessed to having a soft spot for the map by the bandstand.
“When it’s photographed, that particular map looks amazing, with Clevedon Pier in the background,” she explained. “But then, the entire project was made enjoyable and easier than it might have been simply because Clevedon is such a beautiful town.”
Emily was commissioned to create the maps by Clevedon BID
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commmunity news
A new Fastback service being offered by North Somerset Libraries enables fiction lovers to beat the queues for the latest bestsellers. Fastbacks are extra copies of new entries to the hardback bestseller charts, with popular titles from top authors like Victoria Hislop, Richard Osman and James Patterson among those on the list. They have a loan period of one week, aren’t reservable or renewable, to ensure as many people as possible get to enjoy them, but can be returned to any Libraries West library. Fastback titles are available at Clevedon, Yatton, Portishead, Nailsea and Weston libraries, with new entries to the top 10 fiction charts added each week. Keep your eyes peeled for the Fastback logo to make use of this new service.
Residents reveal appetite for local food festival Taking place on Saturday May 15, the first eat:Clevedon food and drink festival was hailed a great success by organisers, participants and visitors alike, with even the weather choosing to be kind during a month that at best could be described as decidedly wet. “We had a wonderful welcome to Clevedon on Saturday - even the sun shone for us!” organisers Bev and Sarah Milner Simonds said. “The feedback from our producers and visitors has been very positive, with everyone enjoying the two-centre festival set up.” Commissioned by eat:Festivals’ local partner Clevedon BID, the free, one-day event brought together entertainers and quality producers from across Somerset, set out across two open-air locations, namely Alexandra Road and Queen’s Square. The eat team successfully delivered six socially distanced and Covid-secure events between lockdowns in 2020, with forthcoming food and drink festivals including a Portishead market planned for Saturday August 14. For more information, go to www.eatfestivals. org.
The importance of storing your will By Nicola Richardson
Most people are aware of the importance of making a Will. However, many underestimate the importance of registering the existence of the Will and its safe storage. A lot of families can be hesitant to discuss making a Will or discussing it after it has been made, often due to a perceived element of morbidity around the conversation or fear of starting an argument. Even when a Will is made and communicated to the family, its location could be forgotten or changed over time. This can result in family members feeling like they have not carried out their loved one’s wishes. We offer secure storage of all documents and addition to the Certainty National Will Register. When a Will is placed into storage you are given retrieval
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certificates to pass on to your executors so that they can access the Will when required. If for any reason, there is doubt of the existence of the Will a simple check of the Certainty National Will Register will establish its existence. There are many reasons for storing your Will other than the risk of it not being found and your wishes then not being met. It is not unheard of for Wills to vanish if a previous Will or the intestacy rules are more beneficial to a particular family member. If you would like more information regarding making a Will or storage, please call Nicola on 01275 851056 or email nicola@richardsonswills. co.uk www.richardsonswills.co.uk
A Professional Will Writing Service Putting plans in place to help your loved ones once you’re gone is so important. Richardson’s Wills will help you to make the right plans for you and your family.
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community news first
Work set to begin on next phase of tidal trail Work is set to begin this summer on the local section of the North Somerset Tidal Trail, which begins at the River Avon, Portishead and follows the coast to Poets’ Walk, Clevedon. The route is part of the North Somerset section of the England Coast Path National Trail, a country-wide project launched in partnership with Natural England aimed at providing the public with
access to walking routes along the entire coast of England. Work is already under way on the section of the North Somerset trail between Woodspring Priory and Uphill, with the installation of signage, ramps and new gates progressing and resurfacing taking place. North Somerset Council said that once these sections are established, 24 of the 32 miles of the North Somerset Tidal Trail will be ready for the official opening of this part of the England Coast Path National Trail later this year or in early 2022. The council hopes that the trail
will provide local people with opportunities to explore more of North Somerset, while also increasing visitor numbers to the coastline and towns.
The Portishead to Clevedon route is part of the North Somerset section of the England Coast Path National Trail Photos by Bob Cartwright (left) and Les Baker (above)
A perfect reason for planting There’s still time to enter the Clevedon Yeo Rotary Summer Gardens competition and get planting for a good cause. You can choose from two categories: formal gardens and fun gardens. Entry is just £5. The competition will be judged in late June/early July. Email the Clevedon Yeo Rotary secretary at steviemolloy@aol.com to find out more. Last year’s green-fingered winners
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community news
Dental team brace themselves for triathlon Staff at Combe Road Dental Practice are preparing to get their teeth into a team triathlon for a good cause in June by walking, cycling and swimming to raise money for the British Red Cross Society. The 15-strong group will cycle 100 miles, walk 50 miles and swim five miles between them, with the aim of raising a targeted £1000 to help some of the world’s poorer countries as they battle the Covid-19 pandemic.
