NOVEMBER 2021
Inside this issue:
Christmas Countdown
Dates for your diary
Lights up!
Check out our new website: livingmagazines.online
Note from the Editor
Note f rom the Editor
Cover Nailsea poppies by Gordon Bennett
Don’t you just love autumn? That first nip in the air and those moments when you come face to face with a rich tapestry of leaves in every shade of green, gold, purple and brown on the colour spectrum – a magnificent sight that reminds us just how lucky we are to live in this part of the world.
Publisher Gordano Media Ltd Editor Miriam Dunn Sales Hazel Walding Contributor Helen Assaf Design & artworking Thea Welsford LivingMagazines.online is proud to be independently published by Gordano Media Ltd Advertise with us... If you’d like to advertise with us in print or online give Hazel a call on 07730 361083/ 01275 849369 or email hazel@gordanomedia.co.uk
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Copy deadline for next edition November 20 Please recyle me Find us on
There’s also plenty happening outside of our homes, as our diary and Christmas Countdown pages confirm. We’re sensing at Living
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that everyone wants to pull out the stops this festive season after such a challenging time and we’re not surprised! Whether you’re looking for Christmas fayres, concerts or want to learn to make your own decorations, we’ve got the details inside and online. Diaries at the ready! Have a great November!
Miriam Dunn Editor
Get in touch Email: miriam@gordanomedia.co.uk Web: livingmagazines.online
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Community News
Flotilla sets sail on final journey
Visitors to St Peter’s Church over the weekend of October 15-17 had an opportunity to look up close at the wonderful contributions created for the Storyboat 700+ project, when the impressive aerial wave-shaped flotilla sculpture holding the boats was lowered, ahead of its dismantling. Delayed by a year, the project, together with a series of activities and events held in June, was organised to mark the church’s 700-year anniversary. A celebratory evening of music and poetry took place on Saturday evening on the theme ‘Journeys’, which was followed by a special Sunday service, before the paper boats were handed over to Lindsay Smith, the curator of the Mindfulness Garden Project, run in conjunction with Portishead Medical Centre. The boats will be buried in the garden to keep the stories alive in the soil. A spokesperson for Storyboat 700+ said, “The project has succeeded in bringing the whole community of Portishead together. Essentially the sharing of the stories of residents, both old and new, has interwoven and they are now preserved for the future.”
Community News
Picture perfect fundraising initiative for Land Yeo Friends A member of The Land Yeo Friends hopes to use his artistic talents to help raise funds for the local volunteer group. David Robinson recently painted the Land Yeo river where it runs through Nailsea on its way to Clevedon. Created with oils, the artwork has been professionally framed by Fizz of Hill Road, Clevedon.
Portishead Cruse to resume its meetings
The Land Yeo Friends work tirelessly to keep the river, which eventually drains into the Bristol Channel, flowing freely. Aside from removing rubbish, they also carefully measure pollutants.
Call for volunteers to broaden services offered in and about town.
David said, “Rivers play a huge part in maintaining our land, providing invertebrates that feed the fish which, in turn, feed birds and mammals, and further up the food chain provide us with food. Many rivers also offer an escape route for flood waters, relieving would-be problems with surface water. These measures are needed more than ever at this time of climate change, when exceptional weather events are causing mayhem throughout the world.”
Portishead Cruse are resuming their bereavement support drop-in sessions: the last Thursday of each month, from November 25. The sessions will take place at the Methodist church building, High Street, Portishead between 10am and noon.
For details of how to buy David’s painting, go to robinsonart.co.uk or artgallerysw.co.uk You can also find out about other ways of supporting The Land Yeo Friends at landyeofriends.org
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The service providers aim to make the sessions as Covid safe as possible, so are requesting that attendees wear a face covering for entering and walking around the building which can be removed once seated, since everyone will then be socially distanced. Pam added that with demand for services having risen sharply in recent months, Cruse is keen to hear from people who would like to train as bereavement volunteers. “We have ideas for expanding our service locally, including a monthly ‘Walk and Talk’, but can only follow through with these supportive activities if we have the necessary resources to do so,” she said.
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Pam Sayer, a representative for the group, said: “Grief feelings can be powerful and unpredictable, and can make those who have lost a loved one feel isolated and vulnerable. Meeting with others who understand can prove to be helpful. Our hope is that the Cruse drop-in will provide a place where those who have been bereaved can feel safe to come to with the knowledge that it is a confidential service in a supportive environment.”
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The support service is available to people living in the Portishead, Pill and Portbury areas. However, hopes are high that a sister support group for residents of Clevedon, Nailsea and Yatton will also resume its walks and sessions in the coming weeks. On this note, the Clevedon group is also keen to acquire new volunteers. To find out more about the training involved in becoming a Cruse volunteer, email bristol@cruse.org.uk. For more general information, visit the Cruse website at cruse.org.uk. Cruse also offer a chat and helpline which is 0808 8081677.
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&
Community News
Paradiso brings an experience to savour
Thought-provoking display for World Polio Day
Bringing the authentic taste of Italy to Nailsea in a familyfriendly environment has powered the popularity of Paradiso in Nailsea’s High Street. Reviews abound that testify to the excellent service that begins with a warm and friendly welcome as visitors step through the door, as if each and every guest were part of the extended family. Just like in Italy, the emphasis is on fresh and healthy food, ensuring that every meal is deliciously satisfying. With an extensive menu of Italian delights to choose from, ranging from firm favourites to more exotic choices, as well as a specially tailored kids menu, it’s no surprise that customers return time and again. Whether a table for two or a larger space for gatherings of family or friends, Paradiso knows how to create the perfect experience. Beyond the vast choice of dishes, an excellent drinks menu, including wines and Champagnes from Italy’s leading producers, not to mention a wide selection of beers, spirits, ciders and soft drinks, allows everyone to find the perfect beverage to complement their meal. Paradiso is open every day for lunch and dinner, except Sunday. To book yourself an Italian treat par excellence, call 01275 855551.
Rotary Nailsea and Backwell reaffirmed the international organisation’s longstanding commitment to eradicating the world of polio with a thought-provoking demonstration on the eve of World Polio Day recently. The group, led by member Chris Broughton, himself a survivor of polio, arranged for an iron lung (tank ventilator) to be exhibited in Tesco car park on Saturday October 23. Iron lungs were the main treatment for polio until the early 1960s. The event also provided an opportunity for its organisers to relay the sombre message that unfortunately, cases of polio have risen again during the Covid-19 pandemic due to the suspension of vaccinations. Before the pandemic hit, the disease was close to being eradicated. Chris also organised the planting of crocus corms at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm. Rotary clubs help to plant millions of purple crocuses every year as part of their End Polio Now global campaign. Purple has close associations with the campaign since it is the colour of the dye painted onto a child’s little finger when they receive their polio drops. The group hopes to raise around £400 locally for the cause from its initiatives.
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Community News
Delicacies delivered door to door
Clevedon Flower Show looking for helping hands The team behind the Clevedon Flower Show are keen to attract new committee members to help organise the 2022 edition of what is traditionally one of the town’s most popular summer events.
Clevedon Lions Club made the difficult decision to suspend their annual harvest social for the second consecutive year and instead deliver teas to the homes of elderly local residents. The move was made against a backdrop of rising Covid cases in the area and concern that the elderly might feel vulnerable in a crowded hall. On a brighter note, recipients were thrilled with their cream teas, which were delivered house to house on Sunday October 24. The goody bags, which numbered around 60, included a scone, jam, clotted cream, tea bag, cup, chocolate, Clevedon Lions calendar and pen and notebook.
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Next year’s show is scheduled to take place over the weekend of August 27-28 at the Salthouse Fields and is expected to be a major draw after decisions were taken to cancel the 2020 and 2021 editions due to the pandemic. The Clevedon Flower Show is non-profit-making, with money raised at one edition used to fund the next event. The committee meet once a month, usually on Monday evenings at 7pm upstairs at the Salthouse, and are now beginning to plan next summer’s event. The next meeting is Monday November 8. No experience of gardening is needed – just enthusiasm and a desire to help make next year’s show a fantastic event. For more information, contact show secretary Sara by emailing cfs.showsecretary@gmail.com.
