The Bristol Magazine September Issue

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THE

THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

ISSUE 262 I SEPTEMBER 2026

THEBRISTOLMAG

MAGAZINE £4.95 where sold

THE

Garden STATE

TV presenter and broadcaster Frances Tophill on how gardens are faring after a summer of heatwaves, ways to save water this autumn and the joys of eco‐activism at local events

AND SO MUCH MORE IN THE CITY’S INTELLIGENT GUIDE TO LIVING IN BRISTOL

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IN THIS ISSUE

36 18 8

5 THINGS TO DO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Watch comedy, learn about bees and hear from adventurers

10 MY BRISTOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Meet renowned auctioneer Andrew Morgan

12 CITY NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

What’s occurring, who’s who and what’s what?

18 STYLING SEPTEMBER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Introducing light layers and richer, earthy tones as we kiss goodbye to a sweltering summer

20 FOLLOW YOUR NOSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

New scents from the top beauty stores around the city

36 LORD OF ANIMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sir Peter Lord speaks to Sam McEvans about his memories of Aardman Animations’ early days in Bristol as the team’s 50th anniversary celebrations continue

40 ARTISTIC LICENCE Creations to admire across the city this month

58 READING INTO IT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Samantha Coleman explores ways to invite more stories into the imaginations of local children

64 2026 SCHOOLS GUIDE A selection of fine educators inspiring the next generation of learners

78 SPACE JAM

24 THE ROOT CAUSE An exclusive interview with national TV presenter and broadcaster Frances Tophill, who talks to us about the Yeo Valley Organic Garden Festival, caring for your garden after the heatwaves, eco-activism and much more...

28 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Bristol’s on a mission to Venus, so what does the future of space exploration look like for the city?

84 WALK THIS WAY Andrew Swift ventures off the beaten track on a quest to Hambrook, Moorend and Winterbourne Down

Keep up the momentum of entertaining the whole family after the summer holidays with our guide to what’s on

32 WHEREFORE ART THOU? Shakespeare’s classic gets a shake-up. We hear from the stars of Juliet & Romeo ahead of the show coming to Bristol Old Vic Follow us on social media @thebristolmag

For more content and updates find us on: thebristolmag.co.uk

4 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2026 | No 262

On the cover We spoke to the utterly delightful Frances Tophill ahead of her appearance at Yeo Valley Organic Garden Festival. See page 24.

(Image © Rachel Warne / The Modern Gardener / Octopus Publishing Group)

Images: Left, The Beast of Mossy Bottom © Aardman Animations; right, Monsoon Autumn Lookbook

Contents

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Bristol will play a pivotal role in the 2031 EnVision Venus mission

THE

B R ISTO L

MAGAZINE

Contact us

from the

EDITOR

D

o you remember the first book you ever read that lit up your imagination? I’m part of the last generation to have had a childhood with more pages than pixels filling our minds with images and ideas. Mobile phones, screens and the internet crashed landed into all of our lives soon after – and things have never been the same since.

Though kids now have instant access to more information and digital entertainment than ever before, what about the space left in their lives for reading books? One person who knew just how important reading is for children was the late, great Dolly Parton. The closest she ever got to Bristol was likely her legendary 2014 slot at Glastonbury (though there’s a Bristol in Dolly’s home state of Tennessee that happens to be officially known as ‘the birthplace of Country music’) – yet our city’s children will have no doubt benefitted directly from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library initiative. This incredible book gifting programme has mailed more than seven million books to children in the UK since 2008 (and more than 330 million globally), inspiring a love of reading in young imaginations.

September’s issue of the magazine contains our 2026 Schools’ Guide – highlighting some of the city’s great institutions educating bright minds – and keeping the learning momentum going is our writer Samantha Coleman, who explores how helping children fall in love with books could be less about switching off screens and more about making stories part of everyday life on page 58.

Space exploration also rarely fails to inspire curiosity and wonder in children, so in the wake of a once-in-a-generation solar eclipse in the UK, and following an announcement that Bristol will play a vital role in an upcoming mission to Venus, we speak to the Planetarium team at We The Curious and an expert from the Bristol Astronomical Society about the opportunities and challenges raised by questioning ‘What’s really out there?’ (page 78).

In her cover of the Neil Young song After The Gold Rush, Dolly once sang: “I dreamed I saw the silver spaceships flying in the yellow haze of the sun” – if Bristol’s space exploration sector continues to grow with more missions on the horizon, maybe this dream will soon become a reality for the future generations of brilliant local brains choosing to aim for the stars.

Publisher Email:

Steve Miklos steve@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Financial Director Email:

Jane Miklos jane@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Editor Tel: Email:

Rosanna Spence 0117 974 2800 rosanna@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Editorial & Digital Assistant India Farnham Email: india@thebristolmagazine.co.uk Production Manager Email:

Jeff Osborne production@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Advertising Sales Email:

Liz Grey liz@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

For advertising enquiries, please contact us on 0117 974 2800

Email: sales@thebristolmagazine.co.uk The Bristol Magazine is published by MC Publishing Ltd. An independent publisher.

Every month, The Bristol Magazine is hand delivered to more than 15,000 homes in selected areas. We also deliver direct to companies and businesses across the city.

Additionally, there are many places where we have floor-stands and units for free pick-up:

CLIFTON ARCADE

The Bristol Magazine 0117 974 2800 thebristolmagazine.co.uk © MC Publishing Ltd 2026

2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2ED

Rosanna Spence 6 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2026 | No 262

Disclaimer: Whilst every reasonable care is taken with all material submitted to The Bristol Magazine, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to such material. Opinions expressed in articles are strictly those of the authors. This publication is copyright and may not be reproduced in any form either in part or whole without written permission from the publishers.

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ZEITGEIST

5 things to do Get growing Dive into Bristol’s vibrant community of fruit and vegetable gardens, encompassing allotments, orchards, and urban farms. Running 12-13 September for a harvest event, the Get Growing Trail offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s green spaces and get involved with community growing, all while enjoying free entry to these lush havens. Plot your own route around the city using the map on the website. Pink is for sites open on Saturday 12 September, blue for sites that are open on Sunday 13 September and purple for sites that are open on both days. bristolgoodfood.org

Celebrate two years of Riot Act! Join the city's madcap cabaret club night, Riot Act, on 29 September from 7pm as they kick off their third year in action at Bristolian gem St George’s with their most impressive and daring show yet. Comedy legends Sara Pascoe and Arthur Smith take to the microphone stand to give masterclasses in comedy like no other. They’ll be joined by star of Giffords Circus, national clowning treasure Tweedy the Clown and local clowning legend Darryl J Carrington, alongside Bristol City Poet Sukina Noor, punk poetry sensation Redeeming Features, Gonzo poet extraordinaire Eliza Fiver, meteoric rising star of stand up Holly Leggett and Riot Act instigators Stephen Bisland and Sam Riot.

Tickets from £30 via stgeorgesbristol.co.uk Pictured L-R: Sara Pascoe, Arthur Smith and Tweedy the Clown

Watch the opera

Learn all about bees The Bee and Pollination Festival returns to the University of Bristol Botanic Garden for its 16th anniversary on 5-6 September, featuring honey tastings, specialist talks, workshops and more than a dozen different demonstrations, including flight displays from a live hive. Speakers include Jean Vernon, author of best-selling book The Secret Life of Bees, who will discuss native bumblebees and solitary bees. She will also lead a Bee Safari around the Garden. botanic-garden.bristol.ac.uk

Immerse yourself in a story of seduction, murder and divine retribution from 23 September (until 3 October) as Tobacco Factory Theatres and Opera Project bring Mozart’s Don Giovanni to life. Sung in English and performed with singers, musicians and audiences just feet apart, the production offers an unusually immediate encounter with Mozart’s extraordinary score and Da Ponte’s darkly compelling tale. Early booking recommended. tobaccofactorytheatres.com

Listen to stories of adventure Three-times Guinness World Record holder Jonny Huntington – an ex-Army officer, stroke survivor and endurance runner who was the first Disabled person to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole – is delivering a special talk for Wilderness Live at 1532 Performing Arts Centre (BS8 1SJ) on 23 September, doors 7pm. Jonny will explore what resilience really means, how ambitious goals are translated into daily action, and why performance depends on far more than simply enduring discomfort.

Wilderness Live shares captivating talks and stories from seasoned adventurists, aiming to ignite a deep appreciation for the wild and inspire a community dedicated to preserving our natural heritage. The talk will last one hour with time for questions after. wildernesslive.com Image credit: Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions

A bumble bee in flight at the University of Bristol Botanic Garden (credit: Phil Savoie)

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The City

ist

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MyBristol Meet Andrew Morgan, renowned auctioneer and founder of Andrew Morgan Antiques and Fine Art I am a true Bristolian. I was born here and never had any desire to be anywhere else. In fact, when I briefly leave Bristol for any reason I can’t wait to get back. I hope I don’t sound boring!

Bristol has all the attributes of a large and important city with a thriving business ethic but with the ambiance of a series of West Country villages. I love its maritime history, the imposing spectacular sights like the Avon Gorge and amazing Suspension Bridge, St Mary Redcliffe church, the SS Great Britain at Bristol Dockyards and the Downs. Working here is the perfect combination of work and pleasure.

I would love to see the area around St Mary Redcliffe re-landscaped into a Cathedral-style close. Many Bristolians just travel past one of the finest churches in the country and miss one of our greatest gems. I encourage everyone to visit and see for themselves.

Not many Bristolians realise that the windows in All Saints Church, Pembroke Road, Clifton comprise a ‘national treasure’. It is the only complete set of windows designed by John Piper – famous for his artistic work records and work in Coventry and Chichester cathedrals, as well as The Tate.

I find driving across the Downs awe-inspiring – especially when the trees are in full leaf or changing colour in the autumn. It makes me aware of how fortunate we are to enjoy such an amazing environment.

When I need to step away from the demands of work, I drive to the Cotswolds or the coast. The Cotswold countryside is spectacular, whilst the sunset shining over a full tide at Clevedon is not to be missed.

Gardening, playing the piano, reading, swimming and persuading others to cook meals for me are all a huge pleasure and relaxation.

Bristol is full of surprises. We are fortunate not only with the established venues such as the Royal West of England Academy, St George’s Bristol, Arnolfini and Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, but I am looking forward to the West Bristol Arts Trail 2026 (10-11 October) when all sorts of local talent is revealed.

I grew up with older things around me and was taken to historic houses and churches on holidays and days off, which first sparked my passion for art. I like history and love to let my imagination think about earlier times when I inspect an antique object. There is always more to be discovered.

Naturally, people are always worried about value and paying the right price for an object, especially if they’re new to collecting. Like all things in life, follow your heart and instinct. If you love it, have it and enjoy it. The value is secondary, but if you like it then it is highly likely someone else will as well and your investment will, in the long run, be secure. Although I am mainly involved with historic liturgical items, such as icons and Christian pictures, I am very open and appreciate the diverse art scene in Bristol and look forward to educating myself further.

To view Andrew’s collection, as well as read his articles, visit andrewmorganfineart.co.uk THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2026 | THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 11

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CITY NEWS

Trinity calls on city to help mark venue’s 50th anniversary As part of Trinity50, a year-long celebration marking 50 years of Trinity Community Arts, people across Bristol are being invited to share photographs, recordings, flyers and memories that tell the story of one of the city's most significant community and cultural spaces.

Alongside memories of the past, people are also being encouraged to share their hopes, ideas and ambitions for Bristol, Trinity and community life over the next 50 years.

A selection of contributions will feature in a public exhibition at Trinity's Garden Party in May 2027, bringing together memories of the past, reflections on the present and ambitions for the future.

Contributions can be sent to press@trinitybristol.org.uk until 30 November 2026. trinitybristol.org.uk

Cheers, Drive! Free vouchers and advisors to help with new bus routes People who get on and off the bus in Broadmead are now able to get advice from a team of travel advisors who are stationed on Union Street, The Horsefair and Penn Street. They have been on hand to help people find their new bus stops since 26 bus routes serving these streets changed late last month.

The travel advisors are now in Broadmead every day until Saturday 12 September to help people find their new bus stops, hand out leaflets that feature a bus stop map and give away up to 10,000 free First Bus tickets.

The team will also highlight the Strut Safe phone line, which is for people who are walking on their own to call so they can reach a friendly voice to keep them company and feel safe. firstbus.co.uk/bristol-bath-and-west

Bonomini Hair team member joins world’s top colourists Bonomini Hair, the B Corp salon in the heart of Clifton, has announced that stylist Betsy Monk has successfully completed the Davines International Colour Genius Program, a demanding six-month certification held at Davines House in London. Betsy is one of only 72 stylists worldwide who have achieved it.

Clients of Bonomini Hair can now benefit from Betsy’s expanded expertise in advanced colouring techniques, including balayage, vivid colour, and complex colour corrections; personalised colour consultations, with a colour solution built around each client’s hair, lifestyle and desired outcome; a deeper understanding of colour chemistry, pigment selection and application, for results that are consistent, predictable and longlasting; and sustainable products: high-performance Davines colour, chosen for exceptional results with minimal environmental impact.

“When Betsy told us about the Colour Genius programme, there was never really a question about whether we would back her,” the salon said in a statement. “Investing in our team’s education is how we keep our standards where they are, and Betsy has repaid that faith many times over.

“To have one of only 72 people in the world with this qualification standing behind the chair in Clifton is something we are enormously proud of, and our clients are the ones who benefit.” bonominihair.co.uk 12 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2026 | No 262

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CITY NEWS

See city locations on screen like never before Visit West has launched a new screen tourism campaign inviting film and TV fans to step onto set and discover some of the city’s most recognisable locations.

The campaign’s film, Starring Bristol, brings together scenes from productions including Wolf Hall, Rivals, The Forsytes, Wallace & Gromit, The Outlaws, Chicken Run, Skins and Stan & Ollie, weaving them into a short film following three couples exploring Bristol’s cinematic hotspots.

From Bristol Cathedral and Queen Square to Park Street, Brandon Hill, the Harbourside and Clifton Suspension Bridge, the film offers a fresh perspective on familiar city sights – with local actors and crew behind the scenes.

Visit West has also teamed up with SetJetters, a free app that lets users track down real-life filming locations. More than 50 scenes from productions including Bridgerton, Doctor Who and Wonka can now be explored across Bristol and Bath, with interactive maps and a ShotSync camera feature allowing users to recreate their favourite scenes.

Watch the full film on YouTube | visitbristol.co.uk Images: top, still from Starring Bristol (credit Visit West); bottom, still from Starring Bristol depicting Rivals, (credit Disney+)

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CITY NEWS

Millions secured for climate-resilient nature reserve

Claire Roige Photography

Want to get hitched in the Old Vic?

The Invisible Circus returns The Invisible Circus will return for one night at The Prospect Building on 10 September, with the resurrection of The Renegade Fabulon, the anarchic circus cabaret that first put the company on the map.

Born in the ‘mud, magic and mayhem’ of Lost Vagueness at Glastonbury Festival in 2002, The Renegade Fabulon went on to tour internationally, gathering performers from a decade of the company's travels before culminating at Burning Man in 2005.

For one night, Prospect's vast industrial architecture will be transformed into a riot of circus spectacle, fearless cabaret, aerial performance and music.

“We've always been drawn to buildings with stories to tell,” says Artistic Director Doug Francis (pictured, right). “Fire stations, factories, cathedrals, warehouses and tunnels, forgotten places waiting to be filled with people, performance and possibility. Prospect is the beginning of the next chapter.”

The performance comes in a landmark year for the company, celebrating 30 years of The Invisible Circus alongside 20 years of sister organisation Artspace Lifespace, which together have spent decades transforming empty buildings across Bristol into spaces for creativity, community and culture. invisiblecircus.co.uk | theprospectbuilding.com

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avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/ebdon-farm

© Keeley Mitson

Bristol Old Vic is offering couples a rare chance to get married in one of the world's most renowned theatres for the first time, following the King Street venue releasing dates exclusively for weddings in summer 2027. Couples will be able to hire the unique venue for two weeks, between 20 July and 1 August, with a surprise wedding gift allocated to each day (revealed to the couples when they book their date).

Gifts include couples’ pre-wedding wine tastings, cases of fizz to celebrate on the day, ticket packages for theatre shows and, for one lucky couple, a 100% discount on venue hire – a present worth more than £10,000.

“We get lots of enquiries from couples who want to get married at Bristol Old Vic, but access to space around our busy theatre programme is very limited,” says Tink Trim, Bristol Old Vic’s Hospitality & Events Manager. “It’s a fantastic place to create special memories. We’re looking forward to welcoming more couples to tie the knot in our unique venue.” bristololdvic.org.uk

Avon Wildlife Trust will create climate resilient wetlands and a community nature reserve thanks to a generous grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. This significant initiative will demonstrate nature’s recovery at scale, transforming a nature depleted site at Ebdon Farm into a haven where wildlife and people will thrive.

Ebdon Farm is a 44-hectare former dairy farm on the North Somerset Levels and Moors and is at significant risk from climate change impacts.

Transforming this land is the largest initiative ever undertaken by Avon Wildlife Trust and follows more than 12 months of community engagement, species monitoring, and surveying to learn from the land and the local community.

Work at the farm will begin in the autumn with the creation of new wetland areas that will support a variety of species such as bats, newts, kingfishers and internationally important populations of wading birds and waterfowl. To help promote a sustainable future for the farm and for local tourism, the existing farmhouse buildings will be converted to holiday accommodation. A volunteering programme is also in development following a high level of interest amongst local people wishing to share their skills and time.

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CITY NEWS

Bristol author honoured at the Palace of Westminster A local author and fundraiser has been recognised for her work supporting charities and raising awareness of mental health.

Emma Louise James was recently presented with a British Citizen Award as part of The People’s Honours at the Palace of Westminster, celebrating people who have shown exceptional service to their communities and inspired others through their work.

“It was a lovely surprise,” says Emma, whose writing has become a vehicle for her fundraising efforts. She has now published her 14th book, The Bucket in the Broken Room, with proceeds supporting charities close to her heart.

Her first book, Jo’s Hidden Secrets, drew on her own experiences of mental health difficulties and domestic abuse, while highlighting the charities and support networks that helped her through challenging periods.