Clevedon resident Trudy Stone and the rest of the Combe Road Dental Practice staff ahead of their challenge
Dental nurse and Clevedon resident Trudy Stone said the challenge provided a great opportunity for the team to regroup and have a laugh, while raising money.
are trying to cope without the assistance we’ve had and who are really struggling right now.”
“I’ve travelled to India and other countries where there’s severe poverty, but always found the people I’ve met to be incredibly kind,” she said. “We’ve been really fortunate to have had the NHS to look after us throughout the pandemic and support made available to workers and businesses. This is an opportunity to help those who
Trudy is organising the routes for her fellow walkers and cyclists, while Strode Leisure Centre is kindly allowing the swimmers to do their lengths in the pool there free of charge. Anyone who’d like to donate to the team’s fundraising campaign can do so by visiting their JustGiving page or simply drop money in at the dental surgery.
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Clevedon Care – a community service Clevedon Care is a registered charity that offers a friendly and confidential service to residents of the local community. They have been helping people to access medical services for over 30 years. Their volunteer drivers take clients to hospitals, GP surgeries, dentists, opticians and other service providers both locally and further afield, including Bristol, Weston-super-Mare, Bath and Taunton seven days a week. Drivers use their own cars, pick up clients from their homes, drive them to their appointments and then return them home. You are welcome to contact their office on 01275 343677 if you think they can be of service to you. Their Duty Officers are currently available every weekday morning between 9.30am and 12.30pm to help with your enquiry. Clevedon Care are also looking to increase their team of volunteer drivers and office staff, so if you have some spare time please get in touch - they would love to hear from you.
www.harbourfamilylaw.co.uk
community news
Revival is music to everyone’s ears They say music has the power to bring people together and the newly launched Clevedon Community Bandstand is certainly proof of this. Although it may be many decades since bandstands regularly rang out with the sound of musicians performing to a gathered public, Maureen Ni Fiann and Cinzia Apreda aim to revive this former staple of British life in the heart of Clevedon. Both Maureen and Cinzia only met a few months ago by chance while practising yoga in Clevedon’s bandstand on a rainy day. “That day I saw a rainbow in the sky as I went down and knew it was a good sign,” said Maureen. As the pair got talking, they both shared a desire to do something for the community involving the bandstand and live music. Soon, after approaching Clevedon Literary Festival with the idea, a positive reception saw the Clevedon Community Bandstand added to the line-up of events. “Everyone was very welcoming at Clevedon Literary Festival, and Arts Council funding was included,” said Maureen, adding that this helped her
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and Cinzia put together a programme that included paid professional musicians. As a crocheter in her spare time, Cinzia came up with the idea to also decorate the bandstand, which took place on Saturday May 29. The bandstand decorating event was an open invitation to the public to take part, with the aim, said Maureen, of giving everyone a reason to enjoy something after all the difficult times of the pandemic. As well as textile flower contributions from Spinning Weal, the painted stone snake known as the Clevedon Cobra also brought its colourful presence to the event. After putting together an incredible line-up of local musicians for June 12 as part of the Clevedon Literary Festival, Maureen and Cinzia have their sights set on making the bandstand a platform for live music on a regular basis. “It’s a long-term project,” said Maureen. To keep up to date on the latest news and happenings, follow Clevedon Community Bandstand on Facebook.
The bandstand has been decorated with textile flower contributions
Maureen and Cinzia met while practising yoga in the bandstand
community news first A look back at the bandstand’s history According to local historian Jane Lilly, the bandstand on the Green Beach is one of four erected in Clevedon over the past 150 years. Beforehand, the local band would play while strolling through the village and along the sea front. Completed in October 1887, the bandstand commemorated Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. Designed by a member of the Local Board of Health, Mr E G Rivers and erected by builder William Green, its structure is ingenious, the roof being supported on eight standard street-light columns.
Thank goodness for Neads a Coffee! In a location removed from the hustle and bustle of life, the Neads a Coffee Hut is a place not only for a great selection of drinks and bites to eat but also for true community spirit. “We would like to offer something wholesome and good which supports local businesses,” said Annie Dybowski, who with her partner Megan Sinden took over the running in April this year. “We’re also conscious of our footprint,” added Annie, noting “we try and buy cups and utensils that are biodegradable and recycle as much as possible.” As well as good quality coffee from Nespresso on the menu, and a range of alternative milks, there are tempting cakes, treats and sweets, homemade or locally sourced where possible. In line with this ethos, this is not the place to find carbonated drinks like CocaCola or Sprite, but rather innovative refreshments, such as the recent half term special, freak shakes, made with milk from regional dairies as well as iced coffees. “We’re bringing new things out all the time,” said Annie, citing afternoon teas and takeaway kids’ lunch packs as a recent addition to the menu. “We hope
to add more weekend specials and offers, to keep the menu fresh and exciting!” Megan added.