Remembrance events PORTISHEAD: Thursday November 11: a short interdenominational service will be held at the Waitrose Piazza at 10.45am, with a 2-minute silence observed at 11am. PORTISHEAD: Sunday November 14: Remembrance parade and service at St Peter’s church. The parade will form on the High Street and Stoke Road from 9.45am and march off, led by the town band, at 10.20am, arriving at the church at 10.35am. Entrance to St Peter’s will be restricted in number to wreathlayers, standard bearers and by invitation only. NAILSEA: Thursday November 11: Assemble at South End Somerset Square, Waitrose at 10.45am, ahead of wreath-laying. At 11am, 2-minute silence. NAILSEA: Sunday November 14: Holy Trinity Church, Nailsea, 10.30am. Form Up. Opening prayers/remarks by Rev. Packman. Wreath-laying. General salute, Roll of Honour. Proceed into church for Remembrance service (booking required). CLEVEDON: Thursday November 11: Gather at Queens Square from around 10.30 onwards for 2-minute silence at 11am. CLEVEDON: Sunday November 14: Service at St Andrew’s Church, 3pm. Numbers will be restricted and entrance by ticket. Clevedon Pier, service, 11am. YATTON: Thursday November 11: short service of Remembrance at the War Memorial, Rock Road at 11am, attended by members of the local RBL branch and clergy, and students from Yatton School who will lay crosses. YATTON: Sunday November 14: service at St Mary’s Church, 10am, followed by a procession along the High Street to Rock Road by members of uniformed organisations, at around 10.35am. A Ceremony of Remembrance will take place at the War Memorial, with wreath-laying and a 2-minute silence at 11am.
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Community News
A landmark worth loving
What’s on Dates for your Diary: CLEVEDON
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Chat and Craft drop-in sessions are now taking place in St John’s Church Hall, Hillside Road, Clevedon, every Thursday, from 2pm to 4pm. Visitors are welcome to bring their own projects to work on and compare notes with other crafters. No joining fee. For more information, call Sue on 01275 877710.
Clevedon Music Club Clevedon Music Club’s next live classical concert takes place on Tuesday November 16 at 7.30pm in the Teignmouth Room, Clevedon Community Centre, Princes Road BS21 7SZ, and features a performance by the Surrey-based concert pianist, Béla Hartmann. Concert will include music by Beethoven and Bach.
Call Andrea (01275 875262) or Judith (01275 879099) in advance to check for any changes of plan. Admission is £10, payable at the door on the evening.
Clevedon Yeo Rotary Quiz Night
On some evenings people can be seen lined up to take pictures at Blacknore Lighthouse in Portishead, so much so that it has become an iconic emblem of the town. Not all may be aware, though, that often sitting on a bench watching the sunset nearby is the man, Bill Shier, without whom the lighthouse would have been destroyed.
The club will be holding a quiz night, including a ploughman’s supper, on Friday November 12, at Greyfriars Hall, Marine Hill, Clevedon. Teams of six are invited to sign up at a cost of £7.50 per person. There’ll be prizes for winners. For tickets, call 01275 218987 or email rccyeo@gmail.com.
Comedy at the Glass Box, Clevedon Pier The Glass Box welcomes Fringe favourites Instant Wit on Friday November 19 for Clevedon Pier’s first-ever comedy night. Tickets cost £15 and the entertainment begins at 7.45pm. Find out more at clevedonpier.com.
More recently, some may have spotted Bill with a paintbrush in hand, as the Blacknore is currently being spruced up, five years on from its last paint job. Bill is taking great care to achieve a perfect job on the monument that he famously saved when he galvanised public support and formed the Blacknore Lighthouse Trust, which took over ownership in 2012 from original owners Trinity House. Conservation of cast iron, wrought iron and mild steel requires unique skills, according to Bill, who said that the Trust had reached out and benefited from the words of wisdom from companies that have worked on projects that include the maintenance of the railings at Buckingham Palace, the ironwork on St Pancras Station in London, the Bristol Suspension Bridge and another local landmark, Clevedon Pier. The first phase of painting is under way on the pillars that hold the lighthouse in place, with hopes that this will be completed by the end of the year. Phase two, which will involve painting the upper part, is planned for 2022. Bill Shier has spent almost a lifetime involved in conservation, beginning in his teenage years, when he joined the cause to save the Redwood Forests of his native California. Now retired, Bill’s focus is the Blacknore Lighthouse, which he says is a labour of love. “It’s a lot of work and it’s kind of taken over my life, but it’s fun,” he said. “It’s a wonderful feeling and worth all the hard work.”
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Congresbury Garden Club Congresbury Gardening Club meets on the first Thursday of the month at 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall. The speaker at the next meeting is Nick Wray, who will give a talk titled ‘Bristol Botanical Gardens’.
Something to Do Club The club with the elderly in mind meets for company, games and crafts on Tuesday afternoons, between 2pm and 4pm, at St Andrews Church Hall, Old Church Road. For more information, contact John Bourn on 01275 870274.
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What’s on – Dates for your diary
PORTISHEAD
Portishead Christmas Lights. Image: Alan Harrison
Portishead Cruse Drop-in Sessions The group’s bereavement support drop-in sessions will restart on the last Thursday of each month, from November 25 at the Methodist church building, High Street, Portishead between 10am and noon.
Gordano Civic Society Gordano Civic Society meets next on Monday November 8 at Somerset Hall in the Precinct, Portishead, at 7.30pm. This month’s talk will be given by Philip Ashford, who will talk on the theme ‘Mediaeval Trade from Pill’. Visitors welcome. Entry £3.
Gordano Probus Gordano Probus are now back meeting at Clarence House, Portishead, on a monthly basis. Their next meeting is on Wednesday November 10, when Andrew Hill will demonstrate the use of defibrillators. For more information, contact secretary Jim Bougnague at jim.bougnague@gmail.com or by calling 01275 842259. Further information on the group’s activities can be found at hugofox.com/community/gordanoprobus-club-portishead-13670/home.
Memory Café The Memory Café meets at Jubilee Hall, Slade Road, on the first and third Tuesdays of the month, starting at 2.15pm. People living with the challenges of dementia or memory problems and their carers are welcome. For more information, email brian. knox-little@sky.com or call him on 01275 871197.
Probus 73 Probus 73 meets once a month on a Wednesday at Clarence House, High Street, Portishead at noon for a two-course lunch and a talk. The group will hold its annual Christmas lunch on December 16 at the Nailsea Masonic Hall, meeting at 12.30pm for 1pm, and then resuming its usual meetings on January 19, 2022. If you’d like to give Probus 73 a try as a guest, call David James on 07926 994614 or speak to any club member for more information.
10 | livingmagazines.online
What’s on – Dates for your diary
Portishead Strollers
Handbag Stall
The group, which falls under the umbrella ‘Walking for Health’ scheme, goes on weekly walks on Mondays, mainly in Portishead but also ventures farther afield once a month. Anyone interested can simply turn up at their meeting place at the Waitrose Piazza, for a 10.30am start. Local walks last around one hour and usually finish in a
Rotary Nailsea and Backwell will be relaunching their popular handbag stall at the community market on Saturday November 20. The team are also on the lookout for good-condition, quality handbags for this worthy initiative. If you have a handbag to donate,
coffee shop, with longer walks around 90 minutes. For more information, call Mike Watts on 01275 848281.
Speakeasy Speakeasy Jazz Club will welcome the alto-saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist Greg Abate to Clarence House on Friday November 19. The four-times-Grammynominated musician will be accompanied by the Craig Milverton Trio on the night. Doors open 7.30pm for an 8.30pm start. Admission is £20. No membership required, but spaces will be limited.
Leg Club Leg Club Café morning meetups are now back up and running at Tithe Barn. Contact your nurse or doctor to see if you’re eligible for treatment or Sandy on 01275 853547 for more information.
