Nailsea and Backwell Living March Issue

Community News

Nailsea & Backwell March Issue 2015

Living

DELIVERED TO OVER 9,200 HOMES AND BUSINESSES IN NAILSEA & BACKWELL LOCAL NEWS, BUSINESS, HEALTH & BEAUTY, MOTOR AND MORE

Community News

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MARCH

2015

11

Community News CONTENTS

31

7 6

Community News

17

Backwell Living

20

Out of Town

23

Youth

24

Child’s Play

26

Mother’s Day

29

What’s On

35

Health & Beauty

39

Home & Garden

46

Motors

47

Business

49

Dial a Trade

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Nailsea Backwell Taxis LOCAL & NATIONAL TRAVEL

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BACKWELL

79 99 99

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Price: £575,000

An outstanding executive detached residence with four double bedrooms, stunning designer bathroom and en-suite shower rooms plus three large reception rooms. Located in this highly sought after cul de sac with pleasant views from the front aspect. The extended accommodation comprises entrance hall, fully tiled cloakroom, Living room with feature fireplace, Sitting room with Internal glass French doors, Dining room with French doors to the garden, fitted kitchen with integrated appliances and utility room. The first floor offers a master bedroom suite with dressing area, superb en-suite, master bedroom with fitted wardrobes, guest bedroom with a stunning en-suite, two further double bedrooms, fabulous fully tiled main bathroom with separate shower plus landing area. Externally there is a lawned front, parking for four cars, double garage with electric door and 55ft x 30ft mainly lawned rear garden with patio. In addition there is a protected nature/badger area located behind the garden. There is also new double glazing, gas central heating and light decorations.

High Street, Nailsea www.huntprop.co.uk

01275 853222 – Sales 01275 859933 – Lettings

3

Community News Quality Windows and Doors made and installed by local experts

A helping hand to finance your home improvements

itive We can offer really compet cost low h wit es kag pac finance ay! tod monthly repayments. Ask

Free Quotes • Call 01275 878153 Showroom: Kimberley Road, Clevedon BS21 6QJ

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orano Meia Contact Gordano Media Editor: John Cant info@gordanoliving.co.uk Editorial: Kevin Emery kevin.gordanomedia@gmail.com

Contact any of the advertising team on

01275 849369

Advertising Sales: Jo Ford Tanya Archer Clair Gardner

jo.gordanomedia@gmail.com tanya.gordanomedia@gmail.com clair.gordanomedia@gmail.com

Accounts: Laura Rowbotham info@gordanoliving.co.uk Marie Eastwood

marie.gordanomedia@gmail.com

Graphic Design: Annabel Kingston Gordano Media, A&W Buildings, Newfoundland Way, Portishead, BS20 7DF. www.gordanoliving.co.uk

01275 849369

Introduction

M

arch is the first month of spring, which means that it’s a great time to get stuck into your garden and any work you may have to do on your house.

With that in mind, your Nailsea & Backwell Living magazine has got a special Home and John Cant Garden section to help.

This month is also the time to celebrate our mums.

With Mothering Sunday falling on Sunday, March 15 we are pleased to bring you a special feature in this issue to help with your celebrations.

We also have the latest community news, what’s on, health and beauty and much more.

Thanks for all your feedback and contributions, and remember, this is your magazine so if you have anything the community should know about, make sure you get in touch - we love to hear from you.

Kind Regards John Cant, Managing Director

5

Community News Cyclist looking for woman who helped him at accident in Tickenham

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Bristol man is hunting for a woman who helped him when he fell of his bike near Tickenham.

Christopher Orlick was cycling past the Star Inn on October 1, 2012, when he fell, suffering serious head injuries.

Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) attended, and the team gave critical care at the scene before escorting him to hospital by land ambulance.

He is now fully recovered, and is looking to find the woman who was first on the scene, and helped him while he waited for GWAAC. Christopher said: “There was a woman who was driving behind me when I fell off. She stopped the traffic, and I think she made the

call for the ambulance. She then stayed with me until medical help arrived.”

Christopher visited the GWAAC base in Filton to meet Critical Care Paramedic Neil Hooper, who attended the incident along with Critical Care Paramedic Mike Page and Critical Care Doctor Phil Cowburn. During the visit Christopher was shown around the helicopter by pilot Richard MacLaughlin.

GWAAC is one of the busiest air ambulances in the UK and the team fly seven days a week, 365 days a year to attend more than 100 incidents per month.

Within four minutes of a 999 call to their base the aircraft is in the air, and no more than 20 minutes later the team are anywhere within the region that they cover.

The charity receive no day to day funding from the Government or the National Lottery, which means it relies entirely on the generosity of the people they serve to continue operating.

People can donate via www.gwaac.com, or by texting HELI13 £2 (or any amount) to 70070. If the mystery woman from the story would like to get in touch, please telephone 0303 4444 999.

6

Community News Get ready for the 2015 Nailsea Charity Walks and Runs

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watkins-tasker-vets.co.uk Nailsea Challenge is for the more experienced.

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on your own or in groups/families. There is a registration fee of £6 per person, above the age of 18, to cover costs with the surplus given to Rotary charities.

For more details, or to register and pay online, simply enter “Rotary Nailsea” into your search engine and select Rotary Club of Nailsea & Backwell. Or contact Graham at grahamjeanhunt@tiscali.co.uk or on 07970 771845 and ask for a registration form.

Also contact Graham if your business would like to sponsor the event or if you wish your charity to be involved.

BRITANNIA WINDOWS.co.uk

egistrations are already coming in for the fourth annual Nailsea Charity Walks and Runs, on Sunday, June 28, organised by The Rotary Club of Nailsea and Backwell and supported by many local charities.

The event, which helped raise £18,500 for local charities and worthwhile causes last year, has now become firmly established as an important part of the Nailsea calendar when people get together to have fun, enjoy the local countryside with friends and family and raise money for deserving local organisations.

It is also a vehicle through which local charities, schools, sports clubs and similar organisations can raise money for themselves through a sponsored walk or run.

There will be three routes, some of which are expected to change for this year’s event, all within the local area and all starting and finishing at the Scotch Horn Centre, Nailsea.

The 5K is for strollers, the 10K is for those who would like a longer walk, and the 20K

r 30 ye

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Community News Three days, three counties, three children’s hospices, one great cause

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hildren’s Hospice South West (CHSW) would like to take you on a unique cycling tour of the region whilst raising vital funds for its three children’s hospices.

Ride for Precious Lives begins at Little Harbour in St Austell on Friday, July 10, then on to Little Bridge House in North Devon, finishing at Charlton Farm in Wraxall North Somerset on Sunday, July 12.

Damien Rylett, one of the 2014

participants, says it was by far the most challenging charity ride he has ever taken part in.

“It was all worth it though. There was a great sense of camaraderie throughout the ride that kept me going when it got tough.

Some stunning scenery and riding in to each of the hospices put one numb bottom in to perspective.”

Emma McKeown, CHSW Event Fundraiser, said:“Don’t take on just any cycling challenge this year – come and be one of the Ride for Precious Lives team and join this incredibly inspiring and motivating ride through three counties. You really will be helping the hundreds of families across the South West who we

support.”

Kindly sponsored once again by Clevedon-based firm, Edwards, this unique 205 mile bike ride hopes to raise £100K for Children’s Hospice South West, which will help to fund the care and support offered to children across the region with lifelimiting illnesses.

Spaces are strictly limited to 100. To register or to find out more, visit www.chsw.org.uk/ride.

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Community News

Nature reserve attracts record number of visitors

S

tockway North Nature reserve in Nailsea posted an all time record number of visitors last year. A total of 676, including 339 young people, meant a four per cent increase on 2013 and the highest ever total during the 16 years it has been operating.

The nature reserve, which has 180 types of plants, 35 birds, 15 butterflies, nine dragonflies/damselflies, frogs, newts, fungi mammals and many invertebrates, hosted activity visits from a number of schools, including Golden Valley, Kingshill and Wraxall, and also had visits from three beaver groups, guides, Nailsea Footpath Group and Scotch Horn Camp Adventure.

Last year was also the sixth year running it received an ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ award from The Royal Horticultural Society and South West in Bloom for its contribution to the community.

The Friends of the Reserve are on the lookout for volunteer helpers to manage the reserve and especially to help with the open days, schools and other group visits.

If you are interested, telephone chairman Andrew Town on 01275 858064 or secretary Pat Robinson on 01275 854628 or for more information visit www.stockwaynorth.org.uk.

Alternatively, free public open afternoons for those interested in wildlife take place every Wednesday from AprilAugust and the first Saturday of each month throughout the year.

They run from 2-5pm, weather and light permitting, just look for the ‘Reserve Open’ board on Stockway North, Nailsea, by the Garden of Rest.

This provides a great opportunity to see for yourself the work that the Friends of the Reserve have done to benefit the wildlife.

Accompanied children of all ages are welcome, while family and group visits can be arranged.

9

Community News Nailsea Community Trust — an anniversary year to be proud of

B

etween November 2013 and November 2014 Nailsea Community Trust celebrated its 25th anniversary year of helping local people and orgaisations.

In addition to £4600 in grants made to 21 individuals/families, the trust also provided a number of organisation-based support throughout the year. Grants for environmental and horticultural projects included Kingshill and Backwell Schools’ gardening clubs, Friends of Trendlewood Park and Nailsea School’s Developing Empathy with Nature (DEN).

Grants were also made to promote

well-being, such as helping people access Wellspring Counselling, introducing mindfulness to Nailsea School Year 10 students, and the purchase of a public use defibrillator to be located in Nailsea.

Activity programmes such as Nailsea and Backwell Children’s Centre play area canopy; equipment for Ravenswood School’s Sports Club and LARP at Nailsea School; trophies, medals and/or certificates for Nailsea Flower Show, Skate Park Competition, and Festival of Music winners; Tickenham Playground Project safety matting; Backwell Judo Hut mats; support of scout groups’ fundraising events; and redecorating costs of the community room at Nailsea United Reformed Church also received

grants.