Megan at the Neads a Coffee Hut
Customers can enjoy sitting at the upcycled Singer Sewing tables but can also order a takeaway. “Anyone wanting a picnic to enjoy in the fields or to take to the beach can preorder with us,” said Annie, who is also keen to see the Neads a Coffee Hut become a spot for informal community activities. To find out the latest news, follow Neads a Coffee Hut on Facebook, and for a warm welcome and a fresh take on time out, pass by the Neads a Coffee Hut on Knowles Road. Megan and Annie would also like to thank all the support they have received so far and everyone who has donated and helped them support Clevedon District Foodbank by raising over £400.
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community news
Plastic Free Clevedon begins seasonal beach cleans With lockdown rules easing, Plastic Free Clevedon (PFC) held two beach cleans over the weekend of May 22-23, in which small groups collected rubbish and debris from across the seafront weighing in at more than 7.5 kg. Sweet wrappers, cider cans and sauce sachets were amongst some of the most common offending items. The total weight of litter collected was recorded and added to the Surfers Against Sewage Debris Tracker and Brand Audit data, allowing it to be used for national research. PFC is a group of local volunteers who work to free the town from single-use plastic and help reduce the community’s impact on the environment. With litter expected to increase as lockdown eases and over the summer holidays, the group is calling on both local people and visitors alike to be more responsible with their rubbish. It will also be hosting regular cleans – at least one a month – to tackle the litter challenge. Anyone interested in getting involved can find out more by checking their events page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ PlasticFreeClevedon.
Next beach clean date is Sunday, June 27 at noon. Sign-up is required. For more information, email plasticfreeclevedon@gmail.com.
Sharing is caring for Clevedon Aid Grassroots support group Clevedon Aid has made several donations to other community organisations in recent months, including purchasing hi-vis and weatherproof gear for Clevedon’s Community Resilience Group (CR), who stand at the ready to help residents in emergencies during adverse weather or environmental issues. As a thank you to MARLENS, the charity that maintains the Marine Lake, Clevedon Aid donated gloves, special brooms and a drain cleaner. Teaming up with the Clevedon-based charity and youth organisation, The Jack Hazeldine Foundation (JHF), Clevedon Aid allocated £4000 of the £26,000 grant it received from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (part of the National Lottery Community Fund) to the charity. The two organisations are forming an alliance to work together to provide Covid-19 recovery and support for local young people disproportionately affected by the pandemic. The funds allocated to The JHF will be used for bespoke mental health and outdoor learning workshops for young people that will take place this spring/summer. Clevedon Aid has made donations to MARLENS, the Community Resilience Group and The Jack Hazeldine Foundation
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community news
Pull someone’s leg for a great cause Wrong Trousers Day is back on Friday July 2, giving everyone the perfect excuse to dress in the silliest style possible for a good cause. A highlight of The Grand Appeal’s calendar, this fun event sees favourite cine characters Wallace and Gromit urging us once again to don the most ludicrous legwear for a day as a way of raising
funds for the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children. Rest assured your donations will help support sick children and their families through the toughest of times. Donating has been made as easy as possible this year - simply text 70085 and: 1WTD to donate £1; 5WTD to donate £5; and 10WTD to donate £10. Don’t forget to share your photos and stories on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn, tagging The Grand Appeal using #WrongTrousersDay.
what’s on
Food & Craft Field Fayres
After having to cancel all events in 2020 and the North Somerset Show again for 2021 in the wake of Covid, the North Somerset Agricultural Society is launching a new Food & Craft Field Fayre with the hope of reigniting the region’s passion for local producers and bringing together a family-friendly crowd. The Food & Craft Field Fayre will celebrate creative makers and food producers from the South West and will take place at the North Somerset Showground on several dates this summer, with the first of these happening on June 26. Others will follow on July 10, August 7 and 21, and September 4, while September 18 will see a ‘countryside showcase’ - a new event for the society – take place, featuring workshops and countryside crafts and traditions on show.
cancelled for the last two years.
“We also wanted to provide something which the local community could come along and enjoy in a Covidsafe environment as the event will be outdoors.”
