The Bristol Magazine April 2018

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THE

Issue 166

THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

£3.95 where sold

I

aprIl 2018

MAGAZINE

Get inside one of history’s most brilliant minds – via the ear canal – at Bristol’s brand new, multimillion pound museum

PLUS

WEDDING SPECIAL • COOLEST NEW LIVING QUARTERS • BRISTOL... THE BEER CITY

A N D M U C H M O R E I N T H E C I T Y ’ S B I G G E S T M O N T H LY G U I D E T O L I V I N G I N B R I S T O L

Park Furnishers fp.qxp_Layout 1 19/03/2018 09:15 Page 1

Classic Carpets APRIL.qxp_Layout 1 19/03/2018 09:16 Page 1

Visit us in Gardiner Haskins to see our fantastic new range of rugs by Mastercraft Rugs

THE MASTERCRAFT RANGE COMES IN A GREAT VARIETY OF SIZES SHOWN HERE: BRIGHTON MOST POPULAR SIZES ARE

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Beautiful Carpets & Rugs – perfect for any room Residential or Commercial

Classic Carpets of Bristol

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Unit 8B, Emersons Green Retail Park,

Straight Street, Bristol, BS2 0JP

Bristol, BS16 7AE (next to Costa Coffee)

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info@classiccarpetslimited.co.uk

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Knight Frank April.qxp_full page 19/03/2018 11:03 Page 1

Move.

Faster. Sell with Knight Frank.

Our understanding of the ever-changing market enables us to price your property accurately so you can rely on Knight Frank to get you moving.

Call 0117 295 0425 to arrange your free market appraisal. knightfrank.co.uk/bristol bristol@knightfrank.com

Guide price £965,000

New Instruction

Leigh Woods An exceptional four bedroom coach house approx. (1,758 sq ft) forming part of a historic setting within Leigh Woods. Master suite, 3 guest bedrooms, luxury family bathroom, guest WC, drawing room, extensive kitchen/breakfast room, utility. Private courtyard gardens, extensive listed communal gardens, allocated parking for 2.

Guide price £620,000

New Instruction

Guide price £465,000

KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

nTheMarket.com

New Instruction

Stoke Bishop

Clifton

An exceptional four bedroom family home enjoying sunny gardens, parking and garage. Master suite, 3 further bedrooms, family bathroom, drawing room, kitchen. Gardens, allocated parking and garage. EPC: C.

A spectacular 2 bedroom courtyard apartment in central Clifton.

2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, drawing room, dining hall, kitchen.

Courtyard gardens.

Guide price £1,250,000

Guide price £1,375,000

Clifton

Clifton

A fine example of a Regency townhouse (2,454 sq ft) with views of Clifton Suspension Bridge. 4 bedrooms, 3 bath/shower rooms, WC, 2 reception rooms, kitchen, study, garden room. Separate accommodation if required.

Beautiful Victorian townhouse (2,789 sq ft) close to Clifton Village.

6 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, kitchen, utility, extensive cellars. Enclosed rear garden and private parking. EPC: F.

Knight Frank April.qxp_full page 19/03/2018 11:04 Page 2

Move.

Faster. Sell with Knight Frank.

Our understanding of the ever-changing market enables us to price your property accurately so you can rely on Knight Frank to get you moving.

Call 0117 295 0425 to arrange your free market appraisal. knightfrank.co.uk/bristol bristol@knightfrank.com

Guide price £1,595,000

Abbots Leigh A Grade II listed house (approx. 6,127 sq ft) with views of the Welsh hills. 6 bedrooms (2 ensuite), 2 bathrooms, 4/5 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room. Gardens, courtyard, outbuildings, parking.

About 1.18 acres.

Guide price £465,000

New Instruction

KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

nTheMarket.com

Guide price £850,000

Clifton

Portishead

A spacious two bedroom courtyard apartment (approx. 922 sq ft).

2 bedrooms, bathroom, open plan drawing room/dining room, kitchen.

Extensive vaulted storage, courtyard and beautiful communal gardens.

A stunning five storey ‘town house’ (approx. 2,501 sq ft) overlooking Portishead Marina. 4-5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, kitchen/dining room. Sun terraces, courtyard garden, double garage. EPC: B.

Guide price £695,000

Offers over £1,250,000

Clifton

Sneyd Park

An immaculate Grade II listed penthouse (approx. 1,280 sq ft) with allocated parking, roof terrace and exceptional views. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, living room/kitchen/breakfast room, roof terrace, communal gardens, parking.

A wonderful family home (approx. 3,900 sq ft). 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, bedroom 6/games room. 4/5 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room.

Extensive garaging and carport, enclosed garden, in and out drive. EPC: E.

Knight Frank April.qxp_full page 19/03/2018 11:04 Page 3

Move.

Faster. Sell with Knight Frank.

Our understanding of the ever-changing market enables us to price your property accurately so you can rely on Knight Frank to get you moving.

Call 0117 295 0425 to arrange your free market appraisal. knightfrank.co.uk/bristol bristol@knightfrank.com

Guide price £1,750,000

New Instruction

Clapton in Gordano Substantial six bedroom detached home (approx. 9,685 sq ft) with extensive garaging and outbuildings measuring about 2,660 sq ft. 6 bedrooms (ensuite facilities), 6 bathrooms, 8 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, snooker room, games room, indoor swimming pool, garden room, bar. Double garage, carports with first floor accommodation and terraces, landscaped gardens, paddock and lakes.

About 3.8 acres.

Guide price £675,000

New Instruction

KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

nTheMarket.com

Guide price £1,950,000

Shipham

Clevedon

4 bedroom detached property (approx. 2,021-2,498 sq ft) with amazing views.

4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 3 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, large attic. Gardens, large sun deck, paddock, stable, garage, parking. EPC: C.

Contemporary house (approx. 4,322 sq ft) with views across the Bristol Channel. 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, study/bed 5, 2 reception rooms, kitchen. Indoor swimming pool, gym, terraces, balconies, garage. EPC: C.

Guide price £550,000

Price Reduction

Guide price £575,000

Haydon, Near Wells

Compton Martin

Beautiful home (1,896 sq ft) enjoying stunning views and outbuildings (approx. 2,143 sq ft). 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, kitchen.

Plans to convert into 4 bedrooms. About 1.04 acres. EPC: E.

A well-presented cottage (approx. 1,461 sq ft) with views over Chew Valley Lake. 3/4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, kitchen, study/ bedroom 4, conservatory. Landscaped gardens and parking. EPC: F.

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54

Considering a staycation? British boltholes don’t come much lovelier than The Cary Arms

Image by Ben Simpson for Rime Arodaky – see our royal wedding feature

98

Is a Bright Green Future on the cards for you and your kin? The Bristol developer has a self-build scheme near Blaise Castle

Contents April 2018 REGULARS ZEITGEIST

WEDDING SPECIAL

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14

Top activities for the month to come

CITYIST

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16

Meet Book Island’s Greet Pauwelijn and catch up on local goings-on

BARTLEBY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 ...On first impressions of Bristol for the typical train alighter and what silhouettes the enterprise zone might add to the Temple Meads horizon

BRISTOL UPDATES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Bite-sized business news from across the city

EDUCATION NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Reporting from our local schools and colleges

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FEATURE PAGES

Royal wedding predictions from locals and a handy business directory for any Bristolians also tying the knot this year

HEALTH & BEAUTY GROOMING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 A little barbershop quartet for your delectation

NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Crystal Rose rounds up a few recent tidbits from the industry

FITNESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Training tips from running expert Gareth Turnbull for those entering the Great Bristol 10K

FOOD & DRINK

FOR THE DIARY

NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

WHAT’S ON & HAPPENINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

BEER CITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

A mere cross-section of the city’s wide and varied events scene

Ray Bailey surveys the Bristol brewing scene and discusses its future

EXHIBITIONS

Tasty tidings from our local eateries and producers

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40

What’s on at our local galleries this month?

FAMILY

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72

Fun for younger persons in tow

HABITAT WILD BRISTOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Secret subterranean wildlife at Pen Park Hole

THE GREAT OUTDOORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

FEATURES FASHION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Andrew Swift finds timeless splendour in a historic old battleground as it shrugs off its winter torpor

Wearing the right colours can change your life – if you dress mindfully

GARDENING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

BEING BRUNEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Grab your waterproofs, sunnies and notepad and be inspired this spring: with Elly West’s rough guide to garden show visiting

Jessica Hope discovers the extraordinary mind behind one of history’s greatest engineers, following the opening of Being Brunel

PROPERTY

ANTIQUES

We cast an admiring eye over some of the city’s latest new-build developments and residential conversions

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44

Fiona Bruce shares her favourite moments from Antiques Roadshow as the crew heads for Bristol’s awesome new aviation attraction

HISTORIC BRISTOL

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46

The past lives, stories and scandals of Ashton Court Estate

THE GETAWAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Looking to staycation this season? Blissing out in Babbacombe Bay’s The Cary Arms is a superb shout

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ON THE COVER

The larger-than-life loaf of honourary Bristolian Isambard Kingdom Brunel – who now has his own museum beside his majestic SS Great Britain. We were invited to journey inside the mind (quite literally) of history’s famed engineer, to get better acquainted with Brunel the man – and you are too! See p24 for more on the fabulous new attraction.

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This photo of Brunel in front of the heavy chains of the SS Great Eastern has become synonymous with his legend – see the original at Being Brunel

THIS MONTH WE’VE BEEN...

Hungry for...

from the

...A little bit of Burger Bear – opening this month in the former Bagel Boy site on Gloucester Road. Also the highly anticipated Pasta Ripiena on St Stephens Street – little sister of the seriously popular Pasta Loco on Cotham Hill. The photos of striped cocoa tortellini stuffed with duck ragu and the like have had us drooling for months.

EDITOR

• @burgerbearbristol; @pastaripiena

“I never met his equal for sustained power of work... Everything for which he was responsible he insisted upon doing for himself...”

– Brunel’s assistant George Clark, 1870

On the lookout...

W

hile we reckon we’d have done pretty respectably in any pub quizzing on his Bristol builds, Isambard Kingdom Brunel himself – the artist and designer, the entrepreneur, the Victorian celebrity – is a subject we were a little less well-versed in until very recently. Happily, now we’ve strolled through his ear canal (yep) and got inside the mind of history’s famed engineer at the brand new, £7.2million museum Being Brunel, next to the SS Great Britain, we’re much better acquainted with the real man – failures, flaws, fame, fortune and all. Since learning in more detail what an absolute boss he was, and filling in the gaps in our knowledge, a couple of the team here have even developed something of a crush on the old boy (see steely front cover).

Jessica Hope can give you a clearer idea of what to expect from the creatively constructed new attraction – which opened its doors just days ago – on p24. Think original, remarkably well-preserved sketches and personal drawings; the last, halfpuffed cigar; interactive top trumps based on his projects and achievements; and touchscreens for you to invite potential financial backers to dinner chez Brunel.

From one British institution to another, we’ve also been having a bit of fun getting royal wedding predictions from a few of our friends in the Bristol bride-and-groom business as the big day approaches, plus there’s a handy directory of local folk to tap up, should you – like Harry and Meghan – also be tying the knot.

We hope you’re not too put off by the sneaky prawn that found its way onto p74 – not the most picturesque of fellows, we know, but we were intrigued by its subterranean abode in the lake under the streets of Southmead. Brand new information, for us, at least. Not a fan? Turn perhaps to the altogether prettier property pages where you’ll find some of the city’s coolest new quarters courtesy of local developers (p98).

Elsewhere find sartorial talk from Emmeline Stevens ahead of Bristol Fashion Week (4-8 April); Fiona Bruce sharing favourite moments from Antiques Roadshow as the crew heads for local aviation atrraction Aerospace Bristol to film next month; and beer buff Ray Bailey, talking about beer, over a beer, with CAMRA’s Tim Webb.

See you in May...

Editor’s image by Paolo Ferla; ferlapaolo.com

12 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

thebristolmag.co.uk

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• bnhc.org.uk/festival-of-nature/ survey-team

Pencilling in... ...A jaunt out to Clevedon Sunday Market, now on the first Sunday of every month until September and comprising over 40 stallholders enjoying the easygoing seaside vibe there. You’ll most likely find us loitering around the salted caramel meringues...

AMANDA NICHOLLS EDITOR

@thebristolmag

...For flora and fauna. Bristol’s nature lovers are being asked to discover and record as much wildlife as possible as part of the international City Nature Challenge (27-30 April) which will see the region compete with 64 cities. There’ll be prizes for the greatest number of species found and largest number of observations recorded on the iNaturalist app.

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@thebristolmag

• theclevedonsundaymarket.co.uk

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Y BU O N W Y PA 20 19 !

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5

ZEITGEIST

things to do in APRIL

BE TERRIFIED

BOOK AHEAD The Royal Shakespeare Company has announced its national tour of Matilda The Musical will be heading for Bristol in 2019.

Winner of more than 85 international awards, including 16 for ‘Best Musical’, this show was inspired by Roald Dahl’s beloved book and quickly racked up rave reviews following its premiere in 2010. It’s a colourful production that will have all ages cackling with laughter (and humming the songs afterwards) and will be on at Bristol Hippodrome from Tuesday 7 May – Saturday 8 June 2019. Tickets will go in a flash, so be quick to grab yours!

• atgtickets.com/bristol

CELEBRATE Bristol Phoenix Choir invites you to a musical birthday celebration. If you were anyone in the 18th century, what better way of marking your (or your wife’s) birthday than getting an eminent composer to write a piece for the occasion? Join the 70-strong choir and orchestra for Handel’s Birthday Ode for Queen Anne of 1712, as well as Haydn’s ‘Creation’ Mass – one of several written for the birthday of Princess Marie Esterházy – and Mozart’s Solemn Vespers, which includes the celebrated soprano solo Laudate Dominum. Taking place on Saturday 21 April, 7.30pm, at St George’s, Bristol. Tickets £15 – £10, under 16s free with adult.

• stgeorgesbristol.co.uk; bristolphoenixchoir.org.uk

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Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the concert hall… The original summer movie blockbuster, with an Academy Awardwinning score that made John Williams a household name, Jaws is the ultimate filmwith-live-orchestra experience. Based on the best-selling novel by Peter Benchley and directed by Steven Spielberg, this masterpiece of suspense tells the tale of a small, New England seaside community terrorised by a predatory great white shark during the busiest weekend of the tourist season – Fourth of July.

Watch this iconic, edge-of-your-seat classic with the score played live by the Czech National Symphony Orchestra. Take your seats on Saturday 14 April, 7pm, at the Colston Hall and try not to scream... Tickets £27.50 – £55.

• colstonhall.org

DRINK WITH THE STARS The stars will align to unveil a constellation of mystical mixology and seasonal cuisine as The Lost & Found opens its doors in Bristol on Friday 20 April.

‘Mythical Professor of Astronomy and Astrology’ Elizabeth E Lightfoot is the inspiration behind the new Queen’s Road restaurant and bar. After becoming an established academic in physics and astronomy at the ‘esteemed College of Bristol’, Elizabeth began to secretly learn about astrology, using horoscopes and stars to predict the future.

It is said that she can still be seen around the old mill, now the Clifton Observatory, gazing into the night sky.

The Lost & Found exudes old-world charm with its dark oak bar, marble details, antique brass, private boardroom and underground hidden bar. There will also be some great soft launch discounts ahead of the opening, including half-price bottomless brunch, afternoon tea, pizza and cocktails on dates from Saturday 14 – Monday 16 April, so book your spot online in advance.

• the-lostandfound.co.uk/bristol

A LOCAL ICON Clifton Suspension Bridge Visitor Centre has opened a new AIM Biffa Award funded exhibition Hawkshaw and Barlow Untold, marking the lives and achievements of Sir John Hawkshaw and William Henry Barlow, the two engineers who completed the Clifton Suspension Bridge. The year-long project aims to highlight the important changes that Hawkshaw and Barlow made to Brunel’s design; most importantly replacing a timber deck with iron – a modification which has enabled the bridge to be strong enough to hold modern traffic. Free admission.

• cliftonbridge.org.uk

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THE CITY

My

THE BUZZ Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith (image

by Tim Saccenti)

BRISTOL Meet Book Island publisher Greet Pauwelijn

Back in New Zealand, we heard a lot of good things about Bristol. We lived there for six years before moving back to Europe.

When we arrived here, I immediately fell in love with the vibe of the city, its focus on things that matter and the friendly locals.

Pushing boundaries International contemporary festival Bristol New Music is back this month, from 20 – 22 April. The third instalment, featuring the boldest programme to date, will bring some of the world’s most innovative musical pioneers to the city.

The weekend will offer the opportunity to encounter the new sound-worlds of an instrument that was almost never built; explore the concept of sound as a weapon; and walk among a dissected live orchestra as conductor Charles Hazlewood, members of the British Paraorchestra and The Army of Generals take over the Colston Hall foyer to perform composer Steve Reich’s rarely-heard piece The Four Sections. Five key Bristol organisations – St George’s Bristol, Colston Hall, Arnolfini, Spike Island and the University of Bristol – are collaborating on this year’s event which will feature boundary-pushers of contemporary music from across the worlds of jazz, classical, folk and electronica.

One of the modern pioneers of synthesised sound – Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith – will also perform amid specially curated visuals in the former Bristol IMAX Cinema; while the visceral nature of sonic warfare is explored via installation, talks and performances at creative hub Spike Island.

“Whether it’s a journey into folk storytelling in a traditional working men’s club or the audio-visual experiences made possible in Bristol’s cinema spaces, the partnership’s vision for a contemporary music festival that is distinct to a forward-thinking city like ours – not only through a sense of performances, but an incomparable sense of place too – is being realised,” commented Todd Wills, the festival’s artistic director.

• bristolnewmusic.org

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I run publishing house Book Island – a small, independent house for picture books in translation. I handpick titles from around the world and have them translated into English. We distribute them through our website, the independent book and gift shops in the UK and in more than 20 countries around the world. What is really exciting is that I have recently started commissioning local authors whose books will then be translated into other languages by foreign publishers. Considering Book Island’s international reach, many people don’t realise that I run the business from my family home in Horfield.

I strongly believe in collaboration with likeminded people and businesses. Last October we ran our popular picture book trail on Gloucester Road in collaboration with nine local businesses. Mid-February we launched the Green Satchel Community Project which sends our picture books across Bristol, from family to family. I’ve also signed the talented local illustrator Jayde Perkin, who’s writing a beautiful picture book for Book Island about grief, to be released in 2019. Soon we’ll launch a new project supporting local family-friendly cafés and there’s also our partnership with the University of Bristol and the publishing course at Bath Spa University.

We’re also working on four translated titles for later this year!

I’m reading Mary Beard’s Women and Power, and The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly by Sun-Mi Hwang. I hope to reread the remarkable novel Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi soon too.

It’s very important, in the current climate, that children get exposed to stories from other cultures, which is what Book Island is all about. Thanks to our sales and distribution partner Thames & Hudson our books, published in Bristol, reach all corners of the world. Coincidentally, two of our best export sales reps live here too.

I have a weak spot for Jackalope, a relatively new café in Horfield, which has lots of cosy, little rooms perfect for reading or playing board games.

I recently went to see ‘Women with Vision’ at the RWA, which stocks a big selection of our titles. We published a picture book loosely based on Virginia Woolf and her sister Vanessa Bell, whose work was on display at the gallery.

I haven’t seen The Cherry Orchard in years and very much look forward to seeing this play at the Bristol Old Vic. Leigh Woods is my favourite place for a walk, especially in autumn.

If I were mayor of Bristol... I would decree that all public libraries in Bristol remain open, considering the fundamental role they play in our society.

• bookisland.co.uk

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THE CITY

Be part of the rainbow

Image by Colin Rayner

One of the biggest and brightest fundraising events in Bristol is back this summer, at a brand new venue.

For the first time since Children’s Hospice South West brought the Rainbow Run to the UK, it’s moved venue for 2018 and will now take place in the beautiful surroundings of Blaise Castle on 2 June.

Anyone aged five and above can take part in the charity’s sixth Bristol Rainbow Run and flagship event – quite possibly the happiest and most vibrant way to support CHSW’s local children’s hospice, Charlton Farm.

Along with their friends and family, participants can run, walk or jog through colourful explosions of paint and raise vital sponsorship to continue the work CHSW does to help make wonderful memories for families whose children have life-threatening or lifelimiting conditions.

The charity provides care for the whole family via short breaks, a dedicated sibling team and one-to-one care for families from Bristol, South Gloucestershire and BANES. Think of the sponsorship raised for taking part as the ‘pot of gold’ at the end of the rainbow for CHSW families – and as a thank you for participants’ hard work, they’ll be giving prizes for the best efforts.

BRISTAGRAM Some of our favourite recent snaps taken by folk around the city! Tag your Bristol pics using #thebristolmag

Love @b

ristol_bic ycles’ inspiring posts

• chsw.org.uk/rainbowbristol t during k Crescen Royal Yor ast’s E e th om fr the Beast toljj) is br (@ ck second atta

She sells She-Shirts...

Two students at the University of Bristol have designed and marketed their own range of original, ethical and unapologetically feminist fashion, which has just launched online. With She-Shirts, Sally Patterson and Ceini Bowen hope to fight inequalities in a practical way, with all profits supporting three inspirational women’s charities – initially Women’s Aid, Smart Works and Bloody Good Period.

The aim is to empower women through the creation, distribution and showcasing of the range.

Every She-Shirt tells a story, focusing on contemporary challenges faced by women – ‘Hands Off’ has a simple design of two handprints over the chest, while ‘Women Up’ plays on the common phrase used to embolden men, and other designs pay tribute to inspirational feminists or challenge the demand for women to conform to the ‘ideal’ body image. The primary target audience is students and pricing reflects this, however the products are aimed at people of all ages, genders and backgrounds.

The co-founders believe that ethical production is an integral part of a feminist brand so shirts are printed in the UK using low-waste printing technology in a renewable energy-powered factory, and made from certified organic cotton by ethically accredited suppliers.

“As modern feminists, our aim is not just to highlight inequality but also to do something tangible about it,” said Sally. “Our she-shirts may be playful but our business model and our message is serious, powerful, philanthropic, and designed to change the prevailing narrative of the patriarchy.”

#OnePlanet Plate launch ed at Root Bristol , promoting low eco-impact dishes

and Cabot Circus ined Superdoodle jo mise kicks forces to custo age last month (im on) @simplelampo

• sheshirts.teemill.com

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Clevedon pier loo king majestic – thanks @danrose95

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B R I S TOL MAGAZINE

Great expectations

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n a sunny spring evening, the London train trundles through the Wiltshire countryside, through Swindon, then Chippenham. There’s a tunnel, green hills, then we round a bend and there, spread out before us in all its awesomeness, lies the magnificent city of Bath. I’ve done this journey a thousand times but it never ceases to amaze me. It’s as if the city was laid out specifically for the enjoyment of railway travellers, who can spend a happy few minutes gazing over Georgian finery without leaving their seats. It’s a shame that the train has to set off once more, into the evernarrowing Avon valley – destination Bristol. A tunnel, a stretch of winding river, another tunnel…and what’s this? A builder’s yard. The back of a cinema. A huge derelict building. We’ve arrived.

And there you have it. You don’t even need to get off the train to perceive the difference between Bath and Bristol (or so a cynical traveller might argue). On the one hand, a UNESCO world heritage site; on the other, ostensibly a down-at-heel provincial city. For years this contrast has brought a wry smile to the faces of Bristolians returning home, while tourists who chose Bristol over Bath stare at the hulk of the abandoned sorting office in horror.

They need not worry, of course. Bristol has its fair share of Georgian squares and posh shops. Even in the old days, before the resurrection of the SS Great Britain turned the city docks into a tourist trap, there were old boats, medieval churches and fanciful Victorian bridges a-plenty. You just had to look for them, that’s all; they didn’t advertise themselves. There’s an architectural marvel at Temple Meads itself, in the form of Brunel’s original train shed; typically, perhaps, this gem is cunningly disguised as a car park.

Meanwhile the regeneration around the station is about to reach the great eyesore itself; the old sorting office is finally to go, with a new enterprise zone to spring up in its place. Hopefully the architects will take the opportunity to design something out of the ordinary, a West Country response to the Gherkin and the Shard – a building that will make people pleased not to alight the train in Bath and journey on to Bristol. Something spectacular, but proper Bristol too.

So what kind of building could this landmark structure be? I remember once driving home along the M4 on a summer’s evening and seeing the sky over Bristol filled with giant floating shapes: a light bulb, a puppy, a fire extinguisher. These, I realised with some relief, were not hallucinations but hot air balloons taking part in a display of special shapes. Now, I wonder…could Bristol’s new landmark building borrow something from this genre? Not that I would expect it to float in the sky above the station, of course (although that would be cool).

But what shape to choose for our signature edifice? Obviously it needs to be practical, so it’s probably not sensible to try and create a 3D Banksy. What about Brunel, though? Either a building modelled on the SS Great Britain or on the man himself? How about his hat?

Nothing screams ‘enterprise!’ more loudly than Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s stovepipe hat, although it might be a rather forbidding prospect on a gloomy day.

In fact there’s only one real contender here, only one figure who will give to weary travellers that proper Bristol welcome I think.

Imagine. You emerge from the tunnel, past the builder’s yard and the back of the cinema and there, towering impressively but benevolently above you, the familiar, bendy ears and goggle eyes…of Gromit. ■ 20 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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BRISTOL MAGAZINE Bristol and Exeter House, Lower Approach, Temple Meads, Bristol BS1 6QS Telephone: 0117 974 2800 www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk © MC Publishing Ltd 2018 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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“As my kitchen project is now completed I wanted to thank you and your team for your support through this major project. The total refurbishment of my kitchen and it’s layout was a daunting prospect but your expertise really helped me to realise my aims and find my way through the vast array of options.