Nailsea Choral Society The choral society will be performing Fauré’s Requiem on Saturday November 20 at Nailsea Methodist Church. For details of how to buy tickets, go to nailseachoral.org.uk. For advanced ticket sales, phone Kate Sheridan on 01275 848391 or email katespeakeasy@hotmail. co.uk.
NAILSEA Backwell and Nailsea Macular Support The group hopes to meet again on Wednesday November 24 at 1.30pm at the Women’s Institute hall, Backwell, for a demonstration of aids for reading, writing and everyday practical activities. Save the date for Christmas lunch on Monday December 6 at the Nailsea Masonic Hall.
Backwell and Nailsea Support Group for Carers The group will next meet on Wednesday December 1 at the Women’s Institute hall in Backwell from 2pm to 3.30pm, for their annual Christmas buffet lunch, with food, raffle, fun and games. Call 01275 463215 after 6pm to book your place before November 27.
Backwell Camera Club Backwell Camera Club has resumed its in-person Thursday evening meetings at the Women’s Institute hall, Backwell, at 7.30pm. Forthcoming events include: an open night (November 4); a presentation titled ‘South Africa to Shetland, Shrimps to Sharks’ by Dr Matt Doggett (November 11); presentations by Anna Dagger and other club members (November 25);
call Roger on 01275 854076 or email him at roger.jan@blueyonder.co.uk.
Nailsea Health Walks Nailsea Health Walks will take place on Monday mornings throughout November, starting from Scotch Horn. The walks are run by volunteers, under the auspices of North Somerset Council. Three walks will begin at 11am: a 40-minute walk; a one-hour walk; and a one-hour fast walk. Ten minutes afterwards, at 11.10am, those who prefer can set off on a 30-minute walk. Everyone is welcome and the walks are free.
Nailsea Probus Nailsea Probus have now resumed their in-person, twicemonthly meetings, on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at 10am. The venue has been changed to the Grove Sports Centre and Social Club, St Marys Grove, Bristol, BS48 4NQ. This month’s meetings will feature a talk titled ‘Toranto’ by Nigel Turner on November 11 and presentations by members on November 28. For more information on Nailsea Probus, email David Clapp at d.e.sandycottage@btinternet.com.
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A small, non-profit making patchwork and quilting group running in Nailsea expects to have a few new places available from January. The mixed-ability group meets on the first, third and fifth Tuesdays of the month at Christ Church vestry hall, from 1.30pm – 4pm, for six sessions per school termtime. Participants are asked to bring their own sewing machine to the hall, together with some basic equipment. If you’re interested and would like further details, call 0776 7146336.
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Rotary Nailsea and Backwell are holding monthly whist drives on a Thursday afternoon up until the end of the year at Tithe Barn, offering attendees an opportunity to play cards and socialise. The last two events of the year take place on November 18 and December 16, from 2pm to 5pm.
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Christmas Countdown – CLEVEDON
Christmas Countdown
T N E D I C C O H C NOUN
when you accidentally eat too ENT” much chocolate “I HAD A CHOC-CID
Christmas Countdown The festive fun is already beginning! And everything you need to know is right here!
Icons from Flaticon.com
CLEVED ON
The fair will take place at the church hall on November 13, from 10am-2pm, with stalls selling a range of Christmas gift ideas, decorations and handmade crafts, alongside refreshments. Proceeds to go to Clevedon YMCA and the church.
St Nicholas Fayre St Nicholas Fayre is back! The popular event will return on Saturday December 4, noon-7pm at a new venue. Keep an eye out on social media for the location.
Clevedon & District Flower Club The club will be holding its annual Christmas demonstration, titled ‘Myths, Mincet & Merriment’, by Katherine Kear on Tuesday November 30. Tickets for non-members are £15. For more information or to book, text secretary Penny Smith on 07483239916. Meetings take place on the last Tuesday of the month at Clevedon Community Centre in Princes Hall, Princes Road at 7.30pm, with demonstrations and additional workshops and coach trips.
Kenn Road Methodist Church Christmas Fayre
St Andrews Christmas Fayre
Christmas Tree Festival at Christchurch 2021 Clevedon’s Christchurch Christmas Tree Festival takes place on November 27-28. The delightful display of festive trees, decorated and installed by groups from the town, will be available to view over the weekend to a backdrop of seasonal musical entertainment.
A Christmas fayre will be held at St Andrew’s church centre, Clevedon, Saturday November 13, noon-3.30pm, in aid of St Anthony’s Nursery school in Malawi. Alongside nearly new, bric-abrac, toys, soft furnishings, decorations and edibles, there will be a hamper raffle plus more festive fun.
Clevedon Christmas Market Pencil Thursday December 9 in your diary for this festive fayre, which will take place in Hill Road, 6pm-9pm.
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EARTHFARE – ADVERTORIAL FEATURE
Christmas Countdown – PORTISHEAD
Nights in, nibbles out!
PORT IS H EAD Bold Brass are back!
While November brings with it colder, darker evenings, there are upsides to this time of the year, including planning cosy nights in with a brilliant boxset and a delicious choice of nibbles.
Richard Lennox Christmas Concert The multi-talented musician, writer and arranger returns to the Curzon on Sunday afternoon, November 28, to give another of his always-popular concerts on the legendary Christie Organ. Expect a fantastic selection of modern and traditional Christmas music. For ticket information, go to curzon.org.uk.
Choosing what to binge watch can be tricky, especially if you and your family or friends have different tastes… thrillers, docudramas or comedies, guys? However, at least you’ll know there’ll be no bickering about the snacks and bevvies if you stock up at Earthfare, thanks to their fantastic assortment of sweet and savoury bites, and impressive range of drinks. Browsing is undoubtedly part of the fun at Earthfare. However, we thought we’d tickle the tastebuds by doing some of the work for you, with expert help from Evie Quinlan, Earthfare Portishead’s manager. Feel free to take our combined tips below on board or mix and match to your heart’s content!
A glass of Bohem Tempranillo makes the perfect accompaniment to a bar of Ombar Chocolate
Ombar chocolate and Bohem Tempranillo wine
Booja-Booja Chocolate Truffles and Dragora Tinto
Still thinking of chocolate as sugary junk food to be avoided? Then it’s time to not only think again, but treat yourself to a cacao-rich, nutrient-dense super bar from Ombar, ethically produced with the finest-flavoured Ecuadorian cacao. We paired the irresistible coconut and vanilla variety with a glass of Bohem Toscar Tempranillo – a delightfully juicy and fruity vegan, sulphur-free and organically produced wine.
One taste of Booja-Booja’s vegan, organic and gluten-free chocolate truffles and it’s immediately clear why they’ve won an impressive 16 awards. Bursting with flavour, these delicious creations, made with love from natural ingredients, are the perfect night-in indulgence. Enjoy with an easy-on-thepalate glass of Dragora Tinto, a gorgeous vegan and organic young wine, overflowing with glorious red fruits.
Tony’s Chocolonely and Castillo de Mureva Verdejo
Tony’s Chocolonely in store at Earth Fare
Shore Sweet Sriracha seaweed crisps, San Amvrosia organic hummus and Woodshed cider If you prefer your nibbles savoury, then a bag of Scottish Shore Sweet Sriracha seaweed crisps makes a great a choice. Made from 20g of fresh seaweed, which is known to be good for the mind, and 100% plant based, these crisps combine perfectly with the hints of garlic, lemon and salt in San Amvrosia’s tasty organic hummus. Wash down with a glass of Earthfare’s exclusive vintage, single orchard Woodshed cider, made from unsprayed Somerset apples and natural wild yeasts.
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The Bold Brass band will give a Christmas concert on Thursday December 16 at St Mary’s Church, Portbury, at 7.30pm. Tickets are £10 on the door and include mulled wine or tea, coffee and mince pies.
If you’re driving home after a gettogether or simply not a drinker, a Ship Full of IPA Alcohol Free Beer makes a great alternative bevvy. Despite being alcohol free, the beer retains an inviting warm amber colour, is full bodied and brimming with flavour, thanks to the sweetness of the malt. Snack out simultaneously on a delicious, vegan and totally moreish bag of Suma Bombay mix.