The field fayres will be free to attend and will see around 30 different businesses from across the region set up stalls. North Somerset Agricultural Society secretary Tim Ledbury said: “We wanted to do something to give back to our stallholders who have supported us over the years and also to give them an opportunity to trade, especially as the main show has been
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Getting in the
s
Nicholas Garrick and Łukasz Szejka at Clevedon Distillery,
If you thought the word gin could only be used in the same sentence as tonic, London and Dry, then it’s time to think again. Once seen largely as the preferred tipple of everyone’s elderly aunt, this distilled juniper-based spirit has been enjoying a new lease of life in recent years, thanks to the creativity and innovation of next-generation producers and building up a vast fan base of converts in the process. On a local level, Clevedon-based producers Nicholas Garrick and partner Łukasz Szejka are quickly cementing their status as ones to watch by bottling up a bit of the town, as they put it, at The Clevedon Distillery, home of their prized Pier Gin creations. Nicholas explained that the distillery, which they launched in April 2021, has provided a wonderful opportunity to bring several of their passions to fruition in one delightful bottle or glass. “I love experimenting with flavours, so I’ve been really excited about the opportunity to get creative with our gins,” he said. “It’s also been incredibly satisfying to discover how many botanicals are on our doorstep in our beloved Clevedon - wild fennel, seaweed, gorse - and be able to use them in our production.” Supporting local businesses and growers is also something both Nicholas and Łukasz feel very strongly about, whether it’s when buying from The Veg Shop or watching a
film at the Curzon. Minimising their carbon footprint is another priority, so knowing they’re buying from producers nearby is a win-win in that respect. “Our goal is to ensure Pier Gins are as environmentally friendly and local as possible, not only with the products that go into them, but also other items, such as the beeswax we use to seal our bottle caps and experts that have offered us invaluable advice – it’s about making conscious choices in our sourcing, production and marketing,” Nicholas said. The team are now preparing to launch their latest offering, a superb summer creation named Pier Gin: Garden, in timely fashion on June 21. This seasonal gin is a delectable mix of gooseberry, underpinned by a herby hit of sage and a hint of sweetness, courtesy of Borage Honey from Waggle and Hum – perfect when sipped at sunset with soda water, ice and a sprig of rosemary. Pier Gin: Garden will take its place alongside two varieties already available from The Clevedon Distillery, both of which are quickly garnering a following. The Classic brings together core vapour-infused botanicals, including juniper, coriander, angelica and lemon peel, with a top note of orris root, and is best served with a top tonic and a zest of lime according to Nicholas. Alongside
spirit of things home of Pier Gins, are living and loving their local dream it stands the Coastal, the distillery’s homage to spring, melding elderflower, wild fennel and gorse, and inspired by long walks on bright, early-month and spring days. Other seasonally inspired creations in the pipeline include Woodland for autumn, bringing together earthy notes of elderberry, tart rowneberry and fruity plum, set for release on September 21, and a wonder for winter in the form of Shoreline, which we can look forward to on December 1. Nicholas explained that it was during a trip around Wales last summer between lockdowns spent visiting several micro distillers that he and Łukasz decided to make their dream of opening a distillery a reality. “We came back fired up, giving ourselves just a few months to get the idea off the ground,” he said. Both are already successful business operators in their own right, but lockdown’s slower tempo gave them an opportunity to sharpen their focus on this new, joint project. “My background is in education and engineering, while Łukasz runs a hair and style business, so I think the idea of a gin distillery somehow seemed to be the perfect marriage of technical and creative elements for us,” he said, adding with a laugh that they’d both long loved gin in their roles as consumers. Researching, training and trying out their products on family and friends were all aspects of lockdown life, with Nicholas admitting that they’re “still discovering things”. “The process has been really enjoyable. We’ve been very lucky and met some amazing people, especially Joe at Chew Vallery Distillery, whose stills we’re currently using” he said. Next step, he added, is to find a premises in Clevedon for them to house their distillery – something he hopes will soon be finalised, so watch this space. For more information on Clevedon Distillery’s services and to order from the online shop, which includes click and collect, or find local stockists, go to www.clevedondistillery. com.
what’s on
Time to act for Summer 2021 News that Theatre Shop will be offering a full summer season of live performances in a covid-secure format, including some free events in Queens Square, has got to be something to smile about. And smiles are expected to evolve into full-blown laughter at the venue’s first live comedy night on June 25, which will bring together some of the best stand-up comedians from across the country, curated and compered by Sally-Anne Hayward. Other events to look forward to include Living Spit’s Beauty and the Beast (until June 17, 7.30pm, age 12) and David Mynne’s one-man performance of the Canterbury Tales (July 9, 7.30pm, age 12+). Queen’s Square will be the venue for Scratchworks Theatre Company’s The Grimm Sisters (July 23, age 5+) and the Last Baguette – King Arthur (July 28, also age 5+). More details will follow on both these events. You’ll find Theatre Shop at Unit 5, Queens Square, in the pedestrianised area behind B&M Bargains, tucked between Superdrug and Boots. Capacity for all shows is still greatly reduced to allow for social distancing, so tickets are limited and expected to sell out quickly. Keep up to date at www.theatreshop.org.uk.