MS. FIFE I am really pleased with the finished kitchen which has transformed the space and its use”.

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FASHION

You can meet Emmeline for a mini consultation at Bristol Fashion Week this month

FIFTY SHADES OF YOU Wearing the right colours can change your life – if you dress mindfully, says Emmeline Stevens, stylist and founder of The Image Consulting Company

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lothes are about so much more than what you look like – it’s been scientifically proven that what you wear and the colours you choose can have a huge impact on how you feel inside too. A lot of people think a personal stylist’s job is to make you look good – and it is – but most of the new clients I see come to me because they are lacking in confidence. They don’t feel good in what they wear, and that’s a slightly different issue.

To create a look they’re going to be happy with, we have to start from the inside, find out what makes them light up, and work our way out. I call it ‘mindful dressing’, and essentially what it means is taking a little time to think about how what you wear is making you feel, and how you can use your wardrobe to change that for the better.

You are what you wear Psychology researcher Adam Galinski was the first to coin to the term ‘enclothed cognition’ to describe the influence that clothes have on our psychological processes. His study found that people wearing lab coats experienced increased mental agility. The act of putting on the white coat effectively primed their brains to take on the sharper mental capacities they associated with being a doctor. In other words, you can become what you wear.

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So, the first question you need to answer when you’re dressing yourself in the morning is ‘who do I want to be today?’ You might be a busy mum or a high-flying professional (or both) but how do you want to feel while you’re doing that? It’s so easy just to pull on the same old pair of jeans or that trusty work suit, but if they don’t inspire you to feel and do better, it could be having more of an effect on your day-to-day life than you realise.

Choose your weapons The right colour not only sets you up in the right frame of mind for the day, but it can also convey powerful subliminal messages to others about how you want to want to be perceived. Here are some colours you may want to consider…

Red is an intense and dominant colour that symbolises passion and sensuality but also aggression. Studies have shown that red contributes to romantic attraction, so it follows that it’s a good colour to wear on a date or if you want to draw someone’s attention, since it creates a chemical reaction in the brain.

Orange is a colour of stimulation and enthusiasm, mixing the passion of red and the joy of yellow. Research has found that orange actually increases oxygen supply to the brain, producing an energising

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FASHION

effect and stimulating brain activity – making it a good colour to wear to the gym or anywhere you need to exert yourself.

Blue promotes tranquillity and calm and studies have shown that it can also enhance creativity. It’s a good colour to wear if you want to persuade or influence people at work, as blue is widely perceived as stable and trustworthy. Green, meanwhile, is symbolic of nature and said to have a soothing effect. It’s the ideal hue to wear if you want to create a sense of calm, or if you want to feel refreshed.

Pink has been connected with hope and comfort in many tests. It’s a colour of nurturing and calm, making it a good colour to wear if you want to build relationships with people. Black and other dark colours, on the other hand, are traditionally perceived as more formal and dominant and, if worn head-to-toe, can carry a connotation of aggression. Contrasting with a light colour like white, however, can create an image of power and competence, which is why a black suit and white shirt is a popular choice for job interviews. Clearly, the effectiveness of this depends on the job you’re applying for. If it’s a role that’s more about dealing with people and having empathy, then a friendlier colour might better convey that.

Evolution not revolution While shaking up your wardrobe and trying out new colours is generally a positive thing, it’s important that you wear the clothes and not the other way round. By that I mean choosing items that still feel like ‘you’, and not just following trends. If you’ve only ever worn black up until now, suddenly throwing on different colours from head to toe may not feel natural to you and, no matter what the soothing properties of the colour are, you may not feel comfortable. However, adding a colourful scarf, or bag to your usual outfit might be a subtle way of progressing your look and still giving you the boost you need.

We all lead busy lives, but investing a little time in creating a look that makes you feel good from the inside out can pay off in all sorts of ways. ■

CARLO &beauty M

hair

MOROCCANOIL ®

Stockists

Main stockists of REDKEN

Tel: 0117 968 2663 6 Rockleaze Rd, Sneyd Park, Bristol BS9 1NF

• Would you like to add some colour to your life or even your career? You could become a personal stylist with The Image Consulting Company. Get to know Emmeline and her team from 4 – 8 April at Bristol Fashion Week at The Mall at Cribbs Causeway with a free mini consultation, or visit theimageconsultingcompany.co.uk to find out more.

DATE NIGHT: (Clockwise from top left) New Look maxi dress, £22.99; Calvin Klein saddle bag, £110 from House of Fraser; River Island biker jacket, £60; New Look strappy sandals, £19.99; Oasis earrings, £8

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BEING | BRUNEL

THE MAN, THE MYTH, THE LEGEND Jessica Hope discovers the extraordinary mind behind one of history’s greatest engineers following the opening of Bristol’s newest museum, Being Brunel

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he year is 1857. A man lights a cigar and places it in the corner of his mouth. He secures his stovepipe top hat on his head and checks the time on the pocket watch hanging from his waistcoat. He wipes some of the mud off of his trousers and puts his hands in his pockets. Looking ahead with a confident demeanour, he straightens his back, angles his feet, and poses for the camera.

This is how many of us perceive illustrious engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel – proud, intuitive, and not afraid to get a little dirty.

The resulting photograph, taken in front of the enormous chains of the SS Great Eastern, quickly dominated Brunel’s public image as a famous innovator and influential Victorian figure.

I never met his equal for sustained power of work… everything for which he was responsible he insisted upon doing for himself – BRUNEL’S ASSISTANT GEORGE CLARK, 1870 –

Since then, this image has become synonymous with Brunel and his reputation in history – children learn about him and his great inventions in school, historians celebrate his ingenuity and impact on the 19th century, and present-day engineers hail him as a great inspirer even in modern industry.

Despite his unfathomable reputation, no museum dedicated to Brunel and his legendary work has ever been built – until now. After six years in the making, the brains behind the SS Great Britain attraction – based in Bristol’s historic dockyard – have brought together the world’s most significant collection of Brunel’s possessions, designs and diaries to open ‘Being Brunel’, a new £7.2m visitor destination celebrating his life and the remarkable influence he had around the globe.

The museum features around 150 of Brunel’s personal items that have never been on public display before, as well as artefacts from the University of Bristol, the Clive Richards Brunel Collection and SS Great Britain, allowing the public to see Brunel from a more personal point of view.

Metres away from the Great Britain, arguably one of Brunel’s greatest maritime successes, visitors can now explore the different sides to Brunel that they might not have considered before, such as his family life and education, and learn more about his great industrial achievements as well as his failures.

Laid out so to mimic the famous 1851 Great Exhibition in Hyde Park, which was a celebration of global innovation and manufacturing, visitors can move through each of the six galleries dedicated to

different areas of Brunel’s life and work, examining the extraordinary items and designs on display, as well as immersing themselves in the sights, smells and sounds of the Victorian age.

As you enter, you can replicate the iconic image of Brunel in front of the SS Great Eastern – pop on a top hat, strike a pose and snap a photograph in front of some replicas of the huge chains.

Next, step into Brunel’s home in Duke Street, London, and explore the reconstruction of his lavish Shakespeare Room where he would wine and dine his guests with the hope of persuading them to invest in his seemingly madcap ideas. Visitors can admire the gilded silver given to Brunel by Great Western Railway, his opulent chandeliers, paintings of his favourite Shakespearean scenes and the original, wonderfully preserved clock he insisted everyone set their watch by, before taking part in an interactive touchscreen game where you decide which guests to invite to Brunel’s dinner party and see if you can persuade them to fund the next project.

Open the chests of drawers and see the incredible rocking horse drawing Brunel completed when he was six years old, learn about how his father, Sir Marc, influenced his interest in industry from a young age, and read Brunel’s school report from his time in France where his teachers predicted that he would go on to do great things in the future.

As soon as you walk into the following room, your attention is dominated by an enormous 3D replica of Brunel’s head – top hat, cigar and all. Built through Pinewood Studios, there is more to this giant head than you first might expect, but more on that later… ➲

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BEING | BRUNEL

Despite his insecurities, Brunel quickly became a household name and a celebrity of the Victorian age. His final project, and perhaps his most ambitious one, SS Great Eastern, caught the attention of both the media and the public. One of the most remarkable items in the museum is Brunel’s sketchbook, showing his initial ideas for this great ship. The technical drawings, the details of how the ship would move in the water, and the scribblings of numbers and notes give us a clear insight into Brunel’s creative yet mathematical mind.

Alongside these plans is that iconic photograph of Brunel, standing in front of the ship that he had dreamed one day he could build. As well as this there is a variety of very rare, colourful images of the Great Eastern, some of the souvenirs that were made to mark its launch in 1857, and even one of the ship’s funnels.

In this section visitors can learn about Brunel as a talented designer and engineer – he was appointed to the Great Western Railway at just 27 years old. You can view the designs he made to create a seamless journey from London to Bristol – he originally planned this on horseback, following the route and making notes as he went, even designing the smallest details of the railway stations along the way.

Brunel was well-known for being able to draw a perfect circle freehand and he used this trick when designing the GWR’s broad-gauge track – if he was able to travel on the track and still draw a perfect circle, then he knew the line was working efficiently. Think that sounds easy? Well, the museum has installed its very own 1830s replica of a railway carriage, so visitors can use built-in iPads and test their drawing skills while the carriage chugs along.

As well as celebrating Brunel’s achievements, the museum doesn’t shy away from his failures – equally a part of who he was – such as the South Devon Atmospheric Railway. He may have had great talent, but Brunel was known to take risks which didn’t always pay off. And while he was great at constructing a confident public image, the extracts from his diaries reveal his riling self-doubt and fears surrounding his work.

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The brains behind SS Great Britain have brought together the world’s most significant collection of Brunel’s possessions...

Brunel’s impact on the West Country still resonates with us today, and the influence he had on our local landscape and how we travel is explored in Being Brunel with a focus on the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

When a competition opened to build a bridge over the Avon Gorge in 1827, Brunel entered four designs, one of which is on display, complete with scribblings. Brunel originally envisioned an Egyptian-inspired design, and you can even see the sphinxes he planned to adorn the top of the bridge with, which were eventually never added.

The next part of the museum is an immersive experience within the giant replica of Brunel’s head, accessed via his ear canal. Yes, you read that right, through the ear canal you go! Once you’ve journeyed inside Brunel’s mind, some of the most significant moments of the engineer’s life are played out on a videoscreen ahead, allowing you to see the world from his point of view. Above, on a planetarium-styled screen,

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BEING | BRUNEL

INSIDE THE MIND OF A GENIUS: Opposite; the iconic photo of Brunel taken in front of the chains of SS Great Eastern in 1857, and the exterior of the Being Brunel museum, next door to SS Great Britain This page, top left; Brunel’s black leather cigar case containing his half-smoked final cigar and, right, children exploring the newly restored offices and chatting to the office clerk Below; Brunel’s sketchbook dating from 1852-4 featuring designs for his most ambitious and final project, the SS Great Eastern

Brunel’s thoughts and ideas swim across the ceiling as the sounds and smells of the railway fill the space. This gives you just a snapshot at how his mind might have worked, constantly swirling with ideas.

Moving from Brunel’s mental world, we go on to explore the physical sphere of his working environment in the final section of the museum. Brunel’s office on Duke Street in London has been recreated from scratch using a charming watercolour painting by his niece, as a place where visitors can snoop around his working space, pick up replicas of his plans, sit at his desk and even chat to the office clerk.

The Grade II listed Great Western Steamship Company’s Bristol office has also been restored back to how it would have been in 1843, where Brunel and his team worked painstakingly to design the SS Great Britain and revolutionise maritime engineering. As visitors explore the rooms where this eminent ship was designed, they will be surrounded by the chatting and excited whispers of Brunel’s staff on a soundscape as they discuss the innovative notion of using propellers rather than paddles on the iron ship.

Brunel discovered a great advantage of using propellers to stabilise the ship even in rough conditions and drive it

forward, yet he needed the backing of his investors to take this chance. Head downstairs to witness the board meeting where Brunel was able to persuade his stakeholders to agree to his new design, and consequently change maritime travel forever.

Behind the cigar smoke and top hat, Being Brunel reveals the multitude of sides to a Victorian figurehead who changed the way the world works, and allows us into the extraordinary mind (quite literally at one point) of one of the greatest engineers in history. And how many people can honestly say that they’ve walked through the ear canal of Isambard Kingdom Brunel? n Admission to SS Great Britain includes entry into Being Brunel and the Dockyard Museum, meaning there’s now much more to explore. There’s also a new café and facilities, so you can really make a day out of it. Plus, tickets include unlimited revisits for 12 months, so you can go back time and time again. Tickets £16.50 adults, child and family tickets available.

• ssgreatbritain.org

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LOCAL | EVENTS

WHAT’S ON

Image: Richard Hubert Smith

Welsh National Opera’s La Forza del Destino at Bristol Hippodrome

Fresh: Art Fair at Cheltenham Racecourse

Clevedon’s Sunday Market First Sunday of every month, April – September, the Hill and Sea area of Clevedon Somerset has a long-standing reputation for its brilliant artisanal markets. The new one to watch is Clevedon Sunday Market, which was started by local volunteers two years ago.

With more than 40 stallholders and an easygoing seaside vibe, it’s worth making a special trip for. Arrive early to nibble on delicate salted caramel meringues from Weston-superMare bakers, Mayringues, or snap-up coconut milk and lavender bath dust from Bristol beauty purveyors, Lolly and Moo; theclevedonsundaymarket.co.uk Cabbages, Kale and Us Throughout April, The Greenhouse at We The Curious Get to know the brassica family. Explore their differences and discover how humans have changed the food that we eat over time. You’ll be able to handle, examine and dissect a range of brassicas (cabbage, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, sprouts, kohlrabi) to find out their similarities and differences. Drop-in sessions throughout the day, free with standard admission; wethecurious.org The Cherry Orchard On until Saturday 7 April, times vary, Bristol Old Vic The tide of change is coming. Madam Ranyevskaya’s liberal world of privilege and pleasure is beginning to show cracks, but she and her family live on in denial. Chekhov’s final masterpiece is full of wild humour and piercing sadness in this fresh, funny and honest new translation by award-winning playwright Rory Mullarkey. It maps the tensions between the desperate longing to hold on to what is familiar and the restless lure of the new. Tickets £35.50 – £7.50. Tel: 0117 987 7877 or visit: bristololdvic.org.uk 30 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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Welsh National Opera: Tosca, Don Giovanni, La Forza del Destino Wednesday 11 – Saturday 14 April, times vary, Bristol Hippodrome Welsh National Opera’s spring season features a feast of Italian operas from three of the greatest composers. The season, entitled Rabble Rousers, will feature a new production of Verdi’s La Forza del Destino alongside revivals of Puccini’s Tosca and Mozart’s Don Giovanni. Tickets from £14.90; atgtickets.com/bristol The Hobby and Needlecraft Show Thursday 12 – Saturday 14 April, 10am – 5pm, Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet More than 150 leading craft supply businesses, groups and guilds will be on show, with over 50 workshops, demonstrations, make-and-takes, plus children’s workshops.

Find restaurants, cafés, free car parking and free shuttle bus service. £9, £8 cons, under 16s free. For advance tickets, tel: 0345 3040222.

Save £2 on all door tickets when purchased in advance; craft4crafters.co.uk Drag On by James Morgan Thursday 12 and Friday 13 April, 8pm, The Wardrobe Theatre, Bristol Drag On is a loving, fire-breathing exploration of queer identity, fantasy and myth. Queer dance artist, James Morgan, brings his hour-long dance, theatre and drag show to Bristol, sharing his reptilian alter ego’s witty and thought-provoking stories about drag, monstrosity and the end of the world – with experimental dance and fierce lip-syncing to Nicki Minaj, Marilyn Manson and Cher. Tickets £10. Tel: 0117 902 0344; thewardrobetheatre.co.uk Bastille Friday 13 April, 7pm, Colston Hall Indie-pop heavyweights Bastille have surfed a

wave of international success since their 2014 breakthrough. Returning to Colston Hall, they will perform reworkings of their acclaimed number-one albums Wild World and Bad Blood with an orchestra and choir for what is guaranteed to be a beautiful reorchestration of some of their finest pop anthems.

Tickets £43; colstonhall.org Bristol Cabot Choir Easter Concert Saturday 14 April, 7.45pm, Clifton Cathedral Bristol Cabot Choir will be performing the melodious and tranquil Requiem by Gabriel Fauré and the magnificent Motet Jesu meine Freude by J S Bach. Conducted by Rebecca Holdeman, with Matthew Clark (baritone), Ffion Edwards (soprano), Claire Alsop (organ) and Chamber Orchestra. Supporting Bristol Off the Record. Tickets £15 – £5, available from Opus 13. Tel: 0117 9230164 / 0117 9626521; opus13.co.uk The Square Sunday 15 April, 7.30pm, Curzon Cinema and Arts, Clevedon Curzon Cinema is hosting a special evening screen of 2017’s Palme D’Or Winner, The Square. Award-winning Elizabeth Moss and Dominic West star with Claes Bang in this Oscar-nominated surreal satire on the middleclasses. £7.40, £6 cons; curzon.org.uk The Appetite Doctor Tuesday 17 April – Tuesday 5 June, 6.15pm, Litfield House Medical Centre, 1 Litfield Place, Clifton This eight-week course is for anybody who wants to lose weight permanently by learning to eat differently. Dr Helen McCarthy’s appetite retraining group teaches you how to use your body’s natural hunger and fullness signals to guide your eating, while still eating all your favourite foods. £320 for full course.

Visit: bit.ly/2CwQCv2

Image: Matt Crockett

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EDITOR’S PICK...

TUESDAY 17 – SATURDAY 28 APRIL, TIMES VARY, BRISTOL HIPPODROME

THE BAND: Take That’s New Musical Written by award-winning Tim Firth, The Band is a lovely story for anyone who grew up with a boyband whose songs became the soundtrack to their lives. For five 16-year-old girls in 1992, the band is everything. 25 years on, we are reunited with this group of friends as they try to fulfil their dream of meeting their heroes. Featuring the music of Take That, quite possibly Britain’s most successful boyband of all time, whose songs include Back For Good and A Million Love Songs, and starring the winners from the BBC’s Let it Shine, Five to Five. The Band is now the fastest selling musical theatre tour of all time. This is a great opportunity to see the production before it heads to the West End. • atgtickets.com/bristol

After Hours: Time Thursday 19 April, 6.30pm – 10pm, We The Curious Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock – don’t be late! For this after hours event, you can reflect on how we experience the passage of time, with a whole heap of fun, hands-on activities. Experience the science centre after the kids have all gone home, with music, bars and food available and a chance to see the latest seasonal stargazing show in the 3D planetarium. £8.95 adults, £7.95 cons; wethecurious.org Adult Workshop: Is There Anybody Out There?

Friday 20 April, 10am – 3.30pm, We The Curious Alien life must surely be out there. Find out how we detect ‘exoplanets’, how we find out if they could support life and consider what that life might look like anyway. Includes two planetarium shows. You’ll also use spectroscopes to analyse light sources and decide whether a planet’s atmosphere is habitable, before considering what aliens might be like and how we might communicate with them.

Age 16+, £19.50 per person. Tel: 0117 9157777; wethecurious.org Grumpy Old Women Friday 20 April, 7.30pm, Colston Hall The grumps are back with a new and no-holds-barred take on modern life. Perrier Award-winning comedian and writer Jenny Eclair is joined by Dillie Keane (Fascinating Aida) and stand-up Lizzie Roper for a night of glorious grumpiness and “growing old disgracefully” (Guardian). 16 years+. Tickets £24.19 – £26.88; colstonhall.org Continued on page 32

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LOCAL | EVENTS

The Square at Curzon Cinema

Kirsty Bushell and Jude Owusu in The Cherry Orchard at Bristol Old Vic

Come & Sing Handel’s Messiah Saturday 21 April, 10am – 4pm, Tyndale Baptist Church, Whiteladies Road Join members of the Bristol Choral Society for a great Messiah experience. The day will be led by the society’s musical director Hilary Campbell, who is renowned for her interpretation of major choral works. Some prior knowledge of the work is essential. £15, £7.50 cons, includes score hire and refreshments. To book, email comeandsing@bristolchoral.co.uk or call Sarah on 0117 962 3223.

Bristol Phoenix Choir and Orchestra Saturday 21 April, 7.30pm, St George’s Bristol Bristol Phoenix Choir and Orchestra’s next concert features Handel’s Birthday Ode to Queen Anne, Mozart’s Solemn Vespers, and Haydn’s ‘Creation’ Mass. Conducted by Paul Walton, with soprano Jessica Cale, alto Jenna Brown, tenor Iain Macleod-Jones, and bass Alexander Learmonth. Tickets £15 – £10, under 16s free with an adult. Available from St George’s Box Office: 0845 4024 001; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk; bristolphoenixchoir.org.uk Bristol Holistic Festival Saturday 21 – Sunday 22 April, 10am – 5pm, M Shed This festival will bring together 90 stands featuring inspiring arts and crafts, music to relax to, essential oils and essences, fairtrade goods, health and beauty products, jewellery, clothing, self-help books and more. There will also be therapies to try and advice on how to improve health and wellbeing. In addition there will be a programme of talks, workshops and demonstrations. £10 entry daily, under 14s free. Tel: 01736 366579; bristolholisticfestival.com Insight Ensemble: The Dawn of Time Saturday 21 – Sunday 22 April, times vary, Loco Klub Tunnels From the grandeur of the creation of the Earth out of chaos, through tectonic shifts and elemental storms, to the rule of the dinosaurs and first footsteps of primitive man. With the

full symphony orchestra, Bristol-based orchestra and artistic collective Insight Ensemble will perform alongside dance, pyrotechnics, newly-created experimental instruments and the spoken word. In collaboration with Invisible Circus and many talented artists of Bristol. Embracing the theme in costume is encouraged.

Tickets £8 – £18; headfirstbristol.co.uk; insightensemble.co.uk Half Breed Thursday 26 – Friday 27 April, times vary, Bristol Old Vic “I am that mixed raced kid, like 50/50, on the fence…” Jazmin feels different. She doesn’t want to stay in the village. She doesn’t want to have a baby. She doesn’t want to laugh at racist jokes in the local pub. She’s got to get out. Half Breed is Natasha Marshall’s semiautobiographical dark comedy about finding your voice, fighting for what you want and being fearless in who you are. £16. Tel: 0117 987 7877; bristololdvic.org.uk Fresh: Art Fair Friday 27 – Sunday 29 April, opening times vary, Cheltenham Racecourse With 46 galleries, 400 artists and 5,000 works of art on display, art lovers won’t want to miss this contemporary art fair. There will be a broad spectrum of art on offer to suit all tastes and budgets, with work from emerging artists to Royal Academicians. There will be original paintings, prints and sculptures from £100 to £50,000. Tickets £6 per person onthe-door and only £8 for two when you buy online. Tickets are valid for the whole weekend, so return as often as you like.

Tel: 01242 224734; freshartfair.net Bristol Ensemble: Notes for Women Saturday 28 April, 7.30pm, St George’s Bristol A concert showcasing music by women composers before 1800, featuring the medieval abbess Hildegard of Bingen, songs by the mid-17th century Venetian Barbara Strozzi, and Maddalena Laura Sirmen’s Third Violin Concerto. Tickets £20/£15/£12.

Tel: 0845 4024 001; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

BalletBoyz: Fourteen Days Monday 30 April, 7.30pm, Bristol Old Vic Celebrated across the world for their impressive performances, BalletBoyz are back with Fourteen Days – uniting choreographers Javier de Frutos, Craig Revel Horwood, Iván Pérez and Christopher Wheeldon with composers Scott Walker, Joby Talbot, Charlotte Harding and Keaton Henson for an exciting and varied programme of dance and music. £24 – £16; bristololdvic.org.uk

NEXT MONTH Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra: Into the Light Thursday 3 May, 7.30pm, Colston Hall BSO will perform Haydn’s Military Symphony and Beethoven’s popular Fifth Symphony, with guest soloist Sunwook Kim, former BSO artist-in-residence, performing Beethoven’s Second Piano Concerto. £30 – £8.50; colstonhall.org Exultate Singers: Immortal Fire Saturday 5 May, 7.30pm, St James Priory Exultate Singers gives the premiere of the Bristol-based composer Raymond Warren’s Cello Requiem alongside Tippett’s Five Spirituals from A Child of Our Time and Britten’s Hymn to St Cecilia. Tickets £15/£10.

Tel: Opus 13 music shop: 0117 923 0164; exultatesingers.org Pata Negra’s Bank Holiday Fiesta Brunch Sunday 6 and Sunday 27 May, 12 – 4pm, Pata Negra, Corn Street, Bristol Bank Holidays are the perfect excuse for a boozy brunch, so wine and tapas bar Pata Negra will be celebrating the holidays with bottomless cava, a delicious tapas brunch and tropical-inspired beats from Club Djembe.