Alongside writing (Emma has 14 books now under her belt – and more stories in the works), she’s been busy raising funds to provide mental health and domestic violence support packs to local secondary schools and libraries.

Each pack brings together information from charities and support organisations, helping young people find out where they can turn when they need help.

New play area open at Tyntesfield Families visiting National Trust property Tyntesfield can enjoy a new woodland play area, following a major refurbishment of the play trail in the Plantation woods. The improved play area has been designed and built by natural play specialists Earth Wrights. The project forms part of the National Trust's ongoing investment in enabling children and families to spend more time outdoors and connect with nature.

The Treehouse Area features interconnected platforms linked by ropes, climbing routes and a double-width slide. A play tower with colourful windows and a space beneath for imaginative play creates opportunities for children to explore and create their own adventures. The Nest Area focuses on climbing and balancing, with log features, a climbing net and play structures designed to encourage confidence and physical activity. The Forest Explorers Area combines active play with quieter spaces, including raised decks, nets, woodland-inspired play features and areas for children to gather, explore and spend time outdoors. nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield

Medieval crypt under iconic church receives funding The medieval crypt of city centre church St John on the Wall – which needs vital conservation work to help to stabilise the structure and support its long-term sustainability – has received £25,000 from the Pilgrim Trust, a UK wide independent grant-making charitable trust.

The Churches Conservation Trust (CCT) launched the £133,000 fundraising campaign called ‘Secrets Under the City’ to conserve and repair the crypt, seeking donations from the Bristol community, alongside approaching regional and national grant funders.

To date, £54,485 has been raised via online donations, supported by grant funders, CCT members, supporters, volunteers and the local community. An event at the church being held on Sunday 20 September, which will see Music for a While perform a programme of Bach, has also been arranged to raise vital funds for the project.

St John on the Wall is currently open on Wednesdays and at weekends and is used as a creative space for community events and heritage activities alongside welcoming 20,000 visitors annually.

To support the campaign and for more info, go online at visitchurches.org.uk/bristolcrypt Credit: Andy Marshall

Credit: National Trust Images and James Beck

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FASHION

Joyce Embroidered Cord Dress, £99ç and Elli Fringe Triangle Scarf, £29ç monsoon.co.ukç

Season shift

After dressing for months of heatwaves, you’re right to approach autumn’s seasonal shift with caution.

We’ve picked some lighter layers that will keep your wardrobe flexible while you welcome September’s changes and its tonal warmth

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FASHION Novesta Marathon Trail.

Trainer in Chili, £150. mazeclothing.co.uk.

The Meli Icons,.£135. jimmyfairly.com.

East West Shoulder Bag. £225, cambridgesatchel.com.

Tan Suede Boxy Mini Dress, £449. whistles.com.

Zebra Satin Wrap Trousers, £159. jigsaw-online.com.

The Boyfriend, £1300 withnothingunderneath.com0

Gold Tone Sculpted Layer Necklace0 £35, mintvelvet.com0

White Stuff, Emilyç Square Scarf, £22ç johnlewis.com0

Scarf-Print Tie-Neck Shirt0 in Navy/Gold, £170, reiss.com0

Camille Leopard Print Textured Loafers, £950 mintvelvet.com0

Marlo Check Blouse, £55. monsoon.co.uk.

Siempre Fringe Faux-Suede Cape0 £138, anthropologie.com0

0

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

beautynotebook

Follow your nose to find the perfect perfume this Autumn...

Here’s a look at some evocative new and popular fragrances hitting the shelves in Bristol’s top beauty stores

BOOTS Last Note: five eau de parfums

CHANEL Coco Mademoiselle Crush Absolu

Last Note by Boots is a new five-strong fragrance collection of eau de parfums inspired by moments that leave a lasting impression. Named after the notes of a fragrance that linger most enduringly on the skin, Last Note celebrates the moments that live longest in our memory. Each scent has been crafted with a high-quality eau de parfum concentration and a distinct scent story to deliver a memorable experience that evolves from the first spray to the last note. Each of the five fragrances reflect the most popular and wearable scent families, from the warm gourmand notes of Vanilla Portrait to the delicate tropical notes of Soft Island Drift and the fruity, floral freshness of Into the Orchard. Each scent only costs £12.99 for 50ml.

Visit Boots Beauty in Cabot Circus, or go online at boots.com

Six years on from the launch of L’Eau Privée, this is a bold new interpretation of CHANEL’s iconic fragrance, created by CHANEL Perfumer Creator, Olivier Polge. Rich amber, patchouli, vetiver and vanilla are balanced with vibrant grapefruit and lychee, while rose and jasmine add softness and elegance. Intense yet effortlessly modern, it’s a confident, long-lasting scent that reimagines the COCO MADEMOISELLE signature with warmth, depth and undeniable sophistication. £117 (50ml). chanel.com

SPACENK Diptyque Eau de Parfum ESTÉE LAUDER Glimmer The new fragrance from Estée Lauder is an amber floral eau de parfum with a gourmand twist. The first 10 seconds after spraying are bright, sparkling and mouth-watering, with fruity-rosy raspberry notes, a fresh lift of mandarin and a soft orange flower glow. As it develops on your skin, it becomes warmer and more enveloping. macaron rose accord comes forward with its gourmand impression, wrapped in the radiant depth of amber embrace accord and shimmering patchouli, with a smooth, skin-warmed softness. Glimmer then settles into a lingering, addictive trail, a glowing blend of amber, patchouli, wood and tonka bean notes. £95 for 50ml, available at Sephora in Cabot Circus and sephora.co.uk

RITUALS Private Collection, Velvet Oudh Eau de Parfum This new parfum from the Rituals Private Collection brings together the timeless richness of oudh with an elegant contemporary edge. Delicate rose meets the warmth of saffron before giving way to deep, woody oudh, creating a beautifully layered fragrance that’s both sophisticated and seductive. Rich, long-lasting and enveloping, it’s a modern interpretation of a classic scent with plenty of presence. £63 (50ml). Visit the Bristol stores in Cabot Circus and Cribbs Causeway or buy online at rituals.com

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This set of 3 eaux de Parfum by the famous French fragrance house is the perfect way to discover three of Diptyque’s most-loved fragrances. The elegant gift set includes travel-sized editions of Orphéon, with its warm woody and tonka bean notes; Fleur de Peau, a soft musk with comforting depth; and Do Son, a luminous floral blend of jasmine and orange blossom. Ideal for fragrance lovers on the go. Comprising of 3 beautifully designed atomisers each containing 7.5ml, £84. Find it at SpaceNK Cribbs Causeway and Queens Road, or buy online at spacenk.com

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More than

experience

Terry Cox

Clifton Village Antiques New stock arriving every week

Diamond solitaire ring. 3.3ct set in yellow Gold with Platinum head and Diamond shoulders.

Average high street price: £24,000.

OUR PRICE: £16,000

Diamonds are Forever We only sell high quality Diamonds and work on extremely low profit – less than half compared to High Street retailers Jewellery Design and Commissions

• General Repair • Restyling of Jewellery • Valuations

Bring us your quote for a for bespoke Diamond ring (any quality) – and we will match or improve on the price. GIA Certificated Diamonds

Sapphire and Diamond ring. 1ct. Sri Lankan royal blue Sapphire, Diamonds: 40pts. each.

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2 Clifton Arcade, Boyces Avenue, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4AA Tel: 07877 633 030

* All items in stock on day of going to press.

Terry Cox September. DPS.qxp_Layout 1 26/08/2026 15:52 Page 2

WANTED - WE BUY GOLD Ignore the TV ads – Don’t send your Gold away – Bring it to a trusted dealer (50 years in Clifton) for an on-the-spot price If you wish to buy Diamond or Gold items – we will Part Exchange your 9ct Gold items at £50 per gram (current market value £39.50 per gram - at time of going to press)

By popular demand we now also sell Lab-grown Diamonds

All Diamonds shown here are natural

1ct - £1,400 1.5 ct - £1,650 2ct - £2,000 Diamond rings, Brilliant cut set in white Gold Terry Cox - Clifton Village Antiques 2 Clifton Arcade, Boyces Avenue, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4AA Tel: 07877 633 030

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INTERVIEW

Down to Earth Ahead of her appearance at this month's Yeo Valley Organic Garden Festival, TV presenter and broadcaster Frances Tophill talks to Rosanna Spence about the eco‐activism intrinsic to horticultural events; plants’ resilience through relentless heatwaves; how water butts can be the heroes of any city garden, patio or balcony; and her on‐off relationship with flowers…

F

rances Tophill chuckles when she thinks back to the early days of her gardening career. Before the television appearances, bestselling books, winning show gardens and standing-roomonly festival talks, she was an apprentice tasked with picking up dog mess from immaculate lawns, being advised to spray weeds and learning the often-rigid rules of traditional horticulture.

That couldn’t be further from the gardener she is today. Now a familiar face on the nation’s favourite gardening TV programme, a multi-book author, conservationist and environmental campaigner, Frances has become one of the UK’s leading voices for a gentle, ecological approach to gardening that prizes wildlife, community and resilience as highly as beautiful borders.

Our phone line crackles its way from Bristol to rural Devon, where Frances has lived for the past 15 years and had just moved house a few days before. The signal may have dropped in and out between us, swallowed by the countryside, but her enthusiasm remained gloriously steady. Bristol, she tells me, still feels like her nearest city, having lived here herself for around a year, so she knows it well.

When asked for her favourite garden-themed spots in the city, her recommendations tumble out: The University of Bristol Botanic Garden, which she feels sometimes gets overlooked and whose research she admires; Avon Wildlife Trust’s community food-growing project in Stapleton called Feed Bristol; the welcoming and inclusive gardens based at Trinity Community Arts Centre; and the legacy of Sarah Venn, founder of Edible Bristol whose passing last year was felt by the entire gardening community. “She was incredible,” Frances says simply. “An amazing woman.”

Despite a TV presenting diary that now sends her from Sandringham to Cumbria, Coventry, Bath and beyond most weeks, the stable rhythm of gardening keeps her feeling grounded.

“I’ve still got my allotment,” she says. “What gets me into that space is probably just the calmness of it. It’s a contrast to everything else. I love being a gardener. That’s what I do this for. But it’s become harder and harder to fit additional gardening jobs around everything else.”

The people power of gardening

© Rachel Warne / The Modern Gardener / Octopus Publishing Group

For now, Frances is embracing the variety that comes with a life spent often on the road, with one of the stops this month including Yeo Valley Organic Garden Festival just outside the city.

“It’s such a nice festival,” she says, reflecting on her experience last year.

“I’ll be one of many people talking about the style of gardening I love – sustainable gardening, food growing, productive horticulture, community and the environment.”

Given this summer’s relentless heatwaves, she expects conversations about our changing climate to run through many of the talks. “I think a lot of people will be speaking about how we garden sustainably in a changing climate. But what people can expect is a really lovely day with really interesting people talking about amazing subjects. I’ll be listening as well.”

For Frances, these festivals are about far more than picking up gardening tips. “I feel like the gardening community is generally really lovely,” she says. “Even online [Frances started her Instagram account in 2020 and now has more than 170,000 loyal followers], I was pleasantly surprised by how kind people are.”

In an era that can often leave people feeling divided, Frances believes gardening has the potential to become a catalyst for real change in society.

“People who are in touch with the land have a really nice impact on the world. You come somewhere like Yeo Valley and everyone is

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INTERVIEW © Rachel Warne / The Modern Gardener / Octopus Publishing Group

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INTERVIEW

respectful. There are lots of interesting opinions, but there’s a real sense of belonging.”

She pauses before landing on: “It’s almost like eco-activism.” Not the placard-waving kind, she clarifies, but something equally powerful. “We all get together and work towards the same things.

You feel like your actions really do make a difference, and that’s incredibly empowering.”

Like many gardeners, Frances delights in passing plants between friends. She’s been quoted as saying: ‘One of the most generous things about gardening is how freely people share, whether it's ideas, cuttings or encouragement.’ One such cutting has become her signature gift.

“Cretan oregano,” she says, enthusiastically. “I got the original plant from Jekka McVicar [the renowned organic gardening expert from Chew Magna who has a family-run culinary herb garden north of Bristol], and I’ve taken loads of cuttings ever since. Whenever I give someone a plant, it’s usually that one. It’s unusual and absolutely stunning.”

Sticking with this idea of generosity, I ask Frances about the best gardening advice she’s ever received that impacted the way she thinks about plants. And considering she has access to the upper echelons of the gardening gurus; she doesn’t mention an expert or television presenter. Instead, she recalls filming an episode for a national gardening programme with a wonderful foster carer in Glasgow who gardens for wildlife while supporting the children he looks after. “He just said, ‘Why do we grow this monoculture of a lawn?’”

For someone trained to maintain immaculate grass up to that point, the question stopped her in her tracks. “I’d never thought about a lawn like that before. Suddenly I realised – why not let it be dandelions and daisies and clover and moss? It stopped being a monoculture and became something really vibrant.”

Yeo Valley Organic Garden © Jonathan Buckley

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It’s a reminder, she says, that sometimes the most valuable lessons come from simply questioning the assumptions we’ve always accepted.

Heated conversation This summer has tested gardeners with heatwaves and drought. But for anyone reading The Bristol Magazine looking out onto a tired, thirsty and exhausted patch, Frances has a reassuring message.

“Plants are resilient, and even though we can’t deny they’re looking worse for wear right now, I’m hopeful the majority will recover – but they’re obviously behaving differently, shedding their leaves, crisping up, flowering and seeding early, going into sort-of dormancy,” she explains. “We know heatwaves are becoming more common, but things generally survive.” The key, she explains, is remembering that gardens work on timescales very different from our own.

“So many plants naturally die back. People often think they’ve killed something when actually it’s just doing exactly what it’s supposed to do.” Perennials disappear only to return in spring, plants set seed before fading and brown lawns can recover.

“It’s part of the cycle,” she says. “You have to get a bit philosophical about it.”

Some plants, meanwhile, have surprised even her. “Veronicastrum has been amazing,” she says. “It’s always billed as a bog plant, but I’ve seen it growing brilliantly through this drought. It’s been a real surprise.”

Looking ahead to autumn, Frances believes the priority for every gardener is water. “If you’ve run out of water this year, get another water butt. Think about water design in your garden.”

Her advice isn’t reserved for sprawling country gardens, either. City balconies, terraces and paved courtyards can all play a role. One of her favourite solutions is super simple: a water butt fed from a gutter

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The face behind the festival

that doubles as a tiny wildlife pond, complete with a way for creatures to climb safely back out. “It’s both a beautiful pond and a water source,” she explains. “Just collect water whenever you can for when you need it.” If space allows, she encourages gardeners to think even bigger: “Ponds and rain gardens create habitats for birds, hedgehogs, foxes, insects, frogs and newts. They can be really amazing.”

Blooming marvellous For someone whose career began in traditional horticulture, Frances is refreshingly honest about how much her own thinking has evolved. “It’s literally U-turned multiple times,” she laughs. The early days were about neatness, control and removing anything labelled a weed.

“There was never a question about the kind of grower you wanted to be. It was just, ‘This is a weed; therefore, we get rid of it.’” Studying botany transformed that outlook. “I realised plants aren’t just pretty things that go in gardens. They have their own history. They bring people together.

Community gardens completely opened my eyes.”

For a while, she went to the opposite extreme. “I decided I hated flowers,” she says with a grin I can hear. “I only liked vegetables and productive plants.”

But nature, once again, had other ideas. Building her own garden over the past four years prompted yet another change of heart. “I filled it with flowers, and I never expected I would do that.” She came to realise that flowers don’t have to serve humans to be valuable.

“They may not be edible or medicinal, but they’re full of bees and moths and butterflies and hoverflies. They have a function – it’s just not a human function, and that’s okay.”

Today, she declares jokingly: “I’m in my flower phase now.” It’s a fitting conclusion for someone who refuses to believe gardening is ever finished.

Even after decades of experience, award-winning show gardens and a national television career, Frances Tophill is still changing her mind, still learning and still allowing nature to surprise her. n Frances will appear at Yeo Valley Organic Garden Festival, which takes place 17-19 September at Yeo Valley Organic Garden (BS40 7SQ).

Book your tickets online: yvogardenfestival.co.uk Image below: Frances speaking at Yeo Valley Organic Garden Festival in 2025 © Soul Media

Sarah Mead is the owner of the Yeo Valley Organic Garden, a 6.5-acre Soil Associationcertified organic garden in Blagdon, Somerset, 15 miles south of Bristol off the A38. Sarah runs the garden alongside the garden team and is also involved in the hospitality and marketing side of the Yeo Valley Organic brand.

She moved to Somerset more than 30 years ago, when she married Tim, and began opening the family garden to the public through the National Garden Scheme while raising four children.

The garden’s approach is strictly organic: no chemical fertilisers or pesticides are used. Sarah has described the method as taking a ‘live and let live’ approach to pests, for example, allowing natural predators such as ladybirds to manage aphid populations rather than intervening directly.

Last September, Sarah launched the first Yeo Valley Organic Garden Festival, a three-day event held at the garden. “We’d been to visit Groundswell, the regenerative farming festival, and thought – why isn’t there something like that for gardeners?

Somewhere people can engage with something positive, uplifting and, most importantly, realistic – swap ideas over a cup of tea, ask daft questions, and not feel like they need to know the Latin name for everything. It felt like too big a gap to ignore.”

The first festival sold out and it returns for a second year from 17-19 September, with each day built around a different theme: Thursday (‘It’s a Gardening World’) invites many TV personalities to share views on sustainable practices; Friday (‘Colour Confidence’) celebrates design and colour in gardens with a sustainable focus; and Saturday (‘Mission Possible’) focuses on biodiversity, soil health and climate resilience. “We’d been quietly gardening organically for many years, mostly just us and the team getting on with it, and at some point, it started to feel like something we should be sharing,” Sarah explains. “The festival was really about flinging the gates open and saying – come and join us, tell us what you think, let us share what we’ve learned, and let us learn from you in turn.”

