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GARDENING

GARDENING

THE CITYist

MOON LANDING

One year after its postponed exhibition, Bristol Cathedral is set to host Luke Jerram’s celebrated Museum of the Moon in August 2021.

Measuring seven metres in diameter, the moon features 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface. At an approximate scale of 1:500,000, each centimetre of the internally lit spherical sculpture represents 5km of the moon’s surface.

The installation is a fusion of lunar imagery, moonlight and surround sound composition created by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award-winning Bristol-based composer Dan Jones.

The moon will be on display in the crossing of Bristol Cathedral from 11 August to Bank Holiday Monday 30 August, with opportunities to book to experience the artwork in the evenings as well. Donations and proceeds from the display of the artwork will go towards the work of Bristol-based charity St Mungo’s, who work towards ending homelessness and rebuilding the lives of those affected by it.

To deepen your experience of this exceptional artwork, the cathedral will be offering a curated programme of events, run in collaboration with other Bristol institutions, including concerts, recitals, children’s craft events, and more. The full programme of bookable events and evenings will be available from the end of June.

My BRISTOL

Meet the new West of England Metro Mayor, Dan Norris.

What’s your connection to Bristol?

I’ve lived in the West of England my whole life. I grew up in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Bath and North East Somerset and went to local schools. I’m a life-long Bristol City supporter whose ups and down are a perfect training for politics.

What is so special about the city to you?

I love Bristol, it’s an amazing location – a jewel in the crown of the West that is surrounded by beautiful countryside and thriving towns and villages. We are a city of culture and heritage: in fact I officially became Metro Mayor aboard the SS Great Britain. We are the place that produced street artist Banksy, social reformer Mary Carpenter and Hollywood’s greatest, Cary Grant. We have quirky independent shops. The city's diversity is its strength.

What can the people of Bristol expect to see while you are the West of England Mayor?

Well, people can expect to see a lot more of me than my predecessor! I was delighted to win the election but whether you voted for me or not I’ll be a Metro Mayor who listens carefully and aims to do the best for you and your family. My manifesto laid out a whole series of plans including for 23,000 new green jobs and to make our part of the world the bee and pollinator capital of the UK.

How will the green recovery plan affect Bristol?

I'm a former environment minister so this is a subject dear to my heart. Like many in Bristol my politics have always been both red and green. After Covid, we can't go back to business as usual which is why I’m launching my Green Recovery Plan. I also want us to explore more working from home which can have environmental benefits. We need to hit those ambitious targets for net zero by 2030. With COP26 coming up this is a really big year.

Who deserves a shout-out to for their efforts during the pandemic?

When the first lockdown hit I was blown away by the response of Bristolians as mutual aid groups sprang up around the city. Of course it is terrible that we need them at all, but the generosity of people giving to food banks really makes me proud. What we really need is food justice for all.

Dan Norris with Angel aboard the SS Great Britain

What have you been reading/watching/listening to during lockdown?

Madam Secretary, Match of the Day (that’s a must!) and plenty of briefing notes – I have been in a campaign!

If you could have dinner with anyone dead or alive, who would it be and why?

John Lennon. He marries art and politics. He was a visionary. Plus, he clearly had a good sense of humour. He’d be a fascinating dinner companion.

What is your first action now you have been elected as the new West of England Mayor?

I’ve already been talking to local businesses and trade union leaders – and the best of those visits have been in person – making the most of the easing Covid restrictions and seeing what amazing things cities like Bristol have to offer. I’m also planning my jobs and skills summit that I pledged to hold in my first 100 days.

What are your hobbies?

You might have seen Angel my dog on some of my Zoom calls. I love taking her for walks in the countryside. And Bristol City of course.

What is your philosophy in life?

Two full-time NHS A&E doctors are taking to the ocean to compete in this year’s Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. The race, dubbed the world’s toughest row, will see crews, pairs and solo competitors navigate 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean, starting in the Canary Islands and finishing in Antigua.