Tickets £25. To book, tel: 0117 9276762 or visit: patanegrabristol.com Learn to Stitch Sunday 13 May, 10am – 4pm, Royal School of Needlework, Britannia Road, Kingswood, Bristol The Royal School of Needlework is the international centre of excellence for the art of Continued on page 34

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Drag On at The Wardrobe Theatre

hand embroidery. It is holding an open day at its Bristol school where visitors will be able to explore the beautiful hand embroideries on display created by RSN students and find out more about the courses on offer. There will also be demonstrations and the RSN Bristol tutors will be on hand to answer questions. Entrance is free; royalneedlework.org.uk Miss Saigon Wednesday 16 May – Saturday 23 June, times vary, Bristol Hippodrome Cameron Mackintosh’s multi award-winning musical is coming to Bristol. In the last days of the Vietnam War, 17 year-old Kim is forced to work in a Saigon bar run by a notorious character known as The Engineer. There she meets and falls in love with an American GI named Chris but they are torn apart by the fall of Saigon. For three years Kim goes on an epic journey of survival to find her way back to Chris, who has no idea he’s fathered a son; atgtickets.com/bristol Interior Design Masterclass Saturday 19 May, 10am – 4.30pm, Harvey Nichols, Quaker Friars Struggling to find ideas for your interior project, or overwhelmed by choice? Join a small group for a hands-on workshop where you will learn about interior design and styling. Whether you are planning for a real project or just want to dip a toe into the world of interiors, it’ll be a fun day out that will equip you with a process to follow, so you can create cohesive design schemes with confidence. Materials provided, no experience necessary. Tickets £100 (early-bird offer, includes a three course lunch); zoehewettinteriors.co.uk Reef, The Wildhearts and Terrorvision Friday 25 May, 5 – 11pm, Motion The return of the Glastonbury-based rockers Reef, fronted by Gary Stringer, who first found fame in the mid ’90s. The Wildhearts, from Newcastle, mix hard rock and melodic pop, while Terrorvision are a rock band based in Bradford. Age 14+. £33.93; motionbristol.com

PLANNING AHEAD Forest Live Thursday 14 – Sunday 17 June, Westonbirt Arboretum The popular outdoor concert season is back with a programme of artists that will surely get your toes tapping. Selling more than 29 million records worldwide and with four UK number-one albums, Irish three-piece The Script will be kicking off the event on Thursday. Paul Heaton, one of the UK’s most successful songwriters, and Jacqui Abbott will take to the stage on Friday as a duo; BRIT-nominated soloist Paloma Faith will perform on Saturday; and George Ezra is scheduled for the Sunday. For tickets, tel: 03000 680400; forestry.gov.uk Skyline Series Various dates from Friday 22 June – Sunday 9 September, St Philip’s Gate, Bristol The open-air concert Skyline Series will feature a programme of great musical acts throughout the summer including UB40 in June, Bananarama in July, James Arthur and Texas with Imelda May in August, and Garbage in September. Post-punk band The The will be concluding the series on 9 September. For the full programme and tickets: seetickets.com/tour/skyline-series n 34 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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CLASSICAL RECORDS WANTED Top prices paid for clean Classical Music vinyl LPs (Beethoven, Mozart etc.) from the 1950s onwards.

Labels include Columbia SAX, HMV ASD and Decca SXL. CD collections and vintage hi-fi equipment also of interest.

Call Tim: 07502 331438 or Adam: 07738 772381 or email: adam@viva-tonal.com

Saturday April 28th to Saturday May 12th 2018 Open every day from 10am – 4.45pm.

The Red Lodge, Park Row, Bristol.

Entrance in Lodge Street.

Entrance Free. www.bristol-savages.org info@bristol-savages.org

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EXHIBITIONS

STATE OF THE ART Tribe, Fox Talbot Museum at Lacock, until 20 May The first of three exhibitions celebrating the work of women photographers is being held at the Fox Talbot Museum.

2018 is the centenary of women’s suffrage and the National Trust is celebrating it with events with the theme of women and power.

Lori Vrba, a North Carolina-based photographer and curator, has created an exhibition in a range of styles and techniques that reflect photography as it is being practiced today. “Our work is feminine without apology,” she explained. “We are drawn to that romantic notion of story-telling, memory, nostalgia, the natural world and family.

As artists, we come together within our medium for inspiration, collaboration, postulation, and celebration.

“This connection provides a deep well of power that we as makers are strengthened and sustained by. It is our commitment to Tribe that not only elevates the work itself but keeps us moving to the lunar rhythms of a passionate and sensitive creative life.”

Blindfold by Lori Vrba

Spring show, Coldharbour Framery & Gallery, until 30 April

Bluebell Woods by Jenny Urquhart

Spring is here, and perhaps no more so than in this gallery: wild flowers are everywhere, from the carpet of bluebells in Jenny Urquhart’s latest woodlands painting to a selection of delicate porcelain vases by ceramicist Kate Evans, perfect for seasonal flower posies. Brightly coloured birds feature in original prints by local artist Sarah Cowper, as well as in Alice Gare’s decorative ceramics, while sculptor Christine Baxter makes a timely return with more of her iron resin and cast stone pieces for the garden.

• coldharbourgallery.co.uk

Susie Ramsay: Rooftops & Archways, The Vestibules, 10 – 13 April Bristol-based fine artist Susie Ramsay presents her latest collection of paintings focusing on city landscapes including Arnos Vale Cemetery, Colston Street, Bird Cage Walk, Hotwells and Cliftonwood. Building upon her ‘Streets, Lanes and Skylines’ (2016) exhibition, Susie captures the city’s viewpoints and hidden corners. Contrasting rooftops against the sky, warehouses lining the Harbourside, churches and alleyways, each painting provides a fresh perspective of the city.

Cliftonwood by Susie Ramsay

• susie-ramsay-artist.com

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• nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock

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EXHIBITIONS

Fresh: Art Fair, Cheltenham Racecourse, 27 – 29 April Having established itself as a key player in the provincial art fair calendar with its inaugural event last year, the April 2018 Fresh Art Fair – run by a father-daughter team – promises to push the bar still higher. Nearly 4,500 art lovers flocked to Cheltenham Racecourse in 2017 to see 46 leading UK galleries show 5,000 works by 400 artists. A total of 378 paintings and sculptures were purchased by visitors over the weekend, including work by such celebrated figures as Sir Peter Blake and Damien Hirst. This year, see Bristol galleries First Contemporary, Gala Fine Art, Clifton Fine Art and Lime Tree Gallery exhibiting, as well as a new, dedicated outdoor sculpture park showing some 70 large outdoor pieces by 15 artists. Once again there will be painters and sculptors working live for visitors to watch and quiz, plus a programme of talks by art experts.

Fine art auctioneers Bonhams will return to advise visitors on selling their old art – bring a photograph and background information about any pre-contemporary work you might like to sell; while Arts Council-supported Own Art will also be on site to help with making art-owning easy and affordable.

Togetherness by Alexei Bazanov (Paragon Gallery)

• freshartfair.net

Sawdust and Sequins: The Art of the Circus, RWA, 24 March – 3 June To celebrate 250 years of circus, this exhibition pays homage to ‘the greatest show on Earth’. See historic and contemporary art inspired by the magic, thrills and spills of the Big Top. Bristol once had six permanent circuses and today is home to more companies than any other UK city – a hub for ground-breaking, contemporary performance. Since it began, circus has become a worldwide phenomenon and rich source of inspiration for artists. From historical depictions of familiar circus scenes to contemporary works exploring the glamour and grit, Sequins and Sawdust surveys the complex, compelling nature of circus and why it still captures imaginations. Enjoy works by Peter Blake, PJ Crook and Simon Quadrat as well as new commissions by Sadie Tierney and Susie Hamilton. The show will include historic works by Dame Laura Knight, Edward Seago, Walter Sickert and Thérèse Lessore plus Peter Lavery’s intimate, tell-all portraits.

Clowns’ Dressing Room by Henry Hoyland © Royal Academy of Arts

Naomi by Cara Romero

• rwa.org.uk

● Cara Romero, Rainmaker Gallery, until 31 May This spring exhibition presents recent works by fine art photographer Cara Romero. Raised on the Chemehuevi Valley Indian reservation in the heart of the Mojave Desert, Romero is a born visual storyteller with a unique ability to illuminate and communicate subtle and complex perspectives on contemporary Indigenous life. Cara Romero invites us to marvel at the beauty, colours and textures of her worldview and to understand the challenges that face Indigenous communities across the continent. Through intimate portraits and playful images, this exhibition offers an authentic view of Indigenous identities, cultures and landscapes by one of the most exciting contemporary Native artists of our time.

• rainmakerart.co.uk ● Maps of Bristol, Sky Blue Framing & Gallery, from 2 April A new exhibition of old and contemporary maps of Bristol and the surrounding area. The show will run into the summer, with the star the Braun and Hoggenburg map of ‘Brightstowe’ from Cities of the World, published in 1581 – recently launched as a collectors’ edition print by Sky Blue Gallery. Alongside this will be classic ordnance survey maps of Bristol and the Severn Estuary from the 1930s to the present day, and for those with more contemporary taste, a range of brightly coloured European and world maps for the modern traveller. The show offers insight into how the world around us has been recorded and represented in graphic formulas that allow us to find our way around.

• skybluegallery.co.uk Braun and Hoggenburg map

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We don’t just sell Fine Art...

Pierre Le Faguays Bronze

Black Forest Noah's Ark

Ladies Rolex ref: 69038

Alfa Romeo 1300 GT Junior

£5,950

£2,480

£5,950

£17,950

Clevedon Salerooms March Specialist Sale recorded many impressive results. A 1969 Alfa Romeo that was last driven 25 years ago set pulses racing with bidders as far afield as Vietnam interested in securing the car.

If you have items that you may be thinking of selling, why not attend one of the Salerooms Free Valuation days (dates below) or alternately email images of items you may be thinking of selling to info@csrauctions.com.

For more information or to speak to a Valuer for free & Friendly advice contact the Salerooms on 01934 830111.

Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers

Free Valuation Days

The Auction Centre Kenn Road, Kenn Clevedon, BS21 6TT

9th, 10th & 23rd, 24th April At the Salerooms 9.30-1pm & 2pm - 5pm --------------------------------------------------

Tel: 01934 830111

Every lot in every sale illustrated and sold with live internet bidding

www.clevedon-salerooms.com

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TELEVISION

Fiona would watch the show on Sunday nights with her parents as a child – never dreaming she’d land the job of presenting it some day

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TELEVISION

THE HUNT IS ON Antiques Roadshow is visiting palaces, piers and plazas as it tours the UK this spring – and also heading for Bristol’s fascinating new aviation attraction next month. Fiona Bruce shares some of her favourite moments from her time on the show so far

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ust off the family heirlooms and dig out the car-boot bargains because BBC One is bringing one of its most popular, long-running shows to the home of Concorde Alpha Foxtrot – the last Concorde to be made and to fly – on 17 May, where it’ll film the show, dish out free advice and valuations and help visitors discover the hidden history of their special objects.

Last year, the programme celebrated four decades on the road, with fab finds including the most valuable Fabergé piece ever seen on the programme, a correction to Darwin’s theory of evolu tion by the man himself and one of the best collections of showbusiness memorabilia seen by the show’s team – for many of whom the Aerospace Bristol show will be a hometown gig. We caught up with presenter Fiona Bruce – now in her 11th year with the show – ahead of filming day...

How is it, working on the show; were you a fan before presenting it?

Fiona: I used to watch it as a child when I lived at home. I would sit with my parents on Sunday nights and we’d watch it together, we enjoyed it very much. I came back to it when I had my own home and was a regular viewer before I got the dream job of presenting it. If you work in television, to find yourself on a programme that the nation has taken to its heart it is a rare privilege. Antiques Roadshow is a star in the BBC’s firmament and I count myself very l ucky to be part of it.

What do you enjoy about the day of the recording?

I’m not an antiques expert so I don’t value items on the day but I do know what items make a good story and how to tell it. So much of what you see is about the story behind the item and the story of the owner – our dream combination is great story, great owner, and great value. We are never short of people who bring along things th at may not necessarily have great monetary value but tell a story that can be incredibly poignant, very amusing or reveal something about ourselves or history that we may not have thought of before; I enjoy that part of the roadshow enormously. Some of the most moving stories stick in my mind, many I will never forget, such as the man who brought along a set of GI medals from the Second World War. His s tory began with his finding a cache of love letters written to his mother by an American GI who had had an affair with her while his father was away serving in the Second World War. The letters revealed that his mother had had a baby with this man and it became apparent to him that he was that child. As you can imagine, it was a huge shock and very distressing. Everything he had known and believed about his childhood turned out to be based on a lie. As his parents had died recently, he couldn’t ask them about it and his aunt told him she was sworn to secrecy. He tracked down the GI’s family in Virginia who welcomed him with open arms and filled in the gaps. They told him that his father had agreed to forgive the infidelity and bring the baby up as his own – and indeed loved him as such all his life – and the American GI decided reluctantly to stay away so as not to make a delicate situation even more difficult. The GI’s descendants knew all about the baby being brought up in Britain and were thrilled to meet him at last. It was a very moving experience for all of them.

The man came to the roadshow with his American GI father’s war medals, which the family had decided should go to his newly discovered son. As the man told me this story he was moved to tears – and who can blame him?

Does it surprise you that people still have treasures they know nothing about?

You’d think that after 40 years of Antiques Roadshow that somehow people would run out of things to show us, run out of things to tell us but I’m happy to report that is not the case! Thousands of people come along and we still find the most remarka ble objects. We never know what is going to turn up and that is the great joy of the programme and we will see everybody who comes along. It is amazing that there are wonderful items still out there and that the show has not unearthed everything there is to unearth is really quite surprising.

People still bring along things that are just extraordinary and it’s a great pleasure so see them and hear their story.

What filming venues have stood out for you?

I’ve been so lucky to go to some of the most wonderful places in the UK. Last year for out 40th anniversary series we visited Castle Howard, which I’ve always wanted to see and it was just as fabulous as I thought it would be. It had the finest collection of paintings, Old Masters, Chippendale pieces, Roman statues – the top trumps of antiques. A few ye ars back I also loved going to Bletchley Park where secret code-breaking took place during the Second World War using, among other things, the German enigma machine. At the time, the buildings were pretty run down, rather unloved and little changed since the war – but it was hugely atmospheric. Since then, it’s been given funding and is now open to the public. Another favourite was Hopetoun House just ou tside Edinburgh. Part of the filming involved going to the top of the nearby Forth Bridge in a high wind. I’m not sure all the crew enjoyed it, but I certainly did!

You’ve been known to help out on reception on valuation days – what’s the oddest thing that you’ve seen brought along?

I always help out on reception, as it’s great fun. It’s the first chance I get to see what our visitors have brought along and to hear their stories. You never know what will turn up. One year a man brought an attaché case and plonked it down on our reception table. I thought it might contain some exciting documents or letters of historical importance – but no. Inside was his collection of loo chains. When I asked him why on earth he would want to collect them, he said he really enjoyed watching the programme, thought he sh ould start a collection of his own, wanted to it to be out of the ordinary, and loo chains were cheap!

What have been your highlights from the past decade?

Seeing a bible given to Anne Boleyn by Henry VIII, with his secret messages to her inside, and a Picasso sketch. The then-unrecognised Van Dyck portrait that I spotted (I happened to be making a programme about the artist at the time). Margot Fonteyn’s make-up case brought along to a roadshow by Darcey Bussell. Gold coins sewn into coat buttons by a Jewish mother for her daughter to help her escape the Nazis in Austria. There are so many highlights, I could go on and on... ■

• If you’d like to see how one of BBC One’s most popular programmes is made and see what cherished objects emerge from the attic as part of a free family day out, you can just tu rn up on the day or share stories about special items on the Antiques Roadshow website. Twitter: @BBC_ARoadshow

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HISTORIC | BRISTOL

MR & MRS SMYTH Historian Catherine Pitt explores some of the history of Ashton Court Estate – and the stories and scandals of those who lived there

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ristolians know Ashton Court for its acres of rolling countryside, paths and bike trails – perfect for a Sunday stroll, picnics and, of course, the famous festivals. Just two miles outside of the city centre, it straddles two boundaries – North Somerset and Bristol – and the seven miles of high walls and majestic gatehouses that surround the land still lend an air of mystery to what lies beyond.

Probably relatively few Bristolians have explored inside this quirky mansion. The Grade I property is, both inside and outside, an architectural puzzle. Centuries of development have seen the house rebuilt, partly demolished, clad, added to and re-invented.

Past architects such as Benjamin Ferry and Charles E Davis have often simply grafted parts on for the incumbent owner. As a result, the Court lends itself to secret passageways, hidden rooms and a labyrinthine appearance.

The original manor house can be traced to the sixth century; the current Great Hall is said to match the exact dimensions of the Saxon Hall. The manor may be even older than this however, for in one doorway is part of a Roman mosaic, presumably from a villa that stood on this very site.

Long Ashton Estate and the manor are mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. The settlement of Estune, as it was known, was shared between three landowners, the chief of which was Bishop Geoffrey of Coutances. By the 13th century the manor had been acquired by another Norman, Thomas de Lyon, who 46 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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rebuilt the property in 1290. In 1392 the Lyons were granted a royal licence to enclose their lands and create a deer park, which still exists to this day.

Ashton Court passed through a number of nobles’ hands before being sold in 1545 to John Smyth, a Bristol merchant who exported wheat, cloth, leather and lead to Spain and France and imported slaves, sugar and tobacco. He twice became lord mayor of Bristol.

Despite owning the vast Ashton estate, John preferred to remain at his Small Street property. The survival of Smyth’s ships ledger from the 16th century, as well as family letters from the preceeding centuries, gives us a rare picture of one of the important English aristocratic families over a number of centuries.

For 400 years the Smyth family held onto the estate through marriages and manoeuvring, despite the direct bloodline running out three times. A useful caveat to the estate deeds was that the heir must take on the name Smyth if he didn’t already have the name.

The final inhabitant of Ashton Court, Esme Smyth (1863-1946) was christened Esme Edwards, the illegitimate child of Sir Greville (18361901) and Lady Emily (1835-1914) while Emily was married to her first husband. On becoming heir, Esme promptly changed her name to Smyth, much to the chagrin of her husband Gilbert Irby.

The Smyth family wealth came not only from enterprise and the purchase of land, in this country and abroad; but also from careful marriage arrangements. By the time of Sir Greville’s majority in 1857, the annual income from the estate was £27,000 (over £1.5million today).

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HISTORIC | BRISTOL It cannot be ignored that the Smyth family’s wealth, as with many rich families of the 18th and 19th centuries, came from the exploitation and suffering of others. The marriage in 1757 of Sir John Hugh Smyth (1734-1802) to Elizabeth Woolnough (1742-1825) brought a vast dowry including Spring Plantation in Jamaica. In 1748 Jarritt Smyth (1692-1783) opened up a series of coal mines in Bedminster and North Somerset, for which eight pence (around £4 today) from every ton of coal mined by local men and boys went into the Smyth’s coffers.

As with many great houses, Ashton Court was no exception to visits by royalty over the centuries, but it was an inauspicious start.

Sir Hugh had such a reputation for cruel and unreasonable behaviour towards his servants and tenants that the opportunity to host Queen Elizabeth I on her visit to Bristol in 1574 passed him by.

In the early 17th century the Smyths did, however, entertain Queen Anne of Denmark on her visit to the city and in 1663 a gift by Sir Hugh (1632-1680) to King Charles II and his queen, who were partaking of the waters in nearby Bath, led to the king riding over to the estate to thank him in person.

Sometimes royal relations were closer than expected. In the 1840s the Prince of Wales, future King Edward VII, would visit Ashton Court for the shooting. There was a rumour that it wasn’t just pheasant that the Prince was bagging in Sir Greville and Lady Emily’s home, however this has never been substantiated.

Most of the interior of Ashton Court was sold off in the 1947 Great Sale, so it needs imagination to envisage its glory days. Sir Greville had converted the stable block into his own private museum with his souvenirs and animals of his travels, with a bungalow built on the estate to house the overflow (now the Redwood Hotel and Country Club). It was Sir Greville’s vast collection, including rare, extinct auk eggs, that was donated in 1910 by his widow to Bristol Museum. Alas the bombings of 1941 destroyed most of it.

The family’s passion for the countryside, and the size of their estate, made the Smyth’s the perfect hosts of the West of England agricultural shows. In 1936 Ashton Court was chosen to be the site of The Royal Agricultural Show which was attended by the then Duke and Duchess of York, the future King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.

Despite such conspicuous displays of wealth there is still rumour that treasure is buried upon the Ashton Court Estate. Apparently, at the beginning of the English Civil War, Thomas Smyth (1609-1642) requested his steward to bury the family silver on the estate. Both Thomas and the steward died before the location of this treasure could be disclosed and no silver has ever been found. The hunt for family wealth continued in the early 20th century when Esme Smyth (1863-1946) desecrated the family vault at Ashton Church, prising open her ancestors’ coffins in the hope of finding a valuable bejewelled gold ring.

As befits any English aristocratic family, eccentrics abounded in the Smyths. Sir John Hugh’s wife Elizabeth revelled in gambling and hunting and took a perverse delight in doing the exact opposite of what her physician advised. Sir John (1659-1726) was considered a dull man and a hypochondriac – his daughters referred to Ashton Court as “the nunnery”. Another eccentric was the insolent and badly behaved Sir Hugh (1792-1824). He played practical jokes such as dropping a fake stag beetle down the bodice of his organist Miss Emmins.

One of the most scandalous court cases that rocked Victorian England, and was said to have been the inspiration for Charles Dickens’ Jarndyce v Jarndyce court case in his novel Bleak House (1852-3), was that of Smyth vs Smyth (1853).

On the death of Sir Hugh and his brother Sir John (1776-1849) the estate passed to Greville Upton (later Smyth), a great nephew of Hugh and John. Greville was a minor so the estate was put under stewardship.

In 1852 two men arrived at Ashton Court, one a solicitor and the other a man who claimed he was the rightful heir, Sir Richard Smyth – an illegitimate son of Sir Hugh. This impertinent imposter greeted the steward, Arthur Way, with the words: “I wish you to discharge the household…and I request you will hand me the keys to the mansion. But you need not hurry sir, I will allow you two hours to take your departure.”

The two men found themselves promptly manhandled out of the house by the servants, but ‘Sir Richard’ was not deterred. He set up home not far from Ashton Court at St Vincent’s Priory in Clifton and proceeded to approach tenants of the estate, instructing them to pay him the rates and not Greville.

In August 1853 the case of Smyth vs Smyth came to Gloucester Assizes. The courtroom was packed and under cross-questioning, Sir Richard’s case crumbled as he was revealed to be none other than a horse thief called Thomas Provis. Even after his unmasking, Provis still insisted he was a Smyth, declaring that he had the family trait of a pigtail to prove it. This wig was unceremoniously plucked from his head as he was taken away, and said to have taken pride of place in Sir Greville’s museum.

Ashton Court was never quite the same family home after the First and Second World Wars. In 1917 Esme gave the estate over to the Red Cross with £1,200 to help convert it to a hospital for convalescent officers, one of whom was the writer C.S Lewis. Post1918 the building continued as a hospital and once the last patient was gone the Ministry of Pensions resided there until 1923.

During the Second World War, Esme chose to remain on the estate despite the risk and kept a loaded revolver on her work table as a precaution. Ashton Court was first a transit camp for troops from the Midlands on their way to France. The heavily wooded estate offered perfect camouflage for military vehicles and equipment prior to the D-Day invasions of 1944. As Ashton Court was on the flight path to Filton aerodrome, barrage balloons were put up and a gun was positioned in the grounds. As the bombs fell on Bristol, Esme enjoyed hosting the American GIs who were stationed at the Court and arranged weekly dances in the Long Gallery to which she would be wheeled along so she could watch.

The final days of the Court as the Smyth family home were sad ones. The building was already falling into wrack and ruin, and Esme became a Miss Havisham type of figure. She saw out her final days in an ever-shrinking series of rooms with just a skeleton staff and her pampered pooches for company. Her daughter and heir Sylvia (19011959) had by this point been disowned over disagreements over the running of the estate.

After Esme’s death in 1946, the huge death duties and spiralling maintenance costs forced Sylvia’s son and Ashton Court’s heir Greville Adrian to sell it. Luckily for Bristol it wasn’t demolished as so many country houses were at that time, but purchased by Bristol City Council in 1959.

Today Ashton Court is a Grade I listed property of national importance, within a Grade II listed historic park and gardens.

However, with English Heritage recognising it as being in “slow decay” and its closure as an events venue, its future hangs in the balance... ■ In 1392 the Lyons were granted a royal license to enclose their land and create the deer park that still exists today (image from Bristol City Council)

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FOOD & Drink

TASTY TITBITS FROM THE CITY’S RESTAURANTS, CHEFS AND PRODUCERS More signposting is needed in restaurants to help diners make sustainable choices

JOIN THE TEAVOLUTION A new bubble tea store has opened on Queens Road in Bristol, offering a variety of milk and fruit teas and create-your-own brews; as well as coffee varieties and a range of bubble tea cocktails featuring Malibu, Kahlúa, Absolut and Beefeater Gin. Founded in 2011 in trend-setting Soho, Bubbleology uses organic tea leaves and customises teas (all of which are 100% vegetarian) to the individual drinker’s taste; and the 2018 menu has a refreshed ‘specials’ product line with new flavours and textures. “As well as leading on bubble tea innovation in bringing molecular mixology to our fan base, our drinks are so Instagram-worthy,” says Bubbleology’s Nadia Ali. “We are excited to be bringing this teavolution experience to Bristol.”

You might opt to taste the new ‘salted cream cheese crown’ range in which Philadelphia cheese, dairy cream, organic milk and Himalayan rock salt are blended together to create a creamy topping which is then poured over the tea. Other new specials include the Bobatella – Nutella bubble tea – and the Nojito, made with pure coconut water and lychee with mint, which can also be delivered to the home or workplace thanks to Bubbleology’s local partners.

Alcoholic bubble tea cocktails will launch later in the year in Bristol, including a fruity coconut and pineapple bubble tea with Malibu, and a banoffee milk tea with Kahlúa.

• bubbleology.co.uk

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GREEN SCENE Last month Bristol restaurants spearheaded the launch of a campaign to satisfy diner demand for sustainable food, partnering with the Sustainable Restaurant Association.

Restaurants including Root, Poco, Bell’s Diner, Romy’s Kitchen and Beets & Roots participated in One Planet Plate, which launched on 24 March to coincide with WWF’s Earth Hour – after surveys revealed low levels of satisfaction with the socioenvironmental impact of restaurants.