Community links with Nailsea Community Market, Nailsea Food Bank, Rotary Club, the Nailsea and Backwell Children’s Centre, Community Opportunities in Nailsea (COIN) and The Link at Nailsea School were also established, while other community projects are still in discussion.

A spokesman for the organisation said: “Nailsea Community Trust believes in making our community an even better place to live. The directors hope they have helped make a positive difference in that respect, and will continue to do so in the future.”

For more information about the trust or how it may be able to help, please write to The Secretary, Nailsea Community Trust, 1st Nailsea Scouts Activity and Training Centre, Clevedon Road, Nailsea, North Somerset, BS48 1EH or visit www.nailseacommunitytrust.co.uk.

Arthur E. Davey & Sons Independent Family Funeral Directors

01275-852307 Serving the community for more than four generations Tony Davey Dip F.D. M.B.I.F.D. Nicola Davey

Call for details of our Pre-payment Plans Private Chapels of Rest. Home visits.

82 Silver Street Nailsea BS48 2DS www.aedavey.co.uk

10

Community News

Police visit with football ‘cage’ is a hit with schoolchildren

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eighbourhood police have tested out a new piece of sports kit which officers plan to use to help young people in North Somerset stay active safely.

Pupils from St Francis’ Catholic Primary School, Nailsea, tested out the football ‘cage’ with officers from the neighbourhood team.

The portable cage is made up of large mesh panels which slot together to make an arena for small groups to play football. It can be set up inside or out, enabling primary or secondary school age children to play safely in different locations without the risk of the ball hitting property.

Nailsea Neighbourhood Sergeant

Mark Raby said: “We’re really grateful to the staff and pupils of St Francis’ for helping us test out this new piece of kit. We’d also like to thank the Gordano School Youth Watch for funding the kit through a play enabling grant.

“We hope that having neighbourhood officers taking the football cage out across North Somerset will be a great way for us to get to know local youngsters in a really positive setting.

“Judging from this test run it will work well. The kids loved it – they

were queuing up to have a kick about in the cage.”

Any North Somerset youth organisations interested in hosting their local neighbourhood team with the football cage are asked to contact PCSO 7717 Dawn Tremlett, who came up with the scheme, through www. avonandsomerset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101.

ck EE ate to FR edi m s m fro im ry e liv

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www.portisbeds.co.uk 11

Community News Entries in for win a shop competition

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ntries are in for this year’s #winashop for a year in Nailsea competition, organised by The Crown Glass Shopping Centre.

One lucky new retailer will win the opportunity to take a unit in the centre, 15 Colliers Walk, for free for a year, with no rent, rates and service charge, for what is a prize worth £25,000.

The winner will also have access to a range of local retail experts who are on hand to offer business advice from merchandising to business banking.

Each entry was asked to submit a business plan which will be shortlisted by a panel of judges and shortlisted entries will then present their retail ideas in a Dragon Den style interview process before the winner is selected.

Emily Rickard, who runs ewe Knit 20 and is one of the two 2014 winners, will be one of the judges. She said: “It’s great to be the other side of the table. I was delighted when I was asked to be involved in the competition this year, it offers such an opportunity for start-up businesses in North Somerset and the support from The Crown Glass Shopping Centre and the mentors has been invaluable.”

Charlotte Jarrett, Shopping Centre Manager for The Crown Glass Shopping Centre said: “#winashop has proven success in placing and supporting local independents into the retail environment.”

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Community News

Win a giant Easter egg

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ailsea Lions are raffling a number of giant Easter eggs to raise money for BRACE, a Bristol

based charity that funds research into Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, in universities in the South West and South Wales.

In the Nailsea and Backwell area eggs will be raffled at the following locations: The Old Barn, The White Lion, Moorend Spout, Jubilee Inn, Sawyers Arms, Ring-o-Bells, The Old Farmhouse, The Failand Inn, The Star Tickenham, The Cutting Room, SP Hairdressing, Michael’s Hair Design, Ashley Olsen Green Green Grocery, The Grove,

Gatcombe Farm Shop, and Backwell Garage.

Dementia currently affects more than 800,000 people in the UK, and this figure may double by the year 2040 as the population ages.

Funds for research to help find ways of preventing and treating dementia are currently inadequate, and are only a fraction of what is spent per patient on cancer research.

Since 1987 BRACE has raised over £13 million, which has helped scientists in our area make significant contributions to dementia research.

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Community News

Fairfield School Where no child goes unnoticed

Fairfield School, Fairfield Way, Backwell, Bristol BS48 3PD 01275 462743 • secretary@fairfieldschool.org.uk

The

best kept secret in North Somerset

3-11yrs SpaceS Still available

book your tour now Please contact us on 01275 462743 to book a tour of the school and/or the opportunity for your child to experience a taster day.

Let’s have a chat about it!

@fairfieldpneu fairfieldschoolbackwell

www.fairfieldschool.org.uk

14

Community News

First class travel with County Cars

C

ounty Cars has been serving Portishead, Clevedon and Nailsea for more than 20 years, providing a fast, reliable local and regional service to private and corporate customers with their fleet of vehicles, which includes four seat cars, 6/7/8 seat MPVs and minibuses.

The company has recently launched two new services for customers – Wheelchair Access Service and now Executive Class Service too.

For County Cars, these specialist services are a natural progression.

The managing director said: “Our private and commercial customers were asking us about providing long run executive travel so we knew there was an interest, but we wanted to be sure we could deliver this service properly.

“To travel in a vehicle for a long distance requires space and comfort and most ‘workaday’ private hire taxis are not really suitable for long journeys. Also, these ‘workaday’ taxis do not present the right image for businesses when sent to carry their important customers from international airports etc.”

To address these issues, County Cars has invested in two new executive class cars – a BMW 7 Series and a

Chrysler – which are discrete, well presented and reserved for their executive service, offering clients stress free travel in style and comfort. And if you are a business user it means that County Cars Executive Service will present a good positive impression of your company to your important customers and key personnel.

School makes urgent plea for waterproofs

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reenslade Pre-School is asking for donations of waterproof clothing.

The charity run pre-school on Pound Lane in Nailsea is situated within the grounds of Kingshill Church School and has its own purpose built building.

Sarah Hayett, from the pre-school, said: “Due to ever increasing running costs, unfortunately our funds will not stretch to urgently replacing the worn out waterproof trousers and jackets for the children.

“We love to allow the children to play outside but keeping them warm and dry is essential.

“We would gratefully accept any waterproof clothing for children, trouser jackets or all in one-suits, from the ages 2-4 years.”

If you are able to help, please contact them on 01275 858359 or email admin@ greensladepreschool. org.uk

15

Feature Make the most of March at Lynne Fernandes

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’m not great with the cold and dark, so the arrival of March always gives me a lift.

This March in particular we have a great new collection of eye wear designs. Design trends are moving to more challenging materials such as silk and wood. We’ve stocked up with unique and individual eye wear designs such as Ronit Furst, Jono Hennessey, Carter Bond, William Morris and Moscot. We also have the latest Ray Bans, Oakleys, Hackett, Nike and CK. New to us is Super Dry. We’ve worked with Super Dry to launch their collection in Nailsea. If you like their designs, tell us and we will hold more.

This month we’ve launched our new

website. We’re hugely excited by the increased functionality this offers us and you. For the first time you will be able to book your appointments online, you will be able to order contact lenses at any time via your smartphone, tablet or computer and you will be able to research eye conditions and treatment options in Bristol. Have a look at lynnefernandes.co.uk We’ve just heard that our wonderful director, Lynne Fernandes, has been shortlisted for Optometrist of the Year.

Lynne has created the unique clinical atmosphere at our practice, works for NHS England to improve optometrist’s

clinical standards, with the UK Glaucoma Eye Surgeons to present on patients and primary care views and has even styled her own collection of handmade frames. She is an inspiration for all, we are very proud.

In March we have an unbeatable offer on Crizal spectacle lenses You can have a complimentary second pair of spectacle lenses with every purchase of Crizal lenses. It’s a great opportunity to have two new pairs of glasses at a greatly reduced price.

Crizal spectacle lenses reduce glare, scratches, smudges, dust, water and UV, giving you superior vision whilst eliminating all of the annoying factors that come with wearing glasses.

At Lynne Fernandes Optometrists we don’t believe in giving you a ‘spare’ pair of specs, every pair we dispense has a primary purpose, they aren’t for keeping in the back of a dusty cupboard. Your complimentary pair can be clear or sunglass Crizal prescription lenses and when combined with the fabulous frames we currently have in stock you can achieve two completely different yet stylish looks.

As we are independent optometrists, we treat you as an individual and give your vision the time and attention it deserves.

Unlike some retail chains, we have the freedom of choice and only recommend the right products specifically for you.

When wondering if you need two new pairs of glasses, ask yourself how many pairs of shoes you have. You would never compromise with only one pair so don’t compromise on your vision and eye health.

Come in and see us today for some expert advice and to have access to the quality of vision you have only ever dreamed of.

Call us for an appointment on 01275 854946 or book online at lynnefernandes.co.uk

nandes

By Gerard Fer

16

Lynne Fernandes Optometrists, Ivy Court, 63 High St, Nailsea.

Tel 01275 854946.

Nailsea@lynnefernandes.co.uk.

Backwell Living

Backwell firm sponsors celebrity charity football match

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celebrity football match sponsored by a Backwell firm of accountants has raised thousands of pounds to help fund surgery so a boy with severe cerebral palsy may walk.

Hudson Accountants sponsored the football kits when ex Bristol City players, ex Bristol Rovers players and celebrities joined forces to play in aid of six-year-old Oskar Pycroft.

The football legends mixed with TV chefs and sporting names took on a team of donators to raise £2,500 towards the cost of a private operation and beat the Rosco Rangers 6–2.

Mum-of-two Della Hudson, who runs Hudson Accountants in West Town Road, Backwell, said: “It was lovely to see so many people turn out to support Oskar. His story has really moved me.”

The move came after lifelong City supporter Ross Simmons was inspired

by Oskar to organise the match. Ross

has already personally raised around £2,000 for the cause.

A surgery called Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) could reduce the pain and spasticity in Oskar’s legs and give him a chance to walk but he doesn’t meet the strict criteria set by the NHS for this treatment and so £50,000 is being raised to allow him to undergo the treatment privately.