Sarah has spoken about wanting the festival to be accessible rather than expert-only: “We are determined to ditch the formalities and the ‘one size fits all’ approach to organic gardening, and provide some myth-busting, jargon-breaking, real-life practical solutions to suit every garden and every budget.”

“My dream is to create a gathering where garden lovers, from newbies to pros, can exchange experiences and swap tips about a better way to garden.” yeovalley.co.uk | Image of Sarah above by Jonathan Buckley

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BRISTOL EVENTS | SEPTEMBER

What’s On? The best things to see and do this month

Closer Each Day continues its soap opera at The Wardrobe Theatre

Mean Girls n 8-12 September Bristol Hippodrome, BS1 4UZ

The Late Pour n 12 September, 6pm Shredenhams, BS1 3JL

Winner of ‘Best New Musical’ (WhatsOnStage Awards) and direct from the West End, Mean Girls is the hilarious smash-hit musical comedy from an award-winning creative team including writer Tina Fey (30 Rock, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and Saturday Night Live). Meet The Plastics – Regina, Gretchen and Karen. They rule North Shore High and will burn anyone who gets in their way. Home-schooled Cady Heron may think she knows a thing or two about survival of the fittest thanks to her zoologist mum, but high school is a whole new level of savage... atgtickets.com/bristol

Extract Coffee Roasters will take over Shredenhams in Broadmead for The Late Pour, bringing together Bristol’s finest baristas, music, and food. At the heart of the night is a high-stakes, live latte art throwdown. Eight finalists, selected from online social media qualifiers, will battle it out live on stage. The winner will walk away with a massive prize package including £200 cash, a 12-month coffee subscription, and a limited-edition hand-painted skateboard deck by Bristol street art legend Mr Penfold. In addition to the main competition, attendees can watch Mr Penfold create a live drawing on-site. The night will also feature table tennis, pizza, local beers, and a live DJ set to keep the energy going long after the coffee machines turn off. Entry to the event is £3 on the door, with 100% of the proceeds going to support Extract's Grounds Up charity collective. The ticket price also includes pizza and two drinks. Guests must RSVP via Eventbrite to secure entry. eventbrite.co.uk

Redcliffe Caves Tours Weekend n 11-13 September Redcliffe Caves, BS1 6SR

Bristol Film Festival will be running an exclusive weekend of guided tours of Redcliffe Caves, opening the doors to this unique venue for a rare opportunitys. The Festival team has been running events in the Caves for the past 10 years, and has developed a bespoke 40- to 45-minute tour of the site that will bring this mysterious space to life. As your guide takes you through this underground labyrinth by torchlight, you’ll learn about the history of the caves. bristolfilmfestival.com

Theatre for more than 15 years and almost 300 episodes. It is the longest running theatre show outside of London, and the UK’s only live soap opera. Closer brings you all the drama, romance, and intrigue of a traditional soap, but with side-splitting comedy and the excitement of an unscripted live show. And anything can happen; an illicit affair, a joyful wedding, a nailbiting cliff-hanger... or even a murder! closereachday.co.uk Consider the Wondrous n 19-20 September Rise Frome, BA11 3BY

Consider the Wondrous is a book festival celebrating our relationship with nature. From geology to gut flora, honeybees to humans, writers and artists will reveal a deeper context to our lives than the media present. The main venue is a beautiful converted chapel in the fantastic and always unexpected town of Frome. There will be walks, workshops, exhibitions and general conviviality too! stawebsite.com/consider

Closer Each Day n 14 & 28 September (then fortnightly on Mondays until 23 November) The Wardrobe Theatre, BS2 0DF

Craig Crofton & Marvin Muoneké Celebrate the Music of John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman n 21 September, 7.30pm St George’s Bristol, BS1 5RR

Set in the fictional location of Newtown, Closer Each Day has run fortnightly at The Wardrobe

Featuring acclaimed vocalist and trumpet player Marvin Muoneké, this unique concert

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BRISTOL EVENTS | SEPTEMBER will present the classic John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman album in its entirety, alongside a selection of Coltrane favourites that showcase the warmth, lyricism, and emotional depth of one of jazz’s greatest artists.

While much of Coltrane’s reputation rests on his groundbreaking and exploratory work, the 1963 recording with Johnny Hartman revealed another side of his artistry: tender, romantic, and deeply expressive. stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

of stand-up seems obsolete. But can he unleash his inner Man-Wulf to position himself alongside comedy legends like Dave Chappelle, Ricky Gervais and Jordan Peterson at the forefront of side-splitting stadiumstuffing sh*t-posting? bristolbeacon.org

Marlon James in Conversation n 23 September, 7pm Bristol Beacon, BS1 5AR

Antique, Vintage and Collectables Fair n 4 October, 10am-3.30pm Ashton Court Mansion House, BS41 9JN

Gloucester Road Books will be welcoming the Booker Prize-winning author Marlon James to the city this month. James, one of the 21st century’s most celebrated novelists, will be appearing at Bristol Beacon to discuss his hugely anticipated new novel, The Disappearers, in conversation with the acclaimed local author, poet and performer, Vanessa Kisuule. It will be one of only four UK events the US-based author is undertaking for the book. bristolbeacon.org

Discover fine jewellery, gold and silver, china, militaria, books, prints, paintings, vinyl,vintage clothing and accessories, furniture, watches, toys and lots more. More than 40 stalls all inside Ashton Court Mansion. The café will be serving teas, coffees and cakes. £2.50 entry, under-16s go free.

Stewart Lee vs The Man-Wulf n 24-26 September Bristol Beacon, BS1 5AR

Stewart Lee shares his stage with a tough-talking werewolf comedian from the dark forests of the subconscious who hates humanity. The ManWulf lays down a ferocious comedy challenge to the culturally irrelevant and physically enfeebled Lee. Can the beast inside us all be silenced with the silver bullet of Lee’s unprecedentedly critically-acclaimed style of stand-up? Stewart’s approaching 60 with debilitating health conditions, his TV profile has diminished, and his once BAFTA award-winning style

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Coming Soon...

Stewart Lee vs The Man-Wulf

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Star-crossed lovers Forget violent delights having violent ends. What if Romeo and Juliet’s story had never met a tragic conclusion, and the pair moved to Paris and endured a mid‐life crisis instead? That’s the vision of Ben Duke, who has directed the highly entertaining show Juliet & Romeo, which is heading to Bristol Old Vic this month. We hear from the actors playing the star‐crossed lovers about the their messy lives beyond Shakespeare’s fêted, fatal vision Photos of Emily Terndrup and John Kendall in Juliet & Romeo were taken by Paul Blakemore

M

any of us – at one point in our lives – have felt the pressure of keeping up appearances. Of trying to prove to the people around us that a romantic relationship is thriving, perhaps, rather than draining the lifeforce out of both parties. Well, spare a thought for poor Juliet and Romeo, who have endured being the relentless burden of being the poster-children for teenage love all these years. The masterful pliability of Shakespeare’s works has been proven once again by Lost Dog’s Artistic Director Ben Duke’s compelling vision of love’s young dream reimagined through a combination of movement, text, drama, dance and music into the touring show Juliet & Romeo, which pit-stops at Bristol Old Vic from 22-26 September.

Ben presents an alternate universe where the lovers didn’t die in the infamous misunderstanding; they grew up, got married, and moved to Paris. We meet them in their 40s and… at least one of them is having a mid-life crisis. The solution to remedy their lives haunted by their past actions, known the world over? Why, a performance about themselves, of course! Who cares that their therapist has warned it a terrible idea.

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The audience is invited along for the ride anyway, which stars Emily Terndrup as Juliet and John Kendall as Romeo, who you’re about to meet.

What themes are negotiated in the play and what are the main differences between Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and Ben Duke’s characters?

Emily: In our version, they’re adults who’ve lived fuller, messier lives.

They’ve experienced disappointments, compromises, and many realities that their younger, more sheltered selves never had to face. They’ve shared decades and have a child together, so there’s a very different kind of intimacy between them – it’s deeper, more complicated and less idealised than the passionate and more aspirational love of Shakespeare’s teenagers.

Our version negotiates the complexities of all these themes with a lot of humour and compassion.

John: I think what we realise through Ben’s adaptation of an older Juliet and Romeo is just how whirlwind Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet’s romance was. They’re seen as the ultimate symbol of love, yet they were only really together for three days and barely knew each other. In our

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version, they are much older, they have a daughter and they’re dealing with all the rigours that come with raising a child and forging a longlasting relationship.

Do you like your characters, and will we like them too?

Emily: I have a huge affection for this Juliet. She’s funny, energetic and passionate, but she’s also a bit of a fantasist and struggles with the gap between the life she imagined and the life she’s ended up with. She’s quite complicated. There are aspects of her that would be challenging to live with as a friend or romantic partner, certainly. But I absolutely love being her for the time onstage each evening. She lives and reacts in such an uninhibited way, and it’s a joy to have permission to inhabit that.

John: I do like Romeo, yes. I think Juliet is the driving force behind wanting to try this latest method of understanding the relationship problems we – as Juliet and Romeo – face.

While not really being fully convinced Romeo is willing to try and fix the problems they both have, I sympathise with him and feel like he’s pretty earnest and does want to make things work.

Do you think audiences want them to overcome their differences and re-establish their love for each other?

Emily: I think people definitely root for them. Whether that means staying together as a couple, or finding a different future apart is another question entirely – one that each person might feel differently about. Everyone brings their own experiences of love, marriage and relationships into the theatre, so audience responses can be very personal. People often feel strongly about the ending, and I love hearing the different interpretations afterwards. There’s no single answer, which I think is part of what makes the piece so satisfying.

John: Yes! I think they totally root for the couple.

There have been lots of occasions at the end of the show where audiences really want to know whether we do stay together or not, so for me that would be a sign that they’re invested in our plight and willing for a resolution of sorts.

explore. The real privilege is taking a theatre full of strangers on that journey and feeling them experience it alongside you. Being part of a show that connects with audiences so directly and deeply is incredibly rewarding.

John: What I like about Juliet & Romeo – and more widely working with Ben Duke – is the ability of the show to allow for options. Often dance and theatre are seen as separate entities with dancers wanting to dance and actors wanting to act! But Ben’s work allows for dance and theatre to align and allows us, as performers, to pull apart well-known narratives and delve into the work through marrying text and movement.

Have you spent much time in Bristol before?

Emily: I visited Bristol a few years ago with my husband for a weekend away, and loved the city. It has a great energy and vibe. I’m really looking forward to getting back there and performing, especially as we have a weeklong run there!

John: I’ve heard great things about Bristol over the years, but have never managed to get there! I also have a very dear friend living there too, but we always meet in Newcastle, nearer to where I live. So, I’m really looking forward to visiting. It’ll also be the first time he sees me perform, so that’ll be very special. n Juliet & Romeo is at Bristol Old Vic 22-26 September, 7.30pm (plus 2.30pm on 24 & 26). Tickets available from bristololdvic.org.uk

What is it about the show that you particularly enjoy as a performer?

Emily: I love that I get to do so much, to feel so much. I get to dance and to act, to work with text and a wonderful partner – I can be overjoyed, devastated, furious and delighted all within the space of an hour.

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FAMILY EVENTS | SEPTEMBER

Family Diary

The best things to see and do with the little ones this month Room on the Broom trail n Throughout September Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, GL8 8QS Join Witch and her friends on an enchanting adventure. This interactive family trail is packed with Room on the Broom-themed activities, fascinating forest facts, and plenty of hands-on fun. As you explore, help Witch find her lost hat, bow and wand, and collect the special ingredients she needs to complete her spell – but watch out for Dragon along the way! Once you’ve finished the trail, snap a photo with Witch and her animal friends on their magnificent new broom. forestryengland.uk/room-on-the-broom 1000 Years of Fashion History – An exhibition in miniature n Until 1 November Blaise Museum, BS10 7QS From Saxon robes to Elizabethan ruffs, Victorian tartan and punk piercings, see how what we wear has changed across time… in miniature!

This exhibition has been created by Lisa Jayne Smith, following a career working in theatre and running her own business making and adapting period costume. Each handmade outfit, modelled by a 12-inch fashion doll, is complete down to the tiniest detail. The amount of time spent on each model would depend on the size and era of each costume, anything from a week to a month. bristolmuseums.org.uk Bristol Film Festival: Up n 6 September, 12.30pm-2.30pm Clifton Observatory, BS8 3LT Perched high above the city, Clifton Observatory provides a spectacular setting for a day of cinema, with breathtaking views across Bristol and beyond. Before the screening, enjoy a drink on the rooftop terrace, then head into the historic William Weston Room for a magical film experience. The special afternoon begins with a screening of of Up, a fitting choice for a venue that feels almost as though it's floating above the city. Keep an eye on the skyline... you never know what might drift past. bristolfilmfestival.com 34 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2026 | No 262

Party in the Park n 12 September Golden Hill Sports, BS6 7YA Golden Hill Sports is once again opening its gates to local residents for a fun-packed community event that helps raise much-needed funds for the club. Expect a variety of stalls and entertainment, ranging from inflatables to bumper cars to live music. There will also be a variety of products on sale from local businesses and food options to suit even the most discerning of foodies. goldenhillsports.com Spot’s Birthday Party n 12 September 2pm & 13 September, 11am & 2.30pm Redgrave Theatre, BS8 3LE Join Spot and his friends for this engaging and interactive show for everyone age 2+ and their grownups. With integrated Makaton, catchy songs, dancing and lots of interactive party games, this is going to be the best birthday party ever! Based on the beloved Eric Hill classic Happy Birthday Spot, this brand-new adaptation is the perfect introduction to theatre for children – they’ll be encouraged to sign and dance along with Steve the Monkey, Tom the Crocodile, Helen the Hippo and Sally and Sam, Spot’s parents, to say a big ‘Happy birthday, Spot!’. redgravetheatre.com Aftermirth: Daytime Comedy Club for New Parents n 17 September, 10.45am-1pm The Wardrobe Theatre, BS2 0DF The journey of parenthood is a magical and maddening one, so what better way to cope with it than through stand-up comedy! Aftermirth is an adult comedy club that you can bring your baby to. Three top circuit comedians will deliver their usual club routines, so the material is mature and sweary (with the odd birth story flash back).This special morning gig has reduced amplification and a dimmed room, so no one will notice those red eyes from sleepless nights, and you’re encouraged to feed and soothe however you need to during the show. Babies under 1 are welcome, but please don’t take older toddlers (they tend to heckle!). aftermirthcomedy.co.uk | thewardrobetheatre.com Festival of Transport n 26 & 27 September Avon Valley Railway, BS30 6HD Celebrate the Festival of Transport at the Avon Valley Railway with a timetable of steam and heritage diesel train services; a heritage bus service from Keynsham railway station overflow car park; Austin 7 Club; trade stands and variety of local stalls; classic railway and transport films in the static carriage ‘Rose’; and vintage vehicles on display, including Sentinel Steam Lorries, military and farm vehicles. avonvalleyrailway.org

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Flights over Bristol, Bath & The Chew Valley

01934 852875 www.firstflight.co.uk

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INTERVIEW

Fifty years of fingerprints Aardman’s Sir Peter Lord was born in Bristol in 1953 and lived here for the first nine years of his life. In 1976, he returned and established his now globally admired animation studio with co‐founder Sir David Sproxton. Both were knighted in 2026

by King Charles for their service to film and charity. As Aardman celebrates its 50th anniversary this month, Sir Peter speaks to Sam McEvans about his affection for our city, his happiest moments here and his passion for the next generation of creatives… freshly knighted Sir Peter Lord has been kind enough to take a moment from his busy anniversary year to answer our questions, and we’d be remiss not to offer our congratulations before getting started.

“Thank you,” he says humbly. “Yes, it’s all rather amazing. I mean, totally unexpected.”

The cogs inside his imaginative mind turn a little before he continues: “Well, why would you expect it? What sort of weird person would you be if you went through life expecting to be knighted?”

“The oddest thing is that you go to bed one night as an ordinary bloke and then you wake up the next morning to find that you’ve been transformed into a character from a fairy tale or an Arthurian romance.”

I ask our Arthurian knight to take a short trip down memory lane with us. We gallop towards the mid-1980s as he reflects on his favourite chapter from the past half-century.

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Channel 4 – including Creature Comforts, various TV ads and Sledgehammer for Peter Gabriel,” Sir Peter says, recounting this memorable sprint of creativity.

Formative years in Clifton

Cracking creations and Bristolian in-jokes

Sir Peter names 1986 as a particularly happy year: “We were feeling prosperous, creative and fortunate. I would say that life and business were pretty easy. We had a quickly growing reputation.”

Today, Aardman’s workforce expands to more than 450 people when a feature film is in production, such as the forthcoming Halloween caper Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom.

But back then, 10 years into Aardman’s lifespan as a company, the team consisted of only a dozen employees. “We were a smallish team, working out of a converted furniture repository in Clifton,” Sir Peter recalls. It was around this time that novice filmmaker, Wallace and Gromit creator Nick Park, joined the team while finishing off his graduation project, A Grand Day Out, in the Aardman space.

The studio was located at 14 Wetherell Place, a characterful redbrick coach house near Park Place, and was the company’s sixth home in Bristol. It remained in the studio’s property portfolio until 2008, alongside Gas Ferry Road (from 1991) and Aztec West (from 1998) which both remain operational today.

Based in the old Fyffes building and nicknamed the “Banana Warehouse”, Gas Ferry Road was where The Wrong Trousers and A Close Shave were filmed in the 1990s. Aztec West, in Almondsbury, was first acquired for Chicken Run and is used for long-form shoots.

A sign of the times in a city so in need of housing, 14 Wetherell Place has now been converted into flats, but in 1986 some of Aardman’s breakout hits were brought to life beneath its vaulted ceilings.

“In a couple of years, we produced films for

Sir Peter happily revisits memories from Aardman’s early TV creations, like an advert he filmed for a brand of wood stain.

“Those ads were fun. For their time, they were pretty revolutionary.

We were experimenting with replacement mouth shapes and the puppet itself was, well I guess about a metre tall – which is very unusual.”

The wooden Cuprinol man, a lesser-known gem in the Aardman archive, is currently on display at the M Shed’s Aardman retrospective (until September 13, pictured below (credit: Bristol Museums and Rob Browne Photography)). He even still smells of varnish when it is set free from its glass case by the museum curator.