One Planet Plate allows chefs to demonstrate how they’re contributing to a better food future. Faced with a full menu of dishes, even the most conscious diners can find it hard to know they’re making the right choice. A One Planet Plate is effectively the chef’s sustainable recommendation. “Whether as a chef, or just as a human being, you should want to do the right thing when it comes to food,” said Root chef Rob Howell. “So, we’re all about making it tasty, but ensuring we’re smart about it. That means it’s good for business, the planet and our customers.”

Andrew Stephen, chief executive of the SRA, added: “Diners are crying out for some simple signposting. One Planet Plate gives chefs the chance to draw attention to one damned delicious dish that epitomises their ethos, and choosing it is a vote for the food future you want to see.”

The SRA is calling on diners to play their part by snapping a picture of a One Planet Plate when they eat out and sharing it on social media using #oneplanetplate. You can also visit the website for a treasure trove of recipes contributed by chefs, designed to eliminate food waste and showcase local produce.

• oneplanetplate.org

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND Foodies Festival returns to The Downs next month, with exactly the sort of mouth-watering programme we’ve come to expect.

Over the weekend of 11 – 13 May, there’s a super line-up set to be cooking up a storm in the chef’s theatre, including Great British Bake Off finalist of 2017, Steven Carter Bailey, Michelinstarred chefs Josh Eggleton, of The Pony & Trap, and Robert Potter of The Manor House, as well as Great British Menu winner Richard Bainbridge and Tapas Revolution chef Omar Allibhoy to name but a few, offering recipe secrets and tips to take home.

This year, in addition to all the foodie fun, a new Musicians Against Homelessness music stage is launching to help create the vibe of a gastronomic Glastonbury, and there’ll also be extended opening times. Expect performances from headliner Toploader, power-pop/rock group Dodgy and The Hoosiers as well as emerging bands and solo artists.

• foodiesfestival.com

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FOOD & DRINK

There have been around 650 unique beers from Bristol breweries in the last 10 years

BEER CITY NO.1 Ray Bailey surveys the local brewing scene and discusses its future with a local expert

B

ristol is the UK’s first city of beer. That’s a provocative statement sure to send proud Mancunians, Londoners and Leodiensians into a rage, and Tim Webb knows it. “Oh, it’s extremely mischievous,” he admits. But he also believes it to be true, and as a world-famous authority on beer who just happens to live here, he is worth listening to.

“The population of Bristol is 450,000 people and within the city we’ve got 16 breweries,” he says. “In Manchester you’ve only got 10 – it’s all imported from outside. And it’s the same with Norwich, Derby, and Sheffield. Bristol was ahead of the real ale revolution 30 years ago and it’s ahead of what’s going to happen with brewing in Britain this time around, too.”

Tim, a veteran NHS psychiatric consultant by day, has been writing about beer since the 1970s having joined the Campaign for Real Ale when he was a student. He is considered a radical within CAMRA, however, having argued for years that what really matters is the quality of the beer, not the precise method by which it is stored and served. He is best known for his writing on Belgian beer including eight editions of the Good Beer Guide Belgium, and also travels the world exploring beer culture as coauthor of the hefty World Atlas of Beer, now on its second edition.

He claims no part in the growth of Bristol’s beer scene, having only moved to the city two and a half years ago – “It’s just happened around me!” – but is keen to support it. To that end, in November last year he compiled and published the Bristol Craft Beer Map, a handy £2 pocket guide to all the active breweries and the best pubs and bars in which to try their beer – ‘the 39 stops’.

Is there a defining characteristic to Bristol beer? Something that makes it essentially Bristolian? “No, no, that’s the great thing about it,” he says.

“I checked the other day and on [beer reviewing website] RateBeer there’s been something ridiculous like 650 unique beers from Bristol breweries in the last 10 years. But if I think about what people are producing there are some very good different types of stout and porter; and funky, bretty, sour beers.” (‘Bretty’ refers to brettanomyces, an

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unusual strain of yeast that produces startling, strange-tasting, distinctly grown-up beers.) “Some of those though, I’m sure, are just part of a phase.”

Which brings us to where Tim feels Bristol’s beer scene might improve as it matures: “Arbor and Bristol Beer Factory are coming of age, they’re over 10 years old now, and I kind of want them to produce a few standard beers. I’d like it if they produced a 5% beer that was a bit special, but regular. I’d like Moor to get down to six products that just get better and better. And they are heading that way. The ones to watch in terms of quality are Wiper & True but in terms of discipline and a steady product range… Forget it.”

In Belgium, he says, a brewer might make the same beer four times a week for 30 years, never satisfied that it is truly perfect, whereas in Bristol, for the moment, “It’s always new, new, new instead of good, good, good.” But he sees this in the context of the last decade’s explosion of what he calls simply “good beer”, swerving the controversial buzz-phrase ‘craft beer’. “To sober oneself up,” he says, “around the world it’s only three or four per cent of beer production. 60 or 70 per cent is still industrial lager. Constant experimentation is just part of the current enthusiasm. It won’t last forever, things will settle down.”

He worries about attempts by multinational firms such as AB InBev, which owns brands around the world and has begun acquiring craft breweries in recent years, to derail this momentum. “If you look at good beer cultures around the world,” he says, “how they have made it succeed is by accepting that they are not in competition with each other.

The other side is the mega-breweries, wine, coffee, soft drinks… Small breweries are all in it together.”

As for what’s next for Bristol’s beer scene, Tim has his eye on brewery taprooms: “We’re going to have something like 12 by the summer of 2018, which is going to be unique for the UK.” His competitive instinct surfaces again. “That puts us far ahead. Nobody is going to catch that...” ■

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THE GETAWAY

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THE GETAWAY

THE CARY ARMS If you’re looking to staycation this year, blissing out in Babbacombe Bay is a better shout than most. Words by Amanda Nicholls Opposite page, clockwise from top left: The spa’s hydrotherapy pool faces out to sea and the red-clay cliffs of the Jurassic Coast; the beach huts are a recent addition to the hotel’s offer; call us shallow but it was this orange sofa that began our love affair with The Cary Arms; chess and cocktails in the lounge; as far as you can get from Fawlty Towers, this hotel really does Torquay proud

“P

eople seem to arrive here by accident – gravity simply brings them to us,” said the kind-faced fella at the bar with a grin, waving two thoroughly windswept individuals in through The Cary Arms’ cosy entrance enclave.

Having arrived via rasping Ford Fiesta in the pitch dark, inching down a supremely steep coastal declivity towards what appeared quite possibly to be our doom – eight-foot sea spray illuminated by a few twinkles of human habitation – we could see what he meant. But it wasn’t the case with this most deliberate of expeditions.

At the risk of sounding shallower than a camel’s teardrop, it was actually one vibrant burnt-orange sofa, in a picture of the Devonshire idyll’s beach hut collection, that had initially drawn us south – as well as the waterside location. A recent addition to the hotel’s offer, these are luxury digs, full of contemporary character: walk-in ‘waterfall’ shower, bold, striking artwork, big chrome fan ostensibly borrowed from the bottom of a yacht, over-sized champagne cork serving as a cute fireside stool. Sloe gin, resting in a decanter on a rough-cut log coaster, was the most welcome sight and savoured over the course of an evening along with the snacky contents of the mini Smeg fridge – in attractive tangerine to match the colour scheme – while Gregory Porter’s honeyed tones slunk through the smart TV to see off the last of any residual stresses.

Come the morning, we had the full benefit of Hut Five’s glass-fronted facade, flooding the seaside sanctuary with light and opening onto a sunbathing deck. Visit in the summer, and you’d be a fool not to grab the rosé and sit out to watch the sun set across Lyme Bay with the dog – yep, if there’s a canine in your life, they can come too. As it was, Mother Nature was in the midst of an almighty moodswing during our visit so we used the space to video our wild Medusa hair as it whipped round our faces in the early spring winds.

It’s often the little extras you do without at home that make a place feel ultra-sumptuous; for us it was the motionsensing bathroom lights to stop us stumbling into something when we awoke in the night, and gently starting the day by simply poking a hand out from under the duvet and activating the multi-room wireless music system from our phones – bliss.

A sports massage in the spa, from local health and wellness coach Paul Kilbride, started with a mobility test and continued with a meaty manipulation of each and every back muscle, aided by aromatic Polynesian oils and including a ‘flossing’ under the shoulder blades to address never-beforetouched tendons and the like. Brightened by wonderful Golden Age illustrations from hotel owner Lara de Savary’s personal collection, the somewhat hidden spa annexe is perched above the body of the boutique hotel. But discoverers are rewarded with bird’s-eye views of the waves crashing against the prehistoric red-clay cliffs of the dramatic Jurassic Coast from the hydrotherapy pool, where water cascades down a mirrored back wall.

Sent away with Paul’s prescription of exercises for the ordinarily office-bound, we figured the sauna and steam room was the natural next step in the campaign to clean out the old toxins.

Getting to the beach is nothing short of easy peasy – with complimentary fishing rods by the back door at The Cary in case you fancy catching yourself some mackerel.

Babbacombe Cliff Lift, the 1920s funicular railway five minutes’ walk away, takes you up the steep incline from Oddicombe Beach – where the rocks are 300-million-year-old breccias of Permian age – to Babbacombe Downs, from which the views are yet more spectacular.

After a chess-and-cocktails sesh in the lounge, whose Oasis-for-piano soundtrack felt spookily bespoke, we took dinner in the Wheel House alcove within the restaurant – all log fires and live ivory-tinkling complemented by craggy stone and brass maritime memorabilia. Honey-roasted parsnip soup of the day was divine soaked up by fresh bread slathered in spiced plum butter, but completely overshadowed by the River Fowey mussels with shallot and garlic cream sauce – a simple dish showing off the prowess of the kitchen.

One mild and meaty main event – a toothsome hunk of baked hake – was paired with crushed new potatoes, saline samphire, fresh leeks and dill sauce, while perfectly cooked venison – across the table – elicited audible, almost x-rated signs of enjoyment.

At the finish line, a hotly anticipated white chocolate and cherry creme brûlée with dream-worthy shortbread was just bested by the slither of rich dark chocolate and amaretto torte with zingy raspberry coulis and a fat dollop of clotted cream to conclude the stay in delightful Devonshire style.

We feared for the fatigued Fiesta and its journey back up the hill to reality – forgetting our Cary Arms caregiver, Yuri, had conveniently moved it to a secure car park higher up – so we were as relieved to see the hotel’s Nissan Cube arrive to transport us up to said wretched vehicle, as we were glum to be leaving.

Next time you’re considering a spot of ultimate R&R in that there neck of the woods, let gravity do you a good deed – promise it’ll be the happiest of accidents. ■ • Deluxe rooms start from £245; beach huts from £375 per night B&B; caryarms.co.uk

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BRISTOL UPDATES

BITE-SIZED BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY NEWS FROM ACROSS THE CITY

SUPPORTING THE CITY

Julian Cook, the Lord Mayor and Bruce Simmonds, chair of the appeal (image by Jon Craig)

SMART FUTURE The West of England Combined Authority has secured £5million from the government to trial a superfast 5G network in Bristol and Bath.

The trial will see 5G infrastructure put in place at M Shed and in and around We The Curious and Millennium Square in Bristol, plus the Roman Baths in Bath.

“Imagine a virtual Roman soldier showing you around the Roman Baths,” said West of England mayor, Tim Bowles.

“Now imagine this moving 360 degrees on your mobile phone at a resolution you have never experienced before – that’s what 5G technology can offer.

“The 5G Smart Tourism bid will allow us to trial some exciting technology at top tourist attractions, while looking at wider and longer-term benefits for our region. This new technology holds the key to a more advanced, sustainable and smart future which will revolutionise the way we all live, travel and work.”

Margot James, minister of state for digital and the creative industries said: “The next generation of connectivity is set to transform business and society, and the government is committed to ensuring the UK is fit for a 5G future.

The project will build upon the 5G network already developed by the University of Bristol to establish experimentation capabilities for digital innovation. The university’s smart internet lab is driving the 5G agenda locally and nationally as one of three UK sites to have delivered the world’s first end-to-end 5G system trials in March.

NOT SO TAXING Most drinks manufacturers have been working out how to tackle the sugar tax, but for one small firm founded by a Bristol entrepreneur, the tax is of no concern – more an opportunity to build on the company’s already impressive growth.

Get More Vitamins was founded in 2013

by Chris Arrigoni, who works from an office in Gloucester Road, and Steve Norris, to sell vitamin enhanced drinks. Its flavoured vitamin water drinks have zero sugar so the 24p per litre tax will simply not apply. New product development is a priority, with the launch of Get More Multivitamin chewing gum last year, and there are many additional new products in the pipeline, including more functional drinks and snacks. The business is lean, outsourcing almost everything from manufacture to finance to public relations.

They have now sold nearly 15 million bottles with products are on sale in Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury’s, WH Smith, Spar, Roadchef and Center Parcs among others, as well as online on Ocado and Amazon.

Nice work!

Commercial property surveyor Burston Cook has been announced as the headline sponsor of this year’s Lord Mayor of Bristol gift gala.

The event raises money for The Lord Mayor of Bristol's Children’s Appeal, giving the city's most disadvantaged children vouchers for food, clothing and gifts at Christmas. For the first time in its history, it will take place at City Hall on 17 May. It is one of two main fundraisers for the appeal which raises some £66,000 throughout the year to provide vouchers, totalling £40 per family and administered through Bristol City Council Social Services.

Lord Mayor Councillor Lesley Alexander will arrive at the event accompanied by the City of Bristol Pipes and Drums and the evening will include entertainment by soul singer Eleazar King and a string quartet.

The city's business community has traditionally included strong supporters of the event. Burston Cook was also a sponsor last year, alongside others including Ashfords LLP, Rybrook Cars and GWR, and the event is also supported by Barclays Bank through its ‘Pound for Pound’ scheme.

“It is an honour for me as a director of Burston Cook to help and support the Lord Mayor's Appeal,” said director Julian Cook. “Last year we sponsored the production of the film but this year we wanted to make a bigger statement about our support for this charity which really helps at a grassroots level.

"To think Bristol is one of the UK’s most prosperous cities, yet has the highest proportion of children in poverty, really does hit a nerve with me and therefore to have an opportunity to help is a privilege."

The Lord Mayor added: “We are so grateful to all our sponsors, without whom this event wouldn’t be possible.

Their commitment to the charity is very special.”

Tickets are now on sale at lordmayorofbristolappeal.com • burstoncook.co.uk

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ON YOUR MARKS...

Entering the Simplyhealth Great Bristol 10k?

Here are running expert and former athlete Gareth Turnbull’s top training tips How should I prepare?

Always be realistic with the time you can commit to train. If you can manage one weekday and one weekend run, then that’s brilliant. The important thing is to develop an achievable routine and then stick to it.

Life will, of course, occasionally get in the way! However, building up your training in a structured way will always get you the best results.

Wear light and thin multi-layered running clothing as one heavier item will cause you to sweat too much and potentially weigh you down in wet conditions, as well as retaining sweat. Also, protect those extremities! A good running hat and gloves will prove your favourite items of clothing in colder conditions.

Consider looking at setting out consistent time markers (splits) for your run. This way you won’t run too fast too soon and by trusting your watch, you can tick off each km in a specific time, knowing you will have enough energy to see yourself to the finish. Often, it’s not about speeding up, rather just learning how not to slow down!

little stiff in the morning or after exercise. However, a good stretching routine pre and post exercise should alleviate this. When such stiffness turns into pain then it’s time to stop in the short term and seek the Pxxxx opinion of a registered physiotherapist. You will always want to run, but you should know your boundaries. A couple of days off to heal a strain or sprain could be the difference between making it to the start line – and over the finish line! So, be sensible – relax and trust in your training. You can do this!

Tips provided by Gareth Turnbull on behalf of Simplyhealth, title partner of the Great Run series. Entries for the 2018 Simplyhealth Great Bristol 10k on Sunday 13 May are open!

How can I push myself but avoid injury?

Always remember to know the difference between stiffness and soreness. Any training programme will often leave you feeling tired or a

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• greatrun.org/great-bristol-10k

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Lavish Salon & Spa is situated within the Marriott Royal Hotel Bristol, next to the health club, and are proud to be the latest salon in Bristol to offer the full range of Aveda hair colour and hair care, alongside the full skin care range, with facials starting from just £37.

Lavish Salon & Spa The Marriott Royal Hotel Bristol BS1 5TA www.lavish-spa.co.uk 0117 927 3389

The experts in gentlemens grooming services.

www.britishbarbercompany.com 1 Wine Street, City Centre, Bristol BS1 2BB 17 The Mall, Clifton Village, Bristol, BS8 4DS 137 Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2PL Cards accepted THE

B R I S T OL MAGAZINE

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GROOMING

BARBERSHOP QUARTET Cool, classy, traditional, hipster: the tonsorial scene in Bristol is a cut above and we’re spoilt for choice. The Bristol Magazine has been exploring a few of the city’s best

EVERYMAN BARBERS Offering a range of services for those who know how they want to look and feel, Everyman Barbers is the choice for today’s modern man.

They’ve kept many elements of a traditional barber and modernised certain aspects to suit more contemporary needs. All customers receive quality over quantity, which starts with having a team of vastly experienced, talented barbers delivering impeccable service with honest advice and proper ‘barber banter’.

Then there’s Everyman Media, a combination of free wi-fi, gaming stations and non-stop, rolling live sports. Plus Everycam – with a simple click you can check how busy the Bristol branch is before heading down.

Customers are offered a cold beer, spirit or soft drink and there are different discounts available for corporates and students as well as a loyalty scheme through the new app available on iOS and Android.

BARBER COMPANY Barber Company in Henleaze is well-known for its classic clean cuts, fades and great shaves. And while they are right up to date with all the current barbering trends, there’s a pleasant old-school charm that comes along with the experienced hands of owners Seb and Jeremy. Both are fully trained and highly qualified in all aspects of men’s hairdressing, barbering, and beard work, including the wet shave. Consequently their appeal reaches quite literally from lad to dad and every man between. Barber Company has also developed its own range of waxes and spray products – and a great take-out to keep your barbershop look fresh and maintained perfectly until the next visit.

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SHOTGUN BARBERS Shotgun Barbers recognise that fast-moving times call for a new approach to the traditional service in the industry. Appreciating that you no longer need to define cuts by gender, Shotgun charges one price for males and females, and bases this on both hair length and the services you choose.

From fades to fringes, balayage to beards, the team at Shotgun have a comprehensive knowledge of both barbering and hairdressing, and specialise in the latest fashions, colour and new trends with help from dreamy Baxter and Davines products. No appointment is needed unless you’re having a colour service, when you will need a patch test.

THE DETAILS BRITISH BARBER COMPANY 17 The Mall, Clifton Village, Bristol, BS8 4DS; 0117 970 6466 137 Whiteladies Road, Bristol, BS8 2PL; 0117 973 9823 1 Wine Street, City Centre, Bristol, BS1 2BB; 0117 925 4653 britishbarbercompany.co.uk

EVERYMAN BARBERS 31 Penn Street, Bristol BS1 3AU; 0117 927 9030 everymanbarbers.co.uk

BARBER COMPANY 85 Henleaze Road, Bristol BS9 4JP; 0117 962 4280

barbercompany.co.uk

BRITISH BARBER COMPANY

SHOTGUN BARBERS

One of the most recognisable barbers in Bristol, the British Barber Company has grown to include three premises. With all three of its sites reflecting the old-style charm of the barbershops of days gone by, it has become a firm favourite among men of Bristol who value a stylish interior and second-to-none service. Offering services ranging from the traditional wet shave, haircuts for all ages and even moustache shaping, to contemporary fades and blends – which are a firm favourite for a sharper look – the British Barber Company is chosen time and again by men who like to be treated like gentlemen.

Bearpit Shotgun Barbers, 20 Bond Street, Bristol BS1 3LU; 0117 930 0014 Clifton Shotgun Barbers, 1a Pitville Place, Cotham Hill, Clifton, Bristol BS6 6JZ; 0117 973 1130

shotgunbarbers.co.uk

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HEALTH & BEAUTY NEWS The brains behind the beauty, an out-of-this-world new release and an aromatherapy brand that begins with nature: Crystal Rose shares the latest from the sector

INTELLIGENT BEAUTY BANGING NEW RELEASE The latest Benefit product has landed and it’s one you’ll want to see. Made from one of the lightest known materials that is derived from space technology, Benefit’s latest mascara is ‘out of this world’ quite literally! The custom ‘slimpact’ brush is streamlined to coat every lash evenly and give us the desired volume that we’ve always wanted, and layers easily for a bigger and badder impact. After the runaway success of the brow range, to me this product looks set to be just as successful. This pitch black new release from Benefit has got beauty bloggers everywhere talking – buckle up and prepare for lash liftoff...

Harvey Nichols hosted a memorable evening for makeup buffs recently, with its Intelligent Beauty event.

Billed as a celebration of both beauty and brains, the evening was filled with a contouring masterclass, the ultimate ‘wardrobe’ of hairstyle options, perfectly calming facials not to mention a whole host of beauty brands to consult with – with guests able to explore the entire beauty range and try products for themselves.

From Rihanna’s hugely popular new brand Fenty showing us how to contour like a pro (they’ve developed some popping highlighter, might I add) to the incredible Oribe, all brands present showcased their values and the intelligence behind the products seen on the shelves of Harvey Nichols. It was lovely to meet genuine, quality brands that care for their audience and take pride in their products.

With all glasses kept topped up with fizz throughout, there was no question left unanswered thanks to those who joined forces to host what was a great evening for beauty enthusiasts such as myself.

Harvey Nichols, 27 Philadelphia Street, Quakers Friars, Cabot Circus, Bristol BS1 3BZ • harveynichols.com

Benefit Cosmetics, Boots, The Mall, 116 Cribbs Causeway, Patchway, Bristol BS10 7TT • benefitcosmetics.com

THE NATURALLY HONEST ETHOS Owner of The Somerset Toiletry Co, Sakina Buoy, has been filling us in on her interest in aromatherapy and essential oils as a way to incorporate wellbeing into everyday life. Striving for absolute authenticity in everything she and the business creates, Canadian-born Sakina credits her aromatherapy background as her motivation. “If you’re anybody with a conscience and you’re selling products, you want to be selling things you would use and you’d have your kids use,” she says.

All products are developed in-house and hold varying amounts of essential oils and naturally active ingredients where possible, and none contain parabens or SLS. ‘Honest pricing’ is still fundamental to The Somerset Toiletry Co’s ethos and in tune with the fact that consumers are becoming increasingly conscious about what goes into what they use, Sakina constantly tests formulations and fragrances herself.

Design work for the company’s own ranges happens at the Somerset HQ, and Sakina takes a characteristically collaborative approach to how her team operates. Everyone is encouraged to share ideas and trends – “you don’t do your best work if you’re not happy,” she believes.

Feeling firmly rooted in Somerset, she looks to it for inspiration. “I think the fact that we’re in the countryside and we’re surrounded by beauty means we’re looking at the rhythm of nature, we’re smelling all the different seasons... I mean, beauty starts with nature.” We couldn’t agree more.

• thesomersettoiletryco.co.uk

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Train in Clinical Hypnotherapy • Certificate in Hypnosis • • Practitioner Diploma in Hypnotherapy • • Stress Management Practitioner Course •

Starts 14th April

Held at weekends in central Bristol CNHC & BSCH Accredited www.lcchinternational.co.uk info@lcchinternational.co.uk Tel: 020 3603 8535

Now Open for Business - the Joint Replacement Centre Bristol

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ix eminent Bristol orthopaedic surgeons have combined their expertise of hip and knee replacement surgery to form the Joint Replacement Centre Bristol, which is now open for business at Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital, The Chesterfield. Patients who have private healthcare insurance or those choosing to pay for themselves no longer need to wait for a new hip or knee.

Based on many years of experience and high volumes of specialist hip and knee procedures, the consultant team approach gives unrivalled reassurance of the highest levels of clinical care, safety, speed and expertise at all times, so that patients can quickly get back to the lives they love. With an enviable reputation, such a collection of sheer specialist surgical talent is a huge opportunity for people in and around Bristol and Bath to experience. Not only that, with expert knowledge in research and being widely published, they ensure a clinical evidencebased approach to joint replacement techniques. This means they are at the forefront of delivering both the highest quality and safest ways to treat and fix joints.

Knee specialist Mr Jonathan Webb, who was instrumental in bringing together the consultant team, explains: “We have chosen to join together as an expert clinical team, following many years of working alongside each other in Bristol, to provide the best possible care for patients requiring hip and knee replacements. The Joint Replacement Centre programme is based on the latest clinical evidence and best practice, delivered by highly specialist, carefully selected orthopaedic surgeons. We are there to support patients all along the way; from assessment, diagnosis and treatment through to recovery and beyond.”

Double knee replacement patient Rod Hunt enjoying an active life with his new knees

Consultants at the Joint Replacement Centre Bristol are all Bristol registrar trained and have undertaken relevant fellowships. Those who offer both hip and knee replacements are Mr Richard Baker, Mr Sanchit Mehendale and Mr Michael Whitehouse, whilst Mr Stephen EastaughWaring and Mr Jason Webb specialise only in hip surgery and Mr Jonathan Webb purely in knee replacement. Also at no extra cost, the consultants work with specialist physiotherapists and the two Nuffield Health Fitness & Wellbeing gyms in Bristol to get people back on their feet faster.

For more information, please ring: 0117 906 4870, or visit nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/bristol Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital The Chesterfield, 3 Clifton Hill, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1BN

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HEALTH | ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

ALL ABOUT BALANCE

Stabilise your hormones, stabilise your life, says Andrea Avery, hormone yoga therapy teacher and advocate of holistic women’s health practice

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s women we can, unfortunately, become slaves to our hormones. They influence everything we do and can make life a living hell if we’re unlucky enough to suffer from the likes of incessant hot flushes, insomnia, depression, anxiety or angry mood swings. It is welldocumented that these symptoms can occur during menopause but many younger women who menstruate regularly are also troubled by significant symptoms on a monthly basis.