The society meets on the second Monday of the month at Somerset Hall, in the Precinct, Portishead, at 7.30pm. On Monday December 8, visitors will be entertained by the Pill Owls, the popular group of allmale singers who perform in Dickensian costume. Cost of £3 includes refreshments.
Portishead Methodist Church and Za Foundation Christmas Fayre
Nutcracker, Royal Ballet from the Curzon
Christmas Light Switch-on!
This festive family favourite, performed by the full company of the Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House, will be screened live on Thursday December 9 at 7.15pm, with a recorded broadcast to be screened on December 12 at 2pm. Social distancing will be in place for these screenings. For ticket information, go to curzon.org.uk.
This special event takes place on Monday November 29 in the High Street, with a nominated local hero set to do the honours. The fun starts at 6.15pm, switch-on at 6.45pm.
The fayre takes place on Saturday
Portishead Town November 27 atCouncil the church hall in
the High Street, Portishead, from 10am to 1pm. Visitors can look forward to browsing among stalls offering Christmas gift ideas, cakes, crafts and a Coffee mincetopies will be Members lucky of thedip. public areand invited attend. served in the new Beacon hub cafe. All Due to Covid-19 restrictions the meetings may proceeds will be divided between local be held where residents can join by charity Za Foundation andonline, Portishead Methodist phone or in person Church. (in restricted numbers).
Meetings October 2021
Visit www.portishead.gov.uk or check our
Portisheadnotice Town Council board for each meeting Meetings WedNovember 6 Oct - 2021 7.30pm
Members of the public are invited to attend. Due to Covid-19 restrictions the meetings may be held where residents can join online, by phone or in person (in restricted numbers). Visit portishead.gov.uk or check our notice board for each meeting
Planning Advisory Thurs 14 Oct - 7.30pm Community Matters Weds 3 Nov - 7.30pm Weds 17 Nov – 7.30pm Planning Advisory Council Wed 3 Nov –Town 7.30pm Thurs 11 Nov - 7.30pm Weds 24 Nov – 7.30pm Planning Advisory Community Matters Staffing & Finance
We all love eating good food, but knowing it’s helping to do good in the world adds something extra to the experience. Tony’s Chocolonely chocolate ticks both boxes, with the manufacturers committed to ending slavery in the chocolate supply chain. The range includes a tempting seasalt caramel variety that deserves to be washed down with something zesty, aromatic and white, which makes the organic and vegan Castillo de Mureva Verdejo the ideal accompaniment. A Ship Full of IPA Alcohol Free Beer and Suma Bombay mix
Pill Owls at Gordano Civic Society
Folk Hall, High Street, Portishead BS20 6PR
Folk Hall, High Street, Portishead BS20 6PR Tel: 01275 847078
Tel: 01275 847078
About Evie Quinlan Somerset-born Evie is the manager of the Portishead branch of Earthfare and a member of the family that own and run the independent eco grocer which opened recently in the High Street. A former aerial hoop tutor, she remains passionate about this wonderful way of keeping fit and continues to practise her impressive skills in her living room.
livingmagazines.online | 15
Christmas Countdown – NAILSEA
HIGHDALE B&B
Built in 1901 close to the centre of Nailsea.
Quality bed and breakfast in comfortable and homely surroundings. Just 4 miles from the M5 motorway, 8 miles from the centre of Bristol and just 10 minutes drive from Bristol Airport and Tyntesfield House. Rooms are equipped with: Free Wi-Fi, LCD TV with DVD player and freeview • Tea and coffee facilities, Ensuite facilities • Free off street parking is also available Tel: 01275 858004 82 Silver Street , Nailsea North Somerset BS48 2DS Email: mail@highdalebb.co.uk Web: www.highdalebb.co.uk
Portishead Players to perform Curtains Up! The local amdram group will be performing this music and comedy collection, produced and compiled by Kim Cheasley and Karley Hughes, from Thursday December 9 to Saturday December 11. For ticket info, go to portishead-players.org.uk, ticketsource.co.uk/ portisheadplayers or call 0333 666 3366.
Always a popular event, this year’s edition will take place on Sunday December 12, from 3pm to 7pm, along the High Street, with a fantastic range of stalls offering gift ideas, food and drink, and information lining the route, and funfair rides for the kids.
NAILSE A
Nailsea Methodist Church will be holding a craft fair on Saturday November 13, from 10am-4pm. Visitors will find more than 30 stalls offering a wide selection of quality crafts and handmade Christmas gift ideas. Entry is free and refreshments will be available to buy.
Christmas Fair at All Saints Church, Wraxall The fair will take place on Saturday November 20, from 10.30am to 2pm. Attractions will include children’s activities, stalls with gift ideas and a raffle, and refreshments available at the Cross Tree Centre. Admission is free.
AROUN D TOWN
Following on from the success of two local festivals held in October, the organisers of these popular foodie events will be holding a special festivethemed edition in Nailsea on Saturday December 4.
Nailsea Little Theatre The local theatre has reopened after the pandemic, with safety being given a priority. Upcoming productions include a night of comedy by Alan Ayckbourn in the form of three one-act plays from his ‘Confusions’ series, from Monday 22 to Saturday 27, and a Christmas treat for children - Hans Christian Andersen’s ‘The Little Match Girl’ - courtesy of the Folksy Theatre, on Friday December 17, at 5pm and 7.30pm. For tickets, call 0777 2981037.
Gifting made easy (and local!) You may have already spotted Lisa Pasquill, the founder of Wild Grove, in and around Bristol at local markets behind stacks of handmade bar soap, liquid soap, shaving soap hand cream, lip balms and her vintage grenade box stuffed with colourful, felted Merino wool soap.
Murder-Mysteries at Cadbury House
Victorian Evening
Craft Fair
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eat: Nailsea Christmas Festival
Christmas Countdown – AROUND TOWN
DoubleTree by Hilton, Cadbury House will use its gothic ambience and rich history to great effect on December 8 and 15, when the hotel is set to host a series of two murder-mysteries. Guests, otherwise known as super sleuths, will be transported back in time to Christmas 1957, when Cadbury House was known as St David’s School, for the Wednesday night fun, which includes a three-course meal. Price is £39.95 per person. To book, call 01934 834343 (option 1) between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday, email info@ cadburyhouse.com or visit cadburyhotelbristol.co.uk/christmasmurder-mystery.
Lisa is a native Canadian who has made Bristol her home and the place where she shares her passion for soap making. Her felted Merino wool soap is both beautiful and ingenious, helping soap to last longer and without any going to waste. Using colourful, soft, ethically sourced Merino wool, these soaps are handmade the traditional way by combining various oils and butters with sodium hydroxide. By using the hot process method, their fragrances hold much better and longer than other soaps. Wild Grove is also the place to find affordable household luxury as well as small, unique gifts perfect for Christmas presents and stocking fillers. Lisa recommends trying some of the shea butter & olive oil hand cream or the lip balm made with seven different
Wild Grove has a fabulous range of planet-friendly gift ideas
butters and oils. For men, there is shaving soap, which comes in a choice of fragrances, including a vegan-friendly option, and which lasts much longer than any foam from a can. Presented in a recyclable aluminium tin, this is also a planet-friendly buy. All of Wild Grove’s products are tested and safety assessed, assuring you that they are kind and gentle to skin. As well as shopping online at www. wildgrove.co.uk, you can now find Wild Grove products at Simply Green Portishead and Nailsea.
Ring out the Bells Christmas Market A trio of seasonal treats is in the pipeline on Saturday November 27, between 10am and 3pm, when the town will be brimming with market stalls offering gift ideas, handicrafts, mulled wine, food and entertainment, including donkey rides, at three venues, namely: Ring O’Bells; Tithe Barn; and Holy Trinity Church.