Upcoming events include free performances in Queens Square
July craft fayre
A craft fayre is being held on July 10 from 11am to 3pm at Yatton Rugby Club to raise funds for a trio of cancer charities, namely: Breast Cancer Now; Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust; and Ovarian Cancer Action. The fayre will provide an opportunity to buy art and crafts directly from local producers, with food and a tombola also available. For more information or to book a stall, call Donna on 07730 487554.
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what’s on
Seaside Cinema makes a welcome return After an absence in 2020 due to the pandemic, the Curzon Cinema’s popular Seaside Cinema event is making a welcome return this summer. Taking place at Salthouse Fields, from Thursday July 8 to Sunday July 11, this year’s programme is bigger and better than ever, promising a fabulous experience in a beautiful setting beside Clevedon’s Marine Lake and sea front. The Curzon has utilised its Cultural Recovery Funding to pull off this set of community-based events, allowing it to host what it calls “a positive celebration that is long overdue”. This year, an LED screen will allow films to be shown at any time of day rather than having to wait until the sun goes down, which has allowed a brilliant line-up of eight screenings over the four days to be
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put together, starting with cult 1980s classic Back to the Future on July 8. In addition to muchloved family favourites, the films on show include Against the Tides, an awardwinning feature-length documentary that follows marathon swimmer and world record holder Beth French, who will be in attendance for a talk after the screening, as well as a series of short films curated by Clevedon Skate Park and Curzon Cinema that explore the vibrant communities that surround skateboarding, roller-skating and BMX riding. In tandem with the latter, from 10am to 4pm on the same day, activities will also take place at the skate park, namely skateboarding sessions with Keep Rolling Company funded by The Barn, free flatland BMX coaching sessions with Fusion Extreme paid for by The Veg Box and creative ‘zine making workshops with It’s Okay Proj funded by the YMCA. Ticket holders for all Seaside Cinema
screenings are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket or camping chair, with food and drink available at the site and plenty of space to spread out. Full details and timings of all screenings can be found at www.curzon.org.uk. To grab free tickets for the coaching and workshops visit www. clevedonskateproject.com or follow them on social media @ClevedonSkateProject.
Screenings Thu 8 July 7.30pm Back to the Future (PG) Fri 9 July 4.30pm Up (U) Fri 9 July 8pm Bohemian Rhapsody (12A) Sat 10 July 10am Finding Nemo (U) Sat 10 July 1.30pm The Lion King (1994) (U) Sat 10 July 4.30pm Clevedon Skate Project X Curzon: Creativity on Wheels (age rating tbc) Sat 10 July 8pm Mamma Mia (PG) Sun 11 July 10am Swimming Under the Sky: Against the Tides + talk with Beth French (12A)
feature
Have you made a Will during lockdown? Wards Solicitors will check it, for free Laura Jakeways, Wills and Probate Partner, Wards
and not necessarily as you wanted.
it’s challenged in the future
Family disputes over Wills, already growing in number, are expected to rise further this year, with the popularity of DIY Wills considered a key factor.
• Explain wealth preservation steps to maximise tax relief and minimise liability for Inheritance Tax.
As the DIY Will market is unregulated, there is nowhere to go for legal comeback if something goes wrong. How we can help
The pandemic has prompted many people, young and old, to get their affairs in order by writing a Will. In fact, recent figures showed the demand for online Wills rocketed by 267% in 2020, with many keen to get the ball rolling with a DIY version, easily bought online. But making a Will is not always straightforward. Family set-ups can be complicated and the legal process for correctly drawing up a Will is strict. What can go wrong with a DIY will? At face value, a DIY online Will can look attractively cheap. But the real cost can end up being disproportionately high if it turns out that the Will has been incorrectly drawn up and is therefore declared invalid. For example, if your Will is not signed or witnessed correctly, your estate may end up being treated as if you had died without making a Will at all. This is called dying intestate and means your estate is left to your next of kin in a fixed order, decided by law
Get in touch To find out more, speak to our Wills and Probate Partner Laura Jakeways in our Portishead office on 01275 850460 or email info@ wards.uk.com
At Wards, we will check your DIY Will for free. Our team is highly experienced and qualified, and most are members of Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE) and the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). Both organisations require the highest standards from their members with proven qualifications and experience. A correctly drawn-up Will is an inexpensive way of avoiding difficulties for your family and friends after your death and brings peace of mind by putting you in control of your estate. We will: • Review your DIY Will for free to make sure it has been drawn up correctly • Advise you how to amend it if necessary, to protect your wishes • Ensure your Will is as robust as possible, in case
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education
Headteacher appointed for new North Somerset school The Clevedon Learning Trust (CLT) has appointed a headteacher for Chestnut Park Primary School, which is set to welcome its first Reception class when it opens in September. Tamara Dexter will be actively involved in preparations for opening the school, before taking up her position at the start of the new academic year. A class teacher has also been appointed for North Somerset’s newest school, which will serve Yatton’s North End community, including the Bloor Homes and Eaton Park housing developments. Commenting when the announcement was made, Tamara said: “I am incredibly excited to work with the Trust and team at Chestnut Park to open the school and ensure it moves from strength to strength, providing only the very best educational experiences for the children. I very much
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look forward to working in unison with the school community to ensure pupils become knowledgeable, responsible and resilient citizens who positively contribute to the world around them.” Parents can still apply for a Reception place for their child. Applications should be made through the North Somerset Council School Admissions website, www.nsomerset.gov.uk/my-services/schoolslearning/school-admissions.