Traditional medicine seeks to manage these symptoms with antiinflammatory medication, hormone replacement therapies, contraceptives, or even SSRI antidepressants. These can work very nicely for some but there is a growing and significant number of women looking for natural ways to manage their symptoms, alongside or without the use of medication. Hormone yoga therapy is an exciting and effective way to do just that.

My husband, a GP, has found many women are looking for guidance on alternative ways to manage menstrual symptoms. A lot of alternative health approaches focus on diet, natural supplements and exercise – the latter long recognised as something that comes with substantial health benefits, physical and psychological. A walk in the woods can sometimes be as beneficial for one’s mental health as taking medication. We forget that millions of years of evolution designed us for a diverse outdoor life and diet as hunter-gatherers.

Evidence suggests that our ancient ancestors were less stressed, happier, and healthier in many ways than our modern selves.

More and more people practice yoga regularly and its general health benefits are clear. An average yoga class however is not specifically targeted at balancing your hormones. Dinah Rodrigues is an inspirational 92-year-old Brazilian yoga therapist who still spends many months each year travelling the world and training yoga teachers. Over a lifetime she has researched and developed a special technique that specifically targets the hormone and endocrine system, called hormone yoga therapy. She has worked alongside gynaecologists and specialists all over the world in developing this.

The exercise focuses on stimulating the ovaries, thyroid and pituitary glands which are all key to the regulation of female hormones.

This is a very dynamic type of yoga, which incorporates very different techniques to your normal yoga practice. There is a strong focus on exercises that reduce stress, as the stress hormone cortisol adversely affects a woman’s hormonal balance. The practice involves

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Pictured, right: Founder of the technique Dinah Rodrigues with a student

strong abdominal breathing, dynamic poses and the Tibetan technique for the circulation of energy within the body. No previous yoga experience is needed and the routine takes 30 minutes once it is learned, ideally practiced three or four times each week depending on the degree of symptoms. In addition to improving symptoms of menopause, and PMS, it can also help those who suffer with polycystic ovaries, hair loss, dry skin and acne, osteoporosis, insomnia, anxiety, hypothyroidism and irregular periods. Even if you are symptom-free, the exercise is still recommended to over 35s as a way to stay healthy and hormonally balanced.

The UK has been slow to pick up on this technique. In Brazil and many countries in Western Europe, there are studios dedicated to this practice with many teachers trained in the technique. It is even prescribed by doctors much in the same way as a GP here might refer you for physiotherapy or acupuncture. In the UK there is only a handful of us who are certified to teach this technique.

As with all exercise and lifestyle interventions, it requires a degree of commitment to reap the benefits. Ongoing practice is key to keeping symptoms at bay. I run regular workshops in Bristol; find out more at hormoneyogatherapy.co.uk. ■

The proof is in the participants...

Amy: My practice is helping with everything from my digestion to my sleep, I love it!

Sophie: I completed an HYT workshop with Andrea to try to rebalance my hormonal cycle after my period disappeared for over six months with no explanation. Within three weeks of practising every other day, it returned. HYT has been great, helping improve my mood and energy as well as balancing my hormones. I would recommend it to any woman struggling with hormonal imbalances.

Laura: Over Christmas (and out of my usual exercise routine) I didn’t manage to practice my yoga, resulting in a heightened bout of hot flushes and grumpiness! The HYT has definitely helped. It has proved to be a fantastic workout and, among other things, has strengthened my back, which I was struggling with for many years.

Lydie: I was on levothyroxin for 25 years, struggling with tiredness, low levels of energy, falling hair and weight gain but hormone yoga therapy helped me enormously. I practice it five times a week and for a year now I haven’t had to take the medication.

Hana: After two years of treating my infertility, several IVFs and loads of hormone injections, I gave up all the medicine and decided to find an alternative treatment. I was recommended HYT and attended the intensive workshop. I practiced regularly for three months but then went on holiday. After a month getting back into it, I found out I am pregnant!

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Laser Tattoo Removal It seemed such a great idea at the time. Now, some years down the road, that tattoo can be anything but a welcome aesthetic on your skin. If you’re looking to get one removed, our advanced Laser Tattoo Removal is the answer.

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Acupuncture Event at CNM Bristol Saturday 14th April 2018 11am-2pm.

If you have an interest in Acupuncture or have ever thought about becoming an Acupuncturist, come along to this special event dedicated to the Naturopathic Acupuncture Diploma Course taught at CNM (College of Naturopathic Medicine).

Entry is free.

At the event you will: • See a live Acupuncture demonstration, explaining the benefits of this therapy • Find out what it’s like to study Acupuncture with CNM • Hear from current CNM Acupuncture students about their experiences • Meet the Course Director and talk with practitioners who teach Acupuncture at CNM • Have the opportunity to find out more about CNM’s flexible study plans.

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racey Underhill-Law, CNM’s Acupuncture Course Director, says: I worked as a nurse for 15 years before deciding to train in Acupuncture, so I have a good understanding of both Western and Eastern medicine.

Acupuncture enjoys respect and trust within both the natural therapy movement and in the general western medical profession.

Acupuncture is recognised as effectively treating medical conditions. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines advocate the effectiveness of Acupuncture treatment for Headaches, Migraines, Low Back Pain, and Neck Pain.

A system of healing which originated in China around 3000 years ago, Acupuncture was introduced to this country in the 1970s and has been growing in popularity ever since.

It is believed that there are over 500 acupuncture points on the body. When these points are stimulated by an Acupuncture needle they activate the body’s response. This may be to reduce pain, balance hormones, stop bleeding, clear infection or provide relief from many symptoms.

Current research has shown that the needles change brain activity, suggesting that the needles stimulate the body’s natural painkillers, endorphins (similar to an opiate), which reduce pain and act as a sedative.

This is probably why Acupuncture is good for promoting sleep and giving a person the feeling of wellbeing. New theory suggests that the fascia (connective tissue) provide electrical pathways, so when a needle is inserted it triggers a response through the whole pathway. So if you put a needle in the foot it can affect the whole channel up to the head via electrical impulses.

CNM’s Diploma Course combines Acupuncture with Naturopathy, taking a holistic approach to health which seeks to identify and address the causes of ill health, not just deal with the symptoms. Knowledge of Naturopathy provides extra routes of enquiry and diagnostic skills for the practitioner. As Naturopaths also gain an understanding of other natural therapies, they are qualified to create personalised dietary and lifestyle plans for their clients which can only increase the effectiveness of the Acupuncture treatments.

I have been practicing Acupuncture since qualifying in 2003 and I have a very busy practice. Having subsequently qualified in Naturopathy at CNM I often use a combination of remedies for the most effective results for my clients. It makes sense to study the naturopathic aspect from the start, alongside Acupuncture.

CNM’s Naturopathic Acupuncture course not only teaches all the theory and skills to

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achieve effective results, it also teaches students how to build a successful, financially rewarding business.

Tracey Underhill-Law

Attend this FREE event Saturday 14th April 2018 11am - 2pm.

CNM Bristol, BS32 4LB Please book online at:

www.naturopathy-uk.com 01342 410 505 CNM is the UK’s leading training provider in a range of natural therapies. Colleges across the UK and Ireland.

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ROYAL WEDDING PREDICTIONS & OUR BRILLIANT LIST OF VERY HELPFUL LOCAL SERVICES

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RIGHT ROYAL AFFAIR While the invitations have been rolling in from friends and family due to be wed this season, one envelope from Kensington Palace has been noticeably lacking on the doormat – we can only assume it got lost in the post... Having put our noses back in joint, we decided to have a bit of fun and get into the royal wedding spirit by asking a few friends in the local bride-and-groom business for their big-day predictions

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o with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle already breaking with royal tradition by having their wedding on a Saturday (Wills and Kate nabbed a Friday, while the Queen settled on a Thursday), we’ve been thinking about the other things they may or may not be doing differently. Our favourite rumour concerns thoroughly modern Meghan – who has sidestepped royal custom in several subtle ways over recent months – making her own speech, and we are loving her style.

What do we know for sure so far? The marriage will take place at 12pm in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle – where royals such as Henry VIII and Princess Margaret have been laid to rest – with a smaller guest list than the last royal wedding, due to the lower venue capacity of 800 in contrast with Westminster Abbey’s 1,900. The Dean of Windsor will conduct the service while the Archbishop of Canterbury will officiate as the vows are made (bespoke, perhaps? Harry’s got to crack a joke, surely...) before a carriage procession goes from St George’s Chapel through Windsor town, and a main reception is held at St George’s Hall.

Harry’s dad, the Prince of Wales, is believed to be giving a private celebration later on in the evening with close friends and family.

The prince’s comms secretary has said the occasion will be one of ‘fun and joy’ (we should think so too) to reflect the characters of the happy couple. As we all know Harry to have been a bit of a wild-card in the past – the cheeky chappy of the royals, you might say – some of Bristol’s wedding industry folk have been throwing around thoughts of what he and his fiancée might do to personalise the event and put their own stamp on the protocol-heavy proceedings...

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THE GUESTLIST

It’s set to be an eclectic mix – with potentially everyone from Hollywood A-listers to army comrades who served with Harry in Afghanistan as well as the usual political figures, royals and dignitaries from overseas. “We know Elton John, close friend of the late Princess Diana, will be there and has cancelled gigs in Las Vegas,” says Michele Jetzer, award-winning wedding co-ordinator at Kings Weston House.

“Also perhaps boxer Anthony Joshua – who bonded with Harry on Radio 4’s Today programme and made a bid to be his supporter/best man – plus the cast of Suits!”

“I wonder if once one is knighted, one is then invited to all of the royal parties?” ponders Bristol wedding photographer Tasha Park. “If so you might expect Paul McCartney, Sean Connery and Bill Gates to name a few. Apparently Serena Williams is on the potential bridesmaids list!”

Emily Francesca, of Bristol florist Sunflower Blooms, reckons the Beckhams will be in attendance (as they were for William and Kate) as well as Rihanna, Cara Delevingne, Suki Waterhouse and the rest of the Spice Girls – indeed, Mel B recently slipped that the gang would be attending. She’s hopeful for the Obamas too, though at the time of writing this is still up in the air due to the diplomatic tension it could cause if the current American president is left out in the cold.

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WEDDING BELLS

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THE CAKE

It’s just been announced that Californian pastry chef and food writer Claire Ptak – owner of the Violet Bakery in east London – has been enlisted to make an organic lemon and elderflower cake with buttercream and fresh spring flowers, after speculation that Harry and Meghan’s would be the first royal wedding cake made from bananas. (Apparently it’s a favoured flavour of the prince and, back before Meghan deleted her Instagram account, she shared an image of two bananas cuddling which many took as a confirmation of their relationship.)

Traditionally a multi-tiered fruitcake is served at British royal weddings but we had a hunch that Harry and Meg would be thinking a bit more creatively. It’s possible they’ll still have a layer of fruitcake somewhere in the mix – according to custom, a tier of the stuff is supposed to be saved to be eaten on the couple’s first aniversary or on the christening of their first-born child.

“Americans are big on the wedding cake so I would imagine there’ll be tiers to the ceiling,” muses Michele Jetzer, while Sarah Ameson, who handles the SS Great Britain’s wedding venue hire, envisions something more understated, chic and contemporary.

“The ‘naked’ cake is probably the most popular style I’m seeing these days,” says Tasha Park, “but I can imagine these guys going for an amazing avant-garde style, arty and modern.”

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THE ATTIRE

Meghan’s dress is arguably the biggest sartorial commission of 2018 – with names such as Inbal Dror, Erdem, Alexander McQueen and Antonio Berardi dropped into the hat so far, but nothing confirmed as yet. It’s possible the Queen may lend a tiara (something borrowed...) but equally the soon-to-be royal may have decided to go for something completely new and bespoke.

Timeless chic with a nod to the 1920s, wagers Sarah Ameson and, similarly, Emily Francesca envisions something sleek and understated rather than OTT, fitted with a train, while Arnos Vale Cemetery’s wedding co-ordinator Buffy Jones is backing an A-line number with soft tulle and a light veil. “I imagine it to be quite an amazing creation,” says Tasha Park.

“Sculptural, unfussy. I could see her opting for a mermaid-cut, floor-length something-or-other.”

“Maybe she’s gone for a French designer such as Rime Arodaky,” suggests Michele Jetzer.

“Beautifully made and designed with a twist of rock ’n’ roll.”

The Bristol Magazine’s resident royal expert Jessica Hope has been keeping a keen eye on developments: “Meghan was supposedly seen heading into a Vera Wang boutique a few months ago, so it wouldn’t be a shock if she picked an American designer and it would be a nice nod to her roots.

“But more recently British haute couture fashion house Ralph & Russo, who designed Meghan’s dress for the official engagement photographs, has been pipped to produce the dress. If it is anything like her engagement photographs, then expect absolute elegance and Hollywood glamour.

“As for Prince Harry, there is some debate among royal correspondents as to what will be worn for the nuptials.

Having served in the army for 10 years and made Captain General Royal Marines by the Queen in December, he could be in uniform. But with the wedding in Windsor a slightly more downsized affair compared to his brother’s, Harry might choose morning dress instead.”

Photographer Kerry James of A Tall Long-Legged Bird agrees. “I’d imagine Harry will be wearing a traditional morning suit with a checked waistcoat bringing a bit of Balmoral into play, and I can see Meghan wearing a sleek backless number with her arms covered.”

“Meghan’s dress will reflect that timeless, simple Hollywood chic with some structure.”

That’s The Clifton Club’s two pennies’ worth, courtesy of GM Amy Edwards. “Floral embroidery is very big this year so we could see some unique detail. Whatever the style, it’s sure to become the wedding dress trend of 2018. As for the bridesmaids’ dresses, we are excited to see something really unique as this is where they can really break with tradition!”

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Michele Jetzer reckons a Rime Arodaky gown like this one could be on the cards (image by Ben Simpson)

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WEDDING BELLS

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THE FOOD

“I’d love to think they’d go for conviviality over formality and share boards or tapas with their guests,” says Jo Cranston from gorgeous local wedding caterer Queen & Whippet. “Harry apparently proposed over home-cooked roast chicken so it’d be great fun if they picked up on the current carve-your-own trend in wedding feasts. But realistically it’s going to be a sit-down, plated affair and with Meghan a selfconfessed foodie I expect each dish on the menu will be given very careful consideration, with an emphasis on using the best British produce.”

“With all those centuries of English history behind them, you might

expect them to keep things fairly traditional – perhaps pheasant or pigeon?” thinks Tasha – or posh pie and mash, if you’re of similar mind to Emily at Sunflower Blooms.

“It’s hard to call but we like to think that, like us, they’d go for local, seasonal ingredients,” says executive chef director at Fosters, Tom Green – caterer for Bristol Old Vic’s weddings. “Canapés of Balmoral smoked salmon blini; Highgrove confit duck and cherry bon bon with carrot and orange blossom purée; Paxcroft Farm quail scotch egg with smoked ham hock and pea.

“Then a starter of English asparagus, morel mushrooms and oeuf mollet; mains of Windsor lamb loin, Jersey Royals, glazed spring veg and roasting juices; finishing with strawberry and white chocolate delice plus shortbread.”

Concrete specifics; we like it!

If we were the royal couple we might well look to the West Country’s Queen & Whippet for the food

Image by Naomi Jane Photography

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THE EMBELLISHMENTS

Aside from Sarah Flint, who counts Meghan as a loyal fan, the rumour mill hasn’t thrown up much about potential footwear just yet – but said shoe designer has released a sparkly bride-worthy pair that could possibly peep out from the chosen frock on 19 May. As for the flowers, while Buffy Jones is betting on delicate freesias with sprinkles of gypsophila, and peonies – one of Meghan’s favourites – many are convinced the classic royal white bouquet is still de rigueur.

“I’m expecting an elegant, contemporary cream and green colour scheme with lots of textures and variety,” says Emily Francesca, “nothing too over the top – very clean and simple.”

“I think they will respect the formality of the British tradition for the ceremony and reception,” says Amy. “With white and pastel spring blooms, crystal candelabras and touches of greenery woven throughout – trees and fresh foliage for a bit of that California vibe.”

“I’d love to see lily of the valley in the bouquet,” adds Michele Jetzer. “Quite understated but it could be a nod to Diana, who also had these in her bouquet.”

Meghan already has Princess Diana’s diamonds in her engagement ring, and the consensus is she’ll most likely wear some of her jewellery down the aisle, too. “Many of my brides, who have lost loved ones, simply like to have framed portraits as a part of their decor, or wear an item of their jewellery and remember them in their speeches,” suggests Tasha Park. “Subtle touches that make sure those they’ve lost are a part of their day, without showiness or sadness.

“I once photographed a wedding where South African culture met vintage Cotswolds and they had exotic, almost furry-looking blooms teamed with pink roses and gypsophila. I think Meghan would want something unusual and artistic, celebrating British culture but with a modern, funky edge.”

Many are expecting these to feature in the bouquet as a nod to Princess Diana

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THE ENTERTAINMENT

Wouldn’t it be sweet for the Spice Girls to do it? When Harry met them as a little lad, it was the cutest thing – and Mel B did seem to suggest it was on the cards when she made her American talk show slip recently. “Ed Sheeran said that he would gladly play at the wedding when asked at the recent Brit Awards, but he will be on tour in Ireland that evening,” Jessica Hope considers. “But it is just a short flight away – could he make a dash to the airport for a late evening set for the royal guests? Ellie Goulding played at Wills and Kate’s reception, and soon after rumours flew around about Harry’s growing friendship with the singer. Apparently Ellie’s set went down very well so maybe she could do it all over again?”

Kerry James anticipates something more electronic. “Once the olds and official folk have gone, I see Harry, Meghan and their closest friends having an after-party, something massive! Maybe Fatboy Slim doing a set – I imagine the photographer will be sent home long before this kicks off!”

“I read that Prince Harry likes his dubstep,” shares Tasha Park. “Apparently he had Skream perform at a private gig in Buckingham Palace in 2010. I’m not sure he’d get away with it but I’d love to think that the later hours of the reception would see live dubstep acts. Bristol is a particular hot spot for that kind of talent; maybe our very own Pinch and Appleblim could entertain them...

In all seriousness many of my brides are hiring magicians and travelling casinos – very en vogue.

Maybe they’d ask Derren Brown along!”

On the possible bridesmaids list: actress Priyanka Chopra

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SUPPORTING ACTS

Of course there’s plenty more to be considered – we’re still not 100% sure who’ll be walking Meghan down the aisle, but we know that her new niece Princess Charlotte will have a role, probably as bridesmaid, and page boy will no doubt go to Prince George (after all, he’s got experience in the role thanks to Aunt Pippa’s nuptials). It’s been suggested that Meghan’s close friend and stylist Jessica Mulroney will be included in the band of bridesmaids as well as author and BFF Lindsay Roth and, perhaps, actress Priyanka Chopra.

What about the photographer? Mario Testino had long been a royal family favourite and front-runner but in light of the recent allegations against him, he’s now discounted. While Alexi Lubomirski was chosen for the engagement photographs it’s unlikely he’ll be photodocumenting the nuptials; but Millie Pilkington is a possibility as William and Kate’s behind-the-scenes wedding photographer; as potentially is Jason Bell who captured Prince George’s christening.

But our speculators are in agreement. “The job of photographing William’s wedding went to a chap called Hugo Burnand,” says Tasha Park. “And as personal recommendations are so important when it comes to choosing a wedding photographer, my money is on him.” Jessica Hope concurs. “It does seem likely that society photographer Hugo Burnand will be asked to take the official photos at Windsor Castle, as he did with Wills and Kate and also Prince Charles and Camilla in 2005.”

Well that was fun. Now we’re finished speculating, all that remains for us to do is prep the bunting and seek out our nearest street party... n

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WEDDING DIRECTORY Are you too, tying the knot this year? Our little guide book of local wedding-based businesses is full of folk who can help get you ready for the big day

SUNFLOWER BLOOMS

PAINTWORKS

Tel: 07446 167687 Email: sunflowerbloomsbristol@gmail.com Web: sunflowerblooms.godaddysites.com

Paintworks, Bath Road, Bristol BS4 3EH Tel: 0117 971 4320 Web: paintworksevents.co.uk/weddings

Offering gorgeous bespoke and eclectic creations, Sunflower Blooms is an independent floral stylist based in Bristol and covering the surrounding South West area.

Owner Em’s flowers don’t follow any strict floristry rules and she loves to put a sprinkle of sass into every arrangement she makes.

As well as providing beautiful flowers for all occasions, Sunflower Blooms is super passionate about spreading the creative love and offers workshops on pretty much any floral design.

From mixed group workshops to private bookings held in the comfort of your own home – why not book something a little different for your hen party?

All materials are provided and, don’t worry, they clear Image by Richard away after Lewis Photography themselves too!

Paintworks’ one of a kind event venue is designed for unique weddings.

The scale of the industrial space, with its high ceilings, exposed brick and stylish outside courtyards, makes it a perfect backdrop for a stunning, contemporary wedding. Stylish, upbeat and effortlessly cool, the space works best for 80-200 guests and for couples who want to create a look and feel that’s true Image by Marshall Grey Photography to them.

Working with their award-winning wedding coordinator and fantastic in-house caterers, your wedding experience at the Paintworks event space is sure to be smooth from beginning to end.

Set within the heart of the visionary Paintworks site, this fully licensed venue provides limitless striking and quirky photo opportunities, adding to the unique fabric of a Paintworks wedding!

THE WHITE COLLECTION BRIDAL 30 Hill Road, Clevedon, North Somerset BS21 7PH Tel: 01275 876056 Web: thewhitecollectionbridal.co.uk Located on the trendy Hill Road in Clevedon, The White Collection is owned and run by two sisters who have a fresh, friendly approach to helping you find your dream bridal gown.

A visit will unveil a unique, high-end bridal shopping experience where you and your bridal party can enjoy the whole boutique to yourselves.

Stocking a range of on-trend designers and a large selection of accessories including hair vines, rose gold jewellery and designer bridal shoes, they can help you piece together your entire look during your appointment.

The full experience also includes dress fittings in-store and complimentary storage of your gown until you are ready to collect it.

Open Tuesday-Saturday with evening appointments also available.

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WEDDING DIRECTORY

QUEEN & WHIPPET CATERING

Photo by Naomi Jane

Tel: 07971 286 185 Email: jo@queenandwhippet.com Web: queenandwhippet.com Jo and Pete Cranston founded Queen and Whippet Catering to offer Bristol’s wedding couples the same standard of high quality, relaxed and innovative food that they’ve come to expect from our incredible restaurant scene.

Combining Pete’s 20 years’ experience in fine dining and event catering and Jo’s event management background, they provide rustic-luxe menus for weddings with an emphasis on sharing, using finest West Country seasonal produce. Their wedding menus include canapés, gourmet barbecue, sharing boards, British tapas and street food platters as well as beautifully presented plated dishes. They can also create bespoke menus based on clients’ vision for their day or their dietary requirements.

MALLORY

CLIFTON BRIDES

1 – 5 Bridge Street, Bath, BA2 4AP Tel: 01225 788800 Web: mallory-jewellers.com

186 Whiteladies Road, Bristol BS8 2XU Tel: 0117 923 7928 Web: cliftonbrides.co.uk

Mallory is renowned as Bath’s destination jeweller. Now in its fifth generation, Mallory is one of the country’s oldest family owned and run jewellers, established over 120 years ago in its original Bridge Street premises. Today Mallory boasts one of the largest in-house workshops in the UK, employing four master goldsmiths trained to the highest calibre, who create the most exquisite bespoke jewellery, as well as two fully accredited watchmakers and a technician, who are qualified to maintain the finest of timepieces. Inside the showroom you will find a majestic emporium of fine and contemporary jewellery, watches, and luxury gifts and accessories from the world’s most exclusive brands. The imposing frontage may look daunting, however Mallory’s offerings encompass gorgeous items to suit all pockets, from international names such as Patek Philippe, Rolex, Cartier, Chopard, Montblanc, Tag Heuer, Longchamp, Longines, Breitling, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Georg Jensen, Fope and Mikimoto, as well as an extensive collection of jewellery designed by Mallory.

This award-winning business is celebrating its 29th year in 2018 and it continues to flourish, offering a stunning collection of bridalwear from some of the world’s leading designers.

Tucked away at the top of Whiteladies Road overlooking the picturesque Clifton Downs, Clifton Brides is an independent, family-owned company with a great new team.

Appointments are offered on a one-to-one basis to ensure you receive the very best attention and help finding the perfect dress.

Prices range from £1,000 to £2,000.

KINGS WESTON HOUSE Kings Weston Lane, Bristol BS11 0UR Tel: 0117 330 3405 Web: kingswestonhouse.co.uk Winning the South West’s ‘Best Wedding Venue’ this year at the Wedding Industry Awards, Kings Weston House is a Grade-I listed building that was completed in 1719 and designed by Sir John Vanbrugh, who also designed Blenheim Palace. The house boasts a plethora of 18th-century features, including magnificent ceilings, marble fireplaces, and a stunning suspended central staircase. What’s more, the team at Kings Weston House will welcome you as if you are house guests of their own.

With four main rooms – all breathtaking and all different – and a secret garden that you can hold a legal ceremony in, the house can cater for weddings of up to 200, with smaller, more intimate weddings taken during the week.

Viewings welcome with appointments anytime. To book in, please contact wedding manager Naomi Davis welcome@kingswestonhouse.co.uk.