To date, nearly £38,000 has been

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raised for Oskar.

For more information visit https://www.justgiving.com/rosssimmons.

Women’s World Day of Prayer

service for Women’s World Day of Prayer 2015 takes place at West Town Methodist Church, West Town Road, Backwell on Friday, March 6 with Churches Together in Backwell This is an opportunity for people to join men, women and young people all over the world for a service which

has been prepared by The Christian Women of The Bahamas and includes a slide presentation about life in those Islands.

It runs from 6-7pm, all are welcome, and refreshments will be served afterwards.

Royal British Legion branch voted best small branch in county

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he Backwell and Flax Bourton Branch of the Royal British Legion have been celebrating after being awarded the John Barnes Trophy for the best RBL Small Branch in the county.

This is a significant honour and reflects the hard work and team spirit that goes into the efficient running of the branch.

They are also keen to recruit new members who would like to belong to the Legion and help in our very worthwhile cause. You do not have to have been a member of the armed forces.

The Legion assists ex-service personnel and their families with whatever problems they might have in civilian life.

If you are interested then contact membership secretary Graham Hackett on 462606.

The branch is also in urgent need of a Standard Bearer for ceremonial occasions. This is an interesting role in the Legion and full training will be provided. If you are interested in this role or would like more information, contact Doreen Smith on 01275 462171.

17

Backwell Living

Lunch Club to become regular feature at Meeting Point

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warm welcome is assured at the Meeting Point in Backwell. The Committee Room in the Parish Hall, Station Road, Backwell provides an opportunity to just chat, use the computer and printer or swap a book every Tuesday between 9.30am-4.30pm.

The regular Lunch Club is proving so popular that it will become a regular feature every month from March, with it taking place on 17th from 1pm. Bookings must be made by Tuesday, March 10.

This month’s other special events leading up to Easter include a talk on the British Legion

from 2.30pm on March 3, while on March 10 you can take your energy bills along from 2pm for some information on sustainable energy and a chance to see what you could save.

Board games will be available to play on March 24 from 2pm and on March 31 there is Edible Crafts from 10am and 2pm with all ages welcome.

For more information visit www.themeetingpointbackwell.co.uk, pop in and ask at Backwell Post Office, or contact backwell.life@gmail.com alternatively call Vicky on 01275 462510.

Plant Sale

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he Somerset Group of the national plant conservation society Plant Heritage will be holding a Plant Sale at the WI Hall, Station Road, Backwell, on Saturday, March 7 from 10am3.30pm.

A wide range of plants will be available from growers around the area and also members of the group.

It will be an opportunity to obtain plants not generally available in commerce.

Refreshments will be available throughout the day including light lunches and cream teas.

Admission is free, and for any further details telephone Don Everitt on 01275 462700.

Library

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he mobile library is situated in the leisure centre car park in Backwell, every Monday from 2-4pm. There is also a home library service available – for more information visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/libraries

01275 463217

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Backwell Living

1st Backwell Scouts raise almost £400 from Christmas Post

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he 1st Backwell Scouts raised £395.21 from the Scouts Christmas Post scheme, processing a whopping 1915 cards and letters in Backwell alone.

The scouts will be donating £40 of the proceeds to the charity FareShare, which helps fight hunger and tackles food waste. The remainder of the money will help scouts in Backwell develop more activities.

A spokesperson for the scouts said: “Everyone at 1st Backwell Scouts would like to say a big thank you to everyone who used the service, and to our stamp sales outlets - Backwell Vets, Backwell Barbers, Cash Save Mica and Backwell Motors.”

Backwell Drama Club management team has created some ingenious special effects.

Meanwhile, the club’s props department is set on accumulating a mass of empty gin bottles, all strictly in the interests of art of course.

Rehearsals are now well under way for Backwell Drama Club’s April production of David Tristram’s haunting comedy, Ghost Writer.

Whilst the members of the cast are busy learning their lines, the stage

The production, directed by Mike Plas, will run from Thursday, April 23–Saturday, April 25 at Backwell Parish Hall and tickets, priced £10, are available from Valerie and Dennis Smart on 01275 857866.

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN BACKWELL WELCOME YOU ALL OUR SERVICES OVER HOLY WEEK & EASTER UNITED SERVICES Monday March 30th Stations of the Cross at St Francis R.C. Church, Nailsea Good Friday April 3rd 11am Hot Cross buns with prayer stations for all ages at St Andrews leading into 11.20am Short Act of Worship & Walking with the Cross to 11.45am Short Act of Worship at Rodney Road Corner Easter Day April 5th 6.30 am Sunrise Communion at Backwell Lake 7pm

Tuesday - March 31st

‘Father, save me from this hour’

Easter Eve - April 4th

7pm

St Andrews Church

8pm

Sung Compline

Wednesday - April 1st

‘One of you will betray me’

7pm

St Bridget’s, Chelvey

9pm Taize Worship

Easter Day - April 5th Maundy Thursday - April 2nd 7pm 7pm 7.30pm

Eucharist and Watch St Andrews Church Mass of the Last Supper St Francis RC Church Holy Communion West Town Methodist Church

Good Friday - April 3rd 10.30am 12.30pm 2pm 3pm

‘Jesus was at supper with his friends’

‘Father, forgive them’

Holy Communion Reflections on the Cross Devotions for the Final Hour Mass

Backwell Baptist Church St Bridget’s, Chelvey St Andrews Church St Francis RC Church

8 am 9.15am 10.15am 10.30am 10.30am 11am 6.15pm

‘When the Sabbath was over’

Darkness to Light - The story of faith around the Fire St Andrews Church Easter Vigil St Francis RC Church

‘Jesus is risen - Alleluia!’

Easter Communion St Andrews Church Easter Communion St Bridget’s Chelvey Celebration Eucharist for All Ages St Andrews Church Easter Day Family Communion West Town Methodist Easter Family Service Backwell Baptist Church Easter Mass St Francis RC Church Easter Festal Evensong St Andrews Church

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ut o own Annual Swimathon

T

he countdown to Portishead Rotary Club’s annual swimathon has begun.

Members of the club were joined

by BBC Bristol TV and radio personality Jemma Cooper and staff from Parish Wharf Leisure Centre, where the event takes place, to highlight the launch of one of the biggest fundraising events on the town’s calendar.

Now in its 19th year Rotary is hoping that, as in the past, around 80 teams will join them for the event on Saturday April 25 2015 starting at 1.30pm.

Teams that take part are able to raise funds for their own projects as well as selected Rotary charities, which for this year are the RNLI Portishead Boat House appeal and St Peter’s Hospice.

Individuals, schools, business, local groups and community organisations

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are all invited to join in.

For more details and entry forms please contact Mollie Young on 07788 590371 or

e-mail mollieyoung@talktalk. net. Alternatively visit www. portisheadrotaryclub.org.uk to find out more.

ut o own

S

Hawthorns signs up with Pier

ome friendships are built to last and that is clearly the case with retirement residency, The Hawthorns, Clevedon, eagerly signing up as main sponsor for the stunning new multi million pound development at Clevedon Pier.

With ambitious plans to bring in hundreds of thousands of new visitors to the town, alongside a unique share offer, the residency is cementing a long-standing friendship between the two with a sponsorship deal.

The original owner of The Hawthorns, American Bill Colson, provided the entry gates to Clevedon Pier in the 1980’s.

Then on two subsequent occasions, in 1992 and 1994, The Hawthorns donated £10,000 each time to support the rebuilding of the iconic structure.

Managing director of The Hawthorns, Peter Harrison, welcomed the 2015 investment.

He said: “Of course our residents along with everyone in the town love the pier, it is a wonderful and elegant structure.

“But the team supporting the pier’s new development is also looking to the future, aiming to create an appealing visitor centre that will attract valuable business and thousands of new visitors to the town. We at The Hawthorns welcome that investment in all our futures.”

Manager of The Hawthorns, Clevedon, Goldie Tripney, added: “The Hawthorns has been a supporter of the Pier Trust since we first opened in 1995. The pier is an important part of the history of this town and recent exposure through television and film has really put the town on the map; we get calls asking if you really can see the pier.”

Described by Sir John Betjeman as the most beautiful pier in England, Clevedon Pier was designated a Grade I listed building in 2001.

More recently the 312 metre long decking served as the dance floor for One Direction when they filmed the video for their international hit, You and I. Operating costs for the pier are over a million pounds every ten years.

Chairman of the Pier Trust, Simon Talbot-Ponsonby, said: “We are delighted that our longstanding friends at The Hawthorns have agreed to provide financial support for the new visitor centre.”

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Easter Revision Courses

Prepare to achieve Monday 6th - Friday 10th April 2015 •

A full range of GCSE, AS and A2 Level subjects available

•

Tutors with experience as examiners leading study sessions

•

Individual assessments and coaching on exam techniques

•

Advice in final preparations

•

End of course report for parents

•

Superb recreational facilities

•

Residential stay available

For further information:

0117 315 7143

bclark@cliftoncollege.com

www.ccsl-cliftoncollege.com

22

outh A ‘groovy’ opportunity in Portishead

T

heatre arts school performers in Portishead have been given the opportunity to study and perform in an exclusive new show by Horrible Histories, the UK’s leading education entertainment franchise.

Stagecoach Portishead will be studying and performing ‘Horrible Histories: Groovy Greeks’ in the coming months, following Stagecoach’s brand new partnership with the Birmingham Stage Company.

The ‘Show in the Box’ version of the performance has been created exclusively for the Stagecoach Theatre Arts group by the entertainment franchise and Stagecoach principal Heidi Hollis said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our school to take part in.

“We are very keen to encourage our students to take an interest in history and the arts, and what better way than to teach them through such an excellent educational entertainment franchise. This will be a unique show

with key learning strategies.”

A Birmingham Stage Company representative added: “We want to give young people the chance to be part of a show which is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“The Horrible Histories franchise allows children to engage with history on an educational level, whilst having fun at the same time.

“We think our partnership with Stagecoach will open doors for many youngsters in their acting careers and are looking forward to working alongside them.”