Pictured left: Headteacher Tamara Dexter
home and garden
Battling bloat
This month, Vale Vets share Luther’s story - a tail with a happy ending thankfully, which includes a thank you letter from his grateful owner After
Before
risk increases in older animals; and if animals are related to dogs that have suffered from bloat previously. Symptoms to look out for include drooling, distended or bloated abdomen, retching, your dog looking anxious, staring at its abdomen or stretching repeatedly. If you see any of these signs, please call your vet immediately for emergency attention.
“I just wanted to write and say a massive thank you to all the wonderful staff at Vale Vets. It was a year ago yesterday, in the middle of the night and in a full lockdown, that Luther was rushed into the surgery with bloat and a full torsion, and underwent major surgery and a stomach stitch. That was the longest night of my life and I really feared the worst, but thanks to my quick action and your amazing work Luther was back home with me the next evening. He is a totally different dog since his surgery – no more nausea or diarrhoea. The food sensitivities have gone and he is generally a calmer, happier dog. He gets so excited when he comes to see you guys there is huge disappointment if it’s just a weigh in! His reactivity has also changed; he happily greets people he knows and men are not the trigger they once were.
Measures to reduce the risk include: feeding two or three smaller meals a day (as opposed to one large meal); not exercising your dog within two or three hours of them eating; and preventative gastropexy, sometimes performed at the same time as neutering in large breeds.
I wish I had found your practice sooner; the way Luther is handled and your staff ’s extensive knowledge of behaviour makes him a happy and comfortable dog when he visits. You give him the time he needs and he always has the option to move away if he is not comfortable. You take notice of his body language and respond accordingly, but most of all, your amazing surgery saved his life and improved his wellbeing. Thank you.” What is bloat and how can I prevent it? Bloat - also referred to as GDV (gastric dilation-volvulus) - is a life-threatening condition in dogs. It most commonly occurs in large, deep-chested dogs. This condition is commonly associated with being fed large meals, which causes the stomach to dilate, expand and scarily often twist. Risk factors include: breed; being fed one single meal per day; age – the
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home and garden
Heaven scent By Elly West, a garden designer. For more details, visit www.ellyswellies.co.uk. Our sense of smell is extremely powerful and aromatherapists have long extolled the benefits of different fragrances for improving our mood and wellbeing. A strong scent can instantly bring back a forgotten memory and floral notes are the most popular in the perfume industry. For this reason, I nearly always try to include scented plants in my garden designs near the areas where clients want to sit and relax. At this time of year and onwards into summer, it’s easy to find flowers that are full of fragrance. Roses are bursting into bloom this month, along with lavender, sweet peas and lily-of-the-valley. Honeysuckle is a fast-growing climber that’s great for fences near to a seating area, and is beneficial to wildlife as well. The flowers will attract bees and pollinators, while birds will enjoy its berries later in the season, plus the dense shelter it provides. Trachelospermum jasminoides is another scented climber, which has the benefit of glossy, semi-evergreen leaves, and will quickly clothe a pergola or fence. Enjoy fragrant plants by placing them near paths, seating areas and walkways, or in pots next to the front door. Don’t forget leaves for fragrance, as well as those with scented flowers. Mint and lemon balm spring to mind, but both are fairly rampant growers so need to be contained. Salvia, rosemary and perovskia all have leaves that produce a fragrance when brushed against or crushed.