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Image by Anneke Morley Photography

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WEDDING DIRECTORY

TASHA PARK PHOTOGRAPHER Tel: 07921 630108 Web: tashapark.co.uk Specialising in creating natural-feeling, imaginative wedding photography, Tasha Park adores bright, vibrant colour and creating funky compositions that are full of genuine warmth. Tasha stays around all day to capture the fun, (though you can squeeze a surprising amount into a half day if you’re on a stricter budget!) before heading to the studio to re-touch images. Her couples then receive their beautiful wedding pictures via an online gallery to share with guests, and a presentation USB (album and print packages available too). Something that makes Tasha stand out is her photobooth. A manned, mini studio with lots of silly props to play with, it’s a popular extra to entertain evening guests, and gives you an additional set of pictures of your nearest and dearest.

JULIE ANNE PALMER

BRISTOL OLD VIC

129 Stoke Lane, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol BS9 3RW Tel: 0117 962 1111 Web: julieannepalmer.com

King Street, Bristol BS1 4ED Tel: 0117 907 2681 Web: bristololdvic.org.uk

Julie Anne Palmer specialises in bespoke wedding and engagement rings, designed with the customer in order to create their dream piece.

She has a large selection of loose diamonds and precious stones in stock and also orders from a specialist stone dealer who is based in Hatton Garden in London.

A highly skilled design consultant with extensive technical knowledge who understands about design, durability, and beauty of form, Julie has over 35 years of experience. Some of her many designs and ready-made collection can be seen on her website. This season’s designs are based on the flower and leaf motifs of vintage-style rings, with a modern twist of the central Champagne diamonds.

Couples will feel like stars in their own theatrical production if they celebrate the most important day of their lives at Bristol Old Vic, a venue that has played host to some of the country’s most famous actors, from Daniel Day Lewis and Jeremy Irons, to Patrick Stewart and Judi Dench.

The centrepiece of the venue is the Grade I listed Coopers’ Hall, originally built as a Georgian banqueting hall in 1744, which is being restored to its former glory. With its high ceilings and huge over-arch windows, expect the elegantly-renovated hall to quickly become one of the most sought-after wedding venues in Bristol when it reopens this autumn.

Coopers’ can seat up to 120 guests for your wedding reception, however, if you really want to take the spotlight, you can say ‘I do’ centre stage, with the main auditorium seating up to 550 friends and family!

Image by John Craig; joncraig.co.uk

M SHED Princes Wharf, Wapping Road, Bristol BS1 4RN Tel: 0117 927 3086 Web: bristolmuseums.org.uk/m-shed/ Looking for a truly memorable wedding venue and fancy saying your vows with the spectacular backdrop of Bristol’s harbourside? M Shed is a world-class cultural landmark set on the harbourside in the heart of Bristol, and fully licensed for weddings and civil ceremonies.

The team are flexible enough to suit all budgets and preferences, whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, and also offer a number of exclusive options such as arranging for your wedding party to arrive at M Shed in one of their boats or for the happy couple to be delivered to their reception by crane – an entrance that won’t be forgotten!

Image by Samantha Gilraine Photography

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WEDDING DIRECTORY

SS GREAT BRITAIN

Image by Rebecca Roundhill

Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Road, Bristol BS1 6TY Tel: 0117 926 0680 Web: ssgreatbritain.org Tie the knot in first-class style on board one of Bristol’s most iconic venues. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and launched in 1843, the SS Great Britain is one of the world’s first luxury ocean-liners.

The beautifully restored ship lies in the heart of Bristol’s harbourside and boasts stunning views of the surrounding area, making it a truly unique venue for your wedding ceremony and reception.

Say your vows on the sunlit promenade deck, celebrate with a glass of champagne on the weather deck and dine in style in the opulent firstclass dining saloon. Set sail for the perfect day on board the SS Great Britain and make your wedding dreams come true.

DIANA PORTER

PEN & FOLD

33 Park Street, Bristol BS1 5NH Tel: 0117 909 0225 Web: dianaporter.co.uk

Instagram: @penandfold Web: penandfold.co.uk Happily sidestepping the norms of traditional wedding stationery, Pen & Fold specialises in the use of vibrant colours, intricate laser-cut designs and luscious foil-pressed detail.

Drawing inspiration from their idyllic rural surroundings near Westonbirt Arboretum, Pen & Fold have created sets of wedding stationery based around the beautiful shapes and colours found in the natural world.

From vein patterns in leaves fallen in the garden to rock formations photographed during a holiday in Wales, Pen & Fold have attempted to capture the intricacy and delicacy of nature in the range pictured here.

Their intention is to tantalise and intrigue guests with pretty paper creations that truly set the scene for your wedding day.

Diana Porter’s annual wedding and engagement ring exhibition is back this spring – from 6 April until 30 June – with an exciting mix of fine contemporary wedding jewellery.

Curated by the expert team, this fabulous exhibition features a range of talented designers, each chosen for their unique take on bridal jewellery. Diana Porter has managed to secure some of the finest UK and international designers along with a selection of their most exclusive designs.

There will be men’s and women’s wedding bands, engagement rings and eternity bands; so whether you’re thinking of tying the knot, recently engaged or just a ring enthusiast there will be plenty of inspiration for all.

Designers featured in this year’s ring exhibition are: Disa Allsopp, Jacqueline Cullen, Jo Pond, Kim Victoria, Lene Vibe, Margaux Clavel, Nina Bukvic, Shivani Patel, Variance Objects and Yen.

A TALL LONG LEGGED BIRD Tel: 07809 459 478 Email: kerrywho@me.com Web: atalllongleggedbird.com If you’re looking for natural and evocative images that capture all your amazing moments in chic documentary style, Kerry James (AKA A Tall Long Legged Bird) could be your lady.

Head over heels for all things natural, Kerry will capture beautiful light, radiant colour and laid-back, relaxed guests enjoying your day.

Super staged and laboriously arranged wedding photos just aren’t her thing at all so she promises to make group shots fun, and won’t whisk dresses or rings away to photograph them out of context.

Kerry follows your day, from the preparations through to dance floor heroics, capturing all of your best bits.

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WEDDING DIRECTORY

ARNOS VALE CEMETERY Bath Road, Bristol BS4 3EW Tel: 0117 971 9117 Web: arnosvale.org.uk Queen Victoria had only recently succeeded to the throne when Arnos Vale’s gorgeous garden cemetery was opened in 1839.

Almost 160 years later, Arnos Vale is a now a registered charitable trust with ‘Friends of Arnos Vale’ continuing to restore and preserve the site for future generations.

You can mix and match three unique venues for your ceremony, wedding breakfast and evening celebrations. The Underwood Centre is Bristol’s only licensed woodland venue and brings you face to face with nature – think birds singing and fire crackling as you say your vows. With the Spielman Centre reminiscent of a classical Greek temple and the grand Anglican Chapel lovingly restored to its former glory, you can create a truly bespoke wedding with Arnos Vale.

KEMPS JEWELLERS 9 Carlton Court, Westbury on Trym, Bristol, BS9 3DF Tel: 0117 950 5090 Web: kempsjewellers.com Kemps Jewellers has been trading in the engagement and wedding ring business for over 135 years, building up an extensive range of new and secondhand diamond rings.

Mike informs us that the most regular seller is the classic diamond solitaire, but they also stock a wonderfully varied range of coloured stones from fine blue sapphires to pink tourmalines.

Offering the complete wedding ring range from classic plain to stone set, Kemps tries to cater for all budgets, and can also provide handmade pieces for something a little different. Visit the team in Westbury-on-Trym – they are currently offering 10% discount for any pair of rings and associated gifts for the big day.

Image by Frances Taylor Photography

MEGAN LILY FLOWERS Tel: 07970 124 719 Email: hello@meganlilyflowers.co.uk Web: meganlilyflowers.co.uk Working from the flower shed at the bottom of her garden, Megan is proud of her floral design business and how things have grown so far – including making it to the final of Florist of the Year at Chelsea Flower show in 2013.

Creating arrangements to make your heart go wild, Megan designs beautiful, unruly floral masterpieces to reflect her client’s individualities.

She is formally trained and spent two years learning about creating floral arrangements of exceptional quality, but her love of the wild and unusual shines through in her work.

Want a fun, informal, no-obligation consultation? Get in touch to discuss your ideas.

THE CLIFTON CLUB 22 The Mall, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4DS Tel: 0117 974 5039 Web: thecliftonclub.co.uk; cliftonweddings.co.uk The Clifton Club is licensed to carry out weddings and civil partnerships in the elegant dining room, intimate Centenary Room and the smaller Club Room.

You can choose to have your wedding ceremony, Image by Corcoran and Rowan wedding reception or both at The Clifton Club, with the layout offering many options and ultimate flexibility to create your perfect wedding day.

Weather permitting, guests can make use of The Mall Gardens opposite the club building – a wonderful backdrop for photographs and a great drinks reception area.

Every wedding is unique and the experienced events team is at your service throughout the entire planning process to guide you through the finest details and make your wedding day as special as it can be.

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WEDDING DIRECTORY

PRISTON MILL Main Farmhouse, Priston Mill, Priston, Bath BA2 9EQ Tel: 01225 976215 Web: pristonmill.co.uk Priston Mill is an idyllic countryside setting for wedding ceremonies and receptions, only a few miles from Bath and Bristol. There are two wonderful venues to choose from, each with their own secluded picturesque gardens: the Tythe Barn and Watermill.

The 17th-century venues have retained their ancient character and yet have a contemporary and comfy style, which will delight your guests.

Priston Mill is renowned for its quality of service and food and the team of chefs and event managers are both friendly and professional – they are a joy to work with and unfailingly go the extra mile.

CATHERINE AMESBURY AT ARTEMIS 214 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, Bristol BS7 8NU Tel: 0117 924 1003 Web: catherineamesbury.co.uk Because your wedding day is the perfect occasion to wear something special, Catherine Amesbury has created an exquisite collection of wedding jewellery to choose from. Each piece can be worn with pride and treasured for a lifetime.

Any item in her collection can be bought as seen in the Artemis store on Gloucester Road, customised or you can have a bespoke piece created just for you.

Catherine believes that pearls and brides go together like strawberries and cream, and loves working with freshwater pearls – sourcing only the finest from around the world.

Alternatively, she showcases collections of semi-precious stones and silver, also specialising in gifts for bridesmaids, the mother of the bride and any other member of the wedding party you may wish to spoil.

THE CAKE ARCHITECT 36 Silver St, Bradford-on-Avon BA15 1JX Tel: 01225 378 867 Web: thecakearchitect.co.uk The Cake Architect team combine technical design expertise and fresh creativity to create stunning bespoke cakes. They are open from Tuesday to Saturday and happy for you to get in touch to arrange a free consultation so you can meet, tastetest, and design your unique wedding cake.

Head over with a fully developed idea or a completely blank canvas – at the Bradford on Avon shop they'll chat with you about your ideas, helping you bring everything together to make the perfect cake for your big day.

From beautiful sugar flowers to handmade models, vintage cakes to modern masterpieces, awardwinning designer David Waldren is passionate about pushing the boundaries – no cake is too big or too small!

BERWICK LODGE Berwick Drive, Bristol BS10 7TD Tel: 0117 958 1590 Web: berwicklodge.co.uk Begin a story to last a lifetime by marrying the one you love in the romantic seclusion of what could well be the South West’s best-kept secret, Berwick Lodge. The magnificent country house wedding venue on the outskirts of Bristol is set within 18 acres of enchanting gardens and woodland, with a backdrop that reaches across to Wales.

Licensed to hold wedding ceremonies and receptions for up to 90 guests, Berwick Lodge offers a beautiful collection of individually designed rooms to entertain any style. Their 14 exquisite bedrooms offer all the finishing touches and luxuries to ensure relaxation for you and your guests. Make their house your home, and together you’ll create everlasting memories of an event that’ll be remembered for years to come.

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WE THE CURIOUS Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB Tel: 0117 915 8000 Web: wethecurious.org Email: venue.hire@wethecurious.org The team at We The Image by Florence Fox Photography Curious love a wedding and can offer a wealth of events experience to help you plan your special day.

Whether you're looking for a venue for your ceremony, reception or both, they have a range of options for all sizes of guests lists - from saying "I Do" overlooking Bristol Cathedral to getting married under the stars in the Planetarium! We The Curious understand that every event is unique, so contact them to discuss your requirements so they can tailor a package to suit you and your budget.

GOLD & PLATINUM STUDIO 19 Northumberland Place, Bath BA1 5AR Tel: 01225 462300 Web: goldandplatinumstudio.co.uk Goldsmith and gemmologist Michael Parsons and his team run a delightful independent studio. He specialises in hand making one off engagement rings and wedding rings, as well as offering a wide range of individual pieces. Michael and his team undertake all types of commissions on site as well as carrying out remodelling and repairs. In addition Gold & Platinum Studio showcases a selection of independent designer jewellers. A superb choice to suit all budgets. Trading in Bath for over 40 years and with an enviable reputation for quality service. A visit is a must for jewellery lovers, anyone looking for a special gift or thinking of having a piece of jewellery made.

Looking for a perfect Gift?

Stunning Engagement rings, Wedding bands and tailor-made rings

Beautiful Gift Ideas for the bridesmaids, mother of the bride and for the groom A 10% discount on any pair of rings purchased & off any further gifts for your wedding when you mention The Bristol Magazine

We also offer Bespoke Jewellery • Silver Jewellery • Watches Jewellery & Watch Repairs • Gold purchased (old jewellery & coins)

History, Tradition & Quality the only Kemps Jewellers since 1881

J KM E EWELLERS

1881

9 Calton Court, Westbury on Trym, Bristol, BS9 3DF www.kempsjewellers.com • 0117 950 5090

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THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE – To advertise Tel: 0117 974 2800

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£500,000 landmark within touching distance for local charity

M

ichelle Bresnahan, founder of ‘a Life for a Cure’, recently presented a cheque for £26,362.25 to national charity Meningitis Now, who they work in association with. This whopping amount increases this local Bristol charity’s fundraising total to £475,000 … within touching distance of its next landmark of £500,000.

The majority of the total was raised during the fifth ‘Blingo’ night, where 180 ladies enjoyed a fun-filled evening of bingo, a three course dinner, auction and dancing. Talking about the origin of the event, Michelle said: “I wanted to create an evening for all my family and girlfriends to come together and have a fun time.”

The event was a real family affair with Michelle’s sisters, her ‘incredible’ daughter, and even her 85-year-old mother all joining in the fun. Michelle said: “My wonderful family being there to share and enjoy the evening was just the icing on the cake! Having three generations there was very special and means the world.”

Other guests at the event were a mixture of old and new supporters, who Michelle describes as having ‘great spirit and enthusiasm’, whilst also recognising the reason behind the event.

Ryan, Michelle’s son who tragically died aged 16 from meningitis, was that reason.

In 2010, Ryan contracted Men B and although he was a fit, healthy young man, he was cruelly taken from his family and friends by this horrible disease that can develop quickly with the symptoms difficult to identify. In the case of Ryan, his family had no notice or even time to say goodbye – it all happened within an hour.

‘a Life for a Cure’ was found to ultimately raise awareness and valuable funds to eradicate this devastating and infectious disease. A big part of its awareness focus involves sharing Ryan’s story at local schools and with all their supporters at the other events held throughout the year; the next one being Ryan’s Hockey Tournament.

However, there are two common misunderstandings relating to meningitis to overcome when trying to raise awareness; that meningitis only affects babies and young children and that parents mistakenly believe that their child has been vaccinated against all forms of meningitis.

What meningitis vaccines are available?

In fact, meningitis can affect anyone, of any age, at any time. One of the most ‘at risk’ groups often overlooked is young people aged between 15 and 24 years.

In the past decade there have been between 700 and 1,300 reported cases of meningococcal disease each year in the UK. GroupB causes the majority of this disease and teenagers are the second most at-risk group, after babies and young children.

Most people will make a good recovery, but between 5 and 10 per cent of cases will result in death and, of those who survive, 15% can be left with severe and disabling after-effects, such as loss of hearing and sight, brain damage and, where septicaemia has occurred, damage to major organs and loss of digits and limbs.

There are in fact multiple meningitis vaccinations available to protect against the many types of bacterial meningitis. These include Men ACWY, Men B, Hib and Men C for babies and a vaccine for over 65’s to

For Ryan’s story and to donate visit:

protect against pneumococcal disease (including meningitis). For full details on meningitis vaccines available visit www.MeningitisNow.org.

Medical research and improvements are constantly being made – no vaccine is 100% effective. To protect yourselves and your loved ones you must still be aware of the meningitis signs and symptoms by downloading the app from www.meningitisnow.org or obtaining one of the handy cards at Ryan’s Hockey Tournament on Sunday 27th May as detailed on page 68.

Fancy a Challenge?

Please get in touch if you would like to help this local charity reach its landmark of £500,000 to continue its excellent work to stop other amazing young lives being lost to meningitis. If you fancy a challenge, why not sign up for the Sky Dive that is planned for later in the year. Ryan’s sister Charlotte who is taking to the skies with their mother, said: “Since losing Ryan in 2010 so many people have ‘faced their fears’ going out of their comfort zone both physically and mentally for ‘a Life for a Cure’, so we now think it should be our turn!” Full contact details are on Ryan’s website www.ryanbresnahan.org

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Serious Crime and White Collar Crime 

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Tel: 02920 329 645/07753 116 615 Philip.williams@blackfords.com www.blackfords.com 8 St Andrews Place, Cardiff, CF10 3BE London Office: 15 Old Bailey, London, EC4M 7EF

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EVENTS | FOR KIDS

FAMILY DIARY Ideas for things to do with the little ones in Bristol this month

Dear Zoo Wednesday 25 – Thursday 26 April, times vary

Redgrave Theatre, Percival Road, Clifton The timeless children’s classic book Dear Zoo makes its stage premiere. Rod Campbell’s bestselling lift-the-flap book has delighted generations of young readers since it was first published in 1982. This production will please all those who have read the book (both young and old) as it unfolds with child-engaging puppets, music and lots of audience interaction. Rod Campbell is a master of interactive storytelling and an expert in early learning for pre-schoolers. As a trusted household name, his books have stood the test of time and continue to be a staple addition to the family bookshelf and a popular choice for early years teachers. Tickets £15.

• redgravetheatre.com

Top pick...

DON’T MISS...

Spring Stargazing Until Wednesday 23 May, dates and times vary, We The Curious, Bristol Harbourside Witness our ever-changing cosmos in your very own guided tour of the spring night sky in the science centre’s planetarium. Discover why constellations move over time, see the dance of Jupiter’s moons, take a look at the seasonal skies and even take a peek at the future sky. Suitable for ages six+. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Visit: wethecurious.org Sea Hear Storytelling Tuesday 3 April, 11am, Brunel Institute, SS Great Britain Enjoy some maritime tales as storyteller Sarah Mooney captivates the imaginations of young and not so young visitors with this free session featuring a mix of original tales with new twists on classic legends. Children can join in the action with stories of whales and angel fish, pirate treasure and stormy seas.

Visit: ssgreatbritain.org The Time Seekers Tuesday 3 – Sunday 8 April, times vary, The Wardrobe Theatre, West Street Have you ever dreamt of seeing a dinosaur, or meeting a Roman or an ancient Egyptian?

Sharing tea time with a robot from the future?

Get ready for a thrilling journey through time where you take the steering wheel. Following on from the stellar success of The Star Seekers, this new mission is an inspiring, warm and audience-driven children’s show that journeys 72 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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through history, exploring the people and places of our past and future with songs, humour and lots of audience interaction. £8 per person, under twos go free.

Visit: thewardrobetheatre.com Andy & The Odd Socks Wednesday 4 April, 1.30pm and 5pm, The Lantern, Colston Hall Andy Day, star of children’s TV, proudly presents his brand new rock and roll band for kids. Widely known for his antics tackling dinosaurs, baby animals and being on safari, much-loved Andy is also a rock star! Andy & The Odd Socks love telling stories and singing about all sorts of things from aliens to rapping robots and even a groovy hoover. The show will be jam-packed with hilarious songs, fun loving characters and an important message about celebrating your individuality. And don’t forget to wear your odd socks!

Tickets £12.90 to £16.12. Tel: 0117 203 4040; colstonhall.org Forest Fun Thursday 5 April, 11am – 3pm, Arnos Vale, Bath Road, Bristol Cooped up indoors, bored of the cold? Not at Arnos Vale. Kids can learn bushcraft skills in the outdoor centre including campfire cooking, den building and safety skills. Warm clothes and sensible shoes are recommended. £20 per child. To book, visit: arnosvale.org.uk The Blaise Fairy Door Trail Thursday 5 – Friday 6 April, 11am – 3pm, Blaise Castle House Museum Pick up a free fairy door trail and start a

journey of discovery through the beautiful Blaise Castle House Museum and gardens.

Can you discover all 12 of the fabulous Easter themed fairy doors? Can you spot any bunnies, spring flowers or fluffy chicks?

Suitable for three – 10 years. Drop in session.

Visit: bristolmuseums.org.uk/blaise-castlehouse-museum Dockside Crane Rides Saturday 7 – Sunday 8 April, M Shed Experience a working crane on the dockside with trips inside the electric cranes and the Fairbairn steam crane, and find out the vital part they played in the working life of the dockside. Buy tickets on board on the day; electric cranes are £2 per person, the Fairbairn steam crane is free, donations welcome.

Visit: bristolmuseums.org.uk/m-shed Easter Fun Until Sunday 8 April, 10am – 5pm, Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park, Keynsham, Bristol There are plenty of egg-citing things to enjoy over Easter. Take part in the Avon Valley Egg Drop Challenge, watch the falconry team fly birds of prey and decorate an egg to hang on the Easter Tree. Plus there will be lots of baby animals and lamb feeding demonstrations.

Visit: avonvalley.co.uk Autism-Friendly Session Sunday 15 April, open from 9am, We The Curious, Bristol Harbourside Science centre We The Curious is a big and noisy venue at times, which can be challenging for visitors on the autism spectrum. The venue

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EVENTS | FOR KIDS

The Time Seekers at The Wardrobe Theatre

will be open early on this day, so visitors can explore the exhibits at their own pace and try out the fun activities in the kitchen, greenhouse and live lab. There will be an autism-friendly show in the planetarium at 10.15am for ages five and over. Tel: 0117 915 1000 or visit: wethecurious.org to find out more and to book.

TYNTEtots: The Owl and the Pussycat Thursday 26 – Friday 27 April, 10am and 1pm, Tyntesfield Storytelling, crafts and games for two – five year olds inspired by the classic story of The Owl and the Pussycat. Bring a waterproof coat and wellies if wet. £3 adults, £7 children.

To book, tel: 0344 249 1895 or visit: nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield

Bristol and the Transatlantic Slave Trade for Home Educated Children Thursday 26 April, 2 – 3pm, M Shed During this structured learning session, home educated children will use objects and historic documents to explore peoples’ attitudes towards the slave trade and learn about how Bristol was changed by its involvement.

Suitable for 12 – 14 year olds. £6 per child, booking essential. Tel: 0117 922 3567; bristolmuseums.org.uk/m-shed Awful Auntie Tuesday 1 – Sunday 6 May, times vary, Bristol Hippodrome When Stella sets off to visit London with her parents, she has no idea her life is in danger.

Waking up three months later, only her

Aunt Alberta can tell Stella what has happened. But not everything Alberta tells her turns out to be true… From the awardwinning West End producers of Gangsta Granny comes the world premiere of David Walliams’ amazing tale of frights, fights and friendship, featuring a very large owl, a very small ghost and a very awful Auntie.

Visit: atgtickets.com/bristol-hippodrome Flash, Bang, Wallop!

Daily, Dockyard Museum, SS Great Britain Travel back in time and around the world, and pose for a portrait in the Melbourne photographic studio. Dressed in stovepipe hats, bonnets and crinolines, you will have a great Victorian-style souvenir of your visit.

Included in the admission price. n

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WILD BRISTOL

Pen Park Hole has a fascinating but somewhat macabre history – access is now strictly controlled to protect the public and the wildlife (image from Chris Proctor)

Niphargus shrimps are strange little things, looking like blanched prawns without eyes (image from Andy Newington)

GOING UNDERGROUND Pete Dommett has been off in search of the city’s secret, subterranean wildlife at Pen Park Hole

H

ave you heard about the blind cave shrimps that live in a lake beneath the streets of Southmead? This sounds like an elaborate April Fool’s Day story, I know, but amazingly it’s true. Pen Park Hole is a natural cave system in the north of the city and the only one in the country where a scarce species of freshwater shrimp, niphargus kochianus, is known to exist. It’s also the only place where both this species and a similar one, niphargus fontanus, have been found together. These crustaceans are tiny – merely a few millimetres long – but their presence at Pen Park led to Natural England designating the area as a Site of Special Scientific Interest back in 2016.

Niphargus shrimps are strange little things. They’re white, like blanched prawns, have no eyes and some species (there are four in Britain altogether) can survive for several months without eating. A recent survey at Pen Park Hole discovered large numbers of kochianus plus a few fontanus specimens, although this species is widely recorded in the nearby caves of The Mendip Hills and South Wales.

The Southmead shrimps live in the lake (once said to be wide and deep enough to float the biggest ship in Bristol harbour) that lies at the bottom of The Hole’s main chamber. At 60 metres high, this is truly cavernous and reached by a series of narrow passages that twist their way from the entrance hole on the surface. The whole cave system extends for an area of almost two acres and is thought to have been created in the late Triassic or early Jurassic period, approximately 200 million years ago.

Along with its interesting geology – its ‘dog tooth’ crystals have been identified as one of the key indicators of the cave’s hydrothermal origin – Pen Park Hole has a fascinating and, at times,

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rather macabre history. It was discovered in 1669 by Captain Samuel Sturmy, a retired mariner and teacher of navigation from Easton-in-Gordano. During his initial exploration of the cave, the miner that accompanied him was apparently spooked by an evil spirit and forced to return above ground. Four days after their descent, Sturmy suffered a severe headache which turned into a fever that proved fatal for him and deterred anyone else from entering the site for many years. Then, in 1775, Thomas Newnam, the Reverend of Redcliffe Church, attempted to plumb the depth of the cave’s lake, but the tree branch he was holding broke and he plummeted to his death. His body was recovered some 17 days later.