Chuckling, he describes gluing tiny resin “splashes” on the Cuprinol set and spraying it continually with water to create the effect of rain: “When we finished, we discovered that the whole set had rotted in the damp. Luckily, we’d completed the film before we fell through the floor.”

For Sir Peter, a sense of place and time are often intertwined with memories of specific creative outputs. For instance, when thinking of Morph, the cheeky clay character, it conjures up the Stork House studio in Hotwells where The Amazing Adventures of Morph was shot in 1980.

Sir Peter often talks about how the studio is “reflective of Bristol” and how proud he is to be “part of the city”.

Another delight of M Shed’s current exhibition is the way it celebrates this symbiotic relationship.

As young filmmakers in the 1970s and 1980s, Sir Peter and Sir David found Bristol an ideal place to set up shop. Its affordability, creative

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“ When we finished, we discovered the whole set had rotted in the damp.

Luckily, we’d completed the film before we fell through the floor ”

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Images (L-R, top to bottom): Archive photo of Clifton studio, Wetherell Place (credit: Aardman); Temple Meads set at M Shed (credit: Sam McEvans); archive photo of Aardman co-founder Sir Peter Lord (credit: Aardman); archive photo of Aardman co-founder Sir David Sproxton (credit: Aardman); still from Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom © and TM Aardman Animations Ltd; Wallace and rabbit on display at M Shed (credit: Bristol Museums and Rob Browne Photography); archive image showing the interior of Wetherell Place studio in Clifton (credit: Aardman) THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2026 | THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 37

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energy and thriving community of early-career artistic talent from the universities created the conditions for Aardman to flourish. The city was also home to a growing television production industry, and from the very beginning, the founders provided animation for BBC programmes.

Homage to Aardman’s roots here abounds at the M Shed show, from a Bristol-inspired bus prop and a gigantic set of Temple Meads arches from the Shaun the Sheep movie to a tiny tin of “Fly’s Cocoa” in a rooster hut set from Chicken Run. The latter scenery, with its nod to Fry’s Chocolate, is a particular treasure because many like it were destroyed in the Silverthorne Lane warehouse fire of 2005.

The future of creative talent and “thumbiness” As the crowds pour into the M Shed, young visitors have the chance to experiment with stop motion animation at a tabletop station in the Aardman gallery. The museum’s senior curator tells me that the installation is intended to recreate the way that Sir Peter and Sir David first began animating at a kitchen table.

Sir Peter is delighted by the installation and says that it sends an important message to the next generation that animation is “exciting, curative, fun – and quite easy!”.

“A lot of people bang on about how slow and painstaking it can be – which is true. It can be, but it doesn’t need to be,” he adds.

He takes joy in meeting future animators and stands grinning in a recent photograph of himself alongside apprentice filmmakers on their first day at Aardman Academy, the school operated within the working studio.

Academy participants have the chance to make real films as part of the programme. More than 2,000 former students now work in the industry worldwide, with their films screened at more than 80 festivals in 2025 alone.

Sir Peter is clearly committed to passing on his hand-made craft and investing in future talent. The academy is just one of the ways you can see Aardman’s fingerprints on Bristol’s creative economy and reputation.

When it comes to innovation, technologies such as CGI and 3D set modelling are used selectively and strategically at Aardman. “We use tons of digital technology throughout our filmmaking, and we find it essential and incredibly helpful,” Sir Peter explains. At the same time, he emphasises that handmade animation remains “happily and proudly” at the heart of everything they do.

“We believe that the intimacy and the humanity of the process is somehow visible onscreen.” This is often referred to by the studio and its fans as Aardman’s signature “thumbiness” – where the prints of the animator can still be seen in the clay characters as they move around.

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Home sweet Bristol Before we close, I ask Sir Peter to share what he loves most about the city he has called his personal and professional home for almost 60 years of his life. “The docks,” he answers. “When I first returned to Bristol in 1976, you could hardly see the docks, let alone enjoy the area. It was all decayed and abandoned wood-yards and warehouses.

“Now you can walk all round and enjoy the views, the food, the history, the activity, the pubs. Love it!” n aardman.com | Cracking Exhibition, Gromit! 50 Years of Aardman in Bristol is at M shed until 13 September | Mini-museum hunt! 50 years of Aardman is at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery until 13 September | Visit bristolmuseums.org.uk for info on both exhibitions Images, bottom left, Wallace and Gromit chasing criminal mastermind Feathers McGraw in The Wrong Trousers (1993); below: Filmmakers’ first day with Sir Peter (credit: Aardman); Birthday Cake display at M Shed (credit: Bristol Museums, Rob Browne Photography); Opposite page top; Morph on set of The Epic Advertures of Morph (2020); still from Chicken Run; still from Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom (all © and TM Aardman Animations Ltd)

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CULTURE

ART

and exhibitions

Todd White at Studio 74, throughout September

Jonathan Baldock: Held and Polly Braden: Against the Tide, Arnolfini, until 27 September Jonathan Baldock creates tactile installations that draw on craft traditions, personal history and our deep connection to nature.

Held spans ceramics, textiles and sculpture, unfolding as a vivid, sensory feast. Rooted in a lifelong connection to the natural world, Baldock’s practice is shaped by inherited skills (sewing, model-making and working with the hands) passed down by his mother and grandmother and rooted in the histories of working-class people.

Meanwhile, documentary photographer Polly Braden explores the effects of coastal poverty in Against the Tide, collaborating with young people from some of the most deprived and often forgotten places across England and Wales. Telling the stories of a group of diverse 16- to 25-year-olds, Braden places them at the heart of her project, narrated by journalist Lisa Bachelor as part of The Guardian’s wider Seascape series. arnolfini.org.uk | 16 Narrow Quay, BS1 4QA Images: Above, Jonathan Baldock, Held, 2026 (Installation View) at Arnolfini. Courtesy of the artist and Arnolfini. Photography by Dan Weill. Below, Polly Braden, Against the Tide, 2026, Joe, Blackpool.

Join the team at Studio 74 on Whiteladies Road in welcoming internationally-acclaimed artist Todd White for an intimate meetthe-artist afternoon on Saturday 19 September, 12.30–3pm.

Known for collections brimming with personality, mischief and wit, Todd's work has found admirers across the global art market, from the Grammy Awards to Warner Bros., and now finds a home in Bristol throughout September.

Expect good company, better conversation, and a rare chance to meet the man behind the canvas. Drop by, and take your time with a body of work that's as playful as it is precise.

RSVP essential to attend the special event on the 19 September.

Todd White. Throughout September. studio74contemporaryart.com | 74 Whiteladies Rd, BS8 2QA

Autumn Exhibition at Lime Tree Gallery, 17 September until 31 October Northumberland landscape painter Robert Newton has also been with Lime Tree for many years, debuting in 2007. Collectors appreciate his sweeping bold brushstrokes depicting the big wide skies of his native county. Closer to home, John Evans’ distinctive harbourside paintings are particularly cherished by local clients. In contrast, Anna Perlin is a master of collage, which is beautifully integrated into her textural still life paintings. Texture is also a prominent feature in paintings by Scottish artist Rose Strang and Welsh artist Mike Carter. Lime Tree Gallery is thrilled that both artists are sending new work for the Autumn show. Finally, the team is introducing Laura Menzie to the gallery – a contemporary abstract artist based in Cornwall creating expressive atmospheric works defined by emotion and colour. limetreegallery.com | 84 Hotwell Road, BS8 4UB Image: From a Distance by Robert Newton

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Journeys: Asafo Flags from the Karun Thakar Collection, Dyrham Park, until 1 November The National Trust is partnering with collector, author and curator Karun Thaka for Journeys, an exhibition that draws on highlights from Thakar’s global textile collections to explore themes of migration, trade, craftsmanship, colonialism, global history and beauty at the historic property.

Born in Kenya, raised in India and now based in London, Thakar’s lifelong relationship with textiles began in his mother’s couture tailoring shop in Delhi, where he learned to sew, crochet and embroider as a child. Through the universal theme of ‘journeys’, which express individual experiences as well as the global movement of people and material culture, the exhibition examines both tangible heritage and living traditions. Many of the textiles carry deeply personal histories, including pieces connected to Thakar’s own family.

At Dyrham, vibrant Asafo flags – one of the most important West African art forms – fuse European naval insignia with local traditions and symbolism, reflecting resistance and adaptation during colonial encounters. Displayed throughout Dyrham’s interiors, and placed alongside portraits and objects, they will deepen narratives of the 17th-century house built with the proceeds of colonial enterprise. nationaltrust.org.uk/dyrham-park South Gloucestershire, SN14 8H

173rd Annual Open Exhibition at Royal West of England Academy, 12 September until 3 January The RWA has announced its 173rd Annual Open Exhibition, which will bring together more than 500 works and feature artists.

Selected artists include John Maine RA RWA (Hon); Angela Lizon RWA, the 2026 Jackson’s Art Prize winner, and Jemma Image: 172nd Annual Open Appleby RWA, this year’s (Credit: Khali Ackford, KoLAB Studios) Charles Wollaston Royal Academy Summer Exhibition award winner. Exhibited works will include a watercolour painting, Ackergill Tower, Caithness, 2022 lent by the RWA’s Royal Patron and honorary Academician, His Majesty The King. The exhibition showcases many artists living and working in the Southwest, including Luke Jerram RWA (Hon), Leah Hislop, William Trewartha-Jones as well as artists represented

by Art in Motion, based at Spike Island Studios.

Each year, the Academy invites an artist whose practice demonstrates exceptional ambition and achievement. This year’s invited artist is internationally acclaimed artist and former Paralympian Mo Barrangi. rwa.org.uk | Queen’s Road, BS8 1PX

Image: Journeys, Dyrham Park (Credit NT Images / James Dobson)

GOLDEN YEARS at Rainmaker Gallery, 26 September until 31 December The autumn exhibition at Rainmaker Gallery is a solo show by octogenarian Rick Grimster. Golden Years presents his most recent paintings alongside works made in the three-year creative surge that followed his remarkable gallery debut Belonging in 2023.

Rick Grimster is a citizen of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. His birth father was a Native American GI based in England during World War II. Grimster attended Cheltenham School of Art in the 1960s and gained an MFA in 1970. An intensely private man, he continued to paint throughout his life without any intention of exhibiting his work until three years ago. Grimster’s vibrant acrylic paintings are abstracted autobiographical landscapes that chart his shifting identity from adoptee to Indigenous elder.

Golden Years radiates the creative force of an artist enjoying commercial success in the autumn of his life. The exhibition opening and artist reception takes place on Saturday 26 September 2-4pm. rainmakerart.co.uk | 140 Whiteladies Road, BS8 2RS Image: Stands in the Sun by Rick Grimster

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Embracing the edge Artist Ruth Ander speaks to us about her process as a printmaker, the cultural importance of Stokes Croft, and how the landscapes she’s lived by have shaped the works appearing in her latest exhibition Ragged Edges at KIT FORM this month…

Ruth Ander in her studio, and below, her printmaking process (credit: Jo Hounsome Photography)

Hello, Ruth! Your upcoming solo exhibition is called Ragged Edges. It’s an evocative title; what does it mean to you, and how does it capture the ideas running through the work?

As a printmaker, I like to break the rules, which means I often don’t register each layer of my prints meticulously. This means I get ragged edges on my prints, which I really love (sometimes it’s my favourite part of the piece). It’s also a way of seeing the history of the print – the way the layers have built up.

In terms of subject matter, I’ve always been drawn to the edge places – particularly on this collection of islands that we call home. Given half the chance, I’ll walk out to the most westerly/southerly/highest/ northerly point of any given bit of land. It seems to be the place where the veil is thinnest. If you look at a map of the British Isles you’ll see the edges frayed and drifting off into the sea – ragged edges. We live within the frayed and ragged edges of this land.

The landscapes in the exhibition are inspired by places that have shaped your life. What is it about these particular places that keeps drawing you back, both emotionally and creatively?

The main landscapes that are the subjects of this exhibition are the ancient landscapes of Wessex (which in my world mostly means Dorset and Somerset), the Severn Estuary/Bristol Channel and the almost polar opposite landscape of the Suffolk coast.

They all give me something different and mean something to me. The estuary is my nearest bit of coastline and it’s visually wonderful: the massive expanses of sand and mud, and the marks made by the tide, the reflections of sky on the wet mud, the colours of silt in the water, the counterpoint of Wales and the estuary islands to focus the eye and give context and most of all the light. The quality of light at the coast is so different to ‘everyday light’, and changes so fast. Print and collage are perfect for depicting the light, with their transparent, nuanced, layers of colour and texture.

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I have a real feeling for Dorset and Somerset ancient landscapes; the feel and flow of them – and I’m inspired by the 20th-century English artists, such as Eric Ravilious, who also depicted them. We don’t know why these man-made landscapes were created, but we do know that ancient peoples must have been using the landscape as a tool for remembrance, for community cohesion and embodied practices – a little like the songlines of Indigenous Australians. I love the sightlines, the horizons and the roll and roil of the land.

And Suffolk is a relatively recent inspiration – I’ve had the opportunity to stay there over a period of about 10 years, specifically in Aldeburgh.

The topography is so different that initially I had no idea how to approach it, in the end I’ve made much more abstract and brighter coloured work, inspired by the fishing detritus and boats on the shingle beaches. The juxtaposition of the fluorescent coloured plastics with soft pebbles and sea cabbage is visually stunning.

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ART & EXHIBITIONS INTERVIEW Sunrise Path 3 by Ruth Ander

Can you tell us a little about your process, and what multiple techniques allow you to say that a single medium couldn’t?

I am a printmaker at heart, and even my mixed media art stems from that way of working. Expressing through indirect marks (made first on a surface of some kind, then transferred to thin paper) feels more natural to me, it also allows for numerous thin and transparent layers to be built up, without too much relief or texture. I think our eyes like that, figuring out layers and history on a flat surface.

I also like working with constraints. With a print on paper, you really only have a few colours and tones to work with, so you absolutely have to make the most of them. It makes you very inventive and forces you to pare down what you want to express in the picture – is it that line, that form, this composition? – so you get very clear about what you want from a picture.

Is there a particular feeling, memory or way of looking at the landscape that you’d love people to take home with them after visiting Ragged Edges?

This is the first time I’ve shown some of my larger pieces, so I’d love for people to feel immersed in the landscapes from those. I’d love them to remember the light dancing on the water and have a few moments of beauty and tranquility in a busy world.

Someone once described my art as poems, and I love that. Small insights into a place, that, hopefully, you want to read again and again.

KIT FORM is a not a stuffy, art world space. Rather it’s a place to look at art, be quiet and take it all in or talk to the artist (me!), maybe watch how I make prints (I’ll be demonstrating on the weekend of 12-13 September), which is a very accessible and fun thing to do, or chat about what landscapes you love too. Although the artwork on display is for sale, there’s no pressure to buy, and no judgement. n Ruth Ander’s exhibition Ragged Edges will be at KIT FROM 9-13 September | jamaicastreetstudios.co.uk/kit-form | ruthander.co.uk

Ruth with works appearing in Ragged Edges (credit: Jo Hounsome Photography)

Ragged Edges is taking place at KIT FORM in Stokes Croft. What makes this area such an exciting place to exhibit?

Stokes Croft is a very particular area of Bristol, not quite in the centre, on the cusp of North Bristol, wedged between the student, the more well off, Afro-Caribbean and immigrant communities, it seems to absorb something from all of these groups.

Staunchly refusing to gentrify, it is still a little rough round the edges, with secret places to discover and interesting finds around every corner.

I’ve always lived south of the river, so when I moved into Jamaica Street Studios it was a great new place for me to explore (I thought I knew Bristol pretty well, but I was wrong!).

Seemingly every wall is covered in street art (including by some big names), it sometimes feels like the creative heart of Bristol. KIT FORM has been turned into an exhibition and event space by the Jamaica Street Studios artists (having formerly been a restaurant) and it now sits at the heart of Stokes Croft, hosting some of the most interesting art and happenings in the city. It’s a big, beautiful space and a brilliant community asset. Its ethos reflects the community and vibrancy of the area.

What role do these studio spaces play in building a community of artists?

Securing the building for the creative community of Bristol as well as for Stokes Croft will add fuel to Bristol’s creative world, and likely add money to our economy ( Jamaica Street Studios houses all kinds of creatives, from contemporary artists, to Royal Academicians, to illustrators, to commercial artists). Keeping it as a nurturing incubator space for art will benefit the city, I have no doubt.

It is one of only a handful of studio spaces in the country that now has full control over its building, which means the opportunities, money and cultural wealth it generates will stay within Bristol and the artist community and that its future is safe.

Before I moved there in 2023, I underestimated how much working within a community of artists is beneficial to my practice and mental health. Being around all kinds of creatives, who make a living from their art is very inspiring. Not having colleagues as such, it’s priceless to have other artists around. We all know what it takes to keep doing this and we support each other.

Jamaica Street Studios recently secured the future of its Grade II-listed building after a long campaign. What did that achievement mean to you personally?

It means the security of a reasonably priced studio, without the risk of massive rent increases or being subject to landlord whims (including eviction). It’s incredibly difficult for artists to find well priced space to work in Bristol, particularly as the draw for landlords of selling to developers or turning buildings into flats, is ever present because of property prices.

A place to make work that isn’t so expensive it becomes an intolerable pressure is invaluable for me, especially as a parent. Working from a home space, even if I had one, means very blurred boundaries between parenting, housework and making art. I’ve found a studio space to be essential to my development as an artist. As an artist it’s all too easy to place your work below that of an office worker, for instance. A dedicated space for artists bestows respect from others and self-respect.

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The RWA’s 172nd Annual Open Exhibition, also pictured opposite – a curious art lover appreciating the artworks.

Image credits: Khali Ackford KoLAB Studios)

Art face value

How much art do you own? Your home may be crammed with creations, or perhaps it’s time to take those first, tentative steps into the world of art; either way, Jessica Lloyd‐Smith, founder of Modern ArtBuyer, has been working with the Royal West of England Academy to help find the perfect pieces for people

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ore often than not, when local people are asked by The Bristol Magazine, ‘Where do you go in the city when you want to feel inspired?’, the answer is one of the local galleries, such as the Royal West of England Academy (RWA). Art can mean different things to different people, of course, and when it comes to actually purchasing pieces, that can bring new dimensions into the creative sphere entirely – the sentimental value of a child’s drawing stuck onto the fridge is curiously incomparable to the monetary value of a sculpture by a renowned artist sitting on a shelf in the very same kitchen.