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Plant of the month Lavender
Instantly recognisable for both its scent and appearance, lavender is an English country garden staple and for good reason. The silvery evergreen leaves provide structure all year round and its versatility means it can be grown as a hedge, in a pot, in a herb garden or as part of a mixed border in both contemporary and traditional schemes. The flowers are loved by bees and are generally shades of purple, but there are also pink and white varieties. Some forms are more compact than others, so better suited to hedging. Hicote is the classic English lavender and has a neat and tidy habit, while Grosso is much larger and more sprawling. There are also French varieties (pictured) with ‘ears’ on top of the flowers, although these tend to be a little trickier to grow and need frost protection in colder areas. Lavenders are originally from the Mediterranean region where they are found growing wild in dry, exposed and rocky areas. As such, they will do best on free-draining soil in full sun. Always make sure you cut them back hard after flowering, using a pair of shears, and chopping off the flower stems and firmly into the new leaves to keep plants flowering well in subsequent years and to stop them getting woody.
wellbeing
Ways to take care of your mental health in June By Clare Drake
live music and yoga at the bandstand!
Learn a creative skill
As we all know, easing out of lockdown can seem anxietyinducing for a lot of us - so here are some ways to take it slow and care for our mental wellbeing in the coming month!
Being stuck indoors during lockdown urged me to learn a new skill, which was calligraphy. It not only helped my boredom, but was also a great reliever for my anxiety. It allows you to slow down and be more present and focused because it’s not easy! It’s also a great way to take time for yourself, which is something we all need - and yet don’t get often enough! Why not look at ways you can learn something new and creative?
Walks
Journalling
Clare Drake is a mental health coach for individuals and business owners who want less stress and more joy in their life and business! You can find her at claredrakecoaching. com or email hello@ claredrakecoaching. com
The Mental Health This is something that my Foundation’s theme this year clients swear by - and helps is nature - and we are lucky them sleep so much better! enough to have so many Journalling or ‘brain dumping’ great places around us here is particularly great if you find in Clevedon to enjoy. The your mind racing before sleep restorative nature of nature and find it difficult to nod helped me hugely during off. Before bed, write down difficult bouts of anxiety last everything on your mind. Just year. My faves are the Yeo River get it out of our head. It’s very walks and Clevedon woods, therapeutic! where I walk my doggies Calvin and Hobbes. If a yellow lab has jumped up and HIGHDALE B&B given you a kiss Built in 1901 close to the centre of Nailsea. I’m sorry! Discover Quality bed Clevedon has a and breakfast great list of walks in comfortable available to us and homely which surroundings. you can check Just 4 miles out at www. from the M5 motorway, 8 miles discoverclevedon. from the centre of Bristol and just 10 co.uk. minutes drive from Bristol Airport and IRL (In Tyntesfield House. Real Life) Rooms are equipped with: activities Free Wi-Fi, LCD TV with DVD player and freeview For example, June • Tea and coffee facilities, Ensuite facilities is welcoming • Free off street parking is also available the return of the Clevedon Literary Tel: 01275 858004 Festival (June 1182 Silver Street , Nailsea 12) - with so many North Somerset BS48 2DS great activities to Email: mail@highdalebb.co.uk enjoy, including Web: www.highdalebb.co.uk art exhibitions,
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wellbeing
Discover a new you with Ladye Bay Aesthetics Launched by Deborah Sawkins, Clevedonbased Ladye Bay Aesthetics is a bespoke clinic for men and women who want to look and feel their best, offering a variety of treatments using scientific and medically approved technologies. For a quick beauty boost, eyelash and brow tints as well as eyelash lifts are available. As Deborah explained, “An eyelash lift can give you a brighter and more awake look,” which is particularly important in an era that finds us wearing masks when out and about and with the eyes the main focal point. For those looking to refine their silhouette ahead of beach season, Deborah offers ultrasound lipolysis, a body contouring treatment that is used to remove fat deposits. Facials are another specialty, including an anti-ageing light and galvanic facial, a brightening and rejuvenating facial and even a tailormade facial. Currently, Deborah is offering a special introductory price of £30 for her one-hour
anti-ageing facial treatment, which usually costs £45. “A lot of people don’t know that our skin starts to lose its elasticity from around 25 years of age,” said Deborah. The anti-ageing facial treatment uses the power of LED light therapy/ microcurrent and massage. “Exposing the skin to three specific wavelengths of light using the certified LED mask activates the skin’s photoreceptors and lets the skin absorb its energy,” said Deborah. “This accelerates cell biochemical circulation and stimulates the production of collagen, while microcurrent and massage helps to tighten and smooth the muscles and
connective tissue in the face by increasing cellular activity.” Deborah added that regular treatments have excellent longerterm effects. For more information, visit www.ladyebayaesthetics.com and follow Ladye Bay Aesthetics on Facebook.