Attempts to mine lead ore from the cave were abandoned in the mid-19th century and the entrance was closed off in the 1870s. It was eventually sealed with a concrete slab by the city council in 1961, then reopened in 1992. Access is now strictly controlled by the Bristol Exploration Club, the University of Bristol’s Spelaeological Society and the Wessex Cave Club to protect the site, the shrimps and inquisitive people.

Despite the fact that Pen Park Hole was first found almost 350 years ago, many Bristolians still seem to be unaware of its existence.

That’s not so surprising perhaps – all you can see of the entrance, half-concealed by leaves and litter in a scruffy little park off Pen Park Road, is a locked steel lid. It’s hard to believe that this inconspicuous portal leads to a secret, subterranean world complete with its curious, cave-dwelling creatures... ■

• For more information on Pen Park Hole and its shrimp population, visit penparkhole.org.uk or hcrs.freshwaterlife.org

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EDUCATION NEWS UPDATES FROM THE CITY’S SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

A UNIQUE OFFERING

REDMAID REPPING

A FIRST FOR MILLFIELD

Young people of Bristol now have their very own representative in the UK youth parliament in the shape of 17-year-old Caitlin O’Regan – a Year 12 student at Redmaids’ High School, who started her political journey a year ago when she was voted onto the Bristol Youth Council.

As an elected UK MYP, Caitlin will organise events and projects, run campaigns and influence decision makers on the issues which matter most to young people. “I’m currently heavily involved with the ‘what’s next’ campaign, looking at provisions for work experience and apprenticeships for young people across Bristol,” said Caitlin, who has also worked on the Bristol Clean Streets Project and presented at the Interclimate Network on the topic of recycling. “As an MYP, I will attend three conventions throughout my term and attend the UK Youth Parliament annual sitting at the House of Commons to debate issues raised by the young people of Bristol.

“I’d like to go into law first, and spend some time gaining life experience so I can be more representative of the community when I go into politics. My classmates did vote me ‘most likely to become prime minister’ so watch this space!”

• redmaidshigh.co.uk

Millfield Upper Sixth pupil Cormac Pike has become the first ever Millfield player to captain the Independent Schools’ Football Association and the English Schools’ Football Association squads in the same season – one of only a handful of players in the country to hold the captaincies in both leagues.

The Millfield XI first team captain led the ESFA boys’ U18 team in the Centenary Shield tournament against the Home Nations in mid-March and has also played for Shepton Mallet FC, part of the Western League Premier Division, for two years since beginning his studies at Millfield.

Cormac plans to follow former Millfield first team captain Matthew McGlinchey to Fairfield University in Connecticut, USA, to study in America and play football.

“It has been an incredible journey for Cormac,” said head of football, Terry Akhurst. “He is an outstanding captain for the school first XI and it was clear that having played a second season for ISFA, he would lead the squad this year. Being made captain of ESFA as well is a real feather in his cap. He is a fine leader both on and off the pitch and we are proud of him.”

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• millfieldschool.com

Bristol Grammar School is now an IB World School and, as such, will be offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma to students in its sixth form from this September – making it the only coeducational school in Bristol to offer both A-levels and the IB. “BGS is delighted to be recognised as an IB World School and to be joining them as they celebrate the 50th anniversary of their programmes,” said Ben Schober, the assistant head overseeing the implementation of the IB. “While some students will be suited to the focus of A-level and Pre-U, others will flourish continuing a wider range of subjects. The addition of the IB to our curriculum allows us to offer a choice of pathways – the IB Diploma, and the A-level and Pre-U route – both of which develop advanced learning skills and styles, independence, and engagement with the wider community.

“Both pathways will also fully prepare students for higher education and future careers and continue Bristol Grammar School’s proud tradition of sending students to leading universities in the UK and abroad.”

Commenting on the introduction of the IB alongside A-levels for Bristol Grammar School’s sixth form students, BGS headmaster, Rod MacKinnon, added: “Our focus, as a learning community, is to develop students’ self-confidence and understanding in their learning within a broad and rich educational experience for all. That’s exactly what the diploma will provide.

“The diploma’s curriculum also provides an excellent balance between breadth and depth in study and the school is able to offer a wide range of subject choices at both A-level and IB, allowing our students to find the right path for them.”

• bristolgrammarschool.co.uk

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• Co-educational day school for pupils aged 5-13 with

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A DOWN FOR ALL SEASONS Andrew Swift finds timeless splendour in a historic old battleground as it shrugs off its winter torpor

T

his month’s walk is a breezy stroll along one of the most spectacular stretches of the Wiltshire Downs. It starts by weaving through deep woodland to emerge at a viewpoint high above the town of Devizes, before heading north to follow a narrow track along the escarpment, with the ground shelving steeply away.

After leaving the woods, we head into open country, crossing Roundway Down, where a famous battle was fought 375 years ago, before skirting the ramparts of an iron age hillfort, down whose vertiginous slopes cavalrymen, fleeing the battle, fell headlong to their deaths. The sense that this is a place where history was forged in blood is inescapable. Yet, looking out today across the folded hills, with cloud shadows brushing across the patchwork fields below, such sombre reflections are blown away by the timeless splendour of the scene.

Roundway is a down for all seasons – in spring, when the land shrugs off its winter torpor, in high summer when flowers bespeckle the chalk grasslands and the hazy air is alive with butterflies, in autumn when dying leaves are blown upon the wind, or in winter when snow lies late in banks and drifts.

One thing you always have to be prepared for up here is the wind – one of my most memorable visits was in late January this year, on a day when it was touching gale force. Few others had ventured out, yet frantic, eerie whistlings announced the presence of a red kite, soaring and wheeling in the teeth of the wind, the bleak and brooding down a perfect setting for its menacing insouciance. You may be lucky enough to see this most magnificent of birds on your visit. I was hoping for another sighting when I returned in early March but, although the songs of innumerable skylarks cheered the snowy scene, the kite failed to make an appearance.

To get to Roundway Down, head east out of Devizes along the A361.

Three-quarters of a mile after leaving the town centre, turn left along 80 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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Folly Lane, following a sign for Roundway. After another two-thirds of a mile, turn right just before a phone box. As you continue, look up ahead to see the fading outline of Wiltshire’s newest white horse, carved in 1999, and the only one facing right. When you come to a fork, bear left by a sign for Leipzig Plantation. After climbing steeply for a third of a mile, when the lane levels out, pull into a parking area (SU008640).

Having parked, go through a kissing gate (KG for short) on the left, head across a field and go through another KG into Roundway Hill Covert, established to provide a cover for pheasants but now a nature reserve. Bear right to follow a track alongside the fence. When the fence curves right, carry straight on, following a track winding through bushes of box to emerge on the edge of the escarpment.

Below lies a patchwork of fields stretching far away, the horizon ringed by the undulating line of Salisbury Plain, while to the north the mistier heights of Mendip can be dimly descried. A right turn leads down a short flight of steps and into woodland, with the land shelving steeply away below you. With trees and undergrowth blocking any view to your right, walking this narrow path, squeezed onto the shoulder of the hill, has a curiously vertiginous feel.

Soon, an iron-age promontory fort, known as Oliver’s Castle comes into view ahead, its flattened profile topped by a few lone trees. Beyond it, far to the north-west, lie Lansdown and Cotswold Edge.

Then the path leads into the woods, the views disappear and, as the path curves up to the right, before continuing as before, all sense of being on the edge of an escarpment fades.

At the wood’s end, a gateway leads into a parking area. Turn left and carry on past another gate to follow a track between fences. On your right is the site of the Battle of Roundway Down, fought on 13 July 1643. After 300m, turn left through a handgate. Carry on along a rough track following the edge of the escarpment with a fence on your left and, after going through a KG, bear left towards the ramparts of

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Oliver’s Castle. This was named after Oliver Cromwell, despite it predating him by several millennia, and despite him not having fought at the Battle of Roundway Down, one of the greatest cavalry battles of the English Civil War. Unfortunately for the parliamentarians, they were not only on the losing side; when they fled westward from the battlefield, they tumbled down the precipitous slopes below you. Many were killed, many more injured, and an area at the bottom is still known as Bloody Ditch today.

When the track forks, by a post bearing the legend R5, fork right alongside the ramparts. The view northward from here is particularly dramatic, with the chalk headlands scored by drainage channels and sculpted by the wind into something resembling a line of frozen waves.

As you continue round the ramparts and start heading eastward, the woods of the covert come into view, like a cloak thrown over the hillside. Back at the parking area, you can either head south along a rough byway to return to your car, or retrace your steps through the woods and along the escarpment.

From there, it is a short drive into one of Wiltshire’s most fascinating historic towns. Devizes has a wide range of places to eat and drink, as well as a wealth of half-timbered buildings, Georgian terraces, old coaching inns and a couple of still-thriving market halls. You can also take a tour round a 19th-century brewery, visit the splendid Wiltshire Museum or stroll out along the towpath of the Kennet & Avon Canal to see one of the longest flights of locks in the country at Caen Hill. ■

Looking north from Oliver’s Castle

At a glance...

■

Length: 3½ miles

■

Time: 1½ hours

■

Level of challenge: Straightforward, although with some muddy and uneven stretches

■

Map: OS Explorer 157

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There’s bound to be something for your home in our enormous collection of handsome, hand-selected, hand-made rugs, kilims, furniture and accessories, reasonably priced from £50 to £5000.

Cleaning • Restoration Valuation

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T H E

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During the festive break our offices at Bristol & Exeter house were heavily flooded by a water escape in the offices above us.

11 Portland Street, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4JA Tel: 0117 973 0000 • 07770 393 020 email: info@atlas-interiors.co.uk

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The rooms are currently undergoing a complete overhaul and we hope to return very soon.

All mail and telephone lines are temporarily redirected, but for people wishing to visit us, or for parcels and other deliveries, please contact us beforehand.

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• Plain and Ornamental plastering • • Wide selection of new cornices, ceiling roses etc • • Cornice made to match existing and repair work • • Lime plastering and rendering • • 29 years experience •

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Elly’s Wellies

Garden Designs

Turning your ideas into beautiful spaces Elly’s Wellies Garden Designs will help you maximise the potential of your outdoor space and tailor it to your individual needs. Whether you are looking for a complete garden redesign, or just need advice on what to plant in a border, Elly’s Wellies will be happy to help.

For a free initial consultation, contact Elly West

www.ellyswellies.co.uk ellyswellies@gmail.com 07788 640934

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Now’s the perfect time to get your garden ready for the weather ahead.

I’ve wasted countless days and a small fortune, trying to maintain tired wooden fences that looked dreadful and always required yet more work.

Discovering Colourfence has changed things forever!

It’s scientifically tested and rated to ensure when professionally installed it can withstand wind gusts of up to 130mph. This year when my neighbours are wasting precious leisure time treating their fences with a variety of preservatives, I’ll be giving my Colourfence a quick hose down then sitting back to enjoy my garden.

As the Colourfence system offers a lasting solution to fencing woes it’s easy to see why many regard it as the premier fencing solution on the market.

Colourfence won’t rot and it resists weather that quickly damages wooden fences, it has none of the drawbacks of wood but plenty of added bene ts and it’s better value too! High quality AND

great value – it’s a customisable product with a variety of colours and styles offering a first rate finish. The materials and fitting are so good that Colourfence is guaranteed† for 25 years!

To find out how Colourfence might benefit you and arrange your free no obligation quote, I strongly suggest you call one of their helpful experts.

THE COLOURFENCE PROMISE Virtually maintenance free Saves time and money – no annual treating required Guaranteed for up to 25 years† Unbeatable value compared to other fences Versatile range of colours & sizes No risk professional installation

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GARDENING Geum’s prolific, soft-orange flowers are perfect for warm copper and bronze colour schemes

SHOWTIME...

Grab your waterproofs, sunnies and notepad and be inspired this spring: it’s Elly West’s rough guide to garden show visiting

I

f you’re passionate about plants and gardens, love discovering new trends, gaining inspiration and perhaps even picking up a bargain or two, there’s no better place to indulge yourself than at a garden show. April sees the start of the gardening show season, providing opportunities to immerse yourself in some horticultural haute couture.

Cardiff holds its RHS show this month, followed by the RHS Spring Festival in Malvern in early May. But the jewel in the crown has to be Chelsea next month. This prestigious annual event is to gardening what Milan is to the fashion world. People travel across the globe to experience this feast for the senses, with top designers setting trends that filter down to our own gardens. A trip to Chelsea is truly something special; worth doing at least once in a lifetime if you are even vaguely interested in horticulture. Closer to home there’s plenty going on as well, so on these pages I’ll aim to give a rough guide to garden show visiting.

Show gardens For me, as with many visitors judging by the inescapable crowds to be found on Chelsea’s main avenue, the show gardens are the highlight. I love seeing what other designers are doing and what colour schemes and plant combinations they are using. I’m amazed by what is physically possible, especially when you see full-grown trees that have been shipped in, or moss-covered stones and walls, looking as if they’ve been in situ for decades.

On the flip side, don’t be disheartened if your garden doesn’t look like a show garden. The number of plants per square metre is phenomenal and breaks all the rules – there’s no following the label’s guidelines.

They’re crammed in much more densely than you would ever plant in a permanent garden border, with 30 or 40 plants per square metre in some cases. Also, everything is chosen to look perfect in that moment. But despite the fact that show gardens may not be sustainable and cost eyewatering amounts of money to build, they are the place to see new, cutting-edge ideas, whether it’s colour schemes and plant combinations, interesting materials for hard landscaping, or other elements such as water features and even outdoor kitchens.

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As well as the main show gardens, there’s plenty of inspiration to be found in the smaller gardens too. Malvern has its festival gardens, which showcase new designers’ work, while at Chelsea there are the artisan and fresh gardens, scaled down, but rich in detail and inspiration.

They’re often slightly quieter as well so you may get to have a proper look without too much shoulder-barging. As well as the traditional show gardens, this year’s Gardeners’ World Live, at the Birmingham NEC in June, has a ‘beautiful borders’ competition, where designers will fill a plot of around seven square metres, with the theme ‘every space counts’.

Shop, shop, shop Another highlight for me is the opportunity to grab a bargain, whether you’re looking for plants, garden furniture or a hot tub. Retailers often offer show-only prices, and it’s a good chance to talk to suppliers about their products and see them demonstrated. At Gardeners’ World Live there’s a plant crèche, where you can leave your purchases to pick up at the end of the day. Wheelie trolleys seem to do a roaring trade, or you can arrange delivery of larger items at a later date so you don’t have to struggle getting them home. Chelsea is the exception, with no plants available to buy until the big sell-off at 4pm on the Saturday. It’s quite a sight as herbaceous borders are dismantled and carried off by happy customers through the streets and on tube trains and buses in the surrounding area.

Plan your visit Because of my work I’ve been lucky enough to visit Chelsea out of hours, first thing in the morning when the light is beautiful and all is calm. A few hours later when the gates open to the public it’s another story, and it can be incredibly crowded. I’d recommend going later in the day, as cheaper tickets are available after 3.30pm and 5.30pm, when the all-dayers will (hopefully!) be worn out and heading home. Most of the regional shows are on larger sites with more space, and crowds are not such an issue, but it’s still a good idea to plan your day, arriving in good time to avoid traffic where possible. It also pays to watch the television coverage if there is some. Gardeners’ World on BBC2 does a spot on

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most of the RHS shows, and Chelsea has its own dedicated programmes.

These give you a behind-the-scenes look at the designers and their inspiration, so you’ll know what to look out for during your visit.

Dress appropriately Comfortable clothes and shoes are a must, as is a waterproof top layer, preferably one that can be rolled up and put in a bag. A hat or hood is more sociable than an umbrella, particularly at Chelsea, where you risk poking eyes out not to mention blocking people’s view. Don’t forget sunscreen as you’ll be outside for most of the day.

Take photos And a notebook. And a pen. Or a phone to record the things that catch your eye. You might think you’ll remember details, but write things down and take plenty of photos to be on the safe side. One of the best things about show visiting has to be the ideas and inspiration. Spend all day walking around plants, gardens and stalls selling exciting gardening products and it’s impossible not to go home enthused with ideas for your own space, so make sure you record the things you want to remember.

PLANT OF THE MONTH: GEUM ‘TOTALLY TANGERINE’ Some flowers are seen over and over again in show gardens, and geum ‘Totally Tangerine’ is among those that have become Chelsea stalwarts, since it was introduced nearly 10 years ago. I love this variety for its prolific, soft-orange flowers that are perfect for warm copper and bronze colour schemes. It looks great alongside bronzetinged pheasant’s tail grass (Stipa arundinacea) and the warm orange-reds of achillea ‘Paprika’, or for contrast, grow it alongside blues and dark purples. This variety is particularly free flowering, starting in May and keeping on going until the first frosts. It is also taller than many other geums, with stems up to around 90cm held over mounds of scalloped leaves. Choose a spot in full sun, and divide clumps in spring or autumn if they’re outgrowing their space.

Alan Titchmarsh is a familiar face at many of the garden shows

Indulge your passion for plants There’s nothing quite like walking into a floral marquee and immediately being surrounded by colour, texture and fragrance, with plants looking their absolute best and displayed to perfection. It’s also a good place to discover new varieties. Growers tend to be friendly people, passionate about their subject, who want to share their knowledge and expertise, so make the most of all that know-how under one roof.

Upcoming shows: RHS Flower Show Cardiff, Bute Park (13 – 15 April); RHS Malvern Spring Festival, Three Counties Showground (10 – 13 May); RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Royal Hospital (22 – 26 May); Gardeners’ World Live, NEC, Birmingham (14 –17 June) • ellyswellies.co.uk

01275 562042 www.greenbirdgardening.co.uk THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

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BRISTOL PROPERTY | IN FOCUS

T

idal Reach is situated at the end of a private no through road less than half a mile from the thriving, fashionable Hill Road area of this increasingly cool North Somerset town (see our March issue). The property is a wonderful new build home which has been carefully created to take full advantage of the outstanding coastal views and was a finalist for ‘best individual new home’ in the LABC awards. Modern technology has been incorporated to include heat recovery units for each floor and there is automated control of the lighting, music system, heating, security, CCTV and the indoor swimming pool. The rooms are filled with natural light and the use of marble flooring gives a sleek, contemporary feel. The accommodation comprises: Entrance hall, Sitting room/dining/‘Parapan’ kitchen with built in Siemens appliances, drawing room, utility room, WC. Master bedroom suite with dressing room and en suite bathroom, three further bedrooms with en suite bath/shower rooms, study/bedroom 5. Swimming pool, gym, shower/changing room, plant room, garage. Outside there is a large terrace with Astro turf surface and low maintenance gardens which are largely terraced with well kept borders.

Tidal Reach is a home designed with leisure in mind and is the perfect escape yet within a couple of miles of the motorway for a fast commute into Bristol or the South West.

Knight Frank, Regent House, 27A Regent Street, Clifton, Bristol. Tel: 0117 317 1999

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TIDAL REACH CLEVEDON NORTH SOMERSET • Contemporary 4/5 bedroom house • 4 en suite bath/shower rooms • Leisure complex with swimming pool and gym • Spectacular coastal views • Noted architectural design

Guide Price £1,950,000

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BRISTOL PROPERTY | IN FOCUS

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THE PROS AND CONS OF BUYING A NEW BUILD PROPERTY ALEX CASTIGLIONE

Conveyancing Partner at Barcan+Kirby

Land & Development

B R O K E R S

N

ew build homes are not only a great way to get on the property ladder, but can also provide further investment for existing homeowners as well. As the amount of new build developments soar around Bristol and the surrounding areas, Alex Castiglione, Conveyancing Partner at Barcan+Kirby discusses the pros and cons of buying a new build property and what you can do to get the best outcome for your move.

Pro: Everything is new

RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT SITES WANTED WITH OR WITHOUT PLANNING PERMISSION FROM SINGLE PLOTS TO MULTIPLE UNIT SCHEMES STRATEGIC LAND UNUSED PUBLIC HOUSES, HOTELS AND COMMERCIAL UNITS

contact: CAMERON GRAY mobile: 07876 197522

When you move into a new build home, everything is built to 21st century specifications, so not only will you have no major repairs for the first few years, everything will be more energy efficient than if you were to buy an older house.

Con: Buying off plan If you buy your home off plan, meaning you agree to buy before it’s been built, you’ll only be able to see your home through plans and brochures which may end up being different to what you imagined. The show home may have sparked your interest, but be aware that it’s only there to entice you, so use it as a guide only as it may be nothing like what you’re buying.

Pro: No ongoing chain As you’re moving into a new property, the sale chain will be much shorter as you won’t have to wait for the previous owners to move out.

Bearing that in mind, the exchange of contracts will be around 28 days or less, so if the property is complete, you may be able to move in, less than a month after your mortgage has been approved.

Cons: The snagging list Before you complete on your brand new home, you’ll have to complete a snagging list. This means you’ll have to highlight any problems or defects you find so the developer can rectify them before you move in. If they are small problems, such as scratches in the wood or some painting needs to be redone, these can be fixed relatively quickly. However, be aware that bigger problems could result in delays to your move in date.

These are just a few pros and cons that come with buying a new build home. These may not apply to everyone, but they are common for most house buyers. My other tips for a smoother move is to make friends with the on-site staff. They can keep you up to date with the likely completion date, utility plans and the specification of your property.

You should also be organised in every aspect, especially when it comes to conveyancing as returning your solicitor’s paperwork as soon as possible, can prevent unnecessary delays. n For further information on buying a new build property or to speak to Alex, call us on 0117 325 2929 or email a.castiglione@barcankirby.co.uk

cameron@landdevelopmentbrokers.co.uk www.landdevelopmentbrokers.co.uk

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www.barcankirby.co.uk

Knight Frank fp.qxp_Layout 1 19/03/2018 09:52 Page 1

Bristol & Clifton’s premier Commercial Property Agents Keep up-to-date with our latest news, deals, testimonials and market comment at our website: www.burstoncook.co.uk

(0117) 934 9977 WEST STREET, BEDMINSTER

FOR SALE ARMSTRONG COURT, YATE • Business unit

• Large showroom (might suit office stp)

• 3,600 sq ft + 11 cars

• 2,246 sq ft

• Fully fitted as offices

• £28,000 pax

• Price on application

• New flexible lease

FOR SALE – BROAD STREET – BS1

LARGE BS1 SHOP • Close to the BRI, the University and city centre

• Ground floor office • Only £160,000

• Prominent corner site

• 620 sq ft

• New lease

• Rare opportunity to buy

• Rent on application

OFFICE FOR SALE IN BRISTOL CITY CENTRE

FOR SALE – APOLLO HOUSE

• Only £165,000

• Almondsbury Business Park

• Suit 5 people + meeting room + kitchen

• Headquarters offices

• 1 car space

• 7,300 sq ft – 34 cars

• Rare opportunity

• Freehold price O/A

RESTAURANT BUSINESS

BS1 OFFICES • High quality refurb

• Great food & great reviews

• 2,500 – 3,600 sq ft

• Fully fitted

• 4 car spaces

• Rent £12,500 pa + premium

• New lease

• Superb opportunity

• Rent O/A

PORTLAND SQUARE – BS1

BEDMINSTER OFFICES

• Located on the prestigious Portland Sq

• Open plan offices • 5,493 sq ft

• 3,360 sq ft – floors from 532 sq ft

Julian Cook FRICS

Burston Cook April.indd 1

Jayne Rixon MRICS

Charlie Kershaw MRICS

• Parking on site

• Car parking to the rear for up to 7 / 8 cars

• To be refurbished

• Flexible lease terms

• Rent on application

Finola Ingham MRICS

Tom Coyte MRICS

Holly Boulton BSc(Hons)

• Sales / Lettings • Acquisitions • Valuations • Landlord & tenant • Auction Sales

• Rent reviews • Property Management • Investment Sales / Purchase • Development & Planning • Dilapidations Advice

20/03/2018 13:03

Bristol & Clifton’s premier Commercial Property Agents Keep up-to-date with our latest news, deals, testimonials and market comment at our website: www.burstoncook.co.uk

(0117) 934 9977

AN OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE A FREEHOLD HQ

APOLLO HOUSE, AXIS 4/5 WOODLANDS, ALMONDSBURY, BS32 4JT This substantial property provides an opportunity for a purchaser to acquire their own self contained office in a prominent location, on an established business park.

Furthermore, the office is being sold ‘as seen’ to allow a purchaser to personalise the building and refurbish it to suit their own needs.

Key Points: • Approximate net internal area of 7,279.5 Sq Ft (676.3 Sq M) • Open plan floor plates of c 2,200 – 2,500 Sq Ft • 34 on site car parking spaces • Passenger lift • Located on an established business park • Approximately 2 miles from Bristol Parkway Railway Station • High profile building fronting onto the M4/M5 intersection

Suit occupier or investor

An internal viewing is highly recommended.