That’s why buying art can be such a rewarding adventure: championing incredible talent, supporting local art venues and investing in the creative industries. The reasons behind any purchase are numerous: it might be a gift, to fill an empty spot on the wall, part of a room’s redecoration, adding to a specific collection or simply loving a work of art. And it can be even more valuable when you have the right advice.

Which is where someone like Jessica Lloyd-Smith comes in. She runs Modern ArtBuyer, a contemporary art gallery and art consultancy. Jessica set it up 14 years ago as a gallery, hosting pop-up exhibitions and showing at art fairs with a roster of contemporary painters and printmakers, and says that over the years, the business has evolved into more of a

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consultancy where she helps clients find the perfect artworks for their homes, offices or to add to their collection.

“Every purchase makes a huge difference to an artist’s practice and life,” Jessica explains. “Financially it supports them, but also the artist can see that their work is connecting with viewers, which is a huge personal and professional endorsement for them.”

She has been working closely with RWA over the past year to support its commercial goals, which – importantly – in turn has financial benefits for academicians, exhibiting artists and also the RWA charity itself.

Specifically, she’s attended events promoting the RWA Open to offer guidance and advice for any visitors looking to buy, while also working closely with the team there to help them grow their knowledge and confidence around selling art.

Hello, Jessica! How do you go about advising people on collecting art?

“I always advocate buying art you love. It’s easy to get drawn into trends or to look for pieces in the correct size or that match an interior scheme, but you want to find artworks that open up a dialogue with you and that keep you emotionally interested. You don’t need to ache over the reason why you love something, but just look for that connection.

“There are also practical considerations. If you’re buying for your own

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home, you need to think about how you want that space to feel. An artwork can totally change the feel of a room so imagine how it will impact the rest of your home. Bringing along photographs of the space as a reminder, measurements and clear images of other artworks that any new pieces may sit alongside, will help to guide your choices.

“Beyond that, look at the artist’s practice, the quality of a piece, provenance and of course budget, all of which will help you narrow down your selection. When visiting a show like the RWA Open, you can browse the artworks comforted by the knowledge that the pieces have all been selected by an esteemed, expert panel with years of experience.

The ‘seal of approval’ is in place once an artwork has been selected, so buyers can feel confident in their personal choice.”

What are your key tips to those thinking about collecting art?

“Trust your instincts about the pieces you are drawn to – you don’t need to overthink why you like an artwork, so just look for that emotional connection I mentioned before. Challenge yourself and push the boundaries of what you might usually choose. Look for something that you won’t tire of immediately.”

Is buying art always an investment or can it be because you like something?

“There are so many variables and factors that affect the value of an artwork, such as quality, demand and rarity, that it’s hard to be sure an artwork will have a buyer at a greatly elevated price at the time the owner wants to sell. Even if they do realise a good return on investment, it will

likely take a long time to materialise, so it’s important to be able to enjoy it on the wall in the meantime, so always buy a piece you love.”

Curious about art collecting?

There are a number of art-collecting events you can attend at the RWA (‘Introduction to Collecting Art’: 19 September and 14 November, both 11am-12pm), which are part of the 173rd Annual Open Exhibition, for people who are interested in purchasing art from the exhibition and will be an opportunity to find out more about starting or building your art collection from choosing art to fit within your home or office to looking at art as an investment.

There are also ‘Tuesday Lates’ held at the gallery (29 September, 6 October and 3 November – all 6pm-7.30pm) which are a relaxed evening exploring artworks in the Annual Open Exhibition, with informal guidance from the RWA team on collecting art. Several RWA Academicians will also be there, giving visitors the chance to hear directly from artists about their works in the show. Whether you’re considering your first purchase or looking to add to your collection, these friendly evening sessions offer inspiration, practical advice and the opportunity to ask questions. Every purchase helps sustain the RWA’s Grade II-listed building, supports artists, delivers exhibitions and creates opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to engage with art through the charity’s learning, engagement and community programmes. n Read more about the RWA’s Annual Open Exhibition, which opens on 12 September, in this issue’s Arts listings. Visit rwaopen.co.uk for more information about buying art and the events mentioned.

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Expert opinion From Chris Yeo, of Clevedon Salerooms and a regular expert on BBC’s Antiques Roadshow

Finnish Line

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hink of Nordic design and a particular image is conjured: sophisticated pale wood, white walls as far as the eye can see and a minimalist smattering of functional yet elegant furniture.

Turn those thoughts to the Finns and that image might not be quite so clear. Yet, as the latest exhibition at the Stradling Gallery demonstrates, Finland has been punching well above its weight for over a century.

Finland’s design history is one of dynamic, ground-breaking ideas and its designers have been responsible for many of the classics of Mid-Century Modernism. A flourishing design culture continues to play an integral part in the nation's economy and national identity, so why isn’t it more well known? Part of that might have to do with the Finns themselves. Descended from a forest people and famously reserved, they’re not ones to blow their own trumpet. There’s a well-known joke in Finland: an introverted Finn looks at his shoes when he’s talking to you; an extrovert Finn looks at your

COLUMN | CHRIS YEO ON ANTIQUES

shoes. So how do they fulfill that primeval need, inherent in all of us, to express themselves? They design.

Finland’s design nous grew out of 19th-century farmhouse crafts. Ruled for centuries by foreign powers, Finland spent its pre-independence existence as a relatively poor country on the harsh fringe of northern Europe. Yet it was this adversity that proved the very making of Finnish design. With little money to include fripperies like decoration, objects had to gain their beauty from their form, proportion and finish : functional things simply made but with style.

Add to this the inspirational Finnish landscape of fields, forests and lakes and you have the recipe for world Image courtesy of the Alvar Aalto Museum. class art and design. But Photo: Martti Kapanen. that’s not the whole picture.

Finland is a country of extremes, of long, harsh winters and brief, bright summers and its design reflects this dual character. Think of Marimekko, the design house whose bright, bold textiles have brightened our lives since 1951.

All of which might come as a surprise if you thought ‘Made in Finland’ just meant saunas and Nokia phones.

Finnish Design: Myths and Moomins opens at the Stradling Gallery 26th September 2026, stradlingcollection.org. ■ clevedonsalerooms.com; @chrisyeo_antiques Instagram)

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FOOD & DRINK

Bristol bites The Anatomy of Aromatic Whites Elodie Hind of DBM Wines, a wine merchant in the heart of Clifton Village, explores the world of aromatic whites 7 Princess Victoria Street, BS8 4BX | dbmwines.co.uk Aromatic white wines lead with scent: blossom, spice and stone fruit filling the glass before the first sip, showing their character immediately. What produces that intensity is a naturally high concentration of terpenes: aromatic compounds found in flowers, herbs and spices that occur in unusually high levels in aromatic grape varieties.

They are responsible for the rose petal note in Gewurztraminer, the apricot blossom in Viognier and the distinctive citrus precision of Riesling – and they are what makes these wines so unique.

As a group they are among the most food-friendly whites available, particularly with spiced and aromatic cuisines…

Lucknam Park presents a duo of autumn events to diners Lucknam Park is inviting food lovers to make the most of the early autumn with two special dining experiences, including firelit evenings in the Walled Garden and Michelin-starred fine dining.

On Wednesday 9 and Wednesday 16 September, Embers will bring dinner outdoors to the Walled Garden Terrace, where guests can settle in beneath the evening sky as the space is illuminated by firelight. Live guitar will provide the soundtrack while Lucknam Park’s chefs prepare freshly cooked dishes using quality ingredients. Running from 6pm to 9.30pm (last orders), the evenings promise a relaxed combination of food, music and a memorable setting, with booking recommended.

Meanwhile, Restaurant Hywel Jones is offering a complimentary upgrade to its full eight-course Michelin-starred tasting menu this month and into October. Guests who book the four-course tasting menu will receive the eight-course experience at no additional cost, showcasing seasonal ingredients, sourced locally wherever possible, and the elegant cooking of Executive Chef Hywel Jones, who has retained a Michelin Star since 2006.

The experience begins with a pre-dinner drink in Lucknam Park’s Drawing Room or Library before guests are shown through to the restaurant. The offer runs from 2 September to 16 October on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, with tables limited to a maximum of six guests. Advance booking is essential. lucknampark.co.uk

Dopff & Irion, Gewürztraminer Cuvée René Dopff, Alsace, France, 2024, £16.49: Aromatic and expressive with lychee, rose petal and peach. Rounded and fresh with a lightly floral finish. Serve with spicy Asian dishes or rich pâté.

Yves Cuilleron, Viognier ‘Les Vignes d’à Côté’, Rhône, France, 2024, £25.95: Rich and aromatic with ripe peach, apricot and delicate floral notes. Rounded and silky with a touch of spice. Serve with creamy seafood or aromatic Thai dishes.

Pewsey Vale, Riesling, Eden Valley, Australia 2024, £19.99: Fresh and vibrant with lime, lemon zest and green apple. Bright acidity and a fine mineral character give the wine a refreshing finish. Serve with oysters or ceviche.

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FOOD & DRINK

Two local venues snap up South-West Campaign for Real Ale titles Two Bristol and District Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) favourites are celebrating after being crowned the South-West’s best pub and club for 2026.

Clevedon’s Fallen Tree Micropub has been named Regional Pub of the Year, while Backwell Village Club has taken the Regional Club of the Year title.

Both venues had previously won their respective Bristol and District CAMRA branch awards, before going on to compete across the South-West – a region stretching from South Gloucestershire to Cornwall. The Fallen Tree’s win is particularly notable as it marks the first time a micropub has taken the regional pub title.

CAMRA praised the Clevedon pub’s friendly welcome, changing beer range and strong community spirit, including its charity fundraising. Co-owner and landlord Pete Dommett said the award was an “unbelievable honour”, adding that the pub serves more than ten beers each week, with a focus on cask ales from independent breweries across Bristol, Somerset and the wider South West. Meanwhile, Backwell Village Club, which dates back to 1877 when it was founded as Backwell Reading Rooms, was recognised for its longstanding community role. The club continues to support local charities and raised more than £8,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association in 2025, with plans to expand its function room and garden as part of a five-year development programme.

The awards were presented at Backwell Village Club on 22 August, followed by the Fallen Tree Micropub on 27 August. backwellvillageclub.co.uk | @thefallentreemicropub

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FOOD & DRINK Image by Clare Winfield

This recipe is extracted from The Capsule Kitchen by Jenny Chandler (Pavilion) which is out now, hardback £22 harpercollins.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK

Chick-in-or-out, creamy leek & tarragon beans New recipe book The Capsule Kitchen: 12 core ingredients, endless combinations by local chef Jenny Chandler reveals how under‐the‐radar cupboard superstars can be transformed into dressed‐up show‐stoppers or reliable, warming bowls of comfort for all the family. This month, we share a seasonal recipe to include in a capsule kitchen of your very own...

B

uttery beans with creamy leeks is the perfect indulgent, velvety partnership. I probably cook the veggie version as often as I make the whole caboodle. When I do add chicken, just one thigh per person is enough to flavour the dish, but do feel free to increase the amount to a whole leg for hungry mouths. You can leave the sauce quite loose, as it’s perfect for soaking up with good bread. If you’re after something thicker, just take about a third of the beans plus a ladleful of sauce and blend it to a thick purée, then stir it back into the dish. Serve with brown rice, a cooked whole grain or a few thick slices of good bread.

Ingredients (Serves 4): • 30g/2 tbsp butter • 2 tbsp oil • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or whole legs (optional) • pinch of salt • 3 medium leeks, finely sliced • 3 garlic cloves, crushed • 100 ml/scant ½ cup white • wine or dry white vermouth • 500 g/2⅔ cups cooked butter beans • 100 ml/scant ½ cup bean stock, chicken stock or vegetable stock • 2 heaped tsp Dijon mustard • 50 g/3½ tbsp double (heavy) cream • 4 small sprigs of tarragon, leaves picked and roughly chopped (set a few aside to garnish) • salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 170°C fan/190ºC/375°F. 2. Melt the butter and oil in a large sauté pan, frying pan (skillet) or castiron dish (something that works on the hob, in the oven and, ideally, at the table too). If you are using the chicken, sprinkle it with a little salt and brown the skin over a medium heat, before it setting aside.

3. Chicken or not, the next stage is to fry the leeks in the buttery oil until soft and just beginning to catch in places. Push the leeks aside to create a small frying spot for the garlic and cook until fragrant before sloshing in the wine or vermouth. Arrange the chicken pieces, if using, on top, then place the dish in the oven, uncovered, for about 20 minutes if using chicken (10 minutes without).

4. Meanwhile, tumble the beans around with the remaining ingredients in a large bowl, taking care not to crush them.

5. Add the bean mixture to the leeks (lift off any chicken and place it back on the top for fabulously crispy skin). Cook for a further 20 minutes, or until your chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear if the thickest part of the meat is pierced with a skewer (about 75ºC/167°F, if you have a meat thermometer). Just 10 minutes will suffice for the beans to warm through and wallow in the lusciously creamy juices, if you are going chicken-free.

6. Garnish with a few tarragon leaves and serve hot. n THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2026 | THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 53

BOOKS SEPT 26.qxp_Layout 1 27/08/2026 16:50 Page 1

READING

Book shelf Libby from the team at Gloucester Road Books shares a selection of essential releases that should be added to any ‘to be read’ list...

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loucester Road Books is a fascinating place to explore, and the team places a significant focus on titles published by small independent presses, noting: “There are lots of really brilliant small publishers putting out incredibly exciting books, and we want to help get these out into the world.”

Visit the website for more details on book launches, talks and other events at the shop: gloucesterroadbooks.com @gloucester_rd_books | 184 Gloucester Road, BS7 8NU Open Mon-Tues 9.30am-5pm; and Weds-Sat, 9.30am-6pm

Taipei Story by Rebecca Kuang Rebecca Kuang, author of the bestselling novel Yellowface, has a new story coming out. Taipei Story follows Yale student Lily Chen as she arrives in Taipei for the summer – expecting to immediately settle into a new version of herself. A version of herself that was always just below the surface, waiting to burst free and live a life brimming with excitement, culture and connection. Oh, the memories she expects to make! Such high expectations are inevitably and immediately dashed. Whilst this is heartbreaking for Lily, the resulting novel is witty and sharp and full of flawed, nuanced characters that Kuang is so adept at creating. A brilliant coming-of-age novel for those looking to extend the summer just a little longer.

The House with Nobody in It

by Jon Klassen With Halloween rapidly approaching, it may be the perfect time to get your littlest ones involved in a bit of mild spookiness. In just 18 pages, this board book walks us through each room of a cosy house, listing familiar objects, whilst adding a hint of ominous mystery. You see, there used to be somebody in this house… but there’s nobody now… This gentle introduction to the world of ghost stories may inspire a lifelong interest, and hopefully shouldn’t keep your young’uns up all night.

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Are You Still Watching? by Kelechi Okafor This young adult speculative fiction is the perfect antidote to those back-to-school blues. Set in the near-future, we are introduced to Dorcas, our rudderless protagonist, struggling with a litany of relatable gripes. Dorcas’s world is upended by a visit from an interplanetary being, bearing news that her life is being watched across the galaxy – and the ratings are plummeting. If she wants to avoid permanent cancellation, she must find purpose, and commit to doing something extraordinary. Kelechi says: “I want this book to be a story that explores our interconnectedness within the cosmos, and raises the question: in the technological age of social media and reality television, who do we actually exist for?”

When the Sky Falls by Jade Angeles Fitton And now one for the adults. If any of you caught the Perseids meteor shower that blessed our skies between July and August this year, it may have piqued your interest in the history of shooting stars, and how they have influenced our art, myth, and culture through time. Spanning from the prehistoric to the modern day, this book looks like it will combine interesting facts with a bit of whimsy, and I’m really looking forward to learning more about these wonderful celestial events.

The Search for Our Cosmic Neighbours by Chloe Savage Award-winning author and illustrator Chloe Savage’s latest work is now out in paperback.

Savage achieves something quite exceptional in her Hidden Wonders series. She imparts conceptual knowledge of her chosen subjects in a way that will spark young readers curiosity and desire for learning, whilst also leaning into magical fantasy in a way that provokes awe and joy in readers of all ages. Young readers aged 4-7 will be introduced to the concepts of astrogeology, astrobiology, astrobotany, astrophysics, and even cosmic philosophy, as well as the strong female leadership of the ship’s commander. Her illustrations are truly otherworldly, the watercolours adding a dreamy feel to this book your kids will want to read over and over again.

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BIZ NEWS SEPT.qxp_Layout 1 27/08/2026 16:43 Page 1

THIS IS BRISTOL

Bristol at work LOCAL BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATION UPDATES

Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust Chairman gets OBE

Life Cycle marks 20 years of assisted tandem rides Life Cycle is celebrating 20 years of Two’s Company, its tandem cycling programme supporting Blind and visually impaired adults and Disabled young people. The milestone was marked with the opening of a new permanent home for the project’s fleet at Bristol’s Create Centre. The dedicated storage hub, converted from a shipping container, provides secure space for the tandems after almost two decades without a permanent base. The anniversary celebration also featured tandem taster rides, cake and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. lifecycle.org.uk

Library of Things to open new site in Easton after fundraising A charity initiative that supports people to borrow, rather than buy, is seeking public support to raise £5,000 to get its fifth location up and running – with an exclusive three-month trial membership available to supporters.

Share Bristol has secured a new home at The Old Co-op on Chelsea Road, with the keys due to be handed over this month. Share Bristol hopes to open shortly afterwards, but needs donations to help prepare the space, stock it with useful items and get the new site ready to welcome its first members. The Easton site will be the charity’s fifth location, joining existing Share Bristol sites in Bedminster, Kingswood, Frenchay and Winterbourne. It will give people in Easton and surrounding areas access to hundreds of useful Things they can borrow rather than buy – from DIY and gardening equipment to camping gear, kitchen kit, party supplies and more. sharebristol.org.uk 56 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2026 | No 262

Dr Brian McConnell, Chairman for the Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust has been awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours in recognition of his outstanding services to engineering and business.