Horrible Histories first began as a book series in 1993 with The Terrible Tudors and The Awful Egyptians.

The franchise has since grown to include magazines, a TV series, theatre productions and exhibitions, becoming a vastly popular educational entertainment company.

Stagecoach Theatre Arts School Portishead is part of a network of more than 600 part-time theatre

arts schools worldwide. Early stages classes are available for children aged four to six and main school classes take place for six to 18-year-olds.

To enrol visit www.stagecoach.co.uk/ portishead or call 0117 953 2500.

Schools in: Ashton, Clevedon, Nailsea & Portishead

Join today and be in our next rock concert! bristol@therockproject.com www.facebook.com/therockprojectnorthsomerset

01275 265226

Lessons in Guitar, Bass, Drums, Vocals for ages 7-11 & 12-18

www.TheRockProject-NorthSomerset.com

23

Chils lay Back & Tod well Baby dle Wed & r Group k Thurs Morning Brea group.

Mess ddler Backw10-11:30 y Parent and to Baby D ell Pa every Stay and P rish H Term Breast in la Wedn e is al T a ci feedin ers im ll so to 1 rs e 0 esd y, re £ s a ca 1 s/ O m g .50 pe nly parent £1.50 to 11.30a ay, , including r es Wedn Drop in Group iti s tiv e ac s d Tel. sion esd Talks an Nailse per sessio m, os.

07878 Emily on Nailse ay 2.00-3.3 cookery dem a n 75866 Child and Backw at rm time) (te ys 0 da Childra & Backwe 0pm 2 1 es ren’s Tu 2 o 7 r 5 ll ens Ce 8 Centr ell 80198 Po 9.30-11.30am d creche ntre Po Tel: 0 und Lane. e, es an iti tiv ac Tel. 01und Lane , t 1 ul 934 4 10.30 Ad 934 42 Babies Centre, 26710 6710 Holy Trinity . groups to pre-school , Nailsea ne La at Chris ch ur Ch t Church Nailsea e: , . Toys, s Telephon tories, singin 01275 853227 Time Out @10 refreshm g,craft and e e ilies n ts. T s Zon only, £1 Monday Mornings from Go and famn, .50. TUE erm time sy Bee up u ‘B SDAY TO 10-11:30am s Drop In l fu tories r gro nd r old oo Toddley Monday a 11.30am Between 9.30 TS Coffee mornings for all -7 y fter sch bible s m 4 r o e r ; T f v ID e , g DLERS 1 A raft n 2.45pm parents/carers regardless of d. .30is ope sday mornind during . Fri s,c foo 5pm children’s ages. Toy corner For moreday afternoon ame and , food rch Thur ber 8th an 0am g s. t details u .3 m for pre-school children. The ring star nity Ch ightly Septe time from 9 ts singing, Beverle 5 1 : 3 ly Tri ortn Centre (previously Church term . Toys, craf Further 01275 7 y on 90520 Ho sday F 53227 tc. am n House), Silver Street, Nailsea. r 75 8 11.30 shments e n Emery o u h T 012 Telephone: refre rom Maria 91 or sf 01275 859339 detail 01275 8559aster New G Backwell rou Min anc B Rose L 90538 every i Stay and p Church To aptist 7 P F n r d o id d le a r Group, M y term lay, 10am ddlers e babie to 11.30a time, Wraxall To days: 10-11.30 ets Weds n s and m, fo o M , p u ro time. Toy am term r G childr to 18 , Cross am e 0 m .3 n 1 o -1 u n 0 fun, supp s, activities, p per se ths, £ 9.3 ort, healt tre, All 1 s en s .5 C io 0 ee a n Tr nd Ba hy snacks, at Na c urch. All parking, safe car Saints Ch e Sylvia: Centr kwell Chil ilsea n dren’s e, Pou m co el w Tel. Libb o charge. ry Tel: 0 ve 4220 y on 01 1934 nd Lane.

01275-85 42671 857525 275 0.

Easter at Court Farm

G

ive the kids a treat this Easter and have a fun day at Court Farm. The country park, on Wolvershill Road, Banwell, has lots to do and lots to see for all the family There are lots of animals to see, from Shires and shetlands to lambs and piglets, as well as many animals in the fields too, which you can see on a tractor ride.

For those who just want to play, then there are plenty of attractions too, including castles, forts, skyways, sandpits, trampolines, jeeps, boats, mazes and a whole host of rides.

Have a fun day on the farm and give the kids a day to remember.

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ertisin Feature

Spring at Noah’s Ark S Information provided by the Zoo Farm pring is upon us at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm near Bristol, the perfect season to watch nature come alive with a host of impressive animals enjoying the brighter weather outside, including our African elephants, white rhinos and big cats.

*New for 2015*

Enjoy our large warm play barns this season, now with full heating for all indoor play and eating areas! Bring the family along today to North Somerset’s award-winning ‘all day, all weather’ attraction. Enjoy 12 exciting adventure play areas, an indoor Animal Village and

covered Animal Show Pens. We now offer over 25,000 square feet of heated areas and hotspots around the 100 acre park to make your visit enjoyable whatever the weather.

Noah’s Ark offers incredible up-close experiences with amazing animals, including seeing the lions and tigers being fed during the ‘Big Cat Talk’, meeting our giraffe family at the daily encounter and watching our Birds of Prey fly in the daily display.

Enjoy a jumbo experience with Noah’s Ark’s impressive new ‘Elephant Eden’ - Europe’s largest elephant habitat.

Families can get within a trunk’s length of nature’s biggest land mammal, take part in the daily Elephant Presentation and learn about the importance of conservation.

For a fantastic family day out, walk beside nature’s giants at Noah’s Ark this season!

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TREAT MUM THIS MOTHERS DAY WITH MOUTH WATERING ITALIAN DELIGHTS Mother’s Day is a celebration honouring mothers & motherhood, maternal bonds & the influence of mothers in society At Il Paradiso, we can help treat your mum on her special day

Bookings now being taken (Sunday 15th March)

EVENINGS - FULL A LA CARTE MENU

110 High Street, Nailsea, BS48 1AH Tel: 01275 854019 26

Take Away Service Available

Mothers ay Spoiling our mums isn’t something we should do only once a year, but Mothering Sunday does provide the perfect opportunity to remind our mum’s how very special they are to us.

The history of Mother's Day is centuries old with early celebrations traced back to ancient Greece, when a day was set aside in honour of Rhea, Mother of the Gods.

During the 17th century early Christians in England allocated a day to honour Mary, the mother of Christ, this was later expanded to include all mothers, and named as the Mothering Sunday.

Mother's Day is celebrated all over the world and it’s the ideal occasion to pay tribute to the person who has had a great impact on our lives, a person whose love and care knows no boundaries.

Some people will travel miles to be with their mum on her special day, while others will send flowers, gifts and cards.

The Old Farmhouse

T

reat your mum to a carvery this Mothering Sunday at The Old Farmhouse Pub, Trendlewood Way, Nailsea.

Last year the pub was awarded the Best Carvery in North Somerset award and it has all the tradition you would expect from a carvery, with a choice of succulent roast meats and seasonal vegetables.

The pub offers more than just a great carvery too, with a menu that will leave the whole family spoilt for choice.

It is an excellent venue for all of the family, including an enclosed play area for youngsters as well as ample parking.

Treat mum to an authentic Italian meal

T

here is no better way to show your mum how much you appreciate her than taking her out for a fantastic meal to say thank you and Mother’s Day gives you the perfect excuse to spoil her rotten.

If you want to wine and dine your mum on Sunday, March 15 then Il Paradiso could be the perfect place.

The authentic Italian restaurant, 110 High Street, Nailsea, offers a lunchtime menu of pasta or pizza for £5.45 and two courses plus a 175ml glass of wine or soft drink for £11.95.

To book a table, telephone 01275 854019.

BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN FOR MOTHERS DAY SUNDAY 15TH MARCH

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Mothers ay Smallprint

A

re you stuck for a gift idea this Mother’s Day? What could be better than a unique, handcrafted piece of jewellery, which has actually been touched by the child you love?

Just imagine mum’s face when she

unwraps her present to find a gorgeous silver pendant with each of her children’s unique fingerprints captured forever.

The first touch of those tiny fingers’ their first drawing, their first step, their first high-five; all of those monumental firsts are over in the blink of an eye.

Smallprint can help you capture those special

forever, making it the perfect Mother’s Day gift.

Don’t forget it’s not just baby prints that can be captured, people or pets of any age can also be taken.

Smallprint, the originators of the precious silver fingerprint jewellery, offer a beautiful collection handcrafted pendants, dog tags, charms, cufflinks and keyrings, showcasing your child’s fingerprint, hand or footprint.

THE MOOREND SPOUT QUALITY HOME-COOKED FOOD IN A FRIENDLY RELAXING ENVIRONMENT

MOTHERS DAY SUNDAY 15TH MARCH Bookings now being taken 12.00 – 8.00pm (Sunday Roasts and Mothers Day menu available)

EASTER BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN Easter weekend – 3rd April – 6th April inclusive TEL: 01275 855336 The Moorend Spout Union Street, Nailsea, BS48 4BB Tel: 01275 855336 Web: www.themoorendspout.com

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milestones in beautiful silver keepsakes that you and your family can cherish

To order a product or find out more about hosting a Smallprint party call Sally on 07779 320958 or email sally. skuse@smallprint.com.

To view the full range of unique keepsakes, visit www.smallprint.com.

Gems

G

ift shop Gems, 49 Hill Road, Clevedon, is looking forward to Mothering Sunday and Easter.

Mothering Sunday is a very important day in the calendar and the time you wish to send your love and say thank you to your mum. The Mother’s Day Cards in store will convey your special message.

Gems offers an enticing selection of gifts too, including a range of ‘smellies’ from Di Palomo, Cath Kidston and Patisserie le bain; jewellery from Carrie Elspeth; and scarves and other fashion accessories from Shruti.

The shop prides itself at being continually on trend as fashions change and have a selection of tempting gifts from many well known manufacturers.