Contact Finola Ingham from Burston Cook on 0117 9349977, or our joint agent Natalie Bennett from HTC

Julian Cook FRICS

Burston Cook April.indd 2

Jayne Rixon MRICS

Charlie Kershaw MRICS

Finola Ingham MRICS

Tom Coyte MRICS

• • • • •

Sales / Lettings Acquisitions Valuations Landlord & tenant Auction Sales

• • • • •

Rent reviews Property Management Investment Sales / Purchase Development & Planning Dilapidations Advice

19/03/2018 14:37

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COOLEST NEW QUARTERS IN TOWN? Redcliffe’s colourful, quintessentially Bristolian digs, waterside pads in Kings Weston, industrial chic in Southville: we cast a rather admiring eye over some of the city’s latest residential developments

T

he wave of new properties being designed and developed in Bristol is seemingly never-ceasing – but we’ll always say yes to a coffee break and an ogle in the name of research. While some house hunters choose to eschew newbuilds, assuming they’re characterless or pedestrian and instead perhaps opting to buy a period property and do it up to their own requirements, these days more and more developers are breathing life into old landmark buildings, factories and the like, meaning there’s often style and history in abundance. Or, on the equally attractive other hand, they’re creating homes to such contemporary, eco-conscious criteria as to make them almost irresistible and seemingly a no-brainer of a choice; there are even those investing in forward-thinking, sustainable selfbuild schemes with the environment at their heart. Here are a few projects we’re liking at the moment.

Central Bristol Bristol developer Change Living’s eye-catching conversion of the colourful, Grade II Georgian terrace at Redcliffe Parade is pretty much the stuff of dreams, with its beautifully proportioned period apartments in a sought-after spot close to the cultural life of the city and with views over the harbourside.

One of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, set among the fun and hubbub yet also in its own peaceful corner, the terrace dates back to 1768 and has seen many uses in its time – from a school to a drapers’. In 1972, numbers three to eight were extensively altered again to create offices, when an additional office block was also built at the rear. Over the last two years Change Living has been renovating both the terrace and the offices into gorgeous new one, two and three-bedroom homes with a sense of relaxed elegance plus restored original features.

Big old floor-to-ceiling windows maximise light while spacious balconies allow many residents views across the Bristol skyline towards Ashton Court. Added bonuses include basement and secure cycle storage, allocated parking for some apartments and electronic gate access. They’re available to move into now and prices start from £325,000.

• knightfrank.co.uk Another waterside option, and the conclusion of a massive regeneration programme to transform Bristol’s historic docks, Brandon Yard is a prestigious development of 58 apartments, occupying the last available position on the northern (Cliftonside) section of Harbourside, opposite the SS Great Britain. It presents a somewhat rare opportunity to become part of a cultural quarter of new homes, listed buildings and Victorian warehouses overlooking the Floating Harbour.

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The earliest recorded structure on the Brandon Yard site was the Limekiln Glassworks, built in the late 17th century and demolished in 1838. The site then underwent a brief period as a timber yard before being transformed into The Canon’s Marsh Gasworks in the late 19th century. The decline of the docklands began in the 1960s which led to the closure of the gasworks and ever since, the land has been dormant.

The once-derelict industrial buildings are now beginning a new chapter as distinctive stylish homes preserving the memory of the city’s maritime heritage. The Grade II former Purifier House will be restored to create an array of apartments with water views, and the Engine House, with its restored brick chimney, is to become two new properties. A new apartment building designed to complement the industrial heritage will offer further balconies and a roof terrace. Prices start from £295,000.

• savills.co.uk Alternatively, located in the vibrant, bohemian Old Market – one of Bristol’s most exciting regeneration areas with some of the city’s most historic architecture – is Guild Heritage House. A super new development within walking distance of Cabot Circus, Temple Quay and Temple Meads station, its 20 studio, one and two-bedroom apartments start from £140,000 and are launching on 7 April. Completion is planned for autumn 2018, and we’re told that all-important parking arrangements are available by separate negotiation.

• savills.co.uk

Southville & Bedminster Built at the turn of the 20th century, landmark building The Cigar Factory in sought-after Southville is a lovely example of Bristol’s rich industrial heritage – now transformed into 19 one, two and three-bedroom duplex apartments, above a modern commercial office space. History, location and style have combined to make it a rather unique place to live, and the last duplex will be launching soon – the only one to include its own roof terrace with ace views, three bedrooms, an en-suite and separate bathroom as well as parking.

• oceanhome.co.uk Meanwhile, phase two of Southville’s Bankside, close to Coronation Road and nodding to the local vernacular with its buildings a mix of coloured render and red brick, is launching on 14 April following pretty huge interest in the initial phase.

Opposite page, clockwise from top: Loft House is the result of former orphange and college Brunel House’s residential conversion; being part of this local iconic-looking line-up in Redcliffe Parade would be the dream; this beautiful kitchen scene comes courtesy of Bright Green Futures; Guild Heritage House can be found in cool and bohemian Old Market; could your future be Bright Green (with lovely orange sofa)?

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The open-plan homes – some with roof terraces and plenty with outside space – start from £234,950, with the help-to-buy scheme available (contact Savills for information). Then there’s Picture House Court in Bedminster; a collection of 26 new homes – 80% of which have now been reserved – including apartments, duplexes and three and four-bedroom houses with en-suite and upper floor terraces in select homes, as well as gardens and parking. Prices start from £379,950 – contact Ocean.

• savills.co.uk; oceanhome.co.uk

North Bristol Located next to the Gloucestershire County Cricket Ground, Loft House in Bishopston is a Grade II listed, 1850s building of imposing symmetrical structure with deep, overhanging eaves and dressed Bath stone features embodying the confidence and certainty of the Victorian era. Originally designed as one of many orphanages run by Christian evangelist George Muller, before it was named Brunel House and used as a college, it’s now being converted into 60 one, two and three-bedroom houses and apartments, with parking for some. As well as the traditional period exterior, we love the interior style – think elegant sash windows, mezzanines and double-height ceilings, plus solid wood parquet flooring, original ornate ironwork grilles and impressive cantilevered stone staircases in communal areas as well as two landscaped courtyards. Phase two has now been released, with prices from £222,500.

Over in Shirehampton, Brigstowe Apartments’ last two-bedroom apartments are up for grabs, from £162,500. The 10-home development in Shirehampton Village has been given a high-quality finish with engineered oak flooring in the living spaces and bedrooms, glossy kitchens and gas central heating (contact Ocean for more information).

• oceanhome.co.uk; savills.co.uk Heard of Bristol-based Bright Green Futures and its flagship self-build project, Water Lilies? An innovative and pioneering community scheme in Kings Weston’s park and woodland setting near Blaise Castle, it’s promising to break the mould of what conventional housing developers offer. According to the developer, 53% of UK residents say they’d like to build their own home, but so far this option has only been available to very few. They want to change this and challenge the conventional approach to new-build housing with their 33-home development driven by sustainable principles and giving buyers the opportunity to design and build homes bespoke to their needs.

Brandon Yard is the conclusion of a massive regeneration programme on the docks

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Founding director Steffie Broer formed the company based on findings from her award-winning doctoral research at The Centre for Urban Sustainability and Resilience at UCL. She became South West Champion for Energy Efficiency in 2016 for driving sustainability values within the company and developing solutions in its housing projects that address climate change and benefit resident wellbeing.

“For many people it’s very difficult to self-build because they’re starting from scratch, they’ve got to learn everything,” she says, on the subject of facilitating self-building as part of a community. “Our model basically hand-holds the group through the process and explains it. On building projects there are usually some problems to solve but they’re minimised, and we’re there to really help and talk people through them.

I’ve never met someone whose problem is bigger than the savings they can make or the improved outcome they get. You don’t just get your dream home but a lovely community because the people who are attracted to our proposition all share the same values.”

Bright Green Futures will build the shell of each Water Lilies home to the exact design of the customer and so that it knits into the existing landscape – converting an old reservoir into underground parking – and provide training, mentoring support and recommended contractors so you can self-build with confidence. Building as a group, residents can save money through bulk buying, help each other and develop new skills as they go – there’s also a support package through which you can qualify for a self-build mortgage via a lending panel set up with Buildstore.

• brightgreenfutures.co.uk Redrow Homes has just launched its latest development on the site of the former Frenchay Hospital, with the first properties due for completion this autumn. Frenchay Gardens – ideal for commuters, with good links to the M4 and M5 motorways as well as Bristol’s railway stations – will consist of one and two-bedroom apartments and two, three and fourbedroom detached and semi-detached houses, with 98 private properties and 16 plots dedicated to social housing. “Frenchay Gardens will be a beautiful development providing much needed new homes,” said Charlotte Newnes, area sales manager for Redrow South West. “And anyone interested in finding out more and seeing the properties first-hand can visit the show homes at the next door Frenchay Park development.”

What’s currently available? A selection of four-bedroom semi-detached homes from £409,995.

• redrow.co.uk

BArcan KIrby FP .qxp_Layout 1 19/03/2018 10:56 Page 1

Clifton

Andrewsonline.co.uk

Over Lane, Almondsbury, BS32 4DF ÂŁ600,000

The Cottage in Almondsbury is not your standard Grade II Listed cottage, it has its own history dating back to 1650, having been a detached home, a school house, a bakery and now a family home once again. The property itself has the feel of a warm and happy home.

Energy Efficiency Rating: N/A

0117 405 7659 clifton@andrewsonline.co.uk

To view more properties and other services available visit Andrewsonline.co.uk

Bishopston Andrewsonline.co.uk

Boston Road, Bristol, BS7 0HA ÂŁ335,000

0117 405 7662

Andrews April.indd 1

A beautifully decorated two double bedroom bay fronted Victorian house. The property comprises two reception rooms with the dining room opening on to the kitchen which then leads to the utility room / WC. Upstairs are two double bedrooms and a family bathroom. No onward chain. Energy Efficiency Rating: D

bishopston@andrewsonline.co.uk

To view more properties and other services available visit Andrewsonline.co.uk

21/03/2018 10:07

Yate

Andrewsonline.co.uk

Coxgrove Hill Pucklechurch, Bristol, BS16 7NT ÂŁ695,000

This stunning Grade II listed barn conversion, accessed via private gates offers generous gardens, ample parking and a triple garage. Internally this delightful property offers a substantial lounge dining room, a spacious kitchen breakfast room, 3 double bedrooms and a family bathroom. Finished to the highest of standards and in fine detail, there is an Oak theme throughout the property and flagstone flooring with zoned underfloor heating.

Energy Efficiency Rating: C

01454 837 914 yate@andrewsonline.co.uk

To view more properties and other services available visit Andrewsonline.co.uk

Downend

Andrewsonline.co.uk

Cleeve Hill, Downend, BS16 6ET ÂŁ515,000

0117 911 3519

Andrews April.indd 2

Substantial three bedroom family home situated in a highly sought after location within the Downend area.

The property comprises: entrance hall, downstairs cloakroom, separate living and dining rooms and open plan kitchen/breakfast room on the ground floor. On the first floor are two double bedrooms and third bedroom, family bathroom plus a very useful additional shower room. A detached garage, ample parking. Substantial gardens to rear. Energy Efficiency Rating: N/A

downend@andrewsonline.co.uk

To view more properties and other services available visit Andrewsonline.co.uk

21/03/2018 10:08

Rupert Oliver FP April.qxp_Layout 1 19/03/2018 12:43 Page 1

Wapping Wharf, Bristol

| Guide Price ÂŁ485,000

An exceptional Penthouse apartment in one of Bristol’s most sought-after locations; complete with two under croft parking spaces, wrap around terrace and no onward chain.

Stunning open-plan kitchen and reception room, with double height pitched ceiling | South facing views | Master bedroom with dressing area and en-suite shower room | Second double bedroom | Separate guest bathroom | Generous entrance hall Utility cupboard | Tandem two car allocated under croft parking spaces | Secured bike storage | Wrap around private terrace South facing river views | EPC: B Circa 847 sq. ft (78 sq. m)

REEDLEY ROAD, STOKE BISHOP This four bedroom semi-detached family home offers two interconnecting reception rooms, extended kitchen/ breakfast room, a delightful 18m south facing garden, integral garage and off-street parking. Situated within close proximity of Elmlea and Stoke Bishop Primary Schools.

2

2

4

GUIDE PRICE ÂŁ695,000

BROADLEYS AVENUE, HENLEAZE Superbly presented, this detached five bedroom family home is positioned within the ever popular Broadleys Avenue. The accommodation comprises three receptions; rear with French doors to garden, modern kitchen, family bathroom and ensuite to the master bedroom.

3

2

5

ÂŁ715,000

CJ Hole April.indd 1

19/03/2018 09:29

Clifton t: 0117 923 8238 (sales) t: 0117 946 6588 (lettings) clifton@cjhole.co.uk

www.cjhole.com Serious buyers and sellers need to be on their toes in this market.

There hasn’t been a lot of choice. And trust is key. Choose your agent based on their experience and reputation. It’s competitive in the housing market right now, and agents can be competitive too. For example, some might try to convince you they have irons in every fire, or rock bottom fees, or even that it’s a good idea to move into a rental in order to secure a deal (a stressful and often expensive solution).

Are these things true and in your best interest? You are the client. It’s something we at CJ Hole Clifton never ever forget. This is your life, your investment, your journey. Property transactions can be stressful and complicated. Just make sure it’s your agenda that your agent is serving....and not their own.

Howard Davis MD Clifton

REDLAND Guide Price £1,200,000 A substantial refurbished four storey Victorian family house built in 1868. This beautifully presented house offers: Generous kitchen/dining room with direct access to the rear garden, four reception rooms, five double bedrooms, three bathrooms, gardens plus potential for a self-contained flat on the LGF. EPC D

STOKE BISHOP Guide Price £495,000 A garden apartment is in a most desirable area with local shops just a short walk away. The property offers: Entrance hall with space for a dining area, kitchen, lounge, two double bedrooms, study room, two bathrooms, south facing garden plus parking on a first come first served basis. EPC D

Download our dedicated iPhone App today

CJ Hole Clifton April.indd 1

19/03/2018 09:29

REDLAND Guide Price £475,000

REDLAND Guide Price £465,000

An impressive hall floor garden flat which retains a great deal of original features and is well presented throughout, offering; a grand living room, kitchen/breakfast room, two double bedrooms, bathroom, useful basement room, private garden and off street parking. EPC E

A hall floor level flat offered with gardens and an extensive terrace. The property comprises: Entrance hall with all the rooms leading off, living room, kitchen, two double bedrooms, bathroom, useful loft/storage space. A superb location to live within close proximity of Whiteladies Rd, Chandos Rd and Durdham Downs. EPC D

CLIFTON Guide Price £435,000

REDLAND Guide Price £385,000

A superior and beautifully presented balcony apartment located on the first floor of a stunning Grade 2* listed Georgian building on one of Bristol’s most desirable roads. The property offers: Spacious living room, kitchen with breakfast bar, two double bedrooms, bathroom plus an allocated parking space. EPC E

This superb hall floor flat is situated in the most convenient of locations. This beautifully presented home, which has recently under gone a thorough refurbishment, boasts an exceptional reception room opening through to a spacious kitchen/breakfast area, two double bedrooms and a most attractive bathroom. EPC E

STOKE BISHOP Guide Price £575,000 - SSTC

HARBOURSIDE Guide Price £599,950 - SSTC

MORE LIKE THIS REQUIRED. A beautifully presented family home offering: two receptions, kitchen, three bedrooms and bathroom, plus a large south facing rear garden and parking to the front with a lawned garden. EPC D

An immaculate end of terrace house with direct views over the harbour and the city centre skyline beyond. The stylish, well presented interior offers: Spacious kitchen/dining and reception area with access to garden, living room, four bedrooms, two bathrooms plus a double garage in nearby block. EPC C

Download our dedicated iPhone App today

CJ Hole Clifton April.indd 2

19/03/2018 09:29

Cotham ÂŁ320,000

Clifton Office 0117 946 6007

Two bedroom flat

A generously proportioned and light 2 double bedroom garden flat with access to a 57ft x 33ft lawned communal garden, set within an attractive Grade ll listed building. Offering private entrance, gas central heating and private cellar with power. EPC - D

oceanhome.co.uk

Ocean April.indd 1

Westbury-on-Trym Office 0117 962 1973

Westbury-on-Trym ÂŁ335,000 Two bedroom cottage

This characterful period semi-detached cottage is situated within walking distance of the shops and amenities of Westbury-on-Trym village. The property offers two reception rooms; dining room to front with a fireplace and living room to rear with sliding patio doors onto rear courtyard garden and access to a modern fitted kitchen. EPC - D

19/03/2018 09:32

Redcliffe ÂŁ485,000

Two bedroom apartment An amazing waterfront apartment with stunning views from the private balcony, forming part of a superb conversion within this landmark building in the heart of Bristol City Centre. There is secure parking, bike store and Temple Meads is a 10 minute walk away. EPC - D

Henbury OIEO ÂŁ600,000

Four bedroom detached house A charming and individual detached family home offering exceptionally flexible accommodation throughout. Entering through the gated access of the drive way, which enables parking for numerous vehicles, allows the first glimpses of the handsome exterior of this 1930s property. EPC - D

Ocean April.indd 2

19/03/2018 09:33

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Hallatrow, Bristol

Guide Price £575,000

The property is situated within the desirable hamlet of Hallatrow, having a southerly facing outlook over rural countryside. With private electric gated entrance and sizeable block paved driveway for multiple cars, the property benefits from a lovely frontage with great kerb appeal. EPC:C

Publow, Bristol Guide Price £780,000

Nestled within the charming parish of Publow, this elegant four bedroom detached family home offers a tranquil setting, surrounded by enchanting countryside views. EPC:D

Wanted Wanted Having achieved in excess of the guide price within two weeks of marketing we are actively seeking 2 and 3 bedroom apartments in Redland for proceedable buyers who have missed out.

Call us now to book a free market appraisal.

Following a successful sale on Bristol’s Harbourside achieving in excess of the guide price we are actively seeking 3 and 4 bedroom properties for disappointed buyers.

Call us now to book a free market appraisal.

Hamptons Bristol

Sales. 0117 369 1004 | bristol@hamptons-int.com

Hamptons April.indd 1

19/03/2018 09:34

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Tickenham, Clevedon

Guide Price £1,495,000

A unique and spectacular eco home with some of the finest views in North Somerset. About 2,950 sq ft of accommodation, annexed accommodation, double garage and landscaped garden. In all about 0.8 acres. Good local facilities as well as access to Clifton and first class schooling nearby.

Main house – 5 bed, 4 baths, 2/3 reception rooms, back kitchen/utility. Annexe – 1 bed, 1 bath. Double garage, gated access with ample parking. EPC:D

Queen Charlton, Bristol

Guide Price £950,000

Believed to be one of the earliest houses in this sought after conservation area, Tolzey House occupies a prominent position in the centre of this pretty village.

Thurlbear, Taunton, Somerset Guide Price £1,950,000 The Old Rectory is part of the well regarded village of Thurlbear, a rural community nestled on the edges of the Blackdown Hills and situated some five miles from the large town of Taunton. EPC:F

Hamptons Bristol

Sales. 0117 369 1004 | bristol@hamptons-int.com

Hamptons April.indd 2

19/03/2018 09:34

Richard Harding April.qxp_Layout 6 19/03/2018 09:35 Page 1

Richard Harding Chartered Surveyors • Estate Agents • Auctioneers • Valuers

LEIGH WOODS

guide £799,950 CLIFTONWOOD

guide £685,000 REDLAND

guide £850,000

A spacious, 4 bedroom detached family residence circa 1700 sq.ft. in a sylvan setting opposite and overlooking the green open spaces of Leigh Woods national nature reserve, with o/s parking for 3 cars, a garage & gardens surrounding the property. EPC: C

A stylish 3/4 bedroom (1 en suite) Victorian period townhouse situated on a popular crescent in Cliftonwood. Enjoying a high standard of presentation throughout as well as a recently landscaped pretty walled city garden with a rear access lane. EPC: E

A most engaging & strikingly attractive, double fronted, 4 double bedroom, 2 bath/shower room, 3 floors of a circa 1840 Georgian style grade II listed residence, of c. 1,600 sq. ft., having 38ft x 28ft front garden & within the local RPZ.

REDLAND

guide £650,000 - £675,000 CLIFTON

A 3 double bedroom, 3 bath/shower room second floor apartment circa 1700 sq.ft., set within a most impressive grade II listed Georgian period terrace with separate kitchen/dining room, communal sitting out terrace & off-street parking for 1 vehicle.

guide £650,000 CLIFTON

guide £795,000 - £835,000

A truly impressive & elegant newly refurbished 2 double bedroom (1 en-suite) first floor apartment c. 1,240 sq. ft. forming part of a fine period building near Whiteladies Road & the Downs. EPC: D

CLIFTON

guide £500,000 - £550,000 HENLEAZE

A practical and homely 3 bedroom, 2 storey, late 1960’s home located in a desirable position, just off Henleaze Road. Further benefiting from ample off street parking, a garage and a 64ft south facing rear garden. EPC: D

guide £499,950 CLIFTON

guide £735,000 - £785,000

CLIFTON

An exceptional, 2 double bedroom hall floor apartment set within an iconic grade II* listed Georgian style terrace fronting & overlooking the tree-lined Victoria Square gardens. Has a 20ft x 15ft south westerly aspect drawing room with 11ft high ceilings.

guide £479,950 CLIFTON

guide £385,000

guide £400,000 CLIFTON

An impressive and well proportioned 2 bedroom second floor apartment set within a grade II* listed Georgian terrace with a wonderful 24ft x 20ft sitting/dining room with spectacular outlook over the communal gardens and city views beyond.

Professional, Reliable, Successful

In a favoured location near Redland Green Park and Westbury Park Primary School and within 550m of Redland Green School; a wellproportioned 4 double bedroom, 3 reception room, 1920's period semi-detached family house having driveway, single garage and south-westerly facing rear garden. EPC: D

A charming & immensely versatile, 5/6 double bedroom, 2 bath/shower room, circa 1850 Georgian style Clifton townhouse of approx. 2000 sq.ft. located conveniently between Clifton Village & Bristol's historic harbourside with 70ft south-easterly facing rear garden. EPC: E

A spectacular & generously proportioned (circa 1740 sq.ft.)

2 double bedroom first floor apartment with single garage, situated within an immensely impressive grade II listed Victorian period semi-detached building handy for both Clifton Village & the Downs.

An immaculately presented, 2 double bedroom top floor apartment, circa 746 sq. ft., set within a prestigious grade II* listed Georgian style row overlooking communal gardens, enjoying an enviable position in the heart of Clifton Village.

0117 946 6690 www.richardharding.co.uk 124 Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2RP

Richard Harding April.qxp_Layout 6 19/03/2018 09:35 Page 2

Richard Harding Chartered Surveyors • Estate Agents • Auctioneers • Valuers

A generously proportioned (in excess of 4000 sq.ft.) 6 bedroom, 3 reception late Edwardian period (circa 1910) family house of character with southerly facing rear town garden, garage & off street parking. In a sought-after neighbourhood & one of Clifton's finest locations: Christchurch Green, Clifton College and Clifton High School are all within 500 metres. Good sized rooms over three floors - very liveable accommodation as it is but also with exciting scope & potential for a new owner to update and put their own stamp on this property whilst appointing to their own requirements. EPC: E

CLIFTON

guide £1,300,000

In a coveted position this attractive & elegant 4/5 double bedroom, 2/3 reception room, Victorian period mid-terrace of three family townhouse, 3315 sq.ft., has direct views over Durdham Down and 78ft rear garden. Civilised and generous proportioned accommodation with a charming atmosphere and delightful front and rear gardens. EPC: D

STOKE BISHOP

guide £1,075,000

An exquisite and tastefully renovated 5 double bedroom (2 with en suite) late 1920’s family home situated on a highly desired tree-lined road within just 500 metres of both Westbury Park and Redland Green Schools and further benefiting from off street parking for up to 3 cars, an enviable 21ft x 14ft kitchen/dining space which seamlessly spills out onto a magnificent 73ft x 30ft south westerly facing rear garden. EPC: tbc

On the cusp of the Downs - An immaculately presented modern detached 5 bedroom (2 en suite), 3 reception family house with a 60ft x 40ft rear garden, ample off street parking & a double garage.

Enjoyed and cared for by the current owners since first constructed in 1986. Fabulous location just off Durdham Downs in a peaceful cul-de-sac setting close to the botanic gardens and within a pleasant stroll over the Downs to Blackboy Hill and Whiteladies Road. EPC: D

Professional, Reliable, Successful

WESTBURY PARK

REDLAND

guide £1,250m - £1,275m

guide £1,100,000

0117 946 6690 www.richardharding.co.uk 124 Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2RP

Bristol’s Independent Estate Agents

Our local, friendly team of property experts are on-call to offer you up-to-the-minute property valuations and advice on selling your home.

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City Centre £279,950

Redland £369,950

Fantastic central location for this roomy purpose built flat boasting generous 2 bedrooms, 2 bathroom accommodation and the added bonus of secure parking.

EPC - B

A spacious 2 Bedroom hall floor flat located less than a 100yds from Clifton Down Shopping Centre. High ceilings, period cornicing and fireplace are just a few of the features of this lovely flat. EPC - E

TEL: 0117 974 1741 61 Apsley Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2SW

Leese & Nagle April.indd 1

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Redland

NEW INSTRUCTION

£999,950

A spacious 5 bed Victorian Semi set on the South West side of desirable Salisbury Road within 360m of Redland Green School. Offers the opportunity to improve and configure to incoming owners preference. 2/3 reception rooms, 27 ft kitchen/diner onto good sized South West facing garden. Off street parking and no onward chain. EPC- TBC

Stoke Bishop Guide Price £725,000

Westbury on Trym Guide Price £599,950

Westbury on Trym Guide Price £599,950

We are delighted to present this very attractive, extended, 1950’s semi-detached family house in a highly sought-after road, in a lovely elevated position with far reaching views to the rear. This property also benefits from being situated in a quiet side road near the heart of popular Stoke Bishop just off Stoke Hill. EPC - C

This is a lovely example of a 4 bedroom semi-detached house in a very convenient location that offers versatility and further scope to really make your own. EPC - D

We are pleased to offer this 1950’s built 4-bedroom semi-detached house being a spacious and versatile family home of nearly 1500 sq. feet. EPC - D

TEL: 0117 962 2299 125 Stoke Lane, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol BS9 3RW

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19/03/2018 09:41

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