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Christmas Countdown
Christmas Countdown
Brambles has all the ingredients for a flavourful Christmas While national headlines warn of turkey shortages this Christmas, one local business is ready to guarantee yours by pre-booking from now. In the true spirit of its ethos of supporting local businesses, this Christmas, Brambles of Clevedon is offering free-range turkeys from Nempnett Turkeys, a small family farm in the heart of the Yeo Valley. Of course, the offer of locally produced Christmas fare doesn’t begin and end with turkeys. Brambles has lined up a mouthwatering selection of Christmas puddings, mince pies (including a gluten-free option) and Christmas chutneys, as well as a selection of gravies and pigs in blankets to go with Christmas dinner. For many, it wouldn’t be Christmas without a tipple or two, and Brambles has plenty to choose from, including locally produced wine from Blagdon, ciders from Nailsea and Clevedon, as well as spice kits for mulled wine and cider. Add to this Christmas
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decorations, gift ideas and stocking fillers aplenty, as well as gift vouchers, pre-made and bespoke hampers, and the offer of local delivery, and it becomes clear that Brambles is a veritable onestop-shop for a flavourful and thoughtful festive season. To book your free-range turkey, call 01275 870125 or email info@ bramblesclevedon.co.uk, or better still, pop in and browse the enticing selection of wares at Brambles, located at 13 Old Church Road in Clevedon.
New for 2022: a calendar made locally with love Representing four years’ worth of work and the ideal Christmas gift or stocking filler, Clevedon-based illustrator Emily Moran recently released her first calendar, featuring stunning local landscapes from across North Somerset. Emily graduated with a distinction for her master’s degree in illustration four years ago, a profession she pours her heart into. “It’s quite fun to come up with the scenes,” she said, adding that incorporating greenery and wildlife are important to her, often with quirky little animals, such as pigeons, seagulls and even her dog, Larry, among them. The calendar is available from Clevedon Pier toll shop as well as Emily’s online Etsy shop (Emily Charlotte Moran). Follow Emily Charlotte Moran Illustrations on Facebook and Instagram for her newest releases and special discounts.
Ashton Court setting for spectacular Santa Run
Children’s Hospice South West’s popular Santas on the Run goes Freestyle will be returning to Bristol in a brand new location this December for what marks the charity’s 30th anniversary year. Nearly 1300 people took part in the last festive 2k fun run around Bristol Harbourside in 2019, raising around
£35,000 in support of the charity’s Charlton Farm children’s hospice in Wraxall. And after the event was held virtually last year due to the pandemic, organisers hope an army of fun runners and walkers will join them to raise cheer in their festive gear at Ashton Court on Sunday, December 5. Santas on the Run goes Freestyle will be one of the charity’s first physical fundraising events for nearly two years and social distancing measures will be in place, with the event
starting at 1pm. Santa suits are not being provided this year to help reduce the impact on the environment, and the registration fee has been reduced to £10 per adult and £5 per child (under2s are free). “We’re excited to be bringing our flagship fundraising event to the beautiful Ashton Court in our 30th anniversary year,” said CHSW fundraiser Kayley Waller. “Our supporters did us proud during the pandemic, raising thousands of pounds across the region by taking part in virtual Santa runs with their families and friends at home. And while people will still be able to do a Santa run at home if they’d prefer to, we hope as many people will join us at Ashton Court as possible.” Participants can expect plenty of festive surprises to enjoy along the way, with the new location set to make for a brilliant festive family day out. Santas on the Run Goes Freestyle is sponsored by The Exeter. To sign up for the Ashton Court event or to take part virtually, visit chsw.org.uk/santas You can also join the Santas on the Run Goes Freestyle Facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/ santasontherun
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Christmas Lights – Portishead
Christmas Lights PORTISHEAD
Stars from Freepic
A bright night beckons
Always an annual highlight on the community calendar, the Portishead Christmas Lights Switch-on takes place on Monday November 29. This year’s event is expected to be even more special after the pandemic made a public gathering last year unfeasible, with a nominated hero set to do the honours against a backdrop of music, fireworks and perhaps the odd warming tipple. Over the years, the Christmas Lights have extended their reach well beyond the town’s ‘golden mile’, bringing a multi-coloured shimmer to both directions of the high street and West Hill, including the Triangle ‘up top’. New decorative additions in the Precinct last year will undoubtedly make an appearance once again, bringing muchneeded festive cheer to Portishead. The fun starts at 6.15pm, with the switch-on set to take place at 6.45pm. Don’t forget to mark Sunday December 12 on the calendar, which is when this year’s Victorian Evening takes place - another local mustattend and much-missed event. .
Festive Wreath Making Workshops at Impero Lounge, Portishead
Get crafty for Christmas with Flower Bee Wreath making has grown in popularity in recent years, and if you’re tempted to take the plunge this festive season, Flower Bee of Nailsea, run by Jenn, has set up a series of 2-hour workshops at Portishead’s Impero Lounge that will help you produce your own like a pro. Expect plenty of festive cheer too, with the £45 price including everything you need as well as a welcome drink and mince pie. Currently, available dates are Monday November 29 at 6.30pm, Wednesday Dec 1 at 10.30am and Monday December 6 at 6.30pm. Each workshop is limited to 10 spaces, but with the prospect of more dates potentially being added in line with demand. Fully trained florist Jenn has been running Flower Bee for a year, after
Wreath making is a great festive activity for friends and family
taking over from the previous owners for whom she worked for six years. Her mission, in addition to creating expertly crafted floral arrangements for all occasions, is to push toward sustainability. “Although we’re in the early stages, we limit our use of single plastic and try to source our floristry supplies locally or sustainably as much as possible,” she said. Flower Bee is also the place to find a range of fabulous gift items, from plants and pots to Usborne children’s books, candles and handmade sterling silver jewellery, with more items being added weekly.
Monday 29th November 6.30pm | Wednesday 1st Dec 10.30am Monday 6th December 6.30pm * * Additional dates may be added depending on demand Tickets cost £45pp for the two hour workshop at Impero Lounge. To book visit the shop or DM via Facebook.
Proud to support Portishead
Christmas lights
130 High St, Nailsea, Bristol BS48 1AH | E/ flowerbeeflorists
Wreath-making workshop places can be booked by contacting Flower Bee on 01275 853209. To keep up to date with the latest news, follow Flower Bee at Facebook (@flowerbeeflorists) and Instagram (flower_bee_florist).
Gift sets and gift vouchers available!
supporting the Portishead Christmas Lights Tel 01275 390822 | petitehair.co.uk | E 98 High Street, Portishead
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Christmas Lights – Clevedon
Christmas Lights Parks set to sparkle this festive season
The outlook is bright for a collaborative effort aimed at bringing plenty of sparkle to Clevedon’s parks and other public spaces this Christmas.
Last year’s illuminations brought a touch of winter magic to Alexandra Park
The community’s businesses have once again teamed up with the Clevedon BID and local council to raise funds to illuminate parts of the town, following a successful campaign that led to a dazzling festive display at Alexandra Park in December 2020. This year’s initiative, named ‘Light up the Parks’ is even more ambitious, and includes plans to introduce bigger, brighter additions to Alexandra Park and the Copse Park areas, while extending the display to all corners of the Hill/Alexandra Road area and along the walkway to the sea front. The organisers are campaigning to raise £8000+ to cover the costs and put the project on a sustainable footing. Local business Fineline Lighting is once again playing a key role in providing the lighting. Hopes are high that the uplifting display will support local traders, encouraging them to extend their opening hours and help increase footfall, and provide the ideal ambience for a new Christmas market, which is being hosted in conjunction with the Clevedon Sunday Market. Any additional funds raised will be donated to the Clevedon Skate Project. Money must be in by Thursday November 18. Donations can be made at gofundme.com/f /kkrw73-light-up-the-parks.