Celebrate Easter in style too with Easter decorations from Gisela Graham’s Easter range and an Easter Hunt, which will provide fun for children.

hats n Intercultural Dance

N

ailsea Intercultural Dance Association (NIDA), which meets weekly in Nailsea, was set up five years ago to bring residents of Nailsea and the surrounding villages together through music, dance and light exercise each Friday evening at Nailsea Methodist Church, Silver Street, Nailsea.

The intention is to encourage people from around the world who have made their home in the UK to come together and thus promote integration with the indigenous population.

This has proved successful, attracting members from as far afield as Weston, Clevedon, Portishead and even Bristol.

They have received a grant from the Quartet Community Foundation, and to emphasise the further-flung appeal they have changed their name to the North-Somerset Intercultural Dance Association.

Apart from enjoyable toe-tapping music, NIDA engage their members’ talents to learn line dance; follow a demonstration of relaxed “Let’s Dance” taster session, and promote health awareness by following instruction in the “Young Again” Chinese exercises.

Cost per head is only £1 per week to cover refreshments, and this is waived for the first introductory attendance.

Sessions run from 7.45-9.30pm.

For more details visit www.nidauk.moonfruit.com

DentalCare @ Nailsea for all the family New patients welcome

Full Range of quality dental treatment

Tooth whitening

Cosmetic dentistry

Hygienist Service

Town centre location

Payment plan available J. Rautenbach BChd D. Roberts BDS S. Collard BDS www.dentalcarenailsea.co.uk info@dentalcarenailsea.co.uk

116 Station Road, Nailsea, BS48 1TB

Tel. 01275 852143

Competition

Your Nailsea & Backwell Living magazine has teamed up with Gordano Gate Brewers Fayre to offer one reader the chance to win a meal for a family of four at the fantastic venue in Wyndham Way, Portishead.

All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is answer the following question:

What page is the Swift Tree advert on?

Send your answers to Gordano Media, A &W Buildings, Newfoundland Way, Portishead, BS20 7DF. The closing date is Thursday, February 12. The first correct entry pulled out after that date will win.

Terms and Conditions

Send your answers to Gordano Media, A &W Buildings, Newfoundland Way, Portishead, BS20 7DF. The closing date is Thursday, March 12. The first correct entry pulled out after that date will win.

THE WINNER OF LAST MONTH’S MEAL FOR A FAMILY OF FOUR WAS Miss L Houghton of Nailsea

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Great value COACH HOLIDAYS

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March & April HOLIDAYS DATE

TOUR & NO. OF DAYS

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VISIT OUR SHOPS

WESTON-SUPER-MARE Sovereign Centre, Weston-Super-Mare BS23 1HL Tel: 01934 422402

BRISTOL

Glass Kiosk 2, Broadmead, Bristol BS1 3HA Tel: 0117 960 7000

LUXURY GOLD COACH HOLIDAYS • Complimentary refreshments • 50% More legroom • On board entertainment • Hostess service Travelling by Gold Coach you’ll find added comfort and lots more facilities on-board to make your journey extra special!

hats n Synchronise your watches for Misbehavin’

O

ne of Nailsea’s favourite bands will be at the Tithe Barn, Church Lane, Nailsea, courtesy of Tithe Barn Jazz.

Misbehavin’ will be performing at the venue on Saturday, March 28 with Helen Porter on vocals, Karen Wimhurst on clarinet and bass clarinet, Robin Walter on guitar, and guest double bass player James Budden.

An evening with Misbehavin’ is always a musical thrill, with new arrangements of jazz favourites as well as rarely heard musical gems from song-writers such as Abbey Lincoln and Tom Waits alongside their own distinctive songs.

March market

S

pring is here with all the lovely daffodils coming out and it’s a perfect time to visit Nailsea’s local Farmers’, Craft and Community Market on Saturday, March 21 in Crown Glass Shopping Centre.

From 9am you’ll find all kinds of organic and free range meat, award-winning sausages, eggs, cheese, jams, bread, pasties, apple juice, cakes, fish, organic vegetables, gluten free cakes, plants, with new stalls selling ales, chutneys

The band kicks off 2015 with ‘Time Piece,’ a new set of original music, exploring the mercurial qualities of time past, present and future.

Featuring vocals, clarinets, rhythm guitar and double bass, their distinctive sound draws you into the intimate and then hits you with high octane soloing, drama and exuberance.

Tickets are £10 and available from Nailsea Music Shop in Nailsea High Street, or Celia on 07730 712374. Doors and bar open at 7.15pm for an 8pm start. and scotch eggs.

The Craft Market will have a lovely array of handmade crafts from handmade jewellery, pictures, textile gifts, wood products and much more, providing ideal gift ideas.

Additional stalls can be found at the Community Market from people on your doorstep. It all wraps up around lunchtime so make a note in diary and support your local Market.

Backwell and Nailsea Macular Support

T

he next meeting of Backwell and Nailsea Macular Support will be on Wednesday, March 25 at 1.30pm, when Dr Hamish Batten will talk about ‘Functional Structure of the Eye.’ The talk will explain exactly what macular degeneration is all about.

Please come if this interests you, whether or not you suffer from macular degeneration.

All are very welcome and for further information contact Sheila on 01275 462107.

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hats n Model Railway Club Annual Exhibition 2015

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ailsea and District Model Railway Club’s 2015 Exhibition takes place at Nailsea School, Mizzymead Road, Nailsea, over the weekend of Saturday, March 14 and Sunday, March 15.

This two day event has a range of model railway layouts covering many different scales, regions and eras, with numerous trade stalls as well as society stands and demonstrations.

2015 marks the fifth year the Club have held their annual show at this venue, which has proved to be a popular choice with its space and facilities.

N The show runs from 10.30am-5pm on the Saturday and from 10am-4pm on the Sunday and entry is £5.50 for adults, £4.50 for seniors, £2.50 for children and £13 for the family.

Full details of the layouts and exhibitors that will be at the event can be found at www.nailsea-district-mrc.co.uk.

DELIVERERS WANTED We are looking for distributors to deliver the Nailsea & Backwell Living Magazine around Nailsea If you are over 16 years of age and interested in earning some extra money please contact us for further information at info@gordanoliving.co.uk or on 07773 086299

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Nailsea Concert Orchestra

ailsea Concert Orchestra is presenting a concert of ‘One Night in Vienna’ on Saturday, March 7. Conducted by Robert Jenner, the orchestra will be joined by soloist Martin Rogers on trumpet.

The programme includes the Overture to Rosamunde by Schubert, Mozart’s Symphony No. 32, Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto on Eb and waltzes by Strauss.

The concert takes place at Nailsea Methodist Church, Silver Street, Nailsea, at 7.30pm and tickets are £10 (£1 for under 16s) and available in advance from Nailsea Music Shop, High Street, Nailsea, or on the door.

Diabetes information evening

T

he Nailsea, Backwell and District Diabetes Support group is holding its next information evening at Nailsea Methodist Church, Silver Street, Nailsea on Wednesday, March 18, at 7pm.

This month’s topic is ‘Why Bother with Goal Setting?’ It will feature two guest speakers - Kizzy Harris, the Diabetes Education Manager with Bristol Community Health, and Nikky Smith from Age UK. Both will give top tips on setting realistic goals and taking personal responsibility for health and well-being.

All those with an interest in diabetes are welcome, and for more information visit www.nailsea-diabetes.org.uk or contact Barbara Harris on 01275 268810.

Woodspring U3A meeting

W

oodspring University of the Third Age is a self help organisation which encourages and enables older people no longer in full time paid employment to help each other to share their knowledge, skills, interests and experience via monthly general meetings, coffee mornings, and special interest groups.

The next meeting takes place on Tuesday, March 24 at Nailsea Methodist Church, Silver Street, Nailsea, and will feature the A.G.M plus a talk by Diana Holdsworth on the U3A. It will start at 2.15pm and non-members will be required to pay an admission fee of £1. To find out more about Woodspring U3A visit www.u3asites.org.uk/woodspring.

hats n

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* * ***************** *

ailsea Outdoor Bowls Club is hosting an open day on Saturday, April 18, starting from 2pm at the Mizzymead Recreation Centre, Nailsea, for those who would like to give bowls a go.

Free tuition is provided, as well as the loan of equipment, however, soft flat soled shoes are essential, to protect the green.

Nailsea Bowls Club has some of the best facilities in the county. Its excellent facilities include a quality bowls (6 rink) green for summer games and three indoor rinks for winter games.

The outdoors bowls and indoors bowls are separate clubs. Men and ladies have separate sections for outdoors since they play in different competition leagues.

However, the two sections work closely together, they play together on club fun days, in club competitions, friendly matches, practise days and at the annual awards dinner.

A number of mens, ladies and mixed friendly games are played against other clubs too. These are played during the day, evenings and at weekends, but friendly matches against other clubs are mostly at weekends.

Go along to the club at Mizzymead Recreation Centre, on Mizzymead Rise, for free coaching lessons by county qualified coaches.

If you are a player or are interested to learn call David Hole, 01275 854566, who can provide more information. Free coaching is available all the year round.

Competition

* * **************************************** *

Open Day at Nailsea Bowls Club

The winner of a lunchtime meal for two at Mizzymead was Mrs Lesley Timmins, who correctly spotted Captain Phil on page 46 of the February edition of Nailsea & Backwell Living.

Don’t despair if you missed out because Nailsea & Backwell Living has again teamed up with Mizzymead to offer another lucky reader the chance to win a meal for two in the lunchtime.

All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning this great prize is find which page Captain Phil is hiding on.

Send your answers to Gordano Media, A&W Buildings, Newfoundland Way, Portishead, BS20 7DF. The closing date is Thursday, March 12. The first correct entry pulled out after the date will win.

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MIZZYMEAD RECREATION CENTRE & SOCIAL CLUB

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Email:- mizzymead@hotmail.co.uk

Telephone 01275 854181

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hats n Whistle Down the Wind

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levedon Light Opera Club will perform Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit show Whistle Down the Wind from Tuesday, March 10-Saturday, March 14 at the Princes Hall, Clevedon Community Centre, Princes Road, Clevedon, nightly at 7.30pm.

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s emotive score combines hauntingly beautiful love songs and rock ’n’ roll music with lyrics by acclaimed songwriter Jim Steinman.