Dr McConnell, who became Chairman of the Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust in December 2025, joins a distinguished list of engineers whose work has helped shape the built environment across the UK and beyond.

Over a career spanning more than four decades, he founded Bristol-based engineering consultancy Hydrock and grew the business from a two-person start-up into an international multidisciplinary consultancy employing around 1,000 people before its acquisition by Stantec in 2023.

The honour recognises Dr McConnell's contribution to major infrastructure, environmental, energy and engineering projects, as well as his commitment to developing future talent and creating workplace cultures where people can thrive. cliftonbridge.org.uk

Bristol Old Vic to provide free skills training for another year Bristol Old Vic has confirmed that its free production skills training pathway for young people will continue for another year, thanks to support from longstanding local suppliers Left Handed Giant, Bristol Beer Factory and Barley Wood Cider.

The programme, which offers apprenticeship-style training for up to 20 young people, provides practical experience in production and technical theatre through weekly sessions led by Bristol Old Vic’s production and technical team alongside specialist theatre freelancers. It is designed for young people who face barriers to entering the cultural sector due to inequity or disadvantage. bristololdvic.org.uk

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THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2026 | THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 57

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EDUCATION

Beyond the page In a digital age, helping children fall in love with books could be less about switching off screens and more about making stories part of everyday life. Samantha Coleman discovers how.

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rom bedtime stories read by celebrities on TV to recommendations shared on BookTok, the way children and young people are discovering books is changing. Yet research by the National Literacy Trust shows that only one in three eight to18 year olds enjoys reading in their free time.

As the UK marks the National Year of Reading 2026 – a year-long campaign designed to inspire more people to make reading a regular part of their lives, ending with every child in year 6 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and P6 in Scotland, being given the bestselling book Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell this Christmas thanks to The Queen’s Christmas Present initiative – the question is a timely one: with screens competing for children’s attention, how do we nurture a lifelong love of reading?

Many parents and educators are discovering that the answer may not be about prising them away from screens, but more about weaving stories into the fabric of everyday life. Showing children that they can be relevant, shared, exciting, and as enticing, social and connected to the world around Michael Rosen

them as everything else competing for their attention.

Renowned children’s author Michael Rosen recognises this challenge too. “I can fully understand what people mean when they say that it’s hard to convince children to read books, when there’s so much fun to be gained by watching shows online or on TV or playing computer games,” he says.

“I’ve said before that our reaction as writers, parents, carers and teachers should ideally be to find ways to make the ‘reading situation’ as attractive as possible. That might mean the kinds of things already happening – like the book festivals and events that I’m very much part of. I’m talking about anything that can make reading ‘alive’. But also, as parents and carers, it might be thinking about how we can make books and reading part of our lives. If we go on a visit or to see a show, what books and reading might support those visits and shows? Biographies? Non-fiction? Fiction set in the time or place of the show?” Rosen’s point feels especially true in Bristol, where inspiration is everywhere.

In a city rich with history, culture and creativity, every street, building and park can become a treasure hunt for stories and can offer opportunities for children to see that reading can be a way of understanding the world around them.

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EDUCATION

leaflets around historic buildings or discovering the inspiration behind local landmarks makes reading feel alive and encourages children to see it as a tool for exploration rather than something confined to a classroom.

Visiting the RWA or The Bristol Museum can spark an interest in stories about the lives of famous artists. A walk around Old Market might prompt questions about the people who lived there centuries ago, or joining a ghost tour adds a little mystery and imagination to the streets children already know – and enough excitement to send everyone home wanting to find out more.

None of this feels like “reading practice” – but perhaps that’s the point.There’s also something to be said for making reading a social, shared experience rather than a solitary one. Across the country this is supported by charities such as BookTrust and Coram Beanstalk, as well as bookshops, libraries, theatres and festivals which create opportunities for children to encounter stories with other people – and meet the people who created them.

Waterstones and independent bookshops like Gloucester Road Books, The Small City Bookshop, Storysmith, Max Minerva’s

Marvellous Books, Heron Books, and Bookhaus Bristol offer regular author events and storytelling sessions where children can meet writers and illustrators, ask questions and discover new books alongside other young readers.

For a child who has lost their way with reading, a conversation with one of their knowledgeable booksellers can also make all the difference – they often know exactly which title will capture the imagination of a dinosaur enthusiast, an aspiring detective or a child fascinated by space.

There are the children’s book subscriptions too, which can build excitement for their next read: a new title arriving through the letterbox is like a little present to look forward to.

Libraries offer another route in. These vibrant community spaces do far more than lend books. Many host baby rhyme times, story sessions, craft activities and clubs for families, that are accessible to all. And the freedom to browse and borrow without having to buy a book gives families the chance to experiment with unfamiliar authors, genres and subjects.

Pictured on this page: three events at Storytale Festival

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EDUCATION

Pictured here, and below: Storytale Festival

Meet Storytale Festival founder Ellie Freeman What inspired you to create Storytale Festival, and what did you hope it would give children that they might not get from simply picking up a book at home?

“It was a combination of things that sparked off the idea – my own love of reading, discovering there were so many talented illustrators and writers on my doorstep and my experience meeting families and community organisations all over the city in my previous job. “ I think there is something special about meeting the people who create stories in all their forms – plays, poems, comics, non-fiction, picture books and novels as well as more traditional storytellers or performers. Reading rates are not great, and yet reading for pleasure has a huge impact on a child’s progress in life. I wanted to create a welcoming space, featuring a variety of literature which would appeal to a range of children and was affordable for families.”

What do you think makes a child fall in love with reading in the first place?

“I think escapism and imagination is a big part of it – seeing different worlds but also perhaps meeting characters that help you understand your own world.

Learning about the world, history and culture through books is powerful.”

The annual Summer Reading Challenge adds another incentive during the school holidays – encouraging children to read and celebrating their progress along the way. It allows children to choose books based on curiosity rather than curriculum, and that freedom matters.

Then there are the moments when books step completely off the page.

The Storytale Festival brings a varied programme of events to the city which celebrates all that is wonderful about stories and books, with something to capture almost every child’s imagination. It gives children the chance to meet authors, illustrators and storytellers from their community, with the aim of inspiring them to love stories, be creative and follow their dreams.

Hearing a story brought to life can send young readers back to the page with renewed curiosity and hunger for more, and with the addition of performances, workshops and craft activities, it helps bring the world of books off the page with a sense of fun and enjoyment.

Theatre too, offers a similar invitation. Children’s productions and family performances at the Hippodrome, Bristol Old Vic, The Tobacco Factory Theatre, The Wardrobe Theatre and The Redgrave Theatre bring books vividly to life, allowing young audiences to experience stories in new ways. A play based on a favourite book can encourage reluctant readers to revisit the original, while seeing live storytelling reminds children that books are experiences rather than static words on a page.

The small moments also matter – reading a recipe, joke book or football match programme; a chapter before bedtime, listening to an audiobook in the car. Together, they can shape how children think about reading, helping them to notice the stories in the places they live, to ask questions, to follow their curiosity and discover books that connect with the things they already love. n This year’s Storytale Festival takes place over the weekend of 24-25 October. To see what’s on and book tickets, visit storytalefestival.com

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Why do you think festivals and literary events can be so powerful in helping children connect with books and stories?

“I think discovering books outside school is very important and being in a room of fellow book enthusiasts can be so inspiring. Part of our hope for Storytale is that children meet authors and illustrators that they can relate to - people that know their city, look like them and sound like them.

“Meeting a writer or illustrator, hearing about how they create their stories, perhaps a bit about their journey and giving children a chance to try things out for themselves will hopefully inspire some of the next generation of storytellers. And just having fun! If children can associate reading, writing, drawing and storytelling with joy and delight, we have done our job. “ How can storytelling help children develop a lifelong relationship with reading?

“Discovering the joy of reading when you are young is a gift for life. But your tastes change and I think it is important to recognise the full range of storytelling there is. Reading can help you learn about myths from other cultures, discover dangerous animals, hang out with pirates and solve mysteries. Children develop their sense of empathy through stories, can travel the world from their bedroom and discover new ways of thinking.

Hearing stories and telling stories is a huge part of how we navigate our lives. Early experiences of being read-to have a long-lasting impact and help children to learn about books and reading before they can read themselves. “

Pictured: Ellie Freeman

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EDU NEWS SEPT 26.qxp_Layout 1 25/08/2026 15:00 Page 1

SCHOOLS

Education matters NEWS FROM THE CITY’S LEARNERS AND LEADERS

Bristol's Class of ‘26 celebrate outstanding exam results Students across Bristol are celebrating an impressive set of A-level, BTEC and vocational results, with several of the city’s schools reporting grades well ahead of national averages.

Across England, 28.7% of A-level entries were awarded the top A* or A grades this year – a benchmark comfortably exceeded by a number of Bristol schools.

At Redmaids’ High, 53% of grades were A*/A, with 82% at A*B and 95% at A*-C. Nearly a third of the year group achieved three or more A*/A grades, while 88% secured their first-choice course.

Collegiate reported 40% of A-level grades at A*/A and 70% at A*-B, alongside particularly strong vocational results, with 88% of CTEC and BTEC grades awarded Distinction or Distinction*.

At Badminton School, 37% of grades were A*/A, with students progressing to destinations including Oxford and other leading UK and international universities.

Clifton College also celebrated strong A-level and BTEC results, with particularly impressive performances in Economics, where 96% of grades were A*-B, English Literature at 94%, and Maths and Further Maths at 80%. Fine Art achieved 100% A*-B, while strong BTEC performances included 88% Distinction*/Distinction in Sport and 100% Distinction in Music Technology. The majority of Clifton pupils secured offers from their first-choice universities, with international destinations including Yale, Toronto, Sciences Po and Hong Kong.

QEH also enjoyed a strong year, with a quarter of its Class of 2026 achieving straight A*/A grades across all their subjects.

Among those who joined QEH for Sixth Form, 81% of grades were A*-B. Further afield, Sidcot School reported 37% of A-level grades at A*/A and 63% at A*-B, while Haberdashers’ Monmouth achieved 42% A*/A and 71% A*-B. Across the region, leavers are now progressing to Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial and other leading universities, alongside Medicine, Veterinary Science, degree apprenticeships, creative courses, employment and gap years.

For Bristol’s Class of 2026, the results mark the culmination of years of hard work – and the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

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PCC invests in educational programme Thousands of children and young people across Avon and Somerset are set to benefit from a new educational programme being rolled out to schools across the region.

Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Clare Moody (pictured) has launched the Pol Ed programme for all schools, designed to help keep children safe by building their understanding of risk, consequences and the law. Funded by the PCC, the programme gives teachers free access to a wide range of resources, including dedicated support, worksheets and more than 400 lesson plans.

These cover topics such as exploitation, consent and wellbeing, as well as anti-social behaviour, hate crime and what it means to be a responsible citizen. The programme is fully aligned with the PSHE and RSHE curriculum. avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk

Brabazon opens new accommodation for students Students will soon be moving into new accommodation at Brabazon, marking another major milestone in the creation of the emerging new town. The purpose-built student accommodation, known as The Propeller Quarter, is complete and open for business, and is now preparing to welcome its first residents this September.

With Freshers' Week fast approaching and demand continuing to grow, students are already securing the remaining rooms ahead of the new academic year.

Leisure facilities including padel courts and pickleball, wellness spaces including a sauna, immersive golf pods and social games are also due to open at Brabazon this autumn. These features are complemented by a growing mix of cafés, green spaces, and the Spitfire Hangar community hub, together creating a vibrant destination where students can live, study and socialise. With the train drivers already in training, the new Bristol Brabazon station is set to open later this year.

The accommodation, built by YTL Construction UK, is ideally positioned for students attending UWE Bristol, the University of Bristol, the University of Law, BIMM Music Institute, SGS WISE Campus, University Centre Weston and The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. brabazon.co.uk | ytldevelopments.co.uk Pictured: Deluxe Studio accommodation

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MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD Mrs Jessica Miles, Head at Badminton School

SCHOOL INFORMATION Bristol Grammar School

Badminton School is a vibrant environment with outstanding teaching and learning where the girls achieve excellent results because they are nurtured and encouraged within a calm and supportive community that promotes self-confidence, self-belief and a can-do attitude.

Academic excellence is a given, but the school also gives individuals the opportunity to shine in extra-curricular achievements. Your daughter has the opportunity to explore music, art, drama and outdoor pursuits, with a vast array of concerts, theatre performances, expeditions and trips running throughout the year. They will have the freedom to take personal responsibility, to think for themselves and to understand service to the community as they are prepared for an exciting future.

Badminton is a daily reminder that a good school can embed the attitudes and attributes for a fulfilling future. You are encouraged to visit the school and gain a first-hand impression of the school, it’s spirit and all the wonderful things that take place there. www.badmintonschool.co.uk

At BGS, we believe that for a child to be both successful and fulfilled they need to be known, nurtured, challenged, and celebrated. As a vibrant and busy school, we combine outstanding pastoral care with exceptional opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, which alongside the rich sense of community fostered within the school, are all part of what makes BGS special.

In our recent (2026) ISI Report, inspectors recognised BGS teachers as experts in their subject, saying, “Teachers skilfully use their expert subject knowledge to engage pupils in thoughtprovoking teaching which further their progress and develops their skills and knowledge well.”

We know that education is about more than academic achievement, it is also about discovering passions, developing confidence, and building character. Our extensive co-curricular programme gives pupils opportunities to explore everything from music, drama, dance and art to outdoor education, design technology and sport. Whether trying something completely new or developing an existing talent, we nurture a sense of self-discovery which is core to our ethos. In fact, in a recent pupil survey, 93% of our children said they had discovered a new passion or developed an existing one during their time at BGS. www.bristolgrammarschool.co.uk

ABOUT US

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS

Cleve House International School There is no other school like us in Bristol – we are truly unique. We have broken the mould of adhering to the traditional entrance exam and GCSE pathway; we recognise that a one-size-fits-all approach does not suit every pupil. We are a mainstream school, offering a rigorous education, but we are set apart by providing the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, which encourages our pupils to become creative, critical and reflective thinkers. This enhances their skills of communication, cultural understanding and global engagement, all of which are essential for navigating this fast-changing world, and which are actively sought by universities and future employers.

We believe passionately in a partnership between school, pupils and parents, and we know that this tried-and-tested approach consistently achieves excellent results. www.clevehouseschool.com Clifton High School Steeped in history, Clifton High School’s traditions continue to be embraced as they adapt to a changing world. An all-through education is aligned with a comprehensive curriculum. Children flourish throughout the year groups and thrive in their academic journey whilst being valued in their individual attributes. The School is built upon a reputation of achievement with its consistent small class sizes, of no more than twenty, and a safe community that supports children in self-fulfilled futures. www.cliftonhigh.co.uk

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WHAT WE DO

MESSAGES FROM THE HEAD

Clifton College Established in 1862, Clifton College welcomes boarders from across the UK and the world who join with our day pupils from the vibrant and diverse city of Bristol.

From Preschool through to Sixth Form, we pride ourselves on providing an education where character is as important as capability. Through expert teaching, a wealth of co-curricular activities and strong pastoral care, we ensure that every pupil is supported, encouraged and driven to achieve their very best.

We aim to develop open-minded young people with a real understanding of the world around them, fully prepared for their future in a rapidly changing modern world. www.cliftoncollege.com Mr David AH Edwards MA, Head of Collegiate Prep School From our small class sizes to our exceptional facilities, we strive to provide not just an exceptional education, but a community in which your child can unlock their true potential. Collegiate Prep is a safe, happy school, and we support our families so that each child feels nurtured. Academic excellence is supported by an environment of enriched opportunity, with sports, music, creative and performing arts, all held in equal esteem. Our staff work extremely hard to help each pupil understand the world around them and to develop strong values and respect for others. It would be my pleasure to welcome you on a tour soon and to explore how your family can join ours. www.collegiate.org.uk

MESSAGES FROM THE HEAD Mr Jeremy McCullough MA (Oxon), Head, Collegiate School What makes a Collegiate education so special? We value the benefits of a broad and holistic education. Our students excel academically, but they also recognise that there is much more to life than exam results.

We are fortunate to have all our facilities on-site meaning students can seamlessly combine academic studies and sporting, musical and dramatic pursuits. Our main aim is for students to be happy at school.

Happy students will work hard, play hard, and will become the best version of themselves. Join us at one of our open events, or get in touch to arrange a tour, and discover for yourself the unique benefits a Collegiate education can offer your child. www.collegiate.org.uk

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MESSAGES FROM THE HEAD Edel Cronin Principal of Fairfield High School At Fairfield, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and dynamic learning environment where every student can thrive.

As Principal I see my role as leading our community to ensure we provide a high-quality education that inspires and empowers our students to achieve their full potential.

Our dedicated team of educators is passionate about delivering a broad and balanced curriculum that not only meets the highest academic standards but also promotes creativity, critical thinking, and a love for lifelong learning. We believe in nurturing the unique talents and abilities of each student, ensuring they are wellprepared for the challenges of the future.

Our ‘We Are Fairfield’ values are woven into the fabric of our school culture, guiding our students to become responsible global citizens. www.fairfield.excalibur.org.uk

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DISCOVER A SCHOOL WHERE EVERY INDIVIDUAL FLOURISHES

DISCOVER A SCHOOL WHERE EVERY BOY CAN THRIVE

Haberdashers’ Monmouth School

QEH Junior School

Set in the beautiful Wye Valley, Haberdashers' Monmouth School offers an ambitious, forward-looking education for pupils aged 3-18.

Alongside strong academic outcomes and exceptional pastoral care, our innovative Futures programme helps students navigate their next steps through industry connections, tailored guidance and real-world experiences. A dedicated Sixth Form campus supports independence and aspiration, while flexible and full boarding options support modern family life, alongside convenient bus routes from Bristol and surrounding areas. From textiles, supported by patron Professor Jimmy Choo, to elite sport, creative arts, leadership and outdoor learning, pupils benefit from opportunities that broaden horizons and open doors to future possibilities.