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CLEVEDON HOME | GARDEN | DIY
Clevedon Pier’s Glass Box
A mainstay of Portishead High Street for more than 50 years
The Glass Box at Clevedon Pier is fast gaining a reputation as both the go-to spot for a delicious lunch or dinner and the ideal destination for a great laugh. Not only is the venue now offering diners a wonderful autumn-winter menu, including mouthwatering Christmas options, but the beautifully positioned eatery, complete with stunning views, is also gearing up to host an impressive list of stand-up comedians through the colder months. Phil Curme, chairman of Clevedon Pier & Heritage Trust Ltd, said: “It seems fitting that five years on from the opening of the Glass Box, it has become the ultimate versatile venue, and this will be very much demonstrated during the coming winter season.” Talented chef Nicholas Thick has been putting his creative skills to great use in the kitchen, producing an impressive Christmas menu, brimming with seasonal favourites and delicious alternatives to suit all tastes, from traditional roast turkey and pan-fried sea
Chef Nicholas Thick has created a festive feast of Christmas menus
bass to braised blade of Somerset beef and beetroot Wellington in flaky pastry. The Christmas menu is available at both lunchtime and in the evenings, though bookings must be made in advance. Pier annual passholders and shareholders are eligible for a 10% discount on food purchased in the Glass Box over the winter season, except on the Christmas menu. The Glass Box is available for all types of private bookings, including birthdays, wakes and meetings, complete with in-house catering.
FRIENDLY KNOWLEDGEABLE STAFF HOUSEWARES | GARDEN | DIY | HARDWARE ELECTRICAL & PLUMBING | FENCING & TIMBER ART SUPPLIES | HABERDASHERY | CALOR GAS
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01275 398930
careysportishead.co.uk
For further information about events, menus and bookings, go to clevedonpier.com
Post-Christmas mental health course Christmas can be both stressful and enjoyable as many of us know, which may well make the timing of a free course in mental health from January, called ‘Living Life to the Full’ (LLTTF), at Christchurch, Clevedon welcome. The course will be led by Methodist minister, Revd Dr Russell Herbert and has been written by Dr Chris Williams, Emeritus Professor of Psychosocial Psychiatry at the University of Glasgow. Across eight sessions, participants learn how to engage practical skills that deal with issues such as stress, anxiety and depression, drawing on principles of cognitive behavioural therapy. Russell said, “As part of its wholistic approach, the course incorporates a spiritual dimension, but I should emphasise that LLTTF is open to anyone and everyone, and is designed to be accessible to
You never know what someone’s got going on
all regardless of their beliefs. We’re running these sessions because we want to engage with the needs of our community and we believe mental health is an absolute priority.” The next course starts on Thursday January 6 at Christchurch, Clevedon. For more information and to book a place visit: christchurch-clevedon.org.uk/llttf or call 01275 871483.
livingmagazines.online | 23
Christmas Lights – Nailsea
Christmas Lights Nailsea all set to sparkle
As the festive season draws closer, Nailsea will begin adding a sparkle to the town from the week commencing November 15. Across six days, decorations managed by the town council - including tree lights, motifs and Christmas trees installed onto the side of shops - will be erected along the length of the High Street. Three new locations have been added this year, with lights going up on the trees at the junction of Clevedon Road and Stockway North, trees by the WI raised flower bed by Tesco roundabout and the oak tree outside of the Royal Oak pub. Although no ‘switch on’ event is planned, due to the lights being on timers and turned on as they are put in place, the council is looking into the possibility of this for next year.
NAILSEA
Foodies flock to eat:Nailsea
Further festivals planned in lead-up to Christmas Nailsea and Clevedon residents and visitors proved that they had a healthy appetite for gastronomic delights on October 9 and 30 respectively by flocking to the town centres in numbers for the most recent food and drink markets organised by the eat:Festivals team.
Nailsea provided plenty of products and ideas to tickle the tastebuds
Local food and drink producers set up stalls in and around the town centres, with the impressive choice of products and warm autumn sunshine combining to produce great turnouts.
If you missed the events or simply want another opportunity to indulge your tastebuds, pencil Saturday December 4 in your diary, when Nailsea will be holding a special Christmas food festival.
A spokesperson for the eat:Festivals team said, “It was wonderful to see so many happy faces and to know that so many local businesses saw an uplift in footfall.”
Highlights will include music and festive characters, including Father Christmas, a chance to create your own unique Christmas card and a Best Christmas Jumper competition.
LOCAL
FESTIVE FOOD & DRINK FESTIVALS
NAILSEA SAT 4 DECEMBER
WESTON-SUPER-MARE SUN 12 DECEMBER
High Street & Crown Glass Shopping Centre
Winter Gardens
LOCAL FOOD & DRINK PRODUCERS STREET FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM WWW.EATFESTIVALS.ORG 24 | livingmagazines.online
livingmagazines.online | 25
Christmas Lights – Waste not Want not
Waste not want not this winter!
paper in the shops, but packaging of products remains another huge issue. Upcycling and recycling gifts not only gives preloved items a new lease of life and helps save money, but it also does away with the nightmare of all that new packaging that manufacturers seem intent on offering us.
By Nigel Hammond
Christmas might be the most wonderful time of the year, but let’s face it – it can also be the most wasteful! Sure, no one wants to be a festive spoilsport or have ‘Bah humbug!’ shouted at them over the mulled wine. However, it’s difficult to miss the overflowing bins waiting to be collected post tinsel and turkey, with most of their contents, from wrapping and packaging to underwhelming stocking fillers and plastic cracker toys, heading to landfill.
Nigel and daughter Rosie have Christmas all knitted up
our seasonal purchases and getting a bit more creative in ways that don’t involve adding to landfill and breaking the bank.
With waste a hugely topical issue right now, and rising inflation sharpening the focus on money matters for many, it somehow seems timely to rethink our approach to Christmas a little.
I personally love the idea of giving experiences as presents. My feeling is that wonderful memories remain with us for much longer than some tangible gifts. Making mockup cards announcing days out or weekends away to give on Christmas morning will help ensure there’s plenty of excitement at the opening/unwrapping stage.
Unfortunately, commercial pressures have made it easy to think of Christmas as a time to give, give, give. While I’m all for making someone’s day with a special gift, there’s also absolutely nothing wrong with being a little selective with
Of course, unwrapping is a wonderful Christmas ritual, but unfortunately, one that can also create a great deal of waste. The good news is that a growing number of suppliers are now offering recyclable and compostable
Giving upcycled items, such as sports equipment, can be a fantastic way of easing the recipient into an untried hobby without too much pressure – take it from a second-hand fishing rod owner! And of course, you can always sell on! Gifts linked to charities are another fantastic idea, from adopting animals to planting a tree. One tried and tested initiative that also keeps over-excited children occupied in the pre-Christmas frenzy is getting them to make gifts for family members. Whether it’s a papier-mâché decoration for an auntie or hand-knitted scarves for the grandparents, you can bet the recipients will love the thought, time and effort that’s gone into them. Upcycling and handcrafting also chimes with the lessons that children are learning at school about all those Rs. It’s their future, after all, so maybe we should be taking a leaf out of their book!
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CALL DOLPHIN LIFTS FOR QUICK INSTALLATION ON 01275 870226
“One day I’ll explore the Amazon”
Is your child short sighted? Did you know you can do things to help?
Slow their short-sightedness not their ambition
At Lynne Fernandes Optometrists, we offer a programme which is clinically proven to slow down short-sightedness progression in children by 59% on average.1† This reduces your child’s dependency on glasses, can provide thinner lenses, and decreases the likelihood of certain eye health conditions later in life. We are passionate about this opportunity to protect children’s future eye health. Our myopia management clinics are backed with evidence and research, so you can be reassured that you and your child will have the best care.
Call the practice to book an assessment or visit our website www.lynnefernandes.co.uk/questions-about-myopia to find out more. † Over 3 years, compared to a single vision 1 day lens. 1. Chamberlain P, et al. Optom Vis Sci. 2019;96:556–567
182a Wells Rd, Knowle, Bristol BS4 2AL bristol@lynnefernandes.co.uk 0117 977 6330 75 Gloucester Road, Bristol BS7 8AS bristolgr@lynnefernandes.co.uk 0117 942 6843 124a High Street, Nailsea BS48 1AH nailsea@lynnefernandes.co.uk 01275 854946
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Health and Fitness
Health and Fitness
Say goodbye to pain with expert Pilates
The perks of going sober By the Walnut Grove team
‘Go sober for October’ inspired us to look at the benefits of going sober and decide whether or not drinking could make a difference to your health, even just for a few weeks.