This production see’s the junior section join the cast including ex junior members taking on lead roles.

Tickets are £10 on Tuesday, £11 on Wednesday-Saturday and £6 for children under 12 for all performances.

They are available from 07971 553911 or direct from Souk, Clevedon Triangle, or you can book online at www.clevedonlightoperaclub.co.uk.

Calling all scrabble players

E

I

f you love playing scrabble and would like to play against different people, or if you are finding computer scrabble is becoming a tad too addictive, then Clevedon Scrabble Club is the place for you.

The Club offers a warm welcome over a drink or coffee in the comfortable Millennium Lounge at Clevedon Conservative Club, Kenn Road, Clevedon. Everyone is welcome, whether you are retired, working or a student.

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If you are looking for something to do on a Friday afternoon why not come along and give it a go.

The club meet at 2.15pm to start playing at 2.30pm and finish around 5pm. For more details, telephone Dawn on 01275 342974.

Barn Dance

veryone is welcome at a monthly barn dance at Gordano School.

The next event is in the new sixth form lecture hall at the St Mary’s Road school on Thursday March 5 from 7.30-9.30pm.

With live music and a caller, the dance is a great way to meet new friends, enjoy gentle exercise and have plenty of fun. Admission is just £3 on the door. To find out more call Jill on 01274 847909 or visit www.fiddlelessons.co.uk.

Health & Beauty Absolute Tennis

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bsolute Tennis provides excellent tennis coaching for all ages – children and adults – in a sociable and fun environment.

Kerris Weatherley, a fully qualified and experienced LTA tennis coach with a CRB and a first aid qualification, is the director of Absolute Tennis Bristol, which runs at Clifton College Sports Ground (Beggar Bush), Abbots Leigh.

On leaving school Kerris gained a tennis professional position at the newly opened David Lloyd Centre in Bristol. She has also worked at one of the top American Summer Camps.

In 1995, Kerris was accepted into Cardiff University to study for a Sport and Human Movement Degree which was topped up to allow

floodlit tennis courts, three outdoor her to become a qualified physical courts and a large, modern clubhouse education teacher. in which to unwind after your tennis For the past 11years, whilst getting session. married and having children, she has worked as a part- time PE teacher at a Bristol secondary school, while also running a successful junior and adult coaching programme at Bristol Central Tennis Club.

Full junior and adult Two years ago Kerris embarked coaching programmes on the new adventure of Absolute Tennis at the Abbots Cardio Tennis Fitness training Leigh sports facility. She said: Group, pair and individual coaching “We cater for all ages and Adults and juniors of all abilities welcome abilities, whether people want Regular tournaments and fun competitions to be part of a group or coached individually. If you are looking Holiday programmes and intensive for tennis coaching in a relaxed, coaching courses friendly and yet professional atmosphere then this is it!

Many years experience of coaching all standards lead by a team of Whether you are looking to fully qualified LTA Tennis Coaches become a budding new tennis Equipment and restringing available star or just looking to learn a little more in a social capacity, Contact Kerris Weatherley, Director of Absolute Tennis Bristol Absolute Tennis can help.”

Mobile: 07917 855357 Clifton College Sports Ground email: kerris@absolutetennisbristol.com web: absolutetennisbristol.com Twitter: @absolutetennisbristol Clifton College Sports Ground offers excellent facilities with (Begger Bush) Abbots Leigh, BS8 3QD. three newly resurfaced indoor,

That’s why Slimming World members go to Iceland

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ailsea slimmers have been eagerly anticipating the launch of a brand-new range of frozen ready meals created by Slimming World in association with Iceland.

Based on the slimming organisation’s famous Food Optimising eating plan, the new range of meals has been developed in response to demand from the club’s 700,000 members.

Christine, a Slimming World Consultant who runs the Nailsea Scotch Horn Slimming World Wednesday and Thursday groups, said: “Slimming World’s goal is to help members develop new healthy eating habits and a new relationship with food, away from high-fat, high-calorie fast foods.

“This new range of frozen meals fit perfectly with Slimming World’s plan.”

The brand-new range of Slimming World meals is available exclusively in Iceland’s Nailsea store. For more information on the Nailsea Slimming World telephone Christine on 07917190796.

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Health & Beauty Personal injury or medical negligence claims – did you know?

John Gomersall, Medical Negligence Associate at QualitySolicitors Burroughs Day, runs through a personal injury or medical negligence claim.

1. The earlier you see a medical professional the better: Whether an injury is physical or psychological, visiting a medical expert immediately after sustaining an injury can assist you in the event that you need to make a claim. This is because medical records and documentation serve as ‘contemporary evidence’ in claims of this kind (evidence that occurred within the time period that is being considered). Remember – if you’re unsure or unhappy with any diagnosis you’ve been given, you should always ask for a second opinion.

2. Records of injury related expenses can help: Keeping a log of any injury related costs you have incurred, as well as receipts and invoices, could help strengthen your claim for monetary compensation. Medical bills, transport costs and any home improvement costs that have been implemented to help you manage your injury can all help to illustrate your case.

3. Making a claim immediately is important: It is important to speak to a solicitor as soon as you think you may have a claim as strict time limits apply in many circumstances. It is also best to move the claim forward while events are still fresh in your mind.

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4. It isn’t an overnight thing but interim payments might be available: Personal injury and medical negligence claims are not particularly quick. On average a personal injury claim will take18 months and a medical negligence claim longer still. However, you can apply for an ‘interim payment’ in the meantime to assist you with any immediate costs 5. Social media counts: When assessing your claim, insurers can take into account anything that is in the public domain, which includes public posts on social media. What may mean one thing to an individual and their friends may be interpreted differently by an insurer.

QualitySolicitors Burroughs Day offers all clients Free First Advice giving you an opportunity to find out whether you have a legal situation that is worth investing time and money into and whether we can help.

We also offer Ask the Legal Expert sessions for £99 giving you 45 minutes of one-to-one legal advice with a specialist solicitor. For more information please contact us on 01275 843213.

Health & Fitness Exercise of the Month Single-Arm Cable Crossover Every month top personal trainer Matt Bembridge, AKA Gym Professor, provides advice for those who work out. This month he talks you through the single-arm cable crossover.

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hen working the chest muscles (pectoralis major), many exercises only offer a partial range-of-motion for the muscle itself.

Full-contraction of the chest is achieved when the arm’s drawn forward and across the body.

Indeed, some exercises where you may come forward and across the body, such as flyes, pec dec and cable crossover, still only bring your arm partially across your body and do not therefore fully-contract the chest muscles. So, how do we achieve full-contraction? We perform a crossover with one arm at a time.

Many gyms are now equipped with a Dual Adjustable Pulley or similar. Adjust the cable column height so that it is level with your outstretched arm position, just below shoulder height.

This is a single-joint (shoulder) movement; therefore, slightly kink your elbow and hold this arm position stiff (not straight!). Being a single-joint movement, you will not need much weight to perform this exercise.

Assume the load and stand slightly further away than arm length. Standing at 30 degrees to the cable column should allow for a good-stretch and full-contraction without the cable touching your forearm at any point.

If it does, you are either standing at an incorrect angle, flexing at your elbow joint or rotating your torso. If you are making these errors, you are likely using too much weight.

TAE ADULT -DO KWON ness – fun fence

Self de

– fit

Scotch Horn Leisure Centre, Main Sports Hall Tuesdays 7.45pm – 9pm From ages 15 years upwards, all levels of fitness and ability welcome

For further information, please telephone Andy 01275 343356 www.andymoletkd.co.uk

Remember, this is movement of only a single-joint (shoulder) and you will not need much weight. Once completing a set, swap arms and repeat. There is no need to rest.

To best engage with the exercise, I recommend holding the working pec muscle with your free hand.

At the start position, you should feel the stretch toward the muscle’s insertion point at the outside of your chest.

At the mid-position, you should feel the full-contraction all the way to the muscle’s insertion point at your inner chest.

For a quick video tutorial, visit Matt’s free-onlineresource www.GymProfessor.com.

22/24 High Street Nailsea, BS48 1AU T. 01275 856179 www.nailseadentalpractice.co.uk

The Nailsea Dental Practice General dental care, cosmetic and orthodontic treatment, sedation options for nervous patients, hygienist treatment, Patient car park Budget scheme available.

Dr Warren Gamblin BDS MFGDP (UK) Dr Judith Gamblin BDS Dr Jonathan Hyde BDS

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Health & Beauty Reflections a hit with Tanya

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ailsea’s longest running salon, Reflections, saw its team scoop nine awards at this year’s company awards evening.

So with this in mind, Nailsea & Backwell Living advertising executive Tanya Archer went down to see what all of the fuss was about.

Reflections, at 79A High Street, Nailsea, has been operating in Nailsea for more than 35 years and is part of the biggest family-owned salon group in the country, which has 16 salons and two beacon status training academies.

Tanya said: “When I entered the salon I was greeted by manager Emma who was my stylist. It was my first trip to Reflections and I was surprised how spacious it was inside, something I would not have guessed from the outside.

“Emma was very attentive and asked me lots of questions about how I would like my hair to look before we began. She offered her advice and we decided on the best style for me, that

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suits not only my face shape but my lifestyle too.

“The area where my hair was washed had a very tranquil atmosphere. While I was enjoying having my hair washed, the massage chair I was sitting in was switched on and I experienced a relaxing massage at the same time.

“An alchemy treatment, which lasts up to five washes, was then applied to repair and add volume to my hair.

“Things as simple as rolling up a towel and placing it around my neck to ensure I was comfortable at the basin made the whole experience extremely pleasurable.

“Once the washing and treatment was complete, it was time for my new style. I was given coffee and magazines as Emma cut away, stopping to talk and make sure I was happy as she went.

“Perfect Hair, an everyday restructuring treatment, was applied

before my hair was blow dried and finally some Moroccan oil root boost was applied to give it some more lift and shine.

“As my first Reflections experience came to an end my hair looked and felt great.”

All stylists at Reflections have advanced qualifications and pride themselves on delivering what the client wants. Every year they have creative seminars to learn emerging techniques, keeping them at the forefront of fashion hairdressing, whilst retaining a high standard of classic skills enabling them to adapt to clients needs.