QEH Junior School offers boys aged 7 to 11 an inspiring next step in their educational journey, combining academic ambition with the freedom to discover what they enjoy. Small by design, our class sizes mean every boy is known, supported, and encouraged to reach his potential. Learning extends well beyond the classroom, with opportunities to discover passions in sport, music, art, drama, and outdoor adventure. The quality of our approach to wellbeing was recognised in our 2025 ISI inspection, when QEH was awarded a rare ‘Significant Strength’. Book a visit today to discover what makes QEH Junior School so special. www.qehbristol.co.uk

www.habsmonmouth.org

QEH School

QEH, WHERE AMBITION MEETS OPPORTUNIT Y

At QEH, academic ambition is paired with an inspiring, supportive environment where young people truly thrive. From Year 7, boys are encouraged to stretch their intellectual curiosity, take on new challenges, and discover their strengths and passions. Our coeducational Sixth Form offers 29 A-level choices alongside tailored guidance for university and beyond. Supported by teachers who know them individually ensuring every pupil receives the ideal blend of challenge and care. Our outstanding approach to pastoral support was recognised in our 2025 ISI report with a ‘Significant Strength’ award. Book your visit today to explore QEH. www.qehbristol.co.uk

THE YEAR AHEAD Redmaids’ High School GDST Centuries of experience have helped shape and deliver an exceptional education for girls aged 7 to 18 years. As part of the prestigious Girls' Day School Trust family of schools, we look ahead to 2026-27 with excitement as we welcome new Head, Ms Rebecca Davies in January. The Senior School provides a diverse curriculum and a wide range of extracurricular activities, that are supported by its unique Athena Development Grants initiative enabling students to aid their personal development. In our thriving Junior School, we will be offering Year 3 joiners in September 2027 a new grant opportunity to support a personal passion, reflecting our commitment to growing confidence and potential from a young age. All students are known and valued on their own terms, and with exceptional pastoral care, they are supported to achieve great things. Redmaids' High looks forward to nurturing the next generation of trailblazing women ensuring they can learn without limits. www.redmaidshigh.co.uk

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ABOUT OUR SCHOOL

WHAT WE DO

Sidcot School

Tockington Manor School

At Sidcot we are justifiably proud of our students’ academic record, but we are equally proud of their social skills, their emotional intelligence, their resilience and their determination to make a difference in the world. It’s our experience that curiosity and the confidence to enquire fearlessly - to live adventurously, as our Quaker philosophy puts it - leads children to be better motivated and more at ease with themselves as thinkers and learners. We don’t cram children at Sidcot, because we don’t have to. This is a kind, purposeful place where we educate the whole person for a life of active, responsible citizenship. As the independent reviewer from the Good Schools Guide recently put it, “Open, curious, inspired by their education and calmly confident in their ability to make a difference is how Sidcot pupils come across”.

Tockington Manor School and Nursery is a very special place where boys and girls aged 2 – 13 can flourish in a tranquil countryside setting. Situated in one of the nation’s few private arboretums, the school has an outdoor ethos where wellies are part of the uniform and weather is a learning opportunity rather than a deterrent. This is where small seeds become mighty trees!

Headmaster Graeme Thompson aims to encourage a love of learning to last a lifetime. This is achieved through small classes led by passionate teachers, stimulating sports, performing arts and extracurricular activities, and by allowing children to be children for as long as possible, while still being prepared with the attitude and aptitude for senior schools and beyond.

We’re more than a school. We’re a family.

www.sidcot.org.uk

www.tockingtonmanorschool.com

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Sponsored content

Bristol Grammar School A place where every child can thrive

At BGS, we believe that for a child to be both successful and fulfilled they need to be known, nurtured, challenged and celebrated. As a vibrant and busy school, we combine outstanding pastoral care with exceptional opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, which alongside the rich sense of community fostered within the school, are all part of what makes BGS special. Our latest ISI * report gathered genuine insight on how we do things differently.

1. We get to know every child as an individual Children achieve their best when they feel understood, valued and supported. Through our pastoral system and wellbeing programme, every pupil has trusted adults who take the time to know them well. We work with families to understand each child and provide support tailored to them.

“Leaders prioritise pupils’ mental health and emotional wellbeing. Close liaison between teaching and pastoral staff, ensure pupils receive a high level of care. Pupils know that there is extensive support available to them if needed.” - ISI report 2026

2. We make every transition a positive one Whether joining Reception, Senior School or Sixth Form, new beginnings can feel exciting and daunting in equal measure.

We support pupils to settle quickly, build friendships and develop confidence with a carefully planned transition programme to reduce nerves and support a sense of belonging.

The well-designed programme ensures that pupils make smooth transitions from one part of the school to the next, as well as preparing them to go on to future careers and study.” - ISI report 2026

3. We believe learning goes far beyond the classroom Education is about more than academic achievement, it is also about discovering passions, developing confidence and building character.

Our extensive co-curricular programme gives pupils opportunities in music, drama, dance and art to outdoor education, design technology and sport. Whether it is trying something new or building on existing talent, nurturing a sense of self-discovery is core to our ethos. In a recent pupil survey, 93% of our pupils said they discovered a new passion or developed an existing one during their time at BGS. “an enriching programme of co-curricular activities provides opportunities for pupils to further develop their skills and interests.” - ISI report 2026

4. We nurture confidence through kindness and community Kindness sits at the heart of life at BGS and we want every child to feel that they belong. Our strong sense of community helps pupils build lasting friendships, develop resilience and grow in confidence.

5. We provide expert, thought-provoking teaching We encourage pupils to think independently, embrace new experiences and develop skills valuable long after leaving school.

“Teachers skilfully use their expert subject knowledge to engage pupils in thought-provoking teaching which further their progress and develops their skills and knowledge well.” - ISI report 2026 Want to know more?

BGS offers open days, tours and tasters throughout the Autumn term. Head to bristolgrammarschool.co.uk to book your visit. *Independent Schools Inspectorate

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Bristol Grammar School

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Cleve House International School

“The school aims to develop confident, resilient pupils with a positive attitude to learning in an environment that is full of joy, empathy and opportunity”

Pupils Aged 3-16 •

ISI Inspection June 2024

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T: 0117 9777 218 76 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2026 | No 262

Happy Family-Feel Environment • Offering International Baccalaureate • Middle Years Programme Call now for your personal appointment

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It’s rocket science!

Space might be the final frontier, but we’re exploring more of its vastness than ever before. Following news that Bristol will play an integral role in an upcoming mission to Venus, Rosanna Spence speaks to experts at the Bristol Astronomical Society and We The Curious to discover the space economy’s evolving role in the city, and its potential to launch careers that are truly out of this world

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pace has never felt closer. Despite technically starting 62 miles from the Earth’s surface, the previously unfathomable universe we call home is becoming less mysterious by the day.

Whether its news of a stray SpaceX rocket accidentally bumping into the moon, or the Mars Rover releasing the clearest video footage of the Red Planet yet (complete with jaw-dropping audio, too – it turns out sound travels differently over there), stories from space are helping to knit the cosmic connection between humans and the galaxy more tightly together than ever.

It feels fitting to be writing this on the very day our south west region is preparing to witness the most mesmerising solar eclipse in a generation, with a smattering of the Perseids meteor shower and a major six-planet alignment thrown in on the same evening for good measure.

And though the mood around these celestial events has been one of excitement (bar the dramatic hunt for eclipse-safe glasses), it was only a few weeks before that the space exploration community was left reeling after news that the Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire, which has housed the UK’s largest telescope for nearly 70 years, had lost its funding, meaning it’s a risk of closure from 2028. This hotspot has trained future astronomers and been fundamental to the UK’s study and understanding of the distant skies above.

“If we don’t invest in national science facilities, instrument labs, and research talent, we risk locking the nation out of the very discoveries space science missions makes possible – and in doing so we’ll also destroy the economic and societal benefits such missions bring forward,” says Chris Lee from the Bristol Astronomical Society. Chris spent 18 years at British Aerospace in Filton before moving to Science Systems in 1998, eventually joining the UK Space Agency in 2014 as Head of International Policy and later Chief Scientist. Despite retiring in 2020, he continues to work with regional leaders – and is definitely the right person to ask about the state of space in Bristol and its local talent’s role in future expeditions.

Mission control Our city’s contribution to cosmic ventures is about to ramp up: earlier this year it was confirmed that OHB Space UK has plans to expand its current base in the region after being awarded a £20 million contract for the biggest mission to Venus in the history of space exploration (called EnVision). This huge development will mean more than 100 new jobs for local, highly skilled engineers over the next five years and a new, larger state-of-the-art facility at Aztec West where the EnVision spacecraft will be assembled and tested to make sure it’s ready to be launched into space in 2031 (the team has been based at Bristol and Bath Science Park since 2025).

The EnVision mission will study Venus’s geology, atmosphere and climate through satellite to learn how the planet, which is most like Earth, evolved to become uninhabitable and if it used to have a climate more like ours.

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This is, of course, incredibly exciting news for anyone interested in the sector. As Marco Fuchs, CEO of OHB SE, says: “Space is booming – and we are growing with it… we are consistently pursuing our growth strategy and sustainably strengthening Europe’s space capabilities.”

It’s also exciting news for people wanting to work and study. The Mayor of the West of England Helen Godwin reacted to the news by saying: “Back here on Earth, we are already home to the industries and engineers who make space flight possible, and with our four incredible universities we have a pipeline of talent for future jobs in this industry.”

The new OHB Space UK is continuing Bristol’s legacy of incredible engineering. Chris notes, “Our city’s space journey proves that brilliant engineering is hard to kill! When major space primes [primary contractors] left the region (twice now), our local talent stayed, adapted, and – as far as I am concerned – has kept the UK’s space science engineering heritage alive.”

Though he admits our local academic sector has historically lagged behind in space engagement (“But the potential is here.”) and other major clusters in the sector have also emerged in Leicester, Harwell and London. Perhaps some healthy competition will help drive innovation?

“Space has shifted toward nimble, data-driven systems – fields where our region excels – such as robotics, autonomous systems, data analytics and cybersecurity,” Chris adds. “To address the gap [between where we strive and thrive], the region established Space West, a business-academic partnership based at the Emersons Green Science Park, designed to build a renewed, unified focus for space across the West of England.”

Starry-eyed Though momentous events like a near-total solar eclipse can increase interest in universal matters, we shouldn’t take it for granted that everyone is naturally excited about space travel without question. Younger generations have been born into a world where feeling close to the skies above is the norm – plus they might have concerns over investment, resource sharing and sustainability, especially among those experiencing climate anxiety. But we also now often feel we can’t live without our space operations’ benefits.

“Space is an essential part of our modern life,” states Chris. “If we lost satellite technology tomorrow, everyday navigation, weather forecasts, global banking and climate monitoring would instantly grind to a halt.

So would inspiration and discovery through our space observatories.

However, it’s important to get the language right here about what we mean when we say ‘space exploration’.

“To most people, this implies astronauts, Star Trek, or moon landings.

But space itself is fundamentally an operating environment – much like the air, sea, or land.” Even if humans had never ventured into space, he adds, we would still have a multi-billion-pound space economy that operates in that, well, space...

“Space exploration”, from Chris’s perspective, is more about “landing rovers on the Moon or Mars or putting human boots on the ground and

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SCIENCE Pictured here: Venus in space. The EnVision mission will launch in 2031

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SCIENCE

exploring the terrain. This also provides inspiration and scientific discovery but, especially with humans in the loop, plays more into geopolitics as much as inspiration because of the costs involved to conduct such missions.”

With space sector jobs increasing in our area, and an improving pipeline from academia to real-world advancements thanks to new centres, surely exploring a career in space is a no-brainer for local teenagers. The reality is slightly more complex. Those aforementioned concerns about climate change, sustainability and public spending are front of mind. Space exploration can sometimes feel difficult to reconcile with those priorities.

Paul Cornish, Planetarium Content Creator for science centre We The Curious, has collaborated with students at City Academy on two projects in recent years, exploring ideas around the space sector.

During those conversations, he found that young people are “acutely aware” of their role as the ones to “live, work, and raise the next generation while living with the conditions caused by climate disruption.”

Because of this, Paul feels that it’s “important to listen to the opinions of young people on the relevance of space science in a time of climate crisis. I can, and have, shared with them how space science contributes to monitoring and combatting climate disruption” He also knows that the most important thing he can do as a science communicator is to listen to their opinions and concerns and acknowledge them as valid.

“I have found that young people today are much more concerned with the ethics of space science than previous generations,” Paul adds. “They are curious about issues such as colonialism or the allocation of money and resources in a time of climate disruption and wealth inequality.

They are, he notes, also curious about the role space science can play in the future of humanity. “Many of them seem to share a fatalistic attitude to the future. They believe that the Earth is irreparably damaged, and they feel helpless and resigned to this. As a result, many of their questions centre around the concept of a ‘Planet B’. They want to know if humanity can make a future for itself on Mars and they see this as a potential benefit of space science.”

Image: Curiosity Mars Rover exploring the surface of the Red Planet: a key example of successful space exploration projects

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Paul cites social media conspiracy theories as the source of many young people’s questions. Despite this, he says, “There is still a sense of wonder to be had among young people when discussing space. Alongside their ethical concerns, there’s still a desire to explore the unknown and discover new things. Many of their questions are about what biological or cultural differences there might be between us and any intelligent alien life that might exist.”

Apparently, the “extreme and abstract physics” of black holes is a particularly fascinating topic. In an age of tremendous knowledge and more clarity than ever before about space – the universe’s mysteries still hold the most power to capture attention and set imaginations alight.

Universal goals This new generation entering relevant scientific fields – armed with both their valid concerns and sense of wonder – has the potential to really enrich the work of space exploration and positively impact Bristol’s footprint on distant planets. And there are more opportunities available than many people may realise.

“While visiting Bristol schools and discussing space science with young people, we’ve found that they are generally unaware of the local job opportunities that can be found in this sector,” explains Paul, who has personally found that one of the main challenges in communicating the different career paths in this sector is that many young people no longer see space as “something that belongs to everyone”.

“They have grown up with the concept of space as the domain of the very rich and so they don’t see a place for themselves in discussions about space, never mind careers,” he says, adding, “Individual billionaires are becoming more synonymous with space than public organisations. As one young person told us, ‘I don’t know much about NASA but I know about Elon Musk’.”

Leaving billionaires’ playground-like ventures in the air, and sticking with the reality on Bristol soil, there are loads of ways people can enter and engage with space exploration from the ground up.

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SCIENCE

The Planetarium at We The Curious (credit: Lee Pullen)

“Just as you don’t need to be a test pilot to work in aviation, you don’t need to be an astronaut – or even a ‘rocket scientist’ – to have a thriving career in space,” explains Chris. “The rocket is simply the delivery truck; the real value lies in what we do with the systems and the data once in orbit.” He points out four main career needs for the developing space economy over the next decade.

“Firstly, mission and systems engineering will always be needed; the fundamentals of satellite design – the physics and the maths behind control systems, structures, mechanisms, thermal and electronics. Next, I see more need for ‘smarter’ satellites, both the satellites themselves and what we do with the data they identify. So, we’ll need more software and data engineering skills, covering topics such autonomous flight software and smarter ways to analyse massive volumes of data streaming back from these satellites. Then I’d expect more need for in-orbit infrastructure – and this will require robotics and AI to be used in construction and maintenance. Finally, we will always need business, project management, sales, HR and finance, as with any industrial sector!” Chris believes Bristol and the wider West of England are well-positioned for this.

“The Space West Cluster will play an important role in helping to focus this – not trying to cover all angles but perhaps the one’s with a uniquely regional flavour. And while a lot of focus will rightly be on training early-career graduates through local universities and supporting apprenticeships, our region also has a deep reservoir of experienced midcareer talent in adjacent sectors like aerospace, defence, and energy. For me, transferring those skills into space businesses is one of the biggest growth opportunities we have.”

Spaced out?

Acknowledging contextual concerns, there’s no denying that it feels like our region is entering an exhilarating period of growth in space exploration,

simultaneously evolving legacy talent and welcoming in new ideas. As we continue to embark on missions that make sci-fi storylines a reality (or as Star Trek’s Captain Kirk put it, ‘to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilisations, to boldly go where no man has gone before’), we must remember not to have our head in the clouds.

“The most important thing we can do is listen [to young people],” urges Paul. “We need to demonstrate that they do in fact have a voice and that their opinions and concerns can affect the outcome and direction of these discussions [about space exploration]. We don’t need to tell young people how great science is. That curiosity and sense of wonder is already there. We just need to show them that expressing that curiosity is worth their time.”

And who better to prove that careers in the space sector can be much more like shooting stars than black holes, leaving a sparkling trail to follow in his wake, than Chris. After all these years working in the industry, what still inspires him to look up at the night sky?

“Whether looking up at distant galaxies or looking down at our own fragile Earth, it is ultimately the same perspective. It reinforces just how unique and vulnerable Earth can be, and that space technology offers our best tools for monitoring and protecting it. My hope is that Bristol reclaims its position as an international space hub, using technology and science to help protect our planet for the next generation and yet continuing to support missions that explore the universe itself for its sheer delight.” n For more information about the Bristol Astronomical Society and to become a member, head to bristolastrosoc.org.uk | Learn more about the wonders of the universe in the Planetarium at We The Curious, book at wethecurious.org | Discover more about OHB Space UK’s expansion in the city via ohb.de/en

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Promoted content

Premium Intraocular Lenses in Cataract and Lens Surgery: An Interview with Consultant Ophthalmologist Adam Ross

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n the evolving field of cataract and lens surgery, premium intraocular lenses (IOLs) have revolutionized how patients experience vision correction. We sat down with consultant ophthalmologist Adam Ross to discuss these advanced options, including toric, trifocal/spiral, and extended depth/enhanced monovision lenses.

Thank you for joining us. To start, could you briefly explain the role of intraocular lenses in cataract surgery?

Absolutely. In cataract surgery, the natural lens of the eye, which has become cloudy, is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This lens restores clarity to vision and can be tailored to correct refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Premium IOLs go a step further by offering additional benefits, such as reducing the need for glasses and providing enhanced visual quality.