This December, Bristol-born doctor, Charlie Fleury, along with her teammate, Adam Baker –together known as The Emergensea Duo –are attempting to break the world mixed pair record of 43 days, 15 hours and 23 minutes. Having battled through the pandemic as frontline doctors, the two are now planning on spending 40+ days at sea in a 24-foot boat, battling 30ft waves. While at sea, they will be closer to humans on the International Space Station than humans on land.

The doctors were inspired to take on this epic challenge whilst undertaking a masters in extreme medicine. They are no strangers to austere environments and sleep deprivation but wanted to push themselves mentally and physically like never before while raising money for frontline medical charities: Devon Air Ambulance, RD&E Hospital Charity, RNLI and Mind. If you would like to support and sponsor The Emergensea Duo or promote your business with a logo on their boat, visit their website: emergenseaduo.com.

• To donate to The Emergensea Duo visit: virginmoneygiving.com/emergenseaduo. Follow them on Instagram: @emergensea_duo, Twitter and Facebook: @emergenseaduo

A CREATIVE EXTRAVAGANZA

FUZE Bristol is a student-run creative collective, who annually put on the UK’s largest music, fashion and dance show, all run in aid of charity. As proud winners of Bright Network’s national diversity and inclusion award, this year FUZE presents ‘Utopia’ on 3 and 4 June, an interpretation of the ‘new normal’ and an exploration of what perfection really looks like to them, at Lakota Gardens. All proceeds are to support Black South West Network and Art Refuge.

Inspired by their core values of creativity, sustainability, diversity and inclusion, FUZE will deliver a creative extravaganza, a theatrical fashion musical where models dance, sing, and perform their way through Lakota, complemented by an expertly choreographed collection of other multi-talented creatives.

The audience, sitting in six-person bubbles, can enjoy the expressive, celebratory show, all whilst sipping on waiterserved cocktails and refreshments. From a genuinely inclusive cast and crew, to female and Black-owned businesses in the pre-show marketplace, and sustainable fashion on the runway, FUZE have ensured that everyone in the audience can see themselves and their values on stage and throughout the organisation. The importance and impact of FUZE’s community work continues to grow with this annual finale event having become one of the most anticipated events in the Bristol calendar with more than £125,000 raised in aid of charity to date.

• fuzebristol.com

WELL VERSED

The Littlest Yak, the debut book from Bristolbased illustrator Kate Hindley and Hampshire-based author Lu Fraser and has been announced as the winner of Oscar’s Book Prize 2021. The duo topped the six-strong shortlist to secure the esteemed £10,000 literary prize, which was revealed by award patron, HRH Princess Beatrice.

The Littlest Yak, a joyous, rhyming caper that teaches little ones to celebrate their own unique talents, follows the journey of Gertie, the littlest yak in the whole herd. Feeling like she’s stuck in her smallness, bursting to grow up big and tall, Gertie soon learns there are things only she can do, and her smallness can do something big after all.

Kate Hindley is the much-loved illustrator of both picture books (including the awardwinning You Must Bring a Hat, written by Simon Philip) and fiction (The Royal Rabbits of London, written by Santa Montefiore and Simon Sebag Montefiore), as well as the authorillustrator of new board book series, Treacle Street.

On her illustrations, Kate Hindley said: “Cheers to Lu for writing such a brilliant debut text. It was such a pleasure to illustrate. I’m absolutely delighted and flabbergasted to hear our wee Gertie has one the Oscar’s Book Prize. Thank you very, very much.”

HRH Princess Beatrice, the award’s patron since 2017, announced this year’s winner via video message. Speaking about the winning book, HRH Princess Beatrice said: “This is a beautiful book, and the winners should be so proud of everything they’ve achieved in pulling together this beautiful story”.

Oscar’s Book Prize is awarded in memory of Oscar Ashton, who loved children’s stories and died aged three-and-a-half of an undetected heart condition. This year, the prize received the highest number of entries in its eight-year history with 143 submissions from children’s writers and illustrators from across the UK.

• The Littlest Yak: Lu Fraser & Kate Hindley is available to buy at local independent bookshop, Storysmith; storysmithbooks.com; £6.99

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