Some of the benefits are:
By Emma Klijn, owner of Nailsea Physio
Go sober for October and notice the difference
As we head into winter you may be experiencing some aches and pains. Maybe you’ve taken on a new sport or activity? Here at Nailsea Physio we have professionals to help you feel better and stronger. In addition to our physiotherapists, we have a specialist remedial massage therapist who has qualified as a Pilates instructor through the toughest, world-renowned Pilates school, APPI. Hence, we can offer a combined treatment session of remedial massage and high quality, expert 1-1 Pilates.
Clearer head
More energy
Better sleep
Pilates is a form of exercise that focuses on movement control and thoughtful activation of key support muscles which protect your body in everyday movements. The exercises can be taken from basic lying down challenges to the more advanced balancing ones with the use of equipment. As physiotherapists, we highly recommend starting Pilates in a 1-1 setting, as we regularly see those who
attend large classes not performing the exercises correctly and therefore not getting the desired benefit. As always, our ethos at Nailsea Physio is to equip you with the tools to help yourself in staying physically fit…. for work, for sport and for life.
Sense of achievement
Call us on 01275 219948 to book your appointment or find out how we can help.
Some of the statistics relating to alcohol are daunting. Males account for twothirds of alcohol-related deaths, while more than one in three men (39%) will experience some sort of alcohol-related health problem in their life. In other words, don’t underestimate the risk.
Pint of beer = 2.3 units
Physiotherapy
Acupuncture
Sports Therapy
Remedial Massage
Sports Massage
Gait Analysis
nailseaphysio.com 01275 219 948
While some research pointed to the polyphenols in red wine having a protective effect on the lining of blood vessels in the heart, this is believed to be minimal and only applies to women over the age of 55. Sorry gents!
Medium glass of wine = 2 units Pint of cider = 2.6 units
Our Aim is to Relieve Pain, Restore Mobility and Strength Through Individually Tailored Treatments
Are there any benefits?
1 unit of alcohol = 10ml or 8g of alcohol, but what does that mean on an everyday level? Bottle premium beer = 1.6 units
To keep risks from alcohol low, the UK’s chief medical officer recommends not drinking more than 14 units of alcohol a week on a regular basis. Further advice is to space out those units over two or three nights, rather than binge drinking. Why do we like drinking? The answer is simple; it only takes a couple of minutes for alcohol to change our brain chemistry. More specifically, alcohol depresses the part of the brain associated with inhibition, meaning that it helps us feel more confident and less anxious in the short term. Be warned! There are negatives – even short-term ones! Just one drink can slow your reactions, so think carefully about driving, even if you are below the legal limit. After about two drinks, the negative effects start to really kick in, led by dehydration, which is what gives you a hangover, so drink some water. After three drinks, parts of your brain begin to let you down, including your ability to detect danger and read body language, which can result in misunderstandings or worse.
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Weight loss
Pilates is a great way of staying physically fit
Regular drinking lowers the levels of serotonin, the chemical that regulates your mood, making it a contributory factor to depression. It also affects your brain’s thinking abilities, meaning you’re more likely to forget things, make mistakes and be shorttempered or snappy.
Tired of feeling rough all the time?
What about long-term negatives? Alcohol makes you fat. Not only is alcohol calorie-laden, but they’re empty calories, with no nutritional value.
Making long-term changes after October ■
Keep track of what you drink and when.
■
Set clear goals – don’t use the word less when it comes to quantity, instead set specific goals for the week or for an event.
■
Team up – put plans into action with friends or a partner so that you can support each other.
■
Know your motivations – write a list of what you want to achieve: better health, better sex life, saving money, being fitter – whatever works for you.
Drinking can also affect your sex life, since alcohol has a negative impact on testosterone production and other sex hormones.
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Know your triggers – people, places, times – avoid those situations, temporarily breaking the cycle, and go for a coffee instead.
The pancreas - a small organ involved in digestion - can be seriously damaged by excessive drinking. Alcohol has been linked to pancreatitis, a serious condition associated with drink which is extremely painful and can be fatal.
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Do the easy stuff – buy less in the supermarket, don’t have alcohol at home, don’t get into rounds in the pub, drink a pint of water or a soft drink to start or drink something less strong.
Your body prioritises getting rid of alcohol, meaning there’s no time for other metabolic processes, such as fat burning. Can exercise help? Yes, up to a point. However, alcohol leaves you dehydrated and if your liver is busy breaking alcohol down, it doesn’t produce so much glucose, all of which will affect athletic performance. Long term, it’s harder to build muscle, since protein synthesis is affected by alcohol consumption.
Alcohol can give you heart disease, since it narrows the arteries and causes the heart to have to work harder. It is also a contributory factor in high blood pressure and increases the risk of stroke and heart attack.
Call us on 01275 818303 to book your appointment or find out how we can help. Or visit our website walnutgroveclinic.com for more information. Icons from Flaticon.com
livingmagazines.online | 31
Health and Fitness
Six quirky symptoms you may be low in Vitamin D By Pauline Cox BSc MSc, nutritionist and health optimisation specialist
Vitamin D has made a lot of headlines recently, hailed as a nutritional hero in aiding the body with the fight against Covid. Obtaining adequate levels of vitamin D from food sources alone can be difficult, and while sunshine is an effective way of obtaining high levels, during the winter months this can be a challenge many of us face! Here are six symptoms to look out for when it comes to vitamin D deficiency. Low back pain Vitamin D status influences many aspects of musculoskeletal health. Joint pain can result from poor vitamin D levels, with low back, hip pain, shoulder and rib pain being the most common.
Unusual amounts of hair loss Some hair loss is genetic and some hormonal-related. However, low levels of vitamin D can also cause increased hair loss. This may be more noticeable in the winter months due to lower levels of vitamin D. Excessive sweating
Scan me!
Excessive sweating not associated with exercise or for no particular reason can be a sign of low vitamin D levels. Low mood Vitamin D has been associated with mood disorders and anxiety. In what capacity, however, remains unclear. Am I at risk of being deficient?
Obtaining adequate levels of vitamin D from food sources alone can be difficult
Muscle pain Prolonged muscle pain and/or weakness, which can be accompanied with a waddling gait, can also result from low levels of vitamin D. Respiratory infections There are many vitamin D receptors located in the lungs and sinuses. This is due to the importance vitamin D plays in immune protection.
Vitamin D requirements vary from individual to individual, however some groups are more at risk than others. The elderly, individuals with darker skin, people who are obese or who have undergone gastric bypass surgery, as well as those with impaired liver and gut health, are at greater risk. Drop into Sow & Arrow at 15 Old Street, Clevedon to discuss your Vitamin D needs and get your high quality D3 supplements, plus scan the QR code to get daily tips for living a healthier life.
Learn to play a Brass instrument
for free
with Lions Brass 4 Youth Lions Brass 4 Youth have received a generous grant from the National Grid to fund their next Starter Band. We are looking for young people to join from September. This is an amazing opportunity to receive 16 months of free tuition on a Brass instrument, with free loan of instrument and music, and expert weekly tuition at 4:10 on Fridays in term-time. You will be able to learn a new skill, and to play as part of a great band with the opportunity to progress through the more experienced bands to the Youth Band. If you are aged 7-12, and are interested in trying a Brass instrument, please contact Debs Underwood on dauwood@aol.com for more information.