What are premium IOLs, and how do they differ from standard lenses?

Standard monofocal lenses correct vision at a single distance, usually either near or far, so patients often need glasses for other tasks. Premium IOLs, on the other hand, are designed to improve focus at multiple distances or correct specific vision issues like astigmatism. Options like toric, trifocal, and EMV lenses are tailored to individual needs and lifestyles, significantly enhancing visual outcomes.

Let’s delve into the different types. Could you tell us about toric lenses and their benefits?

Toric intraocular lenses (IOLs) are specialized lenses used to correct astigmatism in patients undergoing cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange. Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens has an irregular shape, causing distorted or blurry vision. Toric IOLs are available in monofocal, multifocal, trifocal and EMV designs, and their use depends on the patient's visual needs and lifestyle.

How do trifocal/spiral lenses stand out compared to other multifocal lenses?

These lenses allow patients to focus at three distinct ranges: near, intermediate, and far. This means activities like reading, working on a computer, and driving can all be done reducing the dependency on glasses. The design of newer trifocal/spiral lenses reduces the visual disturbances—such as halos or glare—that were more common with earlier multifocal IOLs. However, a careful examination and discussion about the pros and cons of these lenses is essential on an individual basis.

You mention extended depth of focus (EDOF) or enhanced monovision lenses (EMV) lenses. What makes them unique ?

These lenses, bridge the gap between traditional monofocals and multifocal lenses.

They provide a greater range of vision than monofocals without the compromises in visual quality sometimes associated with multifocal lenses.

How do you determine which lens is best for a patient?

It’s a personalised process. We start by evaluating the patient’s eye health, including the presence of astigmatism or other refractive errors. We then discuss their lifestyle, hobbies, and expectations. For example, someone who frequently reads or works at a computer might prefer trifocal lenses, while a patient who drives a lot and values distance clarity might lean toward Extended Depth or EMV lenses.

If astigmatism is a factor, a toric lens can be incorporated into the plan.

Are there any risks associated with these advanced lenses?

Premium IOLs are generally very safe, but as with any surgery, there are potential

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risks, including infection or lens misalignment. Additionally, some patients may notice halos, glare, or difficulty with night vision, particularly with trifocal lenses, though these symptoms often improve over time. Careful preoperative assessments and discussions can mitigate these risks by ensuring the chosen lens suits the patient’s eyes and lifestyle.

Lastly, what advice would you give to someone considering cataract or lens replacement surgery with premium IOLs? Do your research and have an open discussion with your surgeon. Understanding the options, the benefits, and any potential trade-offs is key. Make sure your choice aligns with your visual needs and lifestyle. With the right lens, cataract surgery can transform your vision and enhance your quality of life.

Premium intraocular lenses have ushered in a new era of vision correction, offering patients a range of customized solutions. With the expertise of specialists like Mr. Adam Ross, patients can navigate their options confidently and achieve outstanding visual outcomes. ■ To make an appointment contact us today: 0117 369 1179 Email: office@theeyeunit.co.uk www.theeyeunit.co.uk

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WALK Huckford Viaduct

Off the beaten track This month, Andrew Swift leads us on a five‐mile walk with plenty of rugged paths, stiles, steps and steep climbs – but the reward is discovering the unique area around Hambrook, Moorend and Winterbourne Down, which may only be a handful of miles from the city centre, but feels like a world away

D

espite being only around five miles from the centre of Bristol, the area around Hambrook, Moorend and Winterbourne Down still has a semi-rural feel. Country lanes lead past gabled manor houses and rubble-stone cottages, while the steep and rocky banks of the River Frome, which flows through it, have a rugged, untamed beauty. There is even, hidden away on a wooded promontory, an iron age encampment, where the feeling of remoteness hangs heavy.

This remoteness and ruggedness means, however, that exploring this part of south Gloucestershire is not always straightforward, and the five-mile walk described below involves plenty of rough paths, stiles, steps and steep climbs along the way. One rather steep downhill stretch, involving a vertiginous flight of steps, is particularly daunting, but fortunately is easy to avoid by taking an alternative route.

With those caveats, this is a fascinating walk, full of variety and perfect for the end of summer, with a choice of two pubs as you near journey’s end.

The walk starts on Whiteshill Common, outside Whiteshill Evangelical Church (BS16 1SD; ST645793).

An hourly bus service from the Centre to Yate (Y1) stops outside the church and there is a free parking area across the road.

84 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2026 | No 262

Morrend Farm

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WALK

From here, head south down the road, keeping to the right-hand pavement. At the bottom of the hill, follow the road as it curves right to head under the motorway.

At the top of the hill lies the village of Hambrook, with several grand houses, such as Hambrook Grove over to the left. On the right, set back behind what remains of the village green, is the former Crown Inn, closed in 2017 and now converted to three cottages – Baytree, Skye and Dove.

Turn right along the Old Gloucester Road, passing Hambrook Court on your right, before crossing to turn down a lane by St Elizabeth’s Hall.

After passing a row of old cottages, turn left along a lane leading to Faber Farm, parts of which date from around 1500 (ST638788).

Turn left alongside the Ham Brook and, at the main road, cross with care and go through a squeeze stile to the right of the Old Post House.

At the end of a narrow path, a challenging stile leads into a meadow. Carry on in the same direction with a hedgerow on your left.

After 200m the path drops downhill to negotiate a patch of thistles before climbing to a handgate. Go through it, turn left across a bridge, cross a step stile and turn right through a handgate to follow a permissive path alongside the brook. After winding between rocky outcrops, the brook flows into the River Frome. Bear left to follow the river upstream, passing under the motorway, and, after going past a house selling birdboxes, turn right across a footbridge (ST645788). If you look to the left you can glimpse the remains of Hambrook Mill, a corn mill built sometime before 1653 and closed in the early 20th century.

After passing a house, climb steps and continue along a footpath which runs beside the motorway for a short distance before turning left. When you come to a lane, turn left along it. After 200m, the lane curves left past Moorend House and comes to a T junction, with the river straight ahead.

Moorend Mill once stood on an island in the river, but it has vanished without trace.

Turn right at the T junction and, when the lane forks, fork right to carry on uphill, passing an old brewery and maltings on the right. A little further along, set back behind ivy-covered gateposts, is Moorend Farm, built in 1676. The Old Court House across the road has a datestone of 1701 over the door.

At the crossroads (ST651789), you have a choice, depending on whether you want to risk those vertiginous steps or not.

If you want to give them a miss, turn left at the crossroads, carry on in the same direction for 450m, and skip the next paragraph.

If you are up for the challenge, carry straight on uphill. After 175m, follow a footpath sign through the gateway to Up Yonder on the left. Fifty metres along the drive, turn left over a step stile to head through the ramparts of Bury Hill Camp, an iron age fort later occupied by the Romans. Follow a track across the camp and through the ramparts on the far side. After crossing a wall stile, turn right in front of Camp Cottage to head down a steep path, which soon leads to those treacherous steps. At the bottom, turn right along a lane for 125m.

Here, the two routes join up again. Just before a bridge over the river, turn right to follow a Frome Valley Walkway sign through a kissing gate (ST650793). Follow the path as it winds alongside the river for 300m before crossing a footbridge. On the far side, turn right, taking the rough path alongside the river rather than the one heading uphill. After passing a fallen tree and going through a gap in a broken-down wall, you come to the ruins of old buildings, after which rough steps lead through a gap in the wall. Turn right, and when you come to a lane, known as the Dingle, carry on along it in the same direction.

At the end, when you come to a T junction, cross and turn right across Damson’s Bridge. On the far side, turn left through a kissing gate (ST657794). As you continue along the Frome Valley Walkway, you can glimpse Huckford Viaduct, built in 1903 as part of the GWR’s new route

Ramparts of Bury Hill Fort

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WALK

from London to South Wales. Just before you reach the viaduct, follow a path across a footbridge and turn right (although you may want to divert left into Huckford Quarry, now a nature reserve, first). Bear left when the path forks, heading steeply uphill, and at the top, as you go through a kissing gate, look to the right to see Harcombe Farm, another splendid mid-17th century gabled building. Cross the road, turn left, and, when you come to the crossroads at the bottom of the hill, you will find a popular local, the Cross Hands Inn, on your right (ST645796).

Carry straight over the crossroads, and when you come to a T junction, turn right along Church Road. Carry on in the same direction for 350m, before turning left down Mill Steps, which once led to Winterbourne Mill, a corn mill later converted to a cider mill and demolished in the 1950s.

When you come to the road at the bottom, carry on for a few metres before turning left across the river. Continue straight on and, when the road forks, fork right to continue alongside the river. Bear right at a T junction, and at the next junction carry straight on to follow the lane as it bears right past Frome Cottage (ST648790).

After crossing the river, turn left along a footpath, and at the end turn right through a handgate. Here you once had a choice of two pubs – the Hambrook Inn on the right and the White Horse on the left. Now, only the 18th century White Horse survives, recently refurbished, with a garden stretching tantalisingly down to the Bradley Brook.

After which, all that remains is to cross the main road and head uphill to return to the starting point. n Discover more of Andrew Swift’s books and writings online from akemanpress.com | All photos provided courtesy of Andrew Swift Damsons Bridge

The brook at Hambrook

Distance: 5 miles Starting point: Whiteshill Common, outside Whiteshill Evangelical Church (BS16 1SD; ST645793) Map: OS Explorer 155 Pubs: Cross Hands, Winterbourne Down White Horse, Hambrook Along the river Frome

86 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2026 | No 262

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GARDENING

The secret life of bulbs Right now is the perfect time to start planning, ordering and buying your bulbs ready for planting for guaranteed joy come springtime, says gardening expert Elly West…

T

here’s one extraordinary group of plants that I include in just about every garden border that I design. These are plants that stay hidden for around nine months of the year, but totally earn their space whatever the size of the garden (or container), and right now is the perfect time to start planning, ordering and buying them ready for planting.

I am, of course, referring to bulbs, those uplifting harbingers of spring that sit quietly under the soil until the weather warms up again next year, bringing all kinds of joy, optimism and anticipation for what’s to come when they start to poke their leaves above the ground, ready for a brief but beautiful display.

Bulbs have evolved to cope with specific conditions and, like any living organism, their goal is to grow and reproduce. True bulbs (as opposed to corms, rhizomes and tubers) include tulips, daffodils and snowdrops, and are ultimately food storage organs, packed with starch and protein for the growing season ahead. They have a basal plate at the bottom, which is where the roots grow from, while the top is generally more pointy, from which the leaves and stem emerge.

Ideally they should be planted with the top uppermost in the ground, but if it’s hard to tell, planting them sideways is your best bet, and they will generally sort themselves out. The bulb itself is layered, like an onion, with a papery outer skin, while inside is a tiny shoot surrounded by the fleshy food-storing scales.

Bulbs are unique in that they contain lots of energy, stored from the previous growing season, which gives them the power to grow and flower quickly. This works well for spring bulbs in temperate zones, giving them an advantage over later flowering plants as they appear when there is less competition for light, nutrients and pollinators. But what actually goes on underground? By understanding their life cycle, we can make sure they have the best conditions to thrive.

Growth begins in autumn when roots start to develop. This is the best time to plant most spring-flowering bulbs, so they can put down roots 88 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2026 | No 262

ready for the following year. The roots absorb nutrients and water, and anchor the bulb in the soil. However, it’s winter that casts its magic in a necessary process called vernalisation – the cold chill that triggers the bulb to break its dormancy and causes the chemical changes that get the flower bud ready to develop and emerge.

In warmer climates, this process can be mimicked by keeping bulbs in the fridge for around 12 weeks, which is how ‘forced’ hyacinths for Christmas are grown commercially. Once the days start to get longer and the temperatures warm up slightly, bulbs then burst into action, sending up their shoots and leaves, followed by flowers.

After flowering in spring or early summer, the bulbs enter a dormant phase and the foliage starts to yellow and die back. However, it’s important to leave the leaves on the plant while they are still green, as they will be photosynthesising and helping the bulb to recover and rebuild its reserves for the following year.

Once they are completely yellow or brown and dead looking, then you can gently pull them away or cut them back without harming the bulb.

The root systems also die back during the dormancy phase, leaving just the bulb sitting in the ground. No watering is necessary while the bulb is ‘asleep’ and wet summers can actually be harmful to spring bulbs, causing rot and fungal diseases.

Only a handful of the bulbs we grow in the UK are natives, including wild daffodils, snake’s head fritillaries, wild garlic, snowdrops and English bluebells. Tulips originate from central Asia and the Ottoman Empire, for which they were a national symbol and can be seen on artwork and ceramics of the time.

Thriving in hot summers and cold, harsh winters, they were first introduced to western Europe in the 16th century, when ‘Tulipmania’ took hold in the Netherlands. Tulips were found fascinating with their vibrant, often flamed petals, and demand grew for the most beautiful and rare varieties, which exchanged hands for thousands of guilders – more than enough to buy a fashionable house in Amsterdam at the time.

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GARDENING

A flick through any bulb catalogue shows the huge range of bulbs available to buy today. There really is a bulb for every style of garden and every location.

Layer them in good-sized pots and containers to create a bulb lasagne, with the biggest bulbs at the bottom, large daffodils and tulips, followed by smaller daffodils and hyacinths in the middle layer, with the smallest bulbs at the top – crocuses, muscari and chionodoxas. Use a good-quality compost with added John Innes, and cram them in without them touching for a succession of colour right through spring.

Bulbs are perfect in more naturalistic schemes as well. Grow them amongst your perennials, where they will flower first, then their leaves will be hidden by the new growth of the other plants as they start to look tatty and die back. Alliums are perhaps my favourite border bulbs.

The small, dark-purple blooms of Allium sphaerocephalon look particularly beautiful alongside the airy stems and seedheads of ponytail grass (Stipa tenuissima). Or scatter smaller bulbs such as crocuses and mini-daffs across a lawn, planting them where they land for natural drifts of colour. Smaller bulbs also look great under deciduous trees and shrubs, and along the base of a hedge. n Elly West is a professional garden designer, working in and around the Bristol area | ellyswellies.co.uk

Plant of the month: Daffodils Sometimes clients will tell me that they don’t particularly like the colour yellow in the garden, but if I then say “What about daffodils?”, the invariable response is “Oh yes, I love daffodils”.

There’s something about these little rays of sunshine appearing in spring that tells us of good times ahead and warmer days to come, and it takes a hard heart not to enjoy their yellow trumpet blooms, whether in the garden or naturalised along roadside verges.

From September through to early November is the perfect time to plant daffodils, one of the easiest and most reliable of bulbs, dividing and spreading year on year, so just a few bulbs will become a good-sized clump without you having to lift a finger beyond the first planting. If the garish, big trumpet forms really aren’t for you, then there are plenty of smaller, more subtle varieties to choose from as well. Narcissus ‘Tête-á-tête’ is one of my favourites, at around 15cm high with multiple nodding yellow flowers on one stem, ‘Thalia’ is an elegant white variety (pictured), and there are also many frilly double forms and bi-coloured flowers.

‘Reggae’ has white petals with a central pinky-orange trumpet. Plant them deep (two to three times their own height), pointy side up. I tend to plant in groups of five or so, using a narrow trowel and digging a separate hole for each bulb for the larger ones, or placing them together in one flat-bottomed hole for smaller varieties, without letting them touch.

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Have you ever had an exceptional bed?

VINTAGE FUR NI T URE

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90 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2026 | No 262

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PROPERTY

When a Property Won’t Sell: The Power of a Fresh Start

By Peter Greatorex

Changing agent provides an opportunity to reset that narrative.

A considered relaunch - new photography, fresh copy, thoughtful pricing, redesigned marketing and a renewed PR and social campaign - can give buyers a reason to look again. And, importantly, it can introduce the property to people who may have overlooked it the first time around.

It can also be a valuable moment to step back and consider who the most likely buyer really is. Every home has its own story and its own audience, and good marketing should reflect that. By identifying what makes a property genuinely special - whether that’s its location, architecture, garden, views or the lifestyle it offers - we can make sure those qualities are communicated clearly. The objective isn’t simply to generate more enquiries, but to reach the right buyers and give them a compelling reason to arrange a viewing. Often, that fresh perspective can make all the difference.

T

here has been plenty of talk about a challenging property market this year. And while it would be wrong to pretend it hasn’t been more difficult in places, properties are still selling - particularly when sellers are prepared to listen to the market, take good advice and adapt their approach.

Increasingly, a significant part of my work is helping owners whose properties have already been on the market with another agent without achieving a sale.

I think of it as property relaunch.

The temptation when a property hasn’t sold is to assume the answer is simply to reduce the price. Sometimes price is part of the conversation, of course, but a successful relaunch involves looking at the whole picture.

How is the property being presented? Does the photography do it justice? Does the wording simply describe the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, or does it capture the lifestyle someone could enjoy there?

Could better video help bring the house — and its setting — to life?

We also look at brochure design, PR opportunities and social media strategy. The aim is to create a genuinely fresh campaign rather than simply putting the same property back online with a different logo and hoping for a different result.

This matters because one of the biggest deterrents for buyers is time on the market.

When people see that a property has been available for months, they naturally start asking questions. Why hasn’t it sold? What’s wrong with it? How much might the seller accept? However unfair those assumptions may be, they can quickly become part of the narrative surrounding a home.

96 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2026 | No 262

Sometimes price is part of the conversation, of course, but a successful relaunch involves looking at the whole picture I’ve seen this approach produce positive results for many clients after a previous marketing campaign has stalled. It isn’t about criticising what came before; it’s about understanding why the market hasn’t responded and deciding what we can do differently.

With autumn approaching, we are entering an important period for the Bath property market. If your home has been sitting unsold, or you are considering selling and would like to be moved this side of Christmas, now is the time to think about your strategy.

If you’d like to discuss a fresh marketing plan for your property, please get in touch.

Saville Court, Saville Place, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4EJ 0117 374 0106 | info@petergreatorex.co.uk www.petergreatorex.co.uk

Rupert Oliver FP September.qxp_Layout 1 24/08/2026 13:37 Page 1

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In all circa 2875.90 sq.ft (267.20 sq.m)

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