Home & aren

Arbatran F

Arbatran

or qualified arborist Tom Wooldridge, relocating his young family to Backwell from the Vale of Glamorgan was a big step.

An even bigger step was relocating his business, Arbatran Tree Care, and he is starting to get it off the ground in Backwell, Nailsea and the surrounding areas.

Tom said: “We have been trading as Arbatran since 2003 and I previously worked in forestry, so have extensive experience in the business of tree work.

“Our time in Wales was great building the business and undertaking tree work from the Neath Valley back to Newport.

“The relocation came about because my wife Linda has a chair at the Bristol Vet School in Langford and so we are now trying to build a client base for Arbatran in this area. We are settled in our home in Embercourt Drive in Backwell and so far we are really TRANSFORMING enjoying being here.”

TREE CARE Tom specialises in all trees ALL ASPECTS OF and hedgework which TREE SURGERY includes removal, felling, dismantling, reducing, crowning, thinning, TOM deadwood removal, WOOLDRIDGE Qualified Arborist trimming, shaping, and reductions, while all branches Mobile: 07812 909501 and rubbish are removed, leaving your garden tidy.

26 Embercourt Drive Tom is also able to provide Backwell, Bristol, BS48 3HU advice on tree selection and planting.

He added: “I am pleased to be associated with Graham YOUR LOCAL CLEANING COMPANY Chesterton Arboriculture Regular . End of Tenancy and Ian Turner Home & Small Office Arboriculture; Tel: 07981 419715 both are very Email: tracy.langridge@gmail.com experienced www.tl-cleaning.co.uk

T L Cleaning

arborists with a great deal of knowledge, both practical and technical, when it comes to trees.

Arbatran is not VAT registered which is a major advantage for private house owners and clients who are unable to claim the 20 per cent VAT back which many of the larger tree firms add to the final bill.

For a free site visit and quotation for any tree and hedges that require attention call Tom on 07812 909501/01275 463846.

Or for more information, visit www.arbatran.co.uk.

THE TILE ROOM Suppliers of quality tiles at great prices - Bathroom tiles - Kitchen tiles - Steps & Quarry tiles - Wet Room & Swimming Pool tiles - Natural Stone tiles - Indoor and Outdoor tiles

9 Station Road, Backwell, North Somerset BS48 3NW Tel: 01275 464446 Email: info@thetileroom.co.uk Web: www.thetileroom.co.uk

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Home & aren Outerspace -

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Garden Design and Build

ased in Clevedon, Outerspace is a specialist company where the fusion of creative design and landscaping expertise produces outstanding gardens and landscapes for homes and businesses in and around North Somerset.

Projects are varied and wide ranging from the challenging blank canvas of a new build site to the sloping precipitous gardens of the areas costal properties, or the grounds of gracious

period properties contrasting with exciting contemporary developments.

Garden designer Terrey Maufe says: “We love what we do at Outerspace, it’s a passion and a privilege to create beautiful outdoor spaces for our clients to enjoy the whole year round.”

Nailsea & Backwell Living caught up with Terrey and the team as they concluded one of their more extensive projects.

The Boat House – Coastal Hillside Garden

By Outerspace CreativeLandscaping

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he prospect of sculpting a contemporary garden, complete with garden room, swimming pool, hot tub and infinity lawn, from a wild wooded bank required a great deal of vision from all involved, not least from our client.

This very ambitious project involved huge earth works and the building of three enormous retaining walls, each over three metres high, as well as two sweeping curved stairways and paths to access all the completed areas.

The result is truly stunning and almost

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Home & aren unimaginable from the initial site photos. The project took over three years to realise from initial concept sketches and now provides an accessible, versatile family garden with breathtaking views over the Bristol Channel.

The garden room and pool occupy the top plateau which is formed by cutting deep back into the hillside and projecting the ground forward to form a 25M level plateau. The rectangular swimming pool projects to the front edge of the plateau giving the impression of an infinity edge, whilst retaining enough space for a good size lawn and a decent game of family football.

The hot tub nestles in a sheltered niche formed as the curved stairway cuts through the middle retaining wall.

The hot tub is surrounded by a deck with wide steps which double

as perches. The height of the mid retaining wall is softened by raised planting, retained by ribbon of Corten™ steel.

The retaining wall is faced with stone filled gabions and tall grass help to break up the expanse of vertical stone.

Oak sleepers are used throughout the project, set vertically to follow organic curves, retain ground and blend different levels within the garden. An impressive life sized gorilla sculpture occupies a commanding position over the middle section of the garden where it can be seen from above and below.

The steep gradient of the site necessitates a low maintenance approach to the planting design; banks are block planted with robust plants which will cope with the coastal conditions and north westerly aspect. The retaining walls created additional planting challenges casting areas of near perpetual shade. Grasses and seasonal bulbs were interspersed with compact evergreen plants and perennial planting was reserved for the more accessible areas around lawns and terraces.

Your Local Lawn Mower Specialists Make Sure Your MachineS are readY for Spring

now Stocking a fuLL range of gardening MachineS, MowerS, StriMMerS, MuLti-tooLS etc

SaLeS, ServiceS & repairS coLLection & deLiverY Service

Unit 6, Southfield Road Trading Estate Nailsea BS48 1JE 01275 852970

www.miketaylormachineryltd.co.uk

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Home & aren Getting ready for the spring season

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pring is on its way and with an early Easter break it is an ideal time to prepare your garden for the warmer months to come. Avril’s Fencing and Timber Products can help you with all you need to create the garden of your dreams.

If you are replacing a fence after the winter storms, Avrils has a wide range of panels and posts, which are pine and UC4 treated for longer life.

If you are looking to add sleepers to your garden, for practical or ornamental use, Avril’s has several styles to choose from, from old railway sleepers to the barked sleeper costing just £13.50 plus vat throughout March. This style is ideal for raised beds for the vegetable gardener.

There are also many styles of gates available, from side, back, front, driveway or five bar, or bespoke gates made to order.

If you are looking to create an outside dining area, Avril’s stocks all the treated timbers you need to build a softwood or hardwood deck, as well as a selection of garden furniture.

With more than 20 years experience in the timber trade, Avril’s caters for both trade and DIY, with quality products at competitive prices.

Local delivery is available and everything is under cover so you can browse whatever the weather.

For more information call 01275 400155 or visit www.avrilsfencing.co.uk.

Let’s make your dreams a reality COLLECT YOUR NEW BATHROOM COLLECTION BROCHURE TODAY AT CLEVEDON PLUMBING SUPPLIES The Bathroom Collection

40 Hither Green Industrial Estate, Clevedon, North Somerset, BS21 6XU

T: 01275 875454 www.clevedonplumbingsupplies.co.uk

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Hedge Trimming, Grass Cutting/Lawn Management Planting Schemes/Plant Advice, Weeding Shrub & Tree Pruning, Garden Tidying, Fruit Tree Pruning Soil Improvement, Patio & Deck Cleaning & Much More Garden Design, Garden Clearance, Fencing (Erection & Painting), Decking Build/Re-conditioning, Shed Build & Re-felting, Turrng, Paving, Grow Your Own (e.g. Raised Bed Creation, Polytunnel Build, Fruit Tree, Veg/Fruit Advice

Tel. 07712 297749

Web: greenbirdgardening.co.uk Email: greenbirdgardening@outlook.com

Home & aren Interior window shutters – the stylish made-to-measure window covering

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huttercraft’s interior window shutters are becoming an increasingly popular sight in the local area and, when you consider their many unique benefits over more traditional window coverings like curtains and blinds, it’s not hard to see why.

Window shutters are highly versatile and offer exceptional light control and privacy options through the use of operable panels and louvres. This allows you to shut the lower louvres and keep the upper louvres open to provide privacy at eye level yet still allow light into the room through the upper half of the window.

Shuttercraft Bristol offers a made-to-measure supply and fitting service and can fit their stylish range of S:CRAFT shutters to almost any size and shape window or door from traditional bay and sash windows to modern bi-fold doors and gable ends.

Window shutters also make excellent wardrobe doors and room dividers and even come in a 100 per cent waterproof material, making them ideal for bathrooms.

Shuttercraft Bristol has built a strong reputation in the area based on many satisfied customer testimonials and recommendations.

TREE FELLING & They’ll bring along a range PRUNING of samples and colour HEDGE & SHRUB swatches to show you at MAINTENANCE the consultation and talk FULLY QUALIFIED you through the options & INSURED available in order to make ordering the right shutters Call Ben Swift for a for your windows, home and FREE quote and advice on 07802 480881 - 01275 463301 budget, simple and worry www.swifttreesurgery.co.uk free.

Call Shuttercraft Bristol on 01173 224900 to arrange a free consultation, survey and quote today or visit www.shuttercraft-bristol.co.uk.

Pigotts, Chelvey Batch, Brockley, North Somerset, BS48 3AP

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Home & aren Reliable cleaning from KSW

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arpets need regular cleaning to keep them looking their best and KSW Cleaning Services specialise in doing just that.

KSW is run by a local husband and wife team that caters for all your carpet cleaning needs.

They offer professional carpet and upholstery cleaning services to residents and commercial premises in Portishead, Clevedon, Nailsea and the surrounding areas.

Highly professional and fully trained staff leave your carpets dry in 30 minutes and your home feeling fresh and clean.

KSW also specialises in end of tenancy cleaning, oven cleaning, after build cleaning, office cleaning and commercial carpet cleaning. No matter what industry or business you are in you can be sure of a reliable cleaning service tailored to your needs.

For a friendly and professional service, and for a free quote, telephone 07723 360 853.

TREE FELLER A Tree Surgeon and Gardening Services

• ALL TREE WORKS • EMERGENCY CALL OUT • GROUND CLEARANCE • HEDGE/GRASS CUTTING • FENCING • GARDEN MAINTENANCE • LAND / ALLOTMENTS ROTOVATED • FULLY INSURED ALL WORK GUARANTEED

Call Charles

07956 006360/01275 843010

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Home & aren Make space in your life with Yeates’ self storage

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f you are running out of space and need somewhere local to store your possessions, Yeates’ self storage offers a simple, cost effective and convenient solution.