Somerset Pest Solutions Urban & Rural Pest Control Mice, Rats, Squirrels, Wasps, Birds, Rabbits, Foxes, Insects, etc..... Local Service, Calls for advice welcome, Un-marked Vehicle Joe Brake RSPH Mobile: 07817 422 851 joe@somersetpestsolutions.co.uk
Entirely Gluten-free store Low-carb & Ketogenic specialists Freshly baked low carb, sugar-free cakes, pastries breads , quiches & more Keto, low carb ready meals and frozen options
15, Old Street, CLEVEDON. BS21 6ND www.sowandarrow.com 32 | livingmagazines.online
livingmagazines.online | 33
Business and Money
Business and Money
What happens to our family business if we divorce? Mandy McCabe, partner, Portishead Amy Jones, solicitor associate, Clevedon
Getting divorced is hard enough but when there is a business involved, it can make the split even more difficult. Our Family Law team in Portishead, Nailsea and Clevedon look at the legal side of things. Will my ex-spouse be entitled to half? Each case is different, but the court will always be sensitive to the fact that for most divorcing couples, running a business together post-split will be unworkable. Where one spouse owns the business, one option is they retain it and compensate their ex with a larger share of other assets and maintenance. How will the business be valued? Inevitably, factors like turnover and any liquidity within the business will come under scrutiny. In some cases, for instance when the business has what’s known as a capital value, it will probably need to be valued by an accountant. Will we have to sell the business? In many cases, the family business is the main source of income and the aim is usually to preserve it. Often, adjustments are made to provide the other spouse with sufficient capital and/or maintenance to address any imbalance.
Ali Redwood of TaxAssist Accountants
Mandy McCabe (left) and Amy Jones
How do we work out a settlement? It’s important to think about how far each partner could: Share income from the business; Share ownership; Allow for future retirement plans and the passing of the business to children. The best way forward is to agree how the business relationship can be resolved, with support from a specialist family lawyer if required. Going to court is not only stressful and expensive but the outcome can also be unpredictable. Need advice? Our Family Law team is here to help. We offer a free half hour consultation – simply contact one of our Family solicitors in the branch nearest to you. We can arrange face to face, phone or video appointments. Mandy McCabe, partner, Portishead Telephone: 01275 850460 Amy Jones, solicitor associate, Clevedon Telephone: 01275 850470 wards.uk.com
A better alternative to minding your own business A Portishead resident who decided to take the plunge and set himself up in business during lockdown has launched a group aimed at offering fellow entrepreneurs a forum where they can share information and trading tips, network or simply chat over a coffee. Jason Gillman, who works as a private tutor, explained that the idea for setting up the group, named Business Buddies, came to him when the country began to emerge from lockdown and he was beginning to feel the effects of a lack of human contact. “Working on your own has many perks but can also be
36 | livingmagazines.online
Do I need to do a self-assessment tax return if I have done a capital gains tax return? My 30-day capital gains tax return for the sale of my residential property has been submitted but I’m not sure what happens next. Do I still need to do a self-assessment tax return? Your personal circumstances will determine whether that is the end of the process or not. If you already complete a selfassessment tax return, then you will still need to do so, and will need to report the gain on the tax return. If there is any additional capital gains tax (CGT) to pay, then this can be paid via selfassessment. Discussions are ongoing between the professional accounting bodies to clarify the process where a refund of CGT is due and whether this can be reclaimed or offset against other self-assessment liabilities. However, the current guidance is that if a refund arises, it will need to be claimed separately from HMRC rather than being offset against other liabilities. If you don’t already complete a selfassessment tax return, you won’t need to register and do so, unless there is any other reason why you might need to take this course of action. Rates of CGT are geared to your personal income tax rates, and when the 30-day return was completed, an estimate of your other income for the year would have been provided to HMRC.
Jason Gillman, founder of Business Buddies
lonely,” he said. “I’d spent weeks working from home in isolation on Zoom and Microsoft Teams, and was keen stop being an island and meet up with other people once we were able to do so.” Business Buddies meets on a monthly basis and is free of charge to join. For more information, find the group on Facebook.
Once actual income details for the year of sale are known, if you aren’t otherwise required to complete a self-assessment return, an amended 30-day CGT return can be submitted to declare the correct tax liability and an additional payment made, or refund claimed at that point. TaxAssist Accountants are well versed in the process for 30-day CGT returns for residential properties and can handle the entire process for you, including the self-assessment tax return, if required. If you would like any advice or assistance in this area please contact us on 01275 390596.
livingmagazines.online | 35
Business and Money
National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage Leon Savage, practice manager at Drury & Co HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) are actively checking that employers are complying with the National Minimum Wage (NMW). They will look at how employees’ pay is made up, alongside details of any benefits and deductions made, to test if the employer is meeting the minimum requirements. It is important to make sure that your employees are receiving the NMW; if in doubt, contact us today to discuss how we can help.
Read more online at: livingmagazines.online
The current rates below commenced on April 1, 2021, with the government lowering the age bracket on the National Living Wage from 25 and over down to 23 and over. The current rates are as follows:
Rates
By Category
£4.30
apprentice
£4.62
(under 18)
£6.56
(18 to 20)
£8.36
(21 to 22)
£8.91
(23 and over)
Personal Allowance for 2021/22 The personal allowance is increased by £70 to £12,570 for 2021/22. The personal allowance continues to be reduced by £1 for every £2 by which adjusted net income exceeds £100,000. This means that for 2021/22, taxpayers who have adjusted net income of £125,140 and above will not receive a personal allowance. Income Tax Rates for 2021/22 The Government have confirmed that the basic rate will remain at 20%, the higher rate at 40% and the additional rate at 45% for the 2021/22 tax year. Tax will be payable at the basic rate of 20% on the first £37,700 of taxable income, while tax at the higher rate of 40% is payable on taxable income in excess of £37,700 up to £150,000. The additional rate of tax of 45% is payable on taxable income in excess of £150,000.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer confirmed in the recent Budget an increase in the National Minimum Wage. From April 1, 2022 the National Living Wage will increase to £9.50 per hour (aged 23 and over). National Minimum Wage will increase as follows: Rates
By Category
£4.81
apprentice & under 18
£6.83
(18 to 20)
£9.18
(21 to 22)
Please contact us to find out more about how we can support your business and take the burden away from the constantly changing employment duties of operating PAYE. You can contact us on 01275 852255 or email Leon at leon@ardury.co.uk.
• Accounts for Sole Traders, Partnerships and Limited Companies • Tax Returns for Businesses and Personal • New Business Start Up Advice • Making Tax Digital • Payroll RTI & Auto Enrolment • VAT and Book-keeping • Rental Accounts • Taxation Advice
36 | livingmagazines.online
livingmagazines.online | 37
Business and Money
Why do I need a Lasting Power of Attorney? By the team at Richardson’s Wills
While writing a Will is a preparation for the inevitable, a Lasting Power of Attorney provides a more general safety net for you and your loved ones.
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We offer important information on guidance for you and your loved ones
In situations where you’re no longer capable of making your own decisions due to loss of mental or physical capacity, a Lasting Power of Attorney entrusts your affairs with the person who is best placed to make important choices on your behalf. Nominating a family member or friend in this capacity means that you maintain control of who manages your financial affairs, your housing, your social needs and your welfare.
CALL: 01275 235652 WWW.ORCHARDSOMERSET.CO.UK
What happens if I don’t have a Lasting Power of Attorney? Without a Lasting Power of Attorney, your family will need to spend time and money on applying for a deputyship via the Court of Protection. In the meantime, your affairs will be in limbo, causing additional anxiety in what is already likely to be a difficult time for your loved ones. Although the court will appoint a deputy to handle your financial affairs, they are unlikely to appoint a deputy for your health and welfare needs. Without Lasting Power of Attorney, this responsibility will fall to social services.
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07889 451272 / 07824 831488 info@woodsonelectrical.co.uk www.woodsonelectrical.co.uk
It is reassuring to know that someone who knows you well, and who you trust to make decisions on your behalf, would be able to step in at this stage, fighting your corner and ensuring that you receive the type of care that best suits you as an individual. We are here to help offering advice and guidance in plain, easy to understand language, we take the worry out of obtaining these invaluable documents. Please call Richardson’s Wills on 01275 851056 for more information.
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R LL P R W SI Z OP A E E IT S R IN W TI G AN ES BU T O YE ED F RS FO
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SALES HUNTPROP.CO.UK 01275 853 222
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71 HIGH STREET, NAILSEA, BS48 1AW