Anti-ageing Facial Treatment Offering our clients the very best in the world of Beauty Technologies and Aesthetics Treatments include : Anti-ageing light & galvanic facial • Brightening & rejuvenating facial Tailormade facials • Eyelash lift • Eyelash & brow tint • Ultrasound lipolysis Anti-ageing Facial Treatment - Normal Price £45 Special Introductory Offer £30 (Discount with code: Living June)
Tel: 07825 338816 web: www.ladyebayaesthetics.com / email: info@ladyebayaesthetics.com 26
wellbeing
Supporting people in their journey to better hearing Staff at Andrew Bird Hearing Limited abide by the simple principle that clients should be at the forefront of everything they do. The independent family-run business prides itself on transforming people’s lives by giving them the gift of sound. But it is the way they do this that makes them stand out from the crowd. Their focus is to greet both old and new clients with a personal service. Its team of certified and experienced audiologists then take the time to get to know clients to better understand their needs.
The 14-year-old business is also completely independent, which means any hearing aids are dispensed purely to better suit the client’s hearing loss and lifestyle. They are not affiliated to any manufacturers, so they are not limited to selling certain products. Owner/director Andrew Bird set up the business on April 23, 2007 to make a difference to people’s lives by focussing on customer service and care, rather than sales and profit. Andrew Bird Hearing works out of Tudball Opticians on Hill Road in Clevedon every Wednesday. They offer free and noobligation hearing tests, as well as ear wax removal. Mr Bird said: “We care about our clients, we always focus on them, they are the most important people. They talk and we listen. “Our main priority is the client’s individual needs. We have never believed in pushy selling tactics or pressure sales; we simply do everything we can to meet their needs.”
The business has continued to grow steadily and increase and improve the range of services it offers. It now employs nine staff, including three registered audiologists, a registered nurse and five office staff. There’s a real ‘family feel’ as Mr Bird remains the owner/director and his wife and brother are members of staff. • Andrew Bird Hearing works out of Tudball Opticians, 95 Hill Road, Clevedon, on Wednesdays from 9am to 5pm. • To make an appointment, call 01242 262551 or email info@andrewbirdhearing.co.uk • For more information visit the website at www.andrewbirdhearing.co.uk
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business Every month McManus Williams Limited answers some of your business and accountancy related questions.
Tax and property This is a highly popular subject with my clients and an area of tax that has seen quite a lot of change in recent years, so I thought it would be useful to provide an update on the key tax considerations for those who own property in the UK. • Individuals are liable to income tax on profits from letting out property after deducting expenses such as mortgage interest, letting agent fees, utility bills and insurance. Note that rental activities are not treated as a ‘trade’, however earnings from furnished holiday lets are - an important
distinction when it comes to certain tax reliefs. • In an effort to level the playing field, the chancellor introduced a restriction on how much tax relief can be claimed by landlords on finance costs. Higher rate tax relief was gradually removed over four years from April 2017, to restrict relief to the basic rate of income tax. Note that finance costs are not restricted for companies, prompting some (particularly higher rate taxpayers) to consider moving properties held personally to a corporate structure to help reduce the tax
burden. • A property allowance of £1000 was introduced, exempting income less than this amount (as an alternative to claiming actual costs). You also have the option of deducting this allowance from any rental income over this amount, rather than calculating and claiming actual costs. • The old 10% Wear and Tear allowance no longer exists and has been replaced with a new relief, allowing all landlords to claim the cost of replacing property furnishings and appliances. Repairs to integral fixtures, such as bathroom and kitchen fittings, continue to be allowable. • Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is payable in accordance with property valuation bands, but with an extra 3% payable on the purchase of additional residential properties. All properties purchased through a company are subject to the extra 3% charge. • Under the rent-a-room scheme you can let out part of your main residence exempt from tax if the amount is less than £7500 per annum. Note that this allowance must be shared between spouses. • Individuals selling their own main residence are exempt from capital gains tax, with generous reliefs also given in respect of periods of absence, where the property may have been let out. This valuable relief can
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generally be preserved where you also make use of your main home for business purposes, providing there is dual private use of business areas. • If you buy, sell or develop property as a trade, then property disposal proceeds will be treated as income rather than as capital gains. • Inheritance Tax (IHT) is payable at 40% on the proportion of your estate valued at more than £325,000. However the main residence ‘nil rate band could remove £175,000 or more of the value of your main residence from IHT, depending on your circumstances. Business assets (commercial properties in use as part of your trade) are generally exempt from IHT by way of Business Property Relief.
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Local Services Tree Surgery
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swifttreesurgery.co.uk • All aspects of tree surgery • Hedge & Shrub Maintenance • Free no-obligation quote • Over 10 years specialist experience • Fully qualified & insured tree surgeons
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Tel: 01275 568 145 or 01275 878 000
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KEV’S CLEANING SERVICES LTD Friendly team of reliable and trustworthy staff
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• We clean all windows inside and outside and always include window sills & frames. • Skylights / solar panels / conservatories and any type of roof. • We offer regular and one off cleans.
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