Units are contained within the purpose-built warehouse and come in a variety of sizes to suit all budgets. You can access your unit six days a week and there are no energy bills, rates or onerous long- term contracts. In addition, unlike some companies, Yeates has 24 hour digital CCTV, monitored intruder alarms and full fire protection.

External drive up units are also available and the spacious service yard allows ample parking and easy access for large vehicles. A lift is provided to upper floors and trolleys, pallet trucks and a free forklift service are offered for heavy items.

Units are becoming increasingly popular with local businesses to store archives or stock, leaving them to make more effective use of valuable office space.

So, whether you need to free up space at home or find storage for your business, Yeates has a range of options at its secure local warehouse.

Finally, if your spring clean leaves you with a pile of confidential personal or business documents that need shredding, Yeates can help with that too.

For a full range of Yeates’ services, visit www.yeates.co.uk or call 01275 872251.

Email:bracken.wood@btconnect.com www.brackenwood-plantandgardencentre.com

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A 12 acre Hidden Gem! Come and find us!

•Family run business •Stunning range Plants & Trees •Beautiful rural setting in Abbots Leigh, Bristol •Full range of garden sundries available •Qualified friendly staff •Conifers, Roses, Camellias, Alpines, Climbers

•Seed potatoes, •Bareroot fruit trees, Fruit bushes, •Veg seeds, Onion Sets, Garlic…..

•Everything to fill your table with food this year!

New this season, even more grow your own products.

See our huge range of new season pots!

Extended range of garden sundries, gifts, tools, composts, bird and wildlife care products.

Full A-Z of plants, trees and shrubs. The best in the area and very competitively priced.

If it’s for your garden Brackenwood is the place to visit.

Seasons Tea Room Serving fresh cooked quality food, coffees, teas & cakes.

Open every day Tea Room Tel: 01275 374988

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Community MotorsNews R A Wait

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by Roger Wait and was recently voted one of the top five garages in the country in the Good Garage Scheme.

The Good Garage Scheme helps customers find a local garage they can trust when it comes to getting your car repaired or serviced and the great thing about the recognition is that it was all through feedback.

Each customer is given a customer satisfaction survey form which they can fill in, under no obligation, and send straight to the scheme. said: “It came as a nice SCRAP CARS & VANS Roger surprise that we had been voted one HIGH MILAGE, MOT FAILURE, of the top five, considering we had NON RUNNERS & HEAVY COMMERCIAL only started up again two years ago.

ALL TAKEN “The scheme picked out one feedback form in particular, which had been sent back from a new customer, which was obviously COLLECTED FREE OF CHARGE, very pleasing. It said we go out of  MILE RADIUS OF WESTON SUPER MARE our way to help customers and LICENCE CARRIER. keep them happy and it’s nice to be COLLECT AM-PM  DAYS A WEEK. recognised for that.”

SORRY NO SPARES.   /   The team also consists of Paul

hen it comes to customer service and old fashioned values, you know you are going to get the best at R A Wait.

The garage on Southfield Road Industrial Estate in Nailsea, is owned

WANTED

£ TO £, WITH INSTANT PAYMENT

UNIT 24, SOUTHFIELD ROAD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE . NAILSEA . BS48 1JJ TEL: 01275 866353 EMAIL: rogerawait@gmail.com

RECENTLY VOTED ONE OF THE TOP 5 GARAGES IN THE COUNTRY In the Good Garage Scheme.

SERVICING REPAIRS MOT’S CAM BELT & CLUTCH REPLACEMENT SPECIALIST QUALITY WORKMANSHIP AT AFFORDABLE PRICES A TRUSTED FAMILY RUN BUSINESS OVER 35 YEARS EXPERIENCE CLASSIC CARS WELCOME

Where Old Fashion Values still count!

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Jolliffe, who has worked with Roger for 20 years, and Ashley Lewis, who has been there for eight.

The trusted family business offers quality workmanship at affordable prices, including servicing, repairs, MOT’s, and cam belt and clutch replacement.

Roger, who was born in Backwell, originally started the business in Nailsea in 1974 and ran the company with his older brother for 22 years before he retired.

Roger added: “I also retired once, but I missed it so much I decided to start it up again and thought we could do a few older cars as well.”

For more information, telephone R A Wait on 01275 866353 or email rogerawait@gmail.com.

Driving test doesn’t equip new motorists for life on the road

eading road safety charity the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) and young driver safety organisation the Under 17 Car Club Charitable Trust are calling for the UK driving test to be revamped to make it more relevant to the real world risks that young drivers will face as they start their driving careers.

Currently the driving test does not include any testing of a driver’s ability to cope safely with country roads, poor weather or driving at night – aspects both organisations know are the main risk factors in the first six months of solo driving.

Safeguarding younger drivers forms an important part of the IAM Manifesto. It calls for road safety education to be part of the National Curriculum, supports a 12 month minimum learning period prior to taking the practical test, suggests that the practical test includes higher speed roads and supports a lower drink-drive limit for new drivers.

John Peabody-Rolf, instructor at the Under 17 Car Club and IAM observer, said: “The driving test as it stands does not equip young drivers to go out on the road safely. You can go out and pass your tests knowing only the roads in a small local area. As such, it doesn’t give young drivers the skills they need for a life on the road.”

Business

New app to help small businesses N eil Houghton Accounting in Nailsea has created an app which is available for businesses to download completely free of charge. It is available for iPhone, iPads and Android phones and devices.

Neil said: “We have developed the app to help businesses keep their accounting records in order very simply. From key UK tax, pension and finance rates to photo receipt management and mileage tracking, everything is designed to improve efficiency”.

It is hard work keeping on top of all the paperwork whilst trying to run a successful business. Therefore it is good to see accountants adopting new ways to make life easier for their clients to manage and communicate, benefiting both the accountant and the client.

Congratulations to Neil Houghton Accounting for embracing new technology and investing in ways to support and develop their clients and their businesses.

You can download the App via the App store or Google Play simply search ‘Neil Houghton Accounting Ltd’ or alternatively scan the QR code. Feel free to share the App with any of your colleagues or connections who you think might find it useful.

21G Somerset Square, Bristol, BS48 1RQ Tel: 01275 853666 www.nhaccounting.co.uk

Will you choose who inherits your estate or will the local authority get there first?

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verage life spans have increased in recent years and are continuing to increase. One consequence of this is that many more people are likely to need either residential or domiciliary Long Term Care at some point in their lives and local authorities are obliged by government regulations to make a charge for this.

Individuals with assets in excess of £23,250 in most circumstances will be required to pay for their own residential care costs until their assets fall below this amount and to make a partial contribution until their assets fall below £14,250.

Income is also taken into account by the local authority when assessing their contribution to long term care costs and only when someone’s estate is virtually exhausted will the local authority meet any part of their long term care costs.

A way to restrict the extent to which personal assets may have to be used to fund long term care costs is to set up

a Life Interest Trust through your Will.

Under this arrangement each partner would leave any assets held in their sole name as well as their share of the family residence to a trust which would be set up on their death through their will.

The surviving spouse would have a life interest in the trust which entitles them to retain the benefit from the assets held by the trust during their lifetime which includes receiving any income arising from it. This would also protect the surviving spouse’s right to live in the house and a replacement property, for example to downsize.

The result is that those assets which have passed into the trust would be excluded from the assessable capital of the surviving spouse for the purpose of contributing to long term care. Therefore, the trust fund is safeguarded for the beneficiaries, often the children, which would also apply in case of remarriage or bankruptcy of the survivor.

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£20 Discount Arrange a pair of Life Interest Trust Wills from only £580

------------------------------------------------To take advantage of this special offer for a limited period only, please call Affinity, a member of the Institute of Professional Willwriters, on 01275 461970 (option 2) quoting reference “Living – LIT Mar15.

47

Business

How can you use Twitter for business?

Each month Della Hudson of Hudson Accountants provides advice on helping you to get more out of your business.

B

ack in January we were delighted to learn that we had been listed at number 20 in the Economia 50 list of financial influencers. It really goes to show how social media can help a small local business like ours to reach a wide audience and to “punch above our weight” So how can you use social media to grow your business?

I only have space to discuss Twitter here but I’ll be talking about more at our Money Matters event in May. Start with your bio.

Use a professionally taken head and shoulders shot of yourself. People buy from people, not from logos and definitely not from the default egghead picture. Write a succinct but interesting summary of what you do and link to your website. I’m not just a business adviser I’m also an athletics coach and a tri-athlete so I tweet about all sorts.

48

Never forget the social in social media.

This is about networking and getting to know people not about selling. If you just tweet adverts then people will soon stop following you.

Just as I chat to people in real life I chat to them online. It is a very convenient way to keep in touch with clients, friends and to exchange ideas with other accountants whom I admire. It is a great way of sustaining relationships.

What should you tweet?

I post 30-50 tweets a day of which only three are purely business tweets about Hudson Accountants. They might point my followers to a useful blog that I have written or signpost one of our events or link to our free tax app or one of our Youtube videos. All of them are giving away something that I hope will be useful.

If it is particularly useful then my followers will retweet the offer to their followers so that our influence reaches more people.

I also retweet information that I think my

followers will find useful or interesting. These might be business related or local offers or events.

I follow technical and business experts who often tweet articles, offers and events that will help my own business. I’m always eager to find new ideas for improving our services which, in turn, will help us to grow.

The rest is just interacting with other Twitter users who are, after all, human beings.

How do you find the time?

Once a month I spend an hour scheduling my three daily business tweets.

I have regular slots for checking in to Twitter and other social media while I have my first cup of tea of the day, while I have lunch and while I cook dinner in the evening. None of these are prime working time. I can also check up via my phone or iPad while I’m between meetings which makes good use of “dead” time.

Beware: if you are going to be on Twitter people expect a response within about 24 hours so you need to be available frequently but for short periods.

Just do it Have a go and see how you get along.

Feel free to follow us on @hudsonaccountan or book a place at our free Money Matters seminar on social media and branding on May 14 http://moneymatters8.eventbrite. co